JP2019132873A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To deal with a case where you do not want to put out a lens tube when you return a mode to an imaging mode to prioritize imaging in closing a menu.SOLUTION: The present invention allows you to return a mode to an imaging stand-by mode to prioritize imaging without putting out a lens tube in closing a menu and to maintain that state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device control method, a program, and a recording medium that can set conditions relating to the device.

  Conventionally, after a menu is displayed, there is a camera that returns to a shooting mode in order to prioritize a shooting operation. In such a camera, there is a camera that returns to the shooting mode when the menu is closed even when the screen transitions from the so-called playback mode for checking the captured image to the menu. In addition, in a camera in which a main body and a lens that can be stored and a lens barrel are integrated, a technique is known in which the lens barrel is retracted after a predetermined time has elapsed in a playback mode (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-127916

  However, with the conventional method, the lens barrel can be pulled out just by opening and closing the menu when the lens barrel is retracted in the playback mode. For example, after starting playback and checking the image, setting the menu The lens barrel will come out, and an unnecessary lens barrel feeding process will be performed when the power is turned on without taking a picture and shut down.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A moving means for moving the lens barrel within a moving range including a retracted position and a photographing position, a menu setting means capable of switching camera settings, and a mode setting means for setting the mode of the imaging device, The menu setting means includes a menu end control means for exiting the menu screen and transitioning to another screen state when a predetermined operation is performed. The menu end control means is provided when the lens barrel is retracted. It changes to the reproduction mode, and when the lens barrel is extended, it changes to the photographing mode.

  In the lens barrel extended state, priority is given to photographing, and in the case of the lens barrel retracted state, the operability in the reproduction state is improved by suppressing the lens barrel extension control.

1 is an external view of a digital camera as an example according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control means which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the imaging | photography mode which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the reproduction | regeneration mode which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the menu screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

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

[Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, a case where the electronic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an imaging apparatus that is a digital camera capable of capturing still images and moving images will be described as an example.

[Digital camera configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus of the present invention.
The display unit 28 is a display unit that displays images and various types of information. The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for issuing a shooting instruction. The mode switching dial 60 is an operation unit for switching various modes. The connector 112 is a connector between the connection cable 111 and the digital camera 100.

  The operation unit 70 is an operation unit including operation members such as various switches, buttons, and a touch panel for receiving various operations from the user. The controller wheel 73 is a rotatable operation member included in the operation unit 70. The power switch 72 is a push button for switching between power on and power off.

  The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium slot 201 is a slot for storing the recording medium 200. The recording medium 200 stored in the recording medium slot 201 can communicate with the digital camera 100. A lid 203 is a lid of the recording medium slot 201. The sub electronic dial 74 is a rotatable operation member and is included in the operation unit 70.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, a photographing lens 103 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 101 is a shutter having an aperture function. The imaging unit 22 is an imaging device configured with a CCD, a CMOS device, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 23 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A / D converter 23 is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal. The barrier 102 covers the imaging system including the imaging lens 103 of the digital camera 100, thereby preventing the imaging system including the imaging lens 103, the shutter 101, and the imaging unit 22 from becoming dirty or damaged.

  The image processing unit 24 performs resizing processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. Thereby, AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed. The image processing unit 24 further performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation result.

  Output data from the A / D converter 23 is directly written into the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15 or via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23 and image data to be displayed on the display unit 28. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a moving image and sound for a predetermined time.

  The memory 32 also serves as an image display memory (video memory). The D / A converter 13 converts the image display data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit 28. Thus, the display image data written in the memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 via the D / A converter 13. The display unit 28 performs display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 13 on a display such as an LCD. A digital signal once A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 13 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 28 for display as an electronic viewfinder. It functions and can perform live view display (live view display).

  The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. The nonvolatile memory 56 stores constants, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit 50. Here, the program is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in the present embodiment.

  The system control unit 50 controls the entire digital camera 100. By executing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 described above, each process of the present embodiment to be described later is realized. A system memory 52 is a RAM. In the system memory 52, constants and variables for operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like are expanded. The system control unit also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 13, the display unit 28, and the like.

  The system timer 53 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock. The mode switch 60, the shutter button 61, and the operation unit 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. The mode switch 60 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to any one of a still image recording mode, a moving image shooting mode, a reproduction mode, and the like. Modes included in the still image recording mode include an auto shooting mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a manual mode, various scene modes for shooting settings for each shooting scene, a program AE mode, a custom mode, and the like.

  The mode changeover switch 60 can directly switch to one of these modes included in the menu button. Or after switching to the menu button once by the mode switch 60, you may make it switch to either of these modes contained in a menu button using another operation member. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode may include a plurality of modes. The first shutter switch 62 is turned on when the shutter button 61 provided in the digital camera 100 is being operated, so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are started.

  The second shutter switch 64 is turned ON when the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed, that is, when it is fully pressed (shooting instruction), and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processing operations from reading a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing image data on the recording medium 200.

  Each operation member of the operation unit 70 is appropriately assigned a function for each scene by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit 28, and functions as various function buttons. Examples of the function buttons include an end button, a return button, an image advance button, a jump button, a narrowing button, and an attribute change button. For example, when a menu button is pressed, various setting menu screens are displayed on the display unit 28. The user can make various settings intuitively using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, and the four-way button and the SET button.

  The controller wheel 73 is a rotatable operation member included in the operation unit 70, and is used when a selection item is instructed together with a direction button. When the controller wheel 73 is rotated, an electrical pulse signal is generated according to the operation amount, and the system control unit 50 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 based on the pulse signal. From this pulse signal, it is possible to determine the angle at which the controller wheel 73 is rotated, how many rotations, and the like. The controller wheel 73 may be any operation member that can detect a rotation operation.

  For example, it may be a dial operation member that generates a pulse signal by rotating the controller wheel 73 itself according to the rotation operation of the user. Further, an operation member made of a touch sensor may detect the rotation operation of the user's finger on the controller wheel 73 without rotating the controller wheel 73 itself (so-called touch wheel).

  The sub electronic dial 74 is a rotation operation member included in the operation unit 70 and is an operation member used when a selection item is instructed similarly to the controller wheel 73. When the sub electronic dial 74 is rotated, an electrical pulse signal corresponding to the rotation amount (operation amount) is generated. The system control unit 50 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 based on the pulse signal.

  The power control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 200 for a necessary period.

  The power supply unit 30 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like. The recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with the recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording a captured image, and includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

  The communication unit 54 is connected by radio or a priority cable, and transmits and receives video signals and audio signals. The communication unit 54 can be connected to a wireless local area network (LAN) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can transmit an image captured by the imaging unit 22 (including a through image) and an image recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and other various types of information from an external device. it can.

<Flowchart>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the shooting mode of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. Each process in the flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 expanding and executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like in the system memory 52. When the power switch 72 is operated to turn on the power, the system control unit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like in S301. Subsequently, in S302, a lens barrel feeding process is performed, and the process proceeds to S303.

  In step S303, through image display (live view display) is performed after completion of lens barrel feeding. In S304, it is determined whether or not the SW1 operation of the operation unit 70 has been performed. If operated, the process proceeds to S310, and if not, the process proceeds to S305. In S305, it is determined whether or not the SW2 operation of the operation unit 70 is performed. If it is operated, the process proceeds to S313, and if not operated, the process proceeds to S306. In S306, it is determined whether or not the playback button is operated on the operation unit 70. If it is operated, the process proceeds to a screen flow of a playback mode shown in FIG. 4 described later, and if not operated, the process proceeds to S307.

  In S307, it is determined whether or not the menu button of the operation unit 70 has been operated. If the menu button has been operated, the process proceeds to S314 to perform control related to menu setting. If not operated, the process proceeds to S308. In S308, it is determined whether or not the power button is operated. If it is operated, the process proceeds to S309, and the system control unit 50 performs an end process such as changing the display on the display unit 28 to an end state. When the termination process is completed, the present process is terminated and the power supply is shifted to the OFF state. If not operated, the process returns to S303.

  In S310, operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are started. In 311, it is determined whether or not the SW1 operation is continued. If SW1 is released, a series of SW1 processes are terminated, and the process returns to S303. In S312, it is determined whether or not the SW1 operation of the operation unit 70 has been performed. If operated, the process proceeds to S310, and if not, the process proceeds to S305. In step S313, the system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processing operations from reading a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing image data in the recording medium 200 by the second shutter switch signal SW2. Return to.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the playback mode of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. When the playback button is operated and the power is turned on, the system control unit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like in S401. At this time, the playback mode is set.

  In step S402, the image read from the SD card is displayed on the display unit 28. In S403, it is determined whether the lens barrel is extended. If the lens barrel is extended, the process proceeds to S408, and if the lens barrel is retracted, the process proceeds to S404. In S404, it is determined whether or not the SW1 operation of the operation unit 70 is performed. If it is operated, the process proceeds to S410, and if it is not operated, the process proceeds to S405. In S405, it is determined whether or not the play button is operated. If it is operated, the process proceeds to S412. If not, the process proceeds to S406.

  In S406, it is determined whether or not the menu button of the operation unit 70 has been operated. If the menu button has been operated, the process proceeds to S414 to perform control relating to menu setting. If not operated, the process proceeds to S407.

  In S407, it is determined whether or not the power button is operated. If it is operated, the process proceeds to S413, and the system control unit 50 performs an end process such as changing the display on the display unit 28 to the end state. When the termination process is completed, the present process is terminated and the power supply is shifted to the OFF state. If not operated, the process returns to S402.

In S408, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the start or transition of the playback mode. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S409 and the lens barrel retracting process is performed. With this process, the lens barrel is retracted after a predetermined time during the reproduction mode.
If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S404.
The predetermined time may be set by a menu or the like.

  In S410, it is determined whether or not the lens barrel is extended. If the lens barrel is extended, the lens barrel is shifted to the shooting mode with the lens barrel extended, and S303 in the shooting mode flow of FIG. Proceed to In the case of the lens barrel retracted state, the process proceeds to menu S411, and after the lens barrel feed-out control, the process proceeds to S303 in the photographing mode flow of FIG.

  In step S412, it is determined whether or not the lens barrel has been extended. If it has been extended, the process proceeds to step S303 in the shooting mode flow of FIG. End processing, such as changing the display of to the end state, is performed. When the termination process is completed, the present process is terminated and the power supply is shifted to the OFF state.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the basic menu setting screen of the digital camera 100 of this embodiment. In S501, a menu screen is generated according to the program written in the system memory 52, and the currently selected item (hereinafter referred to as the current item) is set and displayed on the display unit 28.

  In S602, it is determined whether or not the up / down button operation of the operation unit 70 has been performed. If operated, the process proceeds to S503, and if not operated, the process proceeds to S504. In step S503, the item selection state is moved in the direction operated in step S502. After the movement is completed, the process proceeds to S504. In S504, it is determined whether or not the button operation assigned to the confirming operation of the operation unit 70 has been performed. If the confirm button is operated, the process proceeds to S508, and if not, the process proceeds to S505.

  In S505, it is determined whether or not the menu button operation of the operation unit 70 has been performed. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to S507, and if it has not been operated, the process proceeds to S506. In S506, it is determined whether or not the power button is operated. If it is operated, the process proceeds to S509, and the system control unit 50 performs an end process such as changing the display on the display unit 28 to an end state. When the termination process is completed, the present process is terminated and the power supply is shifted to the OFF state. If not, the process returns to S502.

  In S507, it is determined whether or not the lens barrel has been extended. If the lens barrel has been extended, the shooting mode is shifted to S303 in the shooting mode flow of FIG. In the case of the lens barrel retracted state, the process shifts to the reproduction mode and proceeds to the screen flow of the reproduction mode in FIG. In S508, when the menu setting operation as the current item is performed and the setting process is completed, the process returns to S502.

  The control of the system control unit 50 may be performed by one piece of hardware, or the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. Furthermore, each embodiment mentioned above shows only one embodiment of this invention, and it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the digital camera 100 has been described as an example. However, this is not limited to this example, and a plurality of functions can be switched with one button, and the setting items can be changed. Any device that can change the number is applicable. In other words, the present invention can be applied to a personal computer or PDA with a camera, a mobile phone terminal with a camera, a portable image viewer, a game machine with a camera, an electronic book reader with a camera, or the like.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

52 System Memory 70 Operation Unit

Claims (2)

A moving means for moving the lens barrel within a moving range including a retracted position and a photographing position, a menu setting means capable of switching camera settings, and a mode setting means for setting the mode of the imaging device, The menu setting means includes a menu end control means for exiting the menu screen and transitioning to another screen state when a predetermined operation is performed. The menu end control means is provided when the lens barrel is retracted. An imaging apparatus characterized by transitioning to a playback mode and transitioning to a shooting mode when the lens barrel is extended. A moving means for moving the lens barrel within a moving range including a retracted position and a photographing position, a menu setting means capable of switching camera settings, and a mode setting means for setting the mode of the imaging device, The menu setting means is divided into a setting group related to shooting and a setting group related to playback, and has a menu end control means for exiting the menu screen and transitioning to another screen state when a predetermined operation is performed. If the menu screen is closed while the shooting setting group is displayed, the camera will move to shooting mode even if the lens barrel is retracted, and if the menu screen is closed while the playback setting group is displayed, the lens barrel will be extended. Even if it retracts, it changes to reproduction mode, The imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned.