Imaging apparatus, method for controlling imaging apparatus, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a technique that can reduce the opportunity of occurrence of camera shake during moving image photographing.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus of the present invention has an operating member, and control means that executes a function in response to a user operation on the operating member. In a case of not photographing moving images, the control means executes the function according to a first operation method, and in a case of photographing moving images, executes the function according to a second operation method. The number of times of operations on the operating member required from the execution of the function to stop of the function is smaller in the second operation method than in the first operation method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method for an imaging apparatus, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known function that allows users to change shooting parameters such as exposure settings and autofocus position while shooting a video in order to shoot a desired video. However, pressing a button on the device while shooting a video can cause camera shake. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-30768 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Two commonly known button operation methods will be explained. One is an operation method in which a function is executed when the user presses the button, and the function is stopped when the user presses the button again (hereinafter referred to as press toggle). The other is an operation method in which a function is executed when the user presses the button, and the function is stopped when the user releases the button (hereinafter referred to as press and hold).

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for changing the characteristics of image stabilization according to each operation method. However, there is a demand for further reduction in the occurrence of camera shake during movie shooting.

[0006] With a press toggle, the user needs to operate the button twice to execute and stop the function. With a press and hold, the user needs to operate the button once to execute and stop the function. In other words, since a press and hold requires fewer button operations that can cause camera shake than a press toggle, a press and hold is more advantageous in reducing the occurrence of camera shake than a press toggle. Therefore, a press and hold is the preferable button operation method when changing shooting parameters during video shooting.

[0007] Here, a button customization function is known that assigns a function selected by a user from a plurality of functions to a predetermined button. In the button customization function, the same function is generally assigned in both still image shooting mode and video shooting mode, and the assigned function is executed by the same operation method. The reason for this is to reduce the number of items on the menu screen for users who find the number of items on the menu screen too large and difficult to understand, or for users who want to set the button customization function with fewer operation steps. In the above specifications, if the operation method of the assigned function is a press toggle, camera shake may occur during video shooting.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can reduce the chance of camera shake occurring during movie shooting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The imaging device of the present invention has an operating member and a control means for executing a function in response to a user operation on the operating member, and the control means executes the function according to a first operating method when not recording video, and executes the function according to a second operating method when recording video, and is characterized in that the second operating method requires fewer operations on the operating member from executing the function to stopping the function than the first operating method. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the chance of camera shake occurring during movie shooting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the camera. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of an overall process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of a moving image shooting mode process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic diagram of a screen in a moving image shooting mode according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a still image shooting mode process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a button customization process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a button customization function screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of an overall process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a still image shooting mode process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a moving image shooting mode process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a screen for an exposure correction function according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an external view of a camera 100 as an example of an imaging device of the present invention. The liquid crystal monitor 27 is a display unit that displays images, menu screens, various information, and the like. The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for issuing shooting instructions. The operation unit 70 is composed of various operation members such as switches, buttons, and dials that accept various operations from the user. The power switch 74 is a push button for switching the power on and off. The menu button 75 is a button that is mainly used to display a menu screen on the liquid crystal monitor 27. The Q button 76 is a button that is mainly used to display a quick setting screen on the liquid crystal monitor 27 on the shooting screen and the playback screen. The M-Fn (multifunction) button 77 is a button that can be customized according to the user's preferences. When the user presses the M-Fn button 77, a setting screen according to a function assigned by the button customization function is displayed or the function is executed. The set button 78 is a button that is mainly used to change and confirm a setting value. When the set button 78 is not used to change and confirm a setting value, the function assigned by the button customization function is executed when the user presses the set button 78.

[0014] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the camera 100. The photographing lens 103 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 101 is a shutter with an aperture function. The imaging unit 22 is an imaging element (image sensor) composed of a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 23 converts an analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal. The barrier 102 covers the imaging system including the photographing lens 103, the shutter 101, and the imaging unit 22 of the camera 100 to prevent the imaging system from becoming dirty or damaged.

[0015] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (resizing such as pixel interpolation and reduction, color conversion, etc.) on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the arithmetic results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This allows TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing to be performed. The image processing unit 24 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the obtained arithmetic results are Based on the results, TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing is performed.

[0016] The memory control unit 15 controls the transmission and reception of data between the A / D converter 23, the image processing unit 24, the memory 32, and the D / A converter 13. Image data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, or via the memory control unit 15 without via the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, and image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio. The memory 32 also serves as a memory for displaying images (video memory).

[0017] The D / A converter 13 converts the image display data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the liquid crystal monitor 27. The display image data written to the memory 32 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27 via the D / A converter 13. The liquid crystal monitor 27 performs display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 13. The liquid crystal monitor 27 is a display such as an LCD or an organic EL. A digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 13 and sequentially transferred to and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27, thereby performing a live view display (LV display). Hereinafter, an image displayed in the live view display is referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0018] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory. For example, an EEPROM is used for the non-volatile memory 56, and constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 50 are stored. The programs here are programs for executing various flowcharts described later.

[0019] The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire camera 100. The system control unit 50 is both a processor and a circuit. The system control unit 50 executes the programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56 described above, thereby realizing each process described below. The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like, in the system memory 52. ​​The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 13, and the like.

[0020] The system timer 53 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0021] The operation unit 70 is used to input various operational instructions to the system control unit 50. The operation unit 70 includes the shutter button 61, a power switch 74, a menu button 75, a Q button 76, an M-Fn button 77, a set button 78, and the like.

[0022] The shutter button 61 is equipped with a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 is pressed halfway (instruction to prepare for shooting) during operation, and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts preparation processes for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing, in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1. The second shutter switch 64 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 is pressed all the way (instruction to shoot) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 50 starts processing for preparing for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing, in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2. Then, a series of operations for the photographing process is started, up to the point where the photographed image is written to the recording medium 200 as a file.

[0023] Each operation member of the operation unit 70 can be assigned a function for each screen by selecting an icon displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27 or the like, and can be used as various function buttons. Examples of the function buttons include an end button, a back button, an image forward button, a jump button, a filter button, an attribute change button, a video recording start button, and a shooting mode selection button. For example, when the menu button 75 is pressed, various configurable menu screens, such as a screen for button customization settings, are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27 or the like. While viewing the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27 or the like, the user can intuitively configure various settings using the four directional buttons (up, down, left, and right) and the set button 78.

[0024] Furthermore, the camera 100 includes, as one of the operation units 70, a touch panel capable of detecting contact with the liquid crystal monitor 27. The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel. The state where a finger or pen that has not been touching the touch panel touches the touch panel again (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down). The state where a finger or pen is touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as Touch-On). - Touching the touch panel with your finger or pen and moving it (hereafter referred to as Touch-Move). Releasing a finger or pen that has been touching the touch panel, i.e., the end of touch (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Up). The state where nothing is touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Off).

[0025] When touch-down is detected, touch-on is also detected at the same time. After touch-down, touch-on will usually continue to be detected unless touch-up is detected. Even if touch-move is detected, touch-on will continue to be detected. Even if touch-on is detected, touch-move will not be detected if the touch position does not move. After it is detected that all fingers or pens that were touching have touched up, touch-off will occur.

[0026] The touch panel may be of any of various touch panel types, such as a resistive film type, a capacitive type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, an optical sensor type, etc. Depending on the type, there are types that detect a touch by contact with the touch panel, and types that detect a touch by the approach of a finger or a pen to the touch panel, but any type may be used.

[0027] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between blocks to which electricity is applied, and detects whether a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 200 for the necessary period of time.

[0028] The power supply unit 30 is made up of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a lithium ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

[0029] The recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium (storage medium) such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0030] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video signals and audio signals to and from an external device connected wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can also be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including live images) captured by the imaging unit 22 and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and various other information from the external device.

[0031] The attitude detection unit 55 detects the attitude of the camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured with the camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate and record the image. As the attitude detection unit 55, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used.

[0032] (First embodiment) In the first embodiment, a process to be performed when the user cannot select an operation method for a function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the overall process according to the first embodiment.

[0034] In S302, the system control unit 50 determines whether the current shooting mode is the moving image shooting mode or not. If the current shooting mode is the moving image shooting mode, the process proceeds to S306, and if not, the process proceeds to S304.

[0035] In S304, the system control unit 50 starts a still image shooting mode process, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0036] In S306, the system controller 50 starts a moving image shooting mode process, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0037] In S308, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a shooting mode selection button included in the operation unit 70 has been pressed. If the shooting mode selection button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S310, and if not, the process proceeds to S312.

[0038] In S310, the system control unit 50 switches the shooting mode. If the current shooting mode is a still image shooting mode, the system control unit 50 switches the shooting mode from the still image shooting mode to the video shooting mode. If the current shooting mode is a video shooting mode, the system control unit 50 switches the shooting mode from the video shooting mode to the still image shooting mode.

[0039] In S312, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the menu button 75 has been pressed. If the menu button 75 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S314, and if not, the process proceeds to S316.

[0040] In S314, the system control unit 50 starts the button customization process. In the first embodiment, in the button customization process, it is assumed that functions can be assigned to buttons, but the operation method of the buttons cannot be selected.

[0041] In S316, the system control unit 50 determines whether the power switch 74 has been operated. If the power switch 74 has been operated, the entire process is ended and the power is turned off, otherwise the process proceeds to S302.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the moving image shooting mode process carried out in S306 of FIG.

[0043] In S402, the system control unit 50 displays a live view image on the liquid crystal monitor 27.

[0044] In S404, the system control unit 50 displays items related to video shooting (shooting items) on the liquid crystal monitor 27. The system control unit 50 displays an image in which the shooting items are superimposed on a live view image as an image during shooting standby.

[0045] 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen when video shooting is on standby. Image 501 is a live view image displayed by the processing of S402. Shooting mode icon 502, remaining shooting time 504, start shooting touch button 506, and guide icon 508 are shooting items displayed by the processing of S404. Shooting mode icon 502 indicates that the current shooting mode is video shooting mode. Remaining shooting time 504 is the time during which camera 100 can shoot a video. Start shooting touch button 506 is a button that allows the user to instruct the start of video shooting (video recording).

[0046] The guide icon 508 is an icon (item) indicating pressing and holding. Pressing and holding is an operation method in which a function is executed when the user starts pressing an operation member, and the function is stopped when the user releases the pressing of the operation member. By displaying the guide icon 508, the user can recognize that the function is executed according to pressing and holding in the video shooting mode. Furthermore, even if the operation method of the function is pressing toggle in the still image shooting mode, the user can realize that it is pressing and holding in the video shooting mode. Pressing toggle is an operation method in which a function is executed when the user presses an operation member, and the function is stopped when the user presses the operation member again while the function is being executed.

[0047] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, in S406, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a command to start video recording has been issued. The user issues a command to start video recording by pressing a video recording start button included in the operation unit 70. Alternatively, the user issues a command to start video recording by performing a touch-down or touch-up operation on the shooting start touch button 506. If a command to start video recording has been issued, the process proceeds to S408, and if not, the process proceeds to S412.

[0048] In S 408 , the system control unit 50 starts recording the moving image onto the recording medium 200 .

[0049] In S410, the system control unit 50 changes the display from a standby state for video shooting to a video recording state.

[0050] 5(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the screen during video recording. In S410, the system control unit 50 hides the remaining shooting time 504 and displays the video recording time 512 (the time during which the camera 100 is shooting the video). The system control unit 50 also hides the start shooting touch button 506 and displays the stop shooting touch button 518 (a button for the user to instruct the camera 100 to stop recording the video). The system control unit 50 also displays an icon 516 indicating that video recording is in progress. The system control unit 50 also displays a frame 514 around the image 501 indicating that video recording is in progress.

[0051] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, in S412, the system control unit 50 detects that the operation button has been pressed. It is determined whether the operation button has been pressed. In the first embodiment, the operation button is the M-Fn button 77 or the set button 78. The action determined in S412 is the action of the user pressing the operation button, and the action of the user releasing the pressing of the operation button (the action of releasing the operation button) is determined in S418. If the operation button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S414, and if not, the process proceeds to S418.

[0052] In S414, the system control unit 50 executes the function selected in the button customization process (S314 in FIG. 3). In the first embodiment, the function is a function for holding exposure parameters (exposure compensation setting values) from the start of AE (auto exposure) processing until its stop (hereinafter referred to as an AE lock function).

[0053] In S416, the system control unit 50 starts a display indicating that the function is being executed. Specifically, the system control unit 50 displays icon 510 in Figs. 5(A) and 5(B). Icon 510 in Figs. 5(A) and 5(B) is an icon (item) indicating that the AE lock function is being executed. This allows the user to know that the AE lock function is being executed.

[0054] In S418, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation button has been released (the operation button has been released). If the operation button has been released, the process proceeds to S420, and if not, the process proceeds to S424.

[0055] In S420, the system control unit 50 stops the function (ends execution of the function). In this way, the system control unit 50 executes the function in response to the user's operation on the operation member. In the video shooting mode, the function is executed according to the press and hold, which is a smaller number of operations (contacts) by the user on the operation member than the press toggle, thereby reducing the chance of camera shake caused by button operation.

[0056] In S422, the system control unit 50 ends the display indicating that the function is being executed. Specifically, the system control unit 50 hides the icon 510 in FIGS.

[0057] In S424, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a command to stop video recording has been issued. The user issues a command to stop video recording by pressing a video recording start button included in the operation unit 70. Alternatively, the user issues a command to stop video recording by performing a touch-down or touch-up operation on the shooting stop touch button 518. If a command to stop video recording has been issued, the process proceeds to S426, and if not, the process proceeds to S430.

[0058] In S426, the system control unit 50 stops recording the moving image onto the recording medium 200.

[0059] In S428, the system control unit 50 changes the display from "movie recording" to "movie shooting standby." Specifically, the system control unit 50 changes the display from "movie recording" that started in S410 to "movie shooting standby" that started in S404.

[0060] In S430, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not an instruction to end the video shooting mode has been issued. For example, the user instructs the start of the button customization process and the end of the video shooting mode by pressing the menu button 75 during the video shooting mode. If an instruction to end the video shooting mode has been issued, the video shooting mode process ends, and if not, the process proceeds to S406.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the still image shooting mode process carried out in S304 of FIG.

[0062] In S602, the system control unit 50 judges whether or not the operation button is pressed. If the operation button is pressed, the process proceeds to S604, and if not, the process proceeds to S614. In S602, unlike S412 and S418, the system control unit 50 does not judge the start of pressing the operation button and the release of the pressing separately, but judges the operation from pressing the operation button to releasing it as one press. In S602, the system control unit 50 may proceed to the process of S604 and subsequent steps in response to the judgment that the pressing of the operation button is started, but in that case, the judgment of S602 is made again after the pressing of the operation button is released. Alternatively, in S602, the system control unit 50 may proceed to the process of S604 and subsequent steps in response to the judgment that the pressing of the operation button is released.

[0063] In S604, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the function is being executed. If the function is being executed, the process proceeds to S608, and if not, the process proceeds to S606.

[0064] In S606, the system control unit 50 executes the function selected in the button customization process (S314 in FIG. 3). In the first embodiment, the function executed in S606 is the AE lock function, the same as in the video shooting mode.

[0065] In S608, the system control unit 50 stops the function. In this way, the system control unit 50 executes the function according to the press toggle in the still image shooting mode. This is because in the still image shooting mode, the operation of pressing the shutter button 61 while pressing the operation button is troublesome, and the press toggle may be easier to operate than the press and hold.

[0066] In S610, the system control unit 50 starts a display indicating that the function is being executed. Although an example of this display is omitted, the system control unit 50 displays an icon indicating that the AE lock function is being executed, such as icon 510 in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B).

[0067] In S612, the system control unit 50 ends the display indicating that the function is being executed. Specifically, the system control unit 50 makes the icon displayed in S610 invisible.

[0068] In S614, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a command to start still image shooting has been issued. The user instructs the start of still image shooting by fully pressing the shutter button 61. If a command to start still image shooting has been issued, the process proceeds to S616; if not, the process proceeds to S618.

[0069] In S616, the system control unit 50 captures a still image. The system control unit 50 performs a series of operations for the capture process, from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing image data to the recording medium 200.

[0070] In S618, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not an instruction to end the still image shooting mode has been issued. For example, the user instructs the start of the button customization process and the end of the still image shooting mode by pressing the menu button 75 during the still image shooting mode. If an instruction to end the still image shooting mode has been issued, the system control unit 50 ends the still image shooting mode process, and if not, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S602.

[0071] In this way, even if a function is executed according to a press toggle in still image shooting mode, the function is executed according to pressing and holding in video shooting mode, thereby reducing the chance of camera shake caused by button operation. Also, by displaying a guide icon indicating pressing and holding in video shooting mode, the user can be aware that the operation method of the function in video shooting mode is pressing and holding. Note that the system control unit 50 may display an item indicating a press toggle in still image shooting mode.

[0072] In the first embodiment, an example in which the operation method is switched depending on whether the mode is a still image shooting mode or a video shooting mode has been described, but the operation method may be switched depending on whether or not a video is being shot (video is being recorded). For example, the system control unit 50 may always execute a function according to a first operation method when not shooting a video (video is being recorded), and execute a function according to a second operation method in which the number of times the user operates the operation member is less than the first operation method when shooting a video (video is being recorded). In other words, the first operation method may be used when the camera is in still image shooting mode and video shooting mode and is waiting to shoot (not recording a video), and the second operation method may be used when the camera is recording a video in video shooting mode.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to being applied to an imaging device having both a still image shooting mode and a video shooting mode, but may also be applied to an imaging device having only a video shooting mode.The present invention is not limited to being applied to an imaging device having a button customization function, but may also be applied to an imaging device having no button customization function.

[0074] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, a process in which a user can select a method of operating a function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the button customization process performed in S314 of FIG. 3 and S924 of FIG.

[0076] In S702, the system control unit 50 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 27 a selection item group indicating one or more operation buttons (assignment buttons) to which functions can be assigned and changed.

[0077] Fig. 8(A) is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a selection screen for assigning buttons. A selection item group 802 indicates that the M-Fn button 77 and the set button 78 are the assignable buttons. A focus frame 804 indicates the currently selected assigned button. In Fig. 8(A), the currently selected assigned button is the M-Fn button 77.

[0078] In S704, the system control unit 50 judges whether or not the user has selected the allocation button. The user selects the allocation button by pressing the four-way button and the set button 78. If the user has selected the allocation button, the process proceeds to S706, and if not, the process proceeds to S718.

[0079] In S706, the system control unit 50 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 27 a selection item group of functions (custom functions) that are executed in response to a user operation on an assigned button.

[0080] Fig. 8(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example display of a selection screen for custom functions. Selection item group 806 indicates candidates for custom functions. The candidates for custom functions include, for example, focus mode, peaking, focus guide, AE lock, AE lock (hold), AE lock / FE lock, AE lock release, ISO sensitivity setting, flash function setting, and flash emission. Focus frame 808 indicates the currently selected function. In Fig. 8(B), the currently selected function is the AE lock function. Guidance 810 indicates that the operation method for the custom function in video capture mode is press and hold.

[0081] In S708, the system control unit 50 judges whether or not the user has selected a custom function. The user presses the four-way button and the set button 78 to select a custom function. In this manner, the user can select a function to be executed by the system control unit 50 from a plurality of functions (perform function selection). If the user has selected a custom function, the system control unit 50 If not, proceed to S710.

[0082] In S710, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has instructed to start selecting an operation method. The user presses the Q button 76 to instruct to start selecting an operation method. If the user has instructed to start selecting an operation method, the process proceeds to S712, and if not, the process proceeds to S708. Note that for the custom function selected in S708, whether or not the operation method can be selected in S710 to S716 is switched depending on whether the custom function allows selection of an operation method. In other words, for a custom function that does not allow selection of an operation method, selection of an operation method is not allowed.

[0083] In S712, the system control unit 50 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 27 a selection item group of operation methods.

[0084] In S714, the system control unit 50 displays guidance indicating that the operation method for the custom function in the video capture mode is press and hold.

[0085] FIG. 8(C) is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a selection screen for an operation method. A selection item group 812 shows selection candidates for the operation method. The user selects an operation method for a custom function from a plurality of operation methods shown in the selection item group 812 (performs operation method selection). In the still image shooting mode, the system control unit 50 executes a function according to the operation method selected by the user. A focus frame 814 shows the currently selected operation method. In FIG. 8(C), the currently selected operation method is a press toggle. A guidance 818 shows that the operation method for a custom function in the video shooting mode is a press and hold. In this way, the system control unit 50 controls to display an item on the menu screen indicating that the function is executed according to the press and hold in the case of video shooting. When the focus frame 814 is on the press and hold selection item 816, the system control unit 50 may hide the guidance 818. When the focus frame 814 is on the press toggle selection item, the system control unit 50 may display the guidance 818 more prominently than when the focus frame 814 is on the press and hold selection item 816. Furthermore, in S714, the system control unit 50 displays the guidance 818 for functions for which it is determined in S912 that the operation method is to be switched from press toggle to press and hold, and does not display the guidance 818 for other functions.

[0086] In S716, the system control unit 50 judges whether or not the user has selected an operation method. The user selects an operation method by pressing the four-way button and the set button 78. The system control unit 50 waits for the user to select an operation method, and proceeds to S708 when the user selects an operation method.

[0087] In S718, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has instructed to end the button customization process. The user instructs to end the button customization process by pressing the menu button 75 or the shutter button 61. If the user has instructed to end the button customization process, the button customization process ends, and if not, the process proceeds to S704.

[0088] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the overall process according to the second embodiment. Note that the processes of S902, S918, S920, S922, S924, and S926 are the same as the processes of S302, S308, S310, S312, S314, and S316 in Fig. 3. If it is determined in S902 that the current shooting mode is not a video shooting mode, the process proceeds to S904.

[0089] In S904, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation method of the custom function is a press toggle. If the operation method of the custom function is a press toggle, the process proceeds to S906, and if not, the process proceeds to S908.

[0090] In S906, the system control unit 50 starts the still image shooting mode process. The still image shooting mode process when the operation method of the custom function is the press toggle is the same as the still image shooting mode process in FIG.

[0091] In S908, the system control unit 50 starts the still image capture mode process. The still image capture mode process when the operation method of the custom function is press and hold will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0092] In S910, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation method of the custom function is a press toggle. If the operation method of the custom function is a press toggle, the process proceeds to S912, and if not, the process proceeds to S914.

[0093] In S912, the system control unit 50 determines whether to switch the operation method of the custom function in video shooting mode from press toggle to press and hold, depending on the characteristics of the function described below. If the operation method of the custom function is to be switched from press toggle to press and hold, the process proceeds to S914, and if not, the process proceeds to S916.

[0094] Here, there are two features of functions for which it is determined that the operation method is to be switched from press toggle to press hold. For a function that corresponds to either of the two features, the system control unit 50 determines that the operation method is to be switched from press toggle to press hold. The first feature is that the function has two possible states (states to which it can transition). An example of a function that corresponds to the first feature is an AE lock function. The AE lock function can take two states: an execution state and a non-execution state. Another example of a function that corresponds to the first feature is an AF processing mode setting function. The AF processing mode setting function can take two states: a state in which the subject is continuously focused (servo AF) and a state in which the focus is adjusted only once by a user operation (one-shot AF).

[0095] The second feature is that there are multiple possible states for a function, and the state of the function can be switched by a different operation method from when the function is started to be executed. An example of a function that corresponds to the second feature is a function for changing an exposure parameter (exposure compensation function). FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen for the exposure compensation function. A cursor 1204 indicates the current exposure parameter. The exposure compensation function can have a display state of a screen (screen 1205) for changing the exposure parameter, and a non-display state of the screen. In addition, the exposure compensation function can have multiple states with different exposure parameters. The system control unit 50 displays the screen 1205 according to, for example, pressing and holding the M-Fn button 77. The system control unit 50 changes the exposure parameter according to a user operation on the second operation member while the screen 1205 is being displayed. The second operation member may be, for example, a four-way button, or may be touch buttons 1202 and 1203. The second operation member may be a member that can be operated without contact, such as a button equipped with a capacitance type sensor or a touch button that reacts when a hand approaches a touch screen.

[0096] Another example of a function that corresponds to the second characteristic is an additional function of the AE lock function. The additional function of the AE lock function is a function (re-applying function) that executes AE processing once more while the AE lock function is being executed, and holds the exposure parameters determined in the re-executed AE processing. For example, when the set button 78 is pressed while the AE lock function is being executed, the AE processing is executed again, and the exposure parameters according to that AE processing are held. The additional function of the AE lock function may be executed by a press toggle. When executed by a press toggle, the AE lock function goes into an executing state (the state before the re-applying function is executed) when the M-Fn button 77 is pressed, and goes into a re-applying state (the state after the re-applying function is executed) when the M-Fn button 77 is pressed again. When the AE lock function is to be put into a non-executing state, i.e., when the AE lock function is to be ended, the user The user presses the menu button 75. The operation for terminating the AE lock function may be an operation for once again pressing the M-Fn button 77. When the AE lock function is terminated by pressing the M-Fn button 77, the operation button for re-applying the AE lock function is the set button 78.

[0097] If a function other than the examples meets the characteristics described above, the system control unit 50 may determine that the operation method is switched from press toggle to press and hold in video shooting mode. If a custom function has multiple possible states, and execution of the custom function is started with the M-Fn button 77 and the state of the custom function is switched with the M-Fn button 77 in the same way as at the start, the system control unit 50 does not determine that the operation method is switched from press toggle to press and hold.

[0098] Returning to the description of Fig. 9, in S914, the system control unit 50 starts the video capture mode. The video capture mode process when the operation method of the custom function is press and hold is the same as the video capture mode process of Fig. 4.

[0099] In S916, the system control unit 50 starts the video capture mode. The video capture mode process when the operation method for the custom function is a press toggle will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0100] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the still image shooting mode performed in S908 in Fig. 9. Note that the processes of S1002, S1004, S1006, S1008, S1010, and S1012 are the same as the processes of S412, S414, S416, S418, S420, and S422 in Fig. 4. If it is determined in S1008 that the operation button has not been released, the process proceeds to S1014. The processes of S1014, S1016, and S1018 are the same as the processes of S614, S616, and S618 in Fig. 6.

[0101] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the video shooting mode performed in S916 in Fig. 9. Note that the processes of S1102, S1104, S1106, S1108, and S1110 are the same as those of S402, S404, S406, S408, and S410 in Fig. 4. If it is determined in S1106 that the start of video recording has not been instructed, the process proceeds to S1112. The processes of S1112, S1114, S1116, S1118, S1120, and S1122 are the same as those of S602, S604, S606, S608, S610, and S612 in Fig. 6. If it is determined in S1112 that the operation button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1124. The processes of S1124, S1126, S1128, and S1130 are the same as those of S424, S426, S428, and S430 in FIG.

[0102] In this way, when the user assigns a custom function to an operation button and can further select the operation method, the operation method selected by the user is set in the still image shooting mode. However, for a specific function, even if the press toggle is selected as the operation method for the custom function, the press and hold is set as the operation method in the video shooting mode. In other words, for a specific function, the operation method is set to press and hold regardless of the operation method selected by the user. For a non-specific function, the operation method selected by the user is set even in the video shooting mode. This can reduce the chance of camera shake occurring when a specific function is executed.

[0103] In addition, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined.

[0104] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a digital camera (imaging device), but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device capable of processing images. For example, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printers, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, electronic book readers, etc. In addition, the present invention can be applied to video players, display devices (including projection devices), tablet terminals, smartphones, AI speakers, home appliances, in-vehicle devices, etc.

[0105] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0106] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) An operating member; a control means for executing a function in response to a user operation on the operation member; having The control means If not, execute the function according to the first operation method; In the case of video shooting, the function is executed according to the second operation method; The second operation method requires fewer operations of the operation member from execution of the function to stopping the function than the first operation method. 1. An imaging device comprising: (Configuration 2) A switching means for switching the photographing mode between a still image photographing mode and a video photographing mode and The control means In the still image shooting mode, the function is executed according to the first operation method; In the video shooting mode, the function is executed according to the second operation method. 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, (Configuration 3) The control means If video recording is in progress, execute the function according to the second operation method; If the moving image is not being recorded, the function is executed according to the first operating method. 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, (Configuration 4) A switching means for switching the photographing mode between a still image photographing mode and a video photographing mode and The control means In the still image shooting mode, the function is executed according to the first operation method; In the moving image shooting mode, when the moving image is not being recorded and the camera is in shooting standby, the function is executed according to the first operating method; In the moving image shooting mode, when a moving image is being recorded, the function is executed according to the second operating method. 4. The imaging device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) The first operation method is a method of executing the function in response to a user pressing the operation member. and the function is stopped in response to the user pressing the operation member again while the function is being executed. 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The second operation method is an operation method in which the function is executed in response to a user starting to press the operation member, and the function is stopped in response to the user releasing the press of the operation member. 6. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, (Configuration 7) The control means switches a state of the function in response to a user operation on a second operating member while the function is being executed according to the second operating method. 7. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, (Configuration 8) an operation method selection means for selecting an operation method to be followed by the control means from a plurality of operation methods including the first operation method and the second operation method; and The control means executes the function according to the second operation method, regardless of the operation method selected by the operation method selection means, in the case of the moving image shooting. 8. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, (Configuration 9) a function selection means for selecting a function to be executed by the control means in response to a user's operation on the operation member from among a plurality of functions; and The control means when a specific function is selected by the function selection means, execute the function according to the second operation method regardless of the operation method selected by the operation method selection means; When a function other than the specific function is selected by the function selection means, the function is executed according to the operation method selected by the operation method selection means. 9. The imaging device according to configuration 8, (Configuration 10) The control means controls to display an item indicating that the function is being executed. 10. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) The control means performs control so as to display an item indicating the second operation method in the case of shooting the moving image. 11. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) The control means controls the menu screen to display an item indicating that the function is executed according to the second operation method in the case of shooting the moving image. 12. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. (method) A control step of executing a function in response to a user operation on an operating member. having In the control step, If not, execute the function according to the first operation method; In the case of video shooting, the function is executed according to the second operation method; The second operation method requires fewer operations of the operation member from execution of the function to stopping the function than the first operation method. 23. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising the steps of: (program) 13. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. (medium) 13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 50: System control section 77: M-Fn button 100: Camera

Claims

1. An operating member; a control means for executing a function in response to a user operation on the operation member; having The control means If the function is not video recording, execute the function according to the first operation method; In the case of video shooting, the function is executed according to the second operation method; The second operation method requires fewer operations of the operation member from execution of the function to stopping the function than the first operation method.

1. An imaging device comprising:

2. A switching means for switching the photographing mode between a still image photographing mode and a video photographing mode and The control means In the still image shooting mode, the function is executed according to the first operation method; In the video shooting mode, the function is executed according to the second operation method.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. The control means If a moving image is being recorded, execute the function according to the second operation method; If the moving image is not being recorded, the function is executed according to the first operating method.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

4. A switching means for switching the photographing mode between a still image photographing mode and a video photographing mode and The control means In the still image shooting mode, the function is executed according to the first operation method; In the moving image shooting mode, when the moving image is not being recorded and the camera is in shooting standby, the function is executed according to the first operating method; In the moving image shooting mode, when a moving image is being recorded, the function is executed according to the second operation method.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3.

5. The first operation method is an operation method in which the function is executed in response to a user pressing the operation member, and the function is stopped in response to the user pressing the operation member again while the function is being executed.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

6. The second operation method is an operation method in which the function is executed in response to a user starting to press the operation member, and the function is stopped in response to the user releasing the press of the operation member.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

7. The control means switches a state of the function in response to a user operation on a second operating member while the function is being executed according to the second operating method.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

8. an operation method selection means for selecting an operation method to be followed by the control means from a plurality of operation methods including the first operation method and the second operation method; and The control means executes the function according to the second operation method, regardless of the operation method selected by the operation method selection means, in the case of the moving image shooting.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

9. a function selection means for selecting a function to be executed by the control means in response to a user's operation on the operation member from among a plurality of functions; and The control means when a specific function is selected by the function selection means, the function is executed according to the second operation method regardless of the operation method selected by the operation method selection means; When a function other than the specific function is selected by the function selection means, the function is executed according to the operation method selected by the operation method selection means.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8.

10. The control means controls to display an item indicating that the function is being executed.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

11. The control means controls so as to display an item indicating the second operation method in the case of shooting the moving image.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

12. The control means controls to display, on a menu screen, an item indicating that the function is executed according to the second operation method in the case of shooting the moving image.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

13. A control step of executing a function in response to a user operation on an operating member. having In the control step, If the function is not video recording, execute the function according to the first operation method; In the case of video shooting, the function is executed according to the second operation method; The second operation method requires fewer operations of the operation member from execution of the function to stopping the function than the first operation method.

23. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising the steps of:

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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