Display control device and control procedure of this

Abstract

Display control device configured to display a display object on a display unit, wherein the display control device comprises: a storage unit configured to store information about a magnification position of the display object; and A display control unit configured to, when a predetermined operation is started while the display object is shown on the display unit at an initial magnification, perform a control to provide a display that designates a magnification range of the display object based on the magnification position information stored in the memory unit, without changing the display magnification of the display object, and then provide a magnified display of the magnification range of the display object based on the magnification position information stored in the memory unit, even without restarting the predetermined operation, with the magnified display being magnified to more than the initial magnification.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device and a control method thereof. Description of related technology

[0002] Some imaging devices are capable of live view display for displaying an output (a live view image) of an image sensor on a display unit. As discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-201527 A, a function for providing an enlarged display of a live view image for the purpose of focus checking or more precise focus adjustment during imaging has been known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-178735 A discusses a configuration for superimposing and displaying an image angle frame corresponding to a specific zoom step of an optical zoom and image angle frames corresponding to the previous and next zoom steps on a live view image on a liquid crystal monitor.

[0003] When an enlarged display of a live view image or a display object is provided in response to an operation for giving instructions for an enlarged display, it may be difficult to understand or trace from which position the enlarged display is provided.

[0004] As discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-201527, in response to an operation for instructing enlarged display, a live view image of an actual size may be displayed once, and an index indicating a magnification range may be superimposed thereon. An enlarged display of the live view image may then be provided in response to a subsequent operation for instructing enlarged display. However, such a method increases the number of operations required to provide an enlarged display. The index indicating the magnification range may be continuously superimposed and displayed on a live view image. However, such a method may adversely affect the visibility of the live view image.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-178735 A discusses superimposing and displaying the image or view angle frames corresponding to the previous and next zoom steps on the live view image, making it easy to understand or identify the zoom area. However, since the technique is provided for optical zooming, the magnification range is in the center. In other words, magnified display of areas other than the center of a display object, such as a live view image, is not considered.

[0006] US 2013 / 0 250 157 A1 describes an imaging device that allows the user to set an AF area and a magnification area separately and that, when the position of the AF area is changed, eliminates the time and effort required to change the position of the magnification area.To this end, the imaging device comprises an AF area setting unit configured to set an AF area used for AF indicating an area from the live view image of a subject imaged by an imaging unit, and a control unit configured to change a position of a magnification area indicating an area to be magnified in association with a position of the AF area set by the AF area setting unit, and configured to change the position of the magnification area without changing the position of the AF area set by the AF area setting unit in response to an instruction to change the position of the magnification area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to making the magnification range easily recognizable and reducing the number of operations necessary to provide an enlarged display.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display control device configured to display a display object on a display unit comprises a memory and at least one processor which operate.function as a storage unit configured to store information about a magnification position of the display object, and a display control unit configured to, when a predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at a first magnification, perform control to provide a display indicating a magnification range of the display object based on the information about the magnification position stored in the storage unit without changing a display magnification of the display object, and then provide an enlarged display of the magnification range of the display object based on the information about the magnification position stored in the storage unit even without restarting the predetermined operation.even if the predetermined operation is not restarted, the enlarged display is enlarged to more than the first magnification.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of the digital camera according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 (consisting of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B) is a flowchart illustrating live view imaging mode processing according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of live view magnification mode processing in the live view imaging mode processing. Fig. 5A to 5I are diagrams illustrating examples of a live view display. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following exemplary embodiment is merely an example for implementing the present invention and can be appropriately modified or changed depending on individual designs and various conditions of devices to which the present invention is applied. Thus, the present invention is in no way limited to the following exemplary embodiment.

[0011] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present exemplary embodiment describes an example in which a digital camera functions as a display control device.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera 100 according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of the digital camera 100 according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0013] An imaging lens 104 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. A shutter 105 has a diaphragm function. An imaging unit 106 includes an image sensor for converting an optical image into an electrical signal. Examples of the image sensor include a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. An analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 107 converts an analog signal output from the imaging unit 106 into a digital signal. A cover 103 covers an imaging system including the imaging lens 104, thereby preventing stains and damage to the imaging system.

[0014] An image processing unit 102 performs predetermined size change processing, such as pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 107 or data from a memory control unit 108. The image processing unit 102 performs predetermined calculation processing using captured image data. Based on the obtained calculation result, a system control unit 101 performs exposure control and distance measurement control. Through-the-lens (TTL) autofocus (AF) processing, auto exposure (AE) processing, and flash pre-emission (electron flash (EF)) processing are thereby performed. The image processing unit 102 further performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data and TTL automatic white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained calculation result.

[0015] The data from the A / D converter 107 is written into a memory 109 via the image processing unit 102 and the memory control unit 108, or via the memory control unit 108. The memory 109 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 106 and digitally converted by the A / D converter 107, and image data to be displayed on a display unit 111. The memory 109 has a storage capacity sufficient to store data relating to a predetermined number of still images and data relating to a predetermined duration of moving images and sounds. The memory 109 also serves as an image display memory (video memory).

[0016] A digital-to-analog (D / A) converter 110 converts image display data stored in the memory 109 into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit 111. The image display data stored in the memory 109 is thereby displayed on the display unit 111 via the D / A converter 110. The display unit 111 provides a display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 110 on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The digital signal, once A / D-converted by the A / D converter 107 and stored in the memory 109, can be analog-converted by the D / A converter 110 and then transmitted to and displayed on the display unit 111. The display unit 111 thus functions as an electronic viewfinder and implements a live view for displaying a live view image. Hereinafter, a live view is referred to as LV.

[0017] The system control unit 101 includes at least one processor or circuit and controls the entire digital camera 100. For example, the system control unit 101 performs display control by controlling the memory 109, the D / A converter 110, and the display unit 111.

[0018] A non-volatile memory 114 is an electrically erasable and writable memory. For example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is used as the non-volatile memory 114. The non-volatile memory 114 stores operating constants and programs of the system control unit 101. The programs here include those for executing various flowcharts to be described below. The system control unit 101 executes the programs stored in the non-volatile memory 114, thereby implementing the processing of the present exemplary embodiment.

[0019] An example of system memory 112 is random access memory (RAM). The operating constants of the system controller 101, variables, and programs read from non-volatile memory 114 are loaded into system memory 112.

[0020] A system timer 113 is a timing unit that measures a time to be used for various controls and a time of a built-in clock.

[0021] A shutter button 115, a mode switch dial 118, a power button 119, and an operation unit 120 are operation units for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 101. The mode switch dial 118 switches an operation mode of the digital camera 100 between a still image recording mode, a motion picture recording mode, a playback mode, and detail modes included in the respective operation modes. When the shutter button 115 is half-pressed, i.e., half-pressed (image preparation instruction), a first shutter switch 116 turns on, so that a first shutter switching signal SW1 is generated. According to the first shutter switching signal SW1, the system control unit 101 starts the AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing. When the shutter button 115 is fully pressed, i.e.,is fully pressed (imaging instruction), a second shutter switch 117 turns on, generating a second shutter switching signal SW2. According to the second shutter switching signal SW2, the system control unit 101 starts a sequence of imaging processes from reading a signal from the imaging unit 106 to writing image data to a recording medium 124. The power button 119 instructs the digital camera 100 to turn on and off. Details of the operation unit 120 will be described below.

[0022] A power supply control unit 121 includes a battery detection circuit, a direct current (DC-DC) converter, and a switching circuit for switching blocks to be powered. The power supply control unit 121 detects the state of the power button 119, the presence or absence of an attached battery, the battery type, and the remaining battery level. The power supply control unit 121 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 101 and supplies the required voltages to various parts, including the recording medium 124, for the required time periods.A power supply unit (battery) 122 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery and a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, and a lithium ion (Li) battery, or an alternating current (AC) adapter. As shown in FIG. Fig. 2, the battery 122 can be inserted into the digital camera 100 from below and covered with an openable / closable cover 207.

[0023] A recording medium interface (I / F) 123 is an interface to the recording medium 124, such as a memory card and a hard disk. The recording medium 124 is a memory card or other recording medium for recording captured images and includes a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. As shown in Fig. 2, the recording medium 124 can be inserted into the digital camera 100 from below and covered with the openable / closable cover 207.

[0024] A voice control unit 125 generates speech. A loudspeaker 126 announces the speech generated by the voice control unit 125. The digital camera 100 can thus provide a notification, such as a warning, by voice.

[0025] A zoom driving unit 128 drives the zoom lens included in the imaging lens 104 under the control of the system control unit 101.

[0026] Details of the control unit 120 will now be described.

[0027] Control elements of the control unit 120 are assigned to corresponding functions scene by scene by selecting and pressing various function icons displayed on the display unit 111. The control elements of the control unit 120 thus function as various function keys. Examples of the function keys include an end key, a return key, a page forward key, a jump key, a limit key, and an attribute change key. For example, if a Fig. When the menu button illustrated in Figure 2 is pressed, various types of adjustable menu screens are displayed on the display unit 111. The user can intuitively perform various settings by using the menu screens displayed on the display unit 111, a direction block (direction instruction buttons) 202 having four-way buttons (up, down, left, and right), and a setting button 203. A control dial 204 and an electronic dial 205 are control elements included in the operation unit 120 that are capable of rotary operations. The control dial 204 and the electronic dial 205 are used with the direction block 202 when specifying an item to be selected. When the control dial 204 or the electronic dial 205 is operated to rotate, an electrical pulse signal is generated according to the amount of operation. The system control unit 101 controls various parts of the digital camera 100 based on the pulse signal.The angle of the rotation and the number of rotations of the control wheel 204 or the electronic dial 205 can be determined from the pulse signal. The control wheel 204 and the electronic dial 205 can be any control elements that can detect a rotation operation. For example, the control wheel 204 and the electronic dial 205 can be dial controls that rotate themselves to generate a pulse signal in response to the user's rotation operation. The control wheel 204 can be a control element that includes a touch sensor, does not rotate itself, and detects a rotational movement of the user's finger on the control wheel 204 (touch wheel).

[0028] The control unit 120 includes a magnification button 206. The magnification button 206 is used to give instructions for an enlarged display of the LV image displayed on the display unit 111.

[0029] The operation unit 120 includes a touch panel 127 that can detect a touch on the display unit 111. The touch panel 127 is configured integrally with the display unit 111. For example, the touch panel 127 is configured so that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 111, and it is mounted on the display surface of the display unit 111. Input coordinates of the touch panel 127 are related to display coordinates on the display unit 111. In this way, a graphical user interface (GUI) can be configured, allowing the user to perform operations as if directly operating a screen displayed on the display unit 111.

[0030] The system control unit 101 can detect a touch operation on the touch panel 127 using a finger or a stylus (hereinafter referred to as a finger). Possible touch operations include the following: • That a finger not in contact with the touch pad 127 re-touches the touch pad 127. In other words, a start of a touch (hereinafter referred to as a "touch-down"). • That the touch pad 127 is touched with a finger (hereinafter referred to as “touch-on”). • That a finger moves into contact with the touch pad 127 (hereinafter referred to as “touch-move”). • That a finger touching the touch pad 127 is released. In other words, an end of a touch (hereinafter referred to as a "touch-up"). • That nothing touches the touch pad 127 (hereinafter referred to as “touch-off”).

[0031] When a touch-down is detected, a touch-on is detected simultaneously. After a touch-down, a touch-on is typically still detected unless a touch-up is detected. A touch-move can be detected in a state where a touch-on is detected. If a touch-on is detected and a touch position is not moving, a touch-move is not detected. After a touch-up is detected by all fingers touching the touch pad 127, a touch-off occurs.

[0032] The position coordinates where the touch pad 127 is touched with a finger are reported to the system control unit 101 via an internal bus. Based on the reported information, the system control unit 101 can determine which touch operation is being performed on the touch pad 127. Regarding touch move, a vertical component and a horizontal component of the movement direction of the finger moving on the touch pad 127 are separately determined based on a change in the position coordinates. If touch move is detected for a predetermined distance or more, it is determined that a slide operation is being performed. An operation of quickly moving a finger into contact with the touch pad 127 for a certain distance and immediately releasing the finger is called a "flick."In other words, a flick is an operation of quickly swiping a finger across the touch panel 127, as if flicking. When a touch-move operation is detected to be performed for a predetermined distance or more at a predetermined speed or more, and a touch-up operation is immediately detected, it is determined that a flick is performed (it may be determined that a flick is performed after a slide operation). A touch operation of simultaneously touching a plurality of points (for example, two points) and bringing the touch positions close to each other is called "pinch-in." A touch operation of moving the touch positions apart from each other is called "pinch-out."

[0033] Touch pads of various methods have been known, including resistance, capacitance, surface elastic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, and optical sensor methods. A touch pad of any of these methods can be used. Some methods detect a touch based on contact with the touch pad. Some methods detect a touch based on the proximity of a finger to the touch pad. Any type of method can be used.

[0034] The digital camera 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment can provide a magnified display of an LV image in an LV imaging mode in which the LV image is displayed as an imaging standby screen. The magnified display of the LV image enables more detailed observation of an object included in the magnification range for more precise focus adjustment. In the present exemplary embodiment, the magnification factor of the LV image can be switched to one of actual size (1x), 5x, and 10x. As will be described in detail below, when a focus mode is set to a manual focus (MF) mode, a magnification range frame 507 is generated based on information about the magnification range (magnification position and magnification factor).-degree) stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 are superimposed and displayed on the LV image according to pressing the magnification button 206 or touching down on a magnification touch button 502. The nonvolatile memory 114 stores the magnification range information in an updatable manner. The magnification range set in the previous LV magnification mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory 114. Subsequently, when pressing the magnification button 206 is released or touching up the magnification touch button 502, an enlarged display of the LV image is provided in the magnification range designated by the magnification range frame 507.

[0035] Details of LV imaging mode processing are described below.

[0036] Fig. 3 (consisting of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B) illustrates the LV imaging mode processing of the digital camera 100. The flowchart of Fig. 3 is implemented by the system control unit 101 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 114 into the system memory 112 and executing the program. The flowchart of Fig. 3 is started when the digital camera 100 is turned on and the LV imaging mode is / is set. In step S301, the system control unit 101 provides an LV display on the display unit 111. The system control unit 101 displays an LV image as the imaging-ready image on the display unit 111 and displays various types of information. The LV display here is an actual-size display, so the entire LV image is displayed on the display unit 111.

[0037] In step S302, the system control unit 101 determines whether the focus mode is set to an AF mode. If the focus mode is set to the AF mode (YES in step S302), processing proceeds to step S303. If not (if the focus mode is set to the MF mode) (NO in step S302), processing proceeds to step S305.

[0038] Fig. Figures 5A to 5D illustrate examples of the LV display when the focus mode is set to AF mode. Fig. 5A illustrates an example of the LV display displayed in step S301 when the focus mode is the AF mode. An AF frame 501 and the magnification touch button 502 are superimposed and displayed on an actual-size LV image 500. The AF frame 501 is a frame indicating a focus adjustment area. The magnification touch button 502 is a touch icon used to give instructions for an enlarged display of the LV image 500. According to a setting state of an information display, various types of information (exposure settings including at least one of aperture, shutter speed, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) speed, and ISO / ISO 10000) are displayed.Sensitivity and exposure compensation, imaging settings such as the imaging mode, the remaining number of still images that can be recorded, the remaining time of a motion picture that can be recorded, and the remaining battery level) are displayed.

[0039] Fig. 5E to 5I illustrate examples of the LV display when the focus mode is set to MF mode. Fig. Fig. 5E illustrates an example of an LV indication displayed in step S301 when the focus mode is the MF mode. In the MF mode, unlike Fig. 5A, the AF frame 501 is not displayed. The magnification touch button 502 is superimposed and displayed on the actual-size LV image 500. For example, a character string "MF" is additionally displayed as a display element indicating the MF mode. According to the setting state of the information display, various types of information (exposure settings including at least one of aperture, shutter speed, ISO speed, and exposure compensation, imaging settings such as the imaging mode, the remaining number of still images that can be recorded, the remaining time of a motion picture that can be recorded, and the remaining battery level) are displayed.

[0040] In step S303, the system control unit 101 determines whether an operation to move the AF frame 501 is being performed. The position of the AF frame 501 can be changed according to an operation on the direction pad 202 or a touch operation on the touch panel 127. If an operation to move the AF frame 501 is being performed (YES in step S303), processing proceeds to step S304. If no operation to move the AF frame 501 is being performed (NO in step S303), processing proceeds to step S305.

[0041] In step S304, the system control unit 101 moves the AF frame 501 according to the operation for moving the AF frame 501, and stores the position of the AF frame 501 after the movement in the nonvolatile memory 114 (updates an AF frame position). When the movement for operating the AF frame 501 is performed using the direction block 202, the system control unit 101 moves the AF frame 501 from the position of the AF frame 501 before the movement in the direction of the operated button of the direction block 202 by a movement amount according to the amount (the number of times or duration) of an operation. When the operation to move the AF frame 501 touch-down on the LV image is at a position other than display elements such as a touch icon, the system control unit 101 moves the AF frame 501 to the touch-down position regardless of the position of the AF frame 501 before the movement.While the specifications here are such that the AF frame 501 is moved to the touch-down position, the specifications may be such that the AF frame 501 is moved to a touch-up position. When the AF frame 501 is moved, the system control unit 101 updates the magnification position stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 in a linked manner. The information about the magnification range (magnification position and magnification factor or degree) set in the previous (ie, last) LV magnification mode has been stored in the nonvolatile memory 114, and the system control unit 101 updates the magnification position so that the center of the magnified display coincides with the center of the moved AF frame 501.

[0042] In step S305, the system control unit 101 determines whether the magnification button 206 begins to be operated, that is, whether the magnification button 206 is pressed. If the magnification button 206 is pressed (YES in step S305), processing proceeds to step S307. If the magnification button 206 is not pressed (NO in step S305), processing proceeds to step S306.

[0043] In step S306, the system control unit 101 determines whether the magnification touch button 502 begins to be operated, that is, whether a touchdown is performed on the magnification touch button 502. If a touchdown is performed on the magnification touch button 502 (YES in step S306), the processing proceeds to step S307. If a touchdown is not performed on the magnification touch button 502 (NO in step S306), the processing proceeds to step S321.

[0044] In step S307, the system control unit 101 obtains the information indicating the magnification position and magnification factor stored in the non-volatile memory 114. An example of the information indicating the magnification position is coordinate information regarding the center of the magnification area.

[0045] In step S308, the system control unit 101 determines whether the magnification factor obtained in step S307 is the actual size. If the magnification factor is the actual size (YES in step S308), processing proceeds to step S320. In such a case, the system control unit 101 does not provide an enlarged display of the LV image. If the magnification factor is not the actual size, that is, larger than the actual size (that is, 5x or 10x in the present exemplary embodiment) (NO in step S308), processing proceeds to step S309.

[0046] In step S309, the system control unit 101 determines whether the focus mode is set to the MF mode. If the focus mode is set to the MF mode (YES in step S309), processing proceeds to step S310. If not (if the focus mode is set to the AF mode) (NO in step S309), processing proceeds to step S319.

[0047] In step S310, the system control unit 101 determines whether the magnification factor obtained in step S307 is 5x. If the magnification factor is 5x (YES in step S310), processing proceeds to step S311. If not (ie, 10x in the present exemplary embodiment) (NO in step S310), processing proceeds to step S312.

[0048] In step S311, the system control unit 101 displays the magnification range frame 507 as an index indicating the 5x magnification range. Here, the system control unit 101 does not provide an enlarged display of the LV image.

[0049] Fig. 5F illustrates an example of the LV display in step S311. Fig. 5F illustrates a display example when the magnification button 206 is pressed further / continued or the magnification touch button 502 is touched further / continued. The magnification area frame 507 is superimposed on the actual-size LV image 500 and displayed. The magnification area frame 507 indicates the area of ​​the LV image to be magnified and is displayed at the magnification position and magnification factor obtained in step S307. Before an enlarged display is provided, the user can easily understand which position of the LV image will be magnified and at what size it will be displayed by viewing the magnification area frame 507 superimposed on the actual-size LV image 500.This can reduce the possibility of confusion caused by not knowing which position is being magnified and displayed when providing an enlarged display of the LV image. When the magnification button 206 is pressed or a touch-down is made on the magnification touch button 502, the magnification area frame 507 is immediately displayed. Specifically, the magnification area frame 507 is displayed substantially simultaneously with the magnification button 206 being pressed or the magnification touch button 502 being touched down, although there is a slight delay from a time when the magnification button 206 being pressed or the magnification touch button 502 being touched down due to processing time required to provide the display. The magnification area frame 507 does not involve any timing orTiming processing for providing a time difference from a time point at which pressing the magnification button 206 or touching down on the magnification touch button 512 is detected to a time point at which the magnification area frame 507 is displayed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the magnification area frame 507 is displayed at a position irrelevant to the touch position of the touch operation (touching down on the magnification touch button 502) that triggers the display of the magnification area frame 507.

[0050] For easy differentiation from the AF frame 501 displayed in the AF mode, the magnification area frame 507 is displayed with a display element 508 representing magnification. For example, the display object 508 is modeled after a magnifying glass to facilitate user understanding of the magnification area frame 507. However, this is not limiting. Other models or a character string "magnified" may be used as long as the user's understanding of the magnification area frame 507 is supported. The magnification area frame 507 and the AF frame 501 may be displayed in different colors or with different line types (solid line / dashed line or lines of different thicknesses) for easy differentiation. The index indicating the magnification area is not limited to a frame like that of the present exemplary embodiment.The inside and outside of the magnification area can be displayed in different modes (for example, the inside of the magnification area is displayed in full color and the outside of the magnification area is displayed in monochrome or with oblique lines or hatching).

[0051] The magnified area frame 507 is displayed when the focus mode is set to the MF mode, and is not displayed when the focus mode is set to the AF mode. This is because the AF frame 501 is displayed in the imaging standby state in the AF mode. When the magnified area frame 507 is displayed, the presence of the two frames makes it confusing and troublesome to recognize which frame indicates the AF area. When the AF frame 501 is hidden and the magnified area frame 507 is displayed in the imaging standby state in the AF mode, the magnified area frame 507 may be mistaken for the AF frame 501. When the AF frame 501, which was displayed before magnification, is magnified and displayed in the center, the user can easily understand or figure out which position will be magnified and displayed even without the magnified area frame 507 being displayed.

[0052] In step S312, the system control unit 101 displays a magnification range frame as an index indicating the 10x magnification range. Here, the system control unit 101 does not provide an enlarged display of the LV image. A display example is omitted here. The 10x magnification range frame is displayed as a frame smaller than the one shown in Fig. Figure 5F illustrated 5x magnification range frames.

[0053] In step S313, the system control unit 101 determines whether an operation to move the magnification area frame 507 is performed while the magnification button 206 is further pressed or the magnification touch button 502 is further touched. If an operation to move the magnification area frame 507 is performed (YES in step S313), the processing proceeds to step S314. If no operation to move the magnification area frame 507 is performed (NO in step S313), the processing proceeds to step S315.

[0054] In step S314, the system control unit 101 moves the magnification range frame 507 according to the operation for moving the magnification range frame 507, and updates the magnification position stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 with that of the moved magnification range frame 507.

[0055] In step S315, the system control unit 101 determines whether a move-out from the enlargement touch button 502 is performed. A move-out from the enlargement touch button 502 refers to a touch move performed outside the touch response area of ​​the enlargement touch button 502 without releasing the touch, in a state where the inside of a touch response area of ​​the enlargement touch button 502 is touched. If a move-out from the enlargement touch button 502 is performed (YES in step S315), the processing proceeds to step S316. If a move-out from the enlargement touch button 502 is not performed (NO in step S315), the processing proceeds to step S317.

[0056] In step S316, the system control unit 101 hides the magnification area frame 507. Processing returns to step S301. Thus, after touching down the magnification touch button 502 to display the magnification area frame 507 and checking the magnification area, the user can restore the state before the magnification area frame 507 was displayed without an enlarged display by moving out of the magnification touch button 502.

[0057] In step S317, the system control unit 101 determines whether the pressing of the magnification button 206 is released, that is, whether the pressing of the magnification button 206 is released. If the pressing of the magnification button 206 is released (YES in step S317), processing proceeds to step S319. If not (NO in step S317), processing proceeds to step S318. The magnification area frame 507 can be viewed until the pressing of the magnification button 206 is released. Thus, if the user wants to take their time viewing the magnification area frame 507, the user can continue pressing the magnification button 206.

[0058] In step S318, the system control unit 101 determines whether touchdown on the magnification touch button 502 is canceled, that is, whether touchup is being performed by the magnification touch button 502. If touchup is being performed by the magnification area button 502 (YES in step S318), processing proceeds to step S319. If not (NO in step S318), processing returns to step S313. The magnification area frame 507 can be viewed until touchup is performed by the magnification area button 502. Thus, if the user wants to take time to view the magnification area frame 507, the user can continue touching the magnification touch button 502.

[0059] While Fig. 3 illustrates both steps S317 and S318, step S317 may be configured to be performed when the magnification area frame 507 is displayed by pressing the magnification button 206. Step S318 may be configured to be performed when the magnification area frame 507 is displayed by touching down the magnification touch button 502.

[0060] In step S319, the system control unit 101 provides an enlarged display of the LV image at the enlargement position (when the enlargement position is updated in step S314, at the updated enlargement position) and with the enlargement factor obtained in step S307.

[0061] In step S320, the system control unit 101 performs LV magnification mode processing. The LV magnification mode processing will be described below with reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0062] In step S321, the system control unit 101 determines whether a setting change operation is being performed. If a setting change operation is being performed (YES in step S321), processing proceeds to step S322. If no setting change operation is being performed (NO in step S321), processing proceeds to step S323. In step S322, the system control unit 101 changes a setting according to the setting change operation. For example, the system control unit 101 changes the shutter speed or an aperture value according to a rotary operation of the electronic dial 205. The system control unit 101 switches the focus mode between the AF mode and the MF mode according to an operation of an AF / MF switching button included in the operation unit 120.

[0063] In step S323, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button 115 is half-pressed to turn on the first shutter switching signal SW1. If the first shutter switching signal SW1 is ON (YES in step S323), the processing proceeds to step S324. If the first shutter switching signal SW1 is not ON (NO in step S323), the processing proceeds to step S330.

[0064] In step S324, the system control unit 101 determines whether the focus mode is set to the AF mode. If the focus mode is set to the AF mode (YES in step S324), processing proceeds to step S325. If not (if the focus mode is set to the MF mode) (NO in step S324), processing proceeds to step S326.

[0065] In step S325, the system control unit 101 performs the AF processing based on the position of the AF frame 501.

[0066] In step S326, the system control unit 101 performs other imaging preparation processing such as AE processing and AWB processing.

[0067] In step S327, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button 115 is fully pressed to turn on the second shutter switching signal SW2. If the second shutter switching signal SW2 is ON (YES in step S327), the processing proceeds to step S328. If the second shutter switching signal SW2 is not ON (NO in step S327), the processing proceeds to step S329.

[0068] In step S328, the system control unit 101 performs a series of imaging processes until an image captured by the imaging unit 106 is recorded as an image file on the recording medium 124. In step S329, the system control unit 101 determines whether the first shutter switching signal SW1 remains ON. If the first shutter switching signal SW1 is ON (YES in step S329), the processing returns to step S327. If the first shutter switching signal SW1 is OFF (NO in step S329), the processing proceeds to step S330.

[0069] In step S330, the system control unit 101 determines whether another operation is being performed. If another operation is being performed (YES in step S330), processing proceeds to step S331. If no other operation is being performed (NO in step S330), processing proceeds to step S332.

[0070] In step S331, the system control unit 101 performs processing according to the operation performed in step S330. For example, the system control unit 101 may display a menu screen for making various settings or perform information display switching to change the type and amount of information to be superimposed and displayed on the LV image.

[0071] In step S332, the system control unit 101 determines whether an end event of the LV imaging mode occurs. Examples of the end event include a power-off operation and a switching instruction to an operation mode other than the LV imaging mode, such as the playback mode. If there is no end event (NO in step S332), processing returns to step S301. If an end event occurs (YES in step S332), the LV imaging mode processing ends.

[0072] Fig. Fig. 4 illustrates details of the LV magnification mode processing in step S320 of Fig. 3. The flow chart of Fig. 4 is implemented by the system control unit 101 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 114 into the system memory 112 and executing the program.

[0073] In step S401, the system control unit 101 provides a display in the LV magnification mode.

[0074] Fig. 5B illustrates a display example in the LV magnification mode when the focus mode is the AF mode and the magnification factor is 5x. As shown in Fig. 5B, an AF frame 503 and an indicator 504 indicating the magnification range are superimposed and displayed on an LV image 510 representing a 5x magnified display. The AF frame 503 is displayed to indicate the current AF position stored in the non-volatile memory 114. In the present exemplary embodiment, the AF position and the magnification position are linked. In the example of Fig. 5B, in which a 5x magnified LV image is displayed, the center of the screen (i.e., the center of the magnification range) coincides with the center of the AF frame 503. The indicator 504 includes an outer frame representing the entire LV image 500 and an inner frame representing a currently displayed area (magnification range) therein. A magnification factor change touch key 505 is a touch icon for changing the magnification factor in the LV magnification mode. Each time a tap operation (an operation of performing touch down and touch up without touch move) is performed on the magnification factor change touch key 505, the magnification factor is changed in an order of 5x, 10x, actual size, 5x, and so on.The magnification factor change touch button 505 also functions as an instruction manual, indicating that the magnification factor can be changed by rotating the electronic dial 205. A return touch button 506 is a touch icon for accepting an instruction to return from the LV magnification mode to the imaging standby screen. In the LV magnification mode, unlike the imaging standby state, various types of information (exposure settings including at least one of aperture, shutter speed, ISO speed, and exposure compensation, imaging settings such as the imaging mode, the remaining number of still images that can be shot, the remaining time of a motion picture that can be shot, and the remaining battery level) are not displayed.The purpose is to not interfere with the visual observation of the enlarged and displayed LV image 510.

[0075] Fig. 5C illustrates a display example in the LV magnification mode when the focus mode is the AF mode and the magnification factor is 10x. Fig. 5C is similar to Fig. 5B, except that the LV image 520 represents a 10x magnified display, and the area designated by indicator 504 is a 10x magnification area (an even more limited area with respect to the entire LV image 500).

[0076] Fig. 5D illustrates a display example in the LV magnification mode when the focus mode is the AF mode and the magnification factor is the actual size. The AF frame 503 is not displayed in the center of the screen, but rather so as to indicate the set position with respect to the entire actual size LV image 500. The inner and outer frames of the indicator 504 indicate substantially equal areas, indicating that the LV image 500 is not magnified. In other respects, Fig. 5D similar to Fig. 5B.

[0077] Fig. Figure 5G illustrates a display example in the LV magnification mode when the focus mode is MF mode and the magnification factor is 5x. In the MF mode, the magnification factor Fig. 5B is not displayed. A character string “MF” is displayed, indicating the MF mode. In other respects, Fig. 5G similar to Fig. 5B in AF mode.

[0078] Fig. 5H is a display example in the LV magnification mode when the focus mode is the MF mode and the magnification factor is 10x. Fig. 5H is similar to Fig. 5G, except that the LV image 520 represents a 10x magnified display, and the area designated by the indicator 504 is a 10x magnification area (an even more limited area with respect to the entire LV image 500).

[0079] Fig. 5I illustrates a display example in the LV magnification mode when the focus mode is the MF mode and the magnification factor is the actual size. The inner and outer frames of the indicator 504 denote substantially equal areas, indicating that the LV image 500 is not magnified. The AF frame 503 is not displayed, and instead, the magnification range frame 507 is displayed. The magnification range frame 507 denotes the magnification position and the magnification range stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 for a case where the LV image 500 is magnified 5 times, which is the next magnification factor to be set when a magnification factor change operation is performed. In other respects, Fig. 5I similar to Fig. 5G.

[0080] In step S402, the system control unit 101 determines whether an operation to change the magnification position is being performed. If the magnification factor is 5x or 10x, an operation to change the magnification position can be performed by operating the direction block 202. If the magnification factor is the actual size, an operation to change the magnification position can be performed by a touch operation on the LV image 500 other than operating the direction block 202. If an operation to change the magnification position is being performed (YES in step S402), the processing proceeds to step S403. If no operation to change the magnification position is being performed (NO in step S402), the processing proceeds to step S407.

[0081] In step S403, the system control unit 101 updates the magnification position of the non-volatile memory 114 according to the operation for changing the magnification position assumed in step S402.

[0082] In step S404, the system control unit 101 determines whether the magnification factor is the actual size. If the magnification factor is the actual size (YES in step S404), processing proceeds to step S405. If not (5x or 10x in the present embodiment), processing proceeds to step S406.

[0083] In step S405, the system control unit 101 changes the position of the frame superimposed and displayed on the actual-size LV image 500 based on the updated magnification position. If the focus mode is the AF mode, the system control unit 101 changes the position of the AF frame 503 displayed in Fig. 5D. When the focus mode is the MF mode, the system control unit 101 changes the position of the magnification area frame 507 shown in Fig. 5I is illustrated.

[0084] In step S406, the system control unit 101 changes the magnification range in the LV image based on the updated magnification position.

[0085] In step S407, the system control unit 101 determines whether a magnification change operation is being performed. A magnification change operation can be performed by a rotary operation of the electronic dial 205 or a tap operation on the magnification change touch key 505. If a magnification change operation is being performed (YES in step S407), processing proceeds to step S408. If no magnification change operation is being performed (NO in step S407), processing proceeds to step S412.

[0086] In step S408, the system control unit 101 updates the magnification factor stored in the non-volatile memory 114 according to the magnification factor change operation accepted in step S407. When the magnification factor change is instructed by a rotary operation of the electronic dial 205 and the rotary operation is performed in a forward direction (clockwise), the system control unit 101 changes the magnification factor from the actual size to 5x, from 5x to 10x, and from 10x to the actual size with each command, and updates the magnification factor stored in the non-volatile memory 114.When the magnification factor change is instructed by a rotary operation of the electronic dial 205 and the rotary operation is performed in a reverse direction (counterclockwise), the system control unit 101 changes the magnification factor from the actual size to 10x, from 10x to 5x, and from 5x to the actual size with each command, and updates the magnification factor stored in the non-volatile memory 114. When the magnification factor change is performed by a touch operation on the magnification factor change touch key 505, the system control unit 101 changes the magnification factor from the actual size to 5x, from 5x to 10x, and from 10x to the actual size with each touch operation, and updates the magnification factor stored in the non-volatile memory 114.

[0087] In step S409, the system control unit 101 determines whether the updated magnification factor is the actual size. If the updated magnification factor is the actual size (YES in step S409), processing proceeds to step S410. If not (5x or 10x in the present exemplary embodiment), processing proceeds to step S411.

[0088] In step S410, the system control unit 101 cancels the enlarged display of the LV image 500 and displays the LV image 500 of the actual size. Fig. 5D and Fig. 5I illustrate display examples of this.

[0089] In step S411, the system control unit 101 provides an enlarged display of the LV image 500 based on the updated magnification factor. Fig. 5B, Fig. 5C, Fig. 5G and Fig. 5H illustrate display examples of this.

[0090] In step S412, the system control unit 101 determines whether the magnification button 206 is pressed. If the magnification button 206 is pressed (YES in step S412), processing proceeds to step S414. If the magnification button 206 is not pressed (NO in step S412), processing proceeds to step S413.

[0091] In step S413, the system control unit 101 determines whether a touch operation (specifically, a tap operation) is performed on the return touch button 506. If a touch operation is performed on the return operation button 506 (YES in step S413), the processing proceeds to step S414. If no touch operation is performed on the return touch button 506 (NO in step S413), the processing returns to step S402, and the system control unit 101 repeats the processing.

[0092] In step S414, the system control unit 101 determines whether the current magnification factor (the same magnification factor as that immediately before pressing the magnification button 206 in step S412 or immediately before the touch operation on the return touch button 506 in step S413) is the actual size. If the current magnification factor is not the actual size (NO in step S414), the processing proceeds to step S415. In step S415, the system control unit 101 cancels the enlarged display of the LV image 500, displays the LV image 500 of the actual size, and ends the LV magnification mode. When the LV magnification mode ends, the touch buttons 505 and 506 are hidden, and the processing proceeds to step S301 of Fig. 3 to display the aforementioned imaging standby screen. Even if the LV magnification mode is canceled, the magnification position and magnification factor set by the user in the LV magnification mode are stored in the nonvolatile memory 114. In other words, the magnification position and magnification factor stored immediately before the magnification button 206 is pressed in step S412 or immediately before the touch operation on the return touch button 506 in step S413 are retained. The next time the magnification button 206 is pressed or the touch-down on the magnification touch button 502 is performed, the magnification range frame 507 is displayed based on the magnification position and magnification factor set in the previous LV magnification mode, which are stored in the nonvolatile memory 114.

[0093] Although this is Fig. 4 is omitted, the system control unit 101 can perform imaging processing similar to that of step S328, even in the LV magnification mode, according to an operation of fully pressing the shutter button 115. Thus, imaging can be performed even in a state where the LV image 500 is magnified.

[0094] As described above, when the focus mode is set to the MF mode in the LV imaging mode, the magnification range frame 507 is superimposed and displayed on the LV image 500 according to the start of an operation of a predetermined operation (pressing the magnification button 206 or touching down the magnification touch button 502). Next, when the operation of the predetermined operation is canceled (pressing the magnification button 206 is released or touching up the magnification touch button 502), an enlarged display of the LV image is provided in the magnification range designated by the magnification range frame 507, even without the start of a new operation (pressing the magnification button 206 or touching down the magnification touch button 502).

[0095] In this way, the magnification range can be checked and a magnification display can be provided in a sequence of operations. When providing the magnified display of the LV image 500, this can make the magnification range easily recognizable and reduce the number of operations required to provide the magnified display. Since the magnification range can be checked and the magnified display can be provided in a sequence of operations, the user does not need to perform operations to give separate instructions for checking the magnification range and providing the magnified display. In other words, the magnification range can be checked and the magnification display can be provided without forcing the user to perform an additional operation to check the magnification range.If the user wants to quickly view an enlarged display without taking time to check the magnification range, the user can simply press and release the magnification button 206 or quickly touch down or touch up the magnification touch button 502. This provides a high level of responsiveness. The user can thus use an enlarged display with high operability.

[0096] A modification of the exemplary embodiment set forth above will be described below.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, it is described that an enlarged display is provided immediately in response to releasing the press of the magnification button 206 or touching up the magnification touch button 502. This provides the convenience of high operational responsiveness. However, if the magnification button 206 is quickly pressed and released, or touching down and up on the magnification touch button 502 are quickly performed, the user may not be able to sufficiently observe the display of the magnification area frame 507.

[0098] If the press of the magnification button 206 is released or touch-up of the magnification touch button 502 is made before a previously set minimum display time elapses since the display of the magnification area frame 507, then the magnification display can be provided after a elapse of the minimum display time. For example, the minimum display time is set to 0.5 seconds. In such a case, the system timer 113 starts counting when the magnification area frame 507 is displayed in step S311 or S312. Then, in a phase before step S319, the system control unit 101 determines whether the minimum display time has been reached. If the minimum display time has been reached, processing proceeds to step S319. If the minimum display time has not been reached, the system control unit 101 waits for the minimum display time to elapse before processing proceeds to step S319.This allows the user to more adequately check the magnification range before the enlarged display is provided and can reduce possibilities of confusion regarding the magnification range after the enlarged display is provided.

[0099] If the press of the magnification button 206 is not released or the magnification touch button 502 is not touched before a previously set maximum display time elapses since the display of the magnification area frame 507, the system control unit 101 may provide an enlarged display after the maximum display time elapses. For example, the maximum display time is set to 2 seconds. In such a case, the system timer 113 starts counting when the magnification display frame 507 is displayed in step S311 or S312. If the determination of step S318 is NO (neither the press of the magnification button 206 is released nor the touch button 502 is touched), the system control unit 101 determines whether the maximum display time has been reached. If the maximum display time has not been reached, processing returns to step S313, and the system control unit 101 repeats the processing.When the maximum display time is reached, processing proceeds to step S319. In this way, the system control unit 101 can provide an enlarged display when the maximum display time is reached, even if the magnification button 206 remains pressed or the magnification touch button 502 remains touched. This can prevent the user from continuing the operation and wasting time before an enlarged display is provided because they are unaware of the operation method that an enlarged display is provided in response to releasing the press of the magnification button 206 or touching up the magnification touch button 502.

[0100] Both the minimum and maximum display time set out above can be taken into account.

[0101] If pressing the magnification key 206 or touching down the magnification touch key 502 continues for a predetermined time or longer since the display of the magnification area frame 507, the system control unit 101 may enter a position movement mode of the magnification area frame 507. This is because the user may find that the magnification position is not desired when checking the magnification area frame 507. For example, the predetermined time is set to 2 seconds. In such a case, the system timer 113 starts counting when the magnification area frame 507 is displayed in step S311 or S312. If the determination of step S318 is NO (neither pressing the magnification key 206 is released nor touching down the magnification touch key 502 is performed), the system control unit 101 determines whether the predetermined time has been reached.If the predetermined time has not been reached, processing returns to step S313, and the system control unit 101 repeats the processing. When the predetermined time has been reached, the system control unit 101 enters the position movement mode of the magnification area frame 507. Upon entering the position movement mode of the magnification area frame 507, the system control unit 101 does not provide an enlarged display even if the press of the magnification button 206 is released or the touch-up of the magnification touch button 502 is made. In the position movement mode of the magnification area frame 507, the system control unit 101 displays the actual-size LV image 500 and the magnification area frame 507, accepts operations for moving the magnification position from the user, and moves the magnification position accordingly.When an operation is performed to give a new magnification instruction, the system control unit 101 performs magnification. Such processing is basically similar to that of the LV magnification mode when the magnification factor is the actual size. The magnification range frame 507 is displayed even in the AF mode. The magnification range frame 507 may be displayed in a different manner, such as with a different color or flashing, so that the user can easily recognize the operation state suitable for moving the magnification range frame 507.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, it is described that the magnification position can be changed in steps S313 and S314 while the magnification button 206 is further pressed or the magnification touch button 502 is further pressed. However, the magnification position may be fixed at this time. In such a case, the processing of steps S313 and S314 may be omitted, so that the processing proceeds to step S315.

[0103] In the exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, it is described that the magnification area frame 507 is to be displayed when the focus mode is set to the MF mode and is not to be displayed when the focus mode is set to the AF mode. However, this is not limiting. The magnification area frame 507 may be displayed even when the focus mode is set to the AF mode. In such a case, the processing of step S309 may be omitted, so that the processing proceeds to step S310. In the AF mode, both the AF frame 501 and the magnification area frame 507 may be displayed in an identifiable / recognizable manner. The AF frame may be hidden, and the magnification area frame 507 may be displayed.

[0104] In the exemplary embodiment as shown in Fig.3, it is described that when touching down on the magnification touch button 502 to display the magnification area frame 507 and then moving out of the magnification touch button 507, the state before the magnification display area 507 is displayed without providing an enlarged display is restored. Similarly, when the magnification area frame 507 is displayed by pressing the magnification button 206, the state before the magnification display area 507 is displayed without providing an enlarged display. For example, when an operation other than the magnification button 206 is operated in the state where the magnification area frame 507 is displayed by pressing the magnification button 206, the state before the magnification area frame 507 is displayed without providing an enlarged display.No enlarged display is provided even if the continued or continuous pressing of the magnification button 206 is then released.

[0105] In the exemplary embodiment, it is described that the present invention is applied to an enlarged display of the LV image 500. However, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited to an enlarged display of the LV image 500, and can be applied, for example, to an enlarged display of a playback image. For example, when pressing a button instructing enlargement or touching down on a touch icon instructing enlargement is detected while a captured image (playback image) is displayed at actual size (an original image may be reduced according to the display area), the system control unit 101 displays an enlargement range frame without enlarging the playback image.When the magnification-instructing button is released or the magnification-instructing touch icon is touched, the system control unit 101 then provides an enlarged display of the playback image. The magnification-area frame may designate an area based on a magnification position and magnification factor stored during the previous magnification operation. The magnification-area frame may designate a predetermined area, such as a 3x magnification area in the center of the screen. The position of the magnification-area frame may be an AF position read from attribute information about the playback image or that of an area where a face is detected.The magnification range frame may designate a range based on a magnification factor and a magnification position applied to an image displayed before switching images by a frame advance.

[0106] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited to images captured by an imaging device and can be applied to other display objects suitable for magnified display. Examples include a layout screen of layout software, a web display screen, and display screens of various documents, such as a mail display screen.

[0107] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment thereof. The exemplary embodiment presented above merely represents one example of an embodiment for implementing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited thereto. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in various forms or configurations without departing from the technical concept or essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0108] For example, various controls described in the exemplary embodiment as being performed by the system control unit 101 may be performed by a single piece of hardware. A plurality of hardware pieces may perform the controls by dividing the processing.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiment, it is described that the present invention is applied to the digital camera 100. However, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an example and can be applied to electronic devices functioning as a display control unit capable of providing an enlarged display of a display object. For example, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a portable image viewer, a printer device equipped with a display, a digital photo frame, a music player, a game device, an electronic book reader, a tablet, a smartphone, a projector device, and household appliances.devices installed in the car, as well as medical devices or medical products equipped with a display.

[0110] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when providing an enlarged display of a display object, the magnification range can be easily recognized and the number of operations necessary for providing the enlarged display can be reduced. Further examples

[0111] One or more embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by a computer of a system or apparatus that retrieves and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments, and / or one or more circuits (e.g.,an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments, and by a method performed by the computer of the system or device, for example, by retrieving and executing the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. The computer may have one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to retrieve and execute the computer-executable instructions.The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), distributed computing system memory, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

[0112] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0113] A display control device configured to display a display object on a display unit is configured to, when a predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at a first magnification, provide a display indicating a magnification range of the display object based on information about a magnification position stored in a storage unit without changing a display magnification of the display object, and thereafter provide an enlarged display of the magnification range of the display object based on the stored magnification position even if the predetermined operation is not restarted, the enlarged display being enlarged to more than the first magnification.

Claims

[1] A display control device configured to display a display object on a display unit, the display control device comprising: a storage unit configured to store information about a magnification position of the display object; and a display control unit configured to, when a predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at a first magnification, perform control to provide a display indicating a magnification range of the display object based on the magnification position information stored in the storage unit without changing a display magnification of the display object, and then provide an enlarged display of the magnification range of the display object based on the magnification position information stored in the storage unit even without restarting the predetermined operation, the enlarged display being enlarged to more than the first magnification. [2] The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display object is an image. [3] The display control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit is configured to provide the enlarged display according to cancellation of the predetermined operation. [4] The display control device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the predetermined operation is canceled before a previously set minimum display time elapses from a time point at which the display indicating the magnification range is provided, provide the enlarged display after the minimum display time elapses. [5] The display control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the predetermined operation is not canceled before a previously set maximum display time elapses from a time point at which the display indicating the magnification range is provided, provide the enlarged display in response to elapse of the maximum display time. [6] Display control device according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation is a pressing of a special key, wherein a start of the predetermined operation is a start of pressing the special key, and wherein the cancellation of the predetermined operation is a release of the pressure. [7] Display control device according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation is a touch on a special touch element displayed on a touch panel, wherein a start of the predetermined operation is a start of the touch on the special touch element, and wherein the cancellation of the predetermined operation is a release of the touch from the special touch element. [8] The display control device according to claim 7, wherein, after the start of the touch on the special touch element, when a touch position is moved outside a range of the special touch element, the display indicating the enlarged range is hidden and the enlarged display is not provided. [9] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit is configured to provide the enlarged display when a duration of the predetermined operation reaches a predetermined time. [10] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display indicating the magnification range is at least one of a display of an indication indicating the magnification range, the indication being superimposed and displayed on the display object, and a display distinguishing modes inside and outside the magnification range of the display object. [11] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the display control unit is configured to superimpose and display an indication indicating the magnification range together with a display element representing magnification as the display indicating the magnification range on the display object. [12] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at the first magnification, provide the display indicating the magnification range based on the information about the magnification position, the information being stored in the storage unit before the predetermined operation is started. [13] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at the first magnification, provide the display indicating the magnification range based on the information about the magnification position during the previous magnified display. [14] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at the first magnification, provide the display indicating the magnification range based on the magnification position information stored in the storage unit regardless of a position where the predetermined operation is performed. [15] The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when the predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at the first magnification, immediately provide the display indicating the magnification range. [16] Display control device according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the display unit is a display unit of an imaging device, and where the display object is a live view image. [17] The display control device according to claim 16, wherein the display control unit is configured to, when a focus mode is set to a manual focus mode and the predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit, perform control to provide the display indicating the magnification range of the display object based on the information about the magnification position stored in the storage unit, and then provide the enlarged display of the display object in the magnification range based on the information about the magnification position stored in the storage unit even without restarting the predetermined operation, and, when the focus mode is set to a mode in which autofocusing is performed, perform control,to provide the enlarged display of the display object in response to a start of the predetermined operation while the display object is displayed on the display unit., [18] A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the display object is a playback image. [19] A control method of a display control device configured to display a display object on a display unit, the control method comprising: Storing information about a magnification position of the display object; and when a predetermined operation is started while the display object is displayed on the display unit at a first magnification, performing control to provide a display indicating a magnification range of the display object based on the stored magnification position information without changing a display magnification of the display object, and then provide an enlarged display of the magnification range of the display object based on the stored magnification position information even without restarting the predetermined operation, the enlarged display being enlarged to more than the first magnification. [20] A program for causing a computer to operate as the units of the display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18. [21] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to operate as the units of the display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images