JP4592084B2 - Imaging apparatus and operation control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an operation control method in the imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus capable of recording images and sounds and an operation control method in the imaging apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional image processing apparatuses that record and reproduce audio can be operated more easily by a user of the image processing apparatus with fewer operation members (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  In the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, audio is recorded as additional information for an image. When the audio recording / playback button is pressed while an image recorded on the recording medium is displayed, the audio panel is displayed. If there is no audio data corresponding to the displayed image data during audio panel display, the recording button is selected. By displaying the status, it is possible to record immediately.

JP2003-101914A (FIGS. 2 and 3)

  However, Patent Document 1 discloses an operation method of the information processing apparatus when audio is handled as additional information of an image, but does not disclose any operation method when recording / reproducing audio that does not depend on an image. Absent.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable operations for processing with a small number of operation members when performing processing such as recording and reproduction of sound in an imaging apparatus. .

An image pickup apparatus of the present invention capable of recording and reproducing images and sound selects a sound processing means for processing sound, a sound file for instructing the sound processing means to perform processing, and an operation on the sound file. Display control means for displaying and controlling a graphical user interface, a first operation member assigned a function of selecting any one of the audio files displayed on the graphical user interface, and displayed on the graphical user interface In addition, when the second operation member to which a function for selecting one of the operations on the audio file is assigned and the operation selected by the second operation member is a predetermined operation set in advance, Reassigning means for assigning a function other than selecting the audio file to one operation member, Audio processing means executes the sound processing selected by said first and second operating members.

With the image and sound are recorded and can be reproduced, a capable of processing audio, for instructing the sound processing, display control and audio files, a graphical user interface for selecting an operation for the audio file The operation control method of the present invention in the imaging apparatus having the display control means and the first and second operation members selects any one of the audio files displayed on the graphical user interface on the first operation member. Assigning a function to be selected, assigning a function to select any of the operations on the audio file displayed on the graphical user interface to the second operation member, and selecting the function selected by the second operation member Determining whether the operation is a predetermined operation set in advance; and the second operation. Reassigning a function other than selecting the audio file to the first operation member when it is determined that the operation selected by the material is a predetermined operation set in advance, The imaging device executes sound processing selected by the first and second operation members.

  According to the present invention, when processing such as voice recording / playback is performed in the imaging apparatus, it is possible to perform an operation for processing with a small number of operation members.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components exemplified in the present embodiment should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. It is not limited to.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 10 is a photographing lens, 12 is a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 is an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and 16 is an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. It is.

  A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, respectively, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the image data from the A / D converter 16 or the image data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined calculation process using the image data output from the A / D converter 16, and the system control circuit 50 performs the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement based on the obtained calculation result. A TTL (through-the-lens) type autofocus (AF) process, automatic exposure (AE) process, and flash pre-emission (EF) process are performed on the control unit 42. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 16, and also performs TTL auto white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result. ing.

  A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. Image data output from the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or only through the memory control circuit 22.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, 28 denotes an image display unit including a TFT LCD, and the image data for display written in the image display memory 24 passes through the D / A converter 26. Displayed by the image display unit 28. If the image data captured using the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized. The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be greatly reduced. Can do. Note that the image display unit 28 is coupled to the main body of the image processing apparatus 100 by a rotatable hinge unit, and can use an electronic finder function, a reproduction display function, and various display functions by setting a free orientation and angle. Is possible. Further, it is possible to store the display portion of the image display unit 28 toward the image processing apparatus 100. In this case, the display state of the image display unit 28 is detected by the image display unit open / close detection means 106 by detecting the storage state. Can be stopped.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. Thereby, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, a large amount of images can be written in the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 is also used to store audio data, and long-time audio data can be written therein. Further, the memory 30 can be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses / decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The image stored in the memory 30 is read and subjected to compression processing or decompression processing. It is written in the memory 30.

  Reference numeral 33 denotes a microphone that converts sound into an analog signal, and reference numeral 34 denotes an A / D converter that converts the analog signal of the sound input from the microphone 33 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 35 denotes a D / A converter that converts an audio digital signal into an analog signal. Reference numeral 36 denotes a speaker that generates an audio analog signal output from the D / A converter 35 as audio.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control unit that controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 404. Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, reference numeral 44 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and reference numeral 46 denotes a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the barrier 102 for protecting the lens. A flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function. The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method, and as described above, based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data from the A / D converter 16 by the image processing circuit 20, the system control is performed. The circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42.

  Reference numeral 48 denotes a connector, which is also called an accessory shoe, and includes an electrical contact with the flash device 400 and a mechanical fixing means.

  A system control circuit 50 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, and a memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a notification unit for notifying the outside of an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. A display unit that performs display, a sound generation element that performs voice notification, and the like are used. The display unit includes one or more of these. In particular, in the case of the display unit, one or a plurality of places are provided that are easy to see around the operation unit 70 of the image processing apparatus 100. In addition, the notification unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the notification contents of the notification unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like is, for example, a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression rate display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, or a remaining image number display. , Shutter speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Clock battery level display, Battery level display, Error display, Multi-digit number information display In addition, there are an attachment / detachment state display of the recording medium 200, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, a display showing a connection state with an external computer, and the like.

  In addition, among the notification contents of the notification unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 is, for example, in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display, There are an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like.

  Further, among the notification contents of the notification unit 54, what is displayed by an LED or the like includes, for example, in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, recording medium There are a writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, a secondary battery charge state display, and the like.

  Of the notification contents of the notification unit 54, notification by a lamp or the like includes, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be used in common with AF auxiliary light.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  Reference numerals 60, 61, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, such as switches, dials, touch panels, pointing by line-of-sight detection, voice recognition devices, and the like. Consists of a single or a plurality of combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a power ON / OFF switch that instructs activation / termination of the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 61 denotes a mode dial switch which can switch and set each function mode such as a photographing mode and a reproduction mode.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on by half-pressing a shutter button 63, which will be described later, and instructs to start operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing.

  Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned ON when a shutter button (not shown) is fully pressed, and an exposure process for writing a signal read from the image sensor 14 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. A series of recording processes such as a development process using an operation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, a recording process in which the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and the image data is written to the recording medium 200 Instructs the start of processing operation.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch which can set ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. With this function, when photographing using the optical viewfinder 104, it is possible to save power by cutting off the current supply to the image display unit 28 including a TFT LCD or the like.

  Reference numeral 68 denotes a voice button which can instruct voice recording / playback. With this function, it is possible to add audio information as ancillary information of a captured image or record only audio.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit composed of various buttons, a touch panel, and the like. A menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, menu movement + (plus) Button, menu shift-(minus) button, playback image shift + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, panorama mode shooting and playback Select / switch button for setting and switching various functions when executing, Decision / execution button for setting and executing various functions when performing shooting and playback in panorama mode, etc. Image taken immediately after shooting Quick review to set up a quick review function that automatically plays back data on the image display unit 28 ON / OFF button, compression mode switch for selecting the compression rate of JPEG compression, or selecting the CCDRAW mode for digitizing the image sensor signal and recording it on the recording medium, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, PC Playback mode switch that can set each function mode such as connection mode, and playback instructing the start of a playback operation in which a captured image is read from the memory 30 or the recording medium 2000 and displayed by the image display unit 28 in the shooting mode state There are switches.

  A 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. In addition, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery, or Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  90 and 94 are interfaces with a recording medium such as a memory card and a hard disk, 92 and 96 are connectors for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card and a hard disk, and 98 is a connector 92 and / or 96 with the recording medium 200 attached thereto. It is a recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit that detects whether or not there is.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the system has one interface and connector for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of systems and any number of systems. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard.

  The interface and the connector can be configured using a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like. When the interface 90 and the connector 92 are configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (registered trademark) card, or the like, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) card, an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and By connecting various communication cards such as Electronic Engineers (1394 card), P1284 card, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) card, communication card such as PHS, etc., image data between other computers and peripheral devices such as printers. And management information attached to image data can be transferred.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a barrier that is a protection device that prevents the imaging unit from being stained or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which can take an image using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In addition, in the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the notification unit 54, for example, in-focus state, camera shake warning, flash charging, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, and the like are displayed.

  A communication circuit 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to another device by the communication circuit 110, or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100. Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, which includes a recording unit 212 formed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 214 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 216 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100. ing.

  The recording medium 200 is not only a memory card such as a PCMCIA card or compact flash (registered trademark), a hard disk, but also a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk such as a CD-R or CD-WR, and a phase change optical disk such as a DVD. Of course, it does not matter even if they are configured.

  The recording medium 200 may be a composite medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. Further, a part of the composite medium may be detachable.

  Reference numeral 400 denotes a flash device, reference numeral 402 denotes a connector for connecting to an accessory shoe of the image processing apparatus 100, and reference numeral 404 denotes a flash, which also has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash dimming function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the back surface of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The audio button 68 can instruct to newly record audio as a file or to reproduce the recorded audio file. Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an image file recorded on the recording medium 200 is displayed on the image display unit 28, audio is recorded as additional information of the displayed image. Playback can also be performed.

  In the present embodiment, when the audio button 68 is kept pressed for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 1 second or longer), the audio can be newly recorded as an independent file, or the recorded audio file can be reproduced. It shall be Hereinafter, the operation of pressing the button for a predetermined time or longer is referred to as “long press”. On the other hand, when an image file recorded on the recording medium 200 is displayed on the image display unit 28, when the sound button 68 is pressed and released immediately, sound is recorded as additional information of the displayed image. Perform playback. The process of recording / reproducing audio as additional information of the displayed image is widely known from the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and the like, and is not specifically described here.

  Reference numeral 63 denotes a shutter button. When the shutter button is half-pressed, the shutter switch SW1 (62) is turned on, and when the shutter button is fully pressed, the shutter switch SW2 (64) is turned on.

  In FIG. 2, reference numerals 301, 302, 309, 310, 311, and 312 denote operation members corresponding to the operation unit 70 of FIG.

  A menu button 301 displays / hides the menu. By using the menu, it is possible to delete all the images recorded on the recording medium 200, perform a rotation operation, or the like. Reference numeral 302 denotes a SET button, which can be used to determine an item selected from a menu or an audio panel described later.

  Reference numeral 309 denotes a left button, 310 denotes a right button, 311 denotes an up button, and 312 denotes a down button, which are used to change a selection item when displaying a menu or a voice panel.

  At the time of recording audio data, the system control circuit 50 converts the analog data from the microphone 33 into digital data through the A / D converter 34 and writes it into the memory 30. The system control circuit 50 converts the audio data written in the memory 30 into a predetermined file format (for example, WAV format) and records it on the recording medium 200.

  At the time of audio data reproduction, the system control circuit 50 reads out the audio file recorded on the recording medium 200, analyzes and decodes the audio file, and writes the audio digital data to be reproduced into the memory 30. Thereafter, the audio digital data written in the memory 30 is supplied to the speaker 36 via the D / A converter 35 to reproduce the audio.

  Next, a screen displayed on the display unit 54 when the voice button 68 is pressed for a long time will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

  FIG. 3 is an example of an audio panel displayed on the image display unit 28 when the audio button 68 is pressed and held. On the audio panel, a browse area 501 for displaying a list of audio files recorded on the recording medium 200, an audio file selection list 502 for displaying an audio file selection / non-selection state, a scroll bar 503, and an operation list are displayed. Operation panel 504 to be displayed, voice panel non-display button 505, record button 506, playback button 507, fast reverse button 508, fast forward button 509, delete button 510, protect button 511, volume change indicator 512, playback position indicator 513, voice counter It consists of 514 GUIs (Graphical User Interface).

  The audio file selection list 502 displays the recording date and time and the recording time. For example, FIG. 3A shows that a file recorded for 4 seconds at 18:57 on March 24, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as “audio file 1”) is selected. Also, an audio file recorded for one minute and one second at 18:50 on March 24, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as “audio file 2”), 12 minutes and one second at 1: 1 on November 1, 2004. This indicates that a recorded audio file (hereinafter referred to as “audio file 3”) exists in the recording medium 200. Here, when the audio panel is displayed from the non-display state, the audio file selection list is displayed in descending order so that the most recently recorded audio file is at the top. In FIG. 3A, in addition to the audio file 1, the playback button 507 on the operation panel 504 is selected. When the SET button 302 is pressed at this time, the system control circuit 50 displays the selected audio file. 1 (object) is played back.

  As shown in the audio panel of FIG. 3A, when the lower button 312 is pressed while the playback button 507 is selected, the system control circuit 50 records the audio file 1 most recently. The audio file 2 is selected and the display of the audio panel is changed to the state shown in FIG. Here, there is an audio file 4 recorded recently after the audio file 3 (an audio file recorded at 14:13 on October 20, 2004), the display of the audio file 1 disappears, and the audio file 4 is displayed below the audio file 3. On the other hand, if the upper button 311 is pressed while the voice panel of FIG. 3B is displayed, the display of the voice panel is changed to the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the operation selected on the operation panel 504 is “play”, the up and down buttons 311 and 312 are assigned a function of selecting an audio file (object) in the audio file selection list 502. The left and right buttons 309 and 310 are assigned a function for selecting an operation (buttons 505 to 512) on the operation panel 504.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a sound panel displayed when the SET button 302 is pressed while the sound panel of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4A, the playback button 507 changes to a stop button, the playback position indicator 513 displays the position of the audio being played back with respect to the entire length of the audio file, and the audio counter 514 Displays the number of seconds of audio currently playing. FIG. 4A shows that the voice recorded about 30 seconds after the start of recording is being played back among the voices recorded for 1 minute and 1 second.

  When the SET button 302 is pressed during sound reproduction, the sound reproduction is stopped. For example, when the SET button 302 is pressed while the screen of FIG. 4A is displayed, a screen as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed. The play button 507 returns from the stop button to the play button, the play position indicator 513 displays the position where the play was stopped with respect to the entire length of the sound file, and the sound counter 514 indicates the number of seconds of sound that the play was stopped. indicate.

  Note that, in addition to the case where the playback button 507 is selected, the system control circuit 50 uses the operation panel 504 to hide the audio panel non-display button 505, the fast reverse button 508, the fast forward button 509, the delete button 510, and the protect button 511. Is selected, an audio file (object) selection function is assigned to the up and down buttons 311 and 312 in the same manner as when the playback button 507 is selected.

  FIG. 5 is an example of an audio panel displayed when the volume of audio to be reproduced is changed. This sound panel is displayed when the left button 309 or the right button 310 is pressed in the sound panel as shown in FIG. 3A and the volume change indicator 512 of the operation panel 504 is selected. When the upper button 311 is pressed while the sound panel of FIG. 5A is displayed, the volume at the time of sound reproduction is increased and the volume display of the volume change indicator 512 is increased, and FIG. Change to the voice panel display as shown in. If the lower button 312 is pressed while the voice panel of FIG. 5B is displayed, the volume of the voice volume indicator is decreased and the voice panel of FIG. 5A is displayed.

  As described above, when the operation selected on the operation panel 504 is the “volume change indicator”, the up / down buttons 311 and 312 are assigned a volume change function instead of a function for selecting an object.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the sound panel displayed when the recording button 506 of the operation panel 504 is selected by the left and right buttons 309 and 310 in the sound panel as shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A. It is. When recording, since a new audio file is created and the audio file cannot be selected, a new audio file is created in the audio file selection list 502 by expressing both the recording date and time and the recording time with “-”. It expresses what will be done. During recording, the up and down buttons 311 and 312 are invalid, and the system control circuit 50 does nothing even when pressed. This state is called a recording mode. On the other hand, a mode other than the recording mode is called a browse mode. Further, in the recording mode, the playback position indicator 513 and the audio counter 514 are not particularly necessary and may not be displayed, and FIG. 6 shows a case where they are not displayed.

  FIG. 7 shows another example of an audio panel displayed on the image display unit 28 when the audio button 68 is pressed and held, and unlike the case of FIG. 3, there is no audio file on the recording medium 200. Displayed. When there is no audio file, only the recording operation can be performed. Therefore, the recording button 506 on the operation panel 504 is selected to display a recording mode audio panel.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a sound panel displayed when the SET button 302 is pressed while the sound panel of FIG. 6 is displayed and sound is recorded. As shown in FIG. 8A, the recording button 506 changes to a stop button, and the recording start time and recording time are displayed in the audio file selection list 502. The recording time display is counted up according to the recording time. In FIG. 8A, recording is started at 10:28 on April 4, 2005, and recording is performed for 20 seconds from the start of recording, indicating that recording is in progress.

  When the SET button 302 is pressed during recording, the recording ends. For example, when the SET button 302 is pressed while the screen of FIG. 8A is displayed, a screen as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed. The recording button 506 returns from the stop button to the recording button, and the audio file selection list 502 indicates that recording is newly possible by expressing both the recording date and time and the recording time with “-”. In addition, the recorded file (starting recording at 10:28 on April 4, 2005, recording time 20 seconds) is added to the audio file selection list 502.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts showing processing of the image processing apparatus 100. Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  First, in step S101 of FIG. 9, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the power ON / OFF button 60. If the power is OFF, the process ends. On the other hand, if the power is on, the state of the mode dial 61 is determined (step S102). If the mode dial 61 is in the shooting mode, the shooting process is performed (step S103), and the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, if the playback mode is set in step S102, it is determined whether or not the voice button 68 has been pressed for a long time (step S104). If the voice button has not been pressed for a long time, processing corresponding to the button is performed ( Step S105) and return to Step S101.

  If the audio button has been pressed for a long time in step S104, it is determined whether or not an audio file exists on the recording medium 200 (step S106). If an audio file exists, browse mode display is performed (step S107). As described above, the browse mode is a mode other than the recording mode, and displays, for example, the sound panel as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if no audio file exists in step S106, the recording mode is displayed (step S108). In the recording mode display process, for example, an audio panel as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the left and right buttons 309 and 310 are pressed after displaying the sound panel as shown in FIG. 3 or 7 in step S107 or S108 (step S110). Proceed to S111. It is determined whether or not an audio file exists (step S111). If no audio file exists, the selection state of the audio panel non-display button 505 and the record button 506 is switched (step S112). As described above, when the audio file does not exist, the operation that requires the audio file such as reproduction cannot be performed, so it is possible to select only the recording operation and the process of hiding the audio panel. .

  On the other hand, if an audio file exists in step S111, the system control circuit 50 changes the processing item (step S113). For example, when the right button 310 is pressed while displaying FIG. 3A, the fast-reverse button 508 next to the right of the currently selected play button 507 is selected. On the other hand, when the left button 309 is pressed, the recording button on the left side of the currently selected playback button 507 is selected.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the browse mode / recording mode has been changed (step S114), and returns to step S110 if the mode has not been changed. On the other hand, if the mode is changed, it is determined whether or not the recording mode is set (step S115). If the recording mode is set, the recording mode is set (step S116). Is displayed. On the other hand, when the browse mode is set, the browse mode is set (step S117), and for example, an audio panel as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Then, it returns to step S110.

  If the system control circuit 50 determines in step S110 that the buttons other than the left and right buttons 309 and 310 have been pressed, it determines in step S118 whether the up and down buttons 311 and 312 have been pressed. If the up / down buttons 311 and 312 are pressed, it is determined whether or not the browse mode is currently displayed (step S119). If the browse mode is not selected (recording mode), the process returns to step S110 without doing anything.

  When the system control circuit 50 is in the browse mode in step S119, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the volume change indicator 512 is selected (step S120). When the volume change indicator 512 is selected, the volume is changed (step S121). When the upper button 311 is pressed, the volume is increased, and when the lower button 312 is pressed, the volume is decreased. As the volume setting screen, for example, screens such as (a) and (b) in FIG. 5 are displayed. Then, it returns to step S110.

  When the volume change indicator 512 is not selected in step S120, the system control circuit 50 changes the selected audio file (step S122). When the up button 311 is pressed, a recorded audio file is selected later than the selected audio file, and when the down button 312 is pressed, the time is set longer than the selected audio file. Select a previously recorded audio file. As a screen for changing the audio file selected by the up / down buttons 311 and 312, for example, a screen as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is displayed. Then, it returns to step S110.

  When a button other than the up / down buttons 311 and 312 is pressed in step S118, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the SET button 302 is pressed (step S123). If the SET button 302 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S110 without doing anything. On the other hand, if the SET button 302 is pressed in step S123, it is determined whether the currently selected item is the audio panel non-display button 505 (step S124), and the audio panel non-display button 505 is selected. When the voice panel is not displayed (step S130), the process returns to step S101.

  When a button other than the voice panel non-display button 505 is selected in step S124, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the record button 506 or the play button 507 is selected (step S125). Performs processing according to the processing item (step S126). Here, for example, fast reverse, fast forward, delete, protect, etc. are performed.

  When the recording button 506 or the playback button 507 is selected in step S123, the system control circuit 50 starts recording or playback (step S127). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the SET button 302 has been pressed (step S128). If not pressed, the determination in step S128 is repeated until it is pressed. When the SET button 302 is pressed, the recording or reproduction ends (step S129), and the process returns to step S110. In the processing from step S127 to S129, for example, the screens (a) and (b) in FIG. 4 are displayed during reproduction, and the screens (a) and (b) in FIG. 8 are displayed during recording.

  As described above, when a specific operation is selected, the user interface can be easily operated with a smaller number of operation members by changing the function assigned to the operation button or the like. It becomes possible to provide.

  In the above embodiment, the selection of the image file is assigned to the up / down button, and the selection of the operation is assigned to the left / right button. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may do it. It goes without saying that an image file selection function and an operation selection function may be assigned to buttons other than the up / down button and the left / right button.

  In addition, the dimensions, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components of the graphical user interface exemplified in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the application to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples in the embodiments.

  In the present embodiment, sound that is not related to an image has been described. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to recording and reproduction of sound or the like added to an image.

<Other embodiments>
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Examples of the storage medium for storing the program code include a flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, and the like. Can be considered. Also, a computer network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) can be used to supply the program code.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a rear view of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the invention, it is a figure showing an example of a display of an audio panel when reproduction is selected. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 display of the audio | voice panel at the time of the reproduction | regeneration processing in embodiment of this invention. In embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the example of a display of the audio | voice panel when changing a sound volume. In an embodiment of the invention, it is a figure showing an example of a display of an audio panel when recording is selected. In an embodiment of the invention, it is a figure showing an example of a display of an audio panel when an audio file does not exist. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the audio | voice panel at the time of the recording process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10: photographing lens, 12: shutter, 14: image sensor, 16: A / D converter, 18: timing generation circuit, 20: image processing circuit, 22: memory control circuit, 24: image display memory, 26: D / A converter, 28: image display unit, 30: memory, 32: compression / decompression unit, 33: microphone, 34: A / D converter, 35: D / A converter, 36: speaker, 40: exposure control unit, 42: Distance control unit, 44: Zoom control unit, 46: Barrier control unit, 50: System control circuit, 52: Memory, 54: Notification unit, 56: Non-volatile memory, 60: Power ON / OFF switch, 61: Mode dial switch, 62: Shutter switch SW1, 63: Shutter button, 64: Shutter switch SW2, 66: Image display ON / OFF switch, 68: Voice button, 70: Operation , 80: power control unit, 82, 84: connector, 86: power supply, 90, 94: interface, 92: connector, 98: recording medium detection unit, 100: image processing device, 102: barrier, 104: optical viewfinder, 110: Communication circuit, 112: Connector (or antenna), 200: Recording medium, 202: Recording unit, 204: Interface, 206: Connector, 301: Menu button, 302: SET button, 309: Left button, 310: Right button , 311: Up button, 312: Down button, 404: Flash

Claims (14)

An imaging device capable of recording and reproducing images and sounds,
Audio processing means for processing audio;
Display control means for controlling display of a graphical user interface for selecting an audio file for instructing the audio processing means to perform processing and an operation on the audio file;
A first operating member assigned a function of selecting any of the audio files displayed on the graphical user interface;
A second operation member assigned a function of selecting one of operations for the audio file displayed on the graphical user interface;
Reassignment means for assigning a function other than selecting the audio file to the first operation member when the operation selected by the second operation member is a predetermined operation set in advance;
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the sound processing means executes sound processing selected by the first and second operation members. The predetermined operation is an operation for changing a volume, and when the operation is selected by the second operation member, the reassignment unit assigns a function to increase or decrease the volume to the first operation member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 . 3. The reassignment unit invalidates the operation of the first operation member when recording is selected as an operation for the audio file by the second operation member. 4 . The imaging device described. Up and down buttons and left and right buttons, the first operating member and the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that used as the second operating member. A third operation member for instructing the start of operation for instructing the processing of the sound;
Determining means for determining whether an audio file already exists when the third operating member is operated;
When the determination unit determines that no audio file exists, recording is automatically selected as an operation for the audio file, and the reallocation unit invalidates the operation of the first operation member. the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized. When recording is selected as an operation for the audio file by the second operation member, the display control means displays a graphical user interface that selects a newly created audio file. Item 6. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 5 . The image and sound can be recorded / reproduced and the sound can be processed, and the graphical user interface for selecting the sound file for instructing the sound processing and the operation on the sound file is displayed and controlled. An operation control method in an imaging apparatus having a display control means and first and second operation members,
A first assigning step of assigning a function of selecting any of the audio files displayed on the graphical user interface to the first operating member;
A second assignment step of assigning a function of selecting any of the operations on the audio file displayed on the graphical user interface to the second operation member;
A first determination step of determining whether or not the operation selected by the second operation member is a predetermined operation set in advance;
A reassigning step of assigning a function other than selecting the audio file to the first operation member when it is determined that the operation selected by the second operation member is a predetermined operation set in advance; Have
The image pickup apparatus executes an audio process selected by the first and second operation members. When the predetermined operation is an operation for changing the volume and it is determined in the first determination step that the operation for changing the volume is selected by the second operation member, The operation control method according to claim 7 , wherein a function for increasing or decreasing a volume is assigned to the first operation member. 9. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising a step of invalidating an operation of the first operation member when recording is selected as an operation on the audio file by the second operation member. 10. Operation control method. The up and down buttons and left and right buttons, the first operation member and the operation control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by using as the second operating member. A second determination step of determining whether an operation start for instructing the voice processing is instructed;
A third determination step of determining whether or not an audio file already exists when it is determined in the second determination step that the operation start of the audio processing has been instructed;
A step of automatically selecting recording as an operation on the audio file and invalidating the operation of the first operation member when it is determined in the third determination step that no audio file exists. The operation control method according to any one of claims 7 to 10 , wherein: 8. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising a step of displaying a graphical user interface that selects a newly created audio file when recording is selected as an operation for the audio file by the second operation member. The operation control method of any one of thru | or 11 . The program for making an information processing apparatus perform each process of the operation control method of any one of Claims 7 thru | or 12 . A storage medium readable by an information processing apparatus, wherein the program according to claim 13 is stored.

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