JP2012054739A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device that can solve a problem of a camera with a release button having at least three operation stages for which an imaging mode is required to be set every operation state.SOLUTION: When an imaging person sets low-speed sequential imaging Cto the operation position of full press 1 as a first imaging operation mode, in S4, CPU 21 associates and sets high-speed sequential imaging Cto the operation position of full press 2 next to the full press 1 as a second imaging operation mode which is larger than the first imaging operation mode in the imaging frame number. When the imaging person sets one frame imaging S to the operation position of the full press 1 as the first imaging operation mode, in S6, CPU 21 excludes the one frame imaging S from the set mode, and in S7, CPU 21 associates and sets the low-speed sequential imaging Cor the high-speed sequential imaging Cto the operation position of the full press 2 next to the full press 1 as the second imaging operation mode which is larger than the first imaging operation mode in the imaging frame number.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device including an operation member that is moved to a plurality of operation positions.

  Conventionally, as such an imaging apparatus, for example, there is a digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1. This digital camera includes a release button including an operation unit, an operation shaft unit, a spring, and a switch group. The switch group includes three first, second, and third contacts and a fourth one contact that is added according to the mode. When the operation portion is pushed down, the operation shaft portion moves downward against the spring, the switch group is pushed at the lower end portion of the operation shaft portion, and the first contact is brought into contact with the second contact. When the operation unit is further pushed down, the second contactor comes into contact with the third contactor, and when the fourth contactor is added and the operation unit is further pushed down, the third contactor is brought into contact with the third contactor. 4 contacts. For this reason, the release button contacts the switch point SP1 due to the contact between the first contact and the second contact, the contact between the second contact and the third contact, depending on the degree of depression of the operation unit. The switch point SP2 and the switch point SP3 due to the contact between the third contact and the fourth contact are formed in three stages.

JP 2005-191908 A

  However, in the conventional imaging device having at least three operation steps of the release button, if it is attempted to set a shooting mode such as a single (one frame) shooting mode or a continuous shooting mode to each operation step, the operation is performed for each operation step. An operation for setting the shooting mode is required, and the setting operation becomes complicated. Also, depending on the setting operation, for example, a single continuous shooting mode is set by a one-step operation, a single shooting mode is set by a two-step operation that is pushed deeper than one step, and single shooting is performed after high-speed continuous shooting. Such a combination of shooting modes that is meaningless in terms of operation may be set. Further, a dial type setting member for setting the photographing mode must be provided for each operation stage, and a plurality of setting members are required.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems,
An image pickup apparatus (1) including an image pickup means (25) for picking up an image of a subject and a recording means (21) for recording an image signal picked up by the image pickup means (25) on a recording medium (33) in response to an image pickup instruction signal ) And
It is possible to move to a first operation position and a second operation position different from the first operation position according to an external operation, and an imaging instruction signal is generated by movement to any of the two operation positions. An operating member (4);
First setting means (18a, 18b, 21) for setting the imaging mode in which imaging starts in response to the movement of the operation member (4) to the first operation position to the first imaging mode;
Second setting means (18a, 18b, 21) for setting the imaging mode in which imaging is started in response to the movement of the operation member (4) to the second operation position to a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode; ,
In accordance with the setting by the first setting means (18a, 18b, 21), the second imaging mode set by the second setting means (18a, 18b, 21) is changed to an imaging mode having a predetermined relationship with the first imaging mode. Control means (21) for restricting to
The imaging means (25) and the recording means (21) are characterized by performing an imaging operation in an imaging mode corresponding to the operation position of the operation member (4).

  According to this configuration, when the first imaging mode is set at the first operation position, the second imaging mode having a predetermined relationship with the first imaging mode is at the second operation position next to the first operation position. (21) is set in association with each other. For this reason, the setting operation of the second imaging mode is simplified, and the imaging mode setting operation can be easily performed. In addition, it is possible to exclude a case where a combination of imaging modes that is meaningless in terms of operation is set at the first operation position and the next second operation position, and the possibility of erroneous operation during imaging is eliminated. . Further, when the first imaging mode is set at the first operation position, the second imaging mode having a predetermined relationship with the first imaging mode is set at the next second operation position, so that the imaging mode is set for each operation position. The imaging mode can be set at each operation position without providing a setting member for setting.

The present invention also provides:
The operation position detection means (21, 38, 39, 40) for detecting the operation position of the operation member (4) and the operation position detected by the operation position detection means (21, 38, 39, 40) are displayed (45). Display control means (21) to be displayed on the display.

  According to this configuration, since the operation position detected by the operation position detection means (21, 38, 39, 40) is displayed on the display means (45) by the display control means (21), the photographer performs the operation. It is possible to visually grasp at which operation position the operating member (4) is positioned. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an imaging mistake caused by erroneously recognizing the operation position where the operation member (4) is positioned, and to perform rapid imaging.

  In the present invention, the display control means (21) sets the imaging mode set for each operation position by the first setting means (18a, 18b, 21) or the second setting means (18a, 18b, 21). The display unit (45) displays the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit (21, 38, 39, 40).

  According to this configuration, the imaging mode set by the first setting means (18a, 18b, 21) or the second setting means (18a, 18b, 21) at each operation position is the operation position detection means (21, 38, 39, 40) together with the operation position detected by the display control means (21), it is displayed on the display means (45), so that the photographer can operate the operation member together with the operation position where the operation member (4) is located. The imaging mode set at the operation position where (4) is positioned can be visually grasped. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an imaging mistake caused by erroneously recognizing the imaging mode set at the operation position where the operation member (4) is located, and to perform rapid imaging.

The present invention also provides:
Provided with an operation amount detection means for detecting an operation amount between each operation position,
The display control means (21) displays the operation amount detected by the operation amount detection means on the display means (45).

  According to this configuration, since the operation amount between the operation positions detected by the operation amount detection unit is displayed on the display unit (45) by the display control unit (21), the photographer can use the operation amount detection unit. It is possible to visually grasp the operation amount between the detected operation positions. Therefore, even when the feeling of the fingertip becomes dull due to wearing a glove, etc., it is possible to visually grasp which position the operated operating member (4) is in and between which operating positions. It is possible to prevent a missed operation without missing an imaging opportunity.

  In the present invention, the display means (45) is an exposure indicator (44) for displaying a difference between an exposure value set by the exposure operation member (17) and an exposure value measured by the imaging device (1). It is characterized by.

  According to this configuration, the operation position and the operation amount of the operation member (4) detected by the operation position detection means (21, 38, 39, 40) and the operation amount detection means are set by the exposure operation member (17). This is displayed by an indicator display of an exposure indicator (44) that displays the difference between the exposure value and the exposure value measured by the imaging device (1). For this reason, it is not necessary to newly provide a display space for displaying the operation position and the operation amount detected by the operation position detection means (21, 38, 39, 40) and the operation amount detection means, and the imaging apparatus (1 ) Can be miniaturized.

The present invention also provides:
The operation member (4) is a release button (4) that causes the imaging means (25) to image the subject when operated.
The imaging mode is an imaging operation mode (S, C _L , C _H ) for setting the number of imaging frames for causing the imaging means (25) to image the subject by one operation of the release button.
The predetermined relationship is characterized in that the second imaging mode exceeds the first imaging mode in terms of the number of imaging frames.

  According to this configuration, the predetermined relationship between the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode is an imaging operation mode relationship in which the second imaging mode is greater in the number of imaging frames than the first imaging mode. A combination of imaging operation modes that are meaningless in terms of operation is set such that the first imaging mode set at the position falls below the second imaging mode set at the next second operation position by the number of imaging frames. Can be excluded.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the setting operation of the second imaging mode is simplified, and the setting operation of the imaging mode can be easily performed. In addition, it is possible to exclude a case where a combination of imaging modes that is meaningless in terms of operation is set at the first operation position and the next second operation position, and the possibility of erroneous operation during imaging is eliminated. . Further, the imaging mode can be set at each operation position without providing a setting member that sets the imaging mode for each operation position.

(A) is a front perspective view of the digital camera by one Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a rear view of (a). It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the display screen in a finder displayed in an optical finder by the display panel in a finder. It is the figure which showed the display screen in a finder at the time of switching and displaying the exposure indicator of the display screen in a finder shown in FIG. 3 to a stroke indicator. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of an imaging operation mode setting process performed by a CPU of the digital camera shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of imaging operation processing performed by a CPU of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure showing the 1st modification of the stroke indicator shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the 2nd modification of the stroke indicator shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the imaging operation mode setting process performed by CPU of the digital camera by the modification of this invention. It is the figure which showed the stroke indicator used for the imaging operation mode setting process shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the modification of the display mode of the stroke indicator shown in FIG.

  Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention when the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described.

  FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The digital camera 1 is provided with an optical lens unit 3 that guides light from a subject to an image sensor at the center of the front of a camera body 2 that constitutes a housing. A release button 4 is provided at the upper left of the optical lens unit 3, and a self-timer lamp 5 comprising a light emitting diode (LED) is provided at the upper right. The release button 4 constitutes an operation member that is operated at three operation positions of half-pressing one stroke, full-pressing 1 and full-pressing 2, and when the full-pressing 1 or full-pressing 2 is operated, Take a subject image. That is, the release button 4 operates the AE (Auto Exposure) and AF (Auto Focus) functions at the half-press operation position corresponding to the half-press with a shallow push amount, and is fully pressed so that the push amount becomes deeper than the half-press operation position. In a first operation position corresponding to 1 and a second operation position corresponding to full push 2 in which the amount of pressing is deeper than the first operation position, the imaging modes are preset in the first and second operation positions. Take a subject image. Further, on the upper surface of the shoulder portion of the camera body 2 behind the release button 4, a photographing information display panel 6 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) on which various information at the time of imaging is displayed is provided. A mode setting dial 7 for setting modes such as multi-program auto (P), shutter priority auto (S), aperture priority auto (A) and manual (M) is provided on the upper surface of the opposite shoulder. ing. In addition, an accessory shoe 8 for attaching accessories such as a lighting device that illuminates the subject is provided at the upper center of the camera body 2.

  FIG. 2B is a rear view of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG.

  An optical viewfinder 11 for visually recognizing the subject to be imaged is provided at the upper center of the back of the main body of the digital camera 1. Below the optical viewfinder 11, a rear monitor 12 made of TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal or the like is provided. On the left side of the rear monitor 12, the menu button 13 is operated to display a menu screen for performing various settings of the digital camera 1 on the rear monitor 12, and is operated to display imaging information on the rear monitor 12. An information display button 14, a reduction / thumbnail button 15 that is operated when the captured image displayed on the rear monitor 12 is reduced or displayed as a thumbnail, and an enlargement button 16 that is operated when the captured image is enlarged. Is provided. A command dial 17 is provided on the right side of the rear monitor 12 for setting the shutter speed, exposure correction value, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sensitivity value, and the like. Below the command dial 17, an annular cross button 18a is provided, and an enter button 18b is provided at the center thereof. The cross button 18a is operated, for example, when the photographer selects a desired item from various setting items on the menu screen. The determination button 18b is operated when determining a predetermined item selected by operating the cross button 18a.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG.

  The digital camera 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21. The CPU 21 performs various control processes for each circuit in the digital camera 1 using the buffer memory 23 as a temporary storage work area in accordance with a control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 22.

  The subject light guided into the camera by the imaging lens 24 constituting the optical lens unit 3 is incident on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 25 constituting the imaging means for imaging the subject. The image sensor 25 is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc., and images subject by accumulating subject light incident on the light receiving surface as electric charge. When the subject is imaged on the image sensor 25, the CPU 21 operates the focus adjustment device 26 to activate the AF function. For example, the focus adjustment device 26 automatically adjusts the focal point by moving the position of the imaging lens 24 so that the contrast of the subject projected on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 25 is the highest. The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 25 is converted into an analog image signal, and this image signal is sent to an A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion circuit 28 according to the timing generated by a TG (Timing Generator) 27. Is output. The A / D conversion circuit 28 converts the analog imaging signal output from the imaging element 25 into a digital signal.

  The digital imaging signal converted by the A / D conversion circuit 28 is temporarily stored in the image memory 31 by the image processing circuit 30 in the image processing block 29. The image processing circuit 30 reads the image pickup signal stored in the image memory 31, performs image processing such as white balance processing and gamma correction on the read digital image pickup signal to generate developed image data, and the compression circuit 32. Output to. The compression circuit 32 performs compression processing for compressing the developed image data input from the image processing circuit 30 at a predetermined ratio, and generates compressed image data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). The compressed image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 23 and is output to the display circuit 34 and displayed on the rear monitor 12 as an image. The compressed image data stored in the buffer memory 23 is stored in a card-like recording medium 33 including a nonvolatile memory that is attached to and detached from a card slot (not shown). The CPU 21 constitutes a recording unit that records the image signal captured by the imaging unit 25 in accordance with the imaging instruction signal on the recording medium 33. When the compressed image data is stored in the recording medium 33, the CPU 21 sends an imaging end signal.

  The CPU 21 is connected to the photographing information display panel 6. The imaging information display panel 6 displays the imaging conditions currently set for the digital camera 1, such as the shutter speed and the aperture value, under the control of the CPU 21. The CPU 21 outputs an imaging end signal, sends a signal to the imaging information display panel 6 to reduce the number of frames that can be captured to be displayed on the imaging information display panel 6 and to increase the number of imaging frames by 1 to the imaging information display panel 6. The display content of 6 is updated. The CPU 21 is connected to an in-viewfinder display panel 37 for displaying a subject image and various information at the time of imaging in the optical viewfinder 11.

  An operation member 36 is connected to the CPU 21. The operation members 36 are a mode setting dial 7, a menu button 13, an information display button 14, a reduction / thumbnail button 15, an enlargement button 16, a command dial 17, a cross button 18a, a determination button 18b, and the like. The CPU 21 performs control processing based on a signal output from the operation member 36.

  Further, the release button 4 is connected to the CPU 21. The release button 4 includes a first switch 38, a second switch 39, and a third switch 40 as three switches for detecting the three operation positions. The first switch 38 is turned on when the release button 4 is pressed down and is in a half-pressed state corresponding to the half-press operation position. The second switch 39 is turned on when the release button 4 is further pushed down from the half-pressed state to the fully-pressed 1 state corresponding to the first operation position. The third switch 40 is turned on when the release button 4 is further pushed down from the fully depressed 1 state to the fully depressed 2 state corresponding to the second operation position. In order to prevent the third switch 40 from being inadvertently turned on, the mechanism requires a certain amount of force to push the release button 4 from the fully-pressed 1 state to the fully-pressed 2 state. The release button 4 can be moved to a first operation position and a second operation position different from the first operation position in accordance with an external operation, and by moving to either of these operation positions, An operation member that generates an imaging instruction signal is configured. Each of the switches 38 to 40 outputs an ON signal to the CPU 21 when turned on. The CPU 21 detects the ON signal output from each of the switches 38 to 40 and detects the operation position of the release button 4. The CPU 21 and the switches 38 to 40 constitute an operation position detection unit that detects the operation position of the release button 4. Further, the operation amount between the operation positions of the release button 4 is detected by a magnet provided in the shaft portion of the release button 4 by a magnetic detection element such as an MR sensor provided in the housing of the digital camera 1. Detected. The magnet and the magnetic detection element constitute an operation amount detection means for detecting an operation amount between the operation positions of the release button 4.

In the present embodiment, one frame shooting S, low-speed continuous shooting C _L , and high-speed continuous shooting C _H are performed for each of the imaging performed when the release button 4 is fully pressed 1 operation and the imaging performed when the release button 4 is fully pressed 2 operations. One of the imaging operation modes is set. As a result, the number of imaging frames that causes the imaging means to image the subject by one operation of full-press 1 or full-press 2 of the release button 4 is set. The imaging operation mode is set by displaying an imaging operation mode setting screen on the rear monitor 12, and by operating the cross button 18a and the decision button 18b, one-frame shooting S is performed at each of the full-press 1 and full-press 2 operation positions. This is performed by selecting the photographing C _L or the high-speed continuous photographing C _H. In the present embodiment, when, for example, the low-speed continuous shooting C _L is set by the photographer as the first imaging mode for the full press 1, the high-speed continuous shooting C _H exceeding the first imaging mode in the number of imaging frames is set for the full press 2. The second imaging mode is automatically set by the CPU 21. Further, one frame shooting S fully pressed 1 as the first imaging mode is set by the photographer, the full-press 2, low-speed continuous shooting C _L or above a first imaging mode in the number of imaging frames as the second imaging mode high-speed continuous shooting C _H is semi-automatically set by the CPU21 in response to the selection of the photographer. When high-speed continuous shooting C _H is set by the photographer as the first imaging mode for the full press 1, the CPU 21 automatically sets the mode setting invalidity for the full press 2. The cross button 18a, the determination button 18b, and the CPU 21 are first setting means for setting the imaging mode in which imaging is started in response to the full-press 1 of the release button 4 to move to the first operation position, to the first imaging mode. And a second setting means for setting an imaging mode in which imaging is started in response to movement of the fully-pressed release button 4 to the second operation position to a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode. Constitute. In addition, the CPU 21 sets the second imaging mode set by the second setting unit according to the setting by the first setting unit to a predetermined relationship with the first imaging mode, which is the number of imaging frames in the present embodiment. Control means for limiting the imaging mode to a relationship exceeding the above. The imaging element 25 constituting the imaging means and the CPU 21 constituting the recording means perform an imaging operation in an imaging mode corresponding to the operation position of the release button 4.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing an in-finder display screen displayed in the optical finder 11 by the in-finder display panel 37. The in-finder display screen is displayed on the rear monitor 12 when switching to live view mode imaging setting.

  On the display screen in the finder, under the control of the CPU 21, an AF area frame frame 42 is displayed in the imaging area 41, and a plurality of focus points 43 for performing AF are displayed in the AF area frame 42. As the focus point, one of the displayed focus points 43 is selected by operating the cross button 18a. Below the imaging area 41, imaging conditions such as the shutter speed and aperture value currently set for the digital camera 1, and device information such as the remaining battery level and the number of images that can be captured are displayed. An exposure indicator 44 is displayed on the right side of the imaging area 41. The exposure indicator 44 constitutes a display unit that displays the difference between the exposure value set by the command dial 17 constituting the exposure operation member and the exposure value measured by the digital camera 1. When the stroke display mode for displaying the pressing amount of the release button 4 is set on the menu screen, the exposure indicator 44 is displayed by switching to the stroke indicator 45 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a viewfinder display screen displayed in the optical viewfinder 11 when the stroke display mode is set. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.

For the stroke indicator 45, one-frame shooting S, low-speed continuous shooting C _L , or high-speed continuous shooting in which the half-press, full-press 1 and full-press 2 that are the operation positions of the release button 4 are set to the respective operation positions. It is displayed together with the image pickup operation mode C _H. In the figure, AF corresponds to half-pressing when the first switch 38 is turned ON, full-pressing 1 when the second switch 39 is turned ON and low-speed continuous shooting C _L , and full-pressing when the third switch 40 is turned ON. 2 shows a case where high-speed continuous shooting _CH is set. The CPU 21 constitutes a display control unit that causes the stroke indicator 45 to display the operation position of the release button 4 detected by the operation position detection unit and the operation amount of the release button 4 detected by the operation amount detection unit. The stroke indicator 45 in the figure indicates that the darkly displayed scale portion indicates that the release button 4 is pushed in, and the second switch 39 is pushed down to the fully-pressed 1 position at which the second switch 39 is turned on. It is displayed that imaging is performed in the continuous imaging _CL imaging operation mode.

  Next, imaging operation mode setting processing performed by the CPU 21 of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S <b> 1, the CPU 21 sets the imaging operation mode set at the operation position of full press 1 on the imaging operation mode setting screen as the setting value MS <b> 1 of the first imaging operation mode. Next, in S <b> 2, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the setting value MS <b> 1 of the first imaging operation mode that is set to 1 in S <b> 1 is 1-frame imaging S. When the setting value MS1 of the first imaging operation mode set in S1 is not 1-frame imaging S and the determination result in S2 is “No”, the CPU 2 in S3, the first imaging operation set in S1 setpoint MS1 mode is equal to or slower continuous shooting C _L. If the set value MS1 of the first imaging operation mode set in S1 is at low speed continuous shooting _{C L,} the determination result of S3 is a "Yes", CPU 21, at S4, the second imaging operating at full press 2 the set value MS2 of the operation mode is set to a high speed continuous shooting C _H, and terminates the imaging operation mode setting process.

On the other hand, the set value MS1 of the first image pickup operation mode is not the low-speed continuous shooting C _L which is set in step S1, when the determination result of S3 is a "No", the setting of the first imaging operation mode set in S1 since the value MS1 is high-speed continuous shooting C _H, CPU 21, in S5, and disables the setting of the set value MS2 of the second image pickup operation mode to operate at full press 2, and terminates the imaging operation mode setting process.

Further, when the setting value MS1 of the first imaging operation mode set in S1 is 1-frame shooting S and the determination result in S2 is “Yes”, the CPU 21 operates in S6 with the full press 2 in the second. The one-frame shooting S is excluded from the imaging operation mode set to the setting value MS2 of the imaging operation mode. Next, in S7, the CPU 21 sets the low-speed continuous shooting C _L or the high-speed continuous shooting C _H as the set value MS2 of the second imaging operation mode according to the selection of the photographer, and ends the imaging operation mode setting process.

  Next, imaging operation processing performed by the CPU 21 of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the CPU 21 starts counting up the half-press timer in S11. Next, in S12, the CPU 21 reads the setting values MS1 and MS2 of the imaging operation mode set by the imaging mode setting unit. In S13, the imaging operation mode corresponding to the read setting values MS1 and MS2 of the imaging operation mode is read. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is displayed as C _L and C _{H in the} optical finder 11 or on the stroke indicator 45 of the rear monitor 12.

  Next, in S14, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the first switch 38 is ON, that is, the release button 4 is half pressed. If the release button 4 is not half-pressed and the first switch 38 is OFF and the determination result in S14 is “No”, the CPU 21 counts a predetermined time, for example, 16 seconds, in S15. It is determined whether or not. If the half-press timer has not counted the predetermined time and the determination result in S15 is “No”, the CPU 21 returns the process to S14. On the other hand, when the half-press timer counts the predetermined time and the determination result in S15 is “Yes”, the CPU 21 ends the imaging operation process.

  On the other hand, if the first switch 38 is ON and the determination result in S14 is “Yes”, the CPU 21 determines in S16 whether the second switch 39 is ON, that is, whether the release button 4 is fully pressed 1. Determine whether. When the second switch 39 is ON and the determination result in S16 is “Yes”, the CPU 21 executes the imaging operation in S17 according to the imaging operation mode set to full press 1.

  Next, in S18, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the third switch 40 is ON, that is, whether the release button 4 is fully pressed 2. When the third switch 40 is ON and the determination result in S18 is “Yes”, the CPU 21 executes the imaging operation in S19 according to the imaging operation mode set to full press 2, and returns the process to S18. . On the other hand, if the release button 4 is not operated to the fully-pressed 2 position, the third switch 40 is OFF, and the determination result in S18 is “No”, or the release button 4 is in the fully-pressed 2 position. If the stroke of the release button 4 is returned between the full press 1 and the full press 2 and the determination result in S18 is “No”, the CPU 21 The process returns to S16. At this time, if the stroke of the release button 4 is not stopped between the full press 1 and the full press 2 and is instantaneously returned by the full stroke, the CPU 21 returns the process to S14. In S16, when the release button 4 is not operated to the fully-pressed position 1, the second switch 39 is OFF, and the determination result in S16 is “No”, the CPU 21 returns the process to S14.

According to the digital camera 1 of this embodiment as described above, when the low-speed continuous shooting _CL is set as the first imaging operation mode at the operation position of the full press 1 in FIG. of the next operating position of full-press 2, high-speed continuous shooting C _H as a first imaging operation mode and a predetermined relationship second image pickup operation mode is associated with the CPU 21, is set. In S1, when 1-frame shooting S is set as the first imaging operation mode at the operation position of full-press 1, 1-frame shooting S is excluded from the setting mode in S6. As the second imaging operation mode having a predetermined relationship with the first imaging operation mode, the low-speed continuous imaging C _L or the high-speed continuous imaging C _H is associated with the operation position of the fully-pressed 2 by the CPU 21 and set. For this reason, the setting operation of the second imaging operation mode is simplified, and the imaging mode setting operation can be easily performed. In addition, it is possible to exclude that a combination of imaging modes that is meaningless in terms of operation is set at the operation position of the full press 1 and the next operation position of the full press 2, which may cause an erroneous operation during imaging. Is resolved. In addition, when the first imaging operation mode is set at the fully-pressed 1 operation position, the second imaging operation mode having a predetermined relationship with the first imaging operation mode is set at the next fully-pressed 2 operation position. The imaging mode can be set at each operation position without providing a dial type setting member for setting the imaging mode for each operation position.

  In particular, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the predetermined relationship between the first imaging operation mode and the second imaging operation mode is such that the second imaging operation mode exceeds the first imaging operation mode in the number of imaging frames. Therefore, the first imaging mode set at the full-press 1 operation position is less meaningful in terms of the number of imaging frames than the second imaging mode set at the next full-press 2 operation position. It can be excluded that a combination of imaging operation modes is set.

Further, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the operation position of the release button 4 detected by the operation detection unit is displayed on the stroke indicator 45 as “AF”, “C _L ”, as shown in FIG. Since it is displayed as “C _H ”, the photographer can visually grasp at which operation position the release button 4 being operated is located. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an imaging error caused by erroneously recognizing the operation position where the release button 4 is located, and to perform rapid imaging.

Further, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the imaging operation modes “C _L ” and “C _H ” set by the imaging mode setting unit at the second and third operation positions, respectively. Is displayed on the stroke indicator 45 by the display control means together with the operation position detected by the operation position detection means, so that the photographer can locate the release button 4 together with the operation position where the release button 4 is located. It is possible to visually grasp the imaging operation mode set at the operating position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an imaging mistake caused by erroneously recognizing the imaging operation mode set at the operation position where the release button 4 is located, and to perform rapid imaging.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the operation amount between the operation positions of the release button 4 detected by the operation amount detection means is displayed on the scale of the stroke indicator 45 as shown in FIG. 4 by the display control means. Since it is displayed, the photographer can visually grasp the operation amount between the operation positions detected by the operation amount detection means. Therefore, even when the feeling of the fingertip becomes dull due to wearing a glove, etc., it is possible to visually grasp which position the release button 4 is operating between and what operation position the operation is between, An imaging opportunity is not missed, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation position and the operation amount of the release button 4 detected by the operation position detection means and the operation amount detection means are set by the command dial 17. This is displayed by an indicator display of an exposure indicator 44 that displays the difference between the exposure value and the exposure value measured by the digital camera 1. For this reason, it is not necessary to newly provide a display space for displaying the operation position and the operation amount detected by the operation position detection unit and the operation amount detection unit, and the digital camera 1 can be downsized.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation position detected by the operation position detecting unit is displayed on the stroke indicator 45 whose display of the exposure indicator 44 is switched. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, a stroke indicator as shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed in the optical viewfinder 11 separately from the exposure indicator 44 without switching the display of the exposure indicator 44. FIG. 5A shows a state where the release button 4 is not pushed down to the half-pressed position indicated by “AF”, and FIG. 5B shows the release button 4 fully pressed indicated by “C _L ”. This represents a state in which it is pushed to the position of 1. FIG. 7C is a modification of the display of FIG. 6B, and as shown in FIG. 5B, the position where the release button 4 is pressed is continuously displayed in white. Instead, a display mode is shown in which the current position where the release button 4 is pressed is discretely outlined and moved and displayed. In this case, the release button 4 is pressed to a position of fully pressed 2 represented by "C _H", only the portion of the "C _H" is white display.

In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modification, the case where each operation position of the release button 4 is displayed together with the operation amount has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, only each operation position of the release button 4 may be displayed on the stroke indicator. FIG. 4A shows a state where the release button 4 is not pushed down to the half-pressed position indicated by “AF”. In FIG. 6B, the state where the release button 4 is pushed halfway down and the AF function is operating is indicated by hatching. FIG. 6C shows the in-focus state in which AF has been completed thereafter in white. FIG. 4D shows a state in which the release button 4 is pushed down to the fully-pressed 1 position indicated by “C _L ” after the AF is completed.

Further, in the above embodiment has been described digital camera 1 having the two kinds of continuous imaging operation mode of the low-speed continuous shooting C _L and the high-speed continuous shooting C _H, only one type of continuous imaging operation mode of continuous shooting C The present invention may be applied to a digital camera 1 that is provided in addition to 1-frame shooting S.

  Next, the imaging operation mode setting process performed by the CPU 21 of the digital camera 1 according to this modification will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In S <b> 21, the CPU 21 sets the imaging operation mode set at the operation position of full press 1 on the imaging operation mode setting screen as the setting value MS <b> 1 of the first imaging operation mode. Next, in S22, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the setting value MS1 of the first imaging operation mode set to 1 in the full press in S21 is continuous shooting C. When the setting value MS1 of the first imaging operation mode set in S21 is continuous imaging C and the determination result in S22 is “Yes”, the CPU 21 performs the second imaging operation mode that operates with full push 2 in S23. The setting value MS2 is disabled, and the imaging operation mode setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the first imaging operation mode set in S21 is not continuous shooting C and the determination result in S22 is “No”, the setting value MS1 of the first imaging operation mode is 1-frame shooting S. In S24, the CPU 21 excludes the one-frame shooting S from the imaging operation mode set to the setting value MS2 of the second imaging operation mode. Next, in S25, the CPU 21 sets the continuous shooting C as the setting value MS2 of the second imaging operation mode, and ends the imaging operation mode setting process.

  FIG. 10 shows the case where the full-press 1 is set to “S” and the full-press 2 is set to “C” by the imaging operation mode setting process shown in FIG. It is a stroke indicator which shows the operation position of the release button 4 displayed. FIG. 4A shows a state where the release button 4 is not pushed down to the half-pressed position indicated by “AF”. In FIG. 6B, the state where the release button 4 is pushed halfway down and the AF function is operating is indicated by hatching. FIG. 6C shows the in-focus state in which AF has been completed thereafter in white. FIG. 4D shows a state in which the release button 4 is pushed to the position of full push 1 indicated by “S” after the AF is completed.

  Also in the digital camera 1 according to such a modification, the setting operation of the second imaging operation mode is simplified, the setting operation of the imaging mode can be easily performed, the operation position of the full press 1 and the operation of the next full press 2 are performed. It can be excluded that a combination of imaging modes that does not have an operational meaning is set for the position, and the same operations and effects as in the above-described embodiment are achieved.

  The display mode of the stroke indicator is not limited to the above-described embodiment and each modification. For example, a display mode as shown in FIG. 11 may be used.

When the digital camera 1 has an AF button for executing the AF function, since it is not necessary to make AF correspond to the half-pressed state, the release button 4 is operated half-pressed as shown in FIG. to the first set of one frame shooting S to the image pickup operation mode, operating the second imaging operation mode operating at full press 1 in the state of the release button 4 slow continuous shooting C _L, while the full press 2 of the release button 4 The high-speed continuous shooting _CH can be set in the third imaging operation mode to be displayed on the stroke indicator. Further, when the release button 4 that has three or more operation positions, for example, four operating position, as shown in FIG. (B), AF in each operating position, one frame shooting S, slow continuous shooting C _L , And high-speed continuous shooting C _H can be set and displayed on the stroke indicator.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging operation mode has been described as 1-frame shooting S, low-speed continuous shooting C _L, and high-speed continuous shooting C _H , but the imaging operation mode is not limited to these. For example, a silent shooting Q that is an imaging operation mode that reduces the operation sound generated during imaging by driving a charge motor that charges the shutter curtain at a low speed may be added to the type of imaging operation mode. In the case of a digital camera equipped with this silent shooting Q, in the imaging operation mode setting process shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. Can do.

In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the imaging mode is the imaging operation mode, and one-frame shooting S, low-speed continuous shooting C _L , or high-speed continuous shooting C _H is set, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, an imaging mode for imaging without flash when fully pressed 1, an imaging mode for imaging with flash when fully pressed 2, or an ISO sensitivity value of 100 when fully pressed 1 is set. The mode may be configured to set an imaging mode in which the ISO sensitivity value is set to 400, which is larger than the value at the time of full press 1, when the full press 2 is set.

  In the above embodiment, the magnet provided on the shaft portion of the release button 4 is detected by a magnetic detection element such as an MR sensor provided in the housing of the digital camera 1 to detect the operation amount of the release button 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a brush is provided on the shaft portion of the release button 4, a detection unit that detects contact of the brush is provided in the housing of the digital camera 1, and a contact pattern in which the brush contacts the detection unit is detected by the detection unit. The operation position and the operation amount of the release button 4 may be detected.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment and modification demonstrated the case where the operation member moved to a several operation position was applied to the release button 4, this invention is not limited to this, It applies to another operation member. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment and the modification, the case where the stroke indicator is displayed in black and white is described. However, the stroke indicator may be displayed in two colors such as red and green.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the imaging device according to the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called silver salt camera using a film. Even when the present invention is applied to such an imaging apparatus, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera 4 ... Release button 12 ... Rear monitor 17 ... Command dial 21 ... CPU
37 ... Display panel in the viewfinder 38 ... First switch 39 ... Second switch 40 ... Third switch 44 ... Exposure indicator 45 ... Stroke indicator

Claims (6)

An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that images a subject; and a recording unit that records an image signal captured by the imaging unit in response to an imaging instruction signal on a recording medium,
It is possible to move to a first operation position and a second operation position different from the first operation position in accordance with an external operation, and the imaging instruction signal is sent to any one of the two operation positions. An operating member to be generated,
First setting means for setting an imaging mode in which imaging is started in response to the movement of the operation member to the first operation position to the first imaging mode;
Second setting means for setting an imaging mode in which imaging is started in response to movement of the operation member to the second operation position to a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode;
Control means for restricting the second imaging mode set by the second setting means to an imaging mode having a predetermined relationship with the first imaging mode in accordance with the setting by the first setting means. ,
The imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging unit and the recording unit perform an imaging operation in an imaging mode corresponding to the operation position of the operation member. The imaging device according to claim 1,
Operation position detecting means for detecting the operation position of the operation member;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit. The imaging device according to claim 2,
The display control means displays on the display means the imaging mode set for each operation position by the first setting means or the second setting means together with the operation position detected by the operation position detection means. An image pickup apparatus characterized by causing the image pickup apparatus to operate. In the imaging device according to claim 2 or 3,
Comprising an operation amount detection means for detecting an operation amount between the operation positions;
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the operation amount detected by the operation amount detection unit. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the display means is an exposure indicator that displays a difference between an exposure value set by an exposure operation member and an exposure value measured by the image pickup apparatus. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The operation member is a release button that, when operated, causes the imaging unit to image a subject,
The imaging mode is an imaging operation mode for setting the number of imaging frames for causing the imaging unit to image a subject by one operation of the release button.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the second imaging mode exceeds the first imaging mode in terms of the number of imaging frames.

Images