JP4051491B2 - Electronic camera having menu function and machine-readable recording medium recording “program having menu function” - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technology of a menu function that enables switching the language used for menu display. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic camera having a menu function and a machine-readable recording medium on which a “program having a menu function” is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
(Electronic camera)
Conventionally, an electronic camera that performs various settings using a menu function is known. In such an electronic camera, it is possible to reach a desired setting item reliably and intuitively by repeating simple operations of cursor movement and selection along menu items presented on a monitor screen. . As a result, there is no need to memorize a dedicated operation procedure in advance for each setting item, and the setting operation of the electronic camera is further simplified.
[0003]
In addition, the menu function can also present a wide variety of complicated setting items in a hierarchical manner. That is, setting items with high usage frequency are presented at a higher level. Conversely, setting items that are used less frequently are presented in a lower hierarchy. As a result, setting items that are frequently used can be quickly set from an upper layer. In addition, since the setting items that are used less frequently are placed in a lower hierarchy, the upper hierarchy is simple and easy to understand.
[0004]
By the way, this type of electronic camera is known to have a function of switching a menu display language (hereinafter referred to as “menu display language”) in order to cope with various languages used by an operator.
Conventionally, such a menu display language switching operation has also been executed via a menu function. In this case, the switching of the menu display language corresponds to a setting item with a low use frequency, and is always presented in the lower hierarchical menu.
[0005]
(Recording medium on which the program is recorded)
On the other hand, a computer program having a menu function is known. In this type of program, the operator can select and execute a desired procedural action by hierarchically following menu items presented one after another in a pop-up form. However, in this type of computer program, there is no known program that switches the menu display language like the electronic camera.
[0006]
Also, in a certain browser program, the font displayed in the client area is changed in accordance with the type of character code by switching the type of font used (for example, “Internet Explorer” manufactured by Microsoft Corporation). Usually, such a function for switching fonts is implemented in a first-level menu, a toolbar, or the like, but even if this font switching operation is used, the language (word) displayed in the menu is not switched. .
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the electronic camera as described above, the menu display language can be easily changed by using the menu function. Therefore, there is a possibility that the operator will switch the menu display language by mistake.
Once such a situation occurs, the operator must return the menu display language setting to normal while following a menu with a list of languages for which translation is unknown through multiple layers. Such an operation is very difficult and laborious.
[0008]
Also in a computer program having a menu function, the same problem as that of the electronic camera described above arises when a menu display language switching function is implemented .
[0009]
In the invention described in claim 1, aims to provide an electronic camera which can be returned easily even if reducing the risk of incorrectly modify the menu display language, and was modified event incorrectly Menu Language And According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that displays a menu of the first layer in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
[0010]
In the invention described in claim 3 , similarly to the object of claim 1 , the possibility of accidentally changing the menu display language is reduced, and even if the menu display language is changed accidentally, it can be easily restored. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium that records a simple program. In the invention according to claim 4 , similarly to the object of claim 2, an object is to provide a recording medium on which a program for displaying the menu of the first hierarchy in a simple and easy-to-understand manner is recorded.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Electronic camera according to (Claim 1) according to claim 1, hierarchical imaging means, image display means for displaying an image of the subject image taken by the imaging means, the menu image display means for imaging an object image The electronic camera is provided with a menu presenting means for presenting and manually selecting a menu item, and a setting means for executing a predetermined setting operation according to the menu item manually selected via the menu presenting means The menu presenting means presents a menu item for setting the menu display language to a predetermined specific language in the menu in the first hierarchy, and a plurality of menu display languages in the menu in the second hierarchy or lower. A menu item for selecting from languages is presented.
[0013]
In the electronic camera having such a configuration, a menu item for returning the menu display language to the specific language is presented in the menu of the first layer. Therefore, even if the operator changes the menu display language by mistake, the menu display language setting can be returned to the specific language from the menu in the first layer without following the deep layer. Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, menu items for selecting and changing the menu display language are presented below the second layer. As a result, the possibility of inadvertently changing the menu display language is reduced. Thus, by arranging the two menu items separately, it is possible to solve the conflicting problems of reducing erroneous selection of the menu display language and making it easy to return the menu display language to normal.
[0014]
(Claim 2 ) The invention according to claim 2 is the electronic camera according to claim 1 , wherein the menu presenting means is the first layer only when the menu display language is set to a language other than the specific language by the setting means. Menu items for setting the menu display language to a specific language are presented on the menu.
[0015]
In the electronic camera having such a configuration, a “menu item for returning to a specific language” is presented only when necessary. Therefore, the menu items in the first layer do not increase more than necessary, and a simple and easy-to-understand menu display can be realized. Note that the expression “present” in the present application means that a menu item is displayed in a selectable manner. For this reason, the above-mentioned claim 2 also includes a case where the menu item is displayed so as to be selectable when the menu display language is other than the specific language, and in other cases, the menu item is displayed in a non-selectable manner such as a light color display. included. Further, in claim 2 , the “menu item for returning to the menu display language selection menu provided in the second hierarchy or lower” as the “menu item for returning the menu display language to the specific language”. Of course, such a case is also included.
[0017]
(Claim 3 ) According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium according to a third aspect of the present invention, a menu presenting means for hierarchically presenting a menu and accepting manual selection of menu items; Accordingly, in a machine-readable recording medium in which a “program having a menu function” for at least functioning as execution means for executing a predetermined procedural action is recorded, the menu presenting means includes a menu in the first hierarchy. The menu item for setting the menu display language to a predetermined specific language is presented, and the menu item for selecting the menu display language from a plurality of languages is presented on the menu in the second hierarchy or lower. It is characterized by that.
[0018]
By executing the program in such a recording medium, a menu item for returning the menu display language to the specific language is presented in the first layer menu. Therefore, even if the operator changes the menu display language by mistake, the menu display language setting can be returned to the specific language from the menu in the first layer without following the deep layer.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the invention of claim 3 , menu items for selecting and changing the menu display language are presented below the second layer. As a result, the possibility of inadvertently changing the menu display language is reduced. Thus, by arranging the two menu items separately, it is possible to solve the conflicting problems of reducing erroneous selection of the menu display language and making it easy to return the menu display language to normal.
[0020]
(Claim 4) The invention according to claim 4, in recorded machine-readable recording medium "program having a menu function 'according to claim 3, menu presenting means, the menu display language by the execution means Only when a language other than the specific language is set, a menu item for setting the menu display language to the specific language is presented in the first layer menu.
[0021]
In a program in such a recording medium, a “menu item for returning to a specific language” is presented only when necessary. Therefore, the menu items in the first layer do not increase more than necessary, and a simple and easy-to-understand menu display can be realized. Note that the expression “present” in the present application means that a menu item is displayed in a selectable manner. For this reason, the above-mentioned claim 4 also includes a case where the menu item is displayed so as to be selectable when the menu display language is other than the specific language, and in other cases, the menu item is displayed in a non-selectable manner such as a light color display. included.
[0022]
Further, in claim 4, as “a menu item for returning the menu display language to a specific language”, “a menu item for directly shifting to a menu display language selection menu provided in the second hierarchy or lower” is provided. Of course, such a case is also included .
Furthermore, the “specific language” in the first, second, third, and fourth claims may be a predetermined unique language or a language specified by a user performing a setting operation or the like. Further, based on the change history of the menu display language, the menu presenting means may dynamically set “past or previous menu display language” to “specific language”.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a photographing optical system 11 is provided inside the main body of the electronic camera. A finder optical system 12 is provided in parallel with the photographing optical system 11. Near the eyepiece portion of the finder optical system 12, a finder eyepiece side LED group 12a for warning display is arranged.
[0025]
In addition, an image pickup surface of the CCD image pickup device 13 is disposed on the image space side of the photographing optical system 11. The analog image signal from the CCD image sensor 13 is given to the image processing circuit 15 as digital image data after passing through the A / D conversion circuit 14. The image processing circuit 15 is responsible for overall image processing by hardware such as image compression processing and image composition processing for monitor display. Image data for monitor display from the image processing circuit 15 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15a via a liquid crystal drive circuit (not shown).
[0026]
The image processing circuit 15 is supplied with a control signal from the image processing CPU 16. The image processing CPU 16 is connected to the image data bus of the image processing circuit 15, the buffer memory 18, and the removable flash memory 19 via the system bus 17. The image processing CPU 16 is responsible for all image processing by software, such as file processing of image data and control of the image processing circuit 15.
[0027]
Further, a system control CPU 20 is connected to the image processing CPU 16 via a serial communication terminal. The system control CPU 20 controls the lighting of the finder eyepiece side LED group 12a (for example, when the electronic camera is set to a mode for recording image data in monochrome, sepia, etc., the system control CPU 20 performs the finder eyepiece. By lighting the side LED group 12a, the operator is warned of the difference between the optical image of the finder and the recorded image).
The system control CPU 20 is connected to a group of operation buttons arranged on the casing of the electronic camera. The system control CPU 20 executes mode transition of the electronic camera, menu selection operation, and the like in accordance with the operation state of these operation button groups. Hereinafter, a group of operation buttons and their typical operation uses will be listed.
[0028]
(1) Selection dial 21... Dial for switching and selecting main operation modes including "off mode", "fully automatic shooting mode", "manual shooting mode", and "playback mode".
[0029]
(2) Monitor button 22... Of the liquid crystal monitor 15a composed of “synthesize the image data and information display and display on the monitor”, “display only the image data on the monitor”, and “turn off the liquid crystal monitor 15a” This is a push button for switching the display state cyclically.
[0030]
(3) Menu button 23... Push button for reciprocating between the image display state and the menu display state (does not function in the fully automatic shooting mode). Even in the lower menu hierarchy, the original operation mode is quickly restored by pressing the menu button 23.
[0031]
(4) Release button 24... Functions as a release button in the shooting mode. In the menu display state, it fulfills the function of determining menu selection.
[0032]
(5) Right zoom button 25... Functions as a zoom button on the telephoto side in the shooting mode. In the menu display state, the menu item cursor is moved up or to the right.
[0033]
(6) Left zoom button 26... Functions as a zoom button on the wide angle side in the photographing mode. In the menu display state, the menu item cursor is moved downward or left.
[0034]
(7) Delete button 27 .. When pressed in the playback mode, after displaying information for reconfirming the deletion, the image file being played back (image file at the cursor position in the thumbnail state) is deleted. When deleting from the playback menu, a multi-functional deletion mode such as “delete all image files” or “delete by selecting a plurality of image files” can be selected.
[0035]
(8) Thumbnail button 28... Push button for reciprocating between full screen display and thumbnail display in the playback mode.
[0036]
(9) Multiple selection button 29... A push button for selecting a plurality of image files in the playback mode. When an image recorded at a high resolution is reproduced and displayed on the entire screen, the image processing circuit 15 enlarges and displays a part of the image by pressing the multiple selection button 29.
Next, a menu display language switching operation, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.
[0037]
(Switching the menu display language in the shooting menu)
FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing the hierarchical structure of the shooting menu.
First, in the manual shooting mode, when the menu button 23 is pressed for 0.2 seconds or longer, the system control CPU 20 instructs the image processing CPU 16 to display the first-level menu screen 101. . The image processing CPU 16 displays the first-level menu screen 101 on the liquid crystal monitor 15a in accordance with the current menu display language setting.
[0038]
The specifications of the display screen at this time are shown in FIG. A menu item “language (LANG)” for changing the setting of the menu display language is displayed on the display screen, along with frequently used menu items such as “exposure correction”.
In this state, the operator operates the left zoom button 26 (right zoom button 25) to move the cursor to a desired menu item, and operates the release button 24 to select the menu item.
[0039]
Here, when “language (LANG)” is selected from the menu, the system control CPU 20 instructs the image processing CPU 16 to display the second-level menu screen 251 on the liquid crystal monitor 15a. The operator appropriately selects a menu display language from the menu screen 251. After storing the menu display language selection result, the system control CPU 20 returns to the manual photographing mode.
The image processing CPU 16 reflects the menu display language selection result stored in this way in the next and subsequent menu displays.
[0040]
(Menu display language switching operation in the playback menu)
FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing the hierarchical structure of the playback menu.
First, when the menu button 23 is pressed in the state of the reproduction mode, the system control CPU 20 instructs the image processing CPU 16 to display the menu screen 201 of the first hierarchy. The image processing CPU 16 displays the first-level menu screen 201 on the liquid crystal monitor 15a according to the current menu display language setting.
[0041]
The specifications of the display screen at this time are shown in FIG. A menu item “language (LANG)” for changing the menu display language is displayed on the display screen along with frequently used menu items such as “thumbnail”.
In this state, when “language (LANG)” is selected from the menu, the system control CPU 20 instructs the image processing CPU 16 to display the second-level menu screen 251 on the liquid crystal monitor 15a. The operator appropriately selects a menu display language from the menu screen 251. After storing the menu display language selection result, the system control CPU 20 returns to the original reproduction mode.
[0042]
The image processing CPU 16 reflects the menu display language selection result stored in this way in the next and subsequent menu displays.
In the menu display described above, the cursor blinks at regular intervals. However, in the menu screen 232 shown in FIG. 4 (setting screen for interval seconds in slide reproduction), the image processing CPU 16 changes the blinking time of the cursor in accordance with the interval seconds of the menu item. By controlling the blinking of the cursor, the operator can roughly determine the length of the interval seconds from the blinking cursor and select an appropriate interval seconds reliably and easily.
[0043]
(Effects of the first embodiment)
As described above, in the first embodiment, menu items for setting the menu display language are presented in the menu of the first hierarchy. Therefore, even if the menu display language is changed by mistake, the menu display language can be reset easily and quickly from the menu of the first layer without following a deep layer.
[0044]
In the first embodiment described above, the menu item for setting the menu display language is provided in the menu of the first layer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as described in claim 1 , a menu item for returning the menu display language to a specific language may be presented in the menu of the first hierarchy. Even with such a menu structure, it is possible to immediately return the menu display language to the specific language from the first hierarchical menu. Further , in the selected state of the specific language, the menu item for returning the menu display language to the specific language may be switched to the non-presentation state. Such dynamic change of the menu items makes it possible to display the first hierarchy menu in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
[0045]
Incidentally, on the menu screen 151 shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to perform shooting settings of “fish eye converter mode” and “wide converter mode”. These settings are modes in which the following appropriate shooting settings are selected at a time when a fish icon and a wide conversion lens are attached to the shooting lens.
[0046]
(A) Fisheye converter mode ・ Change the focal length of the zoom lens to the wide end ・ Stop the flash device emission ・ Set the focus to infinity ・ Set the metering method to the center weight (B) Wide converter mode ・Change the focal length of the zoom lens to the wide end. Stop the flash device. [0047]
(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is an invention of a “recording medium on which a program 61 is recorded” corresponding to the third and fourth aspects of the invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an operation state when the program 61 is executed by a computer. First, when executing the program 61, the operating system 60 on the computer secures a predetermined amount of logical memory area, and expands the code of the program 61 read from the recording medium into the logical memory area. This code includes menu resource data created in advance for each of a plurality of languages.
[0048]
At this time, a message queue 62 for storing messages from the operating system 60 is also secured in the memory.
In this state, the execution code on the program 61 side requests the operating system 60 to create and register a window.
During the registration of the window, the operating system 60 calls a procedure operation associated with the window creation from the code of the program 61. By such a call operation, the program 61 loads a Japanese menu resource and initially displays the Japanese menu in the menu bar (S1 shown in FIG. 6).
[0049]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the Japanese menu displayed in this way.
The first hierarchy menu 72 displays menu items including “file”, “edit”, “display”, and “help”. Of these, the second hierarchy menu 73 and the third hierarchy menu 74 are sequentially displayed in a pop-up form by following the “display” menu item hierarchically.
[0050]
In the third hierarchy menu 74, menu display language selection candidates are listed as menu items. When the operator selects, for example, “English” from the menu, the operating system 60 stores the command message to which the menu ID “English” is assigned in the message queue 62.
On the program 61 side, when this command message is taken in via the message loop 63, the English menu resource is loaded and the English menu is displayed (S2 shown in FIG. 6).
[0051]
Even when another language is selected, similar message processing is executed on the program 61 side as shown in FIGS. 6S3 to S5.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the English menu displayed in this way.
In the first layer menu 75, a menu item “Japanese menu” for returning to the Japanese menu is arranged in the same row along with English menu items including “FILE”, “EDIT”, “VIEW”, and “HELP”. Is displayed.
[0052]
When the operator selects this “Japanese menu”, the operating system 60 stores the command message to which the menu ID “Japanese menu” is assigned in the message queue 62.
On the program 61 side, when this command message is received via the message loop 63, the Japanese menu resource is loaded and the Japanese menu is displayed again (S6 shown in FIG. 6).
[0053]
With the operation described above, in the second embodiment, menu items for returning the menu display language to Japanese are presented in the first layer menu 75 other than Japanese. Therefore, even if the menu display language is changed by mistake, it is possible to quickly return from the first hierarchy menu 75 to the Japanese menu without following a deep hierarchy.
[0054]
Furthermore, in the second embodiment, since the menu display language is selected in the second and lower layers, the possibility that the menu display language will be changed freely can be reduced.
In the second embodiment, the menu item for returning to the Japanese menu is omitted when the menu is displayed in Japanese. Therefore, the menu display in Japanese can be displayed simply and easily.
[0055]
In the second embodiment described above, the operation when returning from the first level of the English menu to the Japanese menu has been described. However, a menu item for selecting Japanese is separately arranged in the lower level menu. (See FIG. 9).
In the second embodiment described above, the operation when Japanese is set as the specific language has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In general, the native language of the country where the recording medium is sold may be appropriately set as the specific language.
[0056]
Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, a menu item for returning the menu display language to the specific language is provided in the first layer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example , menu items for selecting a menu display language may be presented on the first layer. Even with such a menu structure, the menu display language can be quickly returned.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
(Claims 1 , 3 ) In the inventions according to claims 1 , 3 , menu items for setting the menu display language to a specific language are presented in the first layer menu. Therefore, even if the erroneously menu display language is changed, deep hierarchy without tracing the can be set easily and quickly the language setting to a specific language from the first hierarchical menu.
[0059]
Furthermore, in the inventions according to claims 1 and 3 , menu items for selecting a menu display language are presented in the second and lower layers. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the risk of inadvertently changing the menu display language. In this way, by disposing the two menu items separately for the language setting, the conflicting problem that the menu display language is not changed easily and the menu display language is easily returned to normal can be solved at a time. It becomes possible.
[0060]
(Claims 2 and 4) In the inventions according to claims 2 and 4, the number of selectable items in the first layer menu is increased or decreased as necessary, so that the first layer menu is presented in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Is possible .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing a hierarchical structure of a shooting menu.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing screen specifications of the first layer of a shooting menu.
FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing a hierarchical structure of a reproduction menu.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing screen specifications of the first layer of a reproduction menu.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an operation state when a program 61 is executed by a computer.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a Japanese menu in the second embodiment in combination with a halftone image on a display.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an English menu in the second embodiment in combination with a halftone image on a display.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an English menu according to the second embodiment in combination with a halftone image on a display.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 photographing optical system 12 finder optical system 12a finder eyepiece side LED group 13 CCD image pickup device 14 A / D conversion circuit 15 image processing circuit 15a liquid crystal monitor 16 image processing CPU
17 System bus 18 Memory 20 System control CPU
21 selection dial 22 monitor button 23 menu button 24 release button 25 right zoom button 26 left zoom button 27 delete button 28 thumbnail button 29 multiple selection button 60 operating system 61 program 62 message queue 63 message loop 73 second layer menu 74 third layer Menu 75 First level menu

Claims (4)

An image pickup means for picking up a subject image, an image display means for displaying an image of the subject image picked up by the image pickup means, a menu is hierarchically presented on the image display means, and a menu item is manually selected. An electronic camera comprising: a menu presenting unit that accepts; and a setting unit that executes a predetermined setting operation in accordance with a menu item manually selected via the menu presenting unit. Presents a menu item for setting the menu display language to a predetermined specific language in the menu in the first layer, and a plurality of menu display languages in the menu in the second layer and below. An electronic camera having a menu function, characterized by presenting menu items for selecting from languages. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the menu presenting means includes a menu display language only when the menu display language is set to a language other than the specific language by the setting means. An electronic camera having a menu function, characterized by presenting menu items for setting the language to the specific language. The computer hierarchically presents menus and accepts manual selection of menu items, and a menu is selected in advance according to the menu items manually selected via the menu presenting means. In a machine-readable recording medium in which a “program having a menu function” for at least functioning as execution means for executing the procedural action is recorded, the menu presenting means includes a menu in the first hierarchy menu. A menu item for presenting a menu item for setting a display language to a predetermined specific language, and a menu item for selecting a menu display language from a plurality of languages in a menu in the second hierarchy or lower. A recording medium characterized by presenting. 4. A machine-readable recording medium on which the “program having a menu function” according to claim 3 is recorded, wherein the menu display means sets a menu display language other than the specific language by the execution means. Only in such a case, a menu item for setting a menu display language to the specific language is presented on a menu of the first hierarchy.

Images