Imaging device, its control method and program

Abstract

The objective is to provide an imaging device that performs user-friendly screen transitions for each type of setting screen when it has multiple types of setting screens. [Solution] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an imaging device that allows setting an image processing function to be performed on an image from a plurality of functions, characterized by having control means that, when an item corresponding to an image processing function is selected on a first setting screen, a selection screen is displayed for selecting and setting a function to be performed from a plurality of functions, when detailed settings are instructed on the selection screen, a selection item for changing the setting value of the function selected on the selection screen is displayed, and on a second setting screen different from the first setting screen, when an item corresponding to an image processing function is selected, a selection screen is not displayed, and a selection item for changing the setting value of a predetermined function from a plurality of functions is displayed on the second setting screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Many functions are installed in the camera body, and since many function settings are complicated, a configuration of a setting screen that is easy to understand the functions is required. On the other hand, a configuration of a setting screen that can be quickly changed is also required in order not to miss a shutter chance.

[0003] Therefore, in the setting screen of the camera, when setting from the menu screen, the entire function can be covered and set so that it is easy to grasp the entire function, and the screen configuration is made so that the user does not get lost and is easy to understand. On the other hand, in the quick setting at the time of shooting, the functions that the user wants to quickly change at the time of shooting are displayed in a simple display so that the desired setting items can be quickly selected.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera that enables changing the configuration of the first layer of the menu by switching between standard and simple settings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that performs an operationally good screen transition for each type of setting screen when having a plurality of types of setting screens.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention An imaging device that allows setting an image processing function to be performed on an image captured by an imaging unit from a plurality of functions, characterized in that it has a control means which, when an item corresponding to an image processing function is selected on a first setting screen, displays a selection screen for selecting and setting a function to be performed from a plurality of functions, when detailed settings are instructed on the selection screen, controls the display of selection items for changing the setting value of the function selected on the selection screen, and on a second setting screen different from the first setting screen, when an item corresponding to an image processing function is selected, controls the display of selection items for changing the setting value of a predetermined function from a plurality of functions on the second setting screen without displaying a selection screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The objective is to provide an imaging device that has multiple types of setting screens and that allows for user-friendly screen transitions for each setting screen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an external view of a digital camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the entire process performed by the digital camera according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] This flowchart shows the process for displaying the color mode selection screen. [Figure 4B] This flowchart shows the process for displaying the color mode selection screen. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the process for displaying the menu screen. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the process for displaying the quick settings screen during shooting. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process for displaying the quick settings screen during shooting. [Figure 8]It is a flowchart showing the quick setting screen display process during shooting. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the shooting standby screen and the screen transition. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the menu screen and the normal color mode selection screen and the screen transition. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the LVQ screen, the LVQ color mode selection screen, and the screen transition. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the OLCQ screen and the screen transition. [Figure 13] It is an example of the display of the Cinema Q screen. [Figure 14] It is a modified example of the display screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figs. 1(a) and (b) show an external view of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) 100 as an example of an imaging device to which the present invention is applied. Fig. 1(a) is a front perspective view of the camera 100, and Fig. 1(b) is a rear perspective view of the camera 100. A lens unit 150 (see Fig. 2) described later is detachable from the camera 100.

[0012] The display unit 28 is a display unit provided on the rear surface of the camera 100 and displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a detects touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 28. The external display unit 43 outside the viewfinder is a display unit provided on the upper surface of the camera 100 and displays various setting values such as shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is an operation member for giving a shooting instruction. The mode changeover switch 60 is an operation member for switching various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover for protecting a connector (not shown) for connecting the camera 100 to an external device such as a connection cable.

[0013] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary control element used to change settings such as shutter speed and aperture. The power switch 72 is an operating element for switching the camera 100's power ON and OFF. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary control element used for moving the selection frame (cursor / focus) and advancing images. The cross key 74 is configured so that the up, down, left, and right parts can each be pressed, and the corresponding action is performed depending on which part is pressed. The SET button 75 is an operating element mainly used to confirm selection items. The video button 76 is an operating element for instructing the start and stop of video recording. The M-Fn button 77 is an operating element that, when pressed in shooting standby mode, allows for quick changes to various settings such as white balance and ISO sensitivity. The playback button 79 is an operating element for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. By pressing the playback button 79 in shooting mode, the camera switches to playback mode, and the latest image recorded on the recording medium 200 (described later) can be displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is an operating component used to instruct the display of the menu screen. By pressing the menu button 81, a menu screen with various settings is displayed 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, and the SET button 75. The COLOR button 83 is a button assigned the function of displaying the color mode selection screen on the display unit 28. The Q button 84, when pressed in shooting standby mode, displays the quick settings screen for shooting on the display unit 28, or when pressed in playback mode, displays the quick settings screen for playback on the display unit 28. The INFO button 85, when pressed in shooting standby mode or playback mode, changes the display format from what is currently displayed on the display unit 28, or when pressed on the settings screen, displays a specific settings screen on the display unit 28. Among the operating unit 70, the M-Fn button 77 and the COLOR button 83, etc., are configured to be customizable to the user's desired assigned functions.

[0014] The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150. The eyepiece portion 16 is the eyepiece portion of the viewfinder 17 (a peephole-type finder), and the user can visually recognize the image displayed on the internal EVF 29 (Electronic View Finder) through the eyepiece portion 16. The eyepiece detection unit 57 is composed of an eyepiece detection sensor that detects whether a user (photographer) is looking through the eyepiece portion 16. The lid 202 is a lid for the slot that stores the recording medium 200. The grip portion 90 is a holding portion shaped to be easily held by the right hand when the user holds the camera 100. With the camera 100 held by gripping the grip portion 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 arranged at positions operable by the index finger of the right hand. Also, in the same state, the sub-electronic dial 73 is arranged at a position operable by the thumb of the right hand.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the camera 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] The lens unit 150 is detachably attached to the camera 100. The lens unit 150 includes an aperture 1, a lens 103, an aperture drive circuit 2, an AF drive circuit 3, a lens system control circuit 4, and a communication terminal 6. The lens 103 is usually composed of a plurality of lenses, but here it is simply shown as a single lens. The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the camera 100. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via the communication terminals 6 and 10. In the lens unit 150, the aperture drive circuit 2 is controlled by the lens system control circuit 4 to control the aperture 1. Also, in the lens unit 150, the position of the lens 103 is displaced via the AF drive circuit 3 by the lens system control circuit 4 to focus.

[0017] In addition, an AF / MF switch 152 is mounted on the lens barrel of the lens unit 150.

[0018] The AF / MF switch 152 is a focus mode setting unit and is a switch for switching the focus mode between AF and MF. The user can select AF or MF by switching the position of the AF / MF switch 152. In AF mode, the lens 103 is displaced via the AF drive circuit 3 to achieve focus. In MF mode, the lens 103 is displaced by the user's MF operation.

[0019] The shutter 101 is a focal-plane shutter that allows the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 to be freely controlled by the system control unit 50.

[0020] The imaging unit 22 includes an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS element, which converts an optical image into an electrical signal.

[0021] The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0022] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (such as resizing, pixel interpolation, and color conversion) on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This enables TTL (through-the-lens) AF processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, etc. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data and performs TTL (auto white balance) processing based on the calculation results obtained.

[0023] 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 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, 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. The memory 32 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory). The display image data written to the 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. The digital signal, converted from A / D by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32, is sequentially transferred to the display unit 28 or EVF 29 for display, thereby enabling live view display. Hereinafter, the image displayed in live view will be referred to as the live view image.

[0024] The external viewfinder display unit 43 displays various settings such as shutter speed and aperture via the external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44.

[0025] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as Flash-ROM. Constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, and the like are stored in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0026] The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor or circuit, and controls the entire camera 100. The system control unit 50 executes programs stored in the non-volatile memory 56 to perform the processes described later. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the display unit 28, etc.

[0027] System memory 52 is, for example, RAM. The system control unit 50 loads constants, variables, programs read from non-volatile memory 56, etc., for the operation of the system control unit 50 into system memory 52.

[0028] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0029] 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 the like, 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, and supplies the necessary voltage to each part, including the recording medium 200, for the required period of time. 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, an AC adapter, and the like.

[0030] I / F18 is an interface to a 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.

[0031] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via wired cables. The communication unit 54 can also connect to wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. Furthermore, the communication unit 54 can communicate with external devices using Bluetooth® and 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 receive image data and other various information from external devices.

[0032] The attitude detection unit 55 detects the attitude of the camera 100 relative to the direction of gravity. Based on the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was taken with the camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate 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 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.

[0033] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects the approach (eye-to-eye contact) and retraction (eye-away) of an eye (object) to the eyepiece section 16 of the eyepiece viewfinder 17. The system control unit 50 switches the display (display state) / hidden (hidden state) of the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 according to the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. Specifically, at least in the shooting standby state and when the display destination switching setting is set to automatic switching, when not using an eyepiece, the display destination is set to the display unit 28 and the display is turned on, and the EVF 29 is hidden. When using an eyepiece, the display destination is set to the EVF 29 and the display is turned on, and the display unit 28 is hidden. As the eyepiece detection unit 57, for example, an infrared proximity sensor can be used to detect the approach of any object to the eyepiece section 16 of the eyepiece viewfinder 17 which has a built-in EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting part (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by the light-receiving part (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of infrared light received allows the system to determine how close the object is to the eyepiece 16 (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.

[0034] 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, MF 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 switch directly to any of these modes. Alternatively, the user may switch to a list screen of shooting modes using the mode switch 60, select one of the displayed modes, and then switch using another operating element. Similarly, the video shooting mode may also include multiple modes.

[0035] The power switch 72 switches the camera 100's power ON or OFF.

[0036] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that receives user input and is used to input various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. The operation unit 70 includes a shutter button 61, a touch panel 70a, and, although not shown in Figure 2, a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a directional pad 74, a SET button 75, a video button 76, an M-Fn button 77, a playback button 79, and a menu button 81. The camera 100 of this embodiment also includes a COLOR button 83, a Q button 84, and an INFO button 85, as described in Figure 1.

[0037] The shutter button 61 is equipped with a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 turns ON during the operation of the shutter button 61, so-called half-press (instruction to prepare for shooting), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts shooting preparations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1. The second shutter switch 64 turns ON when the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed, so-called full-press (instruction to shoot), and generates a 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.

[0038] The touch panel 70a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 28 (the operating surface of the touch panel 70a). 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 surface 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 camera 100 of this embodiment has three image processing functions related to image creation, which are performed by the image processing unit 24 on the captured image: a picture style function, a color filter function, and a custom picture function.

[0040] The Picture Style function allows users to obtain effective image characteristics simply by selecting from the provided options to match their photographic expression and subject. Pre-set color adjustment values ​​are available for each shooting scene / style, such as [Portrait], [Landscape], [Standard], and [Detail-Focused]. When the user selects a shooting scene / style, the pre-set color adjustments are automatically performed. For automatic color adjustments, users can also pre-configure detailed settings for adjustment values ​​such as sharpness strength / fineness / threshold, contrast, and color saturation.

[0041] The color filter function allows the user to select one color filter effect from several options, such as "StoryTeal&Orange," "StoryMagenta," and "StoryBlue," and apply it to an image.

[0042] The Custom Picture function allows you to set a custom picture file containing settings for image creation, such as gamma / color space, color matrix, and Look file, for adjusting the color tone. This function allows you to capture images with image characteristics tailored to your specific purpose.

[0043] These three image creation functions—Picture Style, Color Filter, and Custom Picture—are mutually exclusive; only one can be executed at a time during image capture. In other words, when one function is set, the others are disabled and not executed. Therefore, in the camera 100 of this implementation, these three image creation functions are collectively called the Color Mode function, and the camera has a Color Mode selection screen for selecting one of the three functions to execute.

[0044] The processing in camera 100 (particularly the processing related to screen transitions) will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 3 to 8, and the screen display examples and screen display transition examples in Figures 9 to 11. The processing in the flowcharts in Figures 3 to 8 is realized by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and performing various calculations and controlling each part.

[0045] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the entire process performed by the camera 100 according to this embodiment. This process starts when the user turns on the camera's power.

[0046] In step S301, the camera 100 is started up. The start-up process involves acquiring data such as function settings and control values ​​from the non-volatile memory 56, and preparing to take still images or videos.

[0047] In step S302, the system control unit 50 displays a shooting standby screen 1000, as shown in Figure 9, on the display unit 28. The shooting standby screen 1000 has multiple display states, including displaying only the live view image, displaying the set values ​​superimposed on the live view, and displaying a control panel-like display.

[0048] In step S303, the system control unit 50 determines whether a shooting operation has been performed, such as by operating the SW2 64 of the shutter button 61 or the touch panel 79a. If a shooting operation has been performed, it proceeds to S304; otherwise, it proceeds to S305.

[0049] In step S304, the system control unit 50 performs the image capture process and returns to S303.

[0050] In step S305, the system control unit 50 determines whether the COLOR button 83 has been pressed. If the COLOR button 83 has been pressed, it proceeds to S306; otherwise, it proceeds to S307. In step S306, the system control unit 50 performs the color mode selection screen display process. The color mode selection screen display process will be described later using Figures 4A and 4B, but as shown in Figure 9, if the COLOR button 83 is operated on the shooting standby screen 1100, the display screen switches from the shooting standby screen 1000 to the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1.

[0051] In step S307, the system control unit 50 determines whether the MENU button 81 has been pressed. If the MENU button 81 has been pressed, it proceeds to S308; otherwise, it proceeds to S309. In step S308, the system control unit 50 performs the menu screen display process. The menu screen display process will be described later using Figure 5, but as shown in Figure 9, if the MENU button 81 is operated on the shooting standby screen 1000, the display screen switches from the shooting standby screen 1000 to the menu screen 1200.

[0052] In step S309, the system control unit 50 determines whether the Q button 84 has been pressed or whether the Q icon on the shooting standby screen has been touched. If it is determined that either of these operations has occurred, it proceeds to S310; otherwise, it proceeds to S311. In step S310, the system control unit 50 executes the quick settings screen display process. The quick settings screen display process will be described later using Figures 6-8. As shown in Figure 9, if the Q button 84 is operated on the shooting standby screen 1000, the system control unit 50 switches from the shooting standby screen 1000 to one of the following display screens: LVQ screen 1300, OLCQ screen 1400, or Cinema Q screen.

[0053] In step S311, the system control unit 50 determines whether the play button 79 has been pressed. If the play button 79 has been pressed, it proceeds to S312; otherwise, it proceeds to S313. In step S312, the system control unit 50 performs the playback screen display process. The playback screen display process will be described later using Figure 10.

[0054] In step S313, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operating member to which the "dial function" has been assigned has been operated. If so, it proceeds to S314; otherwise, it proceeds to S315.

[0055] In step S314, the system control unit 50 performs the dial function setting screen display process. The dial function setting screen display process will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0056] In step S315, the system control unit 50 determines whether there has been any user operation on the operation unit 70 other than those described above. If so, it proceeds to S316; otherwise, it proceeds to S317. The operation unit 70 includes the directional keys 74, video buttons 76, main dial 71, sub-electronic dial 73, etc.

[0057] In step S316, the system control unit 50 performs processing according to the operation determined in step S315 and then proceeds to S303.

[0058] In step S317, the system control unit 50 determines whether the user has turned off the camera's power. If the user has turned it off, it proceeds to S318; otherwise, it proceeds to S303.

[0059] In step S318, the system control unit 50 performs the camera termination process and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0060] The color mode selection screen display process, which is performed in step S306 of Figure 3, will be explained using Figures 4A and 4B.

[0061] In step S400, the system control unit 50 sets the type of the source screen, which is the type of screen displayed before the color mode selection screen, and stores it in the system memory 52. ​​If Yes is determined in S305 and this process is executed in S306, the type of the source screen is set to the shooting standby screen. If Yes is determined in step S506 in Figure 5 and this process is executed, the type of the source screen is set to the menu screen. Also, if Yes is determined in step S609 in Figure 6 and this process is executed, the type of source screen is set to the LVQ screen. Also, if Yes is determined in step S707 in Figure 7 and this process is executed, the type of source screen is set to the OLCQ screen.

[0062] In step S401, the system control unit 50 determines whether the type of screen set in the system memory 52 as the source screen is the LVQ screen among the quick settings screens used during shooting. If it is, it proceeds to S402; otherwise, it proceeds to S403.

[0063] In step S402, the system control unit 50 displays the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2, as shown in Figure 11, on the display unit 28, and then proceeds to S404.

[0064] In step S403, the system control unit 50 displays the normal color mode selection screen 1100, as shown in Figure 10, on the display unit 28, and then proceeds to S404.

[0065] In this embodiment, the color mode selection screen 1100 includes a normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 and an LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2, as shown in Figure 10. The color mode selection screen 1100 displays icons 1101 representing three functions that can be set as color modes, and one of these icons is displayed with focus as the currently selected function. In addition to the focus indicating the selected function, the icon of the function currently set as the color mode may be displayed in a different color from the other icons. Below the function selection icon 1101, a description of the currently selected function 1102 is displayed. Furthermore, the color mode selection screen 1100 displays a [SET]OK icon 1104. The [SET]OK icon 1104 indicates that pressing the SET button or touching this icon will set the selected function as the color mode. Both the standard color mode selection screen 1100-1 and the LVQ color mode setting screen 1100-2 display function selection icons 1101, a description of the selected function 1102, and a [SET] OK icon 1104. Therefore, users can select and set the function to be configured as a color mode. On the other hand, the standard color mode selection screen 1100-1 displays an [INFO] setting change icon 1103, but the LVQ color mode setting screen 1100-2 does not. The [INFO] setting change icon 1103 indicates that pressing the INFO button or touching this icon will direct the user to the settings screen for changing the setting value of the selected function, and will transition to the settings screen corresponding to the selected function. Therefore, it is possible to transition to the settings screen for changing the setting value of the selected function from the standard color mode selection screen 1100-1, but it is not possible to transition to the settings screen from the LVQ color mode setting screen 1100-2 even by operating the INFO button. In Figure 12, the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2 has a black background, but it may also be configured to display function selection icons 1101, explanatory text 1102, and a [SET] OK icon 1104 superimposed on the live view image.The LVQ screen 1300 displays settings and selections superimposed on the live view image. By setting the background of the LVQ color mode setting screen 1100-2 to the live view image, the live view image will continue to be displayed. In this state, if the Q button is pressed, the user returns to the LVQ screen 1300. Therefore, even when transitioning from the LVQ screen to the LVQ color mode setting screen and back to the LVQ screen, the live view image will continue to be displayed, allowing for seamless screen transitions.

[0066] In step S404, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed or whether the [SET] OK icon 1104 has been touched. If the SET button 75 has been pressed, it proceeds to S405; otherwise, it proceeds to S407. Then, in step S405, the system control unit 50 determines the selected function that is in focus as the color mode setting, stores it in the non-volatile memory 56, and proceeds to S406. In step S404, the system control unit 50 reads the information of the source screen stored in S400 from the system memory 52 and determines the type of source screen. If the source screen is a shooting standby screen, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S302 to execute the display process for the shooting standby screen. If the source screen is a menu screen, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S501 to execute the menu screen display process. If the source screen is an LVQ screen, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S603 to execute the display process for the LVQ screen. If the source screen is an OLCQ screen, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S603 to execute the display process for the OLCQ screen. In this way, when the SET button 75 is operated on the color mode selection screen 1100, the color mode setting is changed and the display is switched from the color mode selection screen 1100 to the screen selected as the source screen.

[0067] In step S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether the user has performed a focus shift operation using the directional keys 74, main electronic dial 71, sub-electronic dial 73, touch panel 70a, etc. If a focus shift operation has been performed, the system proceeds to S408; otherwise, it proceeds to S407. In step S408, the system control unit 50 switches the icon that displays the focus among the function selection icons 1101 on the color mode selection screen, switching the selected function from among multiple functions and updating the display of the explanatory text 1102. By performing a focus shift operation, in the case of the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1, the system control unit 50 can switch to one of the following: the screen where picture style is selected 1100-1-1, the screen where color filter is selected 1100-1-2, or the screen where custom picture is selected 1100-1-3. As the selected function changes due to the focus shift, the explanatory text 1102 also changes to the explanatory text corresponding to the selected function. Similarly, the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2 switches to one of the following screens depending on the focus shift: the screen with Picture Style selected 1100-2-1, the screen with Color Filter selected 1100-2-2, or the screen with Custom Picture selected 1100-2-3. After the focus shift processing in S408, it returns to S404.

[0068] In step S409, the system control unit 50 determines whether the INFO button 85 has been pressed (or whether the [INFO] setting change icon 1103 has been touched). If the INFO button 85 has been pressed, the system proceeds to S410; otherwise, it proceeds to S411. In step S410, the system control unit 50 determines whether the currently displayed color mode selection screen 1100 is the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 or the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2. In other words, it determines whether the screen currently displays the [INFO] setting change icon 1103. If it is the LVQ color mode display screen 1100-2 where the [INFO] setting change icon 1103 is not displayed, the system proceeds to S404 without taking any action. If it is the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 where the [INFO] setting change icon 1103 is displayed, the system proceeds to S421 and proceeds to the display process of the setting screen for changing the setting value of the selected color mode function.

[0069] In step S411, the system control unit 50 determines whether the COLOR button 83 has been pressed. If the COLOR button 83 has been pressed, it proceeds to S412; otherwise, it returns to S404404.

[0070] In step S412, the system control unit 50 determines whether the type of the source screen stored in the system memory 52 is a menu screen. If the source screen is determined to be a menu screen, the system control unit 50 returns to S404 without doing anything to avoid complex screen transitions in the menu screen. If the source screen is determined not to be a menu screen, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S4113. In step S413, the system control unit 50 changes the information of the source screen type stored in the system memory 52 to a shooting standby screen, and then proceeds to step S403 to execute the display process for the normal color mode selection screen. By performing this process, for example, if the COLOR button 83 is pressed while the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2 is displayed, the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 is displayed. Therefore, by operating the INFO button 85, it becomes possible to transition to the setting screens (1111, 1112, 1113) for changing the setting values ​​of the functions. After setting the color mode function and settings by operating the SET button 75 on the color mode selection screen 1100, the screen is changed to the shooting standby screen so that shooting can start immediately without displaying other settings screens. In addition, when the COLOR button 83 is pressed and the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 is displayed, the hull state before the COLOR button was operated may be reset and the focus may be displayed on the function currently set as the color mode.

[0071] In step S421, the system control unit 50 determines whether a picture style is selected on the normal color mode selection screen. If a picture style is selected, the system proceeds to S422. In step S422, the system control unit displays the picture style setting screen on the display unit 28. That is, as shown in Figure 10, if the INFO button 85 is pressed while the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1-1 with a picture style selected is displayed, the system proceeds to the picture style setting screen 1111. On the picture style setting screen 1111, the shooting scene / shooting style can be set as the setting value for the picture style function, and options such as Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, and Detail-Focused are available, and multiple selection items corresponding to the available setting values ​​are displayed. The selection item corresponding to the setting value being set will have a focus indicator, and the user can change the setting by moving the focus.

[0072] In step S423, the system control unit 50 determines whether a setting change operation has been performed using the directional keys 74, main electronic dial 71, sub electronic dial 73, touch panel 70a, etc. If it is determined that a setting change operation has been performed, the system proceeds to S424; otherwise, it proceeds to S425. In step S424, the focus display is moved according to the operation in S423, the setting value corresponding to the selected item is set as the setting value for the picture style, and stored in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0073] In step S425, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed or whether a touch operation has been performed on the OK icon on the picture style setting screen 1111. If it is determined that either of these operations has occurred, the display of the picture style setting screen 1111 ends, and the system transitions to S403 to switch to the display of the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1. At this time, the system control unit 50 returns to the display of the color mode selection screen that was displayed before transitioning to the picture style setting screen 1111, by displaying the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1-1 which is currently in the process of selecting a picture style function.

[0074] In step S426, the system control unit 50 determines whether a color filter is selected on the normal color mode selection screen. If a color filter is selected, the system proceeds to S422. If it is determined otherwise, the system determines that a custom picture is selected and proceeds to S431. In step S427, the system control unit displays the color filter setting screen on the display unit 28. That is, as shown in Figure 10, if the INFO button 85 is pressed while the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1-2 with a color filter selected is displayed, the system proceeds to the color filter setting screen 1112. On the color filter setting screen 1112, selection items corresponding to multiple color filter effects such as "StoryTeal&Orange", "StoryMagenta", and "StoryBlue" are displayed. The selection item corresponding to the setting value being set is highlighted, and the user can move the focus to change the setting. Furthermore, in the color filter settings screen 1112, these selection items are displayed superimposed on the live view image, and the live view image with the changed filter effect applied according to the setting change operation is displayed on the display unit 28.

[0075] In step S428, the system control unit 50 determines whether a setting change operation has been performed using the directional keys 74, main electronic dial 71, sub electronic dial 73, touch panel 70a, etc. If it is determined that a setting change operation has been performed, the system proceeds to S429; otherwise, it proceeds to S430. In step S429, the focus display is moved according to the operation in S428, and the setting value corresponding to the selected item is stored in the non-volatile memory 56 as the setting value for the color filter function.

[0076] In step S430, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed or whether there has been a touch operation on the OK icon on the color filter setting screen 1112. If it is determined that either of these operations has occurred, the display of the color filter setting screen 1112 ends, and the system transitions to S403 to switch to the display of the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1. At this time, the system control unit 50 returns to the display of the color mode selection screen before transitioning to the color filter setting screen 1112, by displaying the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1-2 which is currently in the state of color filter function selection.

[0077] In step S431, the system control unit displays the custom picture settings screen on the display unit 28. That is, as shown in Figure 10, when the INFO button 85 is pressed while the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1-3 with a custom picture selected is displayed, the system transitions to the custom picture settings screen 1113. On the custom picture settings screen 1113, a custom picture can be selected and configured. It is also possible to edit and save the custom picture file.

[0078] In step S432, the system control unit 50 determines whether an operation to change the settings of a custom picture file has been performed using the directional keys 74, main electronic dial 71, sub electronic dial 73, touch panel 70a, etc. If it is determined that an operation to change the settings has been performed, the system proceeds to S433; otherwise, it proceeds to S434. In step S433, the system changes the settings of the custom picture file according to the operation in S432 and stores them in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0079] In step S434, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed or whether a touch operation has been performed on the OK icon on the custom picture setting screen 1113. If it is determined that either of these operations has occurred, the display of the custom picture setting screen 1113 ends, and the system transitions to S403 to switch to the display of the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1. At this time, the system control unit 50 returns to the display of the color mode selection screen before transitioning to the custom picture setting screen 1113, by displaying the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1-3 which is currently selected for the custom picture function.

[0080] Next, we will explain the details of the menu screen display process using Figure 5.

[0081] In step S501, the system control unit 50 displays a menu screen 1200 as shown in Figure 10 and proceeds to S502. The menu screen 1200 includes multiple setting items, including a color mode setting item 1201. On the menu screen 1200, a focus (selection frame) is displayed for the selected setting item, and the focus can be moved to other setting items by using the directional keys 74, main electronic dial 71, sub electronic dial 73, touch panel 70a, etc. If the menu screen consists of multiple pages or multiple tabs, moving the focus also includes moving between pages or tabs.

[0082] In step S502, the system control unit 50 determines whether the menu button 81 has been pressed. If the menu button 81 has been pressed, it proceeds to S511; otherwise, it proceeds to S503. In step S502, the system control unit 50 terminates the display of the menu screen 1200, displays the shooting standby screen, and ends this process, returning to step S303 in Figure 3.

[0083] In step S503, the system control unit 50 determines whether a focus movement operation has been performed by the user. If so, it proceeds to S504; otherwise, it proceeds to S505. In step S504, the system control unit 50 changes the setting item of the menu to be focused on (selection frame displayed) and proceeds to S502.

[0084] In step S505, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed. If the SET button 75 has been pressed, it proceeds to S506; otherwise, it proceeds to S508. By operating the SET button, the selection of the setting item currently selected with focus can be confirmed, and an instruction can be issued to execute the processing for the selected setting item. In the case of touch operation, touching the setting item may simultaneously move the focus and confirm the selection corresponding to the operation of the SET button.

[0085] In step S506, the system control unit 50 determines whether the menu setting item that is currently in focus (selected) is "Color Mode". If the selected menu setting item is not "Color Mode", the process proceeds to S507. If the selected menu setting item is "Color Mode", the process proceeds to display the color mode selection screen as shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 10, when the COLOR button is pressed on the menu screen 1200 with the "Color Mode" item selected, the process transitions to the color mode selection screen, and the source screen is the menu screen. Therefore, in S403, the process of displaying the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 is executed. Then, the process transitions from the menu screen 1200 to the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1, and if the SET button is pressed on the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1, the process returns to the menu screen 1200 (S404, S406, S501). Here, when returning to the menu screen 1200, the process returns to the menu screen 1200 with the "Color Mode" item in focus.

[0086] In step S507, the system control unit 50 performs processing according to the menu setting item that is currently in focus, and then proceeds to S502. The processing according to the menu setting item is such as changing the setting value.

[0087] In step S508, the system control unit 50 determines whether the COLOR button 83 has been pressed. If the COLOR button 83 has been pressed, the system returns to S502 without performing any processing in order to avoid complex screen transitions.

[0088] In step S509, the system control unit 50 determines whether there has been any other operation with respect to the operation unit 70. If there has been another operation, it proceeds to S510. If there has been no operation, it returns to S502 and repeatedly performs the operation determination.

[0089] In step S510, the system control unit 50 performs processing in accordance with the operation in S509 and returns to S502.

[0090] As described above, from the menu screen 1200, selecting a color mode setting item and confirming the selection with the SET button transitions to the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1. After transitioning to the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1, you can set the functions to be executed as a color mode, as explained in Figures 4A and 4B. In addition, by operating the INFO button on the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1, you can transition to a settings screen to change the setting value for the selected color mode function and change the setting value.

[0091] Figures 6 to 8 will be used to explain the details of the quick settings screen display process during shooting.

[0092] The camera 100 of this embodiment has three types of quick setting screens for shooting: LVQ screen 1300, OLCQ screen 1400, and Cinema Q screen 1500. The screen displayed depends on the display state of the shooting standby screen and the display settings of the quick setting screen. The display settings of the quick setting screen can be changed from the menu screen.

[0093] In step S601, the system control unit 50 determines whether the shooting standby screen is in live view display mode. If so, it proceeds to S602; otherwise, it proceeds to S603. If the live view display mode is in live view display mode, it proceeds to S701 to display the OLCQ screen 1400, which is a control panel-style quick settings screen. In step S602, the system control unit 50 determines whether the display setting of the quick settings screen is set to cinema-style display mode. If cinema-style display mode is set, it proceeds to S801 to display the Cinema Q screen 1500, which is a cinema-style quick settings screen. If the display setting of the quick settings screen is set to live view display mode instead of cinema-style display mode, it proceeds to S603.

[0094] In step S603, the system control unit 50 displays an LVQ screen 1300 on the display unit 28, which displays a quick setting screen superimposed on the live view image, as shown in screen 1300. The LVQ screen 1300 displays multiple quick setting screens superimposed on the live view image. Multiple setting items 1310 corresponding to multiple setting items are displayed at the left and right edges of the screen. A setting item focus 1320 is displayed for the currently selected item among the multiple setting items 1310. Multiple selection items 1330 corresponding to the configurable setting values ​​for the setting item selected by the setting item focus 1320 are displayed at the bottom edge of the screen. A setting value focus 1340 is displayed for the selection item corresponding to the currently set setting value among the selection items 1330. Each selection item 1330 displays an icon indicating its respective setting value. Each setting item 1301 displays an icon indicating the setting value set for that setting item. The multiple setting items include a setting item 1311 corresponding to the color mode.

[0095] In step S604, the system control unit 50 determines whether the user has moved the setting item focus 1320 on the LVQ screen 1300. If it is determined that the setting item focus has been moved, the system proceeds to S605; otherwise, it proceeds to S606.

[0096] In step S605, the system control unit 50 moves the setting item focus to the setting item corresponding to the operation in S604. Then, based on the setting item focus movement operation, the selected item 1330 is changed and displayed to the selected item corresponding to the setting value of the selected setting item. For example, as shown in Figure 11, if the setting item for the AF area in the upper left is selected and the setting item focus 1320 is displayed, the selected items 1330 will be displayed as icons corresponding to the setting values ​​that can be set as AF area settings, such as Spot 1-point AF, 1-point AF, Area Expansion AF, and Flexible Zone AF.

[0097] Furthermore, setting item 1311, which corresponds to the color mode, displays an icon corresponding to the setting value of the function set in the color mode setting. Regarding the function set in the color mode setting, if the color mode setting is changed on the color mode selection screen 1100, the function set on the color mode selection screen will be used; otherwise, the function set as the initial setting of the camera 100 will be used.

[0098] If Picture Style is set as the color mode, a screen like LVQ screen 1300-1 will be displayed. The color mode setting item 1311 displays icons corresponding to the settings set for the Picture Style function. Then, when the color mode setting item 1311 is selected and the setting item focus is displayed, the selection item 1330 displays icons 1331 corresponding to the setting values ​​that can be set for the Picture Style function. In other words, after selecting the color mode setting item 1311, selection items 1330 (1331) for changing the setting values ​​of the function set for the color mode are displayed without having to set the color mode on the color mode selection screen. Also, on this screen, "Picture Style" is displayed as the setting function name 1351 indicating the current color mode setting. Furthermore, the COLOR icon 1352 is displayed to indicate that the color mode setting can be changed by operating the COLOR button, and the INFO icon 1353 is displayed to indicate that the detailed setting values ​​of the Picture Style can be set by operating the INFO button.

[0099] If a color filter is set as the color mode, a screen like LVQ screen 1300-2 will be displayed. The color mode setting item 1311 displays icons corresponding to the currently set values ​​for the color filter function. Then, when the color mode setting item 1311 is selected and the setting item focus is displayed, the selection item 1330 displays icons 1332 corresponding to the settings that can be set for the color filter function. In other words, after selecting the color mode setting item 1311, the selection item 1330 (1332) for changing the setting values ​​of the function set in color mode will be displayed without having to set the color mode on the color mode selection screen. The selection screen displays "Color Filter" as the setting function name 1351 indicating the current color mode setting, and the COLOR icon 1352 is also displayed.

[0100] If Custom Picture is set as the color mode, a screen like LVQ screen 1300-3 will be displayed. The color mode setting item 1311 will display an icon indicating that it is the Custom Picture function. The setting function name 1351 indicating the current color mode setting will be displayed as "Color Filter," and the COLOR icon 1352 will also be displayed. When the color mode setting item 1311 is selected and the setting item focus is displayed, the [SET] setting icon will be displayed as the selected item 1330. Since Custom Picture allows settings such as selecting and editing custom picture files, the settings can only be changed on the Custom Picture settings screen 1113. Therefore, pressing the SET button will display an icon indicating that these settings are possible. Alternatively, touching the [SET] setting icon may transition to the Custom Picture settings screen 1113.

[0101] After executing the process in S605, the system control unit 50 returns to S604.

[0102] In step S606, the system control unit 50 determines whether a movement operation of the set value focus 1340 has been performed. If it is determined that a movement operation of the set value focus 1340 has been performed, the system proceeds to S607; otherwise, it proceeds to S608.

[0103] In step S607, the system control unit 50 moves the setting value focus 1340 in response to the operation in S606 and stores the setting value corresponding to the newly selected selection item in the non-volatile memory 56 as the setting value of the setting item selected by the setting item focus 1320. Then, it returns to S604.

[0104] In step S608, the system control unit 50 determines whether the COLOR button 83 has been pressed. If the COLOR button 83 has been pressed, it proceeds to S609; otherwise, it proceeds to S610.

[0105] In step S609, the system control unit 50 determines whether the color mode item 1311 is selected in the setting item focus 1320. If it is determined that the color mode item 1311 is selected, the system transitions to the color mode selection screen display process in S400 of Figure 4. In this case, the screen from which the transition occurred is the LVQ screen. Therefore, the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2 is displayed by the process in S402. Depending on the currently set color mode, one of the LVQ color mode selection screens 1100-2-1, 1100-2-2, or 1100-2-3 will be displayed.

[0106] If, in step S609, it is determined that the color mode setting item 1311 is not selected, the system control unit 50 returns to S604 without performing any processing. Here, in order to avoid complex screen transitions and to prevent accidental operation, if the color mode setting item 1311 is not selected, no processing is performed even if the COLOR button 83 is operated.

[0107] In step S610, the system control unit 50 determines whether the INFO button 85 has been pressed. If the INFO button 85 has been pressed, it proceeds to S611; otherwise, it proceeds to S613.

[0108] In step S611, the system control unit 50 determines whether the color mode setting item 1311 is selected with the setting item focus 1320 and whether picture style is set for the color mode. If the color mode setting item 1311 is selected and picture style is set for the color mode, an INFO icon is displayed as shown in the LVQ screen 1300-1 in Figure 11, and the picture style setting screen display function is assigned to the INFO button. Therefore, if the INFO button is operated in this state, the system control unit transitions to S422 in Figure 4B and proceeds to the display process of the picture style setting screen 1111. If the INFO button is operated in any other state, the system control unit 50 executes the process assigned to the INFO button at that time in S612 and returns to S604.

[0109] In step S613, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed. If the SET button 75 has been pressed, it proceeds to S614; otherwise, it proceeds to S615.

[0110] In step S613, the system control unit 50 determines whether the color mode setting item 1311 is selected in the setting item focus 1320 and whether custom picture is set for the color mode. Normally, the SET button is assigned the function of ending the display of the LVQ screen and returning to the shooting standby screen. However, if the color mode setting item 1311 is selected and custom picture is set for the color mode, the [SET] setting icon is displayed as shown in the LVQ screen 1300-3 in Figure 11, and the function of displaying the custom picture setting screen is assigned to the SET button. Therefore, if the SET button is operated in this state, the system control unit transitions to S431 in Figure 4B and proceeds to the display process of the custom picture setting screen 1113. If the SET button is operated in any other state, the system control unit 50 displays the shooting standby screen 1000 on the display unit 28 in S616 and ends this process, returning to S303 in Figure 3.

[0111] In step S613, the system control unit 50 determines whether the Q button 84 has been pressed. If the Q button 84 has been pressed, it proceeds to S616; otherwise, it proceeds to S617. If the Q button 84 has been pressed, the LVQ screen display ends and the system returns to the shooting standby screen display.

[0112] In step S617, the system control unit 50 determines whether there has been any other operation with respect to the operation unit 70. If there has been another operation, it proceeds to S618. If there has been no operation, it returns to S604 and repeatedly performs the operation determination.

[0113] In step S518, the system control unit 50 performs processing in response to the operation in S617 and returns to S604.

[0114] In step S701, the system control unit 50 displays the OLCQ screen 1400, a control panel-like quick setting screen as shown in Figure 12, on the display unit 28, and returns to S702. The OLCQ screen 1400 displays multiple setting items, but the live view image is not displayed. Also, similar to the LVQ screen, the setting item Focus 1420 is displayed. In addition, the multiple setting items displayed include the color mode setting item 1411.

[0115] In step S702, the system control unit 50 determines whether the user has performed a setting item focus 1420 movement operation. If so, it proceeds to S703; otherwise, it proceeds to S704.

[0116] In step S703, the system control unit 50 moves the setting item focus 1420 to another setting item and displays it in response to the operation in S702, and then returns to S702. By moving the setting item focus, the selected item can be changed from the color mode setting item 1411 to another item, or from another item back to the color mode setting item 1411.

[0117] In step S704, the system control unit 50 determines whether an operation to change the setting value of the setting item selected in step 704 has been performed. If so, it proceeds to S705; otherwise, it proceeds to S706.

[0118] In step S705, the system control unit 50 changes and displays the setting value of the setting item selected by the setting item focus 1420, stores the changed setting value in the non-volatile memory 56, and returns to S702.

[0119] In step S706, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed. If the SET button 75 has been pressed, it proceeds to S707; otherwise, it proceeds to S709.

[0120] In step S707, the system control unit 50 determines whether the setting item selected by the setting item focus 1420 is the color mode setting item 1411. If the selected setting item is the color mode setting item 1411, the system control unit transitions to the color mode selection screen display process shown in Figure 4. In this case, the screen from which the transition occurred is the OLCQ screen, so the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 is displayed in S403. After the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 is displayed, if the SET button is pressed on the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 without the COLOR button being operated, the system returns to the OLCQ screen 1400 (S404 → S406 → S601). If it is determined in S707 that the selected setting item is not the color mode setting item 1411, the system fresh fish unit 50 executes the process corresponding to the selected setting item in step S708 and returns to S702.

[0121] In step S709, the system control unit 50 determines whether the COLOR button 83 has been pressed. If the COLOR button 83 has been pressed, it returns to S702 without performing any processing. If it has not been pressed, it proceeds to S710.

[0122] In step S710, the system control unit 50 determines whether the Q button 84 has been pressed. If the Q button 84 has been pressed, it proceeds to S713. If it has not been pressed, it proceeds to S711. In step S713, the system control unit 50 displays the shooting standby screen 1000, terminates this process, and returns to step S303 in Figure 3.

[0123] In step S711, the system control unit 50 determines whether there has been any other operation with respect to the operation unit 70. If there has been another operation, it proceeds to S712. If there has been no operation, it returns to S702 and repeatedly performs the operation determination. In step S712, the system control unit 50 processes according to the operation in SS711 and returns to S702.

[0124] In step S801, the system control unit 50 displays a cinematic Q screen 1500 on the display unit 28, as shown in Figure 13. The cinematic Q screen consists of multiple pages, as shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), with setting items displayed on each page. As with other setting screens, a setting item focus is also displayed to indicate the selected setting item. As shown in Figure 13(b), the displayed setting items also include the color mode setting item 1511. In addition, the custom picture file selection 1512 is displayed as a setting item.

[0125] In step S802, the system control unit 50 determines whether a page-turning operation has been performed by the user. If so, it proceeds to S803; otherwise, it proceeds to S805.

[0126] In step S803, the system control unit 50 changes the page to display and returns to S802.

[0127] In step S804, the system control unit 50 determines whether the user has performed an operation to move the setting item focus 1520. If so, it proceeds to S805; otherwise, it proceeds to S806.

[0128] In step S805, the system control unit 50 moves the setting item focus 1520, changes the selected setting item, and returns to S802.

[0129] In step S806, the system control unit 50 determines whether the SET button 75 has been pressed. If the SET button 75 has been pressed, it proceeds to S807; otherwise, it proceeds to S810.

[0130] In step S807, the system control unit 50 determines whether the menu setting item selected in the setting item focus 1520 is the color mode setting item 1511. If it is, it proceeds to S808; otherwise, it proceeds to S809.

[0131] In step S808, the system control unit 50 displays the cinema-style dedicated color mode selection screen shown in Figure 13(c) and accepts the color mode setting. This color mode selection screen has a completely different screen configuration from the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 and the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2, but it is the same in that it displays the three functions that can be set as color modes as options. However, while it is possible to set one of the following as the color mode setting: picture style, color filter, or custom picture, it is not possible to set the setting values ​​for picture style or color filter.

[0132] In step S809, the system control unit 50 performs processing according to the menu setting item selected in the setting item focus 1520, and returns to S802. Processing according to the menu setting item includes selecting custom picture file 1512, displaying the custom picture file selection screen shown in Figure 13(d), and selecting a file.

[0133] In step S810, the system control unit 50 determines whether the COLOR button 83 has been pressed. If the COLOR button 83 has been pressed, it proceeds to S811; otherwise, it proceeds to S812.

[0134] In step S811, the system control unit 50 determines whether the menu setting item selected in the setting item focus 1520 is the color mode setting item 1511. If it is, it proceeds to the color mode selection screen display process shown in Figure 4; otherwise, it returns to S802. If the process proceeds to the color mode setting screen display process, the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 is displayed, allowing the user to set the picture style and color filter settings.

[0135] In step S812, the system control unit 50 determines whether the Q button 84 has been pressed. If the Q button 84 has been pressed, it proceeds to S815. If it has not been pressed, it proceeds to S813. In step S815, the system control unit 50 displays the shooting standby screen 1000, terminates this process, and returns to step S303 in Figure 3.

[0136] In step S813, the system control unit 50 determines whether there has been any other operation with respect to the operation unit 70. If there has been another operation, it proceeds to S814. If there has been no operation, it returns to S802 and repeatedly performs the operation determination. In step S814, the system control unit 50 processes according to the operation of SS711 and returns to S802.

[0137] As described above, in the camera of this embodiment, the color mode selection screen 1100 is displayed in response to the selection of a color mode setting item by pressing the SET button or touch operation on the menu screen 1200, or by pressing the COLOR button on the shooting standby screen 1000. In this case, the color mode selection screen 1100-1 is normally displayed, and by pressing the INFO button while this screen 1100-1 is displayed, the setting screen corresponding to the selected color mode function is displayed, and the setting value of the function can be set. In contrast, on the LVQ screen 1300, where setting items are displayed superimposed on the live view, a selection item for changing the setting value of the function currently set as the color mode is displayed in response to the selection of a color mode setting item by focusing or touch operation. In other words, in response to the selection of a color mode setting item, the color mode selection screen 1100 is not displayed, and the setting value of the function set as the color mode is changed. In this state, the color mode selection screen 1100 is displayed in response to the pressing of the COLOR button, making it possible to change the color mode function that is currently set and displayed on the LVQ screen. When displaying the color mode selection screen from the LVQ screen 1300, the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2 is displayed, which prevents transitioning to the settings screen for changing the color mode function currently set on the LVQ screen. However, the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 may also be displayed when transitioning from the LVQ screen 1300. Alternatively, the normal color mode selection screen 1100-1 may be displayed with the live view image superimposed as the background.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have described the case in which the function to be executed as a color mode is selected from among three functions: the picture style function, the color filter function, and the custom picture function, as shown in the color mode selection screen 1100 in Figures 10 and 12. However, the color mode selection screen may also be configured to allow the user to select a color mode function from among two functions, the picture style function and the color filter function, as shown in Figure 14(a). Alternatively, the selectable functions may be changed depending on the shooting mode. In still image shooting mode, a color mode selection screen like that shown in Figure 14(a) may be displayed to allow the user to select a color mode from two functions, while in video mode, a color mode selection screen like those shown in Figures 10 and 11 may be displayed to allow the user to select a color mode from three functions.

[0139] Furthermore, although the [INFO] setting change icon 1103 is hidden in the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2 in Figure 11, it may also be displayed grayed out to notify the user that it is not operable, as shown in Figure 14(b).

[0140] Furthermore, regarding the Picture Style settings screen, instead of a settings screen like screen 1111 in Figure 10, it may be possible to display icons indicating the setting values ​​superimposed on the live view image, as shown in Figure 14(c). By displaying a Picture Style settings screen like Figure 14(c), it is possible to determine the setting values ​​while checking the differences in image creation caused by changing the setting values. Also, when accessing the Picture Style settings screen from the menu screen via the color mode selection screen, it may be possible to display a Picture Style settings screen 1111 like Figure 10, which has a similar screen layout to the menu screen, and when accessing the Picture Style settings screen from the LVQ screen via the color mode selection screen, it may be possible to display a screen like Figure 14(c).

[0141] Furthermore, regarding the LVQ screen, instead of the LVQ screen 1300 as shown in Figure 11, a screen configuration like the settings screen in Figure 16(d) may be used, or the display of the LVQ screen 1300 and the settings screen in Figure 16(d) may be switched depending on the display mode. In the settings screen of Figure 16(d), the setting item group 1610, the upper selection item group 1621, the lower selection item group 1622, the main dial icon 1631, the sub-dial icon 1632, and the M-Fn button icon 1633 are displayed. The selected setting item and selected items are displayed in the central area 1640. The M-Fn button icon 1633 indicates that the selection of the setting item can be changed by operating the M-Fn button 77. By operating the M-Fn button 77, the display position of the setting item group 1610 is changed to the left or right, and the selected setting item is displayed in the central area 1640. Furthermore, the setting item group 1610 includes upper setting item 1611 and lower setting item 1612, and by operating the M-Fn button 77, the selection of both upper setting item 1611 and lower setting item 1612 can be changed at once. Each setting item in the setting item group 1610 displays an icon corresponding to the setting value set for that setting item, similar to the LVQ screen. In the upper selection item group 1621, the setting value of the currently selected setting item from the upper setting items is displayed as a selection item. The main dial icon 1631 indicates that the selection of the upper selection items can be changed by operating the main dial 71. By operating the main dial 71, the display position of the upper selection item group 1621 is changed, the selected upper selection item is changed, and the setting value corresponding to the selected selection item is set as the selected upper setting item. In the lower selection item group 1622, the setting value of the currently selected setting item from the lower setting items is displayed as a selection item. The sub-dial icon 1632 indicates that the selection of the upper selection item can be changed by operating the sub-electronic dial 73. By operating the sub-electronic dial 73, the display position of the lower selection item group 1622 is changed to change the currently selected lower selection item, and the setting value corresponding to the currently selected selection item is set as the currently selected lower setting item. When the COLOR button is pressed at the edge of Figure 16(c), the system transitions to the LVQ color mode selection screen 1100-2, similar to the LVQ screen.

[0142] In this embodiment, the camera is configured to assign the color mode setting function to the COLOR button 83, and to transition to the color mode selection screen by operating the COLOR button 83. However, instead of providing a dedicated button assigned to the color mode setting function like the COLOR button 83, the color mode setting function may be assigned to another button. The system may also be configured so that the user can configure which button is assigned to the color mode setting function. Furthermore, even if the system has a COLOR button 83, it may be configured so that the color mode setting function can be assigned to another button. Even if the color mode setting function is assigned to another button, the COLOR icon 1352 will be displayed while the color mode setting items are displayed on the LVQ screen, so the system may be configured so that the system transitions to the color mode selection screen only when the COLOR button is pressed.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, pressing the COLOR button on the shooting standby screen 1000 or the LVQ screen 1300 when a color mode setting item is selected transitions to the color mode selection screen. However, pressing the COLOR button may also transition to the color mode selection screen on other screens such as the playback screen. Also, in setting screens such as the menu screen, OLCQ screen, and LVQ screen when no color mode setting item is selected, pressing the COLOR button does not transition to the color mode selection screen in order to prevent complex screen transitions. However, pressing the COLOR button may also transition to the color mode selection screen. Alternatively, pressing the COLOR button may not transition to the color mode selection screen, but the system may transition to the color mode selection screen in response to operations on other control units to which the color mode setting function is assigned.

[0144] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, the present invention was described in the case where it is implemented using a camera, but it may also be implemented using a smartphone or tablet PC.

[0145] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit that implements one or more functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device that allows setting multiple functions related to image processing to be performed on an image captured by an imaging unit, In the first settings screen, when an item corresponding to the image creation function is selected, a selection screen is displayed for selecting and setting a function to be executed from the multiple functions. In the selection screen, when a predetermined operation is performed to change the setting value of the selected function, the system controls the display of selection items for changing the setting value of the selected function. In a second settings screen, which is different from the first settings screen, when an item corresponding to the image creation function is selected, the system controls the display of selection items for changing the setting value of a predetermined function among the multiple functions on the second settings screen, without displaying the selection screen. Control means and An imaging device characterized by having the following features.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, as a function related to image creation, only one of the plurality of functions can be set.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined function is one of the plurality of functions that is initially set in the imaging device, or one of the functions set in the selection screen.

4. The control means is In the first settings screen, the cursor indicating the selected item among the multiple displayed items is moved, and when an operation to confirm the selection is performed while the item corresponding to the image creation function is selected with the cursor, the selection screen is displayed in response to this operation. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second setting screen controls the display of selection items for the predetermined function's setting value when the cursor indicating the selected item among the multiple items displayed is moved to the item corresponding to the image creation function.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls to switch to the display of the selection screen in response to a specific operation being performed while an item corresponding to the image creation function is selected on the second setting screen, and controls to switch to the display of the second setting screen showing a selection item for setting the setting value of the selected function in response to one function being selected and set from the plurality of functions on the selection screen.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means controls the display of the selection screen in response to the specific operation being performed while a shooting standby screen different from the first setting screen and the second setting screen is displayed.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the aforementioned specific operation is an operation on a specific button.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the second setting screen to display an icon indicating a setting value set for the predetermined function as an item corresponding to the image creation function.

9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the control means controls the display of information indicating the selected function among the plurality of functions separately from the icon when an item corresponding to the image creation function is selected on the second setting screen.

10. The control means is In the second settings screen, when a specific operation is performed while an item corresponding to the image creation function is selected, the system controls the display of the selection screen accordingly. When transitioning from the first settings screen to the selection screen, the system controls the display of predetermined items related to the predetermined operation on the selection screen. When transitioning from the second settings screen to the selection screen, control is performed so that the predetermined items are not displayed on the selection screen. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

11. The first settings screen is a settings screen where the live view image is not displayed, and the second settings screen is a settings screen where the live view image is displayed. The control means is When transitioning from the first settings screen to the selection screen, a selection screen without a live view image is displayed, and the system is controlled to transition to the first settings screen according to the function set on the selection screen. When transitioning from the second settings screen to the selection screen, the selection screen is displayed with a live view image as the background, and the system is controlled to transition back to the second settings screen according to the function set on the selection screen. The imaging apparatus according to feature 10.

12. The first settings screen is a menu screen in which setting items are displayed without the captured image being shown. The second settings screen, as described above, displays the settings items along with the live view image. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means controls the second setting screen to display a plurality of setting items and selectable items that can be set for the selected setting item among the plurality of setting items superimposed on the live view image.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control means controls the selection screen to be a screen that does not display a live view image, and to display a plurality of items corresponding to each of the plurality of functions, and at least a descriptive text corresponding to the selected function.

15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the display to switch to the selection screen in response to the selection of an item corresponding to the image creation function in the first setting screen, and to switch the display to a setting screen that includes a selection item for setting detailed settings of the function selected on the selection screen in response to the instruction to set detailed settings on the selection screen.

16. The imaging apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the setting screen for the first of the multiple functions is a setting screen in which a live view image is not displayed, and the setting screen for the second of the multiple functions is a setting screen in which a live view image is displayed.

17. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of functions include a first function that executes image processing corresponding to a shooting scene set as a detailed setting among the image processing preset for each shooting scene, and a second function that executes a filter effect set as a detailed setting among a plurality of filter effects.

18. The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the first function is a picture style function and the second function is a color filter function.

19. A control method for an imaging device that allows selection of multiple functions related to image processing to be performed on an image captured by an imaging unit, A first control step involves, in response to an item corresponding to the image creation function being selected on the first settings screen, displaying a selection screen for selecting a function to be performed on the image from among the multiple functions, and in response to an instruction to perform detailed settings on the selection screen, displaying selection items for setting the detailed settings of the function selected on the selection screen. A second control step, in response to the selection of an item corresponding to the image creation function in a second settings screen different from the first settings screen, controls the system to enable detailed settings of a predetermined function among the multiple functions without displaying the selection screen. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by having the following features.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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