JP4442424B2 - Imaging apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that picks up an image using a solid-state image pickup device and a control method thereof, and in particular, an automatic setting mode that automatically sets optimum values for a plurality of setting items of image pickup conditions, and each setting The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a manual setting mode in which setting values of items can be manually set, and a control method thereof.

  In recent years, digital still cameras and digital video cameras capable of capturing still images and moving images and recording them as digital data have become widespread. Many of these devices automatically adjust imaging conditions such as focus and exposure. However, there are an increasing number of devices that can manually set these adjustment values, and there are a number of setting items that can be manually set. Equipment to be provided has also appeared. However, such devices are becoming smaller and it is becoming difficult to arrange a large number of operation switches for setting.

  In view of this, a camera that can be used as an operation key for the above-described setting by displaying a liquid crystal panel for adjusting the angle of view as a touch panel type and displaying an icon of an operation key on the panel is realized. However, in terms of operability when the camera is held at the time of imaging, particularly in terms of immediate setting change, it is better to use hardware operation switches than touch panels.

Further, in order to reduce the number of operation switches by hardware, it has been conventionally considered that both functions of a rotation operation and a pressing operation are provided in one dial. For example, there are cameras that can change setting values by rotating the dial, select and determine setting items by pressing, and switch the display / non-display of the setting screen by opening and closing the dial. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a camera that enables manual setting for various setting items by combining a dial that can be rotated and pressed and an operation key for each setting item (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-43899 (paragraph numbers [0019] to [0023], FIG. 2) JP 2002-287199 A (paragraph numbers [0019] to [0031], FIG. 2)

  However, when a dial capable of both rotating and pressing operations is used, there is a problem that the operation is difficult unless used, for example, the dial is rotated by mistake when trying to press the dial. In addition, the camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a space for accommodating the dial portion in the camera body, which causes a problem in miniaturization. Furthermore, even when a dial capable of both rotating and pressing operations and other operation keys are combined as in Patent Document 2, the number of operation keys increases as the number of setting items that can be manually set increases. There is.

  In addition, when manual setting can be performed for a plurality of setting items, it is necessary for the user to be able to identify which type of setting item is enabled by display or the like. When there is one type of setting item, this is displayed only when the manual setting is valid, and display is not necessary when the manual setting is invalid. However, when there are a plurality of setting items, it is necessary to always display the ON / OFF state of the manual setting for all the setting items, and there is a problem that the visibility of the captured image is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an imaging apparatus capable of efficiently performing manual setting for a plurality of setting items without causing an operation error while using a small number of operation switches. The purpose is to do.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an imaging apparatus capable of efficiently performing manual setting for a plurality of setting items without causing an operation error while using few operation switches. is there.

  In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, an image is captured using a solid-state image sensor, and an automatic setting mode for automatically setting optimum values for a plurality of setting items of imaging conditions, and each setting item In the imaging apparatus having a manual setting mode in which the set value can be changed by manual operation, the first operation means including the operation keys and the operation keys are provided separately, and two operations corresponding to the operation directions are performed. A second operation unit that outputs a signal; a display unit that displays at least various setting information; and a setting value to be changed when the pressing time of the first operation unit is less than a predetermined time. When the switching process between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode for an item is executed and the mode is switched to the manual setting mode by the switching process, the change target is selected. The setting value of the setting item is changed according to the operation direction of the second operation means, and when the pressing time is a predetermined time or more, the selection item selection screen to be changed is displayed on the display means. There is provided an imaging device characterized by having a control means for displaying the image on the screen.

  In such an imaging apparatus, the first and second operation means are provided separately, and the setting value of any one setting item to be changed is changed by operating the second operation means. The Further, by pressing the first operation means for less than a certain time, the setting item whose setting value is to be changed is switched between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode, and the first operation means is kept for a certain time or more. By continuing to press the button, a selection item selection screen for changing the setting value is displayed on the display means.

  In the present invention, an image is picked up using a solid-state imaging device, and an automatic setting mode for automatically setting optimum values for a plurality of setting items of the imaging conditions, and setting values of the respective setting items are manually set. In the control method of the image pickup apparatus having the manual setting mode that can be changed by operation, the control means is set to be changed when the pressing time of the first operation means including the operation keys is less than a predetermined time. The step of executing the switching process between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode for the setting item, and the control means is the change target when switched to the manual setting mode by the switching process When the setting value of the setting item is changed according to the operation direction of the second operation means, and when the pressing time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the control means Control method for an imaging apparatus which comprises a step of displaying on display means a selection screen of the setting item and the change subject.

  In such a control method of the imaging apparatus, the operation is performed using the first and second operation means provided separately. By operating the second operation means, the setting value of any one of the setting items that are the change target is changed. Further, by pressing the first operation means for less than a certain time, the setting item whose setting value is to be changed is switched between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode, and the first operation means is kept for a certain time or more. By continuing to press the button, a selection item selection screen for changing the setting value is displayed on the display means.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the first and second operation means are provided separately, so that the setting value of any one setting item can be reliably set by the second operation means without erroneously switching the setting mode. Can change. Further, a process of switching between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode and a process of displaying a selection screen for setting items whose setting values are to be changed are selectively executed according to the pressing time of the first operation means. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an operation means for each setting item that can be manually set, and the imaging apparatus can be downsized. Furthermore, since the execution operation of each process is clearly distinguished by the pressing time of the first operation means, an operation error is unlikely to occur and the operation is easy to understand. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform manual setting for a plurality of setting items without causing an operation error while using a small number of operation switches.

  Further, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, since the operation is performed by using the first and second operation means provided separately, any one of them can be performed by the second operation means without switching the setting mode by mistake. The setting value of one setting item can be changed reliably. In addition, a process of switching between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode and a process of displaying a selection screen for setting items whose setting values are to be changed are selectively executed according to the pressing time of the first operation means. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide operation means for each setting item that can be manually set, and the imaging apparatus can be downsized. Furthermore, since the execution operation of each process is clearly distinguished by the pressing time of the first operation means, an operation error is unlikely to occur and the operation is easy to understand. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform manual setting for a plurality of setting items without causing an operation error while using a small number of operation switches.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital video camera will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a digital video camera according to an embodiment.

  A digital video camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a lens unit 2 that collects light from a subject, a monitor unit 3 that is used to check an image being captured, and the like. The digital video camera 1 captures light collected by the lens unit 2 with a solid-state image sensor and records an image signal on a magnetic tape or the like as a digital signal. The monitor unit 3 uses a thin display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and can be folded and accommodated in a housing surface, for example. Further, the display surface may be directed not only to the photographer side but also to the subject side.

  The digital video camera 1 has an automatic setting function that automatically sets many setting items for imaging conditions such as focusing and exposure (brightness) to optimum values. Also, a plurality of setting items can be manually set. A push-type manual key 4 and a rotary control dial 5 are provided as operation switches for manual setting. These are provided, for example, near the lens unit 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and can be easily touched with the left hand without visually recognizing the position of the switch during imaging. In particular, by providing each switch at this position, when focusing is performed manually, the switch can be operated with the same feeling as operating a focus ring provided around the lens unit.

  The manual key 4 is assigned a function for turning on / off manual setting for each setting item and a function for shifting to a setting item selection screen. Further, a setting value changing function and a cursor moving function are assigned to the control dial 5. As a result, input operations for all setting items that can be manually set can be performed using only the manual key 4 and the control dial 5.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the digital video camera 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the digital video camera 1 includes an optical block 11, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 12, a TG (Timing Generator) 13, an FE (Front End) processing circuit 14, a camera signal processing circuit 15, an encoder / decoder. 16, a control unit 17, an input unit 18, a graphic I / F (interface) 19, a monitor 20, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) 21, and a tape drive 22. A tape cassette 23 containing a magnetic tape is detachably attached to the tape drive 22.

  The optical block 11 includes a lens for condensing light from the subject on the CCD 12, a drive mechanism for moving the lens to perform focusing and zooming, a shutter mechanism, an iris mechanism, and the like. Driven based on a control signal from the unit 17.

  The CCD 12 is driven based on the timing signal output from the TG 13 and converts incident light from the subject into an electrical signal. Instead of the CCD 12, another solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor may be used. The TG 13 generates a timing signal according to the control signal from the control unit 17 and outputs it to the CCD 12.

  The FE processing circuit 14 samples the image signal output from the CCD 12 under the control of the control unit 17 so as to maintain a good S / N (Signal / Noise) ratio by CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) processing. Hold is performed, the gain is controlled by AGC (Auto Gain Control) processing, A / D conversion is performed, and a digital image signal is output.

  The camera signal processing circuit 15 performs white balance adjustment processing, color correction processing, AF (Auto Focus) processing, and AE (Auto Exposure) processing on the image signal from the FE processing circuit 14 under the control of the control unit 17. Then, camera signal processing such as AWB (Auto White Balance) processing is performed.

  The encoder / decoder 16 controls the image signal from the camera signal processing circuit 15 or the encoder / decoder 16 according to the DV (Digital Video) method or the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method under the control of the control unit 17. A compression encoding process is performed in a predetermined moving image data format. Also, the encoded data of the moving image supplied from the control unit 17 is decompressed and decoded. Note that still image compression / decoding processing may be performed using a still image data format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group).

  The control unit 17 is a microcontroller including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and by executing a program stored in the ROM or the like, the controller 17 Centrally control each part of the still camera.

  The input unit 18 includes various operation keys, levers, dials, and the like including the manual key 4 and the control dial 5 described above, and outputs a control signal corresponding to an input operation by the user to the control unit 17.

  The graphic I / F 19 generates an image signal to be displayed on the monitor 20 or the EVF 21 from the image signal supplied from the camera signal processing circuit 15 or the encoder / decoder 16 under the control of the control unit 17, and this signal Is supplied to the monitor 20 and the EVF 21 to display an image. The graphic I / F 19 displays an image being picked up and a reproduced image of the data recorded on the tape cassette 23, and based on a signal from the control unit 17, the operation mode, the remaining battery level, the remaining tape amount, and the imaging An OSD (On Screen Display) image showing manual setting values of conditions, menus for various settings, and the like can be synthesized and displayed on the captured image. The monitor 20 and the EVF 21 are both composed of an LCD, for example, and display an image being captured or a reproduced image.

  The tape drive 22 includes a magnetic head for writing / reading signals to / from the magnetic tape in the tape cassette 23, various drive mechanisms for tape loading, a write / read signal modulation / demodulation circuit, an error correction circuit, and the like. . The tape drive 22 writes the data supplied from the control unit 17 to the magnetic tape in the tape cassette 23 and outputs the data read from the magnetic tape to the control unit 17. In addition, as the recording medium, for example, a memory card made of a semiconductor memory, a writable optical disk, an HDD (hard disk drive), or the like may be used.

  In the digital video camera 1 described above, the signals received by the CCD 12 and subjected to photoelectric conversion are sequentially supplied to the FE processing circuit 14. The FE processing circuit 14 performs CDS processing and AGC processing on the input signal, and further converts it into a digital signal. The camera signal processing circuit 15 performs image quality correction processing on the digital image signal supplied from the FE processing circuit 14 and supplies the digital image signal as a camera-through image signal to the graphic I / F 19 via the control unit 17. Thereby, a camera through image is displayed on the monitor 20 or the EVF 21.

  In this state, when recording start is requested through the input unit 18, the image signal from the camera signal processing circuit 15 is compression-encoded by the encoder / decoder 16 to generate encoded data. The encoded data is sequentially supplied to the tape drive 22 through the control unit 17 and recorded on the magnetic tape in the tape cassette 23.

  On the other hand, when reproducing the moving image data recorded on the magnetic tape, the control unit 17 causes the tape drive 22 to start reading the magnetic tape in response to an operation input from the input unit 18, and the read moving image The image data is supplied to the encoder / decoder 16 via the control unit 17 and subjected to decompression decoding processing. The processed image signal is supplied to the graphic I / F 19, whereby a moving image is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 20.

  Next, the manual setting function for the setting items of the imaging condition will be described in detail.

  As an example, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can switch between an automatic setting mode (AF mode and AE mode, respectively) and a manual setting mode for each setting item of focusing and brightness (exposure). Yes. Focusing is performed by moving the focus lens of the optical block 11. The brightness is adjusted by changing, for example, the AGC gain amount in the FE processing circuit 14, the luminance signal adjustment amount in the camera signal processing circuit 15, the exposure time adjustment amount of the electronic shutter in the CCD 12, the iris opening degree, and the like. This is to adjust the exposure amount of the image. In the manual setting mode for these setting items, the user can change the moving amount and the exposure amount of the focus lens by rotating the control dial 5 while visually recognizing the captured image on the monitor 20 or the EVF 21.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main screen display example when performing manual setting.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B show screen examples when the focus adjustment and the brightness are set to the manual setting mode, respectively. In the screen of FIG. 3A, an identification image 31 indicating that the focusing is in the manual setting mode, and a text 32 indicating the current setting value (here, the distance to the focused subject). It is displayed. At this time, the user can change the setting value while checking the text 32 by rotating the control dial 5. In the screen of FIG. 3B, an identification image 33 indicating that the brightness is in the manual setting mode is displayed. In this identification image 33, a guideline of the set value is indicated by the lever 34, and the user can change the set value while checking the position of the lever 34 by rotating the control dial 5.

  Note that when the focusing is in the automatic setting (AF) mode, the identification image 31 and the text 32 in FIG. 3A are not displayed. Therefore, since the identification image 31 and the text 32 are not displayed, the user can recognize that the automatic setting state is set. Similarly, when the brightness is in the automatic setting (AE) mode, the identification image 33 in FIG. 3B is not displayed.

  Conversely, a plurality of setting items may be set to the manual setting mode at the same time. In this case, since the change of the setting value is shared by the single control dial 5, the user selects a setting item (hereinafter referred to as a setting target item) that can be changed by the control dial 5. Means and means for the user to identify the selected setting item are required.

  FIG. 3C shows an example of a selection target item selection screen by the control dial 5. On this screen, a dial setting image 35 displaying a list of setting items is displayed, and the user rotates the control dial 5 to move the position of the cursor 36 and presses the manual key 4 to determine the setting. The target item can be selected.

  3D and 3E show examples of a manual setting screen when two setting items are in the manual setting mode. In FIG. 3D, focusing is an item to be set, and an identification image 31 and text 32 indicating this are displayed. At the same time, for brightness that is not a setting target item, by displaying an inverted identification image 33a obtained by inverting the color of the identification image 33, it is in the manual setting mode and is not a setting target item. It can be identified. At this time, the setting value by manual setting is held for the brightness, and the setting value can also be identified by the reverse identification image 33a.

  In FIG. 3E, brightness is a setting target item, and an identification image 33 indicating this is displayed. At the same time, an inverted identification image 31a obtained by inverting the color of the identification image 31 is displayed for focusing that is not a setting target item. Note that the text 32 indicating the held focus adjustment setting value is not displayed here, but the text 32 may be displayed together with the inverted identification image 31a.

  As described above, when a plurality of setting items can be set to the manual setting mode, from the manual setting screen as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D, and 3E, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to be able to transition to the selection target item selection screen. In addition, for each setting item, a function for switching between the manual setting mode and the automatic setting mode is also required. In the present embodiment, two operation switches of the manual key 4 and the control dial 5 are used, and the function of changing the setting value and moving the cursor is assigned to the control dial 5 as in the prior art. And both functions of switching to the selection target item selection screen. Thus, all necessary operations can be performed with only two operation switches without deteriorating operability.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of manual setting and setting mode switching processing by the control unit 17.

  [Step S101] It is determined whether or not the setting item currently being set is in the manual setting mode. If it is the manual setting mode, the process proceeds to step S102, and if it is the automatic setting mode, the process proceeds to step S109.

  [Step S102] It is determined whether or not the manual key 4 has been pressed. If pressed, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not, the process proceeds to step S106.

  [Step S103] The pressing time of the manual key 4 is counted, and it is determined whether or not the pressing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S104. If it is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S105.

  [Step S104] If the pressing time of the manual key 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a process for selecting a setting target item is executed. This process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Then, after the process is executed, the process proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S105] If the pressing time of the manual key 4 is less than the threshold value, the setting item currently set is set to the automatic setting mode. Then, the identification image indicating that the setting item is the manual setting mode is hidden. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S106] It is determined whether or not the control dial 5 has been rotated. If rotated, the process proceeds to step S107, and if not, the process proceeds to step S108.

  [Step S107] The setting value of the setting item that is currently set is changed according to the direction and amount of rotation of the control dial 5.

  [Step S108] The display of the setting value of the setting item currently being set is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S109] On the other hand, if the setting item currently set is the automatic setting mode, it is first determined whether or not the manual key 4 has been pressed. If pressed, the process proceeds to step S110, and if not, the process proceeds to step S113.

  [Step S110] The time for pressing the manual key 4 is counted, and it is determined whether or not the time for pressing is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S111, and if it is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S112. The threshold value at this time may be the same as the value used in step S103.

  [Step S111] If the pressing time of the manual key 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a process for selecting a setting target item is executed. This process is the same as step S104. Then, after the process is executed, the process proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S112] If the pressing time of the manual key 4 is less than the threshold value, the setting item currently set is set to the manual setting mode. Then, an identification image indicating that the setting item is in the manual setting mode is displayed in a normal state (that is, in a state indicating that the setting item is a setting target item). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S113] It is determined whether or not the control dial 5 has been rotated. If it has been rotated, the process proceeds to step S114; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S114] Regardless of the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the control dial 5, the setting items that are currently set are displayed for a certain period of time. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115. If the manual key 4 is pressed during this display (corresponding to steps S102 and S109), the display is stopped and processing corresponding to the key press is performed.

  [Step S115] For example, it is determined whether or not to end the process in response to a power-off operation or the like. If not, the process returns to step S101.

  In the above processing, when the manual key 4 is pressed for a short time less than the threshold value, the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode are switched for the setting item currently set. If the setting target item is set to the manual setting mode, the setting value can be changed by rotating the control dial 5. On the other hand, when the setting target item is in the automatic setting mode, the setting item that is currently set is displayed by rotating the control dial 5.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of setting target item selection processing (corresponding to steps S105 and S112 in FIG. 4) by the control unit 17.

  [Step S201] A dial setting image 35 for selecting a setting target item is displayed.

  [Step S202] The setting item selected by the cursor 36 in the dial setting image 35 is determined. If the focus is selected, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the brightness is selected, the process proceeds to step S209.

  [Step S203] It is determined whether or not the manual key 4 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S204, and if not, the process proceeds to step S215.

  [Step S204] It is determined whether or not the focus is in a manual setting mode. If it is in the manual setting mode, the process proceeds to step S206, and if not, the process proceeds to step S205.

  [Step S205] The focus is set to the manual setting mode.

  [Step S206] The dial setting image 35 is not displayed, and the focus identification image 31 (normal state) is displayed.

  [Step S207] It is determined whether or not another setting item (in this case, brightness) is set to the manual setting mode. If it is in the manual setting mode, the process proceeds to step S208. If not, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 4 and proceeds to step S115.

  [Step S208] A brightness reversal identification image 33a is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  [Step S209] On the other hand, the process when the brightness is selected by the cursor 36 is basically the same as when the focus adjustment is selected. In step S209, it is determined whether or not the manual key 4 has been pressed. If pressed, the process proceeds to step S210, and if not, the process proceeds to step S215.

  [Step S210] It is determined whether the brightness is set to the manual setting mode. If it is in the manual setting mode, the process proceeds to step S212, and if not, the process proceeds to step S211.

  [Step S211] The brightness is set to the manual setting mode.

  [Step S212] The dial setting image 35 is not displayed and the brightness identification image 33 (normal state) is displayed.

  [Step S213] It is determined whether or not the other setting item (in this case, the focus) is in the manual setting mode. If the setting item is in the manual setting mode, the process proceeds to Step S214. Otherwise, the process proceeds to Step S115 in FIG. .

  [Step S214] The focus reversal identification image 31a is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  [Step S215] It is determined whether or not the control dial 5 has been rotated. If rotated, the process proceeds to step S216, and if not, the process returns to step S202.

  [Step S216] The selection position of the cursor 36 is moved and the setting target item is changed according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the control dial 5. Thereafter, the process returns to step S202.

  In the above processing, the position of the cursor 36 on the dial setting image 35 is moved according to the operation of the control dial 5 and when the manual key 4 is pressed, the setting item selected by the cursor 36 can be determined as the setting target. At this time, the determined setting item is forcibly set to the manual setting mode.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of screen transition will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen transition example between the manual setting screen and the setting target item selection screen.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of screen transition when one setting item (here, focus adjustment) is set to the manual setting mode. In this figure, on the screen P11, focusing is set in the manual setting mode and the setting target item, and an identification image 31 indicating them and a text 32 indicating the set value are displayed. On this screen P11, the setting value for focusing can be changed by rotating the control dial 5 (step S301).

  When the manual key 4 is pressed for a short time less than a predetermined time from the state of the screen P11, the focusing is switched to the automatic setting mode. At this time, the screen transitions to the screen P12, and the display of the identification image 31 and the text 32 disappears (step S302). Similarly, when the manual key 4 is pressed for a short time from the state of the screen P12, the focusing is switched to the manual setting mode, and the screen transitions to the screen P11 (step S303). As described above, by pressing the manual key 4 for a short time, the manual setting mode and the automatic setting mode can be switched for the setting target item.

  On the other hand, when the manual key 4 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer from the state of the screen P11 (hereinafter referred to as long press), the screen shifts to a screen P13 for selecting a setting target item (step S304). As described above, the dial setting image 35 is displayed on the screen P13, the control dial 5 is rotated to move the cursor 36 (step S305), and the manual key 4 is further pressed to confirm the setting target item. Then, the screen shifts to a screen (P11) where the setting target item can be manually set (step S306).

  As described above, in the state in which the screen P11 capable of manual setting is displayed, the setting mode changing function and the setting target item selecting function are switched according to the pressing time of one manual key 4. Conventionally, when there are a plurality of setting target items, it is necessary to provide manual keys corresponding to the number of items. In the present embodiment, however, two operation switches such as a manual key 4 and a control dial 5 are provided. Using only these, switching of setting target items, switching of manual setting / automatic setting of each setting target item, and change of setting values are all realized. Therefore, the installation space for the operation switch is reduced, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.

  Further, since the change of the setting mode often requires higher immediacy compared to the change of the setting target item, the setting mode can be changed by simply pressing the manual key 4 for a short time. On the other hand, the operation is clearly distinguished from mode switching in which the manual key 4 is held down for a long time, so that the screen changes to the setting target item selection screen.

  The control dial 5 performs only a rotation operation, and is used for a single input operation of setting change and cursor movement on the manual operation screen and the selection target item selection screen, respectively. For this reason, the operation is intuitive and easy to understand for the user. Furthermore, since there is no error in operation, such as a dial having a pressing function as well as a rotating function, it is suitable for a device used by a user with one hand, such as a digital video camera. Therefore, a small digital video camera with a minimum number of operation switches can be realized without deteriorating operability.

  Further, even when the manual key 4 is pressed and held from the state of the screen P12 in which the focusing is set to the automatic setting mode, the screen can be shifted to the screen P13 for selecting the setting target item (step S307). In this case, when the setting target item is determined by pressing the manual key 4 from the state of the screen P13, the setting target item determined at this time is set to the manual setting mode regardless of the previous setting mode (step S306). When the screen transitions to the screen P13, the user often wants to manually set one of the setting target items. Therefore, the operation is immediately performed in comparison with the case where the setting mode is changed after returning to the screen P12 again. Increases nature.

  Further, when the control dial 5 is rotated in the state of the screen P12, an item display image 37 indicating the currently selected setting target item is displayed as in the screen P14 (step S308). On the screen P14, the item display image 37 indicates that the setting target item is focus adjustment. Furthermore, here, a text such as “You can manually set the focus by pressing the manual key” is displayed to guide you how to switch to the manual setting mode.

  In this case, since the setting target item currently selected in the state of the screen P12 can be confirmed, the user may press the manual key 4 for a short time when the setting item to be manually operated is set as the setting target. On the other hand, if the setting item to be manually operated is not the setting target, the operation mode must be changed via the screen P13. In the latter case, since the user clearly wants to manually operate another setting item and the screen is shifted to the screen P13, as described above, when the setting target item is subsequently confirmed, the setting target item is always manually set. By setting to the setting mode, the immediateness of the operation can be further enhanced.

  In addition, since the currently selected setting target item can be immediately confirmed from the state of the screen P12, it is not inconvenient to display an identification image only in the manual setting mode for a plurality of setting items. Since it is not necessary to display the identification image for the setting item in the mode, the visibility of the captured image is improved.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when a plurality of setting items are in the manual setting mode.

  In FIG. 7, on the screen P21, the focus adjustment is set to the setting target item in the manual setting mode similarly to the screen P11 of FIG. 6, and the setting value of the focus adjustment is changed by rotating the control dial 5. (Step S401).

  If the manual key 4 is pressed and held from this state, the screen changes to a screen P22 for selecting a setting target item (step S402). As described above, on this screen P22, by rotating the control dial 5, the cursor 36 in the dial setting image 35 is moved (step S404), and the manual key 4 is pressed to determine the setting target item. If the determined setting target item is focus adjustment, the screen transitions to the screen P21 (step S403).

  On the other hand, when the setting target item is changed to brightness, the screen transitions to the screen P23 (step S405). On this screen P23, an identification image 33 indicating that the brightness is set as an item to be set is displayed, and the brightness setting value can be changed by rotating the control dial 5 (step S406). At this time, since the focusing is in the manual setting mode and is not a setting target item, a reverse identification image 31a indicating these is displayed together with the identification image 33 for brightness. As a result, the user can visually recognize that the focus setting value is held while visually recognizing the brightness setting value according to the rotation of the control dial 5.

  Similarly, in this screen P23, the user can make a transition to the screen P22 for selecting the setting target item by long pressing the manual key 4 (step S407). Also, the brightness can be set to the automatic setting mode by pressing the manual key 4 for a short time from the state of the screen P23. In this case, the identification image 33 disappears, but the inverted identification image 31a continues to be displayed, and it can be visually confirmed that the focusing is in the manual setting mode.

  As described above, in the digital video camera 1 of the present embodiment, only two operation switches, the manual key 4 and the control dial 5, are used to switch the setting target item and to manually set / automatically set each setting target item. It is possible to operate all of setting switching and setting value change. In addition, these operations are intuitive and easy to understand, necessary operations can be performed quickly, and operation errors are reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a digital video camera that is small, highly functional, and highly operable.

<Example of processing with setting mode reset function>
By the way, in the above processing example, the manual setting mode and the automatic setting mode can be individually switched for each operation item. However, in actual imaging, there may be a case where it is desired to return all operation items to the automatic setting mode. Therefore, in the following processing example, a reset instruction item is added to the dial setting image for selecting the setting target item in addition to the setting item, and the setting mode can be reset by selecting this item.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of selection target item selection processing by the control unit 17 when the reset function is provided.

  [Step S501] A dial setting image including a reset instruction item is displayed.

  [Step S502] The setting item selected by the cursor in the dial setting image is determined. If the focus is selected, the process proceeds to step S503. If the brightness is selected, the process proceeds to step S509. If the reset instruction item is selected, the process proceeds to step S515.

  [Steps S503 to S514] These steps are the same as steps S203 to S214 in FIG. If the manual key 4 is not pressed in steps S503 and S509, the process proceeds to step S517.

  [Step S515] It is determined whether or not the manual key 4 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S516; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S517.

  [Step S516] All setting items are set to the automatic setting mode. Also, the dial setting image is hidden, and the identification images of all setting items are also hidden. Thereafter, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step S115. At this time, as the setting target item, for example, a setting item that is the last target or a predetermined setting item may be set.

  [Step S517] It is determined whether or not the control dial 5 has been rotated. If the control dial 5 has been rotated, the process proceeds to step S518. If not, the process returns to step S502.

  [Step S518] The cursor selection position is moved and the setting target item is changed according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the control dial 5. Thereafter, the process returns to step S502.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition when the reset function is provided.

  In the screen P31 of FIG. 9, as an example, both the focus adjustment and the brightness are set to the manual setting mode, and the setting target item is set to the focus adjustment. Accordingly, the identification image 31 for focusing and the text 32 indicating the set value are displayed, and the inverted identification image 33a for brightness is also displayed.

  From this state, when the manual key 4 is pressed and held down, the screen shifts to a screen P32 for selecting a setting target item (step S601). At this time, the dial setting image 35a includes items for reset instruction as well as setting items that can be manually operated. Here, the control dial 5 is rotated to move the cursor 36 to the reset instruction item (step S602), and the manual key 4 is pressed to transition to the screen P33 (step S603). Thereby, regardless of the previous state, all setting items are set to the automatic setting mode, so that the identification image is not displayed on the screen P33. According to the above processing, since all the setting items can be set to the automatic setting mode at once without performing individual operations on the respective setting items, the usability is further improved.

  In each of the above embodiments, focusing and brightness are applied as setting items that can be set to the manual setting mode. However, for example, AE shift, AWB shift, and the like can be applied. . The AE shift is a function that increases or decreases the optimum brightness adjustment amount calculated by the AE processing in the camera signal processing circuit 15 or the control unit 17 in, for example, a plurality of stages. Similarly, the AWB shift is a function for increasing / decreasing the optimum WB adjustment amount calculated by the AWB processing in the camera signal processing circuit 15 or the control unit 17 in a plurality of stages, for example, by increasing / decreasing the white reference point.

  In the above embodiment, the dial is used for changing the setting value and moving the cursor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two operation signals such as a pair of operation keys are output according to the operation direction. It is only necessary to use an operation switch that can be used.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, either the manual setting / automatic setting switching process of each setting target item or the setting target item switching process is selectively executed according to the pressing time of the manual key 4. However, in addition to the pressing time, for example, the processing may be selectively performed according to the number of times of pressing per unit time (single click and double click).

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital video camera has been described. However, for example, a still image or moving image imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera, and such an imaging function are provided. The present invention can be applied to a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a digital video camera according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the digital video camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of main screen displays at the time of performing manual setting. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the manual setting and setting mode switching by a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the selection process of the setting object item by a control part. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a screen transition at the time of performing manual setting. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a screen transition at the time of performing manual setting. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the selection process of the setting object item by the control part in the case of having a reset function. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen transition in the case of having a reset function.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital video camera, 2 ... Lens part, 3 ... Monitor part, 4 ... Manual key, 5 ... Control dial, 11 ... Optical block, 12 ... CCD, 13 ... TG, 14 ... FE processing circuit, 15... Camera signal processing circuit, 16... Encoder / decoder, 17... Control unit, 18 .. input unit, 19... Graphic I / F, 20. …… Tape drive, 23 …… Tape cassette, 31 …… Identification image, 31a …… Reverse identification image, 32 …… Text, 33 …… Identification image, 33a …… Reverse identification image, 34 …… Lever, 35 …… Dial setting image, 36 …… Cursor, P11 to P13 …… Screen

Claims (17)

An automatic setting mode that picks up an image using a solid-state image sensor and automatically sets the optimum values for multiple setting items of the imaging conditions, and a manual that allows the setting values of each setting item to be changed manually In an imaging device having a setting mode,
A first operation means comprising operation keys;
A second operating means that is provided separately from the operation keys and outputs two operation signals according to the operation direction;
Display means for displaying at least various setting information;
When the pressing time of the first operation means is less than a certain time, the switching process between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode for the setting item whose setting value is to be changed is executed, and the switching is performed. When switching to the manual setting mode by processing, the setting value of the setting item to be changed is changed according to the operation direction of the second operating means, and when the pressing time is a predetermined time or more Control means for causing the display means to display a selection screen for the setting item to be changed;
An imaging device comprising:   In a state where the selection screen is displayed on the display unit, the control unit selects the setting item to be changed according to an operation direction of the second operation unit, and the selected setting item is The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is determined in response to pressing of the first operation means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the selected setting item to the manual setting mode when the first operation unit is pressed while the selection screen is displayed.   The control means provides a reset instruction item in addition to the setting item as a selection item on the selection screen, and when the reset instruction item is selected and determined, all the setting items are set in the automatic setting mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:   When each setting item is set to the manual setting mode, the control unit displays an identification image for each setting item indicating the fact on the display unit, and the corresponding setting item is changed as the identification image. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein different images are displayed depending on whether or not the target is set.   If the control unit detects an operation to the second operation unit when the setting item to be changed is in the automatic setting mode, the control unit sets the current setting to be changed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an item is displayed on the display unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit displays the current setting item to be changed for a predetermined time.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit includes a dial.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit includes a pair of operation keys. An automatic setting mode that picks up an image using a solid-state image sensor and automatically sets the optimum values for multiple setting items of the imaging conditions, and a manual that allows the setting values of each setting item to be changed manually In an imaging device having a setting mode,
A first operation means comprising operation keys;
A second operating means that is provided separately from the operation keys and outputs two operation signals according to the operation direction;
Display means for displaying at least various setting information;
When the first operation means is pressed once within a unit time, a switching process between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode for each setting item is executed, and the manual setting mode is performed by the switching process. When the setting value of any one of the setting items is changed according to the operation direction of the second operation means, and the first operation means is pressed twice within the unit time. Control means for executing processing for causing the display means to display a selection screen for the setting item to be changed in setting values;
An imaging device comprising: An automatic setting mode that picks up an image using a solid-state image sensor and automatically sets the optimum values for multiple setting items of the imaging conditions, and a manual that allows the setting values of each setting item to be changed manually In a control method of an imaging apparatus having a setting mode,
When the pressing time of the first operation means including the operation keys is less than a predetermined time, the control means switches between the automatic setting mode and the manual setting mode for the setting item whose setting value is to be changed. A step of performing
When the control means switches to the manual setting mode by the switching process, and changes the setting value of the setting item to be changed according to the operation direction of the second operation means;
When the pressing time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the control unit causes the display unit to display a selection screen of the setting item to be changed; and
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: The control means selecting the setting item to be changed according to the operation direction of the second operation means during display of the selection screen;
The control means determining the selected setting item in response to pressing of the first operation means during display of the selection screen;
The method of controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:   13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of setting the selected setting item to the manual setting mode when the first operation unit is pressed while the selection screen is displayed. Method for controlling the imaging apparatus.   When each setting item is set to the manual setting mode, the control unit further includes a step of causing the display unit to display an identification image for each setting item indicating that the setting mode is set to the manual setting mode. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a different image is displayed depending on whether or not a corresponding setting item is the change target.   When the setting item to be changed is set to the automatic setting mode, the control unit detects the setting item to be changed when the control unit detects an operation to the second operation unit. 12. The method for controlling an image pickup apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a step of causing the display means to display the image.   12. The method of controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a dial is used as the second operation means. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a pair of operation keys is used as the second operation means.

Images