JP2010258569A - Display controller, imaging apparatus, method for controlling display controller, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display controller exactly performing comparison confirmation of a photographed image, such as exposure confirmation, and to provide an imaging apparatus, a method for controlling the display controller and a program. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes a microcomputer 3, an environmental light illuminance sensor 7, and a liquid crystal monitor 102. The microcomputer 3 finds set luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102 calculated on the basis of outdoor daylight illuminance detected by the environmental light illuminance sensor 7. When a display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is changed or when the liquid crystal monitor 102 is in a MENU display mode even though no change is made in the display mode, the microcomputer 3 changes the display luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102 into the set luminance. When no change is made in the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 and the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not in the MENU display mode, the microcomputer 3 does not update the display luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device that performs display control on a display unit, an imaging device, a control method for the display control device, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image pickup apparatus (camera) provided with a display unit for reproducing and displaying a photographed image on a back surface of a housing. In the imaging device, the display elements that make up the display unit vary depending on the illuminance of ambient light (environmental light), so the display unit is displayed so that the display unit can be easily viewed when the captured image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit. Control is performed to change the brightness of the part. The brightness of the display unit of the imaging apparatus is controlled according to the brightness detected by an illuminance sensor disposed in the vicinity of the display unit.

  When the display unit of the imaging device is, for example, a TFT liquid crystal display, if the luminance of the display unit reacts sensitively in response to a change in ambient brightness, the user feels the luminance fluctuation uncomfortable. Therefore, it is known in an imaging apparatus such as a video camera that the response of brightness is moderated. However, if the brightness of the display changes while an image is displayed on the display unit of the imaging apparatus, it is difficult to check the exposure even if the response of the brightness is a gradual change.

  The present applicant has proposed a technique for controlling the backlight by evaluating the ambient light on the rear monitor of the digital camera as a technique related to the brightness control of the display unit of the imaging apparatus as described above. In this proposal, the automatic brightness control of the rear monitor is performed slowly when there is no change in the display content, and is performed at once when the display content is switched or there is a state transition of the digital camera.

  On the other hand, in a camera capable of recording moving images and still images, the remaining battery level and ambient brightness are detected, and the display brightness and continuous display time are determined by display modes such as “Monitor”, “Record”, and “Playback”. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-125163 A

  As described above, the visibility of the display elements constituting the display unit of the imaging apparatus varies depending on the illuminance of ambient light (ambient light). The imaging device measures the illuminance of the ambient light based on the amount of light that passes through the optically configured path in the light receiving unit of the illuminance sensor and enters the light receiving element, and performs an operation according to the measured value. For this reason, light sources are often scattered indoors or at night as compared to an environment such as outdoors in the daytime, and when measuring illuminance, the light source and the light receiving element are easily affected by the optical positional relationship.

  In order to deal with and improve such problems, the applicant considers the amount of ambient light in the usage environment of the imaging device and improves the visibility of the image displayed on the display unit without causing the user discomfort. Provided are a display device with a light quantity evaluation function and a light supply control method.

  The brightness of the display device is determined according to the output of the illuminance detection unit that measures the brightness of the surroundings provided on the back surface of the display device with the light quantity evaluation function, and the measurement of the illuminance and the update setting of the brightness are continuously repeated. The luminance of the display device is changed slowly when there is no change in the display content, and at once when the display content is switched or there is a camera state transition.

  In this display control, if the display contents are the same, the brightness changes slowly. Therefore, the display contents do not change sensitively and the display contents can be confirmed without a sense of incongruity. However, even if it is moderate, if the brightness changes, there is an effect on the detailed confirmation of the captured image, and there is a problem that it is particularly difficult to confirm the exposure. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to compare and confirm exposures by displaying a plurality of images while sequentially switching them.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a display control apparatus, an imaging apparatus, a control method for the display control apparatus, and a program capable of accurately performing comparison confirmation of captured images such as exposure confirmation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a display control device comprising: display means capable of displaying an arbitrary display mode among a plurality of display modes; and control means for controlling display of the display means. Detection means for detecting brightness around the display means, and the plurality of display modes include a menu display mode for displaying a menu including settings related to image capturing, and the control means includes When the display mode of the display means is changed or when the display means is in the menu display mode, the set brightness calculated according to the change in the brightness around the display means detected by the detection means The display brightness of the display means is changed, and when the display mode of the display means is not changed and the display means is not in the menu display mode, the display brightness of the display means is changed. And said that no.

  According to the present invention, the display brightness of the display means is controlled based on the ambient brightness of the display means, whether or not the display mode is changed, or the type of the set display mode. It is possible to accurately perform the comparison check.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the back part of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows the structure of the upper surface part of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows the state transition of the operation mode of an imaging device. (A) is a figure which shows the menu displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of an imaging device, (b) is a figure which shows the still image in the still image reproduction | regeneration state displayed on a liquid crystal monitor. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship of the change of the external light illumination intensity of an imaging device, the change of target brightness | luminance and setting brightness | luminance, and illumination intensity detection timing. It is a flowchart which shows the brightness | luminance setting process by the timer interruption routine of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows the state transition of the operation mode of the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship of the change of the external light illumination intensity of an imaging device, the change of target brightness | luminance and setting brightness | luminance, and illumination intensity detection timing. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship of the change of the external light illumination intensity of an imaging device, the change of target brightness | luminance and setting brightness | luminance, and illumination intensity detection timing. It is a flowchart which shows the brightness | luminance setting process by the timer interruption routine of an imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows the brightness | luminance setting process by the timer interruption routine of the imaging device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the brightness | luminance automatic setting process by the timer interruption routine of an imaging device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment of the present invention, control of display luminance of the image display unit based on whether or not the display mode is changed in the image display unit of the imaging apparatus or the type of the set display mode will be described.

  The imaging apparatus has a plurality of display modes (a “MENU display” mode for displaying a menu including settings related to image capturing, a “playback display” mode for reproducing and displaying a still image, and a “moving image display” mode for reproducing and displaying a moving image. Including). In the imaging device, the display mode of the image display unit can be switched to any display mode among a plurality of display modes, and is synchronized with the switching of the display image of the image display unit when the display mode of the image display unit is switched. Thus, it is possible to change the overall brightness of the display image.

  When the imaging apparatus is in the “MENU display” mode (menu display mode), the display brightness of the image display unit is changed according to changes in ambient brightness as needed. When the imaging device is in “playback display” mode (image display mode) or “moving image display” mode (image display mode), the display brightness of the image display unit is set to “playback display” even if the ambient brightness changes. The brightness set at the time of switching to the mode or “video display” mode is maintained.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus is configured as a digital camera, and includes an imaging unit 1, an image processing unit 2, a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer) 3, a focus detection unit 4, a photographing lens 5, an image display unit 6, and an environment. A light illuminance sensor 7, a photometric sensor 8, and an external storage device 9 are provided. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus includes a power switch, a mechanical shutter, a shutter drive unit, a quick return mirror, a motor driver (not shown), and the like.

  The imaging unit 1 includes an imaging element (for example, a CCD or CMOS area sensor) and a sensor driving unit that drives the imaging element. The imaging unit 1 forms an optical image of a light beam from an imaging region (subject) as an optical image on an imaging device through an optical system of the imaging lens 5, and photoelectrically converts the optical image by the imaging device to perform image processing as an image signal (electrical signal). Output to part 2.

  The image processing unit 2 includes an A / D conversion unit, a low pass filter, an interface (I / F) unit, a white balance (WB) adjustment unit, a region extraction and average luminance detection unit, a resizing unit, and a VRAM (not shown). I have. The image processing unit 2 performs A / D conversion on the image signal from the imaging unit 1 and then performs a series of corrections (dark current correction, shading correction, etc.) caused by the imaging unit 1. Further, the image processing unit 2 removes a noise component by a low-pass filter, and performs a series of image processing (pixel and color interpolation processing, WB processing, gamma correction, etc.) relating to so-called picture creation. Further, the image processing unit 2 sends out the captured image data subjected to the series of image processing to the external storage device 9 by the I / F unit, and captures the captured image data recorded in the external storage device 9.

  The image processing unit 2 performs predetermined processing for display on the captured image data from the imaging unit 1 that has performed the image processing and the captured image data recorded in the external storage device 9, and then the image display unit 6 Output to. The WB adjustment unit adjusts the WB of the display image based on the region extraction and the output from the average luminance detection unit. The resizing unit converts the resolution of the WB-adjusted display image to a resolution that can be displayed on the LCD display unit 62 of the image display unit 6 and stores the output in the VRAM. The display image data stored in the VRAM is output to the image display unit 6.

  The microcomputer 3 (control means, determination means) controls the entire image pickup apparatus, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM, ROM, nonvolatile memory, input / output port, A / D converter, and the like. In addition, it has a timer function. The microcomputer 3 executes various processes including the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 11, 12, and 13 based on the sequence program stored in the ROM. In the nonvolatile memory of the microcomputer 3, control parameters including adjustment values relating to exposure control and focus adjustment, adjustment values of the image sensor, and control when displaying a captured image on the image display unit 6 from the WB of the captured image. Stored are parameters related to control and adjustment of image processing such as values.

  The focus detection unit 4 includes a field lens, a reflection mirror, a secondary imaging lens, a diaphragm, and a line sensor (a CCD or the like including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements) disposed in the vicinity of the imaging surface. In the present embodiment, the focus detection unit 4 detects a focus by a known phase difference method, and detects the focus of the distance measurement point using a plurality of areas in the observation screen (in the viewfinder field) as a distance measurement point. It is configured to be possible.

  The photographing lens 5 incorporates a focus adjustment circuit, a diaphragm drive circuit, and a control unit, and is detachably attached to the imaging apparatus main body 101. A signal is transmitted between the photographing lens 5 and the microcomputer 3 via a mount contact (not shown). The microcomputer 3 controls the focus adjustment circuit of the photographing lens 5 based on the output from the focus detection unit 4 and outputs a signal for proper focus adjustment, and also based on the output from the photometric circuit (not shown). The aperture driving circuit is controlled to output a signal with an appropriate exposure amount.

  The image display unit 6 includes an LCD control unit 61, an LCD display unit 62, and a backlight 63. The LCD display unit 62 and the backlight 63 constitute a later-described liquid crystal monitor (FIG. 2). The LCD control unit 61 includes a WB control unit 64, a contrast control unit 65, a luminance control unit 66, a γ correction unit 67, a D / A conversion unit 68, and an LCD driver unit 69. The WB control unit 64 controls the WB of the display image on the LCD display unit 62. The contrast control unit 65 controls the contrast of the display image on the LCD display unit 62. The brightness control unit 66 controls the brightness of the display image on the LCD display unit 62 from the ambient brightness.

  The γ correction unit 67 performs gamma correction on the output from the VRAM so that a display image suitable for the LCD display unit 62 is obtained. The D / A conversion unit 68 performs D / A conversion of the output of the γ correction unit 67 into a signal to be output to the LCD display unit. The LCD driver unit 69 outputs a drive signal for the LCD display unit 62 in synchronization with the image data D / A converted by the D / A conversion unit 68.

  The LCD display unit 62 includes an LCD display panel (TFT liquid crystal display) and is illuminated by a backlight 63. The display target of the LCD display unit 62 includes image data recorded in the external storage device 9 and setting information of the imaging device in addition to the image data output from the imaging unit 1 to the image display unit 6. The backlight 63 includes a plurality of LEDs and an optical member. The LED drive control is performed by a constant current and on / off control by a PWM control signal from the microcomputer 3, and the luminance change when the LED is lit is performed by changing the duty ratio. The duty control resolution is, for example, 8 bits, and is always turned on with a constant current when the LED is fully turned on. At this time, the backlight 63 has the maximum luminance.

The ambient light illuminance sensor 7 (detection means) is connected to an A / D conversion unit (not shown) of the microcomputer 3 and is installed inside the illuminance sensor light receiving unit 112 (see FIG. 2) on the back surface of the imaging device. Yes. The ambient light illuminance sensor 7 detects the brightness (illuminance) around the liquid crystal monitor 102, and an output proportional to the amount of incident light transmitted through the illuminance sensor light receiving unit 112 is obtained. The relationship between the brightness (illuminance) around the liquid crystal monitor 102 and the output of the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 is expressed by the following relational expression.
Brightness: Illuminance (incident light intensity) = Ambient light illuminance sensor output
÷ Sensitivity of ambient light illuminance sensor × transmittance of light receiving window

  In the present embodiment, the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 can measure, for example, brightness from 10 Lx (lux) to 20,000 Lx. The measurement range of the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 sufficiently covers the changeable luminance range when the LCD display unit 62 of the image display unit 6 is composed of a transmissive LCD. The microcomputer 3 calculates the brightness based on the relational expression using the result of A / D conversion of the output signal of the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 by the A / D converter.

  The photometric sensor 8 is also called an AE (Auto Exposure) sensor, and is connected to the A / D converter via the input / output port of the microcomputer 3. The photometric sensor 8 is irradiated with the subject at the time of photographing and the amount of light from the surroundings through the photographing lens 5. From the result of A / D conversion by the A / D conversion unit of the microcomputer 3, the intensity of the brightness and its degree can be determined. In the imaging apparatus, the relationship between the ISO sensitivity, the shutter speed TV, and the aperture AV is established based on the output of the photometric sensor 8. When this relationship is established, it is possible to photograph with appropriate brightness.

  The output of the photometric sensor 8 is output as an EV (Exposure Value (= Light Value) value), and the following relational expression is established.

EV = log2 (F ^ 2 / T)
F: Lens aperture (AV)
T: Exposure time (seconds) (TV)
The EV value is a value determined by the aperture (F) and the exposure time (T), and ISO determined by the sensitivity correction of the image sensor is further added. Furthermore, the conversion from the EV value to the illuminance can be obtained by a known relational expression.

  The external storage device 9 can store a plurality of image data as a non-volatile recording medium (for example, a CF card, an SD card, etc.), and is detachable from the imaging device. With the external storage device 9 attached to the imaging device, it is possible to perform processing for storing image data output from the image processing unit 2 in the external storage device 9 for one or a plurality of shooting screens. In addition, after performing the above processing, the external storage device 9 is detached from the imaging device, is attached to another device that can read out image data in the data format of the imaging device, and the image data stored in the external storage device 9 is stored. Playback / editing / saving is possible.

  Further, if the external storage device 9 is attached to the imaging device again, and the image data stored in the external storage device 9 is image data that can be read out in the data format of the imaging device, the image processing unit is read out after reading out the image data In step 2, predetermined image processing can be performed. Further, after the LCD control unit 61 of the image display unit 6 performs processing for displaying on the LCD display unit 62, an image can be displayed on the LCD display unit 62.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the back surface of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an upper surface portion of the imaging apparatus.

  2 and 3, the imaging apparatus main body 101 includes a liquid crystal monitor 102 (display means), a rear operation dial 103, a top operation dial 104, a release button 105, a viewfinder eyepiece 110, an illuminance sensor light receiving unit 112, and the like. Has been. The viewfinder eyepiece 110 is a member for observing a subject to be photographed, which is disposed on the back surface of the imaging apparatus main body 101. The liquid crystal monitor 102 is disposed on the back surface of the imaging apparatus main body 101, and the LCD display unit 62 and the backlight 63 of the image display unit 6 are disposed therein.

  The rear operation dial (sub-electronic dial) switch 103 and the upper operation dial (electronic dial) switch 104 are operated when changing shooting conditions such as an exposure value during shooting (hereinafter, switches are omitted). The release button 105 is operated when a shooting operation is started after the shooting conditions are determined. The grip unit 106 is a portion in which the front right side of the imaging apparatus main body 101 projects forward, and is held when the user performs shooting. The finger filling unit 107 is a portion protruding to the back side of the imaging apparatus main body 101 and plays a role of preventing the thumb from slipping when the user grasps the imaging apparatus by holding the grip unit 106.

  The operation switch 108 is provided on the upper side of the finger pad 107 and is used when performing a predetermined operation. The media cover 109 is disposed so as to be rotatable with respect to the imaging apparatus main body 101, and can be opened and closed according to a user's operation when the external storage device 9 (recording medium such as a CF card) is inserted and removed.

  The illuminance sensor light receiving unit 112 is one of the features of the present invention, and is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid crystal monitor 102, and the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 (FIG. 1) is assembled therein. The ambient light illuminance sensor 7 is irradiated with the light transmitted through the illuminance sensor light receiving unit 112.

  The operation switches 113 to 117 are disposed on the left side of the liquid crystal monitor 102. An operation switch (hereinafter referred to as a reproduction display switch (DISP switch)) 114 is operated when displaying a captured image recorded in the external storage device 9 on the liquid crystal monitor 102.

  An operation switch (hereinafter referred to as a shooting information display switch (INFO switch)) 115 is operated when shooting information is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 together with a shot image. When the shooting information display switch 115 is operated in a state where the shot image recorded in the external storage device 9 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102, various shooting information (ISO, TV, AV, WB mode, shooting date and time, etc.) Is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 together with the photographed image.

  An operation switch (hereinafter, MENU display switch) 116 is operated when a desired item is selected from a menu displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102. The menu includes a series of image processing related to shooting such as WB and image compression rate, a time when the liquid crystal monitor 102 is turned on, and a setting for outputting and displaying a video signal on an external monitor (NTSC system, PAL system, etc.) Is included.

  An operation switch (hereinafter referred to as a moving image display operation switch (live view switch)) 17 is operated when performing real-time moving image display or moving image recording image reproduction display on the liquid crystal monitor 102.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the state transition of the operation mode of the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating state transition of the operation mode of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a menu displayed on the liquid crystal monitor, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a still image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor in a still image reproduction state.

  In FIG. 4, when the power switch of the imaging apparatus is operated by the user to change from the power-off state to the power-on state, the imaging apparatus performs the startup operation (1) and then enters the MENU (menu) display state (2). Transition. In the MENU display state (2), the display content of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is a display of settings relating to image capturing as exemplified in FIG. In the present embodiment, “d-M1” (recording image quality setting), “d-M2” (drive mode setting), “d-M3” (still image auto play), “d-M4” with respect to the liquid crystal monitor 102. The menu display of the four items (movie play) is performed.

  In the MENU display state (2), the user operates the up and down keys of the cross key unit (not shown) of the imaging apparatus, thereby “d-M1”, “d-M2”, “d-M3”, “d The selection item can be changed from “-M4”. Selection items are distinguished from other items by changing the display color. In the example of FIG. 5A, a state in which the item “d-M1” is selected is shown. When the user turns on the selection switch 118 at the center of the rear operation dial 103 while the item “d-M1” is selected, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is set to the recording size and compression rate (recording image quality setting). You can move to the screen to perform.

  Further, when the user turns on the selection switch 118 while the item “d-M2” is selected, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 can be shifted to a screen for selecting the drive mode. Further, when the user turns on the selection switch 118 from the state in which the item “d-M3” is selected, the operation mode of the imaging apparatus shifts to the still image auto play state (4). Further, when the user turns on the selection switch 118 from the state where the item “d-M4” is selected, the operation mode of the imaging apparatus shifts to the moving image play state.

  When the user operates the MENU display switch 116 to be turned on in the MENU display state (2), the imaging device enters an unlit state (8) in which the liquid crystal monitor 102 is turned off. When the user operates the reproduction display switch 114 to turn on in the MENU display state (2), the operation mode of the imaging device shifts to the still image reproduction state (3). FIG. 5B is a display example of the liquid crystal monitor 102 in the still image reproduction state (3).

  On the liquid crystal monitor 102, one frame (frame) display of the shot still image file recorded in the external storage device 9 is performed. In the still image reproduction state (3), the user can rotate the back operation dial 103 to switch the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 to the image display of another still image file recorded in the external storage device 9. . In addition, when the user turns on the shooting information display switch (INFO switch) 115 in the still image playback state (3), shooting information of the frame image reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is displayed on the same screen. . When the photographing information display switch 115 is turned on again, the frame display state is restored.

  When the user turns on the reproduction display switch (DISP switch) 114 in the still image reproduction state (3), the imaging apparatus ends the still image reproduction display and enters an unlit state (8) in which the liquid crystal monitor 102 is turned off. When the user turns on the reproduction display switch 114 in the unlit state (8), the liquid crystal monitor 102 is lit and the still image reproduction display is performed. Further, even if the user operates the MENU display switch 116 to turn on, the liquid crystal monitor 102 is turned on and the state shifts to the MENU display state (2).

  Further, when the MENU display state (2) shifts to the still image auto play state (4), the imaging device automatically feeds the still image file recorded in the external storage device 9 at regular time intervals, and the liquid crystal monitor The image display of 102 is switched.

  When the user operates the MENU display switch 116 to be turned on in the still image auto play state (4), the imaging apparatus ends the still image auto play and shifts to the MENU display state (2).

  When the user turns on the live view switch 117 in the MENU display state (2), the state shifts to the live view state (5). Here, the live view state is a state in which the electronic moving image captured by the imaging unit 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 as a live view (live view display) by flipping up the quick mirror.

  When the user turns on the live view switch 117 in the live view state (5), the imaging apparatus ends the live view display and returns to the MENU display state (2) by lowering the quick mirror.

  When the user turns on the selection switch (operation shooting switch) 118 at the center of the rear operation dial 103 in the live view state (5), the operation mode of the imaging apparatus shifts to the moving image recording state (6).

  In the moving image recording state (6), an operation of recording an electronic moving image captured by the imaging unit 1 and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 as a file in the external storage device 9 is performed.

  When the moving image file is selected by the user operating the rear operation dial 103 and the selection switch 118 in the still image reproduction state (3), the imaging device reproduces the moving image file recorded in the external storage device 9. .

  When the user turns on the MENU display switch 116 in the moving image reproduction state (7), the imaging apparatus ends the moving image play and shifts to the MENU display state (2).

  Even in the moving image recording state (6), when the user operates the release button 105 to turn on, the image capturing apparatus interrupts moving image recording and performs still image shooting. Therefore, in a moving image file in which a still image shooting operation has been performed, the continuity of the moving image may be lost during the still image shooting timing. For that portion, black display is performed during the video play for a certain time of about several seconds.

  As described above, when the user operates the release button 105 to turn on in the MENU display state (2) to the unlit state (8), the imaging apparatus shifts to a still image shooting sequence. When the still image shooting sequence is entered, the microcomputer 3 turns off the liquid crystal monitor 102, subsequently obtains distance measurement information from the output signal of the focus detection unit 4, and moves the shooting lens 5 to the in-focus position. 5 communicates with a control unit built in the unit.

  Further, the microcomputer 3 obtains photometric information from the output signal of the photometric sensor 8, determines the shutter speed and aperture value at which proper exposure is achieved, and determines the determined aperture value in an aperture drive circuit built in the photographing lens 5. Communication is performed so that the narrowing-down operation is performed. The microcomputer 3 drives the motor driver to flip up the quick return mirror, and controls the shutter drive unit to drive the mechanical shutter.

  In the case of transition from the live view state (5) or the moving image recording state (6) to the still image shooting sequence, the quick return mirror is already in the flipped state and the mechanical shutter is opened, and the distance measurement information and photometry Information is obtained from the imaging unit 1. Therefore, the operation so far is omitted.

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 3 performs a series of photographing operations such as closing the mechanical shutter by the shutter driving unit, driving the motor driver to lower the quick return mirror, and charging the mechanical shutter.

  The still image information picked up by the image pickup unit 1 is read out by the image processing unit 2, A / D converted, and subjected to development processing. When the development process is completed, the microcomputer 3 displays a shooting confirmation image on the liquid crystal monitor 102 for a predetermined time. The microcomputer 3 performs conversion and compression processing as a still image recording file in parallel with the image display for photographing confirmation on the liquid crystal monitor 102, and records the still image recording file in the external storage device 9.

  When the still image shooting sequence is completed in this way, the operation mode normally returns to the shooting standby state. However, when the live view state (5) or the moving image recording state (6) shifts to the still image shooting sequence, the original live view is restored. Return to the status or movie recording status.

  Next, display brightness control of the liquid crystal monitor 102 when the MENU display content illustrated in FIG. 5A on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is continuously displayed without change will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. .

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the change in the external light illuminance, the change in the target luminance and the set luminance, and the illuminance detection timing of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. The illuminance of external light irradiated on the imaging device outdoors changes as time passes, as indicated by the external light illuminance Le indicated by a solid line. In the present embodiment, the external light illuminance Le changes as follows.

A relatively small change from time t1 to the vicinity of t4 until a rise time t7, a relatively small change between the rise time t8 and a large change until a fall time t11. Decrease by amount Increase by a relatively small amount of change until around time t18 The microcomputer 3 interrupts the ambient light by the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 at a substantially constant interval (at a predetermined time interval) in the interruption operation by the timer function of the microcomputer itself. Le detection is performed. In the figure, this detection timing is represented by illuminance detection timing Tint. When the rising signal of the illuminance detection timing Tint is generated, the microcomputer 3 generates a timer interrupt, detects the illuminance of outside light, and performs an interrupt routine process for setting the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 based on the detection result. Note that the processing of the main routine, which is the basic operation of the image pickup apparatus performed by the microcomputer 3, is not directly related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the luminance setting process by the timer interrupt routine of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 7, when a timer interrupt occurs in the imaging apparatus, a timer interrupt routine is executed. First, the microcomputer 3 inputs the output signal of the ambient light illuminance sensor 7 after A / D conversion, and obtains information on the ambient light illuminance Le at that time (step S10). Subsequently, the microcomputer 3 calculates a target luminance Bt (n) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 that is appropriate for the value of the external light illuminance Le (step S20). The target brightness Bt (n) may be calculated based on an arithmetic expression or may be calculated with reference to a table prepared in advance. At this time, the arithmetic expression or the table is obtained from the relationship between the illuminance of the external light obtained from the value of the experiment performed in advance or the known data, and the target luminance value corresponding thereto.

  Here, n in the target luminance Bt (n) represents a time series according to the illuminance detection timing Tint shown in FIG. If the interrupt process currently being executed is based on the timing t2 shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the target luminance calculated for the value of the external light illuminance Le at the timing t2 is Bt (n). The target luminance calculated by the interrupt process executed at the previous timing t1 is Bt (n−1).

  As described above, the target brightness Bt (n) is updated according to the value of the ambient light illuminance Le at each interrupt generation timing, and thus has a step shape as indicated by Bt in FIG. The target brightness Bt is indicated by a broken line, and the set brightness Bset of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is indicated by a solid line. The line of the set brightness Bset is superimposed on the line of the target brightness Bt so that the change in the external light illuminance Le can be easily understood.

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 3 sets the value of the target brightness Bt (n) calculated in step S20 as it is to the set brightness (brightness set value) Bset (n) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 (step S30). Thereafter, the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 has been changed by the user's switch operation or the like since the previous interrupt processing (changed or not) (step S50).

  If the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 has been changed, the process directly proceeds to step S60. If there is no change in the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102, the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not the liquid crystal monitor 102 is in the MENU display mode (step S51). If it is in the MENU display mode even if the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not changed, the process proceeds to step S60.

  When the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is changed, or when the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not changed and the MENU display mode is set, the microcomputer 3 performs the following processing. That is, an instruction is issued to the image display unit 6 to change the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 to the set brightness Bset (n) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 determined in the process of step S30 (step S60), and the interrupt routine is terminated. . If the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not changed and the MENU display mode is not set, the interrupt routine is terminated without updating the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102.

  When the above interrupt routine is executed at each of timings t0 to t18 shown in FIG. 6, the set brightness Bset (n) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 changes as indicated by a solid line Bset. Here, the change in the display mode is a change in state occurring at times t45, t910, t1314, and t1617 shown in FIG.

  Time t45 is the time when the user turns on the reproduction display switch 114, and the display state of the liquid crystal monitor 102 shifts from the MENU display state (2) to the still image reproduction state (3). At time t5, the content of the set brightness Bset of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched to Bt5.

  Time t910 is a time when the user turns on the MENU display switch 116, and the display state of the liquid crystal monitor 102 shifts from the still image reproduction state (3) to the MENU display state (2). At time t10, the content of the set brightness Bset of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched from Bt5 to Bt10.

  Thereafter, until the user's on-operation of the playback display switch 114 is detected at time t14, the set brightness Bset is set to the target brightness Bt at that time for each interruption, as in the above-described time t0 to time t5. Updated.

  The time t1314 is the time when the user turns on the reproduction display switch 114, and the display state of the liquid crystal monitor 102 shifts from the MENU display state (2) to the still image reproduction state (3), similarly to the time t45. . At time t14, the content of the set brightness Bset of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is calculated immediately before t13, and switches from the set brightness (the same value as Bt10 in this embodiment) to Bt14.

  A time t1617 is a time when the user operates the rear operation dial 103, and although the reproduction image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched, it does not change from the still image reproduction state (3). The set brightness Bset of the liquid crystal monitor 102 continues to hold Bt14 and does not switch to Bt17.

  When the display luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is updated, the LCD control unit 61 of the image display unit 6 changes the luminance of the backlight 63 of the liquid crystal monitor 102 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 3.

  In addition, when the brightness | luminance of the backlight 63 has reached the upper limit or lower limit which can be changed, the brightness | luminance cannot be changed any more. However, it is possible to change the transmission characteristics of the image input to the liquid crystal monitor 102 to make the image look brighter or darker. Accordingly, the pseudo display control method as described above may be combined in an external light illuminance region that cannot be handled only by the luminance of the backlight 63.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the display luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is changed with respect to the ambient light illuminance mainly at the switching timing of the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 according to the operation of the user of the imaging apparatus. I do. As a result, even if the illuminance of the external light applied to the imaging device changes, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 does not change, so that the user of the imaging device observes the liquid crystal monitor 102. In this state, the user is not unnatural.

  In addition, the timing for updating the liquid crystal monitor 102 to an appropriate display luminance in accordance with the illuminance of external light is matched with the timing at which the display mode changes according to the user's operation. Therefore, the liquid crystal monitor 102 can be set to an appropriate display luminance without causing the user to feel unnaturalness or difficulty in viewing. Thereby, the accuracy of confirming the photographed image can be improved while ensuring the followability of the display luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102 with respect to the change in the illuminance of the external light without giving the user of the imaging device that much unnaturalness.

  That is, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is set at a brightness corresponding to the ambient brightness immediately before switching the display contents on the liquid crystal monitor 102, and control for changing the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not performed depending on the display contents. As a result, it is possible to accurately confirm the comparison of the captured images such as the exposure confirmation on the liquid crystal monitor 102.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the following points. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the brightness (display luminance) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is changed in synchronization with the display content of the liquid crystal monitor 102 being changed by switching the display mode has been described.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even when the liquid crystal monitor 102 is in the “reproduction display” mode, when the frame displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched, according to the ambient brightness in synchronization with the switching timing. The display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched to the selected brightness. When the frame to be reproduced and displayed is a correlated frame such as AEB shooting or continuous shooting, or when the user intentionally selects fixed brightness by manual operation, the liquid crystal monitor 102 does not change even if the ambient brightness changes. The display brightness of is retained the contents set so far. In AEB (Auto Exposure Bracket) shooting, exposure correction is intentionally performed.

  Next, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  An imaging information display switch (INFO switch) 115 (instruction unit) of the imaging apparatus gives an instruction to maintain the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 in addition to the imaging information display function described in the first embodiment. It has a function. An instruction signal for maintaining the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 output in accordance with the operation of the photographing information display switch 115 is input to the microcomputer 3. The microcomputer 3 performs control to maintain the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 based on the instruction signal.

  In a state where the photographing information display switch 115 is pressed (on state), the amount of incident light from the illuminance sensor light receiving unit 112 to the internal ambient light illuminance sensor 7 changes greatly. In the normal brightness automatic control operation, even if the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 changes, the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 does not change, and the brightness becomes constant. In this state, even if the photographed image (photographing frame) reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched by operating the rear operation dial 103, the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 does not change and the brightness is constant. do.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating state transition of the operation mode of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment, but in “(3) Still image playback” and “(4) Still image auto play”, each is connected to an AEB image. This intentionally indicates that a copy image is included. Regarding the AEB image and the continuous shot image, it is determined that there is continuity when the reproduced image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102, and a processing operation corresponding to this is performed. Details will be described later.

  Further, a series of operations of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the change in the external light illuminance, the change in the target luminance and the set luminance, and the illuminance detection timing of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the change in the ambient light illuminance, the change in the target luminance and the set luminance, and the illuminance detection timing of the imaging apparatus.

  9 and 10, there is a difference in the set brightness Bset of the liquid crystal monitor 102 at time t1617. When the user operates the rear operation dial 103 in a state where the user operates the photographing information display switch 115 and keeps it on, and the user switches the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102, the microcomputer 3 displays the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102. Control is performed so that the luminance does not change.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the luminance setting process by the timer interrupt routine of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 11, this process is obtained by adding steps S52, S53, S54, and S55 to the processing content shown in FIG. 7, and description of common processes is simplified or omitted. First, a series of steps S52 to S55 will be described, and will be described in detail with reference to the timing charts of FIGS.

  If it is in the MENU display mode even if the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not changed (YES in step S51), the microcomputer 3 performs the following process. Based on the set brightness Bset (n) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 determined in the process of step S30, an instruction is issued to the image display unit 6 to change the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 (step S60). If the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not in the MENU display mode, the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not a reproduced image is being displayed (step S52).

  When the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not in the MENU display mode and the reproduced image is not being displayed, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is updated (step S60). When the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not in the MENU display mode but displaying a reproduced image, the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not the photographing information display switch (INFO switch) 115 is turned on by the user (step S53). When the photographing information display switch 115 is turned on, the interruption routine is terminated without updating the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102.

  If the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not in the MENU display mode but displaying a reproduced image and the photographing information display switch 115 is not turned on, the microcomputer 3 performs the following determination. That is, the continuity between the photographing frame displayed last time (n−1) on the liquid crystal monitor 102 and the photographing frame to be displayed this time (n) is determined (step S54). The continuity refers to a shooting frame by AEB shooting or a shooting frame by continuous shooting (continuous shooting), and is determined from data at the time of shooting recorded in the external storage device 9 together with the shot image.

  If there is continuity of the photographing frames (YES in step S55), the interruption routine is terminated without updating the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102, as in the case where the photographing information display switch 115 is turned on. . That is, when the display image is switched in the liquid crystal monitor 102, the display brightness up to that time is maintained without updating the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102. If there is no continuity of the photographing frames (NO in step S55), the display luminance of the liquid crystal monitor 102 described above is updated (step S60).

  The meanings of the signals shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are the same as those of the signals shown in FIG. Further, the ambient light illuminance Le, the illuminance detection contents, and the like are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the MENU display is already performed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 at time t0, and the microcomputer 3 performs the next luminance update until time t45 when the reproduction display switch 114 is operated by the user. That is, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is updated so that the target brightness Bt and the set brightness Bset according to the ambient light illuminance Le detected at each illuminance detection timing from the time t1 to the time t4.

  In FIG. 11, since the liquid crystal monitor 102 is in the MENU display at this time, the display brightness update process (step S60) of the liquid crystal monitor 102 based on the set brightness Bset (n) is determined by the process of determining whether or not the MENU is being displayed (step S51). Is performed each time an interrupt occurs.

  When the user turns on the reproduction display switch 114 at time t45 in FIG. 9 (FIG. 10), the display content on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched from the menu to the reproduction display image by interruption processing at time t5. Then, since the display mode is changed, the set brightness Bset is updated to Bt5 in step S60. Then, since there is no switch operation in the interrupt process at time t6, the target brightness Bt changes, but the set brightness Bset does not change.

  When the user turns on the MENU display switch 116 at time t910, in the interrupt processing at time t10, the display content on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is switched from the reproduced display image to the menu. Then, since the display mode is changed, the set luminance Bset is updated to Bt10 which is the target luminance Bt at this time in step S60 of FIG.

  Thereafter, until the user's on-operation of the playback display switch 114 is detected at time t14, the set brightness Bset is set to the target brightness Bt at that time for each interruption, as in the above-described time t0 to time t5. Updated.

  At time t14, it is detected that the playback display switch 114 has been turned on by the user. Since this is a change of the display mode (step S50), the operation is the same as at time t5.

  When the user operates the rear operation dial 103 at time t1617, the microcomputer 3 detects the operation by an interrupt process generated at time t17. At this time, the liquid crystal monitor 102 is displaying a reproduced image (step S52), the photographing information display switch 115 is not turned on (step S53), and the image has no continuity, and the set luminance Bset at this time is the target. Update with Bt17, which is the luminance Bt.

  In FIG. 10, the microcomputer 3 detects the operation of the rear operation dial 103 performed at time t1617 during the interruption process at time t17. Further, since the operation for turning on the photographing information display switch 115 is also performed, the set brightness Bset remains Bt14 and is not updated to the target brightness Bt17 at this time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when switching the display of the captured image on the liquid crystal monitor 102 by the operation at time t1617, even when the operation for turning on the photographing information display switch 115 is not performed, the microcomputer 3 Is determined as follows. That is, if the image to be switched on the display of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is an image shot in the AEB shooting mode or the continuous shooting mode, it is determined that there is continuity (step S54).

  Note that, as in the relationship between the target brightness Bt and the design brightness Bset at time t17 in FIG. 10, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not updated by the interrupt process at time t17.

  As described above, in the MENU display, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is updated as needed. In the reproduction image display, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is updated in accordance with the switching timing of the display image. However, when there is a relationship between the reproduced images to be switched and displayed, or when the user operates the switch so that the display brightness does not change intentionally, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not updated. As a result, it is possible to control the brightness without a slight luminance change when observing the reproduced image display.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately perform comparison confirmation of captured images such as exposure confirmation on the liquid crystal monitor 102 as in the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the following points. Since the other elements of the present embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), description thereof is omitted.

  In the first and second embodiments, as a method for controlling the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is “automatically set” according to the ambient brightness under a predetermined condition. Explained the case.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as a method for switching the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102, in addition to “automatic setting”, the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is “manually set” according to the setting intended by the user. Control including this will be described.

  Next, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 with a focus on differences from the first and second embodiments.

  In the imaging apparatus, any method of automatically setting the display brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 102 and manually setting it can be selected according to the display mode of the imaging apparatus. In the manual setting, the user appropriately selects from a plurality of settings prepared in advance in the imaging device according to the shooting situation and preference.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the luminance setting process by the timer interrupt routine of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the brightness automatic setting process of FIG.

  In FIG. 12, when the user of the imaging apparatus performs a predetermined operation, the microcomputer 3 turns on the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 (step S100), and then determines whether the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is a MENU display. (Step S200). When the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is the MENU display, the microcomputer 3 displays the brightness control selection MENU on the liquid crystal monitor 102 and automatically displays the brightness at the brightness selected according to the ambient brightness. Setting is performed (step S300). Then, the microcomputer 3 repeats the same brightness setting control until the display mode is changed (YES in step S350).

  On the other hand, when the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not the MENU display, that is, when the captured still image or moving image is reproduced and displayed or the image obtained from the imaging unit 1 is continuously displayed in real time, the microcomputer 3 Sets the following: That is, the luminance is set based on the manual setting value of the liquid crystal monitor 102 preset by the user (step S400). Then, the microcomputer 3 repeats the same brightness setting control until the display mode is changed (YES in step S450).

  When the display mode of the liquid crystal monitor 102 is changed in step S350 or step S450, the microcomputer 3 determines whether or not to turn off the display of the liquid crystal monitor 102 (step S500). When the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is turned off, the microcomputer 3 turns off the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 (step S600), and ends this process. When the display on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is not turned off, the process returns to step S200, and the microcomputer 3 changes the display brightness setting control method of the liquid crystal monitor 102 to the content according to the display mode as well as the change of the display content on the liquid crystal monitor 102.

  The details of the automatic brightness setting for displaying the liquid crystal monitor 102 at the brightness selected in accordance with the ambient brightness in step S300 are as shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 13 is a configuration in which step S50 and step S51 are deleted from the configuration of FIG. 7. The processing content of each step is the same as in FIG.

  In the automatic brightness setting, “brighter”, “standard”, and “darker” brightness adjustments are also provided as menus in order to reflect the user's brightness preference. The user selects a favorite item from the menu displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102. Each setting of “brighter” and “darker” has a control content of 50% increase and 50% decrease with respect to “standard”.

  The manual setting value of “display brightness setting” used in step S400 of FIG. 12 is one item of the menu. A plurality of luminances that can be selected as the manually set value are prepared from a controllable luminance range. When the user selects one luminance from a plurality of luminances, the selected luminance is used in the manual setting value reflecting operation. Thereafter, in step S400, the brightness is displayed with the brightness selected as the manual setting value.

  Further, the MENU contents selected in steps S300 and S400 in FIG. 12 are stored as the selected control contents in the nonvolatile memory built in the microcomputer 3. Thereby, even when the power supply of the imaging apparatus is turned off, the imaging apparatus operates based on the selected control content stored in the nonvolatile memory at the next startup of the imaging apparatus.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately perform comparison confirmation of captured images such as exposure confirmation on the liquid crystal monitor 102 as in the first embodiment.

[Other Embodiments]
In the first to third embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to display control of an image display unit equipped in an imaging apparatus (digital camera) is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to display control of a display unit provided in an optical device other than the imaging device (digital camera) and other devices (a mobile phone having a camera function, a portable information terminal, a notebook personal computer). it can.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the image display unit is configured as a backlight type liquid crystal display is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a self-luminous display such as an organic EL display, a surface electric field display (SED), or a plasma display is configured. In the case of an image display unit using a self-light emitting element that does not have a backlight such as an organic EL display, the light emission luminance of the display element is directly controlled instead of the backlight.

  In the first to third embodiments, various embodiments have been described as examples of the luminance control of the image display unit. However, the following control may be performed. Generally, the MENU display content on the image display unit uses characters and symbols and has a high contrast so that it can be easily identified and discriminated. Therefore, for example, the display brightness during MENU display is also switched in synchronization with the display mode switching operation in the same manner as when displaying a playback image, and even if the ambient brightness changes during MENU display, it does not respond to this. It may be a control that maintains the luminance when the display mode is switched.

  In the first to third embodiments, various embodiments have been described as examples of the configuration of the image display unit and the luminance control. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any configuration that can achieve the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configurations of the embodiments.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

  Furthermore, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing is also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pick-up part 3 Microcomputer 6 Image display part 7 Ambient light illuminance sensor 102 Liquid crystal monitor

Claims (9)

Display means capable of displaying any display mode of a plurality of display modes;
A display control device comprising: control means for controlling display of the display means;
Detecting means for detecting brightness around the display means;
The plurality of display modes include a menu display mode for displaying a menu including settings related to image capturing,
When the display mode of the display means is changed or when the display means is in the menu display mode, the control means responds to a change in brightness around the display means detected by the detection means. The display brightness of the display means is changed to the calculated set brightness, and the display brightness of the display means is not changed when the display mode of the display means is not changed and the display means is not in the menu display mode. A display control device. The plurality of display modes include an image display mode for displaying an image,
When the display means is in the image display mode, the control means controls the display brightness of the display means regardless of a change in brightness around the display means detected by the detection means. 2. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display brightness is maintained at the display brightness set when the mode is switched.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the overall brightness of the display image is changed in synchronization with the switching of the display image of the display unit when the display mode of the display unit is switched. Display control device. A determination means for determining whether or not there is continuity between the image displayed on the display means and the next image to be displayed on the display means;
When the determination unit determines that the image has no continuity, the control unit sets the display unit to a set luminance calculated according to a change in brightness around the display unit detected by the detection unit. If the display means determines that the image has continuity, the display brightness of the display means is not updated when the display image of the display means is switched. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Further comprising instruction means for giving an instruction to maintain the brightness of the display means;
When the instruction for maintaining the brightness of the display means is issued by the instruction means, the control means does not update the display brightness of the display means when switching the display image of the display means. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display brightness is maintained.   When the display means is in the menu display mode, the control means sets the display brightness of the display means to a set brightness calculated according to a change in brightness around the display means detected by the detection means. 2. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display brightness of the display means is set to a set brightness set manually when the display means is not in the menu display mode.   An imaging apparatus comprising the display control apparatus according to claim 1. A control method for a display control device comprising a display means capable of displaying an arbitrary display mode of a plurality of display modes,
A control step for controlling display of the display means; and a detection step for detecting brightness around the display means,
The plurality of display modes include a menu display mode for displaying a menu including settings related to image capturing,
In the control step, when the display mode of the display means is changed or when the display means is in the menu display mode, according to the change in the ambient brightness of the display means detected by the detection step. The display brightness of the display means is changed to the calculated set brightness, and the display brightness of the display means is not changed when the display mode of the display means is not changed and the display means is not in the menu display mode. A display control device control method. A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a display control device including display means capable of displaying an arbitrary display mode of a plurality of display modes, the control method comprising:
A control step for controlling display of the display means; and a detection step for detecting brightness around the display means,
The plurality of display modes include a menu display mode for displaying a menu including settings related to image capturing,
In the control step, when the display mode of the display means is changed or when the display means is in the menu display mode, according to the change in the ambient brightness of the display means detected by the detection step. The display brightness of the display means is changed to the calculated set brightness, and the display brightness of the display means is not changed when the display mode of the display means is not changed and the display means is not in the menu display mode. Program.