JP6372121B2 - Imaging apparatus, shooting setting method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of performing shooting setting operations, a shooting setting method, and a program.

  Conventionally, a camera body is provided with hardware operation units such as a ring, a dial, a key, and a button. Such an operation unit is fixedly provided at a position where it can be easily operated at any time while holding the camera during shooting, and there is an advantage such as excellent operation feeling. Is difficult to confirm in real time. For this reason, it is known to display the setting value of the shooting parameter by the hardware operation unit so as to overlap the live view screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-009966 A

However, in the technique of the above-described Patent Document 1, only the current setting value of the shooting parameter is displayed, and it is difficult to understand the range in which the shooting parameter can be set. In particular, when a plurality of types of parameter setting operations are performed using a plurality of hardware operation units, it is difficult to quickly and accurately adjust all shooting parameters.
That is, with the above-described technique of Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the photographer to accurately grasp and set the photographing parameters.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to enable a photographer to accurately grasp and easily set photographing parameters.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention includes:
Display means for displaying a picked-up image picked up by the image pickup means;
Shooting parameter information display means for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means;
Among a plurality of types of shooting parameters, shooting parameter assignment means for assigning shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information;
Display control means for displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation unit that is associated with a shooting parameter in which the shooting parameter information is displayed by the shooting parameter information display unit and changes a setting value of the shooting parameter;
The imaging parameter assigning unit variably changes a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit, imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information in each of the areas, and the plurality of operation units. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, a photographer can accurately grasp and set photographing parameters accurately.

It is an image figure of the display screen at the time of photography setting in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hardware of the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing imaging | photography setting processing among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a dependency relationship storage unit 73. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a shooting setting process executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2. 12 is a flowchart for describing a flow of imaging parameter default assignment processing executed by the imaging apparatus. 12 is a flowchart for describing a flow of an imaging parameter changing operation process executed by the imaging apparatus. 12 is a flowchart for describing a flow of imaging parameter change display processing executed by the imaging apparatus. 12 is a flowchart for describing a flow of imaging parameter reflection processing executed by the imaging apparatus. 12 is a flowchart for describing a flow of an imaging parameter assignment change process executed by the imaging apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, an outline of shooting settings in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is an image diagram of a display screen when shooting is set in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that the live view image acquired by the imaging unit is continuously displayed on the display in the imaging device.
First, the photographer performs an operation to start changing the shooting setting with respect to the imaging apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 1 (2), the imaging device performs display related to shooting parameters (shooting parameter display) in the upper, lower, left, and right belt-like display areas V as triggered by the start operation of changing shooting settings.
Here, the imaging parameter refers to a setting value on hardware or software of an imaging apparatus related to imaging.
Different shooting parameters are assigned to the upper area V1, the lower area V2, the left area V3, and the right area V4 constituting the band-shaped display area. Shooting parameter information, which is display information related to shooting parameters, is composed of allocation parameter attribute information and allocation parameter setting value information. The assigned parameter attribute information indicates a range of imaging parameters that can be set (including options that can be set). For example, for imaging parameters with high continuity, a scale with a scale indicating the numerical values of the imaging parameters (for example, FIG. 1 (2) upper area V1 and left area V3), and for imaging parameters with low continuity, candidate parameter values (for example, right area V4 in FIG. 1 (2)) and corresponding images of various settings ( For example, it is displayed as an item such as FIG. 1 (2) lower area V2).
Here, the settable range (options) of the imaging parameter means a range (option) that can be set (all) in the design of the imaging apparatus and is temporarily limited depending on the situation at that time. It may mean a (current) settable range (option). Hereinafter, the latter is meant unless otherwise specified.
There are two types of display methods for identifying and displaying the settable range (options) of the imaging parameter.
One display method is to always display scaled scales and candidate values corresponding to all the settable ranges (options) in design (when there are no restrictions) over the entire predetermined display area. Display that changes the range (option) of the settable (current) shooting parameters that are restricted according to the situation at that time so that the display state can be distinguished from other non-settable portions This is a method (for example, a selectable range (option) is displayed in color, and a non-selectable range (option) is displayed in gray). With this display method, the photographer can simultaneously check both the settable range (option) in the design of the imaging device and the temporarily settable range (option) according to the situation at that time, Furthermore, there is an advantage that the change can be easily confirmed to what extent the currently settable range (option) is limited with respect to the whole.
Another display method is to display only the range (option) of the imaging parameter that can be set (currently) according to the situation at that time, over the entire predetermined display area, and other non-settable ranges (options). ) Is a display method for preventing display. In this display method, the photographer can easily view the display area in which only the settable range (option) is displayed over the entire predetermined display area without looking at an extra display such as an unsettable range (option). There is an advantage that can be confirmed.
Since each display method has an advantage, the photographer may select one of the display methods as necessary. Hereinafter, the case where the former display method is used will be described.
The assigned parameter setting value information indicates that the value currently set as the imaging parameter can be identified.

A different operation unit of the input unit 17 is assigned to each of the upper, lower, left, and right display regions V. For example, “RING” indicating a ring included in the lens or a rear surface of the imaging device is assigned to each region. Corresponding operation unit displays V1A and V3A indicating a hardware operation unit are displayed, such as “DIAL” indicating a provided dial.
The correspondence between the areas in the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V and the operation unit may be changed according to the operation of the photographer. In the present embodiment, the areas in the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V and the hardware The correspondence with the operation unit is fixed.

In addition, when displaying the imaging parameter display in the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V, the imaging apparatus 1 displays the live view image in a reduced size in an inner area surrounded by the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V. That is, the live view image and the shooting parameter display are not overlapped, and the photographer can easily view the shooting parameter display and the live view image at the same time.
When the photographer operates the operation unit to change the shooting parameter, the display of the setting value of the shooting parameter is changed in real time according to the change of the shooting parameter. For this reason, in the imaging apparatus, it is possible to easily grasp how shooting parameters are reflected in the live view image.

  Here, it is possible to change how the shooting parameters to be displayed in each area in the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V are assigned by the photographer. That is, the hardware operation unit and the imaging parameters set in the operation unit can be changed according to the request of the photographer.

  In the present embodiment, the settable ranges (options) of the assigned shooting parameters and shooting parameter setting values are different for each shooting mode. The shooting mode is a shooting setting condition suitable for various shooting purposes such as the shooting environment and shooting target intended by the photographer. For example, shooting modes such as a manual mode, a continuous shooting mode, and a night shooting mode are prepared. ing. Depending on the shooting mode, it is no longer suitable for the purpose of shooting, and control such that the setting value of the shooting parameter cannot be changed or the range (option) in which the setting value can be changed is limited.

Next, the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 having the functions described above will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The imaging device 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

  The imaging apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an imaging unit 16, and an input unit 17. An output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 20, and a drive 21.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 19 to the RAM 13.

  The RAM 13 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An imaging unit 16, an input unit 17, an output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 20, and a drive 21 are connected to the input / output interface 15.
Although not shown, the imaging unit 16 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor.

The optical lens unit is configured with a lens that collects light, such as a focus lens and a zoom lens, in order to capture an image of the subject.
The focus lens is a lens that forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens that freely changes the focal length within a certain range.
The optical lens unit is also provided with a peripheral circuit for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as necessary.

The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element, AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.
The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element or the like. A subject image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element from the optical lens unit. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the subject image, accumulates the image signal for a predetermined time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal as an analog signal to the AFE.
The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the analog image signal. Through various signal processing, a digital signal is generated and output as an output signal of the imaging unit 16. Hereinafter, the output signal of the imaging unit 16 is referred to as “captured image data”. The captured image data is used as original image data used for generating a panoramic image.

  The input unit 17 includes various buttons such as a power button and a shutter button, and inputs various types of information according to user instruction operations.

  The output unit 18 includes a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs images and sounds.

The storage unit 19 is composed of a hard disk or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores various image data.
The communication unit 20 controls communication performed with other devices (not shown) via a network including the Internet.

  A removable medium 31 composed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 21. The program read from the removable medium 31 by the drive 21 is installed in the storage unit 19 as necessary. The removable medium 31 can also store various data such as image data stored in the storage unit 19 in the same manner as the storage unit 19.

Heretofore, the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.
Next, a functional configuration for executing the shooting setting process will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing the shooting setting process among the functional configurations of the imaging apparatus 1 in FIG. 2.
The shooting setting process is a process for setting various parameters for shooting in the imaging apparatus 1, accepting assignment of parameters to be displayed on the output unit 18, and displaying an input image of the received parameters on the output unit 18. Then, based on a photographer's instruction, it refers to a series of processing until a parameter is changed, and an input image and a live view image reflecting the changed parameter are displayed on the output unit 18.

  When the shooting setting process is executed, in the CPU 11, as shown in FIG. 3, a setting assignment receiving unit 51, a setting parameter receiving unit 52, a setting display data generating unit 53, and a captured image display data generating unit 54. Then, the display control unit 55 and the imaging control unit 56 function. In addition, a setting allocation storage unit 71, a setting parameter storage unit 72, and a dependency relationship storage unit 73 are provided in one area of the storage unit 19.

  The setting assignment storage unit 71 stores the correspondence between the display areas V on the display screen of the output unit 18 and the shooting parameters assigned to each area in the display area V. The shooting mode, the selectable shooting parameters, and the like. The selected shooting parameters are stored in association with each other. Various shooting modes implemented in the imaging apparatus 1 are stored as shooting modes, and a settable shooting parameter and a selected shooting parameter are associated with each shooting mode. As settable shooting parameters, shooting parameters that can be set by the photographer in each shooting mode are stored. Further, as selected shooting parameters, shooting parameters to be displayed in each area in the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V are stored.

  The setting parameter storage unit 72 stores shooting parameter setting values, and stores shooting modes, shooting parameters, shooting parameter default values, and shooting parameter setting values in association with each other. An initial value of the shooting parameter in the shooting mode is stored as a default value of the shooting parameter. Further, the value of the shooting parameter selected by the photographer is stored as the setting value of the shooting parameter.

Next, the dependency relationship storage unit 73 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the dependency relationship storage unit 73.
The dependency relationship storage unit 73 stores dependency relationships between shooting parameters for each shooting mode, and stores shooting modes and various shooting parameters in association with each other.
For example, in the dependency relationship storage unit 73 of FIG. 4, in the M (manual) mode, the high-speed continuous shooting, and the shooting mode of 10 fps, the dependency relationship of the shooting parameters such as the aperture value, the ISO value, and the shutter speed is stored. Yes.
Here, the dependency relationship indicates a relationship in which a certain shooting parameter and another shooting parameter affect each other in a predetermined shooting mode. For example, when the aperture value is increased in the M mode, high-speed continuous shooting, and 10 fps shooting mode, the maximum shutter speed is increased in order to achieve the objective of high-speed continuous shooting in this shooting mode. It is such a relationship. Further, the dependency relationship is a relationship in which, for example, in the telephoto shooting mode, the shutter speed needs to be equal to or higher than a certain speed in order to prevent blur, and the ISO value is increased accordingly.

Returning to FIG. 3, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 accepts the photographer's selection of the photographing parameters (which kind of photographing parameter to display) to be displayed in the display area V on the top, bottom, left, and right of the output unit 18. Corresponding areas and shooting parameters.
Specifically, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 displays a list of various assignable photographing parameters on the output unit 18 in the current photographing mode, and associates with each region in the upper, lower, left, and right display regions V to photograph. Accept parameter selection. In addition, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 refers to the dependency relationship storage unit 73 and acquires setting values of other shooting parameters having a dependency relationship with the received shooting parameter. The setting assignment accepting unit 51 sets a settable range (option) of shooting parameters based on the setting values and dependency relationships of other shooting parameters.

The setting parameter receiving unit 52 receives the operation of the operation unit corresponding to each shooting parameter displayed in the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V, and changes the setting value of the shooting parameter.
Specifically, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 receives the operation of the operation unit associated with the shooting parameter from the photographer, and newly specifies the specified shooting parameter based on the operation direction and the operation amount of the received operation. Calculate the correct setting value. The setting parameter receiving unit 52 calculates the set value of the shooting parameter when the calculated shooting parameter setting value is within the settable range (settable option) set by the setting assignment receiving unit 51 in the current shooting mode. Is stored in the setting parameter storage unit 72. If the calculated setting value of the shooting parameter is not the settable range (settable option) set by the setting assignment receiving unit 51, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 does not receive a change in the setting value of the shooting parameter and The set value of is maintained. At this time, the photographer may be notified that the setting value cannot be changed.

The setting display data generation unit 53 generates shooting parameter display information data including allocation parameter attribute information and allocation parameter setting value information. The assigned parameter attribute information is attribute information including information (such as an icon and name) indicating the type of shooting parameter and information relating to a settable range (option) of the shooting parameter. The assigned parameter setting value information is information regarding the current setting value of the imaging parameter, and includes identifier information displayed in a portion corresponding to the current setting value in a settable range (option).
Using such shooting parameter display information, the setting display data generation unit 53 can set, for example, a range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the shooting parameters (that is, all of the design (when there is no limit)). Range (options) that can be set with non-settable ranges (options) in a state where scaled scales and candidate numerical values corresponding to ranges (options) are displayed over the entire display area V in the upper, lower, left, and right directions ) And display (gray mask applied). In addition, the setting display data generation unit 53 displays a settable range (option) of imaging parameters having continuity as a scale having a scale, and identifies and displays the current set value on the scale by an identifier. Further, the setting display data generation unit 53 displays items such as parameter candidate numerical values and corresponding images of various settings side by side for shooting parameters that do not have continuity (in this case, the color of characters representing the numerical values and items) The settable range (option) and the current set value may be identified and displayed.

The captured image display data generation unit 54 generates live view image data to be displayed on the output unit 18.
Specifically, the captured image display data generation unit 54 generates live view image data reduced to 85% of the size of the entire screen, for example, when shooting parameter display information is displayed. . The reduction ratio for reducing the data of the live view image with respect to the size of the full screen is given priority to display the entire live view image.Therefore, there is no reduction according to the display mode of the shooting parameter display information. It is changed as appropriate. In addition, when the setting value of the shooting parameter is changed, the captured image display data generation unit 54 reflects the changed shooting parameter and newly generates a live view image.

Based on the data generated by the setting display data generation unit 53 or the captured image display data generation unit 54, the display control unit 55 controls the output unit 18 to display information indicated by these data.
The imaging control unit 56 controls the imaging unit 16 to acquire captured image data when a shooting instruction is given via the input unit 17. In addition, when the imaging parameter is changed, the imaging control unit 56 sequentially controls the imaging unit 16 according to the changed imaging parameter.

Next, a flow of shooting setting processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the shooting setting process executed by the imaging apparatus 1 of FIG.
The shooting setting process is started when an operation for starting the shooting setting process is performed on the input unit 17.

In step S <b> 11, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 includes predetermined first to fourth operation units (ring, dial, etc.) implemented as hardware in the input unit 17, and upper, lower, left, and right display areas in the output unit 18. Correlate with V.
At this time, the operation unit of the input unit 17 associated may be arbitrary. In the present embodiment, the hardware operation unit of the input unit 17 and the top, bottom, left, and right in the display region V can be easily grasped by the photographer so that the photographer can easily understand the relationship between the top, bottom, left and right regions in the display region V. Correspondence with each region is fixed.

  In step S12, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 executes a default assignment process for shooting parameters. The default assignment process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S13, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the first to fourth operation units associated in step S11. When it is determined that the operations of the first to fourth operation units have been performed, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 shifts the processing to step S14. When it is determined that the operations of the first to fourth operation units have not been received, the setting parameter reception unit 52 shifts the processing to step S17.

  In step S <b> 14, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 receives operations for the first to fourth operation units as an instruction operation for changing shooting settings, and performs a parameter changing operation process. The parameter changing operation process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S15, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 performs a shooting parameter change display process. The shooting parameter change display process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 16, the imaging control unit 56 executes imaging parameter reflection processing. The imaging parameter reflection process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 17, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 determines whether or not an assignment change operation by the photographer has been accepted on the menu screen for assigning the correspondence between the photographing parameters and the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V. When it is determined that the assignment change operation has been received, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 shifts the processing to step S18. When it is determined that the assignment change operation has not been accepted, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 shifts the processing to step S19.

  In step S18, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 performs a shooting parameter assignment changing process. The imaging parameter assignment changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 19, the imaging control unit 56 determines whether an imaging start operation by the photographer has been received via the input unit 17. When it is determined that the shooting start operation has been received, the imaging control unit 56 shifts the processing to step S20. If it is determined that the imaging start operation has not been received, the imaging control unit 56 shifts the processing to step S21.

  In step S <b> 20, the imaging control unit 56 acquires the captured image data for recording from the imaging unit 16 and stores the data in the removable medium 31.

  In step S <b> 21, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 determines whether a shooting end operation by the photographer has been received via the input unit 17. If it is determined that a shooting end operation has been received, the shooting setting process ends. If it is determined that the photographing end operation has not been received, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 shifts the process to step S13 and repeats the process.

Next, the flow of the shooting parameter default assignment process in the shooting setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the default assignment process of the imaging parameters executed by the imaging apparatus 1.

In step S <b> 41, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 acquires the correspondence relationship between the first to fourth operation units set in the imaging device 1 and the display areas V in the vertical and horizontal directions.
In step S <b> 42, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 specifies the current shooting mode selected by the photographer in the imaging apparatus 1.

In step S <b> 43, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 acquires default shooting parameters corresponding to the respective regions in the upper, lower, left, and right display regions V in the current shooting mode from the setting assignment storage unit 71.
In step S44, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 associates the shooting parameters acquired in step S43 with the first to fourth operation units and the respective regions in the upper, lower, left, and right display regions V.

In step S <b> 45, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 acquires the setting value of the shooting parameter from the setting parameter storage unit 72. At this time, the setting values of the shooting parameters acquired by the setting parameter receiving unit 52 are not limited to the shooting parameters acquired in step S43, and the setting values of various shooting parameters necessary for the current shooting mode are acquired.
In step S46, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 acquires the dependency relationship from the dependency relationship storage unit 73 based on the image capturing mode specified in step S42 and the image capturing parameter acquired in step S43.
In step S47, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 performs shooting corresponding to each of the upper, lower, left, and right display areas based on the shooting parameters acquired in step S43, the shooting parameter setting values acquired in step S45, and the dependency relationship in step S46. Set the parameter setting range (setting options).
For example, in a certain shooting mode, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 corresponds to the set value of the shooting parameter “aperture value” when the shooting parameter corresponding to the upper area in the display area V is the shutter speed (depends on the setting). Set the range of possible shutter speeds based on the dependency.

In step S48, the setting display data generation unit 53 assigns the assigned parameter attribute information indicating the settable range (settable choice) of the shooting parameter and the assigned parameter setting value indicating the current set value for the shooting parameter acquired in step S43. Data of imaging parameter display information including information is generated by the method described above. In other words, the setting display data generation unit 53 identifies all the designable ranges (options) and the currently settable imaging parameter ranges (options) in the design (when there is no limit). Display and generate data indicating the current set value. At this time, the display size of the live view image is changed. In other words, the live view image is periodically generated and updated every predetermined time by the captured image display data generation unit 54, but thereafter, the captured image display data generation unit 54 is required to display the shooting parameter display information. The live view image display operation is switched so that the data of the live view image reduced (for example, 85%) corresponding to the area is periodically generated and updated every predetermined time.
In step S49, the display control unit 55 controls the output unit 18 to display information indicated by the data based on the shooting parameter display information data and the live view image data generated in step S48.
After step S49, the shooting parameter default assignment process ends.

Next, the flow of the shooting parameter changing operation process in the shooting setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the imaging parameter changing operation process executed by the imaging apparatus 1.

In step S61, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 specifies the imaging parameter assigned to the operated operation unit.
In step S62, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 specifies the current settable range (settable option) of the specified shooting parameter.
In step S63, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 calculates a new setting value for the specified imaging parameter based on the operation direction and the operation amount of the received operation.
In step S64, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 determines whether or not the setting value of the imaging parameter calculated in step S63 is within the current settable range (settable option). When it is determined that the set value is within the current settable range (settable option), the setting parameter receiving unit 52 shifts the processing to step S65. If it is determined that the set value is outside the current settable range (other than the settable option), the setting parameter receiving unit 52 ends the shooting parameter changing operation process.
In step S65, the setting parameter receiving unit 52 stores the setting value of the shooting parameter calculated in step S63 in the setting parameter storage unit 72, and ends the shooting parameter changing operation process.

Next, the flow of the shooting parameter change display process in the shooting setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the imaging parameter change display process executed by the imaging apparatus 1.
In step S <b> 81, the setting display data generation unit 53 specifies the display area V assigned to the operated operation unit (that is, whether the display region is up, down, left, or right).
In step S82, the setting display data generation unit 53 identifies the position (numerical value or item) corresponding to the current setting value of the display area V specified in step S81 by the method as described above. Generate data.
In step S83, the display control unit 55 controls to display the information indicated by these data on the output unit 18 based on the data of the shooting parameter display information and the data of the live view image generated in step S82, and the shooting is performed. The parameter change display process ends.

Next, the flow of the shooting parameter reflection process in the shooting setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging parameter reflection processing executed by the imaging apparatus 1.
In step S101, the imaging control unit 56 changes the hardware state (zoom lens position, etc.) corresponding to the changed imaging parameter to a state corresponding to the changed setting value, and ends the process.

Next, the flow of the shooting parameter assignment changing process in the shooting setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the imaging parameter assignment changing process executed by the imaging apparatus 1.
In step S121, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 accepts designation of one of the upper, lower, left, and right display areas V to be changed from the photographer.
In step S122, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 identifies the current shooting mode.

In step S123, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 reads out assignable shooting parameters from the setting assignment storage unit 71 in the current shooting mode, and causes the output unit 18 to display a list of assignable shooting parameters.
In step S124, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 accepts selection of a newly assigned photographing parameter from the displayed photographing parameter list.

In step S <b> 125, the setting assignment accepting unit 51 acquires the dependency relationship of the imaging parameter accepted in step S <b> 124 from the dependency relationship storage unit 73.
In step S126, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 acquires setting values of other shooting parameters that have a dependency relationship with the shooting parameter received in step S124, based on the dependency relationship acquired in step S125.
In step S127, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 sets the shooting parameter settable range received in step S124 based on the dependency acquired in step S125 and the setting values of other shooting parameters acquired in step S126. Set the available options.

In step S128, the setting display data generation unit 53 generates shooting parameter display information data indicating the settable range (setting options) of the shooting parameter set in step S127 by the method described above.
In step S129, the display control unit 55 performs control to display the information indicated by the data on the output unit 18 based on the data of the shooting parameter display information generated in step S128, and ends the process.

The imaging apparatus 1 configured as described above includes an output unit 18, a setting assignment receiving unit 51, a setting parameter receiving unit 52, a setting display data generation unit 53, a captured image display data generation unit 54, and display control. Unit 55 and input unit 17.
The output unit 18 displays the captured image captured by the imaging unit 16.
The setting display data generation unit 53 displays shooting parameter information including information on the setting range of the shooting parameter and the current setting value on the peripheral edge of the display area of the output unit 18.
The setting assignment receiving unit 51 assigns shooting parameters for displaying shooting parameter information among a plurality of types of shooting parameters.
The display control unit 55 displays the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the output unit 18.
The input unit 17 includes hardware that is associated with the shooting parameter for which shooting parameter information is displayed by the setting display data generation unit 53 and changes the setting value of the shooting parameter.
As a result, the entire captured image is displayed without being hidden, and the current set value and the current settable range of the predetermined shooting parameter or the current set value and the designable settable range and the current are displayed around the captured image. The settable range of is displayed. In addition, the shooting parameters can be changed by a hardware operation unit.
Therefore, the photographer can grasp the photographing parameters accurately and set them easily and quickly.

In addition, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 divides the peripheral portion in the display area of the output unit 18 into a plurality of regions along each side, and assigns a plurality of different shooting parameters to each of the plurality of regions in the peripheral portion of the output unit 18. .
Thus, a plurality of shooting parameters can be assigned to the peripheral edge of the display area, and the photographer can easily set the shooting parameters.

The setting assignment receiving unit 51 can change the correspondence between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the output unit 18, shooting parameters for displaying shooting parameter information in each of the areas, and a plurality of hardware operation units. To do.
As a result, shooting parameters corresponding to shooting conditions can be assigned to each region and operated by a plurality of hardware operation units, so that the operability of the photographer can be improved.

The setting assignment accepting unit 51 maintains the correspondence between the plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the output unit 18 and the imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information while maintaining the correspondence between the hardware operation units. Variable.
Thereby, the photographer can easily grasp the relationship between the plurality of areas in the display area and the operation unit.

The display control unit 55 causes the setting display data generation unit 53 to reduce and display the captured image according to the state in which the shooting parameter information is displayed in the peripheral portion of the display area of the output unit 18.
Thereby, it is possible to achieve both the operability of setting the shooting parameters and the visibility of the captured image.

The setting display data generation unit 53 displays, for at least one shooting parameter, a settable range of the shooting parameter in association with the length of the side in the peripheral portion of the display area, and in the displayed settable range The set value of is identified and displayed.
Thereby, the settable range of the imaging parameter and the current set value can be displayed more easily.

The setting assignment accepting unit 51 limits the range of setting values of the imaging parameters that can be changed by the hardware operation unit to different ranges depending on the situation.
The setting display data generation unit 53 identifies and displays the range of the setting value of the shooting parameter that is restricted according to the situation by the setting assignment receiving unit 51. Thus, the setting range of the shooting parameter according to the situation is further increased. It can be displayed clearly.

The setting display data generation unit 53 sets the entire range in which the shooting parameters can be set when there is no restriction by the setting assignment receiving unit 51 and the current limit range of the setting values of the shooting parameters restricted by the setting assignment receiving unit 51. Identify and display both.
Thereby, the settable range of the imaging parameter corresponding to the situation can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner in comparison with the designable settable range.

When the setting value of any shooting parameter is changed by the operation unit, the display control unit 55 displays a captured image corresponding to the change.
Thereby, since the change of the shooting parameter is immediately reflected in the captured image and displayed, the photographer can easily recognize the effect of changing the shooting parameter.

The setting display data generation unit 53 identifies and displays the currently limited settable range in the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the imaging parameters that can be set when there is no limitation by the setting allocation receiving unit 51.
Thereby, it is possible to display a settable range in a more easily understandable manner with respect to all ranges assumed as photographing parameter values.

The setting assignment receiving unit 51 reflects the dependency depending on whether or not the shooting parameter for displaying the shooting parameter information has a dependency relationship with other shooting parameters, and the setting display data generating unit 53 reflects the dependency. The shooting parameter information of is displayed.
As a result, the photographer is automatically limited in the range of the photographing parameters without being aware of the dependency relationship of the photographing parameters, so that the photographing parameters can be accurately grasped and set easily.

The setting display data generation unit 53 displays a scale having a scale indicating a settable range for an imaging parameter having set values that are continuous, and identifies and displays the current set value on the scale. For shooting parameters that do not have continuity, multiple items that can be set are displayed side-by-side to identify and display the current setting item. Display in order based on).
As a result, the shooting parameters whose set values have continuity can be displayed in a visually easy-to-understand form depending on the scale. In addition, shooting parameters whose set values do not have continuity can be displayed in a display form with high listability.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, The deformation | transformation in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention, improvement, etc. are included in this invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the display of the shooting parameter display information when imaging is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shooting parameter display information may be displayed when a captured still image or moving image is displayed.
When shooting parameter display information is displayed when a captured still image or movie is displayed, if the still image or movie to be displayed is stored with a plurality of shooting parameter settings, the photographer can display the shooting parameter display information. By operating the corresponding operation unit, still images or moving images of a plurality of shooting parameters may be switched and displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display of the shooting parameter display information is illustrated in the horizontally long (horizontal) display area, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the shooting parameter display information may be displayed in a vertically long (vertical) display area, and when the photographer switches between horizontal holding and vertical holding as to how to hold the imaging apparatus 1, the shooting parameter display information is displayed. You may rotate and display.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting assignment receiving unit 51 includes a plurality of peripheral regions in the display region V of the output unit 18, photographing parameters for displaying photographing parameter display information in each of the regions, and a plurality of hardware. The correspondence relationship with the operation unit can be arbitrarily set. In this case, shooting parameters corresponding to shooting conditions can be assigned to each area and operated by a plurality of hardware operation units, so that the operability of the photographer can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the imaging parameter and the operation unit is fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the correspondence between the shooting parameter display information and the operation unit may be arbitrarily changed by the photographer. This makes it suitable for hardware operating units with different operational characteristics such as operational feeling, operational speed, investigation range, reliability, etc., for shooting parameters with different required characteristics such as change frequency, change range, continuity, and immediacy. Can be associated.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the allocation of the shooting parameters may be limited based on the characteristics of the operation unit associated with each area of the display area V and the continuity of the shooting parameters. High shooting parameters may be recommended to be assigned to a display area associated with an operation unit such as a ring or a dial. On the other hand, control may be performed to prohibit assignment to the operation unit for shooting parameters whose setting change is not permitted.
Furthermore, whether to change the setting of the shooting parameter in each display area and the display of the settable range may be changed according to the shooting mode.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied has been described using a digital camera as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto.
For example, the present invention can be applied to general electronic devices having a function of changing parameters for imaging. Specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, a printer, a television receiver, a video camera, a smartphone, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a portable game machine, and the like.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software.
In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the imaging apparatus 1 has a function capable of executing the above-described series of processing as a whole, and what functional blocks are used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example of FIG.
In addition, one functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

  The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by the removable medium 31 of FIG. 1 distributed separately from the apparatus main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. It is comprised with the recording medium etc. which are provided in this. The removable medium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The optical disk is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. The magneto-optical disk is configured by an MD (Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the recording medium provided to the user in a state of being preliminarily incorporated in the apparatus main body includes, for example, the ROM 12 in FIG. 2 in which the program is recorded, the hard disk included in the storage unit 19 in FIG.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an illustration and does not limit the technical scope of this invention. The present invention can take other various embodiments, and various modifications such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification and the like, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application will be appended.
[Appendix 1]
Display means for displaying a picked-up image picked up by the image pickup means;
Shooting parameter information display means for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means;
Among a plurality of types of shooting parameters, shooting parameter assignment means for assigning shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information;
Display control means for displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
A hardware operation unit that is associated with a shooting parameter in which the shooting parameter information is displayed by the shooting parameter information display unit and changes a setting value of the shooting parameter;
An imaging apparatus comprising:
[Appendix 2]
The photographing parameter assigning means divides a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means into a plurality of regions along each side, and assigns different kinds of photographing parameters to each of the plurality of areas in the peripheral portion of the display means. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, which is characterized.
[Appendix 3]
The imaging parameter assigning unit has a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit, imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information in each of the areas, and a plurality of operation units of the hardware. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the imaging apparatus is variable.
[Appendix 4]
The shooting parameter assigning means corresponds to the shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information while maintaining a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display means and the operation unit of the hardware. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 3, wherein the relationship is variable.
[Appendix 5]
The display control means reduces and displays the captured image according to a state in which the shooting parameter information is displayed on a peripheral portion in a display area of the display means by the shooting parameter information display means. The imaging apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 4.
[Appendix 6]
The shooting parameter information display means, for at least one shooting parameter, selects one of a settable range and a currently settable range of the shooting parameter, and a currently settable range of the shooting parameter. Any one of appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that the display is displayed in correspondence with the length of the side in the peripheral portion of the display area, and the current set value is identified and displayed in the displayed settable range. The imaging device described in 1.
[Appendix 7]
Limiting means for limiting the range of setting values of imaging parameters that can be changed by the hardware operation unit to different ranges depending on the situation;
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein the imaging parameter information display unit identifies and displays a range of imaging parameter setting values restricted by the restriction unit according to a situation.
[Appendix 8]
The shooting parameter information display means identifies both the entire settable range of shooting parameters when there is no restriction by the restriction means and the current limit range of the setting values of the shooting parameters restricted by the restriction means. The image pickup apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the image pickup apparatus is displayed.
[Appendix 9]
The display control means displays the captured image corresponding to the change when the setting value of any of the shooting parameters is changed by the operation unit. The imaging device described in 1.
[Appendix 10]
The imaging parameter information display means identifies and displays a currently settable range that is limited in a range from a minimum value to a maximum value of imaging parameters that can be set when there is no restriction by the restriction means. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7 or 8,
[Appendix 11]
The imaging parameter information display means displays the imaging parameter information by reflecting the dependency relationship depending on whether or not the imaging parameter for displaying the imaging parameter information has a dependency relationship with other imaging parameters. The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 12]
The shooting parameter information display means displays a scale having a scale indicating a settable range for a shooting parameter having a set value that is continuous, and identifies and displays the current set value on the scale. The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of settable items are displayed side by side and current setting items are identified and displayed for imaging parameters that do not have continuity.
[Appendix 13]
An imaging setting method in an imaging apparatus comprising display means for displaying a captured image captured by an imaging means, and a hardware operation unit,
A shooting parameter information display step for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display unit;
A shooting parameter assignment step for assigning a shooting parameter for displaying the shooting parameter information among a plurality of types of shooting parameters;
A display control step of displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation step of changing a setting value of the shooting parameter according to an operation of the operation unit associated with the shooting parameter in which the shooting parameter information is displayed in the shooting parameter information display step;
A shooting setting method comprising:
[Appendix 14]
A computer that controls an imaging apparatus including a display unit that displays a captured image captured by the imaging unit and a hardware operation unit;
Shooting parameter information display means for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means;
Among a plurality of types of shooting parameters, shooting parameter assignment means for assigning shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information,
Display control means for displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation unit that changes a setting value of the shooting parameter according to an operation of the operation unit associated with the shooting parameter for which the shooting parameter information is displayed by the shooting parameter information display unit;
A program characterized by functioning as

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... Input-output interface, 16 ... Imaging part, 17 ... Input unit 18 ... Output unit 19 ... Storage unit 20 ... Communication unit 21 ... Drive 31 ... Removable media 51 ... Setting assignment accepting unit 52 ... Setting parameter receiving unit, 53 ... Setting display data generation unit, 54 ... Captured image display data generation unit, 55 ... Display control unit, 56 ... Imaging control unit, 71 ... Setting allocation storage unit , 72 ... Setting parameter storage unit, 73 ... Dependency storage unit

Claims (16)

Display means for displaying a picked-up image picked up by the image pickup means;
Shooting parameter information display means for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means;
Among a plurality of types of shooting parameters, shooting parameter assignment means for assigning shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information;
Display control means for displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation unit that is associated with a shooting parameter in which the shooting parameter information is displayed by the shooting parameter information display unit and changes a setting value of the shooting parameter;
The imaging parameter assigning unit variably changes a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit, imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information in each of the areas, and the plurality of operation units. An imaging apparatus characterized by that.   The photographing parameter assigning means divides a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means into a plurality of regions along each side, and assigns different kinds of photographing parameters to each of the plurality of areas in the peripheral portion of the display means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.   The imaging parameter assigning unit variably changes a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit, imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information in each of the areas, and the plurality of operation units. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The shooting parameter assigning unit may change a shooting parameter for displaying the shooting parameter information while maintaining a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit and the operation unit. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized. The display control means reduces and displays the captured image according to a state in which the shooting parameter information is displayed on a peripheral portion in a display area of the display means by the shooting parameter information display means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The shooting parameter information display means, for at least one shooting parameter, selects one of a settable range and a currently settable range of the shooting parameter, and a currently settable range of the shooting parameter. 6. The display according to claim 1, wherein a display is performed in correspondence with a length of a side in a peripheral portion of the display area, and a current set value is identified and displayed in the displayed settable range. The imaging device according to item. Limiting means for limiting the range of the setting value of the imaging parameter that can be changed by the operation unit to a different range depending on the situation;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging parameter information display unit identifies and displays a range of imaging parameter setting values restricted by the restriction unit according to a situation. Display means for displaying an image captured by an imaging means,
Shooting parameter information display means for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means;
Among a plurality of types of shooting parameters, shooting parameter assignment means for assigning shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information;
Display control means for displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation unit that is associated with a shooting parameter in which the shooting parameter information is displayed by the shooting parameter information display unit, and changes a setting value of the shooting parameter;
Limiting means for limiting the range of the setting value of the imaging parameter that can be changed by the operation unit to a different range depending on the situation,
The shooting parameter assigning unit is configured to change a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit and shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information in each of the areas,
The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the imaging parameter information display means identifies and displays a range of setting values of imaging parameters restricted by the restriction means depending on the situation. The shooting parameter information display means identifies both the entire settable range of shooting parameters when there is no restriction by the restriction means and the current limit range of the setting values of the shooting parameters restricted by the restriction means. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the image pickup apparatus is displayed. 10. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the setting value of any shooting parameter is changed by the operation unit, the captured image corresponding to the change is displayed. The imaging device according to item. The imaging parameter information display means identifies and displays a currently settable range that is limited in a range from a minimum value to a maximum value of imaging parameters that can be set when there is no restriction by the restriction means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The imaging parameter information display means displays the imaging parameter information by reflecting the dependency relationship depending on whether or not the imaging parameter for displaying the imaging parameter information has a dependency relationship with other imaging parameters. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The shooting parameter information display means displays a scale having a scale indicating a settable range for a shooting parameter having a set value that is continuous, and identifies and displays the current set value on the scale. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein for a shooting parameter that does not have continuity, a plurality of settable items are displayed side by side to identify and display a current setting item. . The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is a hardware operation unit. An imaging setting method in an imaging apparatus, comprising: a display unit that displays a captured image captured by an imaging unit; and an operation unit,
A shooting parameter information display step for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display unit;
A shooting parameter assignment step for assigning a shooting parameter for displaying the shooting parameter information among a plurality of types of shooting parameters;
A display control step of displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation step of changing a setting value of the shooting parameter according to an operation of the operation unit associated with the shooting parameter in which the shooting parameter information is displayed in the shooting parameter information display step;
In the imaging parameter assignment step, the correspondence between the plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit, the imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information in each of the areas, and the plurality of operation units is variable. ,
A shooting setting method comprising: A computer that controls an imaging apparatus including a display unit that displays a captured image captured by the imaging unit and an operation unit;
Shooting parameter information display means for displaying shooting parameter information including information on a settable range of shooting parameters and current setting values on a peripheral portion in the display area of the display means;
Among a plurality of types of shooting parameters, shooting parameter assignment means for assigning shooting parameters for displaying the shooting parameter information,
Display control means for displaying the captured image inside the peripheral edge in the display area of the display means;
An operation unit that changes a setting value of the shooting parameter according to an operation of the operation unit associated with the shooting parameter for which the shooting parameter information is displayed by the shooting parameter information display unit;
The imaging parameter assigning unit variably changes a correspondence relationship between a plurality of peripheral areas in the display area of the display unit, imaging parameters for displaying the imaging parameter information in each of the areas, and the plurality of operation units. ,
A program characterized by functioning as

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