Imaging device, its control method, and program

Abstract

To improve the usability of image rating and protection using digital cameras. [Solution] The digital camera has a first operating member having a structure for step-by-step operation including a first stage and a second stage. A first process is performed on the target image data in response to the first stage operation on the first operating member, and a second process is performed on the target image data in response to the second stage operation on the first operating member. Here, the first process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection on the target image data, and the second process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection on the target image data, or the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device provided with an operation member having a two-stage pressing structure, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a photographing device has means for assigning ratings and protection to photographed images. The means for assignment include function calls by item selection from the MENU screen, and function calls by pressing independent operation buttons on the imaging device, each assigned with the rating and protection functions.

[0003] However, in the above-described means, when applying both functions to one photographed image, after performing an operation to call one function, it is necessary to perform an operation to call the other function, which may cause operation inconvenience and forgetting to call one function. In particular, failure to assign protection to an image due to forgetting to call the protection function may lead to accidental deletion of the image.

[0004] As a countermeasure, a method has been proposed in which a plurality of switches are provided, one switch is used to select one from a group of function combinations, and functions corresponding to the above combination are activated by the remaining switches (Patent Document 1). In addition, a method has been proposed in which when it is desired to activate one function and another function, the activation function is distinguished by one button (Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a large space because it has multiple switches separately.

[0007] Furthermore, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order to save still images while recording video, the operation member for shooting (release button) is half-pressed to record video, and fully-pressed to save still images.

[0008] However, there are times when you want to use the shutter release button exclusively for still image capture.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and provides a means for applying rating and protection to an image using an operating member that can be pressed in two stages, different from a shutter release button. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, a first operating member having a structure for step-by-step operation including a first stage and a second stage, The system includes a control means that performs a first process on the target image data in response to a first-stage operation on the first operating member, and performs a second process on the target image data in response to a second-stage operation on the first operating member, The first process is a process of setting a rating or protection for the target image data, and the second process is a process of setting a rating or protection for the target image data, the other of the other. An imaging device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, multiple functions related to a predetermined process can be used by a single operating member capable of multiple pressing operations, thereby reducing the number of operating steps. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the configuration of an imaging device as a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) and (b) are external views of an imaging device as a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the case where the first stage of the control panel is set to rating and the second stage is set to protect. [Figure 4A] This is a flowchart for the process of changing an already assigned rating level. [Figure 4B] This is a flowchart of the process for changing the rating level using other components. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart for the process of prompting the user to choose to remove the protection. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the process that allows the user to select the option to disable protection based on the duration of pressing the second stage of the control element. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the case where the first stage of the control panel is set to protect and the second stage is set to rate. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the process for changing the rating level. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] ●Block diagram of a digital camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera 100 which is an imaging device as an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographing lens. Although the lens 103 is usually composed of a plurality of lenses, it is here shown simply as a single lens for simplicity. A communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 communicates with a system control unit 50 via this communication terminal 6 and a communication terminal 10 of the digital camera 100, and controls the aperture 1 via an aperture drive circuit 2 by an internal lens system control circuit 4. Thereafter, focusing is performed by displacing the lens 103 via an AF drive circuit 3.

[0015] A shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of an imaging unit 22 under the control of a system control unit 50.

[0016] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging device composed of a CCD, a CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. An A / D converter 23 is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0017] An image processing unit 24 performs a resizing process such as a predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction, and a color conversion process on data from the A / D converter 23 or data from a memory control unit 15 described later. Also, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined arithmetic process using the captured image data. The system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the arithmetic result obtained by the image processing unit 24. Thereby, AF (auto focus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-emission) processing, and subject detection processing in a TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed. The image processing unit 24 further performs a predetermined arithmetic process using the captured image data, and performs TTL method AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

[0018] The memory control unit 15 controls the transmission and reception of data between the A / D converter 23, the image processing unit 24, and the memory 32. Output 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 directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data for display on the display unit 28 and EVF 29. The memory 32 has sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of video footage, and audio.

[0019] Furthermore, memory 32 also serves as memory for image display (video memory). Display image data written to memory 32 is displayed by the display unit 28 and EVF 29 via the memory control unit 15. The display unit 28 and EVF 29 display information on a display device such as an LCD or organic EL display according to the signal from the memory control unit 15. Live view display (LV display) can be performed by sequentially transferring the data that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in memory 32 to the display unit 28 or EVF 29 for display. Hereinafter, the image displayed in live view will be referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0020] The infrared light-emitting diode 166 is a light-emitting element for detecting the user's line of sight position within the viewfinder screen, and illuminates the user's eyeball (eye) 161, which is looking into the eyepiece 16, with infrared light. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light-emitting diode 166 is reflected by the eyeball (eye) 161, and the reflected infrared light reaches the dichroic mirror 162. The dichroic mirror 162 reflects only infrared light and transmits visible light. The infrared reflected light, with its optical path altered, is imaged onto the imaging surface of the gaze detection sensor 164 via the imaging lens 163. The imaging lens 163 is an optical component that constitutes the gaze detection optical system. The gaze detection sensor 164 consists of an imaging device such as a CCD type image sensor.

[0021] The gaze detection sensor 164 converts the incident infrared reflected light into an electrical signal via photoelectric conversion and outputs it to the gaze detection circuit 165. The gaze detection circuit 165 includes at least one processor and, based on the output signal from the gaze detection sensor 164, detects the user's gaze position from the image or movement of the user's eyeball (eye) 161 and outputs the detection information to the system control unit 50. Thus, the gaze detection block 160 is composed of the dichroic mirror 162, imaging lens 163, gaze detection sensor 164, infrared light-emitting diode 166, and gaze detection circuit 165.

[0022] In this invention, the gaze detection block 160 is used to detect the gaze using a method called the corneal reflection method. The corneal reflection method is a method of detecting the direction and position of the gaze from the positional relationship between the reflected light, particularly the cornea of ​​the eyeball (eye) 161, and the pupil of the eyeball (eye) 161, which is emitted infrared light from the infrared light-emitting diode 166. In addition to this, there are various other methods for detecting the direction and position of the gaze, such as the scleral reflection method, which utilizes the fact that the reflectivity of light differs between the iris and the sclera. Note that any gaze detection method other than the one described above may be used as long as it can detect the direction and position of the gaze.

[0023] The external LCD display unit 43 displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture, via the external display unit drive circuit 44.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as Flash-ROM. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, etc. The program referred to here is a computer program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0025] The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor (or CPU) or circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. It realizes each of the processes of this embodiment, which will be described later, by executing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56. For example, RAM is used in the system memory 52, and constants, variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, the program read from the non-volatile memory 56, etc. are stored there. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the display unit 28, etc.

[0026] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0027] The mode switch 60, first shutter switch 62, second shutter switch 64, and operation unit 70 are operating means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. The mode switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of the following: still image shooting mode, video shooting mode, etc. Modes included in the still image shooting mode include auto shooting mode, auto scene detection mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide shooting settings for different shooting scenes. The mode switch 60 allows the user to directly switch to any of these modes. Alternatively, the user may first switch to a list screen of shooting modes using the mode switch 60, then select one of the displayed modes and switch using other operating components. Similarly, the video shooting mode may also include multiple modes.

[0028] The first shutter switch 62 turns ON during the operation of the shutter button 61 on the digital camera 100, specifically when it is half-pressed (indicating preparation for shooting), and generates the first shutter switch signal SW1. The first shutter switch signal SW1 initiates shooting preparation operations such as AF (autofocus), AE (automatic exposure), AWB (auto white balance), and EF (flash pre-flash).

[0029] The second shutter switch 64 turns ON when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (shooting instruction), generating the second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processes, from reading the signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image as an image file to the recording medium 200, in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2.

[0030] The operation unit 70 consists of various operating components that act as an input unit for receiving user input. The operation unit 70 includes at least the following operating components: a shutter button 61, a multi-controller 65, a touch panel 70a, a main electronic dial 71, a power switch 72, a sub-electronic dial 73, a cross key 74, and a SET button 75. In addition, there is a video button 76, an AE lock button 77, a zoom button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, and an AF start button 82. Note that, with the exception of the shutter button 61, the touch panel 70a, and the power switch 72, the buttons, switches, and keys listed here are not shown in Figure 1 but only in Figure 2, which will be described later.

[0031] The power control unit 80 consists of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching which blocks are energized, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, supplying the necessary voltage to each part, including the recording medium 200, for the required period. The power supply unit 30 consists of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, and Li batteries, and an AC adapter.

[0032] The recording medium I / F18 is an interface to the recording medium 200, such as a memory card or hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, etc.

[0033] The communication unit 54 is connected wirelessly or via a wired cable and transmits and receives video and audio signals. The communication unit 54 can also connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the internet. Furthermore, the communication unit 54 can communicate with external devices using Bluetooth® or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images captured by the imaging unit 22 (including live view images) and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can also receive images and other various information from external devices.

[0034] The attitude detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 relative to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the attitude detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was taken with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the attitude detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate the image before recording. An acceleration sensor or gyro sensor can be used as the attitude detection unit 55. It is also possible to detect the movement of the digital camera 100 (pan, tilt, lift, whether it is stationary or not, etc.) using the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor in the attitude detection unit 55.

[0035] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects the approach (eye-in) and departure (eye-out) of an eye (object) 161 to the eyepiece 16 of the viewfinder. The system control unit 50 switches the display (display state) / hidden (hidden state) of the display unit 28 and EVF 29 according to the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. More specifically, at least when the digital camera 100 is in shooting standby mode and the setting for switching the display destination of the live view image captured by the imaging unit 22 is set to automatic switching, the display destination is set to the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 is hidden when the eye is not in use. When the eye is in use, the display destination is set to the EVF 29 and the display is turned on and the display unit 28 is hidden. The eyepiece detection unit 57 can use, for example, an infrared proximity sensor to detect the approach of any object to the eyepiece 16 of the viewfinder which has a built-in EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57 is reflected and received by the light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of infrared light received can be used to determine how close the object is to the eyepiece (eyepiece distance). In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 57 performs eyepiece detection to detect the proximity distance of an object to the eyepiece 16. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit of the eyepiece detection unit 57 are separate devices from the infrared light-emitting diode 166 and gaze detection sensor 164 mentioned above. However, the light-emitting unit of the eyepiece detection unit 57 may also be the infrared light-emitting diode 166. Also, the light-receiving unit may also be the gaze detection sensor 164. When an object is detected approaching the eyepiece 16 within a predetermined distance from a non-eyepiece state (non-approach state), it is detected that the eyepiece has been used. The system detects that an object has been moved away from the eyepiece (close-up) state if the object that was detected as approaching moves beyond a predetermined distance. The threshold for detecting eyepiece contact and the threshold for detecting eye separation may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. After detecting eyepiece contact, the system remains in the eyepiece state until eye separation is detected. After detecting eye separation, the system remains in the non-eyepiece state until eyepiece contact is detected again. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and the eyepiece detection unit 57 may use any other sensor that can detect the approach of an eye or object that can be considered as an eyepiece.

[0036] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states based on the output from the gaze detection block 160. • The user's gaze, placed through the eyepiece 16, has been newly input (detected). In other words, the start of gaze input. • The user's gaze input is received through the eyepiece 16. • The user is looking intently at the eyepiece 16. - The user who was looking through the eyepiece 16 has moved away from their gaze input; in other words, the gaze input has ended. • The user is looking through the eyepiece 16 and has not entered any eye-tracking input.

[0037] In this context, "gazing" refers to a situation where the user's gaze position does not exceed a predetermined movement amount within a predetermined time.

[0038] The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured such that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is mounted on the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with the display coordinates on the display screen of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that makes it seem as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0039] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel 70a. - A finger or pen that was not previously touching the touch panel 70a now touches the touch panel 70a. In other words, the start of a touch (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down). The touch panel 70a is being touched with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-On). - The user is moving while touching the touch panel 70a with their finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move). • The finger or pen that was touching the touch panel 70a is lifted. In other words, the touch action ends (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Up). • The touch panel 70a is not being touched (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Off).

[0040] When a touchdown is detected, a touch-on state is also detected simultaneously. After a touchdown, a touch-on state is usually detected unless a touch-up is detected. Touch move is also detected when a touch-on state is detected. Even if a touch-on state is detected, a touch move will not be detected if the touch position has not moved. After all fingers or pens that were touching have been detected as having touched up, the touch-off state is activated.

[0041] These operations and states, as well as the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel 70a, are notified to the system control unit 50 via the internal bus. Based on the notified information, the system control unit 50 determines what kind of operation (touch operation) was performed on the touch panel 70a. For touch moves, the direction of movement of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 70a can also be determined for each vertical and horizontal component on the touch panel 70a based on the change in position coordinates. If a touch move of a predetermined distance or more is detected, it is determined that a slide operation was performed. An operation in which a finger is touched on the touch panel and quickly moved a certain distance, and then released, is called a flick. In other words, a flick is an operation in which the finger is quickly traced across the touch panel 70a as if flicking it. If a touch move of a predetermined distance or more at a predetermined speed or faster is detected, and a touch-up is detected immediately afterward, it can be determined that a flick was performed (it can be determined that a flick followed a slide operation). Furthermore, touching multiple points (for example, two points) simultaneously to bring them closer together is called a pinch-in, and touching them further apart is called a pinch-out. Pinch-out and pinch-in are collectively referred to as a pinch operation (or simply a pinch). The touch panel 70a may use any of the various types of touch panels, such as resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, and optical sensor types. Depending on the type, a touch may be detected when there is contact with the touch panel, or when a finger or pen approaches the touch panel; either type is acceptable.

[0042] When a touch-move operation is performed while the eyepiece is engaged, the user can set the method for specifying the position of the position indicator corresponding to the touch-move operation to either absolute position specification or relative position specification. For example, if the position indicator is an AF frame, in the case of absolute position specification, when the touch panel 70a is touched, the AF position corresponding to the touched position (the position entered in the coordinates) is set. In other words, the position coordinates where the touch operation was performed are associated with the position coordinates of the display unit 28. On the other hand, in the case of relative position specification, the position coordinates where the touch operation was performed and the position coordinates of the display unit 28 are not associated. In relative position specification, regardless of the touch-down position on the touch panel 70a, the touch position is moved from the currently set AF position by a distance corresponding to the amount of the touch-move movement in the direction of the touch-move movement.

[0043] ● Appearance of the digital camera Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show an external view of a digital camera 100 as an example of a device to which the present invention can be applied. Figure 2(a) is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and Figure 2(b) is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100. In Figure 2, the display unit 28 is a display unit located on the back of the camera that displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (operation surface) of the display unit 28. The viewfinder-external display unit 43 is a display unit located on the top of the camera that displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for issuing shooting instructions. The mode switching switch 60 is an operation unit for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover that protects the connector (not shown) that connects the connection cable to an external device to the digital camera 100.

[0044] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operating component included in the control unit 70, and by rotating this main electronic dial 71, settings such as shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The power switch 72 is an operating component that switches the power of the digital camera 100 ON and OFF. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operating component included in the control unit 70, and can be used to move the selection frame and advance images. The cross key 74 is a cross key operating component (4-way key) included in the control unit 70, and has push buttons that can be pressed in four directions: up, down, left, and right. The operation corresponding to the direction in which the cross key 74 is pressed can be performed. The SET button 75 is a push button included in the control unit 70 and is mainly used to confirm selection items. The video button 76 is used to instruct the start and stop of video recording. The AE lock button 77 is included in the control unit 70 and, when pressed in shooting standby mode, the exposure state can be fixed. The magnification button 78 is included in the control unit 70 and is used to turn the magnification mode ON and OFF in the live view display in shooting mode. By turning the magnification mode ON and then operating the main electronic dial 71, the live view image can be enlarged or reduced. In playback mode, it functions as a magnification button to enlarge the playback image and increase the magnification ratio. The playback button 79 is included in the control unit 70 and is used to switch between shooting mode and playback mode. By pressing the playback button 79 in shooting mode, the user switches to playback mode and the latest image recorded on the recording medium 200 can be displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is included in the control unit 70 and, when pressed, displays various configurable menu screens on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the directional keys 74, the SET button 75, or the multi-controller (MC) 65.

[0045] The AF start button 82 is included in the control unit 70 and can focus by controlling the aperture 1 (described later) and displacing the lens 103, i.e., it can perform metering and AF operation. The AF start button 82 has a two-stage pressing mechanism, allowing for a first-stage press (hereinafter referred to as AF start button half-press) and a second-stage press that is deeper than the first stage (hereinafter referred to as AF start button full-press). By half-pressing and fully pressing the AF start button respectively, not only metering and AF operation but also other functions can be activated, and the functions to be activated can be set by the user on the menu screen.

[0046] The AF start button 82, like the shutter button 61, is a push-button switch with a first switch that turns on when half-pressed and a second switch that turns on when fully pressed. Different signals are input to the system control unit 50 depending on whether the button is half-pressed or fully pressed. This allows the system control unit 50 to determine whether the AF start button 82 is being half-pressed or fully pressed. By using half-pressing and fully pressing of the AF start button 82, the user can execute different functions or controls using the digital camera 100. Half-pressing is the amount of pressure required to turn on the first switch, which is about half the range of motion of the AF start button 82. Full-pressing is the amount of pressure required to turn on the second switch, which is the full range of motion of the AF start button 82. The MC65 can mainly accept directional indication in eight directions and a press operation in the central part. The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150 (detachable), which will be described later. The eyepiece section 16 is the eyepiece of an eyepiece viewfinder (a type of viewfinder that you look through), and the user can view the image displayed on the internal EVF (Electric View Finder) 29 through the eyepiece section 16. The eyepiece detection section 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects whether or not the photographer is looking through the eyepiece section 16. The cover 202 is the cover of the slot that houses the recording medium 200. The grip section 90 is a holding section shaped to be easy for the user to grip with their right hand when holding the digital camera 100. With the digital camera held by gripping the grip section 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are positioned to be operated by the index finger of the right hand. Also, in the same position, the sub electronic dial 73 is positioned to be operated by the thumb of the right hand.

[0047] (First embodiment) The following describes a method for setting ratings and protects according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protect function, with reference to Figure 3. This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention implemented in a digital camera 100 with the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 is a button for performing metering and AF operation during shooting, but other functions can be assigned to it, for example, when viewing or checking images that have already been taken. In this embodiment, the AF start button 82 is assigned to the metering and AF functions when shooting, and to the rating and protect functions of captured image data when not shooting. Shooting may refer to, for example, when live view is displayed on the display unit 28 or EVF 29. Alternatively, the state when the playback button 79 is pressed may be considered as not shooting. Rating setting is a function that assigns a desired rating level to selected image data. Protect setting is a function that assigns protection to selected image data, disabling deletion or update operations, and also a function to remove the protection. The rating level is visually indicated, for example, by a favorite mark corresponding to the rating level. For example, if levels from level 0 to level 5 are available, when the captured image is displayed on the display unit 28, a favorite mark corresponding to the level, or a number of favorite marks corresponding to the level, will be displayed at the edge of the image or outside the image area. In addition, a mark indicating whether or not the image is protected may be displayed along with the image.

[0048] The processing procedure shown in Figure 3 is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly its processor (or CPU), executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52. ​​In other words, the system control unit 50, especially its processor, is the main unit of processing. Also, in the figure, the circled symbols A and B are symbols that are referenced only within that figure and are not referenced across other figures. These points also apply to the other flowcharts from Figure 4A onward.

[0049] S300 indicates the start of a state. This state occurs when the power switch 204 is operated on the imaging device 100, the imaging device 100 is started, and the playback button 79 is pressed to display the image subject to rating and protection on the liquid crystal display unit 25. Alternatively, it may also occur immediately after starting the shooting device 200 by long-pressing the playback button 79, with the image subject to rating and protection displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 25. The image data corresponding to the displayed image is the image data subject to rating and protection, and in S300, the target image data has already been selected. When this state of S300 is reached, the process shown in Figure 3 begins. When the state of S300 is no longer reached, the process shown in Figure 3 may be terminated even if it is still in progress.

[0050] S301 is the state immediately following S300.

[0051] In S302, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operating member has been operated to the first stage, specifically whether the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. If it has been operated to the first stage, i.e., half-pressed, the process proceeds to S303; otherwise, the process proceeds through S301 and repeats S302. In the diagram and the following explanation, the operating member is referred to as the AF start button 82, and the first stage of the operating member is described as half-pressed.

[0052] In S303, the system control unit 50 assigns the set rating level to the image data when the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. The set rating level may be a rating level set from a settings screen (not shown), or it may be a predetermined fixed rating level. In any case, the rating level assigned to the target image data in S303 is a rating level that has already been set at the S303 stage.

[0053] S304 is the state immediately after the rating function has been activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82.

[0054] In S305, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 remains pressed in a half-pressed state, that is, whether it has remained half-pressed since the state in S302 where it was determined to be half-pressed. If it is half-pressed, the process proceeds to S306; otherwise, the process proceeds to S301 and then to S302.

[0055] In S306, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operating member has been operated to the second stage, specifically whether the AF start button 82 has been fully pressed. If it has been operated to the second stage, i.e., fully pressed, the process proceeds to S307; otherwise, it proceeds to S304 and then to S305. In the diagram and the following explanation, the second stage of the operating member is described as fully pressed.

[0056] In S307, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the selected image data. Applying protection may involve, for example, setting protection information as an attribute of the image data to indicate that it is protected. When deleting image data, the system control unit 50 or other entity performing the deletion process should refer to this protection information, and if protection is set, it should not perform the deletion. The entity performing the deletion process may be an information processing device other than a digital camera, such as a PC.

[0057] S308 indicates the end of the state. This is the state where both rating and protection have been applied to the image by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0058] If the AF start button 82 is released from being fully pressed in S308, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S306 and then proceed to S306 again.

[0059] Furthermore, if it is determined in S306 that the AF start button 82 is not half-pressed, the process may be terminated without branching to S302.

[0060] Note that the process in Figure 3 may be executed in parallel with other processes in a multitasking environment. This allows for a loop back to S302 if, for example, the AF start button 82 is half-pressed but not fully pressed and the operation is canceled. In this case, other processes, such as re-selecting target image data or taking a picture, can still be executed. This is also true for the flowcharts of other embodiments. Alternatively, the judgment in S302 can be executed within a process that tests the input and branches to a process corresponding to the input (idle processing), allowing it to coexist with other processes even without a multitasking environment. In that case, if it is determined within the idle processing that the conditions of S302 are met, the system can be configured to branch to S303, and instead of branching to S302 in S305, it can be configured to branch back to idle processing. By configuring it in this way, other processes, such as re-selecting target image data or taking a picture, can be executed even without a multitasking environment. This is also true for other embodiments.

[0061] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 3 can be performed on the captured image data.

[0062] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the target image has a rating or protection, a half-press of the AF start button 82 applies a set specific rating level, and a full press of the AF start button 82 applies protection. In other words, the user operates a single control element, and depending on the method or extent of that operation, a rating level can be applied to the target image data, or protection can be set in addition to the rating level application. This reduces the hassle of applying both rating and protection to an image. This improves the operability of the digital camera and streamlines the process of setting the rating and protection of image data.

[0063] In this embodiment, the half-press and full-press of the AF start button 82, which allows for two-stage operation, are assigned to rating and protection. However, two stages of a switch such as a button that allows for operation in stages beyond two may also be assigned to rating and protection. This is also true for other embodiments.

[0064] (Second embodiment) The following describes a method for setting ratings and protects according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protect function, with reference to Figure 4(a). In the first embodiment, a predetermined rating level was assigned to the target image data in response to the rating operation. In contrast, in this embodiment, if the predetermined rating level is higher than the rating level already assigned to the target image data, the predetermined rating level is assigned; otherwise, the assigned rating level is not updated. That is, in this embodiment, in response to the rating operation, the higher of the predetermined rating level or the assigned rating level is assigned to the target image data. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment.

[0065] This embodiment is an example of the invention implemented in a digital camera 100 having the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0066] The processing procedure shown in Figure 4A is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly its processor (or CPU), executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52. ​​In other words, the system control unit 50, especially its processor, is the main component of the processing. Also, in the figure, symbols such as A and B enclosed in circles are referenced only within that figure and are not referenced across other figures.

[0067] S400 represents the same state as S300. The processing shown in Figure 4A begins in this state. At this point, the target image data for the operation has been selected and is displayed as an image on the liquid crystal display unit 25. When the S400 state is reached, the processing shown in Figure 4A begins. Furthermore, when the S400 state is no longer reached, the processing shown in Figure 4A may be terminated, even if it is still in progress.

[0068] S401 represents the same state as S301.

[0069] In S402, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. If it is half-pressed, proceed to S403; otherwise, proceed to S401 and then to S402.

[0070] In S403, the system control unit 50 determines whether the rating level assigned by half-pressing the AF start button 82 is greater than the rating level assigned to the image data corresponding to the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 25, i.e., the target image data. If it is greater, the process proceeds to S405; otherwise, it proceeds to S404 and then to S406. The rating level is represented in the displayed image, for example, by the number of star-shaped marks, and is shown as an integer within the range of 0 (lowest) and 5 (highest).

[0071] S404 is the state immediately after the rating function has been activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82.

[0072] In step S405, the system control unit 50 assigns a rating level to the target image data by half-pressing the AF start button 82. That is, the system control unit 50 overwrites the rating level already assigned to the target image data with the set rating level. The set rating level is the same as the rating level in the first embodiment.

[0073] In S406, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is continuously being half-pressed. If it is being half-pressed, the process proceeds to S407; otherwise, it proceeds to S401 and then to S402.

[0074] In S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is fully pressed. If it is fully pressed, proceed to S408; otherwise, proceed via S404 to S406.

[0075] In S408, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the selected image data. This is the same as in S307 of the first embodiment.

[0076] S409 indicates the end of a state. This is the state where both the rating and protection functions have been activated by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0077] If the AF start button 82 is released from being fully pressed in S409, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S407 and then proceed to S407 again.

[0078] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 4A can be performed on the captured image data.

[0079] In this embodiment, the system determines whether the rating level assigned by half-pressing the AF start button 82 is greater than the rating level assigned to the image displayed on the LCD display unit 25, and then applies protection by fully pressing the AF start button 82. In other words, the user operates a single control element and, depending on the manner or extent of the operation, can assign a rating level to the target image data, or set protection in addition to assigning a rating level. Furthermore, since a level lower than the already assigned rating level is not assigned, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally assigning a low rating level to the target image data. Image data immediately after shooting may be saved with a predetermined rating level, for example, level 0. This reduces the hassle of applying protection to image data with a rating above a certain level. This improves the operability of the digital camera and streamlines the process of setting the rating and protection of image data. Moreover, for image data that already has a rating level above a certain level, there is no need to set the rating level again after applying protection, which also improves the efficiency of the rating and protection setting process.

[0080] (Third embodiment) The following describes a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protect function, with reference to Figure 4B. In the second embodiment, if the predetermined rating level set in response to the rating operation is higher than the already assigned rating level, the predetermined rating level is assigned to the target image data. In contrast, in this embodiment, the user can change the rating level to be assigned during the rating assignment operation. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments.

[0081] This embodiment is an example of the invention implemented in a digital camera 100 having the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0082] The processing procedure shown in Figure 4B is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly its processor (or CPU), executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52. ​​In other words, the system control unit 50, especially its processor, is the main component of the processing. Also, in the figure, symbols such as A and B enclosed in circles are referenced only within that figure and are not referenced across other figures.

[0083] S410 represents the same state as S300. In this state, the processing shown in Figure 4B begins. At this time, the target image data to be operated on has been selected and is displayed as an image on the liquid crystal display unit 25. When the state of S410 is reached, the processing shown in Figure 4A begins. Also, when the state of S410 is no longer reached, the processing shown in Figure 4A may be terminated even if it is still in progress.

[0084] S411 represents the same state as S301.

[0085] In S412, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. If it is half-pressed, proceed to S413; otherwise, proceed to S411 and then to S412.

[0086] In S413, the system control unit 50 applies the set rating level to the target image data when the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. The rating level set here may be a pre-set rating level, as in the first embodiment.

[0087] S414 is the state immediately after the rating function has been activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82.

[0088] In S415, immediately after the rating function is activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82, the system control unit 50 determines whether another component, such as a dial, has been operated while the AF start button 82 is still half-pressed. If a dial operation is performed, the process proceeds to S416; otherwise, it proceeds to S417. The dial operated here may be the main electronic dial 71, the sub-electronic dial 73, or any other dial, but a dial that is easy to operate while the AF start button 82 is half-pressed, such as the main electronic dial 71, is preferable.

[0089] In S416, the system control unit 50 determines a rating level according to, for example, the amount and direction of operation of the dial that it determined to have been operated in S415, and overwrites the rating level already assigned to the target image data with the determined rating level. The rating level is determined, for example, based on a predetermined rating level assigned in S413, and increases by 1 each time the dial is rotated by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction. Conversely, decreases by 1 each time the dial is rotated by a predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction. However, if upper and lower limits are set for the rating level, the rating level does not need to be changed even if the operation exceeds these limits. This is just one example, but the rating level may be determined in this manner.

[0090] In S417, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is continuously being half-pressed. If it is being half-pressed, the process proceeds to S418; otherwise, it proceeds to S411 and then to S412.

[0091] In S418, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is fully pressed. If it is fully pressed, proceed to S419; otherwise, proceed to S414 and then to S415.

[0092] In S419, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the target image data. This is the same as in S307 of the first embodiment.

[0093] S420 indicates the end of a state. This is the state where both the rating and protection functions have been activated by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0094] In addition, in S420, if the AF start button 82 is released after being fully pressed, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S414 and then proceed to S414 again.

[0095] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and performing the processing shown in Figure 4B with that new image data as the target image data, rating and protection operations can be performed on the captured image data.

[0096] In this embodiment, after assigning a specific rating level by half-pressing the AF start button 82, if the dial is operated to change the rating level while the AF start button 82 is still half-pressed, the rating level is overwritten. Furthermore, protection is applied when the AF start button 82 is fully pressed.

[0097] This allows users to assign arbitrary ratings to image data. Furthermore, it reduces the cumbersome process of applying protection to the rated image data. This improves the usability of digital cameras and streamlines the process of setting ratings and protection for image data. In addition, since the rating level can be set at the time of assignment, there is no need to adjust the rating level later, further streamlining the rating and protection setting process.

[0098] (Fourth embodiment) The following describes, with reference to Figure 5, a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protection function, and a method for setting and releasing the rating and protection.

[0099] In Fig. 5(a), the rating setting refers to Fig. 3. That is, the rating is set for the target image data in S300 to S306 of Fig. 3 described in the first embodiment, and the protection setting when it is determined in S306 that the operation member, i.e., the AF start button 82, has been fully pressed is performed in S501 to S506 of Fig. 5(a). In this embodiment, not only can protection be set, but the cancellation of the set protection can also be performed by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0100] This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention implemented in the digital camera 100 having the configuration described in Figs. 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 has the same configuration as that in the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 5 is realized by executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52 by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly the processor (or CPU) it has. That is, the system control unit 50, particularly the processor it has, is the main body of the processing.

[0101] S500 is the same process as S300 to S306 of Fig. 3. When it is determined in S306 that the AF start button 82 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to S501.

[0102] In S501, the system control unit 50 determines whether protection has already been applied to the target image data. When protection is performed by setting protection information indicating that the target image data is protected as, for example, attribute information of the target image data, the determination in S501 can be made by referring to that protection information. If protection has been applied, the process proceeds to S502; otherwise, it proceeds to S505.

[0103] In S502, the system control unit 50 causes a protection cancellation dialog to be displayed, for example, on the display unit 28.

[0104] In S503, the system control unit 50 determines whether the release of protection has been selected, that is, whether the release operation has been performed. The release of protection may be performed, for example, by displaying an operation section for the release operation in the dialog box displayed in S502, and by the user operating, for example, touching the corresponding part of that operation section on the touch panel 70a. In this case, an operation section for maintaining the protection without releasing it may also be displayed in the dialog box, and the user may perform an operation to not release the protection by operating, for example, touching the corresponding part of that operation section on the touch panel 70a. In this case, if an operation to not release the protection is performed, S503 can determine that release was not selected. Operations for releasing and maintaining the protection may also be performed using other operation sections, such as buttons or dials. If buttons are used, a button for releasing and a button for maintaining the protection may be provided, and the determination in S503 is made by determining which one was operated. For example, if a dial is used, the determination of whether to release or maintain the protection may be made according to the direction in which it is rotated. If the release of protection is selected in S503, the process proceeds to S504; otherwise, the process proceeds to S505.

[0105] In S504, the system control unit 50 removes the protection from the target image data. The removal of protection may be done, for example, by rewriting the information indicating protection, which has been added as attribute information to the target image data, to information indicating that it is not protected.

[0106] In S505, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the target image data. This step is the same as in S307.

[0107] S506 indicates the end of a state. This is the state where both the rating and protection functions have been activated by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0108] In addition, if the AF start button 82 is fully released in S506, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S501 and then proceed to S501 again.

[0109] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and performing the processing shown in Figure 5(a) on it as the new target image data, it is possible to perform rating and protection operations (setting and unsetting) on ​​the captured image data.

[0110] In Figure 5(b), the rating is set using the procedure shown in Figure 4A. S507 is the same process as S400 to S407 in Figure 4A. If S407 determines that the AF start button 82 is fully pressed, the process branches to S501. From S501 onwards, the process is the same as in Figure 5(a).

[0111] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 5(b) can be performed on the captured image data.

[0112] In Figure 5(c), the rating is set using the procedure shown in Figure 4B. S508 is the same process as S410 to S418 in Figure 4B. If it is determined in S418 that the AF start button 82 is fully pressed, the process branches to S501. From S501 onwards, the process is the same as in Figure 5(a).

[0113] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 5(c) can be performed on the captured image data.

[0114] As in this embodiment, when the protection function is activated by fully pressing the AF activation button 82, that is, when the protection function is activated by operating the operating member up to the second stage, it is possible to reduce the hassle of applying protection to the rated image.

[0115] Furthermore, when the protection function is activated on an image that has already been protected, increasing the number of steps required to select the removal of protection in the dialog box prevents accidental removal of protection from images that should remain protected. This makes it possible to prevent accidental deletion of images that have not been protected.

[0116] In this embodiment, the number of steps required to remove the protection has been intentionally increased, but the operability can be improved by omitting steps S502 and S503 and reducing the number of steps. In this way, setting protection on image data becomes simpler, as protection is removed for image data that has already been protected, and protection is applied to image data that has not yet been protected. This is a trade-off with the aforementioned prevention of accidental deletion, so the system may be configured to allow the user to select whether or not to perform steps S502 and S503 through a separate setting.

[0117] (Fifth embodiment) The following describes a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protection function, as well as a method for setting and releasing the rating and protection.

[0118] In Figure 6(a), the rating setting is shown with reference to Figure 3. Specifically, in steps S300 to S306 of Figure 3, as described in the first embodiment, the rating is set for the target image data, and in step S600 to S604 of Figure 6(a), the protection setting is performed when it is determined in step S306 that the operating member, i.e., the AF start button 82, has been fully pressed. In this embodiment, not only is protection set, but the set protection can also be released by fully pressing the AF start button 82. The difference from the fourth embodiment is that in the fourth embodiment, the release of protection was selected from a dialog box, whereas in this embodiment, the release of protection can be selected using the operating member, i.e., the AF start button 82.

[0119] This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention implemented in a digital camera 100 having the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figures 6(a) to (c) is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly its processor (or CPU), executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52. ​​In other words, the system control unit 50, particularly its processor, is the main component of the processing.

[0120] S500 is the same process as S300 to S306 in Figure 3. If it is determined in S306 that the AF start button 82 is fully pressed, the process proceeds to S600.

[0121] In S600, the system control unit 50 determines whether the target image data has already been protected. S600 is the same as S501 in the fourth embodiment. If protection has been applied, the process proceeds to S601; otherwise, it proceeds to S603.

[0122] In S601, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 was pressed halfway and then fully pressed for a certain period of time, that is, whether a second operation, which continued for a predetermined period of time after the first stage, was performed. For example, in S601, if the system control unit 50 receives a signal equivalent to a full press from the AF start button 82, it starts the system timer 53 and measures the elapsed time in that state. If a certain period of time is reached, it can be determined that the button has been pressed for a certain period of time. If it is determined in S601 that a certain period of time has elapsed, the system proceeds to S602; otherwise, it proceeds to S603.

[0123] In S602, the system control unit 50 releases the protection from the target image data. This is the same as in S504 in Figure 5.

[0124] In S603, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the target image data. This is the same as in S505 in Figure 5.

[0125] S604 indicates the end of a state. This is the state where both the rating and protection functions have been activated by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0126] In addition, if the AF start button 82 is fully released in S604, the camera may proceed to the state immediately preceding S600 and then proceed to S600 again.

[0127] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and performing the processing shown in Figure 6(a) on it as the new target image data, it is possible to perform rating and protection operations (setting and unsetting) on ​​the captured image data.

[0128] In Figure 6(b), the rating is set using the procedure shown in Figure 4A. S507 is the same process as S400 to S407 in Figure 4A. If it is determined in S407 that the AF start button 82 is fully pressed, the process branches to S600. From S600 onward, the process is the same as in Figure 6(a).

[0129] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 6(b) can be performed on the captured image data.

[0130] In Figure 6(c), the rating is set using the procedure shown in Figure 4B. S508 is the same process as S410 through S418 in Figure 4B. If S418 determines that the AF start button 82 is fully pressed, the process branches to S600. From S600 onward, the process is the same as in Figure 6(a).

[0131] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 6(c) can be performed on the captured image data.

[0132] As in this embodiment, when the protection function is activated by fully pressing the AF activation button 82, that is, when the protection function is activated by operating the operating member up to the second stage, it is possible to reduce the hassle of applying protection to the rated image.

[0133] Furthermore, when the protection function is activated on an image that has been protected, increasing the number of times the full press is held down reduces the effort required for both the protection operation and the operation to deprotect it. This makes it possible to prevent accidental deletion of images that have not been protected.

[0134] (Sixth embodiment) The following describes, with reference to Figure 7, a rating and protection setting method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protection function. This embodiment differs from the first to fifth embodiments in that the function corresponding to the first stage (half-press) operation of the operating member and the function corresponding to the second stage (full-press) operation are swapped.

[0135] This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention implemented in a digital camera 100 having the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 7 is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly its processor (or CPU), executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52. ​​In other words, the system control unit 50, particularly its processor, is the main component of the processing.

[0136] S700 indicates the start of a state. This is the same state as S300 in Figure 3. The process shown in Figure 7 starts in this state. At this time, the target image data to be operated on has already been selected and is displayed as an image on the liquid crystal display unit 25. When the state of S700 is reached, the process shown in Figure 7 starts. When the state of S700 is no longer reached, the process shown in Figure 7 may be terminated even if it is still in progress.

[0137] S701 is the state immediately following S700.

[0138] In step S702, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. If it is half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S703; otherwise, it proceeds to step S701 and then to step S702.

[0139] In S703, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the target image data. This is the same as in S307 in Figure 3.

[0140] The S704 is in the state immediately after the protection function has been activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82.

[0141] In S705, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is continuously being half-pressed. If it is being half-pressed, the process proceeds to S706; otherwise, it proceeds to S701 and then to S702.

[0142] In S706, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is fully pressed. If it is fully pressed, proceed to S707; otherwise, proceed via S704 to S705.

[0143] In the S707, the system control unit 50 applies the set rating level to the target image data when the AF start button 82 is fully pressed.

[0144] S708 indicates the end of the state. This is the state where both rating and protection have been applied to the image by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0145] In addition, if the AF start button 82 is fully released in S708, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S706 and then proceed to S706 again.

[0146] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 7 can be performed on the captured image data.

[0147] In this embodiment, regardless of the rating and protection status of the target image, half-pressing the AF start button 82 applies protection, and fully pressing the AF start button 82 applies a specific rating level that has been set. In other words, the protection setting for image data can be performed by the first stage operation of the operating member, and the rating setting for image data can be performed by the second stage operation.

[0148] This makes it possible to reduce the cumbersome process of applying both rating and protection to an image.

[0149] In this embodiment, protection is applied by half-pressing the AF start button 82. Alternatively, protection may be removed from image data that has already been protected, as described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. That is, when the protection setting operation is performed by half-pressing the AF start button 82, the protection is removed if the target image data is already protected. Or, if the target image data is already protected, the protection is removed in response to a removal instruction in the dialog box or by half-pressing and holding the AF start button 82 (operation continued for a predetermined time). In this way, the rating can be set in conjunction with applying or removing protection to the target image data by operating the AF start button 82.

[0150] (Seventh Embodiment) The following describes the rating and protection setting method according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, where the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protection function, with reference to Figure 8(a). In the sixth embodiment, the rating level to be set is the higher of either a predetermined level or a level already assigned to the target image data. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment.

[0151] This embodiment is an embodiment of the invention implemented in a digital camera 100 having the configuration described in Figures 1 and 2. The AF start button 82 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b) is realized by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, particularly its processor (or CPU), executing a program read from the non-volatile memory 56 and loaded into the system memory 52. ​​In other words, the system control unit 50, particularly its processor, is the main component of the processing. The same applies to Figures 6(b) and 6(c).

[0152] S800 indicates the start of a state. This is the same state as S300 in Figure 3. In this state, the process shown in Figure 8(a) begins. At this time, the target image data to be operated on has already been selected and is displayed as an image on the liquid crystal display unit 25. When this S800 state is reached, the process shown in Figure 8(a) begins. Also, when the S800 state is no longer reached, the process shown in Figure 8(a) may be terminated even if it is still in progress.

[0153] S801 is the state immediately following S800.

[0154] In S802, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. If it is half-pressed, proceed to S803; otherwise, proceed to S801 and then to S802.

[0155] In S803, the system control unit 50 applies protection to the target image data. This is the same as in S307.

[0156] The S804 is in the state immediately after the protection function has been activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82.

[0157] In S805, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is continuously being half-pressed. If it is being half-pressed, the process proceeds to S806; otherwise, it proceeds via S801 to S802.

[0158] In S806, the system control unit 50 determines whether the AF start button 82 is fully pressed. If it is fully pressed, proceed to S807; otherwise, proceed via S804 to S805.

[0159] In S807, the system control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined rating level assigned by fully pressing the AF start button 82 is greater than the rating level assigned to the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 25, i.e., the target image data. If it is greater, the process proceeds to S808; otherwise, it proceeds to S809 and terminates. Here, the rating level for the process may be a fixed level or a rating level set in advance by the user.

[0160] In S808, the system control unit 50 overwrites the rating level of the captured image with a predetermined rating level assigned when the AF start button 82 is fully pressed.

[0161] S809 indicates the end of the state. This is the state where both rating and protection have been applied to the image by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0162] In S808, if the AF start button 82 is released after being fully pressed, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S806 and then proceed to S806 again.

[0163] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 8(a) can be performed on the captured image data.

[0164] In this embodiment, protection is applied when the AF start button 82 is half-pressed, and it is determined whether the predetermined rating level applied when the AF start button 82 is fully pressed is greater than the rating level already applied to the target image data. If the predetermined rating level is greater, the predetermined rating level is applied to the target image data.

[0165] This makes it possible to reduce the cumbersome process of assigning a rating above a certain level to protected images.

[0166] In this embodiment, protection is applied by half-pressing the AF start button 82. Alternatively, protection may be removed from image data that has already been protected, as described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. That is, when the protection setting operation is performed by half-pressing the AF start button 82, the protection is removed if the target image data is already protected. Alternatively, if the target image data is already protected, the protection is removed in response to a removal instruction in the dialog box or by half-pressing and holding the AF start button 82 (operation continued for a predetermined time). In this way, the rating can be set in conjunction with applying or removing protection to the target image data by operating the AF start button 82. This is also the case for the eighth embodiment, which has the same protection setting process as this embodiment.

[0167] (Eighth embodiment) The following describes the rating and protection setting method when the half-press function of the AF start button 82 is fixed to the rating function and the full-press function is fixed to the protection function according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 8(b). In the seventh embodiment, the rating level to be set was either a predetermined level or a level already assigned to the target image data, whichever was higher. In contrast, in this embodiment, the user can specify the rating level when setting the rating level. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment.

[0168] S810 represents the processing from S800 to S806. That is, S800 to S806 are executed in the same way as in the seventh embodiment in this embodiment.

[0169] In S811, the system control unit 50 assigns a set rating level to the image when the AF start button 82 is half-pressed. The rating level assigned here may be a fixed level, as in the seventh embodiment, or it may be a level set in advance by the user.

[0170] In S812, immediately after the rating function is activated by half-pressing the AF start button 82, the system control unit 50 determines whether any other components, such as the dial, have been operated while the AF start button 82 is still half-pressed. If an operation is detected, the process proceeds to S813; otherwise, it proceeds to S814.

[0171] In S813, the system control unit 50 determines a rating level corresponding to the dial operation and overwrites the rating level of the target image data with the determined rating level. The rating level corresponding to the dial operation may be determined in the same way as in S416 in Figure 4B.

[0172] S814 indicates the end of a state. This is the state where both the rating and protection functions have been activated by fully pressing the AF start button 82.

[0173] In addition, if the AF start button 82 is fully released in S814, the system may proceed to the state immediately preceding S812 and then proceed to S812 again.

[0174] By selecting new image data from the already captured image data and using it as the new target image data, the processing shown in Figure 8(b) can be performed on the captured image data.

[0175] In this embodiment, protection is applied by half-pressing the AF start button 82, and then the set rating is applied by fully pressing the AF start button 82. If the dial is operated to change the rating level while the button is fully pressed, the rating level corresponding to the operation can be overwritten.

[0176] This reduces the cumbersome process of users assigning a rating of their choice to protected images, thereby improving the usability of digital cameras.

[0177] (Ninth embodiment) If playback functions such as rating or protect are assigned to the AF start button 82, it is possible to switch to shooting mode by pressing the release button 201 by assigning only the shooting function to the first row of the release button 201.

[0178] (Tenth embodiment) The functions assigned to the first and second stages of the operating mechanism may be configured to be interchangeable. For example, a menu for setting up a digital camera could be added to select whether to assign the rating level setting or the protect setting to the half-press operation of the AF start button. Once the function assignment for one operation is determined, the function corresponding to the other operation is also determined. The selected setting is saved. Then, depending on the setting of that item, if the rating level setting is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF start button, the protect setting is assigned to the full-press operation of the AF start button. On the other hand, if the protect setting is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF start button, the rating level setting is assigned to the full-press operation of the AF start button.

[0179] Then, for example, when the state described for the S300 is reached, the saved settings are referenced. If the rating level setting is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF start button and the protect setting is assigned to the full-press operation, one of the first to fifth embodiments is implemented. On the other hand, if the protect setting is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF start button and the rating level setting is assigned to the full-press operation, one of the sixth to eighth embodiments is implemented.

[0180] This approach improves the flexibility of assigning functions to operations, thereby enhancing user experience.

[0181] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 100 Imaging device, 28 Display unit, 50 System control unit, 61 Shutter button, 71 Main electronic dial, 79 Playback button, 82 AF start button

Claims

1. A first operating member having a structure for operation in each stage, including the first and second stages, The system includes a control means that performs a first process on the target image data in response to a first-stage operation on the first operating member, and performs a second process on the target image data in response to a second-stage operation on the first operating member, The first process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection for the target image data, and the second process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection for the other of the two. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The first process is the process of setting a rating on the target image data, and the second process is the process of setting protection on the target image data. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The first process is to set protection on the target image data, and the second process is to set a rating on the target image data. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, In the process of setting the aforementioned rating to the target image data, a pre-set rating level is assigned. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, In the process of setting the aforementioned rating to the target image data, if the pre-set rating level is higher than the rating level assigned to the target image data, the pre-set rating level is assigned to the target image data; otherwise, the rating level assigned to the target image data is maintained. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, It further comprises a second operating member, In the process of setting the rating to the target image data, the rating level set by the second operating member is applied to the target image data. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, In the process of setting the protection on the target image data, if the target image data does not have protection applied, the protection is applied to the target image data. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, In the process of setting the aforementioned protection to the target image data, if the target image data is protected, the protection to the target image data is removed. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, It further has a third operating member capable of displaying, In the process of setting the protection on the target image data, the control means displays an indication that the protection should be removed if the target image data is protected, and if the removal of the protection is selected by the third operating member in response to the indication, the control means removes the protection from the target image data. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, In the process of setting the protection on the target image data, if the target image data is protected, the protection on the target image data is released when a predetermined operation is performed by the first operating member. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, The predetermined operation is the second stage operation performed by the first operating member for a predetermined period of time. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The system further includes a display means for displaying the aforementioned target image data as an image, The rating level assigned by the rating setting is indicated by the display means using a favorite mark corresponding to the rating level. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The first operating member is a push-button switch that accepts a press operation, the first stage being a half-press of the push-button switch, and the second stage being a full press of the push-button switch. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, A means of taking an image, The system further includes a storage means for storing image data of the image captured by the aforementioned shooting means, The target image data is image data selected from the captured image data stored in the storage means. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, It further has a means for displaying an image, The aforementioned target image data is displayed by the display means. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

16. A control method for an imaging device having a first operating member and control means having a structure for step-by-step operation including a first stage and a second stage, The control means executes a first process on the target image data in response to the first operation on the first operating member, and executes a second process on the target image data in response to the second operation on the first operating member. The first process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection for the target image data, and the second process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection for the other of the two. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by the following:

17. An imaging device having a first operating member having a structure for step-by-step operation including a first stage and a second stage, A program for performing a first process on target image data in response to a first-stage operation on the first operating member, and for performing a second process on the target image data in response to a second-stage operation on the first operating member, The first process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection for the target image data, and the second process is a process of setting a rating or setting protection for the other of the two. A program characterized by the following features.

Images