WO2013084507A1

WO2013084507A1 - Imaging device and program

Info

Publication number: WO2013084507A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/007849
Authority: WO
Inventors: 匠若山
Original assignee: 株式会社ニコン
Priority date: 2011-12-07
Filing date: 2012-12-07
Publication date: 2013-06-13
Also published as: JP2015035639A

Abstract

The imaging device is provided with: an imaging section; a display section for displaying an image on the basis of image data generated through imaging by the imaging section in response to an imaging command; and a controller for prompting the display section to display a first image based on image data generated through imaging by the imaging section, which image data has not been displayed as an image on the display section, in preferential fashion with respect to a second image based on image data generated through imaging by the imaging section, which image data has already been displayed as an image on the display section.

Description

Imaging apparatus and program

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program.

Some have a liquid crystal monitor arranged to be rotatable with respect to the main body of the digital camera. In the digital camera, the display of the liquid crystal monitor is turned on / off according to the rotation position of the liquid crystal monitor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-118773

However, in the above-described digital camera, if a photographing operation is performed with the liquid crystal monitor being in an off position, for example, when the liquid crystal monitor is in the storage position, the user may visually recognize a photographed image generated by the photographing operation. There is a problem that you can not.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging device includes an imaging unit, a display unit that displays an image based on image data generated by imaging by the imaging unit in response to a shooting instruction, and an imaging unit. The image data generated by capturing the first image based on the first image data that is not displayed as an image on the display unit, and the image data generated by capturing the image on the display unit. And a control unit that displays on the display unit in preference to the second image based on the second image data already displayed.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the program displays the image on the display unit based on the image data generated by imaging with the imaging unit according to the imaging instruction, and captures the image with the imaging unit. Image data generated by taking an image of the first image based on the first image data that is generated and not displayed as an image on the display unit, and is already displayed as an image on the display unit And causing the computer to execute the step of displaying on the display unit in preference to the second image based on the second image data.

Note that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

The rear perspective view of the digital camera 10 concerning one Example is shown. The rear perspective view of the digital camera 10 concerning one Example is shown. The rear perspective view of the digital camera 10 concerning one Example is shown. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the digital camera 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the digital camera 10. 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing (S13) in the shooting mode of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the digital camera 10. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the digital camera 10. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a thumbnail display operation (S58) in FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing still another example of the operation of the digital camera 10. An example of a screen 1100 in the undisplayed image playback mode is shown. An example of a screen 1200 in the undisplayed image playback mode is shown. An example of a screen 1300 in the normal playback mode is shown. The other display mode of an undisplayed image is shown. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall operation in the digital camera 10. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement in the case of performing imaging | photography operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement in reproduction | regeneration mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement when the monitor 16 is opened.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

1 to 3 are rear perspective views of a digital camera 10 according to one embodiment. The digital camera 10 includes a main body portion 14 and a lens portion 12 that is detachable from the main body portion 14. The main body unit 14 is provided with an optical viewfinder 15 that allows a user to visually recognize a subject image that has passed through the lens unit 12, and a monitor 16 that is rotatable with respect to the main body unit 14. The digital camera 10 displays an undisplayed image that was not displayed during the shooting operation on the monitor 16 at a predetermined timing after the shooting operation.

An example of the monitor 16 is a liquid crystal display device. As shown in FIG. 1, the monitor 16 is rotated in the non-display position where the display surface 18 is opposed to the main body portion 14 as shown in FIG. The display position can be freely rotated between the exposed positions. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the display surface 18 faces in a direction opposite to the direction in which the subject exists. The rotation angle α around the first rotation axis can take a value up to, for example, 180 degrees when the monitor 16 is accommodated in the main body 14 as 0 degrees. Further, the monitor 16 can be rotated in a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction. As described above, the monitor 16 is also provided so as to be rotatable around the second rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis. The rotation angle around the second rotation axis is a value up to 180 degrees, for example, with the rotation angle when the monitor 16 is accommodated with the display surface 18 facing the main body 14 being 0 degrees. I can take it.

The monitor 16 can be accommodated in the main body 14 even when the display surface 18 is exposed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the monitor 16 is rotated 180 degrees around the second rotation axis from the state in which the display surface 18 faces in the direction opposite to the direction in which the subject exists. As shown in FIG. 3, after the display surface 18 is directed in the direction in which the subject is present, the display surface 18 is exposed by rotating the monitor 16 around the first rotation axis until the angle α becomes 0 degrees. In this state, the monitor 16 can be accommodated in the main body 14. The angle of rotation around these two axes is detected by an angle detector 207 described later.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the digital camera 10. The lens unit 12 of the digital camera 10 includes a photographic lens 104 and a diaphragm 102 as a photographic optical system, and guides a subject light beam incident along the optical axis 106 to an imaging device 100 as an example of an imaging unit. The digital camera 10 further includes an image sensor 100, a control unit 201, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a memory 203, a drive unit 204, an operation input unit 205, an image processing unit 206, an angle detection unit 207, a user detection unit 208, an LCD. A drive circuit 210, an AF sensor 211, a photometric sensor 212, a memory card IF 214, and a memory card 216 are provided.

The photographing lens 104 is composed of a plurality of optical lens groups, and forms an image of a subject light beam in the vicinity of its focal plane. In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, the photographic lens 104 is represented by a single virtual lens arranged in the vicinity of the pupil. The image sensor 100 is disposed near the focal plane of the photographic lens 104. The image sensor 100 is an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged. The image sensor 100 is controlled in timing by the drive unit 204, converts the subject image formed on the light receiving surface into an image signal, and outputs the image signal to the A / D conversion circuit 202.

The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts the image signal output from the image sensor 100 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 generates RAW image data in the memory 203 based on the acquired digital signal. The image processing unit 206 performs various image processing using the memory 203 as a work space, and generates image data, for example, JPEG image data.

The image data generated by the image processing unit 206 is converted into a display signal by the LCD drive circuit 210 and displayed on the monitor 16 as a captured image. The monitor 16 is an example of a display unit that displays an image based on image data generated by imaging with the imaging device 100 in accordance with a shooting instruction. The image data is recorded on the memory card 216 via the memory card IF 214 as a captured image file with the shooting setting information at the time of shooting as a header.

The AF sensor 211 is a phase difference sensor in which a plurality of distance measuring points are set with respect to the subject space, and detects the defocus amount of the subject image at each distance measuring point. The photometric sensor 212 measures the luminance of the entire subject image passing through the photographing lens 104 or a predetermined area.

The operation input unit 205 receives input from operation members such as a release button, a playback button, a cross key, and a power switch. The operation input unit 205 determines that there is a shooting instruction from the user when the release button is pressed. Further, the operation input unit 205 determines that the user has instructed to switch to the image playback mode when the playback button is pressed. Further, the cross key is used to select a menu of various functions displayed on the monitor 16, and is used, for example, to set on / off of a confirmation function of a photographed image immediately after photographing. Note that the control unit 201 may forcibly set the reproduction mode, for example, when the lens unit 12 is not attached to the main body unit 14 regardless of input from the operation member.

The angle detector 207 detects the rotation angle of the monitor 16 around the first rotation axis and the rotation angle of the monitor 16 around the second rotation axis. An example of the angle detection unit 207 is a micro switch provided on each rotating shaft. As another example of the angle detection unit 207, a magnet may be disposed on either the monitor 16 side or the main body unit 14 side, and a magnetic sensor may be disposed on the other side. Further, the angle detection unit 207 may detect the movement of the claw that locks in a state where the monitor 16 is housed in the main body unit 14.

A series of shooting sequences is started when the operation input unit 205 receives a user operation and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 201. Various operations such as autofocus and automatic exposure accompanying the shooting sequence are executed under the control of the control unit 201. For example, the control unit 201 analyzes the detection signal of the AF sensor 211 and executes focus control for moving a focus lens that constitutes a part of the photographing lens 104.

Further, the control unit 201 displays the captured image generated by the image processing unit 206 by the imaging operation on the monitor 16. The control unit 201 identifies, as a non-displayed image, a captured image that has not been displayed on the monitor 16 during the shooting operation among the captured images generated by the image processing unit 206, and at a predetermined timing after the shooting operation. indicate. An example of the predetermined timing is when display on the monitor 16 becomes possible. One shooting operation is started, for example, by half-pressing or full-pressing the release, and a captured image is generated and displayed by full-pressing the release, or another operation is performed by the user following the full-pressing. To finish. The user detection unit 208 detects whether the user is looking at the image displayed on the monitor 16.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital camera 10. The flowchart starts when the power is turned on in step S11. In the operation of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the display surface 18 of the monitor 16 is exposed to the user side, and the function of confirming a captured image after shooting is turned off.

The control unit 201 determines whether or not the playback mode is set (S12). Here, whether or not the playback mode is set is determined based on, for example, whether or not the operation input unit 205 detects pressing of the playback button.

When the playback mode is not set (S12: No), the control unit 201 executes the shooting mode process (S13). In the shooting mode of step S13, a shot image is generated (same step).

Since the playback mode is not set during the current shooting operation, the control unit 201 does not display the shot image generated in step S13 on the monitor 16, but writes the file name, for example, in the memory 203 as an undisplayed image. Further, the image processing unit 206 generates an image for thumbnail display of the undisplayed image and stores it in the memory 203 (S14). The operations in steps S13 and S14 are repeated until the reproduction mode setting is detected (S15: No).

When the setting of the playback mode is detected in step S15 (S15: Yes), the control unit 201 refers to the memory 203 to determine whether there is an undisplayed image (S16). When there is an undisplayed image (S16: Yes), the control unit 201 reads an image for thumbnail display of the undisplayed image from the memory 203 and displays it on the monitor 16 (S17). When there are a plurality of undisplayed images, the control unit 201 displays the thumbnail display images of the plurality of undisplayed images side by side on one screen of the monitor 16. Further, when the number of undisplayed images is larger than a predetermined number, the control unit 201 may display thumbnail images of the plurality of undisplayed images on the monitor 16 in a plurality of pages.

When there is a half-press of the release or when all the undisplayed images are displayed for thumbnail display and a predetermined time has elapsed (S18: Yes), the control unit 201 ends the thumbnail display ( S19). Further, the control unit 201 deletes information such as a thumbnail display image and a file name from the memory 203 for the image displayed in step S17 (S20).

If the determination in step S12 is Yes, or if the determination in step S16 is No, the control unit 201 displays the last captured image on the monitor 16 as a normal playback mode (S21). ). When the operation input unit 205 accepts a post-transmission, backward return, designation, or the like of the captured image, the control unit 201 displays the corresponding captured image on the monitor 16. The above operation is repeated until the power is turned off (S22: No), and when the power is turned off (S22: Yes), the operation according to the flowchart ends. In addition, when any of the thumbnail display images of the undisplayed image is selected on the monitor 16 in the above step S17, the control unit 201 shifts to the reproduction mode and performs shooting corresponding to the selected thumbnail. The image may be played back as usual.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the shooting mode processing (S13) of FIG. In the shooting mode process (S13), the control unit 201 displays shooting information such as an aperture value, a shutter speed, and the number of shots on the monitor 16 (S111).

The photometric sensor 212 performs photometry (S112), and the control unit 201 calculates exposure based on the photometry (S113). The operations in steps S111 to S113 may be executed when the release is half-pressed.

When the release is fully pressed (S114: Yes), the control unit 201 captures an object scene image using the image sensor 100 (S115). Further, the image processing unit 206 generates a captured image from the captured image data of the image sensor 100, and the control unit 201 records the captured image file on the memory card 216 (S116). This flowchart is complete | finished by the above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a captured image that is not displayed during a shooting operation and is not confirmed by the user can be automatically checked after the shooting operation. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of missing an improper image storage or a photo opportunity due to forgetting to confirm the photographed image.

Note that, instead of or in addition to at least one of steps S12 and S15 in FIG. 5, it may be determined whether or not the function of confirming a captured image after capturing is turned on. If the function of confirming a captured image after shooting is on, the control unit 201 may display the captured image on the monitor 16 after generating the captured image, and may not make it an undisplayed image. 5 may be performed when the image is captured using the optical viewfinder 15 and may be omitted in the case of so-called through image capturing using the monitor 16.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the digital camera 10. The flowchart starts when the power is turned on in step S31. In the operation of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the function of confirming a captured image after shooting is turned on.

The control unit 201 uses the output of the angle detection unit 207 to determine whether the display surface 18 is in a state where the user cannot visually recognize it (S32). The control unit 201 determines that the display surface 18 is not visible to the user when the rotation angle around the first rotation axis does not exceed a predetermined angle. You may apply 70 degree | times as a predetermined angle.

When the display surface 18 is not visible to the user (S32: No), the control unit 201 turns off the display of the monitor 16 (S34) and executes processing of the photographing mode (S35). The processing of the shooting mode in step S35 is the same as the operation in FIG. However, since the monitor 16 cannot be visually recognized by the user, it is preferable to omit the operation in step S111.

The control unit 201 does not display the captured image generated in step S35 on the monitor 16, but writes the file name, for example, in the memory 203 as an undisplayed image (S36). Further, the image processing unit 206 generates a thumbnail display image of the undisplayed image and stores it in the memory 203 (same step). Until the display surface 18 becomes visible to the user, for example, until the monitor 16 is accommodated in the main body 14 with the display surface 18 of the monitor 16 exposed by the user, the operations of steps S35 and S36 are repeated (S37). : No).

When the display surface 18 is visible to the user in step S37 (S37: Yes), the control unit 201 determines that display on the monitor 16 is possible, and refers to the memory 203 to display nothing. The presence / absence of an image is determined (S38). When there is an undisplayed image (S38: Yes), the control unit 201 reads an image for thumbnail display of the undisplayed image from the memory 203 and displays it on the monitor 16 (S39). When there are a plurality of undisplayed images, the control unit 201 displays the thumbnail images of the plurality of undisplayed images side by side on one screen of the monitor 16. Further, when the number of undisplayed images is greater than a predetermined number, the control unit 201 may display thumbnail images of the plurality of undisplayed images on the monitor 16 in a plurality of pages.

When there is a half-press of the release or when all the undisplayed images are displayed as thumbnail display images and a predetermined time has elapsed (S40: Yes), the control unit 201 ends the thumbnail display ( S41). Further, the control unit 201 deletes information such as a thumbnail display image and a file name from the memory 203 for the image displayed in step S39 (S42).

If the determination in step S38 is No, the control unit 201 displays the last captured image on the monitor 16 as a normal playback mode (S43). When the operation input unit 205 accepts a post-transmission, backward return, designation, or the like of the captured image, the control unit 201 displays the corresponding captured image on the monitor 16.

If the determination in step S32 is Yes, the control unit 201 executes the shooting mode process (S33), and proceeds to step S43. The shooting mode processing in step S33 is the same as the operation in FIG. The above operation is repeated until the power is turned off (S22: No), and when the power is turned off (S22: Yes), the operation according to the flowchart ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically confirm a photographed image that has not been confirmed because the monitor 16 is closed during the photographing operation at a timing when confirmation on the monitor 16 becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of missing an improper image storage or a photo opportunity due to forgetting to confirm the photographed image. In particular, even when the monitor 16 is picked up in a state where the monitor 16 cannot be visually recognized when the power is suddenly turned on, the photographed image can be easily confirmed on the monitor 16 after the photographing operation without performing a complicated operation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the digital camera 10. The flowchart starts when the power is turned on. In the operation of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the display surface 18 of the monitor 16 is facing away from the main body 14. That is, it is assumed that the rotation angle around the second rotation axis is 180 degrees. In addition, it is assumed that the function of confirming a photographed image after photographing is turned on.

The control unit 201 uses the angle detection unit 207 to determine whether or not the rotation angle α of the monitor 16 is 0 degree or more and less than 10 degrees (S51). Here, the rotation angle α being 0 degrees corresponds to a state in which the monitor 16 is housed in the main body 14 and the display surface 18 is visible to the user.

When the rotation angle α of the monitor 16 is 10 degrees or more (S51: No), the control unit 201 executes processing of the photographing mode (S55). The processing in the shooting mode in step S55 is the same as the operation in FIG.

The control unit 201 does not display the captured image generated in step S55 on the monitor 16, but writes the file name, for example, in the memory 203 as an undisplayed image (S56). Further, the image processing unit 206 generates a thumbnail display image of the undisplayed image and stores it in the memory 203 (same step). The operations of steps S55 and S56 are repeated until the rotation angle α of the monitor 16 becomes 0 degree or more and less than 10 degrees, that is, until the monitor 16 is started up by the user (S57: No).

When it is detected in step S57 that the rotation angle α of the monitor 16 is not less than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees (S57: Yes), a thumbnail display operation is executed (S58). Subsequently, as a normal playback mode, the control unit 201 displays the last captured image on the monitor 16 (S53). When the operation input unit 205 accepts a post-transmission, backward return, designation, or the like of the captured image, the control unit 201 displays the corresponding captured image on the monitor 16.

If the determination in step S51 is Yes, the control unit 201 executes the shooting mode process (S52), and proceeds to step S53. The processing in the shooting mode in step S52 is the same as the operation in FIG. The above operation is repeated until an operation input is detected (S54: No), and when the operation is performed (S54: Yes), the operation according to the flowchart ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the thumbnail display operation (S58) of FIG. The control unit 201 refers to the memory 203 to determine whether there is an undisplayed image (S511). When there is an undisplayed image (S511: Yes), the control unit 201 reads an image for thumbnail display of the undisplayed image from the memory 203 and displays it on the monitor 16 (S511). When there are a plurality of undisplayed images, the control unit 201 displays the thumbnail images of the plurality of undisplayed images side by side on one screen of the monitor 16. Further, when the number of undisplayed images is greater than a predetermined number, the control unit 201 may display thumbnail images of the plurality of undisplayed images on the monitor 16 in a plurality of pages.

When there is another operation such as half-pressing of the release, or when a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the images for displaying thumbnails of all the undisplayed images (S513: Yes), the control unit 201 displays the thumbnails. The display is terminated (S514). Further, the control unit 201 deletes information such as a thumbnail display image and a file name from the memory 203 for the image displayed in step S512 (S515). After step S515 or when the determination in step S511 is No, the operation according to the flowchart ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when so-called high-angle shooting is performed with the monitor 16 tilted greatly, and when it is difficult to visually recognize the captured image with the posture of the monitor 16 as it is, the timing at which the viewing on the monitor 16 becomes easy It can be automatically recognized. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of missing an improper image storage or a photo opportunity due to forgetting to confirm the photographed image.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 9, when there are a plurality of undisplayed images, they are displayed side by side on one screen, but the display form is not limited to this. As another example, the control unit 201 may sequentially display thumbnail display images on the monitor 16 at regular intervals, for example, every second in the order of shooting time. In this way, undisplayed images may be displayed in a slide show format. In this case, the control unit 201 may display the captured image itself instead of the thumbnail display image. When the captured image itself is displayed, the step of generating the thumbnail display image may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing still another example of the operation of the digital camera 10. In the digital camera 10, there is a continuous shooting operation in which shooting is performed a plurality of times while the release is pressed. When the confirmation function of the photographed image after photographing is turned on in the continuous shooting operation, the control unit 201 sequentially displays the photographed images generated by the continuous shooting on the monitor 16.

Here, when the display time is longer than the time required for image generation from the shooting of one image, the continuous shooting operation is finished first, but the display of the captured image on the monitor 16 continues. It becomes a state. Consider a case where the continuous shooting release is further pressed in this state. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, five shot images from the shot image 1-1 to the shot image 1-5 are generated in the continuous shooting operation 1 and the shot image 1-2 is displayed on the monitor 16 in the display operation 1. Assume that there is an interruption due to pressing the release of continuous shooting operation 2 in the displayed state.

In this case, the control unit 201 gives priority to the continuous shooting operation 2 and interrupts the display operation 1. In other words, the control unit 201 generates a captured image 2-5 from the captured image 2-1, and among the captured images generated in the continuous shooting operation 1, the captured image is captured from the captured image 1-3 that was not displayed in the display operation 1. The file name is written in the memory 203 with 1-5 as an undisplayed image. Thereafter, the control unit 201 sequentially displays the captured images 2-1 to 2-5 generated in the continuous shooting operation 2, which is the latest operation, on the monitor 16 in the display operation 2.

Further, the control unit 201 refers to the memory 203 and sequentially displays the undisplayed images on the monitor 16 in the order of shooting in the display operation 3. Instead, an image for thumbnail display of the undisplayed image may be displayed on the monitor 16. As described above, according to the present embodiment, a photographed image that has not been confirmed on the monitor 16 due to interruption of the next continuous shooting or the like during continuous shooting is automatically confirmed at a timing when confirmation on the monitor 16 becomes possible. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of missing an improper image storage or a photo opportunity due to forgetting to confirm the photographed image. As described above, the monitor 16 sequentially displays images for a predetermined time based on the image data sequentially generated by the image sensor 100 sequentially capturing images in the continuous shooting operation. Then, when the control unit 201 interrupts the sequential image display operation and starts a new continuous shooting operation, the image data generated by the previous continuous shooting operation and not displayed as an image on the monitor 16 is not displayed. Information determined to be image data of an image is stored. Then, when the new continuous shooting operation ends, the control unit 201 sequentially displays images based on the image data generated by the previous continuous shooting operation and not displayed on the monitor 16 as an image. Although a new continuous shooting operation is illustrated, various operations other than the continuous shooting operation such as an operation setting operation of the digital camera 10 can be applied.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, a non-displayed image is displayed after the shooting operation. In addition to this, a reproduced image may be displayed. In this case, it is preferable to display the undisplayed image and the reproduced image separately. For example, a page where thumbnails of undisplayed images are arranged and a page where thumbnails of reproduced images are arranged may be different pages. As another example, a delimiter icon or the like may be displayed between a thumbnail of a reproduced image and a thumbnail of an undisplayed image. In addition, when displaying images for thumbnail display of undisplayed images side by side for a plurality of shooting operations, the undisplayed images may be displayed separately for each shooting operation. For example, an icon or the like indicating a separation of shooting operations may be displayed.

FIG. 11 to FIG. 14 show examples of screens displayed on the monitor 16. In the description related to the drawings of FIGS. 11 to 14, it is assumed that there are seven image data of undisplayed images. Further, it is assumed that there are three pieces of image data of a displayed image that is a reproduced image. It is assumed that the image data of the displayed image is generated in accordance with a shooting instruction that is temporally later than the shooting instruction related to the image data of the undisplayed image. Further, in the description related to the drawings of FIGS. 11 to 14, the image data of seven undisplayed images are distinguished by reference numerals 1 to 7 in order to easily understand the function and operation of the digital camera 10. The image data of the already displayed image is distinguished by codes from 8 to 10. In addition, it is assumed that a code with a small code is generated according to a previous shooting instruction in terms of time.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen 1100 in the undisplayed image playback mode. When the control unit 201 receives an operation for switching to the playback mode, the control unit 201 shifts to a non-displayed image playback mode in which a non-displayed image is displayed on the condition that a non-displayed image exists. The undisplayed image playback mode is a sub mode in the playback mode. The playback mode includes a non-display image playback mode and a normal playback mode as sub-modes. In the non-display image reproduction mode, the image data to be reproduced is limited to the image data of the non-display image. In the non-display image playback mode, the image data of the display target is not included in the image data to be played back, and the display image is not played back. A screen 1100 is an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 16 when the display mode is changed to the non-display image playback mode.

For example, the control unit 201 displays the screen 1100 on the monitor 16 when receiving a push-down operation of the playback button. In addition, the control unit 201 displays the screen 1100 on the monitor 16 when the position of the display surface of the monitor 16 moves to a position where the user can visually recognize the display surface of the monitor 16. Specifically, when the monitor 16 is rotated from the non-display position to the display position, the screen 1100 is displayed on the monitor 16. As described above, when there is first image data that is image data generated by imaging with the imaging element 100 and is not displayed as an image on the monitor 16, the control unit 201 has already responded to the imaging instruction. When an operation for instructing to reproduce the generated image data is received, the first image based on the first image data is image data generated by imaging with the image sensor 100 and is displayed on the monitor 16. It is displayed on the monitor 16 with priority over the second image already displayed as an image. The operation of pushing the playback button is an example of an operation for instructing to reproduce image data that has already been generated in response to a shooting instruction. The control unit 201 may display the first image on the monitor 16 with priority over the second image when a predetermined operation is accepted, not limited to the operation of the playback button or the like.

Information for determining whether image data of an undisplayed image exists is stored in the memory 203. Specifically, a storage area for storing the undisplayed image list is secured in the memory 203. In the undisplayed image list, for example, file names of image files corresponding to image data of undisplayed images are stored. Also, thumbnail display images of undisplayed images are stored in the memory 203, and information for specifying the storage location of image data for thumbnail display in the memory 203 corresponds to the file names stored in the undisplayed image list. Then, it is stored in the undisplayed image list. When new image data to be stored as image data of an undisplayed image is generated, the control unit 201 adds the file name of the image file corresponding to the image data to the undisplayed image list. As will be described later, when a non-displayed image is displayed on the monitor 16, the control unit 201 deletes the file name of the corresponding image from the non-displayed image list. The control unit 201 determines whether the image data is image data of an undisplayed image based on the file name stored in the undisplayed image list. The control unit 201 determines that there is image data of an undisplayed image when the file name of the undisplayed image is stored in the undisplayed image list.

On the screen 1100, the monitor 16 displays an image 1101, an image 1102, an image 1103, an image 1104, and a side bar 1110. In FIG. 11, the numbers in the images indicate the symbols attached to the undisplayed images. A side bar 1110 in the state shown in FIG. 11 indicates that there is other image data of an undisplayed image that is not displayed on the screen 1100. The side bar 1110 indicates that the image data for which the shooting instruction is the latest is displayed. On the screen 1100, an image is displayed based on a predetermined number of pieces of image data in which the times when the corresponding shooting instructions have been received are selected in order from the newest. On the screen 1100, images are displayed based on the image data of the four undisplayed images 4 to 7 generated by the shooting instruction after the shooting instruction corresponding to the non-displayed image 3 not displayed on the screen 1100. Is done. Of the images 4 to 7 displayed on the screen 1100, the image 4 is an image of image data generated in response to the earliest shooting instruction in time, and the image 7 is the latest shooting instruction in time. It is the image of the image data produced | generated according to it. When the image data can be distinguished by the shooting date and time, the control unit 201 may display an image based on a predetermined number of image data selected in ascending order of shooting date and time. When there are image data of a plurality of undisplayed images generated by continuous shooting, information for identifying the order of imaging operations corresponding to each image data is further stored in an undisplayed image list or the like for image display. May be used. When the file name of the image data includes a number that is incremented in the order of the shooting operation, the control unit 201 may identify the order of the shooting operation based on the file name and use it for displaying an image.

The non-displayed images 1 to 3 that are not displayed on the screen 1100 are displayed when an instruction to display the non-displayed image corresponding to the previous shooting instruction is received in time with the screen 1100 being displayed. ,Is displayed. When the instruction is received in a state where the screen 1100 is displayed, a maximum of four images including the undisplayed image 3 including the undisplayed image 3 from the undisplayed image 3 generated according to the shooting instruction corresponding to the image 4 corresponding to the image 4 are displayed. The image data of the undisplayed image is selected and the image is displayed. At this time, the image data of the undisplayed image is selected in descending order for the corresponding shooting instruction. The instruction is accepted through operation of the operation member. In this way, the control unit 201 preferentially causes the monitor 16 to display an undisplayed image of image data generated in response to a later shooting instruction.

The control unit 201 shifts to the normal reproduction mode when the operation input unit 205 accepts the operation of pressing the reproduction button while the screen 1100 is displayed. Further, the control unit 201 shifts to the shooting standby mode when the operation input unit 205 receives a predetermined operation that should shift to the shooting standby mode while the screen 1100 is displayed. The shooting standby mode is an operation mode for receiving a shooting instruction. Examples of the predetermined operation include a half-press operation of a release button.

When the screen 1100 is displayed, the control unit 201 stores information for identifying image data displayed as an image on the screen 1100. When the operation mode is shifted to another operation mode such as the normal playback mode or the shooting standby mode without displaying the undisplayed images 1 to 3, the image data displayed as an image on the screen 1100 is deleted from the undisplayed image list. Specifically, the control unit 201 deletes, from the undisplayed image list in the memory 203, information such as image data for displaying thumbnails and file names as undisplayed images for the image data displayed on the screen 1100. To do. Therefore, by displaying the screen 1100, information corresponding to the non-displayed images 4 to 7 is deleted from the non-displayed image list, and only information corresponding to the non-displayed images 1 to 3 is left in the non-displayed image list. As described above, when an image stored in the non-displayed image list is displayed, the non-displayed image list is updated, and information excluding information corresponding to the displayed image is left in the non-displayed image list. The information stored in the undisplayed image list is an example of information for determining whether the image is a non-displayed image. Information for determining whether the image is a non-displayed image may be stored in a nonvolatile memory. For example, the control unit 201 may store the information in a system memory that the control unit 201 has.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen 1200 in the undisplayed image playback mode. The screen 1200 is an example of a screen when the undisplayed image 1-3 is left in the list of undisplayed images. The screen 1200 does not display the non-displayed images 1 to 3 on the screen 1100, or after shifting to another operation mode such as the normal playback mode or the shooting standby mode or without displaying the non-displayed images 1 to 3 on the screen 1100. After the power is turned off and the power is turned on again, it is displayed on the monitor 16 when an operation to shift to the undisplayed image reproduction mode is accepted. When the power is turned off, information on the undisplayed image list is stored from the memory 203 to a nonvolatile memory such as the system memory. When the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the information on the undisplayed image list stored in the nonvolatile memory is returned to the memory 203, and the undisplayed image list in the memory 203 is turned off. Return to the previous state.

As described above, by displaying the screen 1100, the information related to the undisplayed images 4 to 7 among the undisplayed images 1 to 7 before the display of the screen 1100 is deleted from the undisplayed image list and is not displayed. Undisplayed images 1 to 3 are left in the image list. Accordingly, on the screen 1200, the undisplayed images 1 to 3 that are undisplayed images at the time when the operation to shift to the non-displayed image reproduction mode is received are displayed on the monitor 16. Similar to the screen 1100 in FIG. 11, the numbers in the image in FIG. 12 indicate the reference numerals attached to the undisplayed images. There is no other image data of an undisplayed image that is not displayed on the screen 1200. Therefore, the image element corresponding to the sidebar 1110 illustrated on the screen 1100 in FIG. 11 is not displayed on the screen 1200.

The control unit 201 deletes the image of the image data displayed on the screen 1200 from the undisplayed image list. As a result, there is no information about the undisplayed image in the undisplayed image list. For example, an empty undisplayed image list that does not include information such as a file name corresponding to an undisplayed image is stored in the memory 203.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen 1300 in the normal playback mode. A screen 1300 shows an example of a screen when there is no undisplayed image. The screen 1300 is displayed, for example, when the push of the play button is accepted in a state in which the screen 1200 of FIG. Further, the screen 1300 is displayed when the push of the play button is accepted in the state where the screen 1100 of FIG. 11 or the screen 1200 of FIG. 12 is displayed. The normal reproduction mode is a sub mode in the reproduction mode for reproducing an image including an already displayed image and an undisplayed image. On the screen 1300, regardless of whether the image is a non-displayed image or an already-displayed image, four images 7 to 10 corresponding to the latest shooting instruction in time are displayed on the monitor 16.

FIG. 14 shows another display mode of an undisplayed image. Also on the screen 1400, the numbers in the images indicate the non-displayed images or the codes attached to the displayed images. The screen 1400 is displayed on the monitor 16 on the condition that a non-displayed image exists when a playback button pressing operation is accepted. Screen 1400 is an example of a screen that allows the user to select whether to perform a playback operation in the non-displayed image playback mode or a normal playback mode. On the screen 1400, an object 1410 indicating an image group of undisplayed images and an object 1420 indicating an image group of all images including the displayed image and the undisplayed image are displayed. All images are images corresponding to all image data generated in response to a shooting instruction and recorded in the memory card 216. The undisplayed image is an image corresponding to image data other than the image data corresponding to the already displayed image among all the image data recorded in the memory card 216.

In the object 1410, the entire image is displayed for one undisplayed image 7 corresponding to the latest shooting instruction in time, and the entire image is not displayed for other undisplayed images. Similarly, in the object 1420, the entire image is displayed for one image 10 corresponding to the latest shooting instruction in time, and the entire image is not displayed for the other images.

In the initial state where the screen 1400 is displayed, the object 1410 is selected. The user operates the operation member to select which object image group is to be reproduced. When it is selected to reproduce an image group of undisplayed images by accepting an operation to confirm the selection in a state where the object 1410 is selected, the mode shifts to an undisplayed image reproduction mode. When it is selected to reproduce the image group of all the images by accepting an operation for confirming the selection in a state where the object 1420 is selected, the mode shifts to the normal reproduction mode. According to the screen 1400, when a non-displayed image exists, it is possible to shift to a non-displayed image reproduction mode according to a user instruction.

As described above, the control unit 201 captures the first image based on the first image data that is image data generated by imaging with the imaging device 100 and is not displayed as an image on the monitor 16. The image data generated by imaging at 100 is displayed on the display unit in preference to the second image based on the second image data already displayed on the monitor 16 as an image. As described above, the control unit 201 may display the first image on the monitor 16 before the second image, and displays the first image on the monitor 16 in a state where the first image is selected as described with reference to FIG. You may let me. Further, the control unit 201 causes the memory 203 to store information for determining whether an image based on the image data generated by imaging with the imaging element 100 has already been displayed on the monitor 16. And the control part 201 determines whether the image data produced | generated by imaging with the image pick-up element 100 is 1st image data or 2nd image data based on the information memorize | stored in the memory 203. FIG. . Then, when an image is displayed on the monitor 16 based on image data determined not to be displayed as an image on the monitor 16, the control unit 201 determines that an image based on the image data has already been displayed on the monitor 16. Information stored in the memory 203 is updated.

In the above description, it is assumed that when there is an undisplayed image, the mode is shifted to the undisplayed image playback mode. However, as an operation setting of the digital camera 10, the user can select whether or not to shift to the undisplayed image reproduction mode. For example, when a playback button pressing operation is received, the control unit 201 determines whether to shift to the non-displayed image playback mode or the normal playback mode based on the operation setting set by the user. For example, when it is selected that the transition to the non-display image playback mode is not performed, the operation is not performed in the non-display image playback mode even when there is a non-display image, and is operated in the normal playback mode. When transition to the non-displayed image playback mode is selected, if there is a non-displayed image, the mode shifts to the non-displayed image playback mode. Even when it is selected to shift to the undisplayed image playback mode, if there is no undisplayed image, the mode is switched to the normal playback mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall operation of the digital camera 10. In relation to each of FIGS. 1 to 14, the operation of the digital camera 10 in the situation to be described in each figure has been described. FIG. 15 summarizes the operation of the digital camera 10 described above as one overall flowchart.

This flowchart starts when the power is turned on. This flow is executed by controlling each unit of the digital camera 10 mainly by the control unit 201.

In step S1501, the control unit 201 performs initial setting of the digital camera 10. For example, the control unit 201 reads various parameters for controlling the digital camera 10 from the system memory inside the control unit 201. Examples of the various parameters include information indicating operation settings of the digital camera 10. In addition, the control unit 201 sets operating conditions of each unit of the digital camera 10 based on, for example, the state of the operation member and various developed parameters. Examples of operation conditions include shooting modes such as continuous shooting and single shooting, imaging conditions such as shutter speed and exposure conditions, image processing conditions such as white balance, and the like.

Subsequently, in step S1502, the control unit 201 provides the user with the content set in the initial setting. For example, the control unit 201 displays information such as the above-described operating conditions through the optical finder 15. In addition, when the display surface 18 of the monitor 16 is in a position where the user can visually recognize the display surface 18, the control unit 201 displays the above-described information such as the operation condition on the monitor 16 in various forms such as icon display. Display. When the power is turned on, the digital camera 10 starts to operate in a shooting standby mode that is a default operation mode.

Subsequently, the control unit 201 waits for a predetermined event to occur (step S1503). Here, as predetermined events, a setting-related event based on an operation for setting the operation of the digital camera 10, a shooting-related event based on an operation on a release button, a playback-related event based on an operation on a playback button, and an operation for opening the monitor 16 A monitor opening operation event based on the above and a power off event based on an operation of turning off the power of the digital camera 10 will be specifically described.

The operation setting event occurs when a pressing operation of the setting button is received while the monitor 16 is open, or when a setting operation is received by the operation member in the setting mode. The playback-related event occurs when a playback button pressing operation is received while the monitor 16 is open, or when a playback-related operation is received by an operation member in the playback mode while the monitor 16 is open. The reproduction-related operation includes an image switching operation for instructing switching of an image to be displayed. The image switching operation includes an operation of instructing to display an image based on image data different from the image data corresponding to the currently displayed image when one image is displayed. In addition, the image switching operation includes an operation for instructing scrolling of the screen when thumbnails are displayed. The monitor opening operation event occurs when an operation for opening the monitor 16 is performed in a state where the monitor 16 is closed. The operation of opening the monitor 16 is an operation of rotating the display surface 18 to a position where the user can visually recognize it. The state where the monitor 16 is opened indicates a state where the user is at a position where the user can visually recognize the display surface 18. The state where the monitor 16 is closed indicates a state where the user is in a position where the user cannot visually recognize the display surface 18. The power off event occurs when the power switch is switched to the OFF position. If an event occurs in step S1503, the process proceeds to step S1504. When an event occurs in step S1503, the control unit 201 specifies the type of event that has occurred (step S1504).

If it is determined in step S1504 that the event that has occurred is a setting-related event, setting-related processing is performed (step S1510). If the operation mode when the setting-related event occurs is the setting mode, in step S1510, operation setting processing is performed according to the operation received by the operation member. Examples of the operation setting process include a process for selecting whether or not to shift to the above-described non-displayed image reproduction mode, and a process for setting on / off of a confirmation function for a captured image immediately after shooting. When the operation setting is changed in this step, the parameter variable is changed according to the changed operation setting. If the operation mode when the setting-related event occurs is not the setting mode, processing for switching the operation mode to the setting mode is performed in step S1510.

If it is determined in step S1504 that the event that has occurred is a shooting-related event, a shooting-related operation is performed in response to an operation on the release button (step S1512). If the operation mode when the shooting-related event occurs is the shooting standby mode, in step S1512, the shooting operation is performed in response to the full pressing operation of the release button. Further, focusing control is performed according to the half-press operation of the release button. If the operation mode when the shooting-related event occurs is not the shooting standby mode, processing for switching the operation mode to the shooting standby mode is performed in step S1512. If it is determined in step S1504 that the event that has occurred is a reproduction-related event, reproduction-related processing is performed (step S1514). If the operation mode when the reproduction-related event occurs is not the reproduction mode, in step S1514, the operation mode is changed to display the image. The operation in the reproduction mode includes an operation in the undisplayed image reproduction display mode or an operation in the normal reproduction mode. If the operation mode when the reproduction-related event occurs is the reproduction mode, in step S1514, processing corresponding to the accepted reproduction-related operation is performed. For example, a process of switching an image to be displayed is performed according to an image switching operation. When it is determined in step S1504 that the event that has occurred is a monitor opening operation event, display on the monitor 16 is started (step S1516). For example, when it is detected that the display surface 18 of the monitor 16 is rotated from the non-display position to the display position, the process proceeds to step S1516.

In step S1504, when an event other than the operation setting event, the shooting event, the reproduction event, the monitor opening event, and the power off event occurs, an operation corresponding to the event is performed (step S1518). For example, other events include a monitor closing operation event that occurs in response to an operation of closing the monitor 16. If a monitor closing operation event has occurred, an operation to turn off the monitor 16 is performed in step S1518. Other events include a power saving event that occurs when a state in which no user operation is performed continues for a predetermined time. If a power saving event has occurred, in step S1518, a process for setting the operation state to the power saving state is performed. In the power saving state, at least a part of the digital camera 10 operates in the power saving state. For example, even when the monitor 16 is open, the monitor 16 is turned off. Further, the other event includes a return event that occurs when a predetermined operation member is operated in the power saving mode. When the return event occurs, the power saving state is canceled and the operation state is changed to the normal operation state. When the operations in step S1510, step S1512, step S1514, step S1516, and step S1518 are completed, the process proceeds to the determination in step S1504.

If it is determined in step S1504 that the event that has occurred is a power-off event, end processing is performed (step S1520). The processing executed in step S1520 includes processing in which the control unit 201 records information such as various changed parameters in the internal system memory. When the end process is completed, this flow ends.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when performing a photographing operation. This flow can be applied to the process of step S1512 in the flow of FIG. Specifically, this flow can be applied to the process of step S1512 when the operation mode is the shooting standby mode.

When this flow starts, the control unit 201 controls the drive unit 204 to drive the image sensor 100 to perform an imaging operation (step S1602).

Subsequently, the control unit 201 determines whether or not to display an image on the monitor 16 based on the image data generated by the imaging operation (step S1604). For example, it is determined that no image is displayed on the monitor 16 when the function of confirming a photographed image after photographing is set to off. The function of confirming a photographed image after photographing is a function for automatically displaying an image based on image data generated by the photographing operation on the monitor 16 without the user operating a playback button or the like. In addition, the control unit 201 displays no image on the monitor 16 when the display surface 18 of the monitor 16 faces the main body unit 14 and the rotation angle α is within a predetermined angle range. Judging. Examples of the angle range include 0 degrees or more and less than 70 degrees.

If it is determined in step S1604 that an image is to be displayed on the monitor 16, the control unit 201 starts display on the monitor 16 based on the image data generated by the imaging operation in step S1602 (step S1606). .

Subsequently, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the user is looking at the monitor 16 (step S1608). The control unit 201 determines whether the user is looking at the monitor 16 based on the output of the user detection unit 208. For example, when it is determined that the user is looking at the optical viewfinder 15, the control unit 201 determines that the user is not looking at the monitor 16. As the user detection unit 208, an eye sensor in the vicinity of the optical viewfinder 15 can be applied. The control unit 201 may determine whether the user is looking at the optical viewfinder 15 based on the output of the eye sensor. For example, the control unit 201 may determine that the user is looking at the optical viewfinder 15 when an object present in the vicinity of the optical viewfinder 15 is detected by the eye sensor. Further, the control unit 201 may determine whether or not the user is looking at the monitor 16 based on the direction of the user's line of sight. As the user detection unit 208, an imaging device such as a rear camera that images the user's face can be applied. The control unit 201 may detect the direction of the user's line of sight from the image data of the user's face obtained by the imaging device. If it is determined in step S1608 that the user is looking at the monitor 16, the image data for recording based on the image data generated by the imaging operation is recorded in the memory card 216 (step S1610), and this flow ends. .

If it is determined in step S1608 that the user is not looking at the monitor 16, a process of registering as an undisplayed image is performed (step S1612), and the process proceeds to step S1610. In step S1612, the control unit 201 adds information for identifying image data generated by the imaging operation to the undisplayed image list. Specifically, in step S1612, the control unit 201 uses the file name of the corresponding recording image data recorded on the memory card 216 as the undisplayed image list in the memory 203 as the file name of the undisplayed image. Add to. Further, the control unit 201 causes the image processing unit 206 to generate image data for thumbnail display of the undisplayed image and store it in the memory 203. In addition, the control unit 201 stores information specifying the storage location of image data for thumbnail display in the memory 203 in the undisplayed image list in association with the file name added to the undisplayed image list. As described above, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the user has confirmed an image based on the image data generated by the imaging operation, and determines that the image has not been confirmed by the user. The data is regarded as image data of an undisplayed image. If it is determined in step S1604 that an image is not displayed on the monitor 16, the process proceeds to step S1612. As described above, when the image is displayed on the monitor 16 and the user detection unit 208 detects that the user is viewing the image, the control unit 201 converts the image data corresponding to the image to the image data. The information stored in the memory 203 is updated so that it is determined that the based image has already been displayed on the monitor 16.

As described above, the control unit 201 sets a shooting instruction when it is set to accept the next shooting instruction without allowing the user to check an image based on the image data generated in response to the shooting instruction. The image data generated accordingly is not displayed on the monitor 16, but information that is determined to be the image data of the undisplayed image is stored. In the operation setting process in step S1510 of FIG. 15, when an operation for changing the setting based on the image data generated in response to the shooting instruction to the user is received, the control unit 201 does not The display image may be displayed on the monitor 16.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation in the reproduction mode. This flow can be applied to the process of step S1514 in the flow of FIG. Here, the processing in step S1514 will be described by taking the case where the operation of the playback button is received as the playback-related operation and the case where the above-described image switching operation is received.

When this flow starts, the type of the reproduction related operation is determined (step S1700). When the reproduction-related operation is a reproduction button operation, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the operation setting is to shift to the non-displayed image reproduction mode (step S1702). If the operation setting is to shift to the undisplayed image playback mode, it is determined whether or not there is an undisplayed image (step S1704). When an undisplayed image exists, the operation of the undisplayed image reproduction mode is started, and one or more images among the undisplayed images are displayed (step S1706). In step S1706, the control unit 201 performs the display operation described in relation to FIGS.

Subsequently, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the user is looking at the monitor 16 (step S1708). The process similar to the process of step S1608 of FIG. 16 can be applied to the process of step S1708. If it is determined that the user is looking at the monitor 16, the control unit 201 updates the undisplayed image list (step S1710), and the process proceeds to step S1720. In step S1710, the control unit 201 deletes information corresponding to the displayed image from the undisplayed image list. If it is determined in step S1708 that the user is not looking at the monitor 16, the process proceeds to step S1720 without updating the undisplayed image list.

If it is determined in step S1702 that the operation setting does not shift to the non-display image playback mode, the normal playback mode operation is started and one or more images of all the images are displayed (step S1712). . In step S1712, the control unit 201 performs the display operation described in relation to FIG. Subsequently, it is determined whether an undisplayed image is displayed (step S1714). For example, when an undisplayed image is included in one or more displayed images, it is determined that an undisplayed image has been displayed. If it is determined that an undisplayed image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S1708. If it is determined that an undisplayed image is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S1720. If it is determined in step S1704 that no undisplayed image exists, the process proceeds to step S1712.

If it is determined in step S1700 that the reproduction-related operation is an image switching operation, the control unit 201 determines the current submode in the reproduction mode (step S1716). If the current sub mode is the undisplayed image playback mode, the process proceeds to step S1706. In this case, in step S1706, image data to be displayed as an image is selected from the image data of the undisplayed image based on the content of the image switching operation, and the image is displayed based on the selected image data. If it is determined in step S1716 that the sub mode is the normal playback mode, the process proceeds to step S1712. In this case, in step S1712, image data to be displayed as an image is selected from the image data of all images based on the content of the image switching operation, and the image is displayed based on the selected image data.

In step S1720, the control unit 201 determines whether an event has occurred. The event determined here includes the event described in relation to step S1503 in FIG. If it is determined in step S1720 that an event has not occurred, the control unit 201 determines the current submode in the playback mode (step S1722). If the current sub mode is the undisplayed image playback mode, the process proceeds to step S1706. When the current sub mode is the normal playback mode, the process proceeds to step S1712. If it is determined in step S1720 that an event has occurred, this flow ends. In the determination in step S1503 of FIG. 15 that is first performed after the flow is finished, it is determined that the event has occurred.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when the monitor 16 is opened. This flow can be applied to the process of step S1516 in the flow of FIG.

When this flow starts, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the operation setting is to shift to the undisplayed image reproduction mode (step S1802). If the operation setting is to shift to the undisplayed image playback mode, it is determined whether or not there is an undisplayed image (step S1804). If there is an undisplayed image, the operation of the undisplayed image playback mode is started, and one or more images among the undisplayed images are displayed (step S1806). In step S1806, the control unit 201 performs the display operation described in relation to FIGS.

Subsequently, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the user is looking at the monitor 16 (step S1808). The process similar to the process of step S1608 of FIG. 16 can be applied to the process of step S1808. If it is determined that the user is looking at the monitor 16, the control unit 201 updates the undisplayed image list (step S1810), and the process proceeds to step S1812. In step S1810, the control unit 201 deletes information corresponding to the displayed image from the undisplayed image list. If it is determined in step S1808 that the user is not looking at the monitor 16, the process proceeds to step S1812 without updating the undisplayed image list.

In step S1812, the control unit 201 determines whether or not to end the undisplayed image reproduction mode. For example, when an operation for instructing to shift to another operation mode such as a setting button operation or a release button operation is detected, it is determined that the non-displayed image reproduction mode is to be ended. On the other hand, when an image switching operation such as an operation for instructing scrolling of the screen is received or when there is no user operation, it is determined that the undisplayed image reproduction mode is not terminated. If it is determined in step S1812 that the undisplayed image playback mode is not to be ended, the process proceeds to step S1806. When the image switching operation is received, in step S1806, image data to be displayed as an image is selected from the image data of the undisplayed image based on the content of the image switching operation, and the image is selected based on the selected image data. Display.

If it is determined in step S1812 that the operation in the non-display image reproduction mode is completed, the operation mode is changed according to the operation of the operation member (step S1814). In step S1814, for example, when the operation of the release button is accepted, the current operation mode is changed to the shooting standby mode. When the operation of the setting button is accepted, the current operation mode is changed to the setting mode. Subsequently, a screen corresponding to the current operation mode of the digital camera 10 is displayed on the monitor 16 (step S1816), and this flow ends. An example of the screen displayed in step S1816 is a screen that presents the user with imaging conditions such as the shutter speed and aperture value when the current operation mode is the shooting standby mode. If it is determined in step S1802 that the operation setting does not shift to the undisplayed image reproduction mode, the process proceeds to step S1816. If it is determined in step S1804 that there is no undisplayed image, the process proceeds to step S1816.

As described above, the monitor 16 is provided movably with respect to the main body between a position where the user can visually recognize the display surface 18 and a position where the user cannot visually recognize the display surface 18 by a user operation. When the monitor 16 is present at a position where the user cannot visually recognize the display surface 18, the control unit 201 does not display an image based on the image data generated according to the shooting instruction on the monitor 16, and the image data Information for determining that the data is image data of an undisplayed image is stored. Then, the control unit 201 causes the monitor 16 to display an undisplayed image when the monitor 16 is displaced from a position where the user cannot visually recognize the display surface 18 to a position where the user can visually recognize the display surface 18.

In the above description, when displaying an undisplayed image as a thumbnail, the image displayed as a thumbnail is deleted from the list of undisplayed images. However, only images displayed in a larger size after being displayed as thumbnails may be deleted from the list of undisplayed images.

Further, in the above description, the shooting of a still image has been described as an example, but it may be applied to the shooting of a moving image. In this case, with respect to a non-displayed moving image, a still image may be displayed every predetermined time at a predetermined timing, or a head image of each chapter may be displayed. In addition, when a still image is captured during moving image shooting, the present embodiment may be applied with the still image as a non-displayed image. In addition, the present embodiment may be applied to a shooting operation in which the monitor 16 is turned off during a shooting operation, such as interval shooting or long exposure shooting using a tripod.

In the above description, the digital camera 10 can replace the lens unit 12. However, the example of the digital camera 10 is not limited to this, and is a so-called compact digital camera in which the lens unit 12 is integrated with the main body unit 14. There may be. In the embodiment, the monitor 16 is a liquid crystal display device, but may be another display device such as an organic EL.

In the above description, the processing described as the operation of the control unit 201 is realized by a processor such as a CPU controlling each hardware of the digital camera 10 according to a program. That is, the processing described in relation to the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment is performed by the processor operating in accordance with the program to control each hardware, so that each hardware including the processor, the memory, and the like cooperates with the program. It can be realized by operating. That is, the process can be realized by a so-called computer device. The computer device may load a program for controlling the execution of the above-described process, operate according to the read program, and execute the process. The computer device can load the program from a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The execution order of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior”. It should be noted that they can be implemented in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for the sake of convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. is not.

10 digital camera, 12 lens unit, 14 body unit, 16 monitor, 18 display surface, 100 image sensor, 102 aperture, 104 imaging lens, 201 control unit, 202 A / D conversion circuit, 203 memory, 204 drive unit, 205 operation Input unit, 206 image processing unit, 207 angle detection unit, 208 user detection unit, 210 LCD drive circuit, 211 AF sensor, 212 photometry sensor, 214 memory card IF, 216 memory card, 1100 screen, 1101 image, 1102 image, 1103 Image, 1104 image, 1110 sidebar, 1200 screen, 1300 screen, 1400 screen, 1410 object, 1420 object

Claims

An imaging unit;
A display unit that displays an image based on image data generated by imaging with the imaging unit in accordance with a shooting instruction;
Image data generated by imaging the first image based on the first image data that is generated by imaging by the imaging unit and not displayed as an image on the display unit. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to display on the display unit with priority over a second image based on second image data already displayed as an image on the display unit.
A storage unit that stores information for determining whether or not an image based on the image data generated by imaging with the imaging unit has already been displayed on the display unit;
The control unit determines whether the image data generated by imaging with the imaging unit is the first image data or the second image data based on information stored in the storage unit And
When the control unit displays an image on the display unit based on image data determined not to be displayed on the display unit, an image based on the image data is already displayed on the display unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage unit is updated so as to be determined as having been determined.
A detection unit for detecting whether the user is viewing the image displayed on the display unit;
When the control unit detects that an image is displayed on the display unit and the detection unit detects that the user is viewing the image, an image based on image data corresponding to the image is The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information stored in the storage unit is updated so that it is determined that the display unit has already been displayed.
The control unit causes the display unit to display the first image with priority over the second image when a predetermined operation is received when the first image data exists. The imaging device according to claim 3.
In the case where the first image data exists, the control unit receives the first image when the operation for instructing to reproduce the image data already generated in response to the shooting instruction is received. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image is displayed on the display unit with priority over two images.
The said control part displays the said 1st image on the said display part ahead of a said 2nd image according to operation which instruct | indicates to reproduce | regenerate the image data already produced | generated according to the said imaging | photography instruction | indication. 5. The imaging device according to 5.
The control unit is generated according to the shooting instruction when it is set to accept the next shooting instruction without allowing the user to confirm an image based on the image data generated according to the shooting instruction. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein information that determines that the image data is the first image data is stored without displaying the image data on the display unit.
The said control part displays the said 1st image on the said display part, when the operation which changes into the setting to make a user confirm the image based on the image data produced | generated according to the said imaging | photography instruction | indication is received. 8. The imaging device according to 7.
The display unit is provided to be movable with respect to the main body unit between a position where the user can visually recognize the display surface and a position where the user cannot visually recognize the display surface,
When the display unit is present at a position where the user cannot visually recognize the display surface, the control unit displays the image based on the image data generated according to the shooting instruction without displaying the image on the display unit. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information that determines that the image data is the first image data is stored.
The said control part displays the said 1st image on the said display part, when the said display part moves to the position where a user can visually recognize the said display surface from the position where the user cannot visually recognize the said display surface. Imaging device.
The display unit sequentially displays images for a predetermined time based on image data sequentially generated by the imaging unit sequentially capturing images in a continuous shooting operation,
When the control unit interrupts the sequential image display operation and another operation is started, the image data generated by the continuous shooting operation and not displayed as an image on the display unit is the first image data. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein information that is determined to be stored is stored.
The imaging unit according to claim 11, wherein when the other operation ends, the control unit sequentially displays images based on image data generated by the continuous shooting operation and not displayed as an image on the display unit. apparatus.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the other operation is a further continuous shooting operation.
Displaying an image on a display unit based on image data generated by imaging with an imaging unit in response to a shooting instruction;
Image data generated by imaging the first image based on the first image data that is generated by imaging by the imaging unit and not displayed as an image on the display unit. A program for causing a computer to execute a step of displaying on the display unit in preference to a second image based on the second image data already displayed as an image on the display unit.