JP6410778B2 - Imaging apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof.

  With the enhancement of functionality of imaging devices such as digital cameras, the functionality of imaging devices is increasing. The increase in the functions of the imaging device is beneficial for users who are used to operating the imaging device. Hereinafter, the “user who is used to operating the imaging apparatus” is referred to as “advanced person”. However, the increase in the functions of the imaging device leads to a complicated user operation (operation by the user) on the imaging device. Therefore, the increase in the functions of the imaging device may not be beneficial for a user who is not familiar with operations on the imaging device. Hereinafter, “a user unfamiliar with the operation of the imaging apparatus” is referred to as “beginner”. For example, the complexity of the operation on the imaging device increases the risk of a beginner performing an erroneous operation on the imaging device.

  As a conventional technique in view of such a problem, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a beginner mode is set, some user operations on the imaging apparatus are invalidated. By disabling some user operations, it is possible to reduce the risk that a beginner performs an erroneous operation on the imaging apparatus.

JP 2008-131533 A

  The beginner mode described in Patent Document 1 can reduce the risk of a beginner performing an erroneous operation, but it is not preferable for an advanced user because it restricts the operation. On the other hand, it may be difficult for a beginner to change the setting from another operation mode to the beginner mode without performing an erroneous operation in another operation mode.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can appropriately use an operation mode in which operations are restricted and an operation mode that is not.

The imaging apparatus of the present invention
Mode setting means for setting one of a plurality of shooting modes including a first shooting mode in which setting items capable of changing settings relating to shooting are limited and a second shooting mode different from the first shooting mode. When,
Start setting means for setting whether to start in the first shooting mode;
If it is set to start in the first shooting mode by the startup setting means, regardless of the shooting mode that was set immediately before the previous power-off of the imaging device at the time of startup of the imaging device, Start in the first shooting mode,
If it is not set to start in the first shooting mode by the startup setting means, the shooting mode based on the shooting mode set immediately before the imaging device was turned off at the time of startup of the imaging device Control means for controlling to start with,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to properly use the operation mode in which the operation is limited and the operation mode in which the operation is not performed more appropriately.

External view of digital camera according to this embodiment Block diagram of a digital camera according to the present embodiment Flowchart of digital camera activation processing according to the present embodiment Flow chart of beginner mode of digital camera according to the present embodiment The figure which shows the screen displayed with the digital camera which concerns on this embodiment Flowchart of normal auto mode of digital camera according to this embodiment Flowchart of menu processing of digital camera of this embodiment Detailed mode flowchart of the digital camera of this embodiment Flowchart of the shooting mode change process of the digital camera of this embodiment

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Here, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described.

(Appearance of digital camera)
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the external appearance of a digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The display unit 101 displays various images, various information, and the like. As the display unit 101, for example, a combination of a backlight unit and a liquid crystal panel can be used as the display unit 101.

  The power switch 102 receives a user operation for switching the power state of the digital camera 100 between an on state in which the digital camera 100 is activated and an off state in which the digital camera 100 is not activated. The shutter button 103 accepts a user operation for preparation for shooting, a user operation for execution of shooting, and the like. The mode switch 104 receives a user operation for switching (changing) the shooting mode set in the digital camera 100. The operation unit 105 accepts various user operations.

  The connection cable 106 is a cable for connecting the digital camera 100 and an external device to each other. The connection cable 106 is detachable from the digital camera 100. As the connection cable 106, for example, an HDMI cable, an AV cable, a USB cable, or the like can be used. The connector 107 is a connector for connecting the connection cable 106 to the digital camera 100. The recording medium 108 stores various data. For example, a memory card, a hard disk, or the like is used as the recording medium 108. The recording medium 108 is detachable from the digital camera 100. The recording medium slot 109 is a slot in which the recording medium 108 is stored. By storing the recording medium 108 in the recording medium slot 109, the digital camera 100 can communicate with the recording medium 108.

(Configuration of digital camera)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the digital camera 100.

  The barrier 110 covers the imaging system of the digital camera 100 to prevent the imaging system from becoming dirty or damaged. The imaging system includes at least an imaging lens 111. For example, the imaging system includes an imaging lens 111, a shutter 112, an imaging unit 113, and the like. The imaging lens 111 is a lens group including a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like. The shutter 112 is a shutter having an aperture function.

  The imaging unit 113 is an imaging device (image sensor) configured by a CCD or a CMOS device that converts an optical image into an electrical signal (analog signal).

  The A / D converter 114 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 113 into a digital signal, and outputs the obtained digital signal.

  The image processing unit 115 performs predetermined image processing on the captured image (captured image; digital signal) output from the A / D converter 114, the image output from the memory control unit 116, and the like. As the predetermined image processing, for example, an interpolation process for generating an interpolation pixel that compensates for a gap between pixels, a resizing process for reducing or enlarging the image, a color conversion process for converting the color of the image, and the like are performed. Further, the image processing unit 115 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image, and outputs a calculation result (result of the predetermined calculation processing) to the system control unit 117. The system control unit 117 performs predetermined control processing based on the calculation result output from the image processing unit 115.

  Examples of the predetermined calculation process include a process for calculating an exposure amount for the imaging unit 113, a process for calculating a distance to a subject, and a process for determining the color tone of a captured image. Based on the results of these calculation processes, the system control unit 117 performs TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and TTL method. AWB (auto white balance) processing is performed. In these control processes, the position of the imaging lens 111, the shutter speed of the shutter 112, the aperture of the shutter 112, the conversion characteristics of the imaging unit 113, the conversion characteristics of the A / D converter 114, and the predetermined image processing of the image processing unit 115 are used. Parameters to be controlled are controlled.

  The memory control unit 116 writes an image to the memory 118, reads an image from the memory 118, writes an image to the recording medium 108, reads an image from the recording medium 108, and the like. The memory control unit 116 outputs the read image to the image processing unit 115 when it is necessary to perform predetermined image processing on the image read from the memory.

  The captured image output from the A / D converter 114 is written into the memory 118 via the image processing unit 115 and the memory control unit 116 or via the memory control unit 116. The memory 118 stores various images (captured images, other images displayed on the display unit 101, etc.) that are digital signals. The memory 118 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a moving image for a predetermined time, audio for a predetermined time, and the like. The memory 118 also serves as a display memory (video memory).

  The D / A converter 119 acquires a digital signal that is an image for display from the memory 118 via the memory control unit 116, converts the acquired digital signal into an analog signal, and displays the obtained analog signal. Supplied to the unit 101. The display unit 101 displays an image according to the analog signal supplied from the D / A converter 119. That is, the display image written in the memory 118 is displayed on the display unit 101.

A method for realizing the live view display will be described. Live view display is a process in which the display unit 101 displays a live view image in real time. By performing live view display, the display unit 101 can be used as an electronic viewfinder. First, a digital signal imaged at a predetermined imaging rate by the imaging unit 113 and A / D converted by the A / D converter 114 is recorded in the memory 118. Next, the D / A converter 119 acquires the digital signal of the captured image from the memory 118 via the memory control unit 116, converts the acquired digital signal into an analog signal, and displays the acquired analog signal. Supplied to the unit 101. Then, the display unit 101 displays an image (in accordance with the analog signal supplied from the D / A converter 119).
Live view image) is displayed. By performing these processes sequentially in real time, live view display is realized.

  The captured image output from the A / D converter 114 is transmitted via the image processing unit 115, the memory control unit 116, and the recording medium I / F 120, or via the memory control unit 116 and the recording medium I / F 120. Are written in the recording medium 108. The recording medium I / F 120 is an interface for connecting the recording medium 108 to the digital camera 100. As the recording medium 108, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like can be used.

  The nonvolatile memory 121 is a memory that can electrically store data and can electrically erase stored data. As the nonvolatile memory 121, for example, an EEPROM or the like can be used. The nonvolatile memory 121 stores parameters for operating the system control unit 117, programs for operating the system control unit 117, and the like. The program for operation of the system control unit 117 is, for example, a computer program for realizing various processes described later.

  The system control unit 117 is a control unit including at least one processor, and controls processing of each functional unit included in the digital camera 100, a state of each functional unit included in the digital camera 100, and the like. For example, the system control unit 117 controls the display of the display unit 101 by controlling the memory control unit 116, the D / A converter 119, the display unit 101, and the like. The system control unit 117 implements each process described later by executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 121.

  The system memory 122 is a memory (work memory) that temporarily stores data. For example, a RAM can be used as the system memory 122. In the system memory 122, parameters (constants and variables) for operation of the system control unit 117, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 121, and the like are expanded.

  The system timer 123 is a time measuring unit that measures time used for various controls, time of a built-in clock, and the like.

  The mode switch 104 outputs an instruction for switching the shooting mode set in the digital camera 100 to the system control unit 117 in response to a user operation on the mode switch 104. The system control unit 117 sets one of a plurality of shooting modes in response to an instruction from the mode switch 104. In other words, the system control unit 117 switches the set shooting mode to a shooting mode according to an instruction from the mode switch 104. The shooting mode includes a still image recording mode, a moving image recording mode, and the like.

  The still image recording mode includes, for example, an auto shooting mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and the like. The still image recording mode also includes a plurality of scene modes corresponding to a plurality of scenes (imaging environments), a program AE mode, a custom mode, and the like. Any of the plurality of shooting modes included in the still image recording mode can be directly set by a user operation on the mode switch 104. After a list screen of a plurality of shooting modes included in the still image recording mode is displayed in response to a user operation on the mode switch 104, any one of the plurality of operation modes is set in accordance with a user operation on another operation unit. May be. Similarly, a plurality of operation modes may be included in the moving image recording mode.

  The shutter button 103 outputs an instruction for preparing for shooting, an instruction for executing shooting, and the like to the system control unit 117 in response to a user operation on the shutter button 103. The shutter button 103 has a first shutter switch 103a and a second shutter switch 103b.

  The first shutter switch 103 a outputs a first shutter switch signal SW <b> 1 (instruction for preparing for shooting) to the system control unit 117 in response to a first user operation on the shutter button 103. The first user operation is, for example, a user operation that changes the shutter button 103 to a half-pressed state. The system control unit 117 performs AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, EF processing, and the like according to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

  The second shutter switch 103b outputs a second shutter switch signal SW2 (instruction for execution of photographing) to the system control unit 117 in response to a second user operation on the shutter button 103. The second user operation is, for example, an operation for bringing the shutter button 103 into a fully pressed state. The system control unit 117 performs processing for photographing according to the second shutter switch signal SW2. That is, shooting is performed according to the second shutter switch signal SW2.

  The operation unit 105 has a plurality of operation members. Each operation member outputs an instruction corresponding to a user operation on the operation member to the system control unit 117. The system control unit 117 performs processing according to an instruction from the operation unit 105. A function is assigned to each operation member or a function assigned to each operation member is changed according to a user operation for selecting various function icons displayed on the display unit 101. By assigning a function to the operation member, for example, the operation member acts as a function button having the assigned function. Examples of the function buttons include an end button, a return button, an image feed button, a jump button, a narrowing button, an attribute change button, and the like.

  The operation unit 105 includes, for example, a menu button, an upper button, a lower button, a left button, a right button, a SET button, and the like. A menu screen for various settings is displayed on the display unit 101 in response to a user operation on the menu button. The user can intuitively perform user operations for various settings using a menu screen, an upper button, a lower button, a left button, a right button, a SET button, and the like. For example, the setting item is selected or the setting of the setting item is changed in accordance with a user operation on the upper button, the lower button, the left button, the right button, and the SET button.

  The operation unit 105 has a controller wheel. The controller wheel is an operation member that can be rotated. The controller wheel is also used to select setting items, change settings, and the like. When a rotation operation corresponding to the controller wheel is performed, an electrical pulse signal corresponding to the operation amount is generated. Then, the system control unit 117 performs processing based on the generated pulse signal. The system control unit 117 may determine the rotation angle of the rotation operation, the rotation speed of the rotation operation, and the like from the generated pulse signal. Then, the system control unit 117 may perform processing based on the rotation angle, the rotation number, and the like.

Note that the configuration of the controller wheel is not particularly limited as long as the controller wheel is an operation member capable of detecting a rotation operation. For example, the controller wheel may be a rotatable dial operation member. In that case, the user can perform an operation of rotating the controller wheel as the rotation operation. The controller wheel may be a non-rotatable operation member, or may be an operation member (so-called touch wheel) having a touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger with the controller wheel, movement of the touched finger, and the like. In that case, the user can perform an operation of tracing the controller wheel as the rotation operation.

  The power control unit 124 supplies necessary power (voltage, current, etc.) to each functional unit of the digital camera 100. In the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 124 also supplies necessary power to the recording medium 108. Specifically, the power control unit 124 includes a power detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a functional unit to which power is supplied, and the like. The power detection circuit detects whether or not the power supply 125 is attached to the digital camera 100, the type of the power supply 125 attached to the digital camera 100, the remaining capacity of the battery (battery) that is the power supply 125 attached to the digital camera 100, and the like. To do. Further, the power control unit 124 controls the DC-DC converter based on an instruction from the system control unit 117 as a result of the detection, so that the necessary voltage is included in the recording medium 108 in a necessary period. Supply to each functional unit.

  The power source 125 is a power source that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera 100, and includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  The power switch 102 outputs an instruction for switching the power state of the digital camera 100 to the system control unit 117 in response to a user operation on the power switch 102. Specifically, when the digital camera 100 is not activated, the power switch 102 outputs an instruction to activate the digital camera 100 to the system control unit 117 in response to a user operation on the power switch 102. . Then, the system control unit 117 performs processing for starting the digital camera 100. For example, the system control unit 117 outputs the start of power supply to the power supply control unit 124. Then, the power control unit 124 starts supplying power to each functional unit of the digital camera 100. When the digital camera 100 is activated, the power switch 102 outputs an instruction to stop the operation of the digital camera 100 to the system control unit 117 in response to a user operation on the power switch 102. Then, the system control unit 117 performs processing for stopping the operation of the digital camera 100. For example, the system control unit 117 outputs an end of power supply to the power supply control unit 124. Then, the power control unit 124 ends the supply of power to each function unit of the digital camera 100.

  The communication unit 126 performs communication with an external device connected wirelessly or by wire. For example, image transmission / reception, audio transmission / reception, transmission / reception of various other information, and the like are performed between the communication unit 126 and the external device. Specifically, the communication unit 126 can transmit a captured image, an image recorded on the recording medium 108, and the like. The communication unit 126 can receive images, various other information, and the like from an external device. The communication unit 126 may be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or the like. As wireless communication, for example, communication based on Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, or the like is performed.

  The posture detection unit 127 detects the posture of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Whether the captured image is an image obtained by holding the digital camera 100 horizontally or an image obtained by holding the digital camera 100 vertically based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit 127. Can be judged. The system control unit 117 can add the orientation information corresponding to the posture detected by the posture detection unit 127 to the image file of the captured image. The system control unit 117 can also rotate the orientation of the captured image according to the posture detected by the posture detection unit 127. As the attitude detection unit 127, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used.

(Start process)
An example of the startup process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the startup process according to the present embodiment. For example, when a user operation (operation to turn on the power) is performed on the power switch 102 and the power state of the digital camera 100 is switched from the off state to the on state, the digital camera 100 starts the activation process of FIG.

  In this embodiment, it is possible to set whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode. First, in S301, the system control unit 117 determines whether or not activation of the digital camera 100 is set in the beginner mode. If it is determined that the digital camera 100 is set to be activated in the beginner mode, the process proceeds to S302, and if not, the process proceeds to S304.

  For example, activation setting information indicating a setting state for determining whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 121, and the system control unit 117 reads the activation setting information from the nonvolatile memory 121. Then, the system control unit 117 determines whether or not it is set to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode, using the read start setting information. The system control unit 117 may read in advance the startup setting information from the recording medium 108, the non-volatile memory 121, and the like, and perform the process of recording the read startup setting information in the memory 118 in advance. Then, the system control unit 117 may read the activation setting information from the memory 118 and use it.

  The beginner mode is a shooting mode for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the digital camera 100. Hereinafter, “a user unfamiliar with the operation of the digital camera 100” is referred to as “beginner”. Specifically, the beginner mode is a shooting mode in which setting items that can change settings related to shooting are limited. Specifically, the beginner mode is a shooting mode in which a user operation on a predetermined operation member is invalidated. By invalidating some setting items, some user operations, and the like, it is possible to prevent an erroneous user operation on the digital camera 100 and to prevent an unintended setting change due to an incorrect user operation. . Note that the beginner mode may be included in the still image recording mode, and the beginner mode may be included in the moving image recording mode. A beginner mode may be included in both the still image recording mode and the moving image recording mode.

  In S302, system control unit 117 initializes various settings (flags, control variables, etc.) used in beginner mode (initial setting in beginner mode). Specifically, the system control unit 117 reads various setting information at the time of the previous operation of the digital camera 100 from the nonvolatile memory 121 or the like and initializes the information. Even if the setting is changed from the initial setting, when the digital camera 100 is activated in the beginner mode, the setting is initialized by the process of S302. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

  In S303, system control unit 117 sets a beginner mode. Then, the activation process is terminated.

  As described above, when it is set to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode, the shooting mode is set so that the beginner mode is set regardless of the previous shooting mode when the digital camera 100 is started. Be controlled. Specifically, the previous shooting mode is a shooting mode that was set when the previous operation of the digital camera 100 was stopped (the shooting mode that was set immediately before the previous power-off). Since the beginner mode is set when the digital camera 100 is activated, the beginner can use the beginner mode more reliably. Thereby, an erroneous user operation on the digital camera 100 can be more reliably prevented, and an unintended setting change due to an erroneous user operation can be more reliably prevented. The beginner mode may always be set when the digital camera 100 is activated.

In S304, the system control unit 117 performs initial settings of various settings (flags, control variables, etc.) (normal initial settings). Specifically, the system control unit 117 reads various setting information when the digital camera 100 was last stopped from the nonvolatile memory 121 and performs settings according to the read information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S305.

  In step S305, the system control unit 117 determines the previous shooting mode. If it is determined that the previous shooting mode is the beginner mode or the normal auto mode, the process proceeds to S306, and if not, the process proceeds to S307.

  For example, mode setting information indicating the previous shooting mode is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 121, and the system control unit 117 reads the mode setting information from the nonvolatile memory 121. Then, the system control unit 117 determines the previous shooting mode using the read mode setting information. Note that the system control unit 117 may read out the mode setting information from the recording medium 108, the nonvolatile memory 121, and the like, and perform the process of recording the read mode setting information in the memory 118 in advance. The system control unit 117 may read the mode setting information from the memory 118 and use it.

  The normal auto mode is a shooting mode for a user who is somewhat accustomed to the operation of the digital camera 100. Hereinafter, “a user who is accustomed to the operation of the digital camera 100” will be referred to as “intermediate”. In the present embodiment, a plurality of setting items are invalidated in the beginner mode. In the normal auto mode, fewer setting items are invalidated than the plurality of setting items invalidated in the beginner mode. The still image recording mode may include a normal auto mode, and the moving image recording mode may include a normal auto mode. The normal auto mode may be included in both the still image recording mode and the moving image recording mode.

  The detailed mode is a shooting mode for a user who is used to operating the digital camera 100. Hereinafter, “a user who has become accustomed to the operation of the digital camera 100” will be referred to as an “advanced person”. Specifically, the detailed mode includes a shutter speed priority mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a P mode (program AE mode), and the like. In the shutter speed priority mode, the system control unit 117 sets a shutter speed value according to a user operation, and automatically sets other imaging parameters (aperture value, ISO sensitivity value, etc.). In the auto scene discrimination mode, the system control unit 117 automatically sets imaging parameters (shutter speed value, aperture value, ISO sensitivity value, etc.) corresponding to the current scene. In the program AE mode, the system control unit 117 adjusts the automatically set imaging parameters according to a user operation.

  In S306, system control unit 117 sets the normal auto mode. Then, the activation process is terminated. In S307, system control unit 117 sets the detailed mode. Then, the activation process is terminated.

  As described above, when it is set not to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode, the setting of the shooting mode is controlled so that the shooting mode based on the previous shooting mode is set when the digital camera 100 is started. Is done. Since the shooting mode based on the previous shooting mode is set when the digital camera 100 is started up, the digital camera 100 can be started up in a shooting mode suitable not only for beginners but also for intermediate and advanced users. Thereby, the convenience of the digital camera 100 is improved. For example, even if the operation of the digital camera 100 is stopped, it is possible to maintain a shooting mode that suits the preference of intermediate, advanced, etc., or to maintain various settings that suit the preference of intermediate, advanced, etc. To do.

Note that the shooting mode based on the previous shooting mode is not limited to the above-described shooting mode. For example, when the previous shooting mode is the beginner mode, the beginner mode may be set when the digital camera 100 is activated. When the previous shooting mode is the normal auto mode, the beginner mode may be set when the digital camera 100 is activated. As a shooting mode based on the previous shooting mode, a shooting mode different from the normal auto mode and the detailed mode may be set. The plurality of shooting modes may not include at least one of the normal auto mode and the detailed mode.

(Beginner mode)
An example of processing in the beginner mode according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the beginner mode according to the present embodiment.

  First, in S401, the system control unit 117 performs control so that live view display is started. The screen (live view screen) displayed by the live view display includes a live view image. In addition, the live view screen may further include graphic images (icons, text, etc.) indicating various types of information. For example, the live view screen includes a graphic image indicating the set shooting mode, a graphic image indicating the remaining capacity of the battery, a graphic image indicating the remaining capacity of the recording medium 108, and the like. In the graphic image, instead of the remaining capacity of the recording medium 108, the remaining number of recordable still images, the remaining time of the recordable moving image, and the like may be indicated. FIG. 5A shows an example of a live view screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S402.

  In S402, the system control unit 117 performs control so that the first notification to the user is performed. The first notification is a notification that the beginner mode is set, a notification of how to cancel the beginner mode, and the like. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 117 performs control so that a predetermined first graphic image (icon, text, etc.) is displayed on the live view screen for a predetermined time. By displaying the first graphic image, the first notification is realized. FIG. 5B shows an example of a live view screen in a state where the first graphic image is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5B, the text (guidance dialog) is displayed as the first graphic image “Beginner mode is set. It can be canceled by holding down [AUTO]”. . The user can cancel the beginner mode by confirming the text in FIG. 5B, that the digital camera 100 has been activated in the beginner mode, and by continuously pressing the AUTO button (specific button) of the operation unit 105. Etc. can be grasped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S403.

  Note that the first graphic image is not limited to the text. The first notification may not be the display of the first graphic image. The first notification may be a notification by sound, a notification by light from a lamp different from the display unit, or the like. Further, the method for canceling the beginner mode is not limited to the above method. The beginner mode may be canceled by a user operation on a button different from the AUTO button.

  In step S403, the system control unit 117 determines whether a user operation has been performed. User operations include button presses, lever operations, and the like. When the display unit 101 includes a touch panel or the like, various touch operations on an image (such as a GUI button) displayed by the display unit 101 are also included in the user operation. The touch operation includes a tap operation, a long-time touch operation (an operation with a longer contact time than the tap operation), a flick operation, a pinch operation, a swipe operation, a drag operation, and the like. Note that connection of an external device to the digital camera 100, start of communication by the communication unit 126 (communication between the digital camera 100 and the external device), and the like may be detected as a user operation. The process of S403 is repeated until it is determined that a user operation has been performed. If it is determined that a user operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S404.

  In step S404, the system control unit 117 determines whether the user operation performed is a power-off operation (a user operation for switching the power state of the digital camera 100 to an off state). The power off operation is a user operation on the power switch 102, for example. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a power-off operation, the process proceeds to S405. If it is determined that the performed user operation is not a power-off operation, the process proceeds to S406.

  In step S405, the system control unit 117 performs a predetermined stop process (power-off process). The stop process is a process for stopping the operation of the digital camera 100. The stop process includes a process of stopping the display by the display unit 101, a process of closing the barrier 110 so that the imaging system is covered (protected), and the like. The stop process includes a process of recording information on various settings (flag, control variable, shooting mode, etc.) in the nonvolatile memory 121, a process of stopping power supply to a predetermined function unit, and the like. Then, the process in the beginner mode is terminated.

  In S406, system control unit 117 determines whether or not the performed user operation is a beginner mode canceling operation (user operation for canceling beginner mode). In the present embodiment, the beginner mode canceling operation is a user operation (that is, a long press) in which the AUTO button is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) or longer. If it is determined that the performed user operation is the beginner mode cancel operation, the process proceeds to S407, and if not, the process proceeds to S411. In order to enable setting of information related to the external device, the connection of the external device to the digital camera 100, the start of communication by the communication unit 126 (communication between the digital camera 100 and the external device), etc. are canceled. It may be determined as an operation. For example, in order to enable the setting of the video output method of the television monitor, connection of an external device to the digital camera 100, start of communication by the communication unit 126, and the like may be determined as the beginner mode cancellation operation.

  In step S407, the system control unit 117 performs control so that the beginner mode is canceled and the second notification to the user is performed. The second notification is a notification that the beginner mode has been canceled. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 117 performs control so that a predetermined second graphic image (icon, text, etc.) is displayed on the live view screen for a predetermined time. By displaying the second graphic image, the second notification is realized. FIG. 5C shows an example of a live view screen in a state where the second graphic image is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5C, the text “Beginner mode has been canceled” is displayed as the second graphic image. The user can grasp the fact that the beginner mode has been canceled by confirming the text shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S408.

  Note that the second graphic image is not limited to the text. The second notification may not be the display of the second graphic image. The second notification may be a notification by sound, a notification by light from a lamp different from the display unit, or the like.

  In S408, system control unit 117 determines whether or not activation of digital camera 100 is set in the beginner mode. If it is determined that the digital camera 100 is set to be activated in the beginner mode, the process proceeds to S409, and if not, the process proceeds to S410.

In step S409, the system control unit 117 performs control so that the third notification for the user is performed. The third notification is a notification that the digital camera 100 is set to start in the beginner mode, a notification that the setting of whether to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode can be changed, and the like. is there. The third notification is the digital camera 100 in beginner mode.
Notification of how to change the setting of whether or not to start up may be included. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 117 performs control so that a predetermined third graphic image (icon, text, etc.) is displayed on the live view screen for a predetermined time. By displaying the third graphic image, the third notification is realized. FIG. 5D shows an example of a live view screen in a state where the third graphic image is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5D, as the third graphic image, there is a text (guidance dialog) that “It is set to be in beginner mode when it is started. The setting can be changed in the menu.” It is displayed. By checking the text in FIG. 5D, the user is set to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode, and changes whether the digital camera 100 is started in the beginner mode. It is possible to grasp that it is possible. In addition, the user can also grasp a change method (operation method) for setting whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode. Specifically, the user can grasp that the setting can be changed by a user operation on the menu button of the operation unit 105. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S410.

  Note that the third graphic image is not limited to the text. The third notification may not be the display of the third graphic image. The third notification may be a voice notification, a notification from a lamp different from the display unit, or the like.

  In S410, system control unit 117 sets the normal auto mode. Then, the process in the beginner mode is terminated. Thus, in this embodiment, when the beginner mode is canceled, the normal auto mode is set. That is, when the beginner mode is set, the set shooting mode can be switched to the normal auto mode.

  In step S411, the system control unit 117 determines whether the performed user operation is a shooting operation. The shooting operation is an operation related to execution of shooting of a still image or a moving image. For example, the shooting operation is a user operation on the shutter button 103. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a shooting operation, the process proceeds to S412. If not, the process proceeds to S413. In step S412, the system control unit 117 performs a shooting process (a process for preparing for shooting, a process for shooting, etc.) according to the shooting operation. For example, processing according to the first shutter switch signal SW1, processing according to the second shutter switch signal SW2, and the like are performed as shooting processing. Thereafter, the process returns to S403.

  In step S413, the system control unit 117 determines whether the user operation performed is a flash switching operation. The flash switching operation is a user operation related to the exposure amount at the time of shooting. For example, the flash switching operation is a user operation for changing the light emission of a light emitting unit (strobe) that illuminates a subject during shooting, the shutter speed, and the like. Specifically, the flash switching operation is a user operation on the flash switching button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a flash switching operation, the process proceeds to S414; otherwise, the process proceeds to S415. In S414, the system control unit 117 performs a flash switching process corresponding to the flash switching operation. For example, a process for setting any one of auto flash, constant flash, slow sync, flash prohibition, etc. is performed as the flash switching process. In the auto flash, the flash emission (emission amount, emission pattern, etc.) at the time of shooting is automatically controlled according to the scene (imaging environment). In constant light emission, the flash always fires. In slow sync, the shutter speed is reduced to capture a bright image as a whole. In the flash prohibition mode, shooting is performed without firing the flash. Thereafter, the process returns to S403.

In S415, system control unit 117 determines whether or not the user operation performed is a zoom operation. The zoom operation is a user operation related to the magnification of the subject in shooting. For example, the zoom operation is a user operation on the zoom button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a zoom operation, the process proceeds to S416. If not, the process proceeds to S417. In S416, the system control unit 117 performs zoom processing according to the zoom operation. For example, zoom-in processing for increasing the magnification, zoom-out processing for reducing the magnification, and the like are performed as zoom processing. The zoom processing includes processing for changing the focal length by controlling the position of the imaging lens 111, processing for changing the image size of the captured image, and the like. Thereafter, the process returns to S403.

  In step S417, the system control unit 117 determines whether the user operation performed is a reproduction / editing operation. The playback / editing operation is an operation for changing the operation mode from the shooting mode to a playback mode (or editing mode) for playing back a captured image (still image or moving image). For example, the playback / editing operation is a user operation on the playback button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a reproduction / editing operation, the process proceeds to S418. If it is determined that the performed user operation is not a reproduction / editing operation, the process proceeds to S419. . In step S418, the system control unit 117 switches to the playback mode and performs playback / editing processing. For example, single playback processing, slide show playback processing, trimming processing, resizing processing, image deletion processing, image protection switching processing, image rotation processing, and the like are performed in the playback mode. The single reproduction process is a process for displaying one captured image. The slide show reproduction process is a process for displaying a plurality of captured images in order. The trimming process is a process of cutting out and recording a part of an image area from a captured image. The resizing process is a process for changing (enlarging or reducing) the image size of a captured image. The image deletion process is a process for deleting a captured image. The image protection switching process is a process of switching the state of a captured image between an unprotected state where the image can be deleted and a protected state where the image cannot be deleted. The image rotation process is a process of rotating the direction of a captured image. Thereafter, the process returns to S403.

  In S419, system control unit 117 determines whether or not the performed user operation is a communication operation. The communication operation is a user operation related to communication with an external device. For example, the communication operation is a user operation related to communication in which a captured image (still image or moving image) is transmitted and received between the digital camera 100 and an external device. Specifically, the communication operation is a user operation on the communication button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a communication operation, the process proceeds to S420, and if not, the process proceeds to S421. In S420, system control unit 117 performs communication processing according to the communication operation. For example, a process of transmitting a captured image to an external device is performed as a communication process. Thereafter, the process returns to S403.

  In step S421, the system control unit 117 performs control so that the fourth notification to the user is performed. The fourth notification is a notification that the user operation is invalidated because the beginner mode is set. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 117 performs control so that a predetermined fourth graphic image (icon, text, etc.) is displayed on the live view screen for a predetermined time. The fourth notification is realized by displaying the fourth graphic image. Specifically, the system control unit 117 performs the same control as the control for the fourth notification and the control for the first notification. That is, control for displaying the text (first graphic image) of FIG. 5B is performed. By confirming the text in FIG. 5B, the user can grasp that the user operation is invalidated because the beginner mode is set. Thereafter, the process returns to S403.

Note that the fourth graphic image may be different from the first graphic image. For example, as the fourth graphic image, a text “The operation is invalidated because the beginner mode is set” may be used. The fourth notification may not be the display of the fourth graphic image. The fourth notification may be a voice notification, a notification from a lamp different from the display unit, or the like.

  As described above, when the beginner mode is set, only the power off operation, the beginner mode release operation, the shooting operation, the flash switching operation, the zoom operation, the transition operation to the playback mode, and the communication operation are valid. Other user operations are invalidated.

  In the beginner mode, an operation that is unlikely to be performed by a beginner is not accepted, and thus an erroneous operation by a beginner can be prevented. Further, in the beginner mode, operations that are highly likely to be performed by beginners are accepted, so that beginners can perform desired operations on the digital camera 100. As a result, the digital camera 100 that is highly convenient for beginners can be realized.

  Further, intermediate and advanced users can use the digital camera 100 in the normal auto mode by performing the beginner mode canceling operation according to the text (guidance dialog) of FIG. Therefore, it is possible to realize the digital camera 100 that is highly convenient for intermediate and advanced users.

  Further, in the beginner mode, the setting as to whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode cannot be changed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the digital camera 100 from being activated in the beginner mode, and it is possible to realize the digital camera 100 that is more convenient for beginners.

  The setting items (user operations) described above are merely examples. Setting items that are valid when the beginner mode is set, setting items that are invalid when the beginner mode is set, and the like are as follows: There is no particular limitation.

(Normal auto mode)
An example of processing in the normal auto mode according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the normal auto mode according to the present embodiment.

  First, in S601, the system control unit 117 performs control so that live view display is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S602. In step S602, the system control unit 117 determines whether a user operation has been performed. The process of S602 is repeated until it is determined that a user operation has been performed. If it is determined that a user operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S603.

  In step S603, the system control unit 117 determines whether the performed user operation is a power-off operation. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a power-off operation, the process proceeds to S604, and if not, the process proceeds to S605. In step S604, the system control unit 117 performs a predetermined stop process. Then, the processing in the normal auto mode is finished.

  In S605, system control unit 117 determines whether or not the user operation performed is a beginner mode setting operation (user operation for setting beginner mode). The beginner mode setting operation is, for example, a user operation on a beginner mode setting button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a beginner mode setting operation, the process proceeds to S606, and if not, the process proceeds to S608.

In step S606, the system control unit 117 performs control so that the fifth notification to the user is performed. The fifth notification is a notification that the beginner mode is set. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 117 performs control so that a predetermined fifth graphic image (icon, text, etc.) is displayed on the live view screen for a predetermined time. The fifth notification is realized by displaying the fifth graphic image. FIG. 5E shows an example of a live view screen in a state where the fifth graphic image is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5E, the text “beginner mode is set” is displayed as the fifth graphic image. The user can grasp that the beginner mode has been set by confirming the text shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S607. In S607, system control unit 117 sets a beginner mode. Then, the processing in the normal auto mode is finished.

  Note that the fifth graphic image is not limited to the text. The fifth notification may not be the display of the fifth graphic image. The fifth notification may be a voice notification, a light notification from a lamp different from the display unit, or the like.

  The processing of S608 to S617 is the same as the processing of S411 to S420 in FIG. After the processing of S609, S611, S613, S615, or S617 is performed, the processing is returned to S602. If it is determined in S616 that the user operation performed is not a communication operation, the process proceeds to S618.

  In S618, system control unit 117 determines whether the user operation performed is a menu operation or not. The menu operation is a user operation related to a predetermined menu screen for various settings. For example, the menu operation is a user operation on the menu button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a menu operation, the process proceeds to S619, and if not, the process proceeds to S620. In S619, the system control unit 117 performs menu processing according to the menu operation. For example, processing for displaying a predetermined menu screen, processing according to a user operation using the predetermined menu screen, and the like are performed as menu processing. As a process according to a user operation using a predetermined menu screen, for example, a process of changing the setting as to whether to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode is performed. As a process in response to a user operation using a predetermined menu screen, a setting for switching whether or not to add predetermined information (the date when the image was taken, the place where the image was taken, etc.) to the captured image is switched. Processing may be performed. As a process according to a user operation using a predetermined menu screen, a process for switching whether to perform a review display in which the display unit 101 automatically displays a captured image after the captured image is performed. is there. Thereafter, the process returns to S602.

  In S620, system control unit 117 determines whether or not the user operation performed is a shooting mode change operation. The shooting mode change operation is a user operation for switching the set shooting mode between the normal auto mode and the detailed mode. For example, the shooting mode change operation is a user operation on the shooting mode change button of the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the performed user operation is a shooting mode change operation, the process proceeds to S621; otherwise, the process proceeds to S622. In step S621, the system control unit 117 performs a shooting mode change process corresponding to the shooting mode change operation. In the present embodiment, the shooting mode change process is a process of switching the set shooting mode between the normal auto mode and the detailed mode. Thereafter, the process returns to S602.

  In step S622, the system control unit 117 performs other processing according to the performed user operation. As other processing, for example, processing for switching the display on the display unit 101, processing for switching the setting of automatic focus adjustment (AF processing), and the like are performed.

  As described above, even in the normal auto mode, the power-off operation, the beginner mode canceling operation, the photographing operation, the flash switching operation, the zoom operation, the reproduction / editing operation, and the communication operation are validated as in the beginner mode. Further, in the normal auto mode, setting items related to review display, setting items related to information added to the captured image, setting items related to display switching on the display unit 101, and setting items related to AF processing are also valid. . Specifically, in the normal auto mode, menu operations, shooting mode change operations, and other user operations are also valid. Since the number of effective user operations is larger than in the beginner mode, the digital camera 100 that is highly convenient for intermediate and advanced users can be realized.

  Even if a beginner makes an erroneous operation in the normal auto mode, if the setting for starting the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode is not canceled, the beginner mode is set by restarting the digital camera 100. Therefore, the digital camera 100 that is highly convenient for beginners can be realized.

  In the normal Aude mode, the set shooting mode can be switched to the beginner mode, and the set shooting mode can be switched to the detailed mode. Therefore, the digital camera 100 that is more convenient for beginners and advanced users can be realized.

(Menu screen)
FIG. 5F shows an example of a menu screen. The menu screen 501 includes a shooting tab 502, a setting tab 503, menu items 504 to 506, and menu item setting options 507 to 512. The menu items 504 to 506 and the options 507 to 512 are displayed when the state of the shooting tab 502 becomes active in response to a user operation on the shooting tab 502. When the state of the setting tab 503 becomes active in response to a user operation on the setting tab 503, the display is switched from the menu items 504 to 506 and the options 507 to 512 to other information. On the menu screen 501, since the setting tab 503 is in an inactive state, information (menu items, options, etc.) corresponding to the setting tab 503 is not displayed.

  A menu item 504 is a setting item corresponding to switching of the setting as to whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode. When a user operation for selecting an option 507 (“Yes”) of the menu item 504 is performed, it is set to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode. When a user operation for selecting an option 508 (“No”) of the menu item 504 is performed, it is set that the digital camera 100 is not activated in the beginner mode.

  A menu item 505 is a setting item corresponding to switching of the setting as to whether or not the review display is performed. When a user operation for selecting an option 509 (“Yes”) of the menu item 505 is performed, the review display is set to be performed. When a user operation for selecting the option 510 (“No”) of the menu item 505 is performed, it is set that the review display is not performed.

  A menu item 506 is a setting item corresponding to switching of the setting as to whether or not to synthesize the text (date / time text) of the date of shooting with the shot image. When a user operation to select an option 511 (“Yes”) of the menu item 506 is performed, it is set to synthesize date and time text on the captured image. When a user operation for selecting an option 512 (“No”) of the menu item 506 is performed, it is set that date and time text is not combined with the captured image.

(Menu processing)
An example of menu processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of menu processing according to the present embodiment.

  First, in S701, the system control unit 117 performs initial setting of the menu screen. For example, a process for generating a menu screen according to the setting value recorded in the memory 118 is performed as an initial setting of the menu screen. Specifically, processing for generating a menu screen so that only menu items that can be changed in the set shooting mode are displayed as the initial setting of the menu screen. Menus that change the color of menu items that cannot be changed in the set shooting mode to inconspicuous colors, processing that change the color of menu items that can be changed in the set shooting mode to stand out, etc. It may be performed as an initial setting of the screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S702.

  In step S702, the system control unit 117 controls the menu screen to be displayed. By the process of S702, for example, the menu screen of FIG. 5F is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S703. In step S703, the system control unit 117 determines whether a user operation has been performed. The process of S703 is repeated until it is determined that a user operation has been performed. If it is determined that a user operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S704.

  In step S <b> 704, the system control unit 117 determines whether the performed user operation is a menu end operation (user operation for ending menu processing). When it is determined that the performed user operation is a menu end operation, the system control unit 117 performs a menu end process for ending the menu process. For example, as the menu end process, a process of stopping the display of the menu screen and starting the live view display is performed. Thereby, the menu process is terminated. If it is determined that the performed user operation is not a menu end operation, the process proceeds to S705.

  In step S705, the system control unit 117 determines whether the performed user operation is a start mode switching operation. The start mode switching operation is a user operation for switching the setting of whether to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode. For example, the activation mode switching operation is a user operation for one of the two options 507 and 508 corresponding to the menu item 504 in FIG. If it is determined that the performed user operation is an activation mode switching operation, the process proceeds to S706. If it is determined that the performed user operation is not an activation mode switching operation, the process proceeds to S707. .

  In step S706, the system control unit 117 performs a start mode switching process according to the start mode switching operation. By the start mode switching process, the setting of whether to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode is switched. Thereafter, the process returns to S703.

  In step S707, the system control unit 117 performs other processing according to the performed user operation. As other processing, for example, switching of setting whether or not to perform review display, switching of setting whether or not to synthesize date and time text on a captured image, and the like are performed. Thereafter, the process returns to S703.

  Thus, the setting of whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode can be switched in the menu process. Menu processing is started in response to a user operation on the menu button. However, in the beginner mode, user operations on the menu buttons are not accepted. Therefore, in the beginner mode, it is not possible to change the setting as to whether to activate the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode. In order to change the setting of whether to start the digital camera 100 in the beginner mode, it is necessary to switch the set shooting mode from the beginner mode to another shooting mode.

(Detail mode)
An example of processing in the detailed mode according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the detailed mode according to the present embodiment.

  The processes of S801 to S804 in FIG. 8 are the same as S601 to S604 in FIG. If it is determined in S803 that the user operation performed is not a power-off operation, the process proceeds to S805. The processes in S805 to S819 in FIG. 8 are the same as the processes in S608 to S622 in FIG.

  Thus, in the detailed mode, the processing of S605 to S607 in FIG. 6 is not performed. That is, in the detailed mode, the set shooting mode cannot be switched to the beginner mode. In order to switch the set shooting mode to the beginner mode, it is necessary to switch the set shooting mode from the detailed mode to the normal auto mode. It is unlikely that advanced users will use the digital camera 100 in beginner mode. Therefore, the digital camera 100 that is highly convenient for advanced users can be realized by a configuration in which the set shooting mode cannot be switched from the detailed mode to the beginner mode. Since the set photographing mode cannot be switched from the beginner mode to the detailed mode, the possibility that the beginner uses the digital camera 100 in the detailed mode is low. For this reason, it is difficult to cause a decrease in convenience due to the configuration in which the set shooting mode cannot be switched from the detailed mode to the beginner mode.

In the detailed mode, many user operations (setting items) are effective compared to the normal auto mode. For example, when the detailed mode is the P mode, the following user operations are valid. The process according to the following user operation is performed in S816 or S819, for example.
・ Exposure operation to change the exposure compensation amount of the captured image ・ Metering method operation to change the metering method of light from the subject ・ ISO sensitivity operation to change the ISO sensitivity ・ To change the white balance WB operation ・ AF range operation to change the focus distance in AF processing ・ AF frame operation to change the image position to focus in AF processing ・ Focus to switch execution / non-execution of predetermined AF processing Operation ・ Timer operation to change the state of the self-timer ・ Drive operation to change the shooting type including continuous shooting / single shooting ・ Image quality operation to change the image quality of the captured image ・ Change the displayed information Display operation

  For example, when an exposure correction operation is performed, the system control unit 117 performs a process of correcting exposure with a correction amount corresponding to the exposure correction operation.

  When the photometry method operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets the photometry method according to the photometry method operation. For example, one of a plurality of options such as “evaluation metering”, “center-weighted average metering”, “spot metering” is set. In “evaluative metering”, metering is automatically corrected according to the scene so that the subject is always properly exposed in the captured image. In “center-weighted average metering”, the entire screen is metered on average with an emphasis on the center of the screen. In “spot metering”, only the range corresponding to the spot metering frame displayed in the center of the screen is metered.

When the ISO sensitivity operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets the ISO sensitivity according to the ISO sensitivity operation. For example, an automatically determined ISO sensitivity is set, or a value designated by the user among a plurality of values in increments of 1 from 100 to 6400 is set as the ISO sensitivity.

  When a WB operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets a white balance according to the WB operation. For example, one of a plurality of options such as “auto”, “sunlight”, “cloudy”, “bulb”, “fluorescent lamp”, “manual”, etc. is set. In “Auto”, the white balance is automatically determined and set according to the scene. In “sunlight”, a white balance is set so that a suitable captured image is obtained under sunlight. In “cloudy”, a white balance is set so that a suitable captured image is obtained under a cloudy sky. In “bulb”, a white balance is set so that a suitable captured image is obtained under the light emitted from the bulb. In the “fluorescent lamp”, a white balance is set so that a suitable captured image can be obtained under the light emitted from the fluorescent lamp. In “Manual”, the white balance designated by the user is set.

  When the AF range operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets a distance corresponding to the AF range operation as a distance for focusing in the AF process. For example, one of a plurality of options such as “macro”, “normal”, and “distant view” is set. In “macro”, a relatively short distance range is set as a distance to be focused in AF processing. In “distant view”, a relatively long distance range is set as a distance to be focused in AF processing. In “normal”, an intermediate (standard) distance range is set as a distance to be focused in AF processing.

  When an AF frame operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets an image position corresponding to the AF frame operation as an image position to be focused by AF processing. For example, one of a plurality of options such as “face priority AF”, “center one-point AF”, “tracking AF”, etc. is set. In “face priority AF”, AF processing for focusing on a face image area is performed. In “center one-point AF”, AF processing for focusing at the center of the image is performed. In “tracking AF”, AF processing is performed in which the focus position is moved in accordance with the movement of the subject corresponding to the focus position (the focused image position).

  When the focus setting operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets execution / non-execution of predetermined AF processing according to the focus setting operation. The predetermined AF process is, for example, servo AF. Servo AF is also referred to as “continuous AF”.

  When the timer operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets a state corresponding to the timer operation as the self-timer state. For example, one of a plurality of options such as “No”, “2 seconds”, “10 seconds”, and “Custom” is set. In “No”, shooting is performed immediately in response to an instruction to perform shooting. In “2 seconds”, shooting is performed 2 seconds after an instruction to perform shooting. In “10 seconds”, shooting is performed 10 seconds after an instruction to perform shooting. In “custom”, shooting is performed after a user-specified time (time specified by the user) has elapsed from an instruction to perform shooting.

  When the drive operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets a type corresponding to the shooting type operation as the shooting type. For example, one of a plurality of options such as “continuous shooting” and “single shooting” is set. In “continuous shooting”, shooting of a plurality of still images is continuously performed according to an instruction to perform shooting. In “single shooting”, one still image is shot in response to a shooting instruction.

When the image quality operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets the image quality corresponding to the image quality operation as the image quality of the captured image. For example, when shooting a still image, at least one of the image size (number of pixels) of the captured image and the compression rate of the captured image is set as the image quality. When shooting a moving image, at least one of the image size (number of pixels) of the captured image and the frame rate of the captured image is set as the image quality.

  When a display operation is performed, the system control unit 117 sets information to be displayed on the display unit 101. For example, information displayed to be superimposed on the live view image in the live view display is set. Specifically, whether or not to display various setting information, remaining battery capacity, and the like, the number of information to be displayed, and the like are set.

  The processing in S618 in FIG. 6, the processing in S622, the processing in S816 in FIG. 8, the processing in S819, and the like are performed in the following procedure, for example. First, in response to a user operation on the menu button, the system control unit 117 performs processing for displaying a menu screen (for example, the menu screen in FIG. 5F). Next, in response to a user operation on the up button, the down button, the left button, the right button, and the like, the system control unit 117 switches the menu item to be processed among a plurality of menu items included in the menu screen. Then, in response to a user operation on the SET button, the system control unit 117 selects a menu item to be processed. Next, in response to a user operation on the up button, the down button, the left button, the right button, etc., the system control unit 117 changes the setting of the menu item to be processed.

  In the beginner mode, user operations on the menu buttons are not accepted. For this reason, in the beginner mode, the user cannot check the menu screen or change the settings of the setting items included in the menu screen.

(Shooting mode change process)
An example of the shooting mode change process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the shooting mode change process according to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S901, the system control unit 117 determines whether the set shooting mode is the normal auto mode or the detailed mode. If it is determined that the normal auto mode is set, the process proceeds to S902. If it is determined that the detailed mode is set, the process proceeds to S903.

  In step S903, the system control unit 117 determines whether the shooting mode after switching is the normal auto mode or the detailed mode. If it is determined that the shooting mode after switching is the normal auto mode, the process proceeds to S904. If it is determined that the shooting mode after switching is the detailed mode, the process proceeds to S902. Since the shooting mode before the switching is the detailed mode and the shooting mode after the switching may be another detailed mode, the process of S903 is necessary.

  In step S902, the system control unit 117 sets a detailed mode. In step S904, the system control unit 117 sets the normal auto mode. Then, after the process of S902 or S903, the shooting mode change process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the digital camera 100 is activated, the beginner mode is set regardless of the shooting mode that was set when the digital camera 100 was previously stopped. As a result, the risk that an erroneous user operation is performed on the digital camera 100 can be further reduced.

  Each of the flowcharts described is realized by the system control unit 117 developing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 121 in the system memory 122, and the system control unit 117 executing the program expanded in the system memory 122. Is done.

  Note that the various controls described as being performed by the system control unit 117 may be performed by being shared by a plurality of hardware, rather than being performed by a single piece of hardware. Moreover, the said embodiment is an example to the last, and this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment. Various forms within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described. However, the present invention is applicable to any imaging apparatus. For example, the present invention can be applied to a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone terminal (including a smartphone), or the like having a function as an imaging device. The present invention is also applicable to a portable image viewer having a function as an imaging device, a printer device, a digital photo frame, a music player, a game machine, an electronic book reader, a tablet terminal, a projection device, a home appliance, an in-vehicle device, and the like. Applicable.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  100: Digital camera 117: System control unit

Claims (17)

An imaging device,
Mode setting means for setting one of a plurality of shooting modes including a first shooting mode in which setting items capable of changing settings relating to shooting are limited and a second shooting mode different from the first shooting mode. When,
Start setting means for setting whether to start in the first shooting mode;
If it is set to start in the first shooting mode by the startup setting means, regardless of the shooting mode that was set immediately before the previous power-off of the imaging device at the time of startup of the imaging device, Start in the first shooting mode,
If it is not set to start in the first shooting mode by the startup setting means, the shooting mode based on the shooting mode set immediately before the imaging device was turned off at the time of startup of the imaging device Control means for controlling to start with,
An imaging device comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the first shooting mode, the setting cannot be changed by the activation setting unit. When the activation setting unit is set to start in the first shooting mode by the activation setting unit, when the first shooting mode is changed to another shooting mode, the control setting unit sets the startup setting unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control is performed so as to display that it is set when the camera is activated in the first shooting mode. When the activation setting unit is set to start in the first shooting mode, the control unit further includes the activation setting unit when the first shooting mode is changed to another shooting mode. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed so as to display a notification relating to a method for changing the setting according to. The first shooting mode is a shooting mode in which setting change by a user is not accepted for a plurality of setting items,
The plurality of shooting modes include a third shooting mode in which setting changes by the user are not accepted for a smaller number of setting items than the plurality of setting items that are not accepted by the user in the first shooting mode;
When the third shooting mode is set, the mode setting means can switch the set shooting mode to the first shooting mode or the second shooting mode,
When the second shooting mode is set, the mode setting means cannot switch the set shooting mode to the first shooting mode,
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the first shooting mode is set, the mode setting unit cannot switch the set shooting mode to the second shooting mode. The imaging apparatus of Claim 1. The activation setting unit is not set to activate the imaging apparatus in the first imaging mode, and the first imaging mode or the third imaging mode is set immediately before the imaging apparatus is powered off last time. When the shooting mode is set, the control means controls to start in the third shooting mode when the imaging device is started,
When it is not set to start the imaging device in the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode is set when the imaging device is stopped last time, the control means The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging apparatus is controlled to be activated in the second imaging mode when the imaging apparatus is activated. A communication means for communicating with an external device;
When the first shooting mode is set, the mode setting unit switches the set shooting mode to the third shooting mode in response to the start of the communication by the communication unit. The imaging device according to claim 5 or 6. In the second shooting mode, a user operation to change the setting of the first setting item is accepted,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user operation for changing the setting of the first setting item is not accepted in the first shooting mode. The first setting item is:
Setting items related to review display in which the display unit automatically displays the captured image after the shooting,
Setting items related to information added to captured images,
Setting items related to display switching on the display section,
Setting items related to automatic focus adjustment,
Setting items related to exposure compensation,
Setting items related to the metering method of light from the subject,
Setting items related to ISO sensitivity Setting items related to white balance,
The setting item regarding a self-timer The setting item regarding the kind of imaging | photography including continuous shooting / single shooting The imaging device of Claim 8 including the setting item regarding the image quality of the image | photographed image. 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a user operation for changing a setting of a second setting item is accepted in both the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode. 11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second setting item is a setting item related to flash emission. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a power-off operation and a shooting operation are accepted in both the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode. The control means relates to an operation method for switching from the first photographing mode to another photographing mode at the time of activation when the activation setting means is set to activate in the first photographing mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is controlled to perform display. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation method for switching from the first shooting mode to another shooting mode is a long press of a specific button. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus,
A mode setting step for setting one of a plurality of shooting modes including a first shooting mode in which setting items capable of changing settings related to shooting are limited and a second shooting mode different from the first shooting mode. When,
An activation setting step for setting whether to activate in the first photographing mode;
If it is set to start in the first shooting mode in the startup setting step, the shooting mode set immediately before the power-off of the imaging device is changed according to the operation to turn on the power. Without controlling to start in the first shooting mode,
If it is not set to start in the first shooting mode in the startup setting step, it is based on the shooting mode that was set immediately before the previous power-off of the imaging device in response to an operation to turn on the power. Controlling to start in shooting mode;
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the imaging device of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.   15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

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