JP2012182577A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase operability for image recording/reproduction.SOLUTION: A flag is changed between "0" and "1" in response to a long press on a lock button 28lk. When a shutter button 28sh is fully pressed in an imaging mode, a CPU 26 records image data representing a subject field captured by an imager 16 in a recording medium 48 irrespective of the flag state. When a reproduction mode is started or when a forward button 28fw is operated in the reproduction mode, the CPU 26 reproduces the image data recorded in the recording medium 48 irrespective of the flag state. When a delete button 28dl is operated in conjunction with the reproduction process, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the flag indicates "1", and notifies that the operation of the delete button 28dl is disabled in response to a YES determination result or deletes the reproduced image data from the recording medium 48 in response to a NO determination result.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that executes processing according to key operations.

  An example of this type of device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this background art, the cancel electrode portion is provided in the vicinity of a key electrode corresponding to a capacitive touch switch that inputs a control command when touched with a finger. The input from the key electrode is invalidated when the change in the capacitance of the cancel electrode portion continues for the first predetermined time or more and becomes a predetermined amount or more. The input from the key electrode is that the time during which the capacitance change of the cancel electrode portion continues is less than the first predetermined time, or the amount of change in the capacitance of the cancel electrode portion is less than the predetermined amount, and the key electrode This is effective when the change in the electrostatic capacitance continuously exceeds a predetermined amount for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. As a result, unintended key operations are invalidated, and usability is improved.

JP 2010-266133 A

  However, the background art does not assume image recording / reproduction, and the validity / invalidity of operations relating to image recording / reproduction is not controlled according to the operation mode. Therefore, the operability relating to image recording / reproduction is limited with the background art.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of enhancing the operability related to image recording / reproduction.

  The electronic camera according to the present invention (10: reference numeral corresponding to the embodiment; the same applies hereinafter) limits the process of recording the image output from the imaging means (16) on the recording medium (48) in response to the recording operation. Recording means (S81, S89 to S91) executed regardless of the validity / invalidity of the setting, and the process of reproducing the image recorded on the recording medium in response to the reproduction operation, regardless of the validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting Reproduction means (S131 to S135, S139 to S141), first notification means (S137, S143) for notifying deletion operation invalidity when a deletion operation is performed in association with the processing of the reproduction means in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid ~ S145), and deletion means (S137, S143, S147) for deleting an image reproduced by the reproducing means from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in relation to the processing of the reproducing means in a state where the operation restriction setting is invalid ~ S153).

  Preferably, the deletion unit generates a confirmation operation request in response to the deletion operation (S147), and an image deletion unit deletes the image in response to the confirmation operation for the confirmation operation request generated by the generation unit ( S153).

  Preferably, a second notification unit (S57 to S61) that repeatedly generates different notifications in parallel with the processing of the reproduction unit according to the validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting is further provided.

  More preferably, a delete button (28dl) for accepting a delete operation and a light emitting means (30dl) provided in the vicinity of the delete button are further provided, and the second notifying means drives the light emitting means with reference to the determination result. Control aspects.

  Preferably, a 1st alerting | reporting means performs alerting | reporting using at least 1 of an image, an audio | voice, and a vibration.

  Preferably, third notification means (S103 to S105, S109 to S113, S117 to notify that the setting change operation is invalid when a setting change operation is performed in connection with the processing of the imaging means in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid. S121, S125), and changing means for changing the setting of the imaging means when a setting change operation is performed in relation to the processing of the imaging means in a state where the operation restriction setting is invalid (S103 to S107, S111 to S115, S119 to S123) is further provided.

  More preferably, there is further provided fourth notification means (S47 to S51) for repeatedly generating different notifications in parallel with the processing of the imaging means in accordance with the validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting.

  More preferably, a display means (42) for displaying an imaging setting menu is further provided, and the fourth notification means controls the display mode of the display means with reference to the determination result.

  More preferably, a 3rd alerting | reporting means performs alerting | reporting using at least 1 of an image, an audio | voice, and a vibration.

  The recording / playback control program according to the present invention operates the processor (26) of the electronic camera (10) for processing to record the image output from the imaging means (16) on the recording medium (48) in response to the recording operation. Recording step (S81, S89 to S91) that is executed regardless of whether the restriction setting is valid (S81, S89 to S91), and processing that plays back the image recorded on the recording medium in response to the reproduction operation, regardless of whether the restriction setting is valid Playback step (S131 to S135, S139 to S141), notification step for notifying the invalidation of the delete operation when the delete operation is performed in relation to the process of the playback step with the operation restriction setting enabled (S137, S143 to S145), and a deletion step (S137, S143, S147 ~) for deleting the image reproduced by the reproduction step from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in association with the process of the reproduction step when the operation restriction setting is invalid Record / replay to execute S153) Is a control program.

  An external control program according to the present invention is an external control program supplied to an electronic camera (10) including a processor (26) that executes processing according to an internal control program stored in a memory (52), and includes an imaging unit (16 Recording step (S81, S89 to S91) for executing the process of recording the image output from) on the recording medium (48) in response to the recording operation regardless of the validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting. Playback step (S131 to S135, S139 to S141) that executes the process of playing back the image in response to the playback operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid. A notification step (S137, S143 to S145) for notifying the invalidation of the deletion operation when the deletion operation is performed in relation to the deletion step was performed in relation to the processing of the playback step with the operation restriction setting invalid. When re-played by step An external control program for causing a processor to execute a deletion step (S137, S143, S147 to S153) for deleting a generated image from the recording medium in cooperation with the internal control program.

  An electronic camera (10) according to the present invention includes a fetching means (54) for fetching an external control program, and a processor for executing processing according to the external control program fetched by the fetching means and the internal control program stored in the memory (52) The external control program is an electronic camera (10) provided with (26), and the external control program sets the operation restriction setting to the process of recording the image output from the imaging means (16) on the recording medium (48) in response to the recording operation. Recording step (S81, S89 to S91) to be executed regardless of validity / invalidity, and reproduction step to execute processing for reproducing an image recorded on a recording medium in response to a reproduction operation regardless of validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting (S131 to S135, S139 to S141), a notification step (S137, S143 to S145) for notifying the invalidation of the deletion operation when the deletion operation is performed in relation to the processing of the playback step in the state where the operation restriction setting is valid, And operation system An internal control program for a deletion step (S137, S143, S147 to S153) for deleting an image reproduced by the reproduction step from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in association with the processing of the reproduction step in a state where the setting is invalid It corresponds to a program executed in cooperation with.

  If the operation restriction setting is valid, the recording process and the reproduction process are allowed, while the deletion process is restricted. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a recorded image is accidentally deleted while enabling basic camera operation. In addition, if the deletion operation is performed in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid, the invalidation of the deletion operation is notified. Thereby, it can be confirmed that the operation restriction setting is valid. In this way, operability related to image recording / reproduction is improved.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a configuration of a register referred to by the CPU of FIG. 2 embodiment; FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a mapping state of an SDRAM applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the allocation state of the evaluation area in an imaging surface. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the icon menu displayed on the monitor screen. (A) is an illustration figure which shows an example of the icon menu displayed in a non-locked state, (B) is an illustration figure which shows an example of the icon menu displayed in a locked state. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the alerting | reporting output in imaging mode. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the alerting | reporting output in reproduction | regeneration mode. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the menu image output in reproduction | regeneration mode. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the other Example of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Basic configuration]

  Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic camera of this embodiment is basically configured as follows. The recording unit 1 executes the process of recording the image output from the imaging unit 5 on the recording medium 6 in response to the recording operation regardless of the validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting. The reproduction unit 2 executes a process of reproducing an image recorded on the recording medium 6 in response to a reproduction operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid / invalid. The first notification means 3 notifies the invalidation of the deletion operation when the deletion operation is performed in relation to the processing of the reproduction means 2 in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid. The deletion unit 4 deletes the image reproduced by the reproduction unit 2 from the recording medium 6 when a deletion operation is performed in association with the processing of the reproduction unit 2 in a state where the operation restriction setting is invalid.

If the operation restriction setting is valid, the recording process and the reproduction process are allowed, while the deletion process is restricted. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a recorded image is accidentally deleted while enabling basic camera operation. In addition, if the deletion operation is performed in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid, the invalidation of the deletion operation is notified. Thereby, it can be confirmed that the operation restriction setting is valid. In this way, operability related to image recording / reproduction is improved.
[Example]

  Referring to FIG. 2, the digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes a focus lens 12 and an aperture unit 14 driven by drivers 18a and 18b, respectively. The optical image of the object scene that has passed through these members is irradiated onto the imaging surface of the imager 16 and subjected to photoelectric conversion. As a result, a charge representing the object scene image is generated.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 26 determines the state of the mode change button 28md provided on the key input device 28 (that is, the current operation mode) under the main task, and performs the imaging task and imaging corresponding to the imaging mode. While starting the setting change task, the playback task is started corresponding to the playback mode. The CPU 26 also commonly activates the lock control task regardless of the operation mode.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the current flag setting and imaging setting are registered in register RGST in a nonvolatile manner. The flag setting is a setting for defining the state of the flag FLG_lock, and indicates either “0” or “1”. The imaging setting is a setting for defining an operation in the imaging mode, and specifically has resolution setting, AE setting, AF setting, and strobe setting as items.

  The resolution setting indicates one of “high resolution”, “medium resolution”, and “low resolution”, and the AE setting indicates any one of “aperture priority AE”, “exposure time priority AE”, and “program AE”. Indicates. The AF setting indicates any one of “Multi AF”, “Spot AF”, and “Center-weighted AF”, and the strobe setting indicates any one of “Auto strobe”, “Forced flash”, and “Flash off”. Indicates.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the key input device 28 is provided with a shutter button 28sh, a lock button 28lk, a feed button 28fw, and a delete button 28dl in addition to the mode change button 28md. The LED device 30 is provided with LEDs 30 md, 30 sh, 30 lk, 30 fw and 30 dl. The LED 30md is arranged on the back side of the mode change button 28md, and the LED 30sh is arranged on the back side of the shutter button 28sh. The LED 30lk is disposed on the back side of the lock button 28lk, the LED 30fw is disposed on the back side of the feed button 28fw, and the LED 30dl is disposed on the back side of the delete button 28dl.

  The flag setting value registered in the register RGST is set in the flag FLG_lock under the lock control task activated in response to power-on. The flag setting and the state of the flag FLG_lock are changed under the lock control task every time the lock button 28lk is pressed and held. Under the lock control task, the lighting modes of the LEDs 30md, 30sh, 30lk, 30fw and 30dl are adjusted as follows with reference to the current operation mode and / or the state of the flag FLG_lock.

  If the current operation mode is the imaging mode, the LEDs 30md, 30sh and 30lk are turned on, and the LEDs 30fw and 30dl are turned off. The operator is permitted to operate the mode change button 28md, the shutter button 28sh, and the lock button 28lk, and that the operation of the feed button 28fw and the delete button 30dl is restricted, the LEDs 30md, 30sh, 30lk, 30fw, and 30dl. Recognize through turning on / off.

  If the current operation mode is the reproduction mode, the LEDs 30md, 30fw and 30lk are turned on and the LED 30sh is turned off. The LED 30dl is turned on when the flag FLG_lock is “0”, and is turned off when the flag FLG_lock is “1”.

  The operator recognizes that the operation of the mode change button 28md, the feed button 28fw and the lock button 28lk is permitted and the operation of the shutter button 28sh is restricted through the lighting / extinguishing of the LEDs 30md, 30fw, 30lk and 30sh. To do. The operator also recognizes that the operation of the delete button 28dl is permitted through the lighting of the LED 30dl, and recognizes that the operation of the delete button 28dl is restricted through the turning off of the LED 30dl.

  When the imaging mode is selected, the CPU 26 repeats the exposure operation for exposing the imaging surface and the charge readout operation according to the resolution setting registered in the register RGST in order to execute the moving image capturing process under the imaging task. Command the driver 18c. In response to a vertical synchronization signal Vsync periodically generated from an SG (Signal Generator) (not shown), the driver 18c exposes the imaging surface and reads out the charges generated on the imaging surface in a raster scanning manner. From the imager 16, raw image data having a desired resolution based on the read charges is periodically output.

  The preprocessing circuit 20 performs processing such as digital clamping, pixel defect correction, and gain control on the raw image data output from the imager 16. The raw image data subjected to these processes is written into the raw image area 34a (see FIG. 4) of the SDRAM 34 through the memory control circuit 32.

  The post-processing circuit 36 reads the raw image data stored in the raw image area 34a through the memory control circuit 32, and performs color separation processing, white balance adjustment processing, and YUV conversion processing on the read raw image data. The YUV format image data thus generated is written into the YUV image area 34b (see FIG. 4) of the SDRAM 34 by the memory control circuit 32.

  The LCD driver 38 repeatedly reads the image data stored in the YUV image area 34b through the memory control circuit 32, and drives the LCD monitor 40 based on the read image data. As a result, a real-time moving image (through image) of the object scene is displayed on the monitor screen.

  Referring to FIG. 5, an evaluation area EVA is allocated at the center of the imaging surface. The evaluation area EVA is divided into 16 in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and 256 divided areas form the evaluation area EVA. In addition to the above-described processing, the preprocessing circuit 20 shown in FIG. 2 executes simple RGB conversion processing that simply converts raw image data into RGB data.

  The AE evaluation circuit 22 integrates RGB data belonging to the evaluation area EVA among the RGB data generated by the preprocessing circuit 20 every time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated. As a result, 256 integral values, that is, 256 AE evaluation values, are output from the AE evaluation circuit 22 in response to the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. The AF evaluation circuit 24 integrates the high-frequency components of the RGB data belonging to the evaluation area EVA among the RGB data generated by the preprocessing circuit 20 every time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated. As a result, 256 integral values, that is, 256 AF evaluation values, are output from the AF evaluation circuit 24 in response to the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

  Under the lock control task parallel to the imaging task, a command for displaying a menu icon indicating the imaging setting registered in the register RGST is given to the character character generator 42. The character generator 42 gives menu icon data representing the imaging setting registered in the register RGST to the LCD driver 38, and the LCD driver 38 drives the LCD monitor 40 based on the given menu icon data. The message is displayed on the monitor screen as shown in FIG.

  However, the display mode of the menu icon is adjusted as follows with reference to the state of the flag FLG_lock. That is, the menu icon is displayed in a normal manner when the flag FLG_lock indicates “0” (see FIG. 7A), and when the flag FLG_lock indicates “1”, the menu item whose setting change is restricted is shaded. Is displayed (see FIG. 7B). In this embodiment, changes in resolution setting, AE setting, and AF setting are limited in correspondence with FLG_lock = 1. Therefore, the three menu items indicating resolution setting, AE setting, and AF setting are shaded.

  A touch on the resolution icon, AE icon, AF icon or strobe icon is detected by the touch sensor 44. When a touch on the strobe icon is detected, the strobe setting registered in the register RGST and the description of the strobe setting on the menu icon are changed under the imaging setting change task. This change process is executed regardless of the state of the flag FLG_lock. The strobe setting is cyclically changed in the order of “auto strobe” → “forced flash” → “flash prohibited” each time the flash icon is touched.

  When the touch of the resolution icon is detected in a state where the flag FLG_lock indicates “0”, the resolution setting registered in the register RGST and the description of the resolution setting on the menu icon are changed under the imaging setting change task. . The resolution setting is cyclically changed in the order of “high resolution” → “medium resolution” → “low resolution” each time the resolution icon is touched.

  Further, when the touch of the AE icon is detected with the flag FLG_lock indicating “0”, the description of the AE setting registered in the register RGST and the AE setting on the menu icon is changed under the imaging setting change task. . Each time the AE icon is touched, the AE setting is cyclically changed in the order of “aperture priority AE” → “exposure time priority AE” → “program AE”.

  When the touch of the AF icon is detected with the flag FLG_lock indicating “0”, the description of the AF setting registered in the register RGST and the AE setting on the menu icon is changed under the imaging setting change task. . Each time the AF icon is touched, the AF setting is cyclically changed in the order of “multi AF” → “spot AF” → “center weighted AF”.

  When a touch on the resolution icon, AE icon, or AF icon is detected in a state where the flag FLG_lock is “1”, a notification command for notifying that the touch operation is invalid is sent to the character generator 42 under the imaging setting change task. Given. The character generator 42 gives character data representing a message “setting cannot be changed” to the LCD driver 38, and the LCD driver 38 drives the LCD monitor 40 based on the given character data. The message is displayed on the monitor screen as shown in FIG.

  When the shutter button 28sh provided in the key input device 28 is in a non-operating state, the CPU 26 performs simple AE processing based on 256 AE evaluation values output from the AE evaluation circuit 22 and sets AE registered in the register RGST. In a manner according to The simple AE process is executed under the imaging task, and the aperture amount and the exposure time that define the appropriate EV value calculated thereby are set in the drivers 18b and 18c, respectively. As a result, the brightness of the through image is roughly adjusted.

  When the shutter button 28sh is half-pressed, the CPU 26 executes a strict AE process referring to the AE evaluation value in a manner according to the AE setting registered in the register RGST. The strict AE process is also executed under the imaging task, and the aperture amount and the exposure time that define the optimum EV value calculated thereby are also set in the drivers 18b and 18c. As a result, the brightness of the through image is adjusted strictly.

  If underexposure occurs even when the maximum exposure is set, a strobe drive request is issued in the strict AE process.

  Thereafter, the CPU 26 executes an AF process based on the 256 AF evaluation values output from the AF evaluation circuit 24 in a manner according to the AF setting registered in the register RGST. AF processing is also executed under the imaging task, and the focus lens 12 is placed at the focal point by the driver 18a. As a result, the sharpness of the through image is improved.

  When the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the strobe light emitting device 50 needs to be driven by referring to the strobe setting registered in the register RGST and / or the presence or absence of a strobe drive request. . The determination result is YES when the strobe setting is “forced flash”, and further when the strobe drive request is issued while the strobe setting is “auto strobe”. The determination result is also NO when the strobe setting is “flash emission prohibited”, and further NO when the strobe setting is “auto strobe” and the strobe drive request is not issued. The strobe light emitting device 50 is driven when the determination result is YES, and is paused when the determination result is NO.

  Thereafter, the CPU 26 executes a still image capturing process under the imaging task. As a result, when the strobe light emitting device 50 is driven, the image data representing the object scene at the time when the strobe light is irradiated is saved from the YUV image area 34b to the still image area 34c (see FIG. 4). When the strobe light emitting device 50 is not driven, the image data representing the scene at the time when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed is saved from the YUV image area 34b to the still image area 34c.

  Subsequently, the CPU 26 gives a corresponding command to the memory I / F 46 in order to execute a recording process under the imaging task. The memory I / F 46 reads one frame of image data saved in the still image area 34c through the memory control circuit 32, and records the read image data on the recording medium 48 in a file format.

  When the reproduction task is activated by selecting the reproduction mode, the CPU 32 designates the latest image file stored in the recording medium 48, and executes the reproduction process focusing on the designated image file in the memory I / F 46 and the LCD. Command the driver 38. The memory I / F 46 reads the image data of the designated image file from the recording medium 48 and writes the read image data into the still image area 34 c of the SDRAM 34 through the memory control circuit 32.

  The LCD driver 38 reads the image data stored in the still image area 34c through the memory control circuit 32, and drives the LCD monitor 40 based on the read image data. As a result, a reproduced image based on the image data of the designated image file is displayed on the LCD monitor 40. When the feed button 28fw of the key input device 28 is operated, the CPU 26 designates the next image file. The designated image file is subjected to reproduction processing similar to that described above, and as a result, the reproduction image is updated.

  When the delete button 28dl is operated while the flag FLG_lock is “1”, a notification command for notifying that the operation of the delete button 28dl is invalid is given to the character generator 42. The character generator 42 supplies character data representing a message “image cannot be deleted” to the LCD driver 38, and the LCD driver 38 drives the LCD monitor 40 based on the supplied character data. The message is displayed on the monitor screen as shown in FIG.

  When the delete button 28dl is operated in a state where the flag FLG_lock indicates “0”, a menu display command is given to the character generator 42. The character generator 42 gives to the LCD driver 38 character data representing an inquiry “Do you want to delete?” And “Delete” and “Cancel” menu items, and the LCD driver 38 is based on the given character data. 40 is driven. The menu image is displayed on the monitor screen as shown in FIG.

  When a touch on the “Cancel” menu item is detected, the display of the menu image is interrupted. When a touch on the “Delete” menu item is detected, a delete command is issued to the memory I / F 46. The currently designated image file is deleted from the recording medium 48 by the memory I / F 46. The CPU 26 designates the next image file. The designated image file is subjected to reproduction processing similar to that described above, and as a result, the reproduction image is updated.

  The CPU 26 performs the main task shown in FIG. 11, the lock control task shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the imaging task shown in FIG. 15, the imaging setting change task shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, and the reproduction task shown in FIGS. Are executed in parallel under the control of the multitasking OS. Note that control programs corresponding to these tasks are stored in the flash memory 52.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1, a lock control task is activated. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the current operation mode is the imaging mode. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the current operation mode is the reproduction mode. If the determination result in step S3 is YES, the imaging task is activated in step S7, and the imaging setting change task is activated in step S9. If the determination result of step S5 is YES, a reproduction | regeneration task will be started by step S11. If both the determination result in step S3 and the determination result in step S5 are NO, other processing is executed in step S13.

  When the process of step S9, S11 or S13 is completed, it is repeatedly determined in step S15 whether or not the mode change button 28md has been operated. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the activated tasks other than the lock control task are stopped in step S17, and thereafter, the process returns to step S3.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in step S21, the flag FLG_lock is set to either “0” or “1” with reference to the register RGST. In step S23, an LED / menu control process is executed. As a result, the light emission mode and menu icon display mode of the LED device 30 are controlled with reference to the current operation mode and / or the state of the flag FLG_lock.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not the lock button 28lk has been pressed and held. In step S27, it is determined whether or not the mode change button 28md has been operated. If the determination result in step S25 is YES, the setting of the flag FLG_lock on the register RGST is changed in step S29, and then the process proceeds to step S31. If the determination result in step S27 is YES, the process proceeds to step S31 as it is. In step S31, the same process as step S23 is executed, and then the process returns to step S25.

  The LED / menu control process of step S23 or S31 is executed according to a subroutine shown in FIGS. In step S41, it is determined whether the current operation mode is the imaging mode or the reproduction mode, and the process proceeds to step S43 corresponding to the imaging mode, while the process proceeds to step S53 corresponding to the reproduction mode.

  In step S43, the LEDs 30md, 30sh, and 30lk are turned on, and in step S45, the LEDs 30fw and 30dl are turned off. In step S47, the state of the flag FLG_lock is determined, and the process proceeds to step S49 corresponding to FLG_lock = 0, while the process proceeds to step S51 corresponding to FLG_lock = 1. In step S49, a menu icon for accepting a change in imaging settings is displayed in a normal manner. In step S51, a part of the menu icon is displayed in a shaded manner. When the process of step S49 or S51 is completed, the process returns to the upper hierarchy routine.

  In step S53, the LEDs 30md, 30fw and 30lk are turned on, and in step S55, the LED 30sh is turned off. In step S57, the state of the flag FLG_lock is determined, and the process proceeds to step S59 corresponding to FLG_lock = 0, while the process proceeds to step S61 corresponding to FLG_lock = 1. In step S59, the LED 30dl is turned on, and in step S61, the LED 30dl is turned off. When the process of step S59 or S61 is completed, the process returns to the upper hierarchy routine.

  Referring to FIG. 15, in step S71, a moving image capturing process is executed. From the imager 16, raw image data having a resolution according to the resolution setting registered in the register RGST is output. A through image based on such raw image data is displayed on the LCD monitor 40. In step S73, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 28sh has been half-pressed, and as long as the determination result is NO, the simple AE process according to the AE setting registered in the register RGST is repeated in step S75. As a result, the brightness of the through image is roughly adjusted.

  When the determination result in step S73 is updated from NO to YES, the strict AE process according to the AE setting registered in the register RGST is executed in step S77, and the AF process according to the AF setting registered in the register RGST is executed in step S79. To do. The brightness of the through image is strictly adjusted by the strict AE process, and the sharpness of the through image is improved by the AF process.

  If underexposure occurs even when the maximum exposure is set, a strobe drive request is issued in the strict AE process.

  In step S81, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 28sh has been fully pressed. In step S83, it is determined whether or not the operation of the shutter button 28sh has been released. If the determination result of step S83 is YES, it will return to step S73 as it is, and if the determination result of step S81 is YES, it will progress to step S85.

  In step S85, it is determined whether or not the strobe light emitting device 50 needs to be driven by referring to the strobe setting registered in the register RGST and / or the presence or absence of a strobe drive request. If the determination result is YES, the strobe light emitting device 50 is driven in step S87 and then the process proceeds to step S89. If the determination result is NO, the process directly proceeds to step S89.

  In step S89, a still image capturing process is executed. As a result, when the strobe light emitting device 50 is driven, image data representing the object scene at the time when the strobe light is irradiated is saved from the YUV image area 34b to the still image area 34c. When the strobe light emitting device 50 is not driven, the image data representing the scene at the time when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed is saved from the YUV image area 34b to the still image area 34c.

  In step S91, a corresponding command is given to the memory I / F 46 in order to execute the recording process. The memory I / F 46 reads one frame of image data saved in the still image area 34c through the memory control circuit 32, and records the read image data on the recording medium 48 in a file format. When the recording process is completed, the process returns to step S73.

  With reference to FIGS. 16 to 17, in step S <b> 101, imaging setting is performed with reference to the description of register RGST. In step S103, it is determined whether or not the resolution icon is touched. In step S111, it is determined whether or not the AE icon is touched. In step S119, it is determined whether or not the AF icon is touched. It is determined whether or not the icon is touched. All of these determination processes are executed based on the output of the touch sensor 44.

  If the determination result of step S103 is YES, the state of the flag FLG_lock is determined in step S105. If FLG_lock = 0, the description of the resolution setting registered in the register RGST and the resolution setting on the menu icon is changed in step S107. The resolution setting is cyclically changed in the order of “high resolution” → “medium resolution” → “low resolution” each time the resolution icon is touched. If FLG_lock = 1, the process proceeds to step S109, and a notification command for notifying that the touch operation is invalid is given to the character generator. As a result, a message “Setting cannot be changed” is displayed on the LCD monitor 40.

  If the determination result of step S111 is YES, the state of the flag FLG_lock is determined in step S113. If FLG_lock = 0, the description of the AE setting and the AE setting on the menu icon registered in the register RGST is changed in step S115. Each time the AE icon is touched, the AE setting is cyclically changed in the order of “aperture priority AE” → “exposure time priority AE” → “program AE”. If FLG_lock = 1, the process proceeds to step S117, and the same process as in step S109 described above is executed. As a result, a message “Setting cannot be changed” is displayed on the LCD monitor 40.

  If the determination result of step S119 is YES, the state of the flag FLG_lock is determined in step S121. If FLG_lock = 0, the description of the AF setting registered in the register RGST and the AF setting on the menu icon is changed in step S121. Each time the AF icon is touched, the AF setting is cyclically changed in the order of “multi AF” → “spot AF” → “center weighted AF”. If FLG_lock = 1, the process proceeds to step S125, and the same process as in step S109 described above is executed. As a result, a message “Setting cannot be changed” is displayed on the LCD monitor 40.

  If the decision result in the step S127 is YES, the strobe setting registered in the register RGST and the description of the strobe setting on the menu icon are changed in a step S129. The strobe setting is cyclically changed in the order of “auto strobe” → “forced flash” → “flash prohibited” each time the flash icon is touched.

  Referring to FIGS. 18 to 19, in step S131, the latest image file is designated. In step S133, the memory I / F 46 and LCD driver 38 are instructed to perform a reproduction process focusing on the designated image file. As a result, the reproduced image is displayed on the LCD monitor 40. In step S135, it is determined whether or not the feed button 28fw has been operated. In step S137, it is determined whether or not the delete button 28dl has been operated.

  If the decision result in the step S135 is YES, the next image file is designated in a step S139, and the reproduction process similar to the above-described step S133 is executed in a step S141. As a result, another reproduced image is displayed on the LCD monitor 40. If the determination result of step S137 is YES, the state of the flag FLG_lock is determined in step S143.

  If FLG_lock = 1, the process proceeds to step S145, and a notification command for notifying that the operation of the delete button 28dl is invalid is given to the character generator 42. As a result, a message “Image cannot be deleted” is displayed on the LCD monitor 40. When the notification process is completed, the process returns to step S135.

  If the determination result of step S143 is NO, a menu display command is given to the character generator 42. As a result, the menu image formed by the inquiry “Do you want to delete?” And the menu items “Delete” and “Cancel” is displayed on the LCD monitor 40. In step S149, it is determined whether or not the “delete” menu item is touched. In step S151, it is determined whether or not the “cancel” menu item is touched. This determination process is also executed based on the output of the touch sensor 44.

  If the determination result of step S151 is YES, it will return to step S135 as it is, and if the determination result of step S149 is YES, it will return to step S135 through the process of steps S153-S157. In step S153, a deletion instruction is issued toward the memory I / F 46. The currently designated image file is deleted from the recording medium 48 by the memory I / F 46. In steps S155 to S157, processing similar to that in steps S139 to S141 described above is executed.

  As can be seen from the above description, the flag FLG_lock is changed between “0” and “1” in response to a long press of the lock button 28lk. The CPU 26 records the image data representing the object scene captured by the imager 16 on the recording medium 48 regardless of the state of the flag FLG_lock when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed under the image pickup mode (S81, S89 ~). S91). The CPU 26 also reproduces the image data recorded on the recording medium 48 regardless of the state of the flag FLG_lock when the reproduction mode is activated or when the feed button 28fw under the reproduction mode is operated (S131 to S135). , S139 ~ S141). When the delete button 28dl is operated in relation to the reproduction process, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the flag FLG_lock indicates “1” (S137, S143), and determines that the operation of the delete button 28dl is invalid as YES. In response to the notification (S145), the reproduced image data is deleted from the recording medium 48 corresponding to the determination result of NO (S147 to S153).

  If the flag FLG_lock is set to “1”, recording and reproduction of image data is allowed, but deletion of image data is restricted. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the recorded image data is erroneously deleted while enabling basic camera operation. Further, when the delete button 28dl is operated in a state where the flag FLG_lock is set to “1”, the invalidity of the operation of the delete button 28dl is notified. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the flag FLG_lock is set to “1” (= the operation restriction setting is valid).

  As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which image data is accidentally deleted while satisfying a child's interest in camera operation, which is not particularly familiar with camera operation, and to improve operability related to image recording / playback.

  In this embodiment, a deletion function is assumed as a function permitted / restricted in the playback mode. However, a function for editing recorded image data is added, and this editing function is permitted / restricted according to the state of the flag FLG_lock. You may make it restrict | limit. In this embodiment, the function is temporarily restricted through the LCD monitor 40 (see FIG. 8 or FIG. 9), but the function is temporarily restricted by sound or vibration. You may make it do. That is, the notification may be performed by at least one of an image, sound, and vibration.

  Further, in this embodiment, a multitask OS and a control program corresponding to a plurality of tasks executed thereby are stored in the flash memory 42 in advance. However, as shown in FIG. 20, a communication I / F 54 is provided in the digital camera 10 and a part of the control program is prepared as an internal control program in the flash memory 42 from the beginning, while the other part of the control program is prepared as an external control program. May be acquired from an external server. In this case, the above-described operation is realized by cooperation of the internal control program and the external control program.

  In this embodiment, the process executed by the CPU 26 is divided into a plurality of tasks as described above. However, each task may be further divided into a plurality of small tasks, and a part of the divided plurality of small tasks may be integrated with other tasks. Further, when each task is divided into a plurality of small tasks, all or part of the tasks may be acquired from an external server.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera 16 ... Imager 22 ... AE evaluation circuit 24 ... AF evaluation circuit 26 ... CPU
28 lk ... lock button 30 ... LED device 44 ... touch sensor

Claims (12)

Recording means for executing processing for recording an image output from the imaging means on a recording medium in response to a recording operation, regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
Playback means for executing a process of playing back an image recorded on the recording medium in response to a playback operation, regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
First notification means for notifying the invalidation of the deletion operation when a deletion operation is performed in association with the processing of the reproduction means in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid, and the reproduction in a state where the operation restriction setting is invalid An electronic camera comprising: deletion means for deleting an image reproduced by the reproduction means from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in association with processing of the means.   The deletion means includes a generation means for generating a confirmation operation request in response to the deletion operation, and an image deletion means for deleting the image in response to a confirmation operation for the confirmation operation request generated by the generation means. The electronic camera according to claim 1.   3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a second notification unit that repeatedly generates different notifications according to validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting in parallel with the processing of the reproduction unit. A delete button for accepting the delete operation, and a light emitting means provided in the vicinity of the delete button,
The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the second notification unit controls a driving mode of the light emitting unit with reference to the determination result.   5. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the first notification unit performs notification using at least one of an image, sound, and vibration. Third notification means for notifying invalidity of the setting change operation when a setting change operation is performed in relation to the processing of the imaging means in a state where the operation restriction setting is valid, and in a state where the operation restriction setting is invalid The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit that changes a setting of the imaging unit when a setting change operation is performed in association with processing of the imaging unit.   The electronic camera according to claim 6, further comprising a fourth notification unit that repeatedly generates different notifications according to validity / invalidity of the operation restriction setting in parallel with the processing of the imaging unit. It further comprises display means for displaying an imaging setting menu,
The electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein the fourth notification unit controls a display mode of the display unit with reference to the determination result.   The electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein the third notification unit performs notification using at least one of an image, sound, and vibration. In the electronic camera processor,
A recording step of executing a process of recording an image output from the imaging unit on a recording medium in response to a recording operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
A reproduction step of executing a process of reproducing an image recorded on the recording medium in response to a reproduction operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
A notification step of notifying the invalidation of the deletion operation when a deletion operation is performed in connection with the process of the reproduction step while the operation restriction setting is valid; and A recording / reproduction control program for executing a deletion step of deleting an image reproduced by the reproduction step from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in relation to processing. An external control program supplied to an electronic camera including a processor that executes processing according to an internal control program stored in a memory,
A recording step of executing a process of recording an image output from the imaging unit on a recording medium in response to a recording operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
A reproduction step of executing a process of reproducing an image recorded on the recording medium in response to a reproduction operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
A notification step for notifying the invalidation of the deletion operation when a deletion operation is performed in connection with the process of the reproduction step while the operation restriction setting is valid; and An external control program for causing the processor to execute a deletion step of deleting an image reproduced by the reproduction step from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in association with processing, in cooperation with the internal control program . An electronic camera comprising a capturing unit that captures an external control program, and a processor that executes processing according to the external control program captured by the capturing unit and the internal control program stored in a memory,
The external control program is
A recording step of executing a process of recording an image output from the imaging unit on a recording medium in response to a recording operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
A reproduction step of executing a process of reproducing an image recorded on the recording medium in response to a reproduction operation regardless of whether the operation restriction setting is valid or invalid;
A notification step for notifying the invalidation of the deletion operation when a deletion operation is performed in connection with the process of the reproduction step while the operation restriction setting is valid; and An electronic camera corresponding to a program that executes, in cooperation with the internal control program, a deletion step of deleting an image reproduced by the reproduction step from the recording medium when a deletion operation is performed in connection with processing.

Images