JP2013219440A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability in an imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: In the imaging apparatus, a plurality of images different in exposure condition are composed to generate an HDR image having a wide dynamic range, but when both of a shutter speed dial for specifying a shutter speed and a diaphragm dial for specifying a diaphragm value are not set in an auto position, HDR photographing processing is not executed. When a shutter operation is performed when both of the shutter speed dial and the diaphragm dial are not set in the auto position, a display control unit displays necessity of both of the shutter speed dial and the diaphragm dial being set in the auto position and a migration method to a setting menu (520). When a decision button is operated in this state, the setting menu (510) including an item capable of switching ON and OFF of HDR photographing processing is displayed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera.

  In an imaging apparatus including a display unit, a user can generally display a setting menu by pressing a menu button or the like, and can change and set shooting parameters forming shooting conditions in the menu. Along with the increase in functionality of imaging devices, there are many imaging parameters that can be set and a hierarchical structure is often adopted for menu display. The user searches for a desired shooting parameter from among a large number of shooting parameters while changing the menu display one after another using the cross key or the like. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a method for displaying a status display indicating various setting states of a camera in response to pressing of a status check key.

JP 2006-80634 A

  As described above, there are many shooting parameters that can be set, but a specific display (for example, a warning that the setting state is inappropriate and shooting is not possible, or a display of specific shooting parameters) is formed. Under such conditions, it is presumed that the shooting parameters that the user desires to change the settings are often limited. However, conventionally, even in such a case, it is necessary to search for a desired shooting parameter from among a large number of shooting parameters via a normal menu operation, which tends to increase the operation burden. Needless to say, improvement in operability is beneficial.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an imaging apparatus that contributes to improvement in operability.

  The imaging device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that performs imaging, a display unit, an operation input unit, and a first display state in which a predetermined first display is performed on the display unit. When a predetermined menu operation is input, a first control unit that displays any of a plurality of menus for setting shooting conditions on the display unit, and an input of the predetermined operation to the operation input unit In response, a second display different from the first display is performed on the display unit, and a specific operation different from the menu operation is input to the operation input unit in the second display state in which the second display is performed. And a second control unit for displaying any one of the plurality of menus on the display unit.

  A second control unit is provided separately from the first control unit, and menu display is enabled on a route different from the route through the menu operation. This makes it possible to set user-desired shooting conditions without performing complicated menu operations.

  Specifically, for example, a determination unit that determines whether or not an instruction input via the operation input unit can be accepted based on the setting state of the imaging condition may be further provided in the imaging apparatus. For example, when the second control unit cannot accept the instruction, the second control unit performs the second display on the display unit, and then when the specific operation is input to the operation input unit, the plurality of menus. Is displayed on the display unit. The specific menu may include an item for changing a shooting parameter to be referred to when the determination unit determines whether the instruction can be accepted among a plurality of shooting parameters forming the shooting condition. good.

  Accordingly, the user can quickly remove the cause of the unacceptable instruction without performing a complicated menu operation.

  More specifically, for example, the second display includes an operation method for displaying the specific menu on the display unit or a button display for displaying the specific menu on the display unit.

  Thereby, the user can easily display the specific menu.

  Further, for example, the instruction is an image capturing instruction, the plurality of shooting parameters include first and second shooting parameters, and the shooting instruction is given when a relationship between the first and second shooting parameters is a predetermined relationship. Is previously determined to be unacceptable, and the determination unit performs the determination in accordance with the specification.

  Further, for example, the second control unit performs the second display on the display unit when a predetermined operation different from the menu operation is input to the operation input unit in the first display state, and then performs the specifying When an operation is input to the operation input unit, a specific menu included in the plurality of menus is displayed on the display unit, and the second display includes display of a plurality of shooting parameters forming the shooting conditions, The specific menu includes an item for changing one or more shooting parameters of the plurality of shooting parameters.

  The user can easily confirm the setting states of the plurality of shooting parameters by looking at the second display. If it is desired to change the setting of any shooting parameter after this confirmation, the user may perform a specific operation. Accordingly, it is possible to change the setting of a desired shooting parameter without performing a complicated menu operation.

  Further, for example, the plurality of shooting parameters in the second display include first and second shooting parameters in which one has priority over the other, and the second control unit includes the first and second shooting parameters in the second display. Which of the second imaging parameters has priority is displayed.

  Thereby, the user can easily recognize the priority relationship between the first and second imaging parameters.

  Specifically, for example, the first imaging parameter indicates whether the first imaging process is valid or invalid, while the second imaging parameter indicates whether the second imaging process is valid or invalid. When both the first and second imaging processes are enabled by the first and second imaging parameters, an imaging control unit that causes only one of the first and second imaging processes to function preferentially It may be provided in the apparatus. For example, when both the first and second imaging processes are enabled by the first and second imaging parameters, the second control unit displays the first and second imaging processes in the second display. Which of these is prioritized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that contributes to improvement in operability.

1 is a schematic overall block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal block diagram of the imaging part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of the transition of the display content accompanying menu operation. It is a figure for demonstrating HDR imaging | photography process. It is a figure which shows the some still image obtained by bracket imaging | photography process. It is a figure which shows the mode of the transition of the display content which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the message which concerns on 1st Example of this invention and can be displayed. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display content which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the menu which concerns on 4th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display content which concerns on 4th Example of this invention. It is a partial block diagram of the main control part which concerns on 6th Example of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings to be referred to, the same part is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description regarding the same part is omitted in principle. In this specification, for simplification of description, a symbol or reference that refers to information, signal, physical quantity, state quantity, member, or the like is written to indicate information, signal, physical quantity, state quantity or Names of members and the like may be omitted or abbreviated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic overall block diagram of an imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 1 is a digital still camera that can capture and record a still image. However, the imaging apparatus 1 may be a digital video camera that can capture and record still images and moving images. The imaging device 1 includes each part referred to by reference numerals 11 to 17. FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the imaging unit 11. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the imaging apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of the operation unit 17.

  The imaging unit 11 includes an optical system 35, a diaphragm 32, an imaging device (solid-state imaging device) 33 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and the optical system 35 and the diaphragm 32. And a driver 34 for drive control. The optical system 35 is formed of a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens 30 for adjusting the angle of view of the imaging unit 11 and a focus lens 31 for focusing. The zoom lens 30 and the focus lens 31 are movable in the optical axis direction. Based on the control signal from the main control unit 13, the positions of the zoom lens 30 and the focus lens 31 in the optical system 35 and the opening of the diaphragm 32 (that is, the diaphragm value) are controlled. The image sensor 33 is formed by arranging a plurality of light receiving pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions. Each light receiving pixel of the image sensor 33 photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject incident through the optical system 35 and the diaphragm 32, and an electrical signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion is used as an image signal of the subject as an AFE 12 (Analog Front End). ). In the following description, a photographed image refers to an image obtained by photographing using the imaging unit 11 (that is, an image based on an output image signal of the imaging unit 11), and photographing refers to photographing using the imaging unit 11. Point to.

  The AFE 12 amplifies the analog signal output from the imaging unit 11 (imaging device 33), converts the amplified analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the main control unit 13. The amplification degree of signal amplification in the AFE 12 is controlled by the main control unit 13.

  The main control unit 13 includes a signal processing unit 51 that performs predetermined signal processing, a shooting control unit 52 that performs control related to shooting, a display control unit 53 that performs control related to display on the display unit 15, and the like. Centrally control the movement of the part. The internal memory 14 is formed by SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and temporarily stores various data generated in the imaging device 1. The display unit 15 is a display device having a display screen such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays a captured image, an image recorded on the recording medium 16, and the like under the control of the display control unit 53. The display unit 15 is provided with a touch panel 15a, and the user can give various instructions to the imaging apparatus 1 by touching the display screen of the display unit 15 with an operating tool (such as a finger or a touch pen). However, the touch panel 15a can be omitted. In this specification, the display and the display screen refer to those of the display unit 15 unless otherwise specified. The recording medium 16 is a non-volatile memory such as a card-like semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, and records an image signal or the like of a captured image under the control of the main control unit 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation unit 17 designates a plurality of buttons including a shutter button 41, an information display button 42, a selection button (cross key, etc.) 43, an enter button 44 and a menu button 45, and a shutter speed. A shutter speed dial 48 for performing the operation and an aperture dial 49 for designating an opening degree (that is, an aperture value) of the diaphragm 32 are provided to accept various operations from the user. Each button in the operation unit 17 can be formed by a push button switch or the like, but can also be formed as a button on the touch panel 15a. Dials 48 and 49 are mechanical dials. However, the dials 48 and 49 may be dials on the touch panel 15a (the dials on the video). In the following, it is assumed that various operations are mainly input to the operation unit 17, but the arbitrary operation may be an operation on the touch panel 15a.

In response to an external force given to the dial 48 and 49, the aperture dial position DP _AP is the rotational position of the shutter speed dial location DP _SS and dial 49 is a rotational position of the dial 48 is changed, the dial position DP _SS and DP _{Each AP} takes either an auto position or a manual position. When the dial position DP _SS belongs to the manual position, the imaging control unit 52 controls the shutter speed so that the photographed image at a shutter speed corresponding to a dial position DP _SS is obtained. The shutter speed to be controlled may be the shutter speed of the electronic shutter (that is, the speed depending on the exposure time of the image sensor 33 when obtaining the image signal of the captured image), or the shutter speed of the mechanical shutter (that is, the shutter speed). Or a speed depending on the opening time of the shutter plate that can be provided between the image sensor 33 and the subject. When dial position DP _SS is AUTO position, the imaging control unit 52, depending on the setting state of the imaging conditions, free to set the shutter speed in itself. When the dial position DP _AP belongs to the manual position, the imaging control unit 52 controls the aperture 32 so that a captured image is acquired with an aperture value corresponding to the dial position DP _AP . When the dial position DP _AP is the auto position, the shooting control unit 52 sets the aperture value freely according to the shooting condition setting state.

  The user can push the shutter button 41 in two steps. Starting from an open state in which no external force is applied to the shutter button 41, when the shutter button 41 is lightly pressed, the state of the shutter button 41 is half pressed, and then when the shutter button 41 is further pressed, the shutter button 41 is pressed. The state of is fully pressed. When an operation for bringing the shutter button 41 into a fully-pressed state (hereinafter referred to as a shutter operation) is performed, the shooting control unit 52 performs shooting control for obtaining a target image. In other words, the shutter operation corresponds to an instruction to capture a target image. The target image is an image (a kind of captured image) that should be obtained in response to the shutter operation, and the imaging control includes control for the imaging unit 11 and the signal processing unit 51.

  The imaging control unit 52 performs imaging control according to the imaging condition of the target image (hereinafter, also simply referred to as imaging condition) that should be referred to as the acquisition condition of the target image. The shooting condition includes a plurality of shooting parameters, and the shooting control unit 52 can set and change each shooting parameter in response to an input operation to the operation unit 17. Setting and changing of each shooting parameter are performed in a state where a menu is displayed. There are a plurality of menu displays as the menu display, and the display control unit 53 can cause the display unit 15 to selectively perform any one of the plurality of menu displays.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the transition of the display content and the content of the menu display will be described. When the imaging device 1 is activated, the display state of the display unit 15 becomes the reference display state, and the main control unit 13 performs live view display processing in the reference display state. The reference display state corresponds to a shooting standby state. In the live view display process, the subject is sequentially photographed by the imaging unit 11 at a predetermined frame period, and the photographed images of the subject sequentially obtained as a result are updated and displayed on the display unit 15 as a live view image. The display on the display unit 15 in the reference display state is also referred to as a reference display. In the reference display state, additional information (shutter speed, F value depending on the aperture value, remaining battery level for driving the imaging device 1, etc.) may be displayed together with the live view image. When the shutter button 41 is in the open state, a live view image on which simple AE control and AF control are executed is displayed on the display unit 15, and when the shutter button 41 is in the half-pressed state, A live view image on which strict AE control and AF control are executed is displayed on the display unit 15. The AE control is control for optimizing the exposure condition of the captured image including the live view image. The AF control is control for optimizing the focus state of the captured image including the live view image.

  When a predetermined menu display instruction operation 310 is input to the operation unit 17 on the basis of the reference display state, the display control unit 53 displays the main menu on the display unit 15 and the main menu is displayed. When a predetermined menu switching operation 320 is input to the operation unit 17, a sub menu is displayed on the display unit 15 instead of the main menu. There are a plurality of submenus, and the display control unit 53 determines which submenu to display according to the specific contents of the operation 320. The pressing operation of the menu button 45 can correspond to the operation 310. The operation 320 is performed using the selection button 43 and the determination button 44, for example. A hierarchical structure of menu display is formed by the main menu and the sub menu. In the hierarchical structure, the main menu is located on the upper side of the submenu. Additional menus may exist below the submenu. The display of the main menu and the display of the sub menu on the display unit 15 are hereinafter referred to as a main menu display and a sub menu display, respectively.

  In the main menu display, one or more items indicating the state of one or more shooting parameters are displayed. When all items to be displayed in the main menu display cannot be displayed at once, all items are displayed in a time-sharing manner through scroll processing in response to the item selection operation 330 using the selection button 43. In the example of FIG. 5, items shown in the main menu display include an item 351 indicating whether the continuous shooting process is enabled or disabled, an item 352 indicating whether the camera shake correction process is enabled or disabled, and an item indicating whether the HDR imaging process is enabled or disabled. 353 and an item 354 indicating the strength of sharpness processing. Validity or invalidity of continuous shooting processing, validity or invalidity of camera shake correction processing, validity or invalidity of HDR imaging processing, and intensity of sharpness processing correspond to four different imaging parameters. Hereinafter, valid is expressed as “ON” and invalid is expressed as “OFF”.

  In a state where the main menu is displayed, the user selects a desired item from among a plurality of items including items 351 to 354 via the item selection operation 330 and sets using the selection button 43 and the determination button 44. Via the change operation 332, it is possible to instruct to change the imaging parameter corresponding to the selected item. In response to this instruction, the imaging control unit 52 actually changes the imaging parameter corresponding to the selected item (for example, changes the HDR imaging process from ON to OFF or the HDR imaging process from OFF to ON).

  In each submenu display, as in the main menu display, one or more items indicating the state of one or more shooting parameters are displayed. For example, in the submenu 380 which is one of the submenus, one or more items including an item 381 indicating ON or OFF of the bracket photographing process are displayed. ON or OFF of the bracket shooting process corresponds to one shooting parameter. When the setting change operation 332 for changing the shooting parameter corresponding to the item 381 is input to the operation unit 17 while the submenu 380 is displayed, the shooting control unit 52 sets the shooting parameter corresponding to the item 381. (For example, the bracket shooting process is changed from ON to OFF or the bracket shooting process is changed from OFF to ON).

  When the continuous shooting process, the HDR shooting process, and the bracket shooting process are all set to OFF, when a shutter operation is input to the operation unit 17, the shooting control unit 52 captures one still image on the imaging unit 11. A single shooting process is performed. Although continuous shooting is possible when the continuous shooting process is ON, the presence of continuous shooting is ignored here.

When a shutter operation is input to the operation unit 17 when the HDR shooting process is set to ON, the shooting control unit 52 executes the HDR shooting process in principle. Continuous during execution of HDR imaging processing, the imaging control unit 52, as shown in FIG. 6, by a plurality of still images _{410 [1] ~410 [N A} ] an imaging unit 11 in a state having different exposure conditions to each other manner to shoot, causing the plurality of still images _{410 [1] ~410 [N a} ] signal processor 51 an HDR signal processing on the obtained (N _a is an integer of 2 or more). HDR in signal processing, to synthesize the still image _{410 [1] ~410 [N A} ], still images 410 [1] - 410 HDR with [N _A] wide dynamic range than the dynamic range of the respective (High Dynamic Range) image 415 is generated. The image signal of the HDR image 415 is recorded on the recording medium 16.

When the shutter shooting operation is input to the operation unit 17 when the bracket shooting process is set to ON, the shooting control unit 52 executes the bracket shooting process in principle. At the time of execution of the bracket shooting process, the shooting control unit 52 causes the imaging unit 11 to continuously shoot a plurality of still images 420 [1] to 420 [N _B ] as shown in FIG. 7 (N _B is 2). Or an integer). The image signals of the still images 420 [1] to 420 [N _B ] are recorded on the recording medium 16 as image signals of N _B still images through predetermined signal processing by the signal processing unit 51. The shooting control unit 52 makes the exposure condition, the focus state, the white balance state, and the like different between the still images 420 [1] to 420 [N _B ].

HDR image 415 (and / or still image 410 [1] to 410 [N _A ]) as a target image for HDR imaging processing, and still image 420 [1] to 420 [N _B ] as a target image for bracket imaging processing Are different from each other, it is necessary to prioritize one of the HDR shooting process and the bracket shooting process when both are set to ON. In the present embodiment, it is assumed in the imaging apparatus 1 that the HDR imaging process should be prioritized over the bracket imaging process. Accordingly, when the HDR shooting process is set to ON and the shutter operation is input to the operation unit 17, the shooting control unit 52 performs the HDR shooting process as a rule, regardless of whether the bracket shooting process is ON or OFF. Run. On the other hand, when the HDR shooting process is set to OFF and the bracket shooting process is set to ON, when a shutter operation is input to the operation unit 17, the shooting control unit 52 executes the bracket shooting process as a rule. However, if the HDR shooting process is set to ON, the bracket shooting process is not executed even if the bracket shooting process is set to ON.

The exposure condition includes a shutter speed, an aperture value, and an amplification degree of signal amplification in the AFE 12. In the HDR imaging process, the imaging control unit 52 makes at least one of the shutter speed and the aperture value different between the still images 410 [1] to 410 [N _A ], and thereby the exposure necessary for generating the HDR image 415. Is realized. Thus, the imaging control unit 52, be set HDR shooting process is ON, the unless dial position DP _SS and DP _AP is not both AUTO position, does not execute the HDR imaging process.

  Specific operation examples of the image pickup apparatus 1 based on the above-described contents will be described in a plurality of embodiments below. As long as there is no contradiction, the matter described in any of the plurality of embodiments described below can be applied to any other embodiment.

<< First Example >>
A first embodiment will be described. Please refer to FIG. In the first embodiment, it is set to HDR imaging processing and the bracket shooting process are both ON, and, assuming that at least one of the dial position DP _SS and DP _AP belong to the manual position. Further, it is assumed that the HDR shooting process has been set to ON in the past, but the user does not want to execute the HDR shooting process at present (for example, consider a situation in which he forgot to turn off the HDR shooting process). ). FIG. 8 is a transition diagram of display contents under this assumption. Control of display contents including transition of display contents is performed by the display control unit 53 (the same applies to other examples described later). Although not shown in FIG. 8, when the menu operation including the operations 310 and 320 (FIG. 5) is performed in the state where the reference display is performed, the display of the main menu and the main menu are performed as described above. The sub menu is displayed via the menu display. The menu operation can also include an item selection operation 330 (see FIG. 5). Each of the menus described below is selectively displayed under the control of the display control unit 53 when a menu operation is input to the operation unit 17 in a state where the standard display is made unless otherwise specified. One of a plurality of menus. However, under a predetermined condition, any menu is displayed without going through the menu operation (details will be described later).

  In FIG. 8, a menu 510 is a menu when an HDR imaging process ON / OFF setting change is accepted (corresponding to the main menu in the example of FIG. 5). Therefore, the menu 510 is an item 353 (see FIG. 5). )including. Hereinafter, the display of the menu 510 is also referred to as a menu display 510.

  As described above, since the reference display state corresponds to the shooting standby state, in principle, when an instruction to shoot a target image by a shutter operation is issued in the reference display state, the target image is shot. However, the target image cannot be taken under the above assumption. Therefore, in the reference display state, when a shutter operation corresponding to an instruction to shoot the target image is input to the operation unit 17, the display control unit 53 includes the display of the display unit 15 from the reference display to the display of messages 521 and 522. Switch to warning display 520. The message 521 indicates an operation necessary for accepting the photographing instruction, and includes, for example, a message “Please set the shutter speed and aperture dial to the auto position”. Alternatively, the message 521 shown in FIG. 9, that is, the message “Please set the shutter speed and aperture dial to the auto position to perform HDR shooting. Or turn off the HDR setting” may be included in the message 521.

  The message 522 indicates an operation method for causing the display unit 15 to display a specific menu. Here, it is assumed that the operation method is to press the determination button 44. Then, the message 522 includes, for example, the message “To the setting menu with the OK button”. When the determination button 44 is pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the warning display 520 is displayed, the display control unit 53 switches the display of the display unit 15 from the warning display 520 to the menu display 510. Otherwise, the display of the display unit 15 is returned from the warning display 520 to the reference display.

  When the display on the display unit 15 is switched from the warning display 520 to the menu display 510, the user can remove the cause of the unacceptability of the shooting instruction simply by performing the setting change operation 332 (see FIG. 5). That is, when the determination button 44 is pressed in a state where the warning display 520 is formed, the menu display 510 is formed without performing the menu operation, and the shooting parameter that causes the reception of the shooting instruction cannot be accepted. Settings can be changed immediately. If the dials 48 and 49 are mechanical dials, the user who sees the message in the warning display 520 immediately notices the presence of the dials 48 and 49. Therefore, if the user desires to execute the HDR shooting process, the dial position can be easily changed to a position where the HDR shooting process can be performed. However, if the user has unintentionally set the HDR shooting process to ON and does not want to execute the HDR shooting process, the setting of the HDR shooting process is usually selected from a number of items using a menu operation. It is necessary to find an item for use. Although a simplified menu is illustrated in FIG. 5, there are actually many items that can be set, and such a search may be burdensome for the user. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the setting item for HDR shooting processing exists in the main menu. However, the item is not displayed unless scroll processing is performed, or the lower level of the hierarchical structure of the menu display. In such a case, the search may be more difficult. In view of this, as described above, a direct transition from the warning display 520 to the menu display 510 is made possible. Accordingly, the user can immediately know the cause of the unacceptability of the shooting instruction without performing a complicated menu operation, and can easily remove the cause if necessary.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined operation 571 (operation for requesting status display) different from the menu operation is input to the operation unit 17 in the reference display state, the display control unit 53 causes the display unit 15 to perform the status display 530. . Although the operation 571 is arbitrary, it is assumed here that the operation of continuously pressing the information display button 42 for one second corresponds to the operation 571. When a predetermined operation 572 different from the menu operation is input to the operation unit 17 starting from the state in which the status display 530 is formed, the display control unit 53 changes the display of the display unit 15 from the status display 530 to the status display 540. Switch to. If the operation 572 is not input to the operation unit 17 within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the status display 530 is formed, the display control unit 53 switches the display on the display unit 15 from the status display 530 to the reference display. Although the operation 572 is arbitrary, it is assumed here that the operation of continuously pressing the information display button 42 for one second corresponds to the operation 572.

Each of the status displays 530 and 540 includes a display of a setting state of a plurality of shooting parameters forming a shooting condition. In this example, the setting state of the HDR shooting process (whether it is ON or OFF) and bracket shooting. setting the state of the process with includes a display (ON, whether it is a OFF), of the HDR imaging processing and the bracket shooting process, including the display of the mark MK _PR indicating which one is being prioritized. In the status displays 530 and 540, the setting states of a plurality of shooting parameters may be displayed in a form superimposed on the live view image (the same applies to the status display 550 described later). Further, in the status displays 530 and 540, the above-described additional information (such as shutter speed) may be displayed together (the same applies to the status display 550 described later).

In the status display 530, whereas a mere display is performed in the set state, the status display 540, one of the selection items frame SEL _F for selecting an item of the shooting parameters are displayed. The user can move the selection frame SEL _F using the select button 43, selects the item desired imaging parameters. Through the movement, the display on the display unit 15 is switched from the status display 540 to the status display 550. In the status display 550, an item for HDR imaging processing is selected by the selection item frame SEL _F. Position of the frame SEL _F except a different point, the status display 550 is similar to status display 540. It may be performed, such as highlighting of the selected item instead of the display frame SEL _F.

  When the determination button 44 is pressed in the state where the status display 550 is made, the display control unit 53 displays the display on the display unit 15 from the status display 550 to the menu without going through the menu operation described above. Switch to display 510. When the display on the display unit 15 is switched to the menu display 510, the user can change the setting of ON / OFF of the HDR imaging processing by simply performing the setting change operation 332 (see FIG. 5) as necessary. . When a predetermined return operation (for example, an operation of pressing the shutter button 41 halfway) is input to the operation unit 17 in a state where the displays 510, 520, 530, 540, or 550 are displayed, display control is performed. The unit 53 switches the display of the display unit 15 to the reference display. Further, when the determination button 44 is pressed while the display 510 is displayed, the display may be switched to the reference display.

For example, the user may wish to execute the bracket shooting process this time without setting the HDR shooting process to ON in the past and turning it off. Even if the bracket shooting process is set to ON and the shutter operation is performed in such a case, if the HDR shooting process is prioritized, a plurality of still images cannot be obtained by bracket shooting. May not understand. Needless to say, this is not preferable for the user. If the user can easily be notified of which shooting process is prioritized and which shooting process is executed if the current shutter operation is performed, then the user has a great advantage. In view of this, in the image pickup apparatus 1, the status display in response to pressing operation of the information display button 42, with a microphone MK _PR, indicate being executed prior either HDR imaging processing and the bracket shooting process. As a result, the user can easily recognize these priority relationships and change their ON / OFF to a desired one as necessary. Incidentally, as far as possible recognize their priority relationship users, the presentation of their priority relationship can be by any method other than the display of the microphone MK _PR.

Users who viewed microphone MK _PR can on the menu for operation, ON of HDR imaging processing and bracket imaging processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5, also be made of OFF setting. For example, if it is desired to execute the bracket shooting process, a menu operation can be performed to turn off the HDR shooting process. However, it may be burdensome for the user to search for setting items for HDR shooting processing from among a large number of items using the menu operation. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the setting items for HDR shooting processing exist in the main menu. However, if the item is not displayed unless scroll processing is performed, it is located on the lower side of the hierarchical structure of the menu display. In such a case, the search may be more difficult. In view of this, a direct transition from the status display (550 or the like) to the menu display is made possible. Accordingly, the user can display a menu for changing a desired shooting parameter without performing a complicated menu operation. For example, the HDR shooting process necessary for realizing the bracket shooting process is turned off. Can be easily achieved.

If the decision button 44 in a state of combined selection frame SEL _F in HDR imaging processing in the status display is depressed, but the menu 510 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, if the selection to the bracket shooting process in the status display if item frame SEL _F determination button 44 in a state where combined is depressed, under the control of the display control unit 53, submenu 380 of FIG. 5 is displayed.

<< Second Example >>
A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a specific operation procedure for realizing the operation of the first embodiment is illustrated with reference to FIGS. The processing of each step described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14 is executed by the imaging apparatus 1 (however, the subject of the operation on the button is naturally the user).

  First, when the image pickup apparatus 1 is activated, the image pickup apparatus 1 enters a shooting standby state, starts live view display processing, and waits for an input of some operation in a state where reference display is performed. When any operation is input to the operation unit 17, the main control unit 13 acquires information on the input operation (step S1). When the input operation is a pressing operation of the shutter button 41 (Y in Step S2), the imaging apparatus 1 performs a shooting control process in Step S3, and the input operation is a pressing operation of the information display button 42. (Y in step S4), photographing information processing is performed in step S5, and if the input operation is an operation to turn off the power of the imaging device 1 (Y in step S6), the imaging device When the operation of No. 1 is finished and the input operation is other than those, other corresponding processing is performed (step S7).

In the shooting control process of step S3 in response to the input of the shutter operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the main control unit 13 performs a shooting availability determination process in response to the input of the shutter operation (step S8) (step S9). In the photographing availability determination process, as shown in FIG. 12, the current photographing mode is read from a nonvolatile memory (not shown) provided in the main controller 13 (step S17). The shooting mode includes single shooting mode for performing single shooting processing, HDR mode for performing HDR shooting processing, and bracket shooting processing according to the setting conditions of shooting conditions including ON / OFF setting states of HDR shooting processing and bracket shooting processing. One of a plurality of candidate modes including a bracket mode. Here, it is assumed that the read shooting mode is the HDR mode (the description of the operation when the shooting mode is other than the HDR mode is omitted). If the read shooting mode is the HDR mode (Y in step S18), and the dial position of the shutter speed dial 48 and the diaphragm dial 49 DP _SS and DP _AP is acquired (step S19), they are in the AUTO position Is confirmed (step S20). If both of them are in the auto position, it is determined that shooting is possible (step S21), and the shooting process of step S11 is actually executed via step S10 of FIG. When the shooting mode is the HDR mode, the shooting process executed in step S11 is an HDR shooting process. Among the dial position DP _SS and DP _AP, when at least one is a manual position (N in step S20 in FIG. 12), it is determined that photographing not (step S22), and step S12 through step S10 in FIG. 11 The above-described warning display 520 (see FIG. 8) is made.

  After the warning display 520 is made, when the return operation is performed before a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses (step S14), or the predetermined button 44 is not pressed, the predetermined time When elapses (step S13), the shooting control process is terminated and the shooting standby state is restored. On the other hand, if the determination button 44 is pressed by a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the warning display 520 is made (step S15), the menu display process of step S16 is performed.

  In the menu display process (see FIG. 13), first, the current shooting mode is read from the nonvolatile memory (step S23), and a menu including the setting contents of the current shooting mode is displayed (step S24). Accordingly, if the current shooting mode is the HDR mode, a menu including items for setting the HDR shooting processing ON / OFF is displayed. If the current shooting mode is the bracket mode, the bracket shooting processing is turned ON / OFF. A menu containing items to set is displayed. If necessary, the user can change the item selected by the item selection operation 330 (see FIG. 5), and when this change is made, a display regarding the selection is made so that the user can recognize a new selection item. Is updated (steps S28 and S29). When a setting change operation 332 (see FIG. 5) including a pressing operation of the enter button 44 is performed after selecting any item for changing the shooting mode (step S25), shooting in response to the setting change operation 332 is performed. The mode is updated and the updated shooting mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S26), and the process returns to the shooting standby state. For example, in the state where the HDR shooting process is set to ON, if the item 353 for setting the HDR shooting process to ON or OFF is selected and the setting change operation 332 for switching it to OFF is performed, the shooting mode is set to HDR. The mode is changed to another mode (single shooting mode or bracket mode). If the return operation (see FIG. 5) is performed without performing the setting change operation 332 (step S27), the imaging mode is not updated and the process returns to the imaging standby state.

  Details of the imaging information processing (step S5 in FIG. 10) executed when the information display button 42 is pressed in the imaging standby state are shown in FIG. In the photographing information processing, first, the current time is acquired as the start time in step S30, and the photographing information flag for managing the information display state is reset (set to the reset state) in the subsequent step S31. Thereafter, the pressing state of the information display button 42 is confirmed in step S32. If the pressing operation of the information display button 42 is released, the state of the shooting information flag is confirmed in step S33. If it is confirmed in step S33 that the shooting information flag is in the reset state, additional information / guideline display processing is performed in step S34. Step S34 is reached when the information display button 42 is normally pressed (pressed within one second). Each time the button 42 is normally pressed by the display process in step S34, the state in which the additional information is displayed, the state in which the additional information is not displayed, and the guideline display (grid display on the display screen) States are achieved sequentially and cyclically.

  When it is confirmed in step S32 that the operation of pressing the information display button 42 is continued, in step S35, the main control unit 13 acquires the current time (step S35) and sets the elapsed time from the start time to the current time as a predetermined time. (Step S36). Here, it is assumed that the predetermined time is 1 second. If the elapsed time exceeds 1 second, a transition to step S37 occurs, otherwise the process returns to step S32. If the shooting information flag is in the reset state in step S37, the shooting information flag is changed to the set state in step S41, and a status display 530 (see FIG. 8) is formed in step S42. Thereafter, the current time is re-acquired as the start time in order to determine whether or not the operation of pressing the information display button 42 is continued (step S43), and the process returns to step S32.

Therefore, when returning to step S32 via steps S41 to S43, if the pressing operation of the information display button 42 continues for one second, the process returns to step S38 via steps S35 to S37 again. At step S38, the like status display 540 or 550 in FIG. 8, while forms a status display, item selection process is performed to perform an item selection of any one of photographing parameters using the selection frame SEL _F. In the process, when any item is selected and the determination button 44 is pressed, a menu display process is performed in step S39. The menu display process in step S39 is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. However, in the menu displayed in the menu display process in step S39, the item corresponding to the selection item in step S38 (to set and change the shooting parameter of the selection item) as in the transition between the displays 550 and 510 in FIG. Item). When the menu display process in step S39 ends, the process returns to the shooting standby state (reference display state) in step S40.

  When the information display button 42 is continuously pressed for 1 second or more and less than 2 seconds starting from the reference display state, after passing through steps S41 to S43, the process goes to step S44 via step S33 without reaching step S37. To. In step S44, the current time is re-acquired as the start time for time-out determination of the status display (530) in step S42, and when 2 seconds have elapsed after the acquisition (steps S45 and S46), shooting standby is performed in step S47. Return to the state (reference display state). If the return operation is performed without waiting for the elapse of 2 seconds, the camera immediately returns to the shooting standby state (reference display state). In addition, when the pressing operation of the information display button 42 is confirmed between steps S44 to S47, it is possible to return to step S32.

<< Third Example >>
A third embodiment will be described. Under the assumption described in the first embodiment, when a shutter operation is input to the operation unit 17 in the reference display state, the display control unit 53 may display the warning display 520a of FIG. 15 instead of the warning display 520. good. The warning display 520a includes a message 521 display and a button 523 display similar to those described in the first embodiment.

  The button 523 is a button on the touch panel 15a. When the button 523 is pressed in a state where the warning display 520a is formed, the display control unit 53 changes the display of the display unit 15 from the warning display 520a to the menu display 510 (FIG. 8). Therefore, the button 523 can be said to be a button for displaying a specific menu on the display unit 15, and the display of the button 523 can provide the same effect as the display of the message 522 (see FIG. 8). The warning display 520a may include a message explaining the function of the button 523 (for example, a message indicating that the setting menu is displayed by pressing the button 523).

<< 4th Example >>
A fourth embodiment will be described. Although the fourth embodiment is different from the above-described configuration, it is assumed that the dials 48 and 49 do not exist on the operation unit 17 and the shutter speed and the aperture value are set on the menu screen. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the menu 610 of FIG. 16 is included in a plurality of menus that can be selectively displayed on the display unit 15, and the menu 610 includes an item 611 for setting the shutter speed and an aperture value. An item 612 is included for setting. When the menu 610 is displayed, the user can change and set the shutter speed to a desired speed or an automatic speed by selecting the item 611 via the item selection operation 330 and performing the setting change operation 332. By selecting the item 612 via the item selection operation 330 and performing the setting change operation 332, the aperture value can be changed and set to a desired value or an auto value. The aperture value may be set to an F value. The menu including the item 611 and the menu including the item 612 may be different. In the following, setting the shutter speed and aperture value to auto speed and auto value is expressed as setting the shutter speed and aperture value to auto.

  When the shutter speed is not set to auto, the shutter speed when the captured image is acquired follows the shutter speed set by the user. When the aperture value is not set to auto, the aperture value when the captured image is acquired is determined by the user. According to the set aperture value. HDR shooting processing is possible only when the shutter speed and aperture value are both set to auto.

  Accordingly, when the HDR shooting process is set to ON and at least one of the shutter speed and the aperture value is not automatic, when the shutter operation is input to the operation unit 17 with the reference display state as a starting point, the HDR is performed. The display control unit 53 switches the display on the display unit 15 from the reference display to the warning display 620 in FIG. Warning display 620 includes display of messages 621 and 622. The message 621 indicates an operation necessary for accepting the photographing instruction, and includes, for example, a message “Please set the shutter speed and aperture to auto”. Alternatively, the message 621 shown in FIG. 17B includes the message 621a, that is, the message “Set the shutter speed and aperture to auto for HDR shooting. Alternatively, set the HDR setting to OFF”. Also good.

  The message 622 indicates an operation method for causing the display unit 15 to display a specific menu. Here, it is assumed that the operation method is to press the determination button 44. Then, the message 622 includes, for example, the message “To the setting menu with the OK button”. When the determination button 44 is pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the warning display 620 is displayed, the display control unit 53 switches the display on the display unit 15 from the warning display 620 to the menu display 610. Otherwise, the display on the display unit 15 is returned from the warning display 620 to the reference display. By enabling the direct transition from the warning display 620 to the menu display 610, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Alternatively, as described in the third embodiment, when the warning display 620 is formed, the button 523 (see FIG. 15) on the touch panel 15a is displayed, and when the button is pressed, the display control unit 53 The display on the display unit 15 may be switched from the warning display 620 to the menu display 610.

  Alternatively, the message 621a shown in FIG. 17B is included in the warning display 620, and the message “Enter button to shutter speed / aperture value setting menu and information display button to HDR setting menu” is displayed. The display of the first button and the second button (not shown) on the touch panel 15a may be included. In this case, when the determination button 44 or the first button is pressed within a predetermined time after the warning display 620 is displayed, the display control unit 53 displays the display on the display unit 15 from the warning display 620 to the menu. When the information display button 42 or the second button is pressed within a predetermined time after the display is switched to the display 610 (see FIG. 16) and the warning display 620 is displayed, the display control unit 53 The display may be switched from the warning display 620 to the menu display 510 (see FIG. 8).

<< 5th Example >>
A fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a modification technique of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the status display described above, the shooting process corresponding to the mark MK _PR (HDR shooting process in the example of FIG. 8) indicates the shooting process executed in the current shooting mode (the mark MK _PR indicates the current shooting mode). It can be said that it is pointing.) After the status display 530, the user who further performs the operation 572 is reasonably likely to change the shooting mode. Therefore, when the operation 572 is input to the operation unit 17 after the status display 530, the display control unit 53 may switch the status display 530 to the status display 550 instead of the status display 540 (that is, to the selection button 43). without waiting for the input operation, it may be in accordance with the item of HDR imaging processing corresponding to the selected item frame SEL _F to the current shooting mode). Thus, after the operation 572, the menu 510 is displayed simply by pressing the enter button 44, and the user's satisfaction regarding operability is increased.

<< Sixth Example >>
A sixth embodiment will be described. In the imaging apparatus 1, at least one of the operation unit 17 and the touch panel 15a forms an operation input unit that receives input of various operations from the user. As shown in FIG. 18, it can be considered that the display control unit 53 includes a first control unit (first display control unit) 81 and a second control unit (second display control unit) 82. The control unit 81 displays one of a plurality of menus on the display unit 15 when a predetermined menu operation is input to the operation input unit on the basis of the state where the reference display is made on the display unit 15. To do. The control unit 82 displays a specific display (warning display or status display) different from the reference display in response to an input of a predetermined operation (for example, shutter operation or pressing operation of the information display button 42) to the operation input unit under predetermined conditions. A specific menu is displayed when a specific operation (for example, including an operation of pressing the enter button 44) is input to the operation input unit in the display unit 15 in the second display state in which the specific display is performed. Displayed on the unit 15.

The setting state of the imaging conditions (e.g., whether the dial position DP _SS and DP _AP is AUTO position, whether HDR imaging processing is ON) based on, input via the operation input unit instruction It can be considered that a determination unit 83 that determines whether or not can be received is provided in the main control unit 13. The determination unit 83 may be a part of the shooting control unit 52. An example of the instruction is a photographing instruction by a shutter operation, but the instruction is not limited to a photographing instruction in the present invention. The imaging apparatus 1 prescribes that the instruction cannot be accepted when the relationship between the first and second imaging parameters forming the imaging condition is a predetermined relationship, and the determination unit 83 determines the determination according to the specification. It can be carried out. The control unit 82 displays a warning as a specific display when the instruction cannot be accepted, and changes the imaging parameter that caused the unacceptability in response to an input of a specific operation in that state. A specific menu (for example, 510 or 610) including the items (for example, 353, 611 or 612) is displayed. The imaging parameter that caused the unacceptability is a kind of imaging parameter that is referred to when the determination unit 83 determines whether or not the instruction input via the operation input unit is acceptable.

  In the above-described example, the first shooting parameter corresponds to at least one of the shutter speed and the aperture value, and the second shooting parameter corresponds to ON or OFF of the HDR shooting process. Of course, other than this, for example, it may be considered that white balance corresponds to the first shooting parameter and ON or OFF of the bracket shooting processing corresponds to the second shooting parameter. However, the bracket photographing process here is a bracket photographing process for photographing a plurality of still images having different white balance states. In this case, for example, if the white balance setting is not automatic, it is determined that the shooting instruction when the bracket shooting process is ON is not acceptable.

In addition, the control unit 82 can also display a status display including a plurality of shooting parameter displays as a specific display, and in response to an input of a specific operation in the state of the status display, a specific menu (for example, 510) ) Can also be displayed. The control unit 82 can also be made a display of the mark MK _PR.

<< Deformation, etc. >>
The embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims. The above embodiment is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the meaning of the term of the present invention or each constituent element is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The specific numerical values shown in the above description are merely examples, and as a matter of course, they can be changed to various numerical values. As annotations applicable to the above-described embodiment, notes 1 to 4 are described below. The contents described in each comment can be arbitrarily combined as long as there is no contradiction.

[Note 1]
The priority relationship between the HDR shooting process and the bracket shooting process may be the reverse of the above. That is, when both the HDR shooting process and the bracket shooting process are set to ON, the bracket shooting process may be executed in response to an input of a shutter operation.

[Note 2]
Only the priority relationship between the HDR imaging process and the bracket imaging process has been discussed, but such a priority relationship may exist between two or more other imaging parameters. For example, when both the HDR shooting process and the continuous shooting process are set to ON, either the HDR shooting process or the continuous shooting process is preferentially executed in response to an input of the shutter operation (the bracket shooting process and the The same applies to the continuous shooting processing pair). Even in such a case, it is preferable to indicate which process is prioritized in the status display.

[Note 3]
The imaging device 1 may be mounted on an arbitrary device (a mobile phone or an information terminal device).

[Note 4]
The imaging apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 can be configured by hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Of the functions realized by the imaging apparatus 1, any specific function may be described as a program. Specifically, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be provided in the main control unit 13 and the CPU may execute a program stored in a flash memory (not shown) to realize the specific function. . In the configuration of FIG. 1, for example, all or part of the signal processing unit 51, the imaging control unit 52, and the display control unit 53 can be configured using software, and the other parts are configured using hardware. can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 11 Imaging part 15 Display part 17 Operation part 52 Shooting control part 53 Display control part

Claims (7)

An imaging unit that performs shooting, a display unit, an operation input unit,
In a first display state in which a predetermined first display is performed on the display unit, when a predetermined menu operation is input to the operation input unit, among a plurality of menus for setting shooting conditions A first control unit for displaying either on the display unit;
In response to an input of a predetermined operation to the operation input unit, a second display different from the first display is performed on the display unit, and the second display state in which the second display is performed is different from the menu operation. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a second control unit configured to display any one of the plurality of menus on the display unit when a specific operation is input to the operation input unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not an instruction input via the operation input unit can be accepted based on a setting state of the shooting condition;
The second control unit displays the second display on the display unit when the instruction cannot be accepted, and is included in the plurality of menus when the specific operation is subsequently input to the operation input unit. A specific menu is displayed on the display unit,
The specific menu includes an item for changing a shooting parameter to be referred to when the determination unit determines whether or not the instruction can be accepted among a plurality of shooting parameters forming the shooting condition. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The imaging according to claim 2, wherein the second display includes an operation method for displaying the specific menu on the display unit or a button display for displaying the specific menu on the display unit. apparatus. The instruction is an instruction to take an image,
The plurality of shooting parameters include first and second shooting parameters;
It is preliminarily defined that the photographing instruction cannot be accepted when the relationship between the first and second photographing parameters is a predetermined relationship, and the determination unit performs the determination according to the prescription. The imaging device according to claim 2 or claim 3. The second control unit performs the second display on the display unit when a predetermined operation different from the menu operation is input to the operation input unit in the first display state, and then the specific operation is performed on the specific operation. When input to the operation input unit, a specific menu included in the plurality of menus is displayed on the display unit,
The second display includes a display of a plurality of shooting parameters forming the shooting conditions,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific menu includes an item for changing one or more imaging parameters of the plurality of imaging parameters. The plurality of shooting parameters in the second display includes first and second shooting parameters in which one has priority over the other,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second control unit displays which of the first and second imaging parameters has priority in the second display. The first imaging parameter indicates whether the first imaging process is valid or invalid, while the second imaging parameter indicates whether the second imaging process is valid or invalid;
When both the first and second imaging processes are enabled by the first and second imaging parameters, an imaging control unit that causes only one of the first and second imaging processes to function preferentially The device further comprises
When both the first and second imaging processes are enabled by the first and second imaging parameters, the second control unit performs either the first or second imaging process in the second display. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein priority is given to the imaging apparatus.