Imaging apparatus, and method for controlling imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that allows a user to end a notification screen while fixing and holding a camera.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus has: a first operating unit that changes first settings; notification means that, when second settings different from the first settings are also changed due to the change of the first settings, displays notification information for notifying a user of the change of the second settings; and control means that, according to the fact that the first operating unit is operated in a state where the notification information is not displayed, performs control to change the first settings, and according to the fact that the first operating unit is operated in a state where the notification information is displayed, performs control not to change the first settings and end the display of the notification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device and a control method for an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as image sensors in imaging devices (cameras) have become larger, cameras equipped with a sensor readout mode switching function that changes the size of the image read from the image sensor when capturing a photograph have become known. Cameras equipped with a sensor readout mode switching function are able to switch the angle of view of a photograph without using a lens equipped with a zoom function. A similar function for switching the angle of view of a photograph is the digital zoom function. When switching the angle of view of a photograph using the digital zoom function, processing such as enlargement is performed on the cropped image, which may result in degradation of image quality. On the other hand, when switching the angle of view of a photograph using the sensor readout mode switching function, processing such as enlargement is not performed, so users can capture photographs without worrying about degradation of image quality.

[0003] The sensor readout mode can be switched by operating a menu with a conventional hierarchical structure. Furthermore, the sensor readout mode can also be switched by operating a specific key to which the function of switching the sensor readout mode is assigned, not just by operating a menu. In other words, the user can change the shooting angle of view by switching the sensor readout mode by pressing a specific key.

[0004] While switching the sensor readout mode is useful for changing the angle of view during shooting, it may limit the resolution of the captured image because it changes the readout size from the image sensor. For example, if the readout size from the image sensor is 4K, shooting at 4K resolution is possible, but in a sensor readout mode with a readout size of 2K, the resolution of the captured image is 2K. When a user switches the sensor readout mode to change the angle of view, the resolution may change to an unintended one, and the user may not notice. A method for notifying the user that the resolution has changed is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera that determines the shooting mode in response to pressing the shutter button and displays a warning if a specific shooting mode is set. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-260792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The display of the notification screen containing notification information for the user is terminated by operating the decision button or touch panel mounted on the exterior of the camera. If the user holds the camera with both hands, the user will have to release their hands to operate the camera in order to terminate the display of the notification screen. If the user releases one hand from the camera to terminate the notification screen, the captured image may be blurred. Furthermore, if the user takes their eyes off the capture screen and focuses their eyes on an operating member such as the decision button, there is a risk that an object unintended by the user will be captured.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device that allows a user to close the notification screen while holding the camera stationary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The imaging device of the present invention is characterized by having a first operation unit for changing a first setting; a notification means for displaying notification information notifying a user that a second setting different from the first setting will be changed when the first setting is changed; and a control means for controlling the first setting to be changed in response to the first operation unit being operated when the notification information is not being displayed, and for controlling the first setting to be changed in response to the first operation unit being operated in a state where the notification information is being displayed, without changing the first setting, and for controlling the display of the notification information to be terminated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that allows a user to close the notification screen while holding the camera fixedly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a camera configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a shooting posture in which a camera is fixed. [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of an imaging screen, a notification screen, and a confirmation screen of a camera. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor mode of the camera. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating priority setting when switching sensor modes. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the camera in response to a user operation. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in response to an assignment button operation. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for a decision operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a digital video camera (camera) 10 as an example of an imaging device according to the present invention.

[0012] The camera 10 has a barrier 101, a photographing lens 106, a distance measurement control unit 103, an imaging unit 104, an A / D converter 105, a memory control unit 108, an image processing unit 107, a memory 109, a D / A converter 123, a display unit 110, and a system control unit 50.

[0013] The photographing lens 106 is a group of lenses including a focus lens. The focus lens is a lens that adjusts the focus. The barrier 101 covers the imaging system including the photographing lens 106 of the camera 10 to prevent the imaging system from getting dirty or damaged. The distance measurement control unit 103 controls the focus lens.

[0014] The imaging unit 104 is an imaging device that is configured with a CCD or CMOS element or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The image capturing unit 104 is an image sensor. The exposure time of the image sensor can be controlled according to the shutter speed, which can be set as a value. The A / D converter 105 converts the analog signal output from the image capture unit 104 into a digital signal.

[0015] The image processing unit 107 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, color conversion, etc.) on the image data from the A / D converter 105 or the image data from the memory control unit 108. The image processing unit 107 also performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation results. This processing performs TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, EF (pre-flash) processing, etc.

[0016] Image data from the A / D converter 105 is written to memory 109 via image processing unit 107 and memory control unit 108. Alternatively, image data from the A / D converter 105 is written to memory 109 via memory control unit 108 without going through image processing unit 107. Memory 109 stores image data obtained by imaging unit 104 and converted into digital data by A / D converter 105, as well as image data to be displayed on display unit 110. Memory 109 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio. Memory 109 also serves as an image display memory (video memory) for displaying image data and OSD (On Screen Display) data read from recording medium 20 on display unit 110.

[0017] The D / A converter 123 converts the image data for display stored in the memory 109 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 110. Therefore, the image data for display written in the memory 109 is displayed on the display unit 110 via the D / A converter 123.

[0018] The display unit 110 performs display in accordance with the analog signal from the D / A converter 123. The display unit 110 is, for example, a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Organic Electroluminescence) display. The digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 105 and stored in the memory 109 is converted to an analog signal by the D / A converter 123 and sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 110. This realizes the function of an electronic viewfinder, and a live view image is displayed on the display unit 110. Although the display unit 110 is an electronic viewfinder, it may also be a small (for example, 3.5 inch) liquid crystal monitor, or an external output terminal compatible with the HDMI (registered trademark) standard or the SDI standard. The display unit 110 may also be equipped with a plurality of these displays and external output terminals.

[0019] The system control unit 50 is a control unit that includes at least one processor and / or at least one circuit. That is, the system control unit 50 may be a processor, a circuit, or a combination of a processor and a circuit. The system control unit 50 controls the entire camera 10. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 109, D / A converter 123, display unit 110, etc.

[0020] The camera 10 also has a non-volatile memory 111, a system memory 113, a system timer 114, an operation unit 115, a touch panel 116, a mode changeover switch 117, a power switch 118, a power control unit 119, a recording medium I / F 121, and a recording medium 20.

[0021] The nonvolatile memory 111 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM (registered trademark). The nonvolatile memory 111 stores constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 50. These programs include programs for executing various flowcharts described later. The system control unit 50 executes the programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 111 to realize each process of the flowcharts described later.

[0022] The system memory 113 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). Constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 111, and the like are loaded into the system memory 113. The system timer 114 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0023] The operation unit 115 is an input unit (receiving unit) that can receive operations from the user (user operations), and is an operation member used to input various instructions to the system control unit 50. The operation unit 115 includes a SET key (decision button), direction keys (up direction key, down direction key, left direction key, right direction key), a menu button, a cancel button, and an AF / MF switching button. For example, the menu button is an operation member that is pressed to display a menu screen on the display unit 110 where various settings can be made. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 110, the direction keys, and the SET key.

[0024] Furthermore, the operation unit 115 is not limited to buttons, and may include dials such as a main dial and a sub-dial. For example, the main dial is a rotary operation member for changing settings such as the shutter speed.

[0025] The operation unit 115 also includes assignable buttons to which specific operations (functions) can be assigned. The functions assigned to the assignable buttons may be assigned in advance or may be assigned by a user operation.

[0026] The function assigned to the assignable button can be changed by operating on the menu screen. When a specific function is assigned to the assignable button, the user can operate the camera 10 or change settings according to the specific function assigned to the assignable button by pressing the assignable button. For example, when a sensor readout mode switching function for changing the sensor readout size is assigned to the assignable button, the user can change the sensor readout mode setting by pressing the assignable button. Hereinafter, the sensor readout mode will also be referred to as the sensor mode.

[0027] The touch panel 116 is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 110 (the operation surface of the touch panel 116). The touch panel 116 and the display unit 110 can be configured integrally. For example, the touch panel 116 is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 110 so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 110. Input coordinates on the touch panel 116 are associated with display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 110. This allows the touch panel 116 to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user to operate the screen displayed on the display unit 110 as if directly.

[0028] The mode changeover switch 117 is an operating member for switching between various modes. The mode changeover switch 117 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 50 between a moving image recording mode, a playback mode, and the like, for example.

[0029] The power switch 118 is an operating member for turning the power of the camera 10 on and off. The power supply control unit 119 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit for switching between power-supplying blocks, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery charge. The power supply control unit 119 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies power to each unit, including the recording medium 20, to be used during operation of each unit. The power supply unit 120 is 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 Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

[0030] The recording medium I / F 121 is an interface with a recording medium 20 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 20 is a memory card or the like for recording captured images, and includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, etc. The recording medium 20 may be detachable from the camera 10, or may be built into the camera 10.

[0031] 2(A) to 2(C) are diagrams for explaining the shooting posture when the camera 10 is fixed. 2(A) is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the camera 10. The operation unit 115 is disposed on the exterior of the camera 10, and may include operation members such as buttons and dials.

[0032] Fig. 2(B) is a diagram showing an example of a user's posture when taking a low-angle shot. The user takes a shot while holding the exterior of camera 10, including the handle and grip, with both hands and looking at the LCD panel included in display unit 110. Fig. 2(C) is a diagram showing an example of a posture when taking a shot with camera 10 on the shoulder. The user takes a shot while holding the exterior of camera 10, including the lens and grip, with both hands and looking at the viewfinder included in display unit 110.

[0033] 2(B) and 2(C), the user maintains a fixed position of camera 10 with both hands to prevent blurring of the image being captured. Therefore, when changing settings related to photography, it is desirable that operation members such as buttons and dials included in operation unit 115 be located in positions within reach of the fingers of at least one hand.

[0034] 3(A) to 3(C) are diagrams showing examples of a shooting screen, a notification screen, and a confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 110. FIG. 3(A) shows an example of a shooting screen. The display unit 110 can display information related to shooting on an on-screen display (OSD). In FIG. 3(A), icon 301 indicates the currently set value of the sensor mode (sensor readout mode). Also, icon 302 indicates the currently set value of the resolution (shooting resolution).

[0035] FIG. 4 shows examples of sensor modes. Table 401 shows the relationship between sensor modes and the captureable resolutions corresponding to each sensor mode. The user can change the sensor mode setting by operating the menu screen. By using the directional keys to select an arbitrary setting value from among the multiple sensor mode setting values ​​(Full Screen, Full Size, 35mm Crop, Super16mm Crop) displayed on the menu screen and operating the SET key, the sensor mode setting can be changed to the selected setting value. The user can also change (switch) the sensor mode setting by operating an assignment button to which a sensor mode switching function is assigned. The user can change the sensor mode setting by pressing an assignment button. Each time the user presses an assignment button, the sensor mode setting value is sequentially changed from the currently set setting value in the predetermined order indicated by arrows 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d, which indicate the switching path (switching order).

[0036] If the resolution set before the sensor mode change is not compatible with the changed sensor mode, the system control unit 50 of the camera 10 automatically changes the setting to a resolution compatible with the changed sensor mode. The system control unit 50 then notifies the user that the resolution has been automatically changed.

[0037] Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 303 that displays notification information to the user. The notification screen 303 in Fig. 3(B) displays notification information that notifies the user that the sensor mode setting will be changed in response to an operation to change the sensor mode setting, resulting in a change to a resolution setting that is different from the sensor mode setting.

[0038] The notification screen 303 includes an accept button 304 (OK button). The notification screen 303 is displayed on the display unit 110 until the user performs an operation to select the accept button 304. The system control unit 50 can make the user aware that the resolution has been changed by continuing to display the notification screen 303 until the user accepts. The accept button 304 is displayed on the display unit 110 until the user performs an operation to select the accept button 304. The selection (operation) can be performed by pressing the decision button included in the unit 115 or by touching the touch panel 116.

[0039] When the system control unit 50 receives an operation on an assign button to which a sensor mode switching function is assigned and displays the notification screen 303 (notification information), if the system control unit 50 receives another operation on the assign button, it ends the display of the notification screen 303. Then, the system control unit 50 changes the sensor mode setting and also changes the resolution setting according to the changed sensor mode.

[0040] Note that, when the system control unit 50 accepts an operation to change the sensor mode setting from the menu screen without using the assign button and displays the notification screen 303, the system control unit 50 may continue to display the notification screen 303 even if a subsequent operation on the assign button is accepted. For example, when the user changes the sensor mode setting from the menu screen and the notification screen 303 notifying the user that the resolution will be changed is displayed, the display of the notification screen 303 does not end even if the assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned is pressed. The display of the notification screen 303 ends in response to pressing the SET button or a touch operation on the accept button 304. On the other hand, when the notification screen 303 is displayed by operating the assign button, the display of the notification screen 303 ends not only by operating the assign button but also by pressing the SET button or a touch operation on the accept button 304.

[0041] By making it possible to terminate the display of notification screen 303 by pressing the assign button, a user who takes a photograph while maintaining a fixed posture for shooting, as shown in Figures 2(B) and 2(C), can terminate notification screen 303 while maintaining that posture. In other words, the user does not need to change the way he or she holds camera 10 and operate the enter button or touch panel 116 in order to terminate notification screen 303, thereby reducing the risk of blurring the image.

[0042] 3C is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 305 that asks the user whether to change the priority setting, which indicates whether to prioritize the sensor mode setting or the resolution setting when switching the sensor mode. The priority settings include a first priority mode in which the sensor mode setting is prioritized, and a second priority mode in which the resolution setting is prioritized.

[0043] In the first priority mode, the system control unit 50 controls the system so that all sensor mode setting values ​​can be selected by the user. On the other hand, in the second priority mode, the system control unit 50 controls the system so that the user cannot select any sensor mode setting value that would change the current resolution setting value if the sensor mode setting value were changed. The second priority mode improves operability for users who want to prioritize resolution (image quality).

[0044] The confirmation screen 305 is displayed when the priority setting is set to resolution priority (second priority mode) and the assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned is operated multiple times within a predetermined time. The confirmation screen 305 is a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to switch from the second priority mode to the first priority mode.

[0045] The predetermined time can be determined in advance in a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, for example. The predetermined time may be determined based on, for example, the time it takes to press the assign button and the number of set values ​​(types) of the sensor mode. Furthermore, the confirmation screen 305 may be displayed not only when the assign button is operated multiple times within a predetermined time, but also when the assign button is operated more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. The predetermined number here is determined based on, for example, the number of types of sensor mode. Furthermore, the confirmation screen 305 may be displayed when the sensor mode is set to the same setting value multiple times as a result of multiple operations being performed on the assign button.

[0046] 5 is a diagram illustrating the priority setting when switching the sensor mode. The priority setting 501 when switching the sensor mode is one of the menu items, and the user can change the priority setting 501 from the menu screen. The priority setting 501 has a setting value of either sensor mode priority 502 (first priority mode) or resolution priority 503 (second priority mode).

[0047] When priority setting 501 is set to sensor mode priority 502, the sensor mode is switched to all setting values ​​in order each time the user presses an assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned. Each time an assign button is pressed, the system control unit 50 changes the sensor mode from the sensor mode currently set in table 401 in the order of arrows 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d indicating the switching path.

[0048] When Priority Setting 501 is set to Resolution Priority 503, if the current resolution setting is "3840 x 2160," the sensor mode cannot be switched to "Super16mm Crop." This is because the "Super16mm Crop" sensor mode does not support the "3840 x 2160" resolution. Each time the user presses an assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned, the system control unit 50 switches the sensor mode between sensor modes that support the "3840 x 2160" resolution. Each time the assign button is pressed, the system control unit 50 changes the sensor mode from the sensor mode currently set in table 401 in the order of arrows 403a and 403b indicating the switching path. As a result, the currently set resolution is maintained.

[0049] For example, in table 401 in Figure 4, assume that the current sensor mode setting is "35mmCrop," the captureable resolution setting is "4096x2160," and the priority setting 501 is set to resolution priority 503. When the user presses an assignment button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned, if sensor mode priority 502 is selected, the mode will be changed to "Super16mmCrop," but the resolution "4096x2160" will no longer be maintained. On the other hand, if priority setting 501 is resolution priority 503, the sensor mode will be changed to "FULL size," which allows the captureable resolution to be maintained.

[0050] In resolution priority 503, even if the user attempts to change the sensor mode to "Super16mmCrop," the sensor mode is changed in the order of the switching paths indicated by arrows 403a and 403b, and is not set to "Super16mmCrop." For this reason, the user may press the assign button multiple times within a given period of time in an attempt to set the sensor mode to "Super16mmCrop."

[0051] If the assign button is pressed multiple times within a predetermined time in resolution priority 503, the system control unit 50 displays a confirmation screen 305 to ask the user whether or not to switch the priority setting 501 from sensor mode priority 502 to resolution priority 503.

[0052] The confirmation screen 305 displays information notifying that switching to some sensor modes is restricted when the priority setting 501 is set to the resolution priority 503. The confirmation screen 305 also displays information notifying that switching to a sensor mode that is restricted in the resolution priority 503 is possible by switching the priority setting 501 to the sensor mode priority 502. Therefore, by checking the notification information on the confirmation screen 305, the user can know what to do if he or she wants to switch to a sensor mode that is restricted in the resolution priority 503. You can recognize the method.

[0053] The confirmation screen 305 displays an accept button 307 (OK button) for accepting the switching of the priority setting 501 from resolution priority 503 to sensor mode priority 502, and a cancel button 306 (Cancel button) for canceling the switching. The user can terminate the display of the confirmation screen 305 by selecting the cancel button 306 or the accept button 307 on the confirmation screen 305.

[0054] When the cancel button 306 is selected, the system control unit 50 ends the display of the confirmation screen 305 without switching the priority setting 501 from sensor mode priority 502 to resolution priority 503. When the accept button 307 is selected, the system control unit 50 switches the priority setting 501 from resolution priority 503 to sensor mode priority 502 and ends the display of the confirmation screen 305.

[0055] The user can select either the cancel button 306 or the accept button 307 displayed on the confirmation screen 305 by pressing an assign button to which a sensor mode switching function is assigned. For example, the operation of selecting the accept button 307 is a short press of the assign button, and the operation of selecting the cancel button 306 is a long press of the assign button.

[0056] The method of distinguishing between two buttons on the screen and selecting them depending on the duration (long press or short press) of pressing an assignment button to which various functions are assigned can be applied to screens that include various types of notification information, not limited to the confirmation screen 305 in Fig. 3(C). The notification information is not limited to a notification that changing the sensor mode setting will also change the resolution setting, but may also include a notification that changing settings such as the image file recording format setting and the gamma setting will change other related settings.

[0057] The control to terminate the display of the notification screen 303 and the confirmation screen 305 by pressing an assignment button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned may be limited to when the notification screen 303 and the confirmation screen 305 are displayed by pressing the assignment button.

[0058] The system control unit 50 may determine whether to display the notification screen 303 based on whether an icon 302 indicating the current setting value of the currently set resolution is displayed on the display unit 110. Even when the resolution setting is changed in response to an operation to change the sensor mode setting, if information on the current setting value of the resolution is displayed on the display unit 110, the system control unit 50 does not display the notification screen 303. This is because the user can check the resolution setting value without displaying the notification screen 303. On the other hand, if information on the current setting value of the resolution is not displayed on the display unit 110, the system control unit 50 displays the notification screen 303.

[0059] Furthermore, when the system control unit 50 receives a long press of an assign button assigned with a sensor mode switching function, the system control unit 50 does not display the notification screen 303, even if the resolution setting is changed as a result of the change in the sensor mode setting. In this case, the system control unit 50 performs control so that the notification screen 303 is not displayed, and changes the sensor mode setting to a setting value based on the user operation. If the user has previously agreed to the automatic resolution switching, the user can long press the assign button to avoid the trouble of terminating the display of the notification screen 303, thereby reducing the risk of blurring the image.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the camera 10 in response to a user operation. The process shown in is realized by the system control unit 50 reading out a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, expanding it in the system memory 113, and executing it.

[0061] In step S601, the system control unit 50 accepts an operation from the user via the operation unit 115 or the touch panel 116.

[0062] In step S602, the system control unit 50 determines the type of operation received in step S601. If the user operation is an operation on an assignment button to which a sensor mode switching function is assigned, the process proceeds to step S603. If the user operation is a determination operation such as pressing the determination button (SET key) or pressing a touch button on the touch panel 116, the process proceeds to step S604. If the user operation is another operation, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0063] In step S603, the system control unit 50 executes processing in response to an operation on an assign button to which a sensor mode switching function has been assigned. Details of the processing in step S603 are shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7. In step S604, the system control unit 50 executes processing in response to a confirmation operation. Details of the processing in step S604 are shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8.

[0064] In step S605, the system control unit 50 executes processing for the operation determined to be another operation in step S602. The system control unit 50 executes processing according to the operation received from the user and the state of the camera 10.

[0065] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process for the assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned. The process shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the system control unit 50 reading out a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, expanding it in the system memory 113, and executing it.

[0066] In step S701, the system control unit 50 determines whether a notification (notification screen 303 in FIG. 3(B) or confirmation screen 305 in FIG. 3(C)) is displayed on the display unit 110. If a notification is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S702. If the confirmation screen 305 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S720. If the notification screen 303 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S723.

[0067] In step S702, the system control unit 50 initializes a variable (hereinafter referred to as a switching destination variable) that holds a setting value of the switching destination of the sensor mode. The switching destination variable of the sensor mode is stored in the system memory 113 and can be read out in the processing of other steps.

[0068] In step S703, the system control unit 50 determines whether the setting value of the priority setting 501 is sensor mode priority 502 or resolution priority 503. If sensor mode priority 502 is set, the process proceeds to step S704. If resolution priority 503 is set, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0069] In step S704, the system control unit 50 sets, in the switching destination variable, a candidate for the sensor mode switching destination when the priority setting 501 is sensor mode priority 502. For example, in sensor mode priority 502, the setting value of the sensor mode is changed in the order of arrows 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d indicating the switching path in FIG.

[0070] In step S705, the system control unit 50 sets the sensor mode to the switching destination variable. The system control unit 50 then switches to the selected sensor mode. The system control unit 50 also stores the resolution setting value before switching the sensor mode in a resolution variable. The resolution variable is stored in the system memory 113 and can be read out during processing in other steps.

[0071] If the resolution before the sensor mode change is no longer maintained after the sensor mode change, the system control unit 50 automatically selects and sets the post-change resolution from among the captureable resolutions corresponding to the post-change sensor mode in table 401. The resolution to be automatically set after the sensor mode change can be determined in advance in a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111.

[0072] In step S706, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation on the assignable button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned is a short press or a long press. If the operation on the assignable button is a short press, the process proceeds to step S707. If the operation on the assignable button is a long press, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0073] In step S707, the system control unit 50 determines whether information about the currently set resolution is displayed on the display unit 110. The system control unit 50 may determine, for example, whether the icon 302 indicating the resolution setting value described in FIG. 3A is displayed. If the resolution information is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S708. If the resolution information is displayed, the system control unit 50 switches the sensor mode to the sensor mode set in the switching destination variable, and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0074] In step S708, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the change in sensor mode has resulted in a change in resolution. The system control unit 50 can determine that the resolution has changed if the resolution held in the resolution variable in step S705 differs from the currently set resolution. If the resolution has changed, the process proceeds to step S709. If the resolution has not changed, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0075] In step S709, the system control unit 50 displays the notification screen 303 on the display unit 110. The system control unit 50 also turns on the notification display flag. The notification display flag is a flag that indicates whether the notification screen 303 is displayed by operating an assignable button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned. The notification display flag is set to on when the notification screen 303 is displayed by operating an assignable button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned. The notification display flag is stored in the system memory 113, and can also be read out during processing in other steps.

[0076] In step S710, the system control unit 50 sets, in the switching destination variable, a candidate for the sensor mode switching destination when the priority setting 501 is resolution priority 503. For example, when the priority setting 501 is resolution priority 503, the setting value of the sensor mode is changed in the order of arrows 403a and 403b indicating the switching path in FIG.

[0077] In step S711, the system control unit 50 determines whether the sensor mode set in the switching destination variable is repeatedly set to the same setting value within a predetermined time due to multiple operations on the assign button within a predetermined time. For example, in the case of resolution priority 503, the system control unit 50 changes the sensor mode in the order of the switching paths indicated by arrows 403a and 403b in table 401. Therefore, each time the user presses the assign button, the sensor mode is alternately set to "FULL size" and "35mm Crop." Even if the user tries to set the sensor mode to "Super16mm Crop," the sensor mode is not set to "Super16mm Crop," and the user ends up pressing the assign button multiple times within a predetermined time. As a result, the sensor mode to be switched to is changed to the same setting value within a predetermined time. The same setting value is repeatedly set in the code.

[0078] If the same setting value is repeatedly set in the sensor mode of the switching destination within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S712. If the same setting value is not repeatedly set in the sensor mode of the switching destination within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S719.

[0079] In step S712, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the predetermined time used for the determination in step S711 is being measured. The period from when the time measurement starts in step S718 until the time measurement ends in steps S714 and S716 is determined to be when the time measurement is being measured.

[0080] The system control unit 50 uses the start time variable to determine whether time is being measured. When the system control unit 50 starts measuring time in step S718, it stores the time acquired from the system timer 114 in the start time variable. Furthermore, when the system control unit 50 ends measuring time in steps S714 and S716, it clears (initializes) the start time variable. If time information is stored in the start time variable, the system control unit 50 can determine that time is being measured.

[0081] The time at which measurement starts in step S718 is used in step S711 to determine whether the sensor mode destination is set to the same setting value two or more times within a predetermined time. Specifically, when the switching path is changed in the order of arrows 403a and 403b in table 401 of FIG. 4, the sensor mode is switched between "FULL SIZE" and "35mm CROP" each time the assign button is pressed. If the current sensor mode is "35mm CROP," pressing the assign button twice will set the sensor mode to "35mm CROP" twice. Furthermore, when the assign button is pressed three times, the sensor mode will be set to "FULL SIZE" twice.

[0082] If it is determined in step S712 that time is being measured, the process proceeds to step S713. If it is determined that time is not being measured after the transition, the process proceeds to step S718.

[0083] In step S713, the system controller 50 determines whether the measurement time, which began in step S718, has exceeded a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be determined in advance in a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111. If the measurement time has not exceeded the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S714. If the measurement time has exceeded the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S716.

[0084] In step S714, the system control unit 50 ends the time measurement and initializes the start time variable. In step S715, the system control unit 50 displays the confirmation screen 305 on the display unit 110.

[0085] In step S716, the system control unit 50 ends the time measurement and initializes the start time variable. In step S717, the system control unit 50 sets the sensor mode to the sensor mode set in the switching destination variable.

[0086] In step S718, the system control unit 50 starts measuring time. The system control unit 50 obtains the time from the system timer 114 and stores it in a start time variable. The start time variable is stored in the system memory 113 and can be read out during processing in other steps.

[0087] In step S719, the system control unit 50 sets the sensor mode to the switching destination variable. Set the sensor to the selected mode.

[0088] In step S720, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation on the assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned is a short press or a long press. If the operation on the assign button is a short press, the system control unit 50 determines that the accept button 307 on the confirmation screen 305 has been selected, and proceeds to step S721. If the operation on the assign button is a long press, the system control unit 50 determines that the cancel button 306 on the confirmation screen 305 has been selected, and proceeds to step S722.

[0089] In step S721, the system control unit 50 sets the priority setting 501 to the sensor mode priority 502. In step S722, the system control unit 50 ends the display of the confirmation screen 305.

[0090] In step S723, the system control unit 50 determines whether the notification screen 303 was displayed by operating the assign button to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned. If the notification display flag set in step S709 is on, the system control unit 50 can determine that the notification screen 303 was displayed by operating the assign button. If the notification screen 303 was displayed by operating the assign button, the system control unit 50 turns off the notification display flag and proceeds to step S724. If the notification screen 303 was displayed without using the assign button, the processing shown in FIG. 7 ends. In step S724, the system control unit 50 ends the display of the notification screen 303.

[0091] 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process for a decision operation. The decision operation includes an operation of pressing a decision button (SET key) or an operation of pressing a touch button on touch panel 116. The process shown in FIG. 8 is realized by system control unit 50 reading a program stored in nonvolatile memory 111, expanding it in system memory 113, and executing it.

[0092] In step S801, the system control unit 50 determines whether a notification (notification screen 303 in FIG. 3(B) or confirmation screen 305 in FIG. 3(C)) is displayed on the display unit 110. If the confirmation screen 305 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S802. If the notification screen 303 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S805. If no notification is displayed or a notification other than the notification screen 303 or the confirmation screen 305 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S806.

[0093] In step S802, the system control unit 50 determines whether the button selected on the confirmation screen 305 by the decision operation is the cancel button 306 (Cancel button) or the accept button 307 (OK button). If the accept button 307 is selected, the process proceeds to step S803. If the cancel button 306 is selected, the process proceeds to step S804.

[0094] In step S803, the system control unit 50 sets the priority setting 501 to sensor mode priority 502. In step S804, the system control unit 50 ends the display of the confirmation screen 305. In step S805, the system control unit 50 ends the display of the notification screen 303 in response to the user's confirmation operation of selecting the acceptance button 304 on the notification screen 303.

[0095] In step S806, the system control unit 50 executes processing for the decision operation in accordance with the screen displayed on the display unit 110 for other notifications or the like.

[0096] According to the above embodiment, the user can select an assignment to which the sensor mode switching function is assigned. When the notification screen 303 or the confirmation screen 305 is displayed by operating the assign button, the user can terminate the display of these screens by pressing the assign button again. That is, the user can terminate the display of the notification screen 303 and the confirmation screen 305 without operating the operation unit 115 or the touch panel 116 other than the assign button, thereby maintaining the shooting posture and suppressing blurring of the captured image. In the above description, only the acceptance button 304 (OK button) is displayed on the notification screen 303. However, in addition to the OK button, a cancel button may also be displayed. In this case, the notification screen 303 is displayed with the OK button initially selected. Note that the sensor mode setting is not changed when the notification screen 303 is displayed. Then, if the OK button is selected by operating the assign button again after the notification screen 303 is displayed, the sensor mode setting is changed at this timing, and the display of the notification screen 303 is terminated. On the other hand, if the cancel button is selected by operating the directional keys and the SET key, or by touch operation, after the notification screen 303 is displayed, the display of the notification screen 303 is terminated without changing the sensor mode setting.

[0097] In the present invention, a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to a system or device via a network or a non-transitory storage medium. One or more processors of a computer in the system or device can realize each function of the embodiments by reading and executing the supplied program. Furthermore, operation of the camera 10 is not limited to operation using the operation unit 115 built into the camera 10, but can also be realized by operation via a network, operation using a remote controller, or other remote operation. The above-described program and the storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

[0098] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0099] The above processor is a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Dedicated processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0100] 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-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0101] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit that realizes one or more of the functions.

[0102] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) a first operation unit for changing the first setting; a notification means for displaying notification information notifying a user that a second setting different from the first setting will be changed when the first setting is changed; a control means for controlling the display of the notification information to end without changing the first setting in response to the operation of the first operation unit while the notification information is not being displayed, and for controlling the display of the notification information to end without changing the first setting in response to the operation of the first operation unit while the notification information is being displayed; An imaging device comprising: (Configuration 2) The first operation unit is an operation unit to which a function for changing the first setting is assigned by the user's setting. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The control means When the notification information is displayed in response to an operation on the first operation unit, the display of the notification information is terminated in response to another operation on the first operation unit; When the notification information is displayed by accepting an operation to change the first setting by a second operation unit different from the first operation unit, the display of the notification information continues even if the first operation unit is operated. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The control means controls to terminate the display of the notification information in response to an operation on the second operation unit, regardless of whether the notification information is displayed in response to an operation on the first operation unit or an operation on the second operation unit. 4. The imaging device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) the second operation unit is an operation unit that allows the first setting to be changed on a menu screen, The control means controls the setting value of the first setting to be changed sequentially in a predetermined order in response to an operation on the first operation unit without using the menu screen. 4. The imaging device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 6) The control means, in a state where the notification information is not displayed, If the second setting is not changed due to the change in the first setting, change the first setting in response to an operation on the first operation unit; When the second setting is changed as a result of the change in the first setting, the first setting is changed in response to an operation on the first operation unit, and the notification information is displayed by the notification means. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging device is controlled as follows. (Configuration 7) The control means, in a state where the notification information is not displayed, If the second setting is not changed due to the change in the first setting, change the first setting in response to an operation on the first operation unit; When the second setting is changed as a result of the change of the first setting, the notification information is displayed by the notification means in response to an operation on the first operation unit without changing the first setting, and when the first operation unit is operated again, the first setting is changed. Change the settings Control it so that 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 8) When the first operation unit is operated, the control unit In a first priority mode in which the first setting is given priority, control is performed so that all setting values ​​of the first setting can be selected; In a second priority mode in which the second setting is given priority, control is performed so that, among the setting values ​​of the first setting, a setting value of the first setting that would cause a current setting value of the second setting to be changed by changing the first setting is not selected. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 9) When the first operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time in the second priority mode, the notification unit displays a confirmation screen for confirming with the user whether or not to switch from the second priority mode to the first priority mode. 9. The imaging device according to configuration 8. (Configuration 10) the confirmation screen displays a first button for accepting the switch from the second priority mode to the first priority mode, and a second button for canceling the switch from the second priority mode to the first priority mode; The control means When the first button is selected, the second priority mode is switched to the first priority mode, and the display of the confirmation screen is terminated; When the second button is selected, the display of the confirmation screen is terminated without switching from the second priority mode to the first priority mode. 10. The imaging device according to configuration 9, (Configuration 11) The operation of selecting the first button is a short press on the first operation unit, and the operation of selecting the second button is a long press on the first operation unit. 11. The imaging device according to configuration 10. (Configuration 12) The notification means displays the confirmation screen when, in the second priority mode, the first setting is set to the same setting value multiple times as a result of the first operation unit being operated multiple times within a predetermined time. 12. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 9 to 11, wherein: (Configuration 13) Even if the second setting is changed in response to an operation to change the first setting, the notification means does not display the notification information if information on the setting value of the second setting is displayed on a display unit. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 14) When the notification means receives an operation of pressing and holding the first operation unit, the notification means changes the first setting without displaying the notification information even if the second setting is changed as a result of the change of the first setting. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2. (method) When a change in a first setting causes a change in a second setting different from the first setting, displaying notification information notifying a user that the second setting will be changed; a first setting for changing the first setting when the notification information is not displayed; performing control so as to change the first setting in response to an operation of an operation unit, and performing control so as to end display of the notification information without changing the first setting in response to an operation of the first operation unit while the notification information is being displayed; 10. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising: (program) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. (medium) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10: Imaging device (camera), 50: System control unit, 110: Display unit

Claims

1. a first operation unit for changing the first setting; a notification means for displaying notification information notifying a user that a second setting different from the first setting will be changed when the first setting is changed; a control means for controlling the display of the notification information to end without changing the first setting in response to the operation of the first operation unit while the notification information is not being displayed, and for controlling the display of the notification information to end without changing the first setting in response to the operation of the first operation unit while the notification information is being displayed; An imaging device comprising:

2. The first operation unit is an operation unit to which a function for changing the first setting is assigned by the user's setting.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. The control means When the notification information is displayed in response to an operation on the first operation unit, the display of the notification information is terminated in response to another operation on the first operation unit; When the notification information is displayed by accepting an operation to change the first setting by a second operation unit different from the first operation unit, the display of the notification information continues even if the first operation unit is operated.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

4. The control means controls to terminate the display of the notification information in response to an operation on the second operation unit, regardless of whether the notification information is displayed in response to an operation on the first operation unit or an operation on the second operation unit.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3.

5. the second operation unit is an operation unit that allows the first setting to be changed on a menu screen, The control means controls the setting values ​​of the first setting to be changed sequentially in a predetermined order in response to an operation on the first operation unit without using the menu screen.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3.

6. The control means, in a state where the notification information is not displayed, If the second setting is not changed due to the change in the first setting, the first setting is changed in response to an operation on the first operation unit; When the second setting is changed as a result of the change in the first setting, the first setting is changed in response to an operation on the first operation unit, and the notification information is displayed by the notification means.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is controlled as follows:

7. The control means, in a state where the notification information is not displayed, If the second setting is not changed due to the change in the first setting, the first setting is changed in response to an operation on the first operation unit; When the second setting is changed as a result of the change in the first setting, the notification information is displayed by the notification means in response to an operation on the first operation unit without changing the first setting, and the first setting is changed in response to another operation on the first operation unit.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is controlled as follows:

8. When the first operation unit is operated, the control unit In a first priority mode in which the first setting is given priority, control is performed so that all setting values ​​of the first setting can be selected; In a second priority mode in which the second setting is given priority, control is performed so that, among the setting values ​​of the first setting, a setting value of the first setting that would cause a current setting value of the second setting to be changed by changing the first setting is not selected.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

9. When the first operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time in the second priority mode, the notification unit displays a confirmation screen for confirming with the user whether or not to switch from the second priority mode to the first priority mode.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8.

10. the confirmation screen displays a first button for accepting switching from the second priority mode to the first priority mode, and a second button for canceling switching from the second priority mode to the first priority mode; The control means When the first button is selected, the second priority mode is switched to the first priority mode, and the display of the confirmation screen is terminated; When the second button is selected, the display of the confirmation screen is terminated without switching from the second priority mode to the first priority mode.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9.

11. The operation of selecting the first button is a short press of the first operation unit, and the operation of selecting the second button is a long press of the first operation unit.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10.

12. The notification unit displays the confirmation screen when the first setting is set to the same setting value multiple times in the second priority mode due to multiple operations being performed on the first operation unit within a predetermined time period.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9.

13. Even if the second setting is changed in response to an operation to change the first setting, the notification means does not display the notification information if information on a setting value of the second setting is displayed on a display unit.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

14. When the notification means receives an operation of pressing and holding the first operation unit, the notification means changes the first setting without displaying the notification information even if the second setting is changed as a result of the first setting being changed.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

15. a step of displaying notification information notifying a user that a second setting different from the first setting will be changed when the first setting is changed; In response to a first operation unit for changing the first setting being operated in a state where the notification information is not displayed, control is performed to change the first setting, and in response to a first operation unit being operated in a state where the notification information is displayed, control is performed to change the first setting. a step of controlling the display of the notification information to end without changing the setting of the notification information; 10. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising:

16. 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 14.

17. 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 14.

Images