Electronic camera with self-explanation/diagnosis mode

Abstract

An electronic camera having a plurality of functions including capturing and recording images is provided. The electronic camera includes an on input unit for inputting external operations that designate corresponding functions of the camera to be performed, an image pickup unit for capturing the image of an object, and a recorder for recording the image captured by the image pickup unit. The electronic camera further includes a playback unit for at least playing back image information that is recorded on the recording medium and a mode selector for selecting one operation mode of the camera from a plurality of available operation modes that include an operation explanation mode. If the operation explanation mode is selected at the mode selector, the playback unit plays back an operation guide that is pre-stored in a memory, the operation guide explaining at least one of the camera operations and functions thereof.

Description

[0001]This application is a Continuation of Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 139,603 filed May 31, 2005, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 002,349 filed Jan. 2, 1998 and claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No. 09-001866 filed in Japan on Jan. 9, 1997, and No. 09-010154 filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 1997, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly, to an electronic camera that has an operation instruction mode and / or a diagnostics mode.[0004]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0005]In general, electronic cameras record still images and / or moving images using image pickup devices. In particular, digital cameras are popular among a wide range of users because they are easy to use for taking pictures due to the fact that digital cameras do not require film developing processes, which are ne...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables users to quickly grasp camera operations and functions, eliminates switching operation troubles, and allows for easy and accurate checking of camera functions, reducing anxiety about camera malfunctions and improving user experience.

Problems solved by technology

However, operation manuals are hard to understand and operators have to locate the necessary information in the operation manual every time they need help.

Therefore, learning camera operations takes effort and time for those who are inexperienced with mechanical operations in general.

In these electronic cameras, the number of operation buttons increases as the complexity and sophistication of the functions increase.

Therefore, the operation of the camera is becoming even more difficult.

Thus, learning camera's complicated and sophisticated functions takes an even longer time.

Since there is no second chance to take pictures for these trips and school events, camera users tend to feel anxious about whether the camera is working properly.

However, with this limited confirmation of camera operations during and / or after the photo shooting, there is a large possibility that even if the camera is broken, a user does not notice the problem and starts shooting pictures.

In reality, however, this is a very cumbersome task.

Moreover, even when the camera appears to be normally operating, malfunctions are occurring.

In general, it is difficult for the operator to judge whether all the functions of the camera are working properly.

Images