JP4860495B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that records optical information from a subject as image data.

  In recent years, digital cameras have become popular as one of information devices because of higher resolution and higher functionality and lower prices. Since digital cameras can easily record information, they can be used to record image information such as maps and timetables as memos, in addition to the original use of capturing images to enjoy photographs (images). Is also often used.

  An image captured for enjoying a photograph is often used for printing on a printing apparatus or displayed on a display device for viewing. On the other hand, an image recorded as a memo is often used for browsing by a user in a digital camera. For this reason, in a digital camera, it is desirable that an image recorded as a memo is immediately retrieved and reproduced (displayed) when the user gives a reproduction instruction at a desired timing.

Patent Document 1 discloses a silver salt camera having a memo mode. The camera of Patent Document 1 has an exposure mode and a memo mode. In the exposure mode, in addition to film exposure, image data captured by an image sensor is stored in a first image memory. In the memo mode, the captured image data is stored in the second image memory without exposing the film. That is, in the memo mode of Patent Document 1, photography on the film is not performed, but the captured image data is recorded in the second image memory, and the captured image data can be reproduced at a desired timing later. .
JP 11-258687 A

  As described above, it is desired that an image recorded as a memo can be immediately retrieved and reproduced at a timing when the user desires to browse. For this reason, it is desirable that an image captured as a memo and an image captured for enjoying a photograph are separately managed by the digital camera.

  Patent Document 1 relates to a silver halide camera, and in a memory mode, image data is recorded in a memory without shooting on a film. The camera of Patent Document 1 has only a memo mode as a mode for recording an image as electronic data. Therefore, when the user records image data using the camera of Patent Document 1, image data captured for use as a memo by the user is distinguished from image data captured for enjoyment as a photograph. Not managed. Therefore, with the camera of Patent Document 1, it is impossible to immediately search for and reproduce an image recorded as a memo at a user's desired timing.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital mode having a mode suitable for recording and reproducing a memo image and improving operability at the time of recording and reproducing the memo image. The object is to provide an imaging device such as a camera.

A first imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging device capable of recording and reproducing an image in a plurality of operation modes, and mode setting means for selecting an operation mode and image data obtained by imaging a subject image. And imaging means for storing the generated image data in a recording medium, and control means for controlling the operation of the imaging apparatus in accordance with the operation mode selected by the mode setting means. A plurality of operation modes include a memo mode, and the memo mode is a sub mode . When the user gives an instruction to capture an image, the memo shooting mode for recording the captured image data in a specific folder in the recording medium, and a playback instruction by the user And a memo playback mode for reading and playing back image data stored in a specific folder. When the memo mode is selected by the mode setting means and the image data is stored in the specific folder, the control unit automatically shifts the imaging device to the memo reproduction mode, and the image data is stored in the specific folder. If not, the imaging device automatically shifts to the memo shooting mode.

  According to the present invention, a memo image is distinguished from other images and stored in a specific folder (memo folder), and the memo image is read from the specific folder and reproduced during reproduction in the memo reproduction mode. In this way, since the memo image is managed separately from the normal image, the memo image can be quickly reproduced. In addition, when the memo image is not in the specific folder, the process shifts to the imaging operation, so that the user does not need to perform an operation for ending the memo reproduction mode when there is no memo image to be displayed. Can be reduced.

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

1 Configuration of Imaging Device FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the imaging device. The imaging device 100 includes a lens 1, a CCD 3 that converts optical information into an electrical signal, an A / D converter 5 that converts an analog signal from the CCD 3 into a digital signal, and a digital signal from the A / D converter 5. An image processing unit 7 that performs predetermined signal processing on the image data shown, and a microcomputer 9 that controls the operation of the entire digital camera are provided. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 11 that is operated by a user, a liquid crystal monitor 13, an LCD controller 14 that controls the liquid crystal monitor 13, a card slot 15 into which a memory card 200 that is a recording medium is inserted, and an audio signal. , A buffer memory 19 as a working storage area, and a flash memory 21.

  The CCD 3 converts the optical information of the subject into an electrical signal and generates an image signal. The generated image signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5 and input to the image processing unit 7. The image processing unit 7 performs predetermined data processing such as preprocessing such as gamma correction, YC conversion, image compression, image expansion, and electronic zoom processing on the image data output from the A / D converter 5. The image data processed by the image processing unit 7 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 19 during processing, and finally recorded in the memory card 200 after the processing by the image processing unit 7 is completed.

  Image data picked up by the image pickup apparatus 100 is normally recorded in the memory card 200. However, when the image is picked up without the memory card 200 being inserted into the image pickup apparatus 100, or in the memo mode described later. When the image is captured, the captured image is stored in the flash memory 21.

  The operation unit 11 includes various operation buttons for the user to perform various operations. Various operation buttons of the operation unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the operation unit 11 includes a shutter button 11a, a zoom lever 11b, a mode dial 11c for selecting a shooting mode, a direction button 11d for specifying various setting items, menu display / cancellation and selection. And a display switching button 11f for displaying / canceling an icon or the like displayed on the screen.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in the vicinity of the shutter button 11 a and the mode dial 11 c of the imaging apparatus 100. The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can select a moving image shooting mode, a memo mode, a still image shooting mode, and a playback mode as operation modes. The moving image shooting mode is a mode for shooting a moving image, and the still image shooting mode is a mode for shooting a still image. The reproduction mode is a mode for reproducing an image captured in a mode other than the memo mode. The memo mode is a mode for recording and reproducing image data to be used as a memo. Details of the memo mode will be described later.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes a digital still camera, a digital video camera, and a mobile terminal with a camera function.

1-1 Directory Configuration in Memory Card A directory configuration in the flash memory 21 of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Image data is recorded in the flash memory 21 according to the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard. According to the DCF standard, a DCIM folder for storing an image file and a MISC folder for storing a management file for the image file exist under a root directory. In the example of FIG. 4, three image files (P1000001.JPG, P1000002.JPG, P1000004.JPG) are stored in the 100_PANA folder under the DCIM folder, and two image files (P1010001.JPG, P1010003) are stored in the 101_PANA folder. .JPG) is stored.

  Furthermore, a PRIVATE1 folder is provided as a memo folder under the root directory. This memo folder (PRIVATE1 folder) is a specific folder provided for storing image data and management files captured in the memo mode. The memo folder stores an image file (MEM00001.JPG, etc.) imaged in the memo mode and a target zoom management file (ZOOMMING.TXT) (details will be described later). “* .JPG” is a still image file in JPEG compression format, and “* .MOV” is a file in which audio data is added to a still image in JPEG compression format.

  Hereinafter, an image file captured in the memo mode is referred to as a “memo image”. When the imaging operation is executed in the memo mode, the captured image is recorded in the memo folder. Further, when the reproduction operation is executed in the memo mode, the image in the memo folder is read and reproduced. As described above, in the present embodiment, the memo image is recorded and reproduced with respect to the flash memory 21, but the memo image may be recorded and reproduced with respect to the memory card 200. In this case, it is necessary to provide a memo folder in the memory card 200.

1-2 Memo Mode The memo mode will be described. The memo mode includes two sub operation modes, a memo reproduction mode that is an operation mode for reproducing a memo image, and a memo shooting mode for capturing a memo image.

  When a playback instruction is received from the user in the memo playback mode, a memo image is read from the “memo folder” that is a specific folder provided for the memo mode in the flash memory 21 and played back.

  When an imaging instruction is received from the user in the memo shooting mode, the captured image is stored in the memo folder. In the memo shooting mode, shooting parameters suitable for macro shooting (for example, an autofocus detection range) are set. This is because the subject that the user captures as a memo image is assumed to be captured in a relatively close state such as a timetable, a map, and a telephone book. By setting shooting parameters suitable for macro shooting in advance, it becomes possible to easily shoot materials (such as a phone book) at hand.

  In addition, the image size that can be captured in the memo shooting mode is limited to a predetermined image size (for example, a small size such as 1 million pixels or 2 million pixels). This is because the memo image is not required to have high image quality, and as many memo images as possible can be recorded in the flash memory 21.

  The number of set times of the self-timer that can be set in the memo shooting mode is smaller than that in the normal shooting mode. The set time available in the memo shooting mode is also short. For example, in the memo shooting mode, the self-timer is set to only 2 seconds. On the other hand, in the normal shooting mode, the self-timer can be set at various set times such as 2 seconds, 5 seconds, and 10 seconds. In the memo mode, it is sufficient to be able to use the self-timer mainly to prevent camera shake. Therefore, the operability is improved by omitting options that are not used in advance.

2 Operation of Imaging Device Hereinafter, the imaging / reproducing operation of the imaging device 100 in the memo mode will be described. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 in the memo mode. The process shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the microcomputer 9.

  When the imaging device is set to the memo mode by the user operating the mode dial 11c (S11), the microcomputer 9 is set to display the initial screen for the memo mode when the imaging device is set to the memo mode. It is confirmed whether it is (S12). If it is set to display the initial setting screen at the time of transition to the memo mode, it is checked whether or not there is a memo image stored in the memo folder ("PRIVATE1" folder in FIG. 4) (S13). If a memo image is stored in the memo folder, the memo playback mode can be selected and an initial setting screen is displayed (S14). If no memo image is stored in the memo folder, the memo reproduction mode cannot be selected and an initial setting screen is displayed (S15). FIG. 6 shows an example of the initial setting screen. In FIG. 6, the state in which the memo reproduction mode can be selected means a state in which “view memo” can be selected. In the screen of FIG. 6, when “view memo” is selected and the decision button 11 e is pressed, the memo reproduction operation is executed, while “take a memo” is selected and the decision button 11 e is pressed. The memo shooting operation is executed.

  Thereafter, when “take a memo” is selected on the initial setting screen by the user, that is, when the memo shooting mode is selected (YES in S16), the memo shooting mode is entered. On the other hand, when “view memo” is selected, that is, when the memo playback mode is selected (NO in S16), the memo playback mode is entered.

  It should be noted that the same operation as described above is performed when returning from the sleep state after shifting to the sleep state due to the non-use of the imaging device for a long time in the auto power save mode.

2-1 Operation Switching in Memo Mode Operation switching in the memo mode will be described. When “view memo” is selected by the user on the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 6, the screen shifts to the memo reproduction mode and a screen 302 for reproducing the memo image is displayed. When the enter button 11e is pressed here, a memo playback mode setting screen 301 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13. On the setting screen 301, several selection items for executing a predetermined function are displayed. “Move to memo shooting” is a selection item for shifting to the memo shooting mode, and “Zoom mark release” is a selection item for releasing the target zoom setting. “Post-recording” is a selection item for post-recording an image. “Copy” is a selection item for copying a memo image to the memory card 200 (details of this process will be described later). The “memo mode initial screen” is a selection item for determining whether or not to display the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when a memo is selected in the mode dial 11c.

  When the right direction button 11d is pressed on the setting screen 301 with “move to memo shooting” selected, a screen 304 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13. On the screen 304, an image of a subject (in this example, a timetable) captured on the CCD 3 via a lens is displayed as a through image. When the shutter button 11a is pressed in this state, the image of the subject displayed on the screen 304 is recorded in the memo folder. On the screen 304, an icon 306b indicating the memo shooting mode is displayed. Further, an icon 308 for guiding an operation necessary for shifting to the memo reproduction mode is displayed. The icon 308 is composed of a text portion 308a indicating the transfer destination mode and an image portion 308b indicating necessary operation buttons.

  When the enter button 11e is pressed on the screen 304, a memo shooting mode setting screen 303 is displayed. Further, when the “OK” button is pressed when “move to memo playback” is selected on the setting screen 303, the memo playback mode is entered and the screen 302 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13. On the screen 302, a memo image (in this example, a telephone book) stored in the memo folder of the flash memory 21 is displayed. On the screen 302, an icon 306a indicating the memo reproduction mode is displayed. The icon 307 is an icon that guides an operation necessary for shifting to the memo shooting mode. The icon 307 is composed of a text portion 307a indicating the mode of the transfer destination and an image portion 307b indicating the operation button.

  When “take a memo” is selected by the user on the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 6, the memo shooting mode is entered and a screen 304 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13 in the memo shooting mode shown in FIG. . Further, when the enter button 11e is pressed, a setting screen 303 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13. In the setting screen 303, “Move to memo playback” is a selection item for shifting to the memo playback mode, and “Number of recorded pixels” is a selection item for setting the number of pixels (image size) of the recorded image. . “Voice recording” is a selection item for recording voice. “Clock setting” is a selection item for setting the current date and time.

  On the setting screen 303, when the right direction button 11d is pressed in a state where “move to memo reproduction” is selected, a screen 302 for displaying a memo image is displayed. When the determination button 11e is pressed on the setting screen 303, the screen is switched to a screen 304 on which a through image is displayed.

  Further, when the determination button 11e is pressed on the screen 304, the screen shifts to the memo shooting mode setting screen 303, and when the “rightward direction button 11d is pressed while“ go to memo playback ”is selected, the memo is selected. The playback screen 302 is displayed.

  Further, on the memo reproduction screen 302, when the shutter button 11a is pressed, as shown by an icon 307 for guiding an operation necessary for shifting to the memo shooting mode, the memo shooting screen 302 is shifted to. On the other hand, on the memo shooting screen 304, as indicated by an icon 308 that guides an operation necessary for shifting to the memo reproduction mode, the memo reproduction screen 302 can be shifted by pressing the downward direction button 11d.

  As described above, in the memo mode of the present embodiment, the operation is easily switched according to the pressed operation button without using the setting screen.

  Note that the icon 306a on the screen 302 and the icon 306b on the screen 304 are icons indicating a reproduction operation and an imaging operation in the memo mode, respectively. The user can identify the current operation mode by referring to these icons. Both icons 306a and 306b have the same image pattern but different colors. That is, the icon image pattern indicates the memo mode, and the icon color further indicates the reproduction mode or the imaging mode in the memo mode. In this way, it is possible to identify the type of operation mode and its state (sub-mode type) with one icon.

  Further, an icon 308 for guiding an operation necessary for shifting to the memo shooting mode on the memo reproduction screen 302 and an icon 307 for guiding an operation necessary for shifting to the memo reproduction mode on the memo shooting screen 304 are displayed switching buttons. It can be displayed or canceled by 11f. Furthermore, the display of unnecessary icons such as a mode icon and a target zoom icon may be canceled by pressing the display switching button 11f.

  By doing so, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary display as much as possible when shooting a memo image or browsing a memo image, and to easily shoot and browse the memo image.

2-2 Operation in the Memo Shooting Mode With reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the memo shooting mode is selected, a through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13 (S31). When the shutter button 11a is pressed in this state (S32), an image is picked up on the CCD 3 (S33). The captured image data is resized to a predetermined size by the image processing unit 7 (S34). This is because the size of the image recorded in the memo mode is set to a predetermined number of pixels (for example, a small number of pixels such as 1 million pixels or 2 million pixels).

  Thereafter, the resized image data is compressed (S35), and a file name is assigned to the compressed image data (S36). The file name given to the memo image is set to a file name that can identify the memo image. Thereafter, image data is generated by adding attribute information or the like according to the Exif format of the image data (S37). The generated image file is stored in the memo folder in the flash memory 21 (S38).

  Finally, the number of recordable memo images in the flash memory 21 is calculated (S39). The recordable number of memo images is calculated based on the free capacity of the flash memory 21, and the calculated value is stored in the flash memory 21.

  As described above, the memo image shot in the memo mode is stored in the memo folder.

2-3 Operation in memo playback mode
2-3-1 Basic Playback Operation When the direction button 11d is pressed during image playback, images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13 are forwardly or backwardly forwarded. For example, when the right direction button is pressed, the display image is forwarded, and when the left direction button is pressed, the display image is reversely sent. In particular, in the reproduction operation in the memo mode, when the direction button 11d is pressed for a long time (the button is pressed for a predetermined time or longer), a number indicating the storage order of the display image is sequentially sent together with the display image. Therefore, the slide show function can be easily realized by an operation of long pressing the direction button 11d. On the other hand, in the normal playback mode, when the direction button 11d is pressed for a long time, the image is not changed and only the number indicating the storage order of the image file is changed. When the pressing of the direction button 11d is released, an image corresponding to the number displayed at that time is displayed. The reason for this operation is that there is a desire to send a memo image while checking it one by one rather than sending it quickly.

The playback operation in the memo playback mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The previously captured image or reproduced image is read from the memo folder of the flash memory 21 and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13 (S51). When both the image captured last time or the image reproduced is present, the image captured last time is displayed with priority over the image reproduced last time.

  The images in the memo folder are read and displayed according to the user's image sending operation (S52, S53). At that time, a number indicating the storage order of the images is also displayed together with the images (S54).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the target zoom is set (S55). Details of the target zoom will be described later. If the target zoom is set, a target zoom icon and a zoom center position mark are displayed (S56). The target zoom icon and the zoom center position mark will be described later. Note that the target zoom icon and the zoom center position mark may not be displayed depending on the setting.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the image feed operation has continued for a predetermined time or more, that is, whether or not the direction button 11d has been pressed for a long time (S57). When the image feed operation continues for a predetermined time or longer, that is, when the direction button 11d is pressed for a long time, the next image or the previous image in the memo folder is displayed according to the pressed direction button 11d. (S53).

  As described above, the memo image in the memo folder is reproduced during the reproduction operation in the memo reproduction mode.

2-3-2 Target zoom Target zoom is to register a zoom position and zoom magnification in advance for an image, so that a desired portion can be immediately enlarged by a simple operation (for example, an enlargement operation) This is a function that enables browsing. The target zoom can be set for each image. The target zoom functions not only for the memo image but also for all images that can be reproduced by the imaging apparatus 100. Since the memo image is often viewed in an enlarged manner, the target zoom is particularly effective for the memo image.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a memo image in which the target zoom is set. A screen 311 shows a state of the screen when a memo image in which the target zoom is set is read and displayed. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the target zoom is set at the center when the memo image is enlarged twice. On the screen 311, the icon 320 is an icon indicating that the target zoom is set for the image. The mark M displayed near the center of the image is a mark (zoom center position mark) indicating the set zoom center position. A screen 313 represents an image obtained by enlarging the image of the screen 311 twice. In accordance with the operation of the zoom lever 11b, the target zoom magnification of the display image is changed as shown on the screen 311 or the screen 313.

  Furthermore, although the mark M is displayed at the position where the target zoom is set, the display may be turned off after displaying for a certain period of time. This makes it possible to view the memo image in more detail. In addition, the mark M and the icon 320 make it easy to determine a memo image to be a mark release target when the zoom mark is released.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the target zoom setting operation during the reproduction operation in the memo reproduction mode. The target zoom setting operation will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  When a zoom operation is performed by the zoom lever 11b in a state where the memo image is displayed during the reproduction operation in the memo mode (S71) (S72), the zoom lever 11b is centered on the center of the original memo image. The zoom image enlarged with the changed magnification is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13 (S73).

  Thereafter, when the user operates the direction button 11d, the display center position, that is, the zoom center position is changed (S74). When the determination button 11e is pressed by the user (S75), information on the display center position (that is, zoom center position), zoom magnification, and file name of the memo image file is registered in the target zoom management file. (S76). The management file for target zoom is newly created if it does not exist at the time of registration, and is updated if it already exists at the time of registration.

  FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a management file used for the target zoom function. The target zoom management file manages the file name of the memo image, the zoom center position, and the zoom magnification in association with each other. The target zoom management file is stored in the same memo folder as the memo image. As a result, the management file can be easily searched when setting the target zoom or reproducing the target zoom.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of image display when the target zoom is set. When a memo image is displayed as in the screen 331 during the playback operation in the memo mode, if the zoom operation is performed by the zoom lever 11b, the zoom lever 11b corresponds to the position of the zoom lever 11b as in the screen 332 and the screen 333. An image magnified at a magnification is displayed.

  Since the target zoom icon is not displayed on the screens 331, 332, and 333, it can be seen that the target zoom is not set for the memo image. When the enter button 11e is pressed in the state of the screen 332, the target zoom is set for the memo image. That is, the center position of the memo image at that time, the zoom magnification, and the file name of the memo image are newly registered in the management file for target zoom. At the same time, as shown on the screen 334, the target zoom icon 320 and the zoom center position mark M are displayed.

  After that, when the direction button 11d is operated on the screen 334 to move the display center, the screen 335 is displayed. When the enter button 11e is pressed in the state of the screen 335, the target zoom management file is updated based on the state of the image at that time, and the screen 336 is displayed.

  When the image with the target zoom set as described above is reproduced, when the zoom lever is operated, the image is enlarged and displayed according to the target zoom setting for the image.

  As described above, the new setting and updating of the target zoom can be performed by the same operation. In this embodiment, the target zoom setting operation is not specified, and the target zoom setting is completed by pressing the enter button 11e after setting the zoom magnification and zoom position in a series of zoom reproduction operations. The configuration. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration that requires an operation indicating that the target zoom setting operation is started may be employed.

  In the above example, the example in which the target zoom function is performed on the memo image has been described. However, the target zoom functions effectively on images other than the memo image.

2-4 Generation of Memo Image by Copying The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can copy an image stored in the memory card 200 to a memo folder in the flash memory 21 to obtain a memo image.

  A memo image generation operation by copying will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, an image to be converted is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 13 (S91). When the user performs an instruction to convert to a memo image (S92), it is determined whether or not the image to be converted is of a type that can be converted into a memo image (S93). The imaging apparatus 100 restricts the types of images that can be converted into a memo image in advance. For example, conversion of a moving image into a memo image may be prohibited. This saves space in the memo folder.

  If conversion to a memo image is possible, resizing processing is performed to a predetermined size suitable for the memo image (S94). This is because the normal flash memory 21 has a small storage capacity and saves the use amount of the storage area. However, the resizing process is not necessarily executed. In this case, it can be prevented that the image is reduced by the resizing process, and the information of the memo image becomes difficult to read.

  Further, the file name of the conversion target image is changed to a file name suitable for the memo image (renaming process) (S95). In this example, the file name starts with “MEMO”. Thereby, file management in the memo folder can be facilitated. Finally, the image data is copied from the memory card 200 to the memo folder of the flash memory 21 (S96).

  As described above, a memo image can be generated by copying an image from the memory card 200 to the memo folder of the flash memory 21. Accordingly, for example, a desired image is downloaded in advance from the Internet or the like to the memory card 200 and copied to a memo folder, so that the downloaded image can be viewed on the imaging apparatus 100.

  Conversely, the image may be copied from the memo folder to the memory card 200. In this case, resizing processing is not necessary, but renaming processing is necessary.

  Further, it is preferable to prohibit copying or moving of an image between the flash memory 21 and the memo folder. This is for saving the storage capacity of the flash memory 21.

2-5 Deletion of Memo Image When deleting data in the flash memory 21, it is confirmed whether or not there is memo image data in the flash memory 21. If there is memo image data in the flash memory 21, it is confirmed whether or not to delete all images except the memo image. If there is no memo image data in the flash memory 21, it is confirmed whether “all images can be deleted”. This is to prevent accidental deletion of the memo image.

  When deleting a memo image for which the target zoom is set, it is also necessary to update the management file. This is to prevent the management file from increasing and becoming complicated. Further, in the memo mode, after performing an operation of deleting all the memo images during the reproduction operation, the operation may be automatically shifted to the imaging operation.

  According to the present invention, the operability at the time of recording and reproducing a memo image can be improved. Therefore, the present invention is useful for an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera provided with a mode (memo mode) in which an image can be recorded and used as a memo.

The figure which shows the structural example of the imaging device which concerns on this invention The figure which shows the rear view of an imaging device The figure which shows the operation system of the shutter button vicinity of an imaging device Figure showing the directory structure of the flash memory Flow chart showing operation at the time of transition to memo mode in imaging apparatus Figure showing the initial setting screen in memo mode Diagram explaining operation switching in memo mode Flow chart showing imaging operation in memo mode Flow chart showing playback operation in memo mode Diagram explaining screen display when setting target zoom Flow chart showing target zoom setting operation Diagram explaining the management file for target zoom Diagram explaining target zoom setting operation Flow chart showing memo image creation operation by copying

Explanation of symbols

1 Lens 3 CCD (Image sensor)
7 Image processing unit 9 Microcomputer 11 Operation unit 13 Liquid crystal monitor (LCD)
14 LCD controller 15 Card slot 19 Buffer memory 21 Flash memory 100 Imaging device 200 Memory card

Claims (12)

An imaging device capable of recording and reproducing images in a plurality of operation modes,
(A) mode setting means for selecting an operation mode;
Imaging means for capturing a subject image to generate image data, and storing the generated image data in a recording medium;
Control means for controlling the operation of the imaging device according to the operation mode selected by the mode setting means,
(B) The plurality of operation modes include a memo mode, and the memo mode is a sub-mode , in which a memo shooting mode for recording captured image data in a specific folder in the recording medium when a user gives an imaging instruction And a memo playback mode for reading and playing back the image data stored in the specific folder when a playback instruction is given by the user,
(C) The control means, when the memo mode is selected by the mode setting means,
When image data is stored in the specific folder, the imaging device automatically shifts to the memo playback mode,
When image data is not stored in the specific folder, the imaging device automatically shifts to the memo shooting mode.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. A display unit for displaying a setting screen for the user to select a memo playback mode or a memo shooting mode ;
When the setting screen is set to be displayed when the memo mode is selected by the mode setting unit, the control unit determines whether there is image data stored in the specific folder. changes the state of the setting screen displayed by the display means displays the setting screen Te,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts the imaging apparatus to a memo shooting mode when a shutter button is pressed in the memo mode.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control parameters for macro photography are set in the memo mode.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the memo shooting mode, the captured image is recorded with a predetermined image size.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of self-timer settings that can be set in the memo mode is smaller than the number of self-timer settings that can be set in an operation mode other than the memo mode.   When a fast-forward operation is performed, in the memo mode, a displayed image and a number indicating the storage order of the image are sequentially fast-forwarded and displayed, whereas in a normal playback mode, a number indicating the image storage order. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the image is fast-forwarded and displayed.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a recording medium built in the imaging apparatus. It further comprises display means for displaying operation information and / or images,
The display means displays an icon indicating the operation mode being executed, the image pattern of the icon indicates the type of the operation mode being executed, and the color of the icon indicates the type of the submode of the operation mode being executed The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Display means for displaying an image;
Zoom setting means for setting an enlargement magnification at the time of image display and an enlargement center position;
It further comprises a management file for managing zoom information about the zoom magnification and zoom center position for the image,
Wherein, when a predetermined operation is performed during playback, reads the zoom information for the image from the management file, the image enlarged and in accordance with the zoom information read,
The management file is stored in the specific folder;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the management file is stored in the specific folder.   2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a file name is given to the image data stored in the specific folder according to a predetermined rule.

Images