JP6418901B2 - Image processing apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for storing a pattern set by a user regarding an image.

  In recent years, photographing functions have increased with the evolution of imaging devices. While it has become possible to enjoy a variety of picture making by combining a plurality of parameters depending on the scene, the setting of shooting parameters is complicated. A function that allows easy setting of favorite shooting parameters is desired. Also in image processing, a function that can easily set favorite image processing parameters is desired.

  Patent Document 1 stores multiple sets of shutter speed, aperture value, flash mode, release mode, and AF area mode setting information set by the user, and can be read and set according to the user's selection operation. An imaging device has been proposed.

  Patent Document 2 switches between a mode for displaying a live view that reflects the default shooting condition setting at the time of shipment from the factory and a mode for displaying a live view that reflects the shooting condition set by the user according to button operations. An imaging apparatus capable of this has been proposed.

JP 2011-135392 A JP 2010-245810 A

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a setting value pattern newly set by a user is overwritten and registered with a registered setting value pattern, the setting value pattern newly set and overwritten registered It was not possible to compare effectively with the set value pattern. For this reason, it is not easy for the user to determine whether or not the newly set setting value pattern can be overwritten on the already registered setting value pattern.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can easily compare a newly set setting value pattern with an already registered setting value pattern.

In order to solve the above problem, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A registration means for registering a pattern of setting values set by the user;
When registering a new pattern of setting values set by the user, a selection means for selecting a registered pattern as an overwriting target,
According to a specific operation of the user before overwriting, the display of the image reflecting the new pattern is switched to the display of the image reflecting the registered pattern selected by the selection means. Display control means for controlling,
And a control unit that controls the registration unit to register the new pattern by overwriting the registered pattern selected by the selection unit in response to an overwriting execution instruction.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily compare a newly set setting value pattern with an already registered setting value pattern.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the back. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating mode setting processing by the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process of creative assistance mode of FIG. The figure which illustrates the display screen in the process of the creative assist mode of FIG. The flowchart which shows the setting registration process of FIG. The figure which illustrates the display screen in the setting registration process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration mode process of FIG. The figure which illustrates the display screen in the reproduction | regeneration mode process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration quick setting process in the reproduction | regeneration mode process of FIG. The figure which illustrates the display screen in the reproduction | regeneration quick setting process of FIG.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail with reference to an accompanying drawing.

  <Apparatus Configuration> With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the function and appearance of an imaging apparatus (image processing apparatus, display control apparatus, electronic device) according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In this embodiment, a digital camera is taken as an example of an imaging device, an image processing device, a display control device, and an electronic device.

  In FIG. 1 showing the external appearance of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, a display unit 101 includes a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) that displays images and various types of information. The shutter button 102 is an operation unit for issuing a shooting instruction. A mode switching button 103 is an operation unit for switching various modes. A connector 107 is an interface for connecting the connection cable 108 and the digital camera 100. The operation unit 104 is an operation unit including operation members such as various switches, buttons, a touch panel, and an electronic dial that receive various operations from the user. The electronic dial is a rotatable operation member provided on the front side of the camera. The controller wheel 106 is a rotatable operation member included in the operation unit 104. The power switch 105 is an operation unit that switches power on and off. The recording medium 109 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium slot 110 is a slot for storing the recording medium 109. The recording medium 109 stored in the recording medium slot 110 can communicate with the digital camera 100. A lid 111 is a lid of the recording medium slot 110.

  In FIG. 2 showing the internal configuration of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, a photographing lens 203 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 204 has an aperture function. The image pickup unit 205 is an image pickup element configured by a CCD, a CMOS, or the like that converts an optical image of a subject into an electric signal. The A / D converter 206 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A / D converter 206 is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit 205 into a digital signal. The barrier 202 covers the imaging system including the imaging lens 203 of the digital camera 100, thereby preventing the imaging system including the imaging lens 203, the shutter 204, and the imaging unit 205 from becoming dirty or damaged.

  The image processing unit 207 performs resizing processing and color conversion processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction on the data from the A / D converter 206 or the data from the memory control unit 209. The image processing unit 207 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 201 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. Thereby, AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed. The image processing unit 207 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  Output data from the A / D converter 206 is directly written into the memory 210 via the image processing unit 207 and the memory control unit 209 or via the memory control unit 209. The memory 210 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 205 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 206 and image data to be displayed on the display unit 101. The memory 210 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images and audio.

  The memory 210 also serves as an image display memory (video memory). The D / A converter 208 converts the image display data stored in the memory 210 into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit 101. Thus, the display image data written in the memory 210 is displayed on the display unit 101 via the D / A converter 208. The display unit 101 performs display according to an analog signal from the D / A converter 208 on a display such as an LCD. A digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 206 and accumulated in the memory 210 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 208, and sequentially transferred to the display unit 101 for display, thereby displaying an electronic viewfinder. It can function as a through image. The through image is also referred to as a live view image.

  The nonvolatile memory 213 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. The nonvolatile memory 213 stores constants, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit 201. Here, the program is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in the present embodiment.

  The system control unit 201 controls the entire digital camera 100. By executing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 213 described above, each process of the present embodiment to be described later is realized. The system memory 212 is a memory for operation of the system control unit 201, and a RAM is used. In the system memory 212, constants and variables for operation of the system control unit 201, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 213, and the like are expanded. The system control unit 201 also performs display control by controlling the memory 210, the D / A converter 208, the display unit 101, and the like.

  The system timer 211 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

  The mode switching button 103, the first shutter switch 102a, the second shutter switch 102b, and the operation unit 104 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 201.

  A mode switching button 103 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 201 to any one of a plurality of still image shooting modes, a moving image recording mode, a reproduction mode, and the like. As modes included in the still image recording mode, there are an auto mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a manual mode, a scene-specific shooting mode, a program AE mode, a custom mode, a creative assist mode, and the like. The mode switching button 103 can be directly switched to one of these modes included in the still image shooting mode. Similarly, the moving image recording mode may include a plurality of modes.

  The first shutter switch 102a is turned on when the shutter button 102 provided in the digital camera 100 is being operated, so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing are started.

  The second shutter switch 102b is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 102 is completed, so-called full press (shooting instruction), and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 201 starts a series of shooting processing operations from reading a signal from the imaging unit 205 to writing image data on the recording medium 109.

  Each operation member of the operation unit 104 is appropriately assigned a function for each scene by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit 101, and functions as various function buttons. Examples of the function buttons include an end button, a return button, an image advance button, a jump button, a narrow button, an attribute change button, an INFO button, and an erase button. For example, when a menu button is pressed, various setting menu screens are displayed on the display unit 101. The user can make various settings intuitively using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 101 and the four-way buttons and the SET button. The operation unit 104 includes a playback button. The playback button is a button for switching between the shooting mode and the playback mode, and is provided separately from the mode switching button 103 described above. When the playback button is pressed when the power is off, the playback mode is activated and a playback image is displayed. When the playback button is pressed in the shooting mode, the playback image is displayed by switching to the playback mode. When the playback button is pressed in the playback mode, a transition is made to the currently set shooting mode among the plurality of shooting modes, and a live view image is displayed.

  Note that as one of the operation units 104, a touch panel capable of detecting contact with the display unit 101 is provided. The touch panel and the display unit 101 can be configured integrally. For example, the touch panel is configured so that the light transmittance does not hinder the display of the display unit 101, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 101. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel are associated with the display coordinates on the display unit 101. Thereby, it is possible to configure a GUI as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 101.

  The controller wheel 106 is a rotatable operation member included in the operation unit 104, and is used when a selection item is designated together with a direction button. When the controller wheel 106 is rotated, an electrical pulse signal is generated according to the operation amount, and the system control unit 201 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 based on the pulse signal. Based on this pulse signal, it is possible to determine the angle at which the controller wheel 106 is rotated, how many rotations, and the like. The controller wheel 106 may be any operation member that can detect a rotation operation. For example, a dial operation member that generates a pulse signal by rotating the controller wheel 106 in accordance with a user's rotation operation may be used. Further, an operation member made of a touch sensor may be used to detect a rotation operation of a user's finger on the controller wheel 106 without rotating the controller wheel 106 itself (so-called touch wheel).

  The power control unit 214 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power control unit 214 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit 201, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 109 for a necessary period.

  The power supply unit 215 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 lithium ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like. The recording medium I / F 216 is an interface with the recording medium 109 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 109 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording a captured image, and includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

  The communication unit 217 is communicably connected to an external device via a wireless antenna or a wired cable, and transmits and receives video and audio. The communication unit 217 can be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 217 can transmit image data (including a through image) captured by the imaging unit 205 and an image file recorded on the recording medium 109 to an external device, and image data and other various information from the external device. Can be received.

  The posture detection unit 218 detects the posture of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Depending on the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 218, it is possible to determine whether an image captured by the imaging unit 205 was captured with the digital camera 100 held sideways or captured vertically. . The system control unit 201 can add information related to the posture detected by the posture detection unit 218 to the image data captured by the imaging unit 205 or rotate and record the image data. As the posture detection unit, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used.

  The hardware configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. For example, one piece of hardware may perform display control, communication control, recording control, image processing control, and the like and function as each unit of the digital camera 100. good. A plurality of hardware may function as one means in cooperation.

  The digital camera 100 can be switched between at least a playback mode for playing back an image and a shooting mode for shooting. As shooting modes, an auto mode, a manual mode, and a plurality of scene-specific shooting modes are provided. The auto mode is a mode in which various parameters of the camera are automatically determined by a program incorporated in the digital camera 100 based on the measured exposure value. The manual mode is a mode in which the user can freely change various parameters of the camera. The scene-specific shooting mode is a mode realized by combining a shutter speed and an aperture value, a flash emission state, a sensitivity setting, a white balance (WB) setting, a picture style function, and the like suitable for each shooting scene. The Picture Style function can adjust the sharpness, contrast, hue, and saturation for each selected scene such as portrait, landscape, and monochrome. The scene-specific shooting modes include a portrait mode, a sports mode, a landscape mode, a snow mode, and a beach mode.

In addition to the above-described modes, the digital camera 100 has shooting modes (1) to (4) described below.
(1) Program AE mode: Mode in which shutter speed and aperture value are automatically set and other functions can be freely selected. (2) Shutter speed priority AE mode (shutter speed priority mode, Tv priority mode): Changing the shutter speed. (3) Aperture-priority AE mode (Aperture-priority AE mode, Av-priority mode): By changing the aperture value, the subject is blurred to enhance the subject. (4) Creative assist mode: A mode that allows you to easily shoot with the desired effect. Mode that can also register and load settings

  The manual mode, the program AE mode, the shutter speed priority AE mode, and the aperture priority AE mode are called “applied shooting modes” because the user can freely change the camera settings. Modes that allow shooting with simple settings, such as auto mode, scene-specific shooting mode, and creative assist, are called “simple shooting modes”.

  The photographer can set the digital camera 100 to a desired shooting mode from the shooting mode selection menu and perform shooting.

  <Mode Setting Process> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the mode setting process by the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  3 is started when the power is turned on by the power switch 105, and is realized by reading the program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 213 to the system memory 212 and executing it by the system control unit 201. The

  In step S301, the system control unit 201 initializes a flag, a control variable, and the like, and in step S302, starts a management process related to a file recorded on the recording medium 109.

  In S303, S304, and S307, the system control unit 201 determines the current operation mode. That is, in S303, the system control unit 201 determines whether the still image shooting mode is set. If the still image shooting mode is set, the system control unit 201 determines whether the creative is one of a plurality of still image shooting modes from the position of the mode switching button 103. It is determined whether the assist mode is set (S304). As a result of the determination, if it is the creative assist mode, the process proceeds to S305, and the system control unit 201 executes processing of the creative assist mode. Details of the creative assist mode will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the current mode is other than the creative assist mode, the process advances to step S306, and the system control unit 201 executes processing in other shooting modes. Other shooting modes are applied shooting modes such as a manual mode, a program AE mode, a shutter speed priority AE mode, and an aperture priority AE mode.

  If the current mode is other than the still image shooting mode in S303, the process proceeds to S307, and the system control unit 201 determines whether the playback mode is set. As a result of the determination, if it is the playback mode, the process proceeds to S308, and the system control unit 201 executes the process of the playback mode. If it is not the playback mode, the system control unit 201 proceeds to S309 and executes other mode processes. Details of the reproduction mode processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Other modes include, for example, a transmission mode process for transmitting a file stored in the recording medium 109, a reception mode process for receiving a file from an external device and storing it in the recording medium 109, and a moving image shooting mode process.

  After executing processing corresponding to the mode set in S305, S306, S308, and S309, the system control unit 201 determines the set position of the power switch 105 in S310. As a result of the determination, if the power is set to ON, the process returns to S303, and if the power is set to OFF, the system control unit 201 executes an end process (S311). The termination process includes, for example, the following process. That is, the display on the display unit 101 is changed to the end state, the lens barrier 102 is closed, and the imaging unit 205 is protected. Also, parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables are recorded in the non-volatile memory 213, and the power to parts where power supply is unnecessary is cut off.

  When the termination process in S311 is completed, this process is terminated, and the power-off state is entered.

  <Creative Assist Mode Processing> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the creative assist mode processing in S305 of FIG. 3 will be described.

  First, various display screens in the creative assist mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows an initial screen in the creative assist mode. On the display unit 101, information indicating various shooting conditions (shooting settings) as an OSD (display item) is displayed on the through image 500 so as to be confirmed by the user. The following icons indicating the setting values of the setting items specific to the creative assist mode are displayed as information that allows shooting settings. A background blur amount icon 502, a brightness icon 503, a contrast icon 504, a vividness icon 505, a tint icon 506, and a monochrome setting icon 507. The numerical values displayed beside these icons 502 to 507 are the current setting values of the setting items indicated by the icons. An electronic dial valid display 501 is displayed beside any one of the icons 502 to 507. The electronic dial valid display 501 indicates setting items whose setting values can be changed by operating the electronic dial. In the illustrated example, since the electronic dial valid display 501 is displayed next to the background blur amount icon 502, the user can confirm that the setting value of the background blur amount can be changed by operating the electronic dial at this point. . The shooting information 508 is an icon that indicates the current settings and status of the digital camera 100, and displays the remaining battery level, recording image quality (compression rate and image size), and remaining number of shootable images in order from the left. When the SET button included in the operation unit 104 is pressed in the state of FIG. 5A, a quick setting screen in the creative assist mode as shown in FIGS. 5B to 5H is displayed. .

  FIG. 5B shows a case where the setting item for the background blur amount is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. On the quick setting screen, the background for making settings related to the setting item selected at the bottom of the screen, superimposed on the through image, with the characters “background” in the center of the screen, the right item column 510 and the left item column 511 on both sides of the screen A blur amount setting area 522 is displayed. In the right item column 510, a background blur amount icon 512, a brightness icon 513, a contrast icon 514, a vividness icon 515, a tint icon 516, and a monochrome setting icon 517 are displayed as in FIG. In the left item column 511, a setting registration icon 518 and a setting reading icon 519 are displayed. A cursor 509 is displayed on any one of the icons 512 to 519. The user can select any of the icons 512 to 519 by moving the cursor by operating the up and down buttons included in the operation unit 104. The items displayed in the right item column 510 and the left item column 511 are items in the same hierarchy. That is, when the down button is pressed while the cursor 509 is on the monochrome setting icon 517 arranged at the bottom of the right item column 510, the cursor 509 is displayed on the setting registration icon 518 arranged at the top of the left item column 511. Moving. Conversely, when the up button is pressed while the cursor 509 is on the setting registration icon 518 arranged at the top of the left item column 511, the cursor is displayed on the monochrome setting icon 517 arranged at the bottom of the right item column 510. Move. In FIG. 5B, since the background blur amount icon 512 is selected, a background blur amount setting area 522 for setting the background blur amount is displayed at the bottom of the screen. The background blur amount can be set to OFF or any of 0 to 5 as a set value.

  FIG. 5C shows a case where the brightness icon 513 is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. On the screen of FIG. 5C, the characters “brightness” are displayed in the center of the screen, and a brightness setting area 523 for setting the brightness is displayed at the bottom of the screen, superimposed on the through image.

  FIG. 5D shows a case where the contrast icon 514 is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. On the screen of FIG. 5D, a character “Contrast” is displayed in the center of the screen, and a contrast setting area 524 for setting the contrast is displayed at the bottom of the screen, superimposed on the through image.

  FIG. 5E shows a case where the vividness icon 515 is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. On the screen of FIG. 5E, the characters “Vividness” are displayed in the center of the screen superimposed on the through image, and a vividness setting area 525 for setting vividness is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  FIG. 5F shows a case where a color icon 516 is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. On the screen shown in FIG. 5F, superimposed on the through image, a character “Tint” is displayed at the center of the screen, and a color setting area 526 for setting the color hue is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  FIG. 5G shows a case where the monochrome setting icon 517 is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. On the screen of FIG. 5G, a “monochrome” character is displayed in the center of the screen, and a monochrome setting area 527 for monochrome setting is displayed at the bottom of the screen, superimposed on the through image.

  FIG. 5H illustrates a case where the setting read icon 519 is selected on the quick setting screen in the creative assist mode. In the screen of FIG. 5 (h), a “setting reading” and guidance for explaining the processing content are displayed in the center of the screen superimposed on the through image, and a reading selection area 529 for reading the setting is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Is done. In the reading selection area 529, registered setting patterns are displayed as options, and the user can select one of these options by moving the selection frame 528 to read the setting information. As shown in the table below, the setting items for background blur, brightness, hue, contrast, vividness, and monochrome that can be set in Creative Assist mode are the aperture value, exposure compensation value, etc. that can be set in advanced shooting mode, respectively. It is associated with the setting item.

  As shown in the table above, the setting items in the Creative Assist mode are the names of setting items expressed in general terms without using the technical terms of the camera. The contents of the setting items are also easy to understand with icons. . Therefore, even beginners can easily enjoy making pictures.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the processing procedure of the creative assist mode in S305 of FIG. 3 will be described.

  In S <b> 400, the system control unit 201 displays an initial screen (FIG. 5A) on the display unit 101. On this initial screen, the user can display the quick setting screen by pressing the SET button of the operation unit 104. On the quick setting screen, the up and down buttons are used to select the background blurring amount, brightness, contrast, vividness, hue, monochrome, setting registration, and setting loading icons 502 to 507, 518, and 519. Can do. Each setting can be selected with the electronic dial of the operation unit 104, the controller wheel 106, and the left and right buttons. The quick setting screen can also be selected by a touch operation.

  In step S <b> 401, the system control unit 201 determines whether the background blur amount icon 512 has been selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. When the background blur amount icon 512 is selected, the process proceeds to S402.

  In step S402, the system control unit 201 displays a blur amount setting area 522 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5B, and accepts a background blur amount setting operation from the user. When “OFF” is selected as the setting value of the background blur amount, automatic exposure control is performed with a program diagram equivalent to the program AE mode. That is, the aperture and shutter speed are automatically set by the camera. When the background blur amount is set to 1, the aperture is set to F2.8. When the background blur amount is set to 2, the aperture is set to F4.0. Setting the amount of background blur to 3 sets the aperture to F5.6. When the background blur amount is set to 4, the aperture is set to F8.0. When the blur amount is set to 5, the aperture is set to F11. That is, when the background blur amount is set, automatic exposure control similar to the aperture priority AE mode is performed. In this setting of the background blur amount, the system control unit 201 confirms the depth of field with the through image display of the display unit 101 by controlling the aperture disposed in the photographing lens 203 or the shutter 204 according to the setting. can do.

  In step S <b> 403, the system control unit 201 determines whether the brightness icon 513 has been selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. If the brightness icon 513 is selected, the process proceeds to S404.

  In step S404, the system control unit 201 displays a brightness setting area 523 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5C, and accepts a brightness setting operation from the user. When the brightness setting is changed by the operation unit 104, the set brightness is reflected in the through image of the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 405, the system control unit 201 determines whether the contrast icon 514 has been selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. If the contrast icon 514 is selected, the process proceeds to S406.

  In step S406, the system control unit 201 displays a contrast setting area 524 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5D, and accepts a contrast setting operation from the user. When the contrast setting is changed by the operation unit 104, the set contrast is reflected on the through image of the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 407, the system control unit 201 determines whether the vividness icon 515 has been selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. If the vividness icon 515 is selected, the process proceeds to S408.

  In step S <b> 408, the system control unit 201 displays a vividness setting area 525 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5E and accepts a vividness setting operation from the user. When the vividness setting is changed by the operation unit 104, the set vividness is reflected in the through image of the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 409, the system control unit 201 determines whether the color icon 516 has been selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. When the color icon 516 is selected, the process proceeds to S410.

  In step S410, the system control unit 201 displays a color setting area 526 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5F, and accepts a color setting operation from the user. When the color setting is changed by the operation unit 104, the set color is reflected on the through image of the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 411, the system control unit 201 determines whether the monochrome setting icon 517 is selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. If the monochrome setting icon 517 is selected, the process proceeds to S412.

  In step S412, the system control unit 201 displays a monochrome setting area 527 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5G, and accepts a monochrome setting operation from the user. As setting options related to monochrome, there are OFF (color) / monochrome / sepia / blue / purple / green as shown in the above table. When the monochrome setting is changed by the operation unit 104, the set monochrome setting is reflected on the through image of the display unit 101.

  The set of background blurring amount, brightness, contrast, vividness, hue, and monochrome setting values set based on the user operation in the above-described S401 to S412 is held in the system memory 212 and the nonvolatile memory 213. Is also remembered. Therefore, it is maintained even when the camera is turned off and then turned on again, and the creative assist mode is selected. Also, when the creative assist mode is selected again after shifting to another operation mode, the value set last in the previous creative assist mode is held.

  In step S <b> 413, the system control unit 201 determines whether the setting registration icon 518 is selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. If the setting registration icon 518 is selected, the process advances to S414 to perform setting registration processing. Details of this setting registration processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 415, the system control unit 201 determines whether the setting read icon 519 is selected on the quick setting screen by the above-described operation of the operation unit 104. When no shooting setting is registered, the setting reading icon 519 is grayed out on the quick setting screen, and the setting reading icon 519 cannot be selected. If the setting reading icon 519 is selected, the process proceeds to S416, and setting reading processing is performed.

  In step S416, the system control unit 201 displays a reading selection area 529 on the quick setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5H, and accepts a setting reading operation. By moving the selection frame 528 using the electronic dial, the controller wheel 106, and the left and right buttons of the operation unit 104, any of the options indicating the registered shooting settings displayed in the reading selection area 529 can be selected. When any of the setting information is selected, the system control unit 201 develops the shooting settings stored in the nonvolatile memory 213 in the memory 210 and reflects them in the through image display and shooting information display of the display unit 101. When the SET button of the operation unit 104 is pressed, the currently selected shooting setting is confirmed in the reading selection area 529, the memory 210 is updated to the determined shooting setting, and the quick setting screen is changed to FIG. Return to the initial screen shown. After loading the shooting settings, do not change any of the setting values (background blur amount, brightness, contrast, vividness, hue, monochrome settings) in the Creative Assist mode, and click the setting load icon 519 again on the quick settings screen. When selected, the shooting setting reflected last time is selected by default in the reading selection area 529 (focused). If any of the setting values in the Creative Assist mode is changed after reading the shooting settings, the next time the setting reading icon 519 is selected on the quick setting screen, the reading selection area 529 displays the previously selected option. Regardless, the default option or the option with the latest registered date and time is initially selected.

  In S417, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on (acquisition of shooting preparation instruction). If the first shutter switch signal SW1 is off, the process returns to S400. If the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on, the process proceeds to S418.

  In step S418, the system control unit 201 performs control so as to perform shooting preparation operations such as AF and AE. The shooting setting in this case is a value corresponding to the setting value set in the above-described processing. For example, when the background blur amount is set, the aperture value corresponding to the set background blur amount is set, and the shutter speed is determined according to the aperture value by AE.

  In S419 and S420, the on / off state of the first shutter switch signal SW1 and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is determined. As a result of the determination, if the second shutter switch signal SW2 is turned on while the first shutter switch signal SW1 is turned on, the process proceeds to S421. When the first shutter switch signal SW1 is turned off (that is, when the second shutter switch signal SW2 is not turned on and the first shutter switch signal SW1 is also turned off), the process returns to S400. Further, the processes of S419 and S4120 are repeated while the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is off.

  In step S421, the system control unit 201 performs shooting processing including exposure processing and development processing. In the exposure process, the image data obtained via the imaging unit 205 and the A / D converter 206 is subjected to memory control via the image processing unit 207 and the memory control unit 209 or directly from the A / D converter 206. The data is written into the memory 210 via the unit 209. In the development process, the system control unit 201 reads out the image data written in the memory 210 and performs various processes using the memory control unit 209 and, if necessary, the image processing unit 207. The setting values set in the above-described contrast, vividness, hue, and monochrome settings are reflected in the color processing in the development processing. Further, the system control unit 201 executes a recording process in which the image data obtained by the imaging process is written as an image file on the recording medium 109. In this case, as the attribute information (metadata) of the image file, information indicating that the image was captured in the creative assist mode and information indicating the setting value in the creative assist mode used when the image was captured are also recorded on the recording medium 109. To be recorded. The set values in the creative assist mode are set values set in the background blur amount, brightness, contrast, vividness, hue, and monochrome setting. By recording the image file with such metadata added, it is possible to refer to the setting at which the image was shot when the image was reproduced later.

  In step S <b> 422, the system control unit 201 reads out the image data obtained by the shooting process from the memory 210 or the recording medium 109 and performs a REC review display on the display unit 101.

  In S423, the system control unit 201 waits for a predetermined review time of the REC review display to elapse, and proceeds to S424 when the review time has elapsed.

  In step S424, the system control unit 201 returns the display state of the display unit 101 from the rec review display to the through image display state. With this processing, after confirming the captured image data by the REC review display, the display state of the display unit 101 is automatically changed to a through image display state in which image data output from the imaging unit 205 is sequentially displayed for the next photographing. It will be switched.

  In S425, the system control unit 201 determines the on / off state of the first shutter switch signal SW1, and returns to S419 if the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on, and returns to S400 if it is off. That is, the system control unit 201 prepares for the next shooting when the shutter button 102 is half-pressed (the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on) (S419). On the other hand, if the shutter button 102 has been released (the first shutter switch signal SW1 is off), the series of shooting operations are terminated and the camera returns to the shooting standby state (S400).

  <Setting Registration Process in Creative Assist Mode> Next, the setting registration process in S414 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S600, the system control unit 201 displays a registration destination selection area 702 corresponding to the setting registration icon 518 selected on the quick setting screen, as shown in FIG. There are six registration destination candidates 1 to 6. The user can select any of the registration destinations 1 to 6 displayed in the registration destination selection area 702 by moving the selection frame 700 using the electronic dial, the controller wheel 106, and the left and right buttons of the operation unit 104. In addition, when one of the registration destinations 1 to 6 is selected, by pressing the SET button included in the operation unit 104, the current setting content (the background blur amount and the brightness set as described with reference to FIG. 4). A set of setting values (hereinafter referred to as “creative settings”) is registered in the registration destination selection area 702. In the example of FIG. 7A, the setting value displayed on the left side of each icon 512 to 517 displayed in the right item column 510 is the current setting content, and the current creative setting to be registered. The registration guide 701 indicates that the current creative setting can be registered in the currently selected registration destination by pressing the SET button. In the initial state, nothing is registered, but if the user has registered in the past, the creative settings (registered data) have already been registered. If a new creative setting is registered, the existing registration contents are deleted and the new creative setting is overwritten and registered.

  In step S <b> 601, the system control unit 201 receives a selection operation for any of the registration destinations 1 to 6 displayed in the registration destination selection area 702 from the user. One of the registration destinations is selected according to the operation of the left / right button of the operation unit 104 or the controller wheel 106.

  In step S <b> 602, the system control unit 201 determines whether there is creative setting registration data at the selected registration destination by checking the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 213. If there is registration data, the process proceeds to S603, and if there is no registration data (not registered in the selected registration destination), the process proceeds to S614.

  In step S <b> 603, the system control unit 201 displays the comparison guide 703 on the display unit 101. The comparison guide 703 indicates that when the INFO button included in the operation unit 104 is pressed, display with the creative setting registered in the selected registration destination can be performed for comparison with the current creative setting. Yes. In the example of FIG. 7B, the registration destination 2 is selected in the registration destination selection area 702. Since the comparison guide 703 that has not been displayed is displayed when the registration destination 1 is selected, it can be seen that another creative setting has already been registered in the registration destination 2.

  In step S604, the system control unit 201 determines whether the INFO button of the operation unit 104 has been pressed. If the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S605. If not, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S <b> 605, the system control unit 201 temporarily saves (stores) the current creative setting to be registered in the system memory 212. The registered creative settings stored in the non-volatile memory 213 are read into the system memory 212 and applied to image processing in the image processing unit 207. By doing in this way, the through image displayed on the display unit 101 reflects the registered creative setting. Thereby, the user can confirm what kind of image it will become when applying the creative setting already registered to the registration place currently selected, seeing a through image. Therefore, the current creative setting applied to the live view image before pressing the INFO button (the one to be registered in the future) and the creative setting already registered in the currently selected registration destination (new registration Then, it is overwritten and erased). That is, it is possible to determine whether or not the already registered creative setting can be deleted before executing overwriting. Note that both the through image (live view image) display before S605 and the through image display at S606 are displayed in full screen in the display area of the display unit 101 (the entire image fits in the display area. Is displayed in a size matching the vertical or horizontal direction). In this way, the effect of the applied shooting setting can be confirmed in more detail. Further, since the same display area is used for switching, it is easy to recognize a change in color before and after switching.

  In step S606, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the INFO button of the operation unit 104 has been released. If the INFO button has been released (released), the process proceeds to step S607. Continues the display state in S605. That is, while the INFO button is pressed, the through image is an image to which the shooting settings already registered in the currently selected registration destination are applied.

  In step S <b> 607, the system control unit 201 reads the creative settings saved in the system memory 212 before pressing the INFO button and applies them to image processing in the image processing unit 207. As a result, the through image displayed on the display unit 101 is returned to the one reflecting the current creative setting. In this way, only when the INFO button is pressed, the setting contents to be overwritten can be reflected on the through image and confirmed. Note that the method of switching and displaying in this way may be a method other than the button operation. For example, it is good also as a structure switched by predetermined time. Thereby, it is possible to perform switching display even in an imaging apparatus with few operation members.

  In step S608, the system control unit 201 determines whether the SET button included in the operation unit 104 has been pressed. If the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S610. If not, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S <b> 609, the system control unit 201 determines whether a menu button included in the operation unit 104 has been pressed. If the menu button has been pressed, the end process of S620 is performed to end the display of the quick setting screen. If the menu button has not been pressed, the process returns to S601.

  In step S610, the system control unit 201 displays an overwrite confirmation screen on the display unit 101 as illustrated in FIG. On the overwrite registration screen, a cancel button 705 and an OK button 706 are displayed together with a message 704 that alerts whether the selected registration destination may be overwritten. The through image in the background is the one to which the current creative setting to be registered is applied. Either the cancel button 705 or the OK button 706 can be selected, and when the cancel button 705 is selected by the user and the SET button is pressed, the current creative setting is quickly registered without registering the currently selected registration destination. Exit the setting screen display. When the OK button 706 is selected by the user and the OK button is pressed, the creative settings already registered in the currently selected registration destination are deleted, and new creative settings are registered.

  In step S611, the system control unit 201 determines whether the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on or off. If the first shutter switch signal SW1 is off, the system control unit 201 proceeds to step S612. If the first shutter switch signal SW1 is on, the system control unit 201 proceeds to step S620. Exit the quick setting screen. In this way, it is possible to shoot immediately with the current creative setting, and it is possible to shoot without impairing the photo opportunity even during the setting.

  In step S612, the system control unit 201 determines whether the OK button 706 is selected and the SET button is pressed on the overwrite confirmation screen illustrated in FIG. If the OK button 706 is selected and the SET button is pressed, that is, if there is an overwriting execution instruction, the process proceeds to S613. If the cancel button 705 is selected and the SET button is pressed, the process proceeds to S620 without reflecting the creative setting, and the display of the quick setting screen is terminated.

  In step S613, the system control unit 201 registers the current creative setting in the selected registration destination. That is, the current creative setting is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 213 in association with the selected registration destination. The previous creative setting registered until immediately before the processing of S613 is updated by overwriting.

  In S602, if there is no creative setting registration data in the selected registration destination (not registered in the selected registration destination), the process proceeds to S614.

  The processing of S614 and S615 is the same as that of S608 and S609, respectively.

  In step S616, the system control unit 201 displays a registration confirmation screen on the display unit 101 as illustrated in FIG. This registration confirmation screen is the same as that shown in FIG. 7C except that a message 707 is displayed that alerts whether or not a new creative setting may be registered in the registration destination selected in the registration destination selection area 702. is there.

  S617 and S618 are the same as S611 and 612, respectively.

  In step S619, the system control unit 201 newly registers the creative setting in the nonvolatile memory 213 in association with the selected registration destination.

  In step S620, the system control unit 201 performs processing for terminating the display of the quick setting screen, and terminates the setting registration processing.

  As described above, it is possible to easily compare the images before and after the setting change by reflecting the already registered setting in the through image when registering a new shooting setting. In this way, the user can determine whether or not to overwrite while confirming the effect of applying the current setting and the already registered setting with the through image.

  In S601, if there is a vacancy in the registration destination, the vacancy may be preferentially presented to the user. For example, when the setting registration icon 518 is selected on the quick setting screen, control is performed such that, in the registration destination selection area 702, the cursor is first placed (initially focused) on an empty registration destination for which no creative setting is set. In this way, it is possible to efficiently set the empty registration location.

  Further, even when there is no available registration destination, among the registration destinations, a registration destination with a date and time when the creative setting was registered or a registration destination with low usage frequency may be preferentially presented to the user. For example, when the setting registration icon 518 is selected on the quick setting screen, in the registration destination selection area 702, the cursor first hits a registration destination with an old registration date and a registration destination with low usage frequency (initial focus is performed). ) To control. Alternatively, the arrangement order of the registration destinations as options in the registration destination selection area 702 is set to the order in which the registration date / time is old or the order of use is low. By doing in this way, it is possible to present as an overwriting target from a setting that is not frequently used.

  FIG. 7E shows another display example of the comparison display (display of a through image to which a creative setting already registered in the selection destination) of FIG. 7B in S605. In FIG. 7E, a file number 708 and a shooting date 709 are also displayed. As will be described later, the registration of the creative setting can be set from the reproduced image in addition to the method of adjusting various setting items on the quick setting screen while displaying the through image as described in FIG. The file number 708 and the shooting date / time 709 indicate the file number and shooting date / time of the reproduction image from which the creative setting is registered. By displaying in this way, the user can determine which image the creative settings for comparison display were registered based on, and whether or not to overwrite the creative settings for comparison It becomes a material to judge.

  FIG. 7F shows another display example of the comparison display in S605 (display of the through image to which the creative setting already registered in the selection destination is applied) in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7F, a captured image 710 that is a source of the shooting setting, and a shooting scene 711 (a scene automatically determined by the digital camera 100) when the shot image 710 is shot are displayed. By displaying in this way, the user can determine what images and what scenes are registered for comparison, and overwrite the creative settings that are displayed for comparison. It will be used to judge whether or not. Examples of shooting scenes include the following. Scenes determined according to the brightness at the time of shooting, blue sky scenes determined by blue sky recognition at the time of shooting, person shooting scenes determined by face recognition at the time of shooting, photographed Macro shooting scene determined based on the focal length.

  As described above, it is possible to easily compare the shooting settings by using the entire surface of the display unit 101 to display a through image. In addition, by switching the effect on the same image, the user can easily determine whether to overwrite the shooting setting. In the above example, before registering a new shooting setting (creative setting), the live view image reflecting the registered shooting setting and the live view image reflecting the new shooting setting are switched and compared. An example has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied when registering image processing parameters to be applied to an image being reproduced and displayed during image reproduction and display. For example, when newly registering a development parameter pattern of a RAW image, a registered development parameter pattern is selected, and a new pattern and a registered pattern are applied to the same image according to the operation. The developed image may be switched and displayed.

  <Processing in Playback Mode> Next, the processing in the playback mode in S308 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S800, the system control unit 201 reads the latest image data from the recording medium 109 based on the latest image information, and displays the initial screen (FIG. 9A) on the display unit 101.

  In step S <b> 801, the system control unit 201 determines whether there has been an image feeding operation performed by the operation unit 104. If there is an image feeding operation, the process proceeds to step S <b> 802. The image feed operation is a press of the right button or the left button included in the operation unit 104, a rotation operation of the controller wheel 106, or the like.

  In steps S <b> 802 and S <b> 803, the system control unit 201 reads the next display target image (image file) and attribute information of the image from the recording medium 109.

  In step S804, the system control unit 201 displays the image read in step S803.

  In step S805, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the delete button included in the operation unit 104 has been operated. If the delete button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S806. If not, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S <b> 806, the system control unit 201 deletes the currently displayed image (file) from the recording medium 109.

  In step S <b> 807, the system control unit 201 reads an image to be displayed next to the erased image and displays it on the display unit 101.

  In step S808, the system control unit 201 determines whether the SET button included in the operation unit 104 has been pressed. If the SET button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S809. If not, the process proceeds to step S810. Details of the quick playback setting in S809 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S810, the system control unit 201 determines whether the INFO button included in the operation unit 104 has been operated. If the INFO button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S811, and if not, the process proceeds to step S819.

  In step S811, the system control unit 201 determines whether the reproduction information display is normal display (FIG. 9A). If normal display, the process proceeds to step S812. If not, the process proceeds to step S813.

  In step S812, the system control unit 201 switches the reproduction information display on the display unit 101 to simple display (FIG. 9B).

  In step S813, the system control unit 201 determines whether the reproduction information display is simple display (FIG. 9B). If simple display, the process proceeds to step S814. If not, the process proceeds to step S816.

  In step S814, the system control unit 201 captures an image (hereinafter referred to as creative assist) in which the image being reproduced (the image currently displayed on the display unit 101) is captured in the creative assist mode based on the attribute information of the image read in step S803. Image). As a result of the determination, if the image is a creative assist image, the process proceeds to S815; otherwise, the process proceeds to S816.

  In step S815, the system control unit 201 switches the reproduction information display on the display unit 101 to the creative assist detailed display (FIG. 9C).

  In step S816, the system control unit 201 switches the reproduction information display on the display unit 101 to the detailed display (FIG. 9E).

  In step S817, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the reproduction information display is the creative assist detail display (FIG. 9C). If the display is the creative assist detail display, the process proceeds to step S816. If not, the process proceeds to step S818.

  In step S818, the system control unit 201 switches the reproduction information display on the display unit 101 to the normal display (FIG. 9A).

  In step S819, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the operation is a reproduction other operation. If the operation is a reproduction other operation, the process proceeds to step S820; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S821.

  In step S820, the system control unit 201 performs processing according to an operation input other than the above. For example, image editing processing, switching to multi-playback, menu display using menu buttons, and the like. Note that multi-reproduction is a mode in which a plurality of reduced images of image data are displayed side by side on one screen of the display unit 101.

  In step S821, the system control unit 201 determines whether an end operation or a first shutter switch SW1 operation has been performed. If the operation has been performed, the playback mode processing ends, and if not, the process returns to step S801.

  <Screen in Playback Mode> Here, with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9G, a screen displayed on the display unit 101 in the above-described playback mode processing will be described.

  FIG. 9A shows an initial screen (normal display) when the mode is changed to the reproduction mode. As the image 900, an image read from the recording medium 109 is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 101.

  FIG. 9B shows a simple display screen on which the attribute information of the reproduced image is simply displayed. A numerical value 901 represents the relationship between the total number of files stored in the recording medium 109 and the currently displayed image number. An image ID 903 represents a DCIM folder number and file number. The shooting information 902 is information that represents shooting setting values with the camera when the image 900 is shot, and is the shutter speed, aperture, exposure correction value, and ISO sensitivity from the left. Such information is displayed based on the attribute information of the read image.

  FIG. 9C shows a creative assist detailed information display screen on which shooting settings in the corresponding applied shooting mode are displayed together with the creative settings set when shooting in the creative assist mode. By performing this display, even a user who does not understand the photographic terms can check the correspondence between the simple shooting setting and the applied shooting setting. On the creative assist detailed information display screen, an image 904 (a reduced version of the image 900), a shooting date and time 905, a luminance histogram display 906, and a comparison display 907 are displayed. A comparison display 907 is a comparison display between the creative setting and the shooting setting in the application shooting mode.

  FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of the comparison display 907 on the creative assist detailed information display screen. The background setting 908, the brightness setting 909, the hue setting 910, the contrast setting 911, the vividness setting 912, and the monochrome setting 913 are the background blur amount and the brightness, respectively, among the creative settings when the image being reproduced is shot. , Hue, contrast, vividness, and monochrome settings. Aperture value 914, exposure correction value and dimming correction value 915, white balance correction value (WB correction value) 916, and picture style 917 are each applied to the camera according to the creative settings set when the image being reproduced is shot. Indicates the set value. These values indicate information for shooting in the applied shooting mode in the same manner as the creative setting.

  The background setting 908 and the aperture value 914 correspond to each other. Also, the brightness setting 909 is set to correspond to the exposure correction value and the light adjustment correction value 915. Furthermore, the hue setting 910 and the WB correction value 916 are corresponding settings. Furthermore, the contrast setting 911, the vividness setting 912, the monochrome setting 913, and the picture style 917 correspond to each other. That is, the picture style setting is a setting related to image processing such as color processing. As shown in FIG. 9D, these corresponding settings are displayed in adjacent rows of the same column in a matrix of shooting setting values. By displaying the images in the same row in the vertical direction in this way, it becomes possible to easily understand the correspondence between the creative settings expressed in simple terms and the settings in the application shooting mode expressed in the technical terms of the camera. As a result, even a user unfamiliar with the technical terms of the camera can easily step up to the applied shooting mode.

  In addition to arranging the shooting settings related to the top and bottom, they may be displayed in adjacent columns of the same row in the matrix (displayed adjacent to the left and right). In addition, a configuration in which corresponding settings are displayed in the same color and color-coded by setting is also possible. By doing so, it is possible to clearly determine the correspondence of setting (identification is possible).

  FIG. 9E shows a detailed information display screen 918 in which the reproduction image attribute information is displayed in detail. The shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity, exposure correction value, and the like that can be set in the applied shooting mode are displayed.

  FIG. 9F shows another display form 1 of the creative assist detailed information display screen shown in FIG. On this screen, the association between the creative setting and the setting in the application shooting mode is performed by a method different from that in FIG. In the example of FIG. 9F, the corresponding relationship is shown by surrounding the corresponding setting with a line. That is, the frame 919 corresponds to the background setting and the aperture value, the frame 920 corresponds to the brightness and exposure correction value, the frame 921 corresponds to the hue and WB correction, and the frame 922 corresponds to the contrast, vividness, monochrome, and picture style. It is shown that.

  FIG. 9G and FIG. 9H show another display form 2 of the creative assist detailed information display screen shown in FIG. 9C. In this screen, the correspondence is shown by switching and displaying the corresponding setting at the same display position (at least partially overlapping area). FIG. 9G is a screen showing the setting values in the creative settings, the brightness setting value at the position of the frame 923, the color setting value at the position of the frame 924, the contrast, vividness at the position of the frame 925, Monochrome setting value is displayed. When the user presses the switching button while the screen of FIG. 9G is displayed, or automatically when the predetermined time (about several seconds) elapses, the display is switched to the display of FIG. In FIG. 9H, the exposure correction value and the light adjustment correction value are displayed at the position of the frame 926, the WB correction value is displayed at the position of the frame 927, and the setting value of the picture style is displayed at the position of the frame 928. Since the frames 923 and 926, the frames 924 and 927, and the frames 925 and 928 are in the same position, it can be seen that the settings displayed there are in a corresponding relationship. For example. The brightness setting value in the creative setting displayed at the position of the frame 923 corresponds to the exposure correction value and the dimming correction value when the user presses the switching button or when a predetermined time elapses. You can see that there is a relationship. Instead of pressing the switching button, only the setting displayed at the touched position may be switched to the corresponding display in response to the touch of the setting position to be switched. In this way, it is possible to compare only the settings whose correspondence is to be confirmed.

  As described above, according to the processing of the playback mode of the present embodiment, it is possible to cause the camera to learn shooting settings using shooting setting information of an image shot in the creative assist mode. Specifically, even if the camera terms set at the time of shooting are not known, it is possible to easily check the shooting settings corresponding to the applied shooting mode at the same time as checking simple settings that can be understood. By making it possible to learn from the creative settings in the playback mode, even from images taken by other users with other cameras, how to shoot the image (meaning of the setting item and what setting item to set and playback) It is possible to learn whether or not an image like the inside can be taken.

  <Playback Quick Setting Process> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the playback quick setting process in S809 of FIG. 8 will be described.

  In step S1000, the system control unit 201 determines whether the currently displayed image is an image captured with creative assist (creative assist image) based on image attribute information. If it is a creative assist image, the process proceeds to S1001, and if it is not a creative assist image, the process proceeds to S1002.

  In step S1001, the system control unit 201 performs setting so that an item (reflection icon 1130) to be reflected in the creative assist setting is displayed on the playback quick setting screen illustrated in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1002, the system control unit 201 displays a playback quick setting screen on the display unit 101. When the displayed image is a creative assist image, a reflection icon 1130 is displayed on the playback quick setting screen (FIG. 11B), and when it is not a creative assist image, the reflection icon 1130 is not displayed (FIG. 11). 11 (a)).

  FIG. 11A shows a playback quick setting screen when the display image is not a creative assist image. A left item column 1101, a right item column 1102, and an item content display area 1103 are displayed so as to be superimposed on the reproduced image 1100A (not the creative assist image). In the left item column 1101 and the right item column 1102, items that are options included in the same hierarchy are displayed. In the illustrated example, as a selectable item, a protection icon 1104, a rotation icon 1105, a favorite registration icon 1106, and a search icon 1107 are displayed in the left item column 1101, and a back icon 1108 and a resize icon are displayed in the right item column 1102. 1109, a trimming icon 1110, and a creative filter icon 1111 are displayed. Among these, the cursor 1120 is displayed on the selected item. In FIG. 11A, the protection icon 1104 is selected.

  In the item content display area 1103, items in a lower hierarchy of the upper item selected in the left item column 1101 and the right item column 1102 (protection icon 1104 in the illustrated example) are displayed. The user selects one of the items displayed in the left item column 1101 and the right item column 1102 with the upper button or the lower button of the operation unit 104. Then, by operating the electronic dial, controller wheel 106, and left and right buttons of the operation unit 104, the processing content of the lower item displayed in the item content display area 1103 corresponding to the selected upper item is selected, and the SET button is pressed. Processing can be executed by pressing the button. For example, to resize the displayed image, use the up / down button to move the cursor 1120 to the resize icon 1109, and use the left / right button to select the desired size from the resized size candidates displayed in the item content display area 1103. , Press the SET button.

  FIG. 11B shows a playback quick setting screen when the display image is the creative assist image 1100B. In the screen of FIG. 11B, in addition to the items shown in FIG. 11A, a setting reflection icon 1112 is displayed in the right item column 1102, and a reflection icon 1130 is displayed in the item content display area 1103. The setting reflection icon 1112 is a display item for instructing to perform shooting setting based on attribute information of a displayed image (reproduced image).

  In step S <b> 1003, the system control unit 201 accepts a movement operation of the cursor 1120 by the operation unit 104. Specifically, the cursor 1120 is moved by the up and down buttons of the operation unit 104, and an operation for selecting one of the items displayed in the left item column 1101 and the right item column 1102 is accepted.

  In step S1004, the system control unit 201 determines whether the setting reflection icon 1112 has been selected. If the setting reflection icon 1112 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1005. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1014.

  In step S1005, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the mode switching button 103 is in the creative assist mode position. If the mode switching button 103 is in the creative assist mode position, the process proceeds to step S1006. If not, the process proceeds to step S1007. That is, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode setting (shooting mode setting) is set to the creative assist mode among a plurality of shooting modes.

  In step S1006, the system control unit 201 displays a message 1141 illustrated in FIG. The message 1141 indicates that if the SET button is pressed, it is possible to switch to the shooting mode by reflecting the creative setting read out from the attribute information of the currently playing image (creative setting used when shooting the playback image). Displayed to notify the user. If the SET button is pressed in this case, the mode switching button 103 is in the position of the creative assist mode, and the mode is changed from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode. Thereby, it becomes a creative assist mode which is one of the still image shooting modes, and the creative setting read from the attribute information of the image being reproduced can be reflected.

  In step S1007, the system control unit 201 displays a message 1142 illustrated in FIG. The message 1142 indicates that the creative setting read from the attribute information of the currently reproduced image is reflected if an operation for setting the creative assist mode, which is one of the shooting modes, is performed after pressing the SET button. Show. When the mode switching button 103 is other than the position of the creative assist mode, the creative assist mode setting cannot be reflected, and a guidance method for reflecting the setting from the reproduced image is displayed. For example, if the mode switching button 103 is in the auto mode, the aperture, shutter speed, color processing, and the like are automatically set based on the result of analyzing the through image, and thus cannot be based on the creative setting. When the message 1142 is displayed in step S1007, the user needs to perform the following operation in order to perform shooting that reflects the creative settings read from the attribute information of the currently reproduced image. That is, the user presses the SET button to perform an operation for shifting to the shooting mode, and further performs an operation for switching the mode switch 60 to the position of the creative assist mode.

  In step S1008, the system control unit 201 determines whether the SET button included in the operation unit 104 has been pressed. If the SET button has not been pressed, the process returns to S1003. If the SET button has been pressed, the process returns to S1009. move on.

  In step S1009, the system control unit 201 confirms the version after confirming the attribute information of the creative assist image. If the version is OK, the process proceeds to step S1011. If the version is NG, the process proceeds to step S1010. That is, it is determined whether or not the creative setting obtained from the attribute information of the reproduced image is a version that can be reflected in the digital camera 100. As the shooting function evolves, it may be impossible to reflect future shooting settings, so it is necessary to check the version. The version can be confirmed by, for example, the model information of the camera that has captured the image, obtained from the attribute information of the image. If it is known that the playback image is captured by one of the camera models stored in the non-volatile memory 213 and capable of reflecting the creative settings, the version of the playback image that can be reflected in the digital camera 100 Can be determined.

  In step S <b> 1010, the system control unit 201 displays an error message on the display unit 101 indicating that the creative setting cannot be performed, such as “The shooting setting obtained from the image cannot be reflected”.

  In step S <b> 1011, the system control unit 201 stores the creative setting obtained from the attribute information of the currently displayed creative assist image in the system memory 212 and the nonvolatile memory 213. In this way, at least a part of the shooting settings obtained when shooting the playback image obtained from the playback image is set in the digital camera 100. Although the set value is stored here, the set value may be reflected after the mode is changed to the shooting mode.

  In step S1012, the system control unit 201 determines whether or not the mode switching button 103 is in the position of the creative assist mode. If the mode switching button 103 is in the position of the creative assist mode, the process proceeds to step S1013; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S801 in FIG. Proceed to

  In step S <b> 1013, the system control unit 201 transitions to a creative assist mode that is one of the shooting modes, and performs the above-described processing of FIG. 6. That is, here, the playback mode is switched to the shooting mode. In this case, the user may be notified by displaying a guidance to switch to the shooting mode reflecting the creative setting obtained from the reproduced image. In addition, guidance for noting that the settings that were set before the reflection of the creative settings obtained from the playback image are overwritten may be displayed. In Creative Assist mode after switching, the creative settings (background blur amount, brightness, contrast, vividness, hue, monochrome setting values) are set to values obtained from the attribute information of the image that was played immediately before Is done. These are the setting values stored in the non-volatile memory 213 in S1011 described above. In other words, it is possible to shoot with the same creative settings as when the playback image was shot. At this time, the user may be notified by displaying a guidance that the current creative setting is obtained from the reproduced image together with the through image. Further, along with the through image, a reduced image of the reproduction image with reference to the creative setting may be displayed in a superimposed manner so as to clearly indicate what kind of reproduction image is set. In this way, the user can easily determine for which subject the current creative settings are valid. If the setting registration process as described above with reference to FIG. 6 is performed after the transition to the creative assist mode, it is possible to register the creative setting obtained from the reproduced image. Once registered, the creative settings obtained from the playback image are not temporarily used, and even if the playback image is not held afterwards, it should be read from the list of registered settings and used as necessary. Is possible.

  As described above, when the mode switching button 103 is not in the creative assist mode position in S1012, the process proceeds to S801 in FIG. That is, in this case, the playback mode does not end (does not shift to the shooting mode). However, since the creative setting obtained from the reproduced image in S1011 is stored, when the creative assist mode is set by a subsequent user operation, the creative setting obtained from the reproduced image in S1011 is reflected as an initial setting. .

  In step S <b> 1014, the system control unit 201 selects an item other than the reflection icon 1130 among items displayed in the left item column 1101, right item column 1102, and item content display area 1103 according to the selected item. Process. For example, resizing processing and trimming processing can be performed as processing of other items for the displayed image.

  In step S <b> 1015, the system control unit 201 determines whether a menu button included in the operation unit 104 has been pressed. If the menu button has not been pressed, the process returns to S1000 to repeat the process. If the menu button has been pressed, the display of the playback quick setting screen is terminated, and the process proceeds to S801 in FIG. 8 to continue the playback mode process.

  As described above, if the mode switching button 103 is set to the position of the creative assist mode while the creative assist image is displayed, the creative setting of the displayed image is easily reflected, and the mode immediately shifts to the shooting mode. Can be taken. That is, it is possible to immediately switch from the playback mode to the shooting mode with the same shooting settings as the image shot in the creative assist mode.

  As described above, based on the attribute information of the playback image, the shooting settings when the playback image is shot can be reflected. Therefore, the same setting as when shooting an image acquired from another camera via the communication unit 217 is used. It is also possible to do. In other words, it is possible to set the same camera for the user based on a favorite photograph taken by a third party.

  In the present embodiment, the shooting setting is reflected based on the attribute information of the image. However, the shooting setting can be managed separately from the image. By doing so, it is difficult to distribute the photograph of a famous photographer as it is due to a copyright problem, but a file in which only the shooting settings are extracted can be acquired. Then, the same setting as when taking a photograph of a famous photographer with the camera owned by the user can be reproduced.

  In addition, it is possible to perform image analysis on an image shot in a mode other than the creative assist mode, and extract corresponding shooting settings, so that the image can be handled in the same manner as the creative assist image. In this way, you can learn photos from more images and apply them to your own photos.

  The control of the system control unit 201 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. Furthermore, each embodiment mentioned above shows only one embodiment of this invention, and it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Any imaging apparatus having a mode in which an image can be taken with effects such as background blur amount, brightness, hue, contrast, vividness, and monochrome can be applied. Further, the present invention can be applied to an image processing apparatus that can perform image processing by changing image processing parameters such as brightness, hue, contrast, vividness, and monochrome. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a tablet, a mobile phone or a kind of smartphone, a PDA, a portable image viewer, a game machine, an electronic book, a personal computer, and the like.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code. It is processing to do. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital camera 101 Display part 102 Mode switching button 104 Operation part 201 System control part 205 Imaging part 207 Image processing part

Claims (15)

A registration means for registering a pattern of setting values set by the user;
When registering a new pattern of setting values set by the user, a selection means for selecting a registered pattern as an overwriting target,
According to a specific operation of the user before overwriting, the display of the image reflecting the new pattern is switched to the display of the image reflecting the registered pattern selected by the selection means. Display control means for controlling,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the registration unit to register the new pattern by overwriting the registered pattern selected by the selection unit in response to an overwriting execution instruction. .   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the set value pattern is a set value pattern of shooting settings related to shooting. It further has an imaging means,
In response to the specific operation before overwriting, the display control unit reflects the new pattern and displays the registered live image selected by the selection unit from the live view image captured by the imaging unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus performs control so as to switch to display a live view image captured by the imaging unit while reflecting a pattern.   3. The shooting setting according to claim 2, wherein the shooting setting is at least one of a background blur amount, brightness, hue, contrast, vividness, monochrome setting, aperture, exposure correction, white balance, and image processing. The image processing apparatus according to 3.   In accordance with the specific operation before overwriting, the display control unit is configured to display the image reflecting the registered pattern selected by the selection unit from the full-screen display of the image reflecting the new pattern. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled so as to switch to a full screen display.   When the specific operation is performed, the display control unit switches from displaying the image reflecting the new pattern to displaying the image reflecting the registered pattern selected by the selection unit. The display of the image reflecting the registered pattern is continued while the specific operation continues, and the new pattern is reflected in response to the release of the specific operation. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled so as to switch to display.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specific operation is a button press.   8. The display control means, when displaying the image reflecting the registered pattern, displays information relating to the image referred to when registering the registered pattern. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The information related to the referenced image is at least one of a file number of the referenced image, a shooting date and time, the referenced image, and a shooting scene determined when the referenced image is shot. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The shooting scene is a scene that is determined according to the brightness at the time of shooting, a blue sky scene that is determined by recognition of the blue sky at the time of shooting, and a person shooting that is determined by face recognition at the time of shooting. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus includes at least one of a scene and a macro shooting scene that is determined based on a focal length at the time of shooting.   2. When selecting by the selecting means, if there is a registration destination in which a set value pattern set by a user is not registered, control is performed so that the registration destination is initially selected. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10.   When selecting by the selection means, control is performed so that a plurality of registration destinations in which setting value patterns set by the user are registered are selected in the order of oldest registration date or lower usage frequency. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. A registration step for registering a pattern of setting values set for the user;
A selection step of selecting a registered pattern as an overwriting target when registering a new pattern of a setting value set for a user;
According to a specific operation of the user before overwriting, the display of the image reflecting the new pattern is switched to the display of the image reflecting the registered pattern selected in the selection step. A display control step to control,
And a control step for controlling to register the new pattern by overwriting the registered pattern selected in the selection step in response to an overwriting execution instruction.   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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