Control device and control method thereof

Abstract

To improve user convenience when performing batch image deletion processing.SOLUTION: A control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes control means for storing a plurality of images each of which is associated with information regarding the evaluation of an image in storage means, and display control means for displaying information regarding the evaluation of the plurality of images on display means when a user performs an operation to delete the plurality of images at once.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to user notification when deleting images in bulk. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that evaluation information can be assigned to captured images. Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that, when receiving an operation input for performing a predetermined process such as deleting an image, determines whether the image is associated with specific information such as evaluation information for the image, and changes the display content for the operation to approve the implementation of the predetermined process depending on the determination result. When deleting an image with input evaluation information, this electronic device displays "OK" and "Cancel" on a screen for confirming approval for deletion, but is controlled to avoid "OK" as the initial selection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-77701 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an effective method for deleting images one by one. However, when performing bulk deletion, such as deleting a folder or initializing media, a deletion confirmation screen must be displayed for each image, and the user must select "OK" through an operation input. This can make the process more cumbersome as the number of images associated with specific information in the deletion range increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a control method thereof that improve user convenience when performing batch image deletion processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that stores a plurality of images in a storage unit, each of the images being associated with information regarding an evaluation of the image; and a control unit that, when a user performs an operation to delete the plurality of images at once, deletes the plurality of images at once. A method for confirming whether or not it is OK to delete the plurality of images at once by asking the user a display control means for displaying information relating to the evaluation of the plurality of images on a display means; The information regarding the evaluation of the plurality of images includes information regarding images that have been evaluated as having a focus level equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and does not include information regarding images that have been evaluated as having a focus level lower than the predetermined level. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in the batch deletion process, by informing the operator that images that meet predetermined conditions are excellent are included in the target, it is possible to prevent accidental deletion operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the imaging surface of the digital camera of the first embodiment as viewed from the light incident side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a pixel section in an imaging surface according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the phase difference of a phase difference image signal obtained from a focus detection pixel in an in-focus state in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the phase difference of the phase difference image signal obtained from the focus detection pixel in an out-of-focus state in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an optical system of a focus detection unit appearing in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of JPEG image data. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the digital camera of the first embodiment when photographing. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing a grading process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the absolute value of the defocus amount and the grade in the first grading process of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11]4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the digital camera of the first embodiment when not taking a picture. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing a batch image deletion process in the digital camera of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a normal screen display for requesting an operation input to confirm initialization of the recording unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a typical screen display for requesting an operation input to confirm folder deletion in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a screen display for requesting an operation input to confirm initialization of the recording unit when a suspicious image is included in the deletion range in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a screen display for requesting an operation input to confirm folder deletion when suspicious images are included in the deletion range in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing processing that is further executed when no image is being captured in a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an external image processing device (computer) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a computer according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0010] <Digital camera configuration> 1 shows the configuration of a digital camera as an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera has a lens unit 100 and a camera unit 200. The lens unit 100 is detachably attached to the camera unit 200 via a lens attachment mechanism provided in a mount (not shown). The mount is provided with an electrical contact unit 108. This electrical contact unit 108 is provided with terminals for communication bus lines including a communication clock line, a data transmission line, a data reception line, etc., and these communication bus line terminals enable communication between the lens unit 100 and the camera unit 200.

[0011] The lens unit 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes a lens unit 101 including a zoom lens and a focus lens that move in the optical axis direction to change magnification (zoom) and adjust focus (focus), respectively, and an aperture 102 that controls the amount of light. The lens unit 100 also includes a lens drive unit 103 that includes a drive system using stepping motors as drive sources for moving the zoom lens and focus lens, and an electrical circuit that drives the drive sources. The lens unit 100 also includes a lens position detection unit 105 that detects the positions of the zoom lens and focus lens by acquiring, via a lens controller 104, a signal waveform indicating the phase of the stepping motor in the lens drive unit 103. The lens unit 101, lens drive unit 103, and lens position detection unit 105 form a focus adjustment means.

[0012] The lens unit 100 is further provided with an aperture control unit 106 that controls the aperture 102, and an optical information recording unit 107 that records various optical design values of the lens unit 101 and the aperture 102. The lens drive unit 103, the aperture control unit 106, and the optical information recording unit 107 are connected to a lens controller 104 such as a CPU that controls the operation of the entire lens unit 100.

[0013] The camera unit 200 communicates with the lens unit 100 via the electrical contact unit 108, transmits control requests for the zoom and focus of the lens unit 101 and the aperture 102 to the lens unit 100, and receives the control results from the lens unit 100.

[0014] A light beam incident on the imaging optical system passes through the lens unit 101 and the aperture 102 and is guided to the main mirror 201 in the camera unit 200. The main mirror 201 is composed of a half mirror. When the main mirror 201 is disposed obliquely on the optical path from the imaging optical system as shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as the mirror-down state), half of the incident light beam is reflected toward the focusing screen 203 and the other half is transmitted toward the sub-mirror 202. The main mirror 201 can also move upward as indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. 1 to retract from the optical path (hereinafter referred to as the mirror-up state). The sub-mirror 202 also retracts from the optical path in the mirror-up state, as indicated by the double-headed arrow in the same figure.

[0015] The focusing screen 203 is a diffusion screen disposed at a position optically conjugate with the imaging unit 210 (described later), and a light beam from the imaging optical system forms a subject image on this focusing screen 203. The light beam (subject image) that passes through the focusing screen 203 is converted into an erect image by a pentaprism 204, passes through an eyepiece 205, and reaches a finder 206. The photographer can observe the subject image formed on the focusing screen 203 through the finder 206 and the eyepiece 205.

[0016] A portion of the light beam incident on the pentaprism 204 passes through a photometric imaging lens 207 and enters a photometric sensor 208, which measures the luminance of the subject image. The photometric sensor 208 is composed of a photoelectric conversion element (not shown) and a processor (not shown) that calculates luminance from the charge obtained by the photoelectric conversion element. The photometric sensor 208 also obtains two-dimensional black-and-white multi-gradation image data from the charge obtained from the photoelectric conversion element. This black-and-white multi-gradation image data is stored in a memory 213 so that it can be referenced later by various modules.

[0017] In the mirror-down state, the sub-mirror 202 guides the reflected light beam to the focus detection unit 209. The focus detection unit 209 performs focus detection using a phase difference detection method in a focus detection area. The focus detection area is a single area, such as the center of the imaging angle of view.

[0018] On the other hand, in the mirror-up state, a light beam incident on the imaging optical system passes through the lens unit 101 and the diaphragm 102 and reaches the imaging unit 210 in the camera unit 200. The imaging unit 210 includes an imaging element as a two-dimensional photoelectric conversion element, and a processor that generates image data from an imaging signal output from the imaging element and performs various image processing such as brightness correction of the image data. The detailed configuration of the imaging unit 210 will be described later.

[0019] The camera unit 200 is also provided with an operation switch 211 that is operated by the photographer. The operation switch 211 is a two-stage stroke switch, and when the first stage (SW1) is turned on, imaging preparation operations such as photometry and focusing are started in the mirror down state. When the second stage (SW2) is turned on, the main mirror 201 and sub-mirror 202 move to the mirror up state and imaging operation is started. When SW2 is continuously turned on in a still image continuous shooting mode described below, imaging operations (continuous shooting) are performed multiple times.

[0020] The correlation calculation unit 214 performs correlation calculation on a pair of phase difference image signals (two image signals) acquired from the focus detection unit 209 or the imaging unit 210, and calculates a correlation value for each shift amount between the two image signals. The phase difference detection unit 215 calculates the shift amount that indicates the highest correlation among the calculated correlation values, i.e., the phase difference (amount of image shift). The defocus amount detection unit 216 calculates the defocus amount of the imaging optical system based on the phase difference calculated by the phase difference detection unit 215 and the optical characteristics of the imaging optical system.

[0021] The camera controller 212 transmits and receives control information to and from the lens controller 104 via the electrical contact unit 108, and controls the driving of the lens unit 101 based on the defocus amount calculated by the defocus amount detection unit 216. This adjusts the focal position of the imaging optical system (i.e., performs AF).

[0022] The digital camera of this embodiment has a display unit 217 that displays a subject image captured by the imaging unit 210 and various operating conditions. The digital camera also has imaging operation modes including a still image one-shot mode, a still image continuous shooting mode, a live view mode, and a video recording mode, and has an operation unit 218 that the photographer operates to switch between imaging operation modes. The operation unit 218 can also be used to input instructions to start or stop video recording, and to input instructions to delete various recorded data. The digital camera also has focus detection modes including a one-shot AF mode and a servo AF mode, which will be described later, and the photographer can select a focus detection mode via the operation unit 218.

[0023] In addition, the digital camera of this embodiment has a communication unit 220 that connects to an external server or computer (these are examples of external devices) and transfers (uploads) image data recorded in a recording unit 219 that records captured images.

[0024] <Imaging unit 210> The configuration of the imaging surface of the imaging element in the imaging unit 210 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows the imaging surface as viewed from the light incident side. The imaging unit 210 has a plurality of pixel units (h pixel units in the horizontal direction × v pixel units in the vertical direction).

[0025] 3(a) shows the configuration of one pixel unit. Each pixel unit has a first focus detection pixel A and a second focus detection pixel B, onto which a pair of light beams split by the exit pupil plane of the imaging optical system are respectively incident. A single microlens ML for collecting light is arranged in front of the first focus detection pixel A and the second focus detection pixel B. Each pixel unit has a red, green, or blue color filter (not shown) in a Bayer array.

[0026] In the pixel section, the smoothing layer 301 is a plane on which the microlenses ML are formed. The light-shielding layers 302a and 302b are arranged to prevent light beams from entering the first focus detection pixel A and the second focus detection pixel B at unnecessary oblique angles. The first focus detection pixel A and the second focus detection pixel B each receive light beams from different pupil regions of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system that are symmetrical with respect to the center C of the pixel section, with parallax between them, and output electric charges (pixel signals). The electric charges of the first focus detection pixel A and the second focus detection pixel B are added together to obtain the electric charge (image signal) of the imaging pixel C, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0027] <Principle of focus detection using image plane phase difference detection method> In the image sensor, a first focus detection pixel row in which a plurality of first focus detection pixels A are arranged and a second focus detection pixel row in which a plurality of second focus detection pixels B are arranged form a pair. As the number of pixels in the image sensor increases, a pair of object images (two images) that are closer to each other are formed on these paired first and second focus detection pixel rows. A row of phase-contrast image signals (hereinafter referred to as the A image signal) is generated by combining pixel signals from each of the plurality of first focus detection pixels A in the first focus detection pixel row. Furthermore, a row of phase-contrast image signals (hereinafter also referred to as the B image signal) is generated by combining pixel signals from each of the plurality of second focus detection pixels B in the second focus detection pixel row. When the imaging optical system is in focus on the object, the A image signal and the B image signal will match each other.

[0028] In contrast, in an out-of-focus state where the imaging optical system is out of focus with respect to the subject, a phase difference occurs between image signal A and image signal B. The direction of this phase difference is reversed between a front-focus state where the image is formed in front of the intended focal plane (front focus) and a back-focus state where the image is formed farther from the intended focal plane (back focus).

[0029] Fig. 4 shows the phase difference between the A and B image signals in a certain pixel unit when the pixel is in focus. Fig. 5 shows the phase difference between the A and B image signals in a certain pixel unit when the pixel is out of focus. In Figs. 4 and 5, the first focus detection pixel A is indicated as A, and the second focus detection pixel B is indicated as B.

[0030] A light beam from the subject (one point) is split into a light beam ΦLa that passes through the pupil region corresponding to the first focus detection pixel A and is incident on the first focus detection pixel A, and a light beam ΦLb that passes through the pupil region corresponding to the second focus detection pixel B and is incident on the second focus detection pixel B. Because these two light beams are incident from the same point on the subject, when the imaging optical system is in focus, they are incident on the same microlens ML at an incident angle θ1, pass through it, and reach a single point on the image sensor, as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the image A signal and the image B signal match each other.

[0031] However, as shown in Figure 5, when the focus is shifted by x, the arrival positions of the light beams ΦLa and ΦLb are shifted by the amount that the angle of incidence of the light beams ΦLa and ΦLb on the microlens ML changes from θ1 to θ2. Therefore, a phase difference occurs between the image A signal and the image B signal. In this case, the phase difference is calculated by performing the correlation calculation described above on the image A signal and the image B signal, and focus detection can be performed using the image plane phase difference detection method, in which the defocus amount is calculated from the phase difference.

[0032] <Focus detection unit 209> The optical system of the focus detection unit 209 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, a light beam emitted from an object plane 601 passes through an imaging optical system 602 including a lens unit 101 and an aperture 102, and a main mirror 201, and is reflected by a sub-mirror 202 before entering the focus detection unit 209. The focus detection unit 209 includes a field mask 603, a field lens 604, a secondary optical system aperture 605, a secondary imaging lens 606, and a focus detection sensor 608 having at least one pair of photoelectric conversion element arrays 607a, 607b.

[0033] The light beam incident on the focus detection unit 209 passes through a field mask 603 arranged near the expected imaging plane and enters a field lens 604. The field mask 603 is a light-blocking member that prevents unwanted light beams outside the focus detection area from entering the photoelectric conversion element arrays 607a and 607b from the field lens 604. The field lens 604 is a lens that controls the light beam from the imaging optical system 602 to suppress light attenuation and blurring in the peripheral areas within the focus detection area. The light beam that passes through the field lens 604 further passes through a pair of secondary optical system diaphragms 605 and a secondary imaging lens 606 that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 602. As a result, a portion (one of the pair) of the light beams passing through the imaging optical system 602 enters the photoelectric conversion element array 607a, and the other portion (the other of the pair) of the light beams enters the photoelectric conversion element array 607b.

[0034] <Principle of focus detection based on the signal from the focus detection unit 209> When the imaging surface of the imaging optical system 602 is located in front of the expected imaging surface, the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607a and the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607b approach each other in the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6 . On the other hand, when the imaging surface of the imaging optical system 602 is located behind the expected imaging surface, the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607a and the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607b are separated from each other. As described above, the amount of deviation between the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607a and the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607b correlates with the degree of focus of the imaging optical system 602. If the phase difference between a signal (image A signal) obtained by photoelectrically converting the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607a and a signal (image B signal) obtained by photoelectrically converting the light beams incident on the photoelectric conversion element array 607b is calculated, the amount of defocus can be calculated from the phase difference. This allows focus detection using a phase difference detection method.

[0035] <Recording method for image data attribute information> Figure 7 shows an example of the structure of image data obtained by capturing an image and saving it in JPEG format. JPEG format image data uses marker segments expressed as byte strings to separate data strings containing various information, making it possible to understand the contents of the data string. As shown in Figure 7, JPEG format image data begins with a marker segment "SOI" indicating the start of compressed data, followed by a marker segment "APP1" indicating attribute information for the image data. In addition to "APP1," various other information, such as the quantization table and Huffman table for the compressed image data, is written in marker segments other than "APP1." At the end, the data string of the compressed and encoded image and a marker segment "EOI" indicating the end of the compressed data are written.

[0036] The marker segment "APP1," which indicates the attribute information of image data, can describe the "MakerNote" field (for manufacturer's own use) and other attribute information using the Exif format described in Reference 1 below. The "MakerNote" field allows manufacturers to describe various information in any way they like, as long as it does not violate the image file format standards. However, while there is a degree of freedom in description, it also has the characteristic of being less compatible with other manufacturers. (Reference 1) Camera and Imaging Products Association, Exif 2.31 (CIPA DC-008-2016), Image File Format Standard for Digital Still Cameras

[0037] Furthermore, the marker segment "APP1" can describe a "Rating" field and other attribute information using the XMP method (AdobeXMP standard) described in Reference 2 below. The "Rating" field can describe a total of seven grades (evaluation results), including standard values of 0 to 5 and a value of -1 indicating no explicit rating. By using such a rating, it becomes possible, for example, to extract a portion of images with a high rating from a group of images containing many captured images and handle them preferentially. (Reference 2) “Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) Specification” Part1~Part3, Adobe Systems Incorporated.

[0038] The marker segment "APP1" can be used to describe both Exif and XMP formats, in which case the same marker segment "APP1" is created separately for each description format. This recording format, in which marker segments separate data strings of various information, is used not only in the JPEG format but also in TIFF and other image file formats.

[0039] <Digital camera imaging operation mode> The digital camera of this embodiment has a still image one-shot mode and a still image continuous shooting mode, which differ from each other in the operations from image capture to recording. Each mode will be described below.

[0040] <Still image one-shot mode> The still image one-shot mode in this embodiment is a mode in which one still image is obtained in response to turning on SW2 of the operation switch 211. In the still image one-shot mode, the camera controller 212 controls the main mirror 201 to be in a mirror-down state, allowing the photographer to view the subject image by looking through the viewfinder 206. In addition, the sub-mirror 202 guides a light beam from the subject to the focus detection unit 209.

[0041] When SW1 of the operation switch 211 is turned on in the still image one-shot mode, a first photometry operation is performed to measure the brightness of the subject image using the photometry sensor 208. Based on the photometry result, the aperture diameter of the diaphragm 102, the charge accumulation time of the imaging unit 210, and the ISO sensitivity are determined. Furthermore, following the first photometry operation, a first focus detection is performed by the focus detection unit 209, and the focus position of the lens unit 101 is controlled so as to obtain a focused state based on the obtained focus detection result (first focus detection result).

[0042] When SW2 is turned on in the still image one-shot mode, the aperture 102 is controlled to an aperture diameter determined based on the photometry result of the first photometry operation. At the same time, the main mirror 201 and the sub-mirror 202 are moved to a mirror-up state. In the mirror-up state, an imaging operation is performed in which the imaging unit 210 acquires an imaging signal with a charge accumulation time and ISO sensitivity determined based on the photometry result of the first photometry operation.

[0043] The imaging unit 210 generates first RAW data, which is pupil-split image data, from an imaging signal obtained by photoelectrically converting an object image formed by the imaging optical system. The first RAW data is obtained by photoelectrically converting a pair of object light beams split at the exit pupil plane, and is image data that holds a signal corresponding to a first focus detection pixel A and a signal corresponding to a second focus detection pixel B of each pixel unit (a pair of pixel signals). The first RAW data is temporarily stored in a memory 213 connected to the camera controller 212.

[0044] The first RAW data temporarily stored in the memory 213 is sent to a correlation calculation unit 214 connected to the camera controller 212, and is used for second focus detection based on the first RAW data.

[0045] Furthermore, the camera controller 212 converts the first RAW data into a file format for a recording RAW file to generate second RAW data for recording. The second RAW data is data corresponding to the first RAW data (pupil-divided image data) as well as imaging conditions (aperture value, etc.) and attribute information. The second RAW data is recorded in the recording unit 219.

[0046] Furthermore, the camera controller 212 adds the A image signal and the B image signal included in the second RAW data for each pixel to generate an imaging signal, and performs image processing such as development calculation on the imaging signal. Through this image processing, still image data for recording organized in a predetermined file format (JPEG file in this embodiment) is obtained, and the still image data is recorded in the recording unit 219.

[0047] <Continuous still image shooting mode> The continuous still image shooting mode in this embodiment is a mode in which still image capturing is repeated by continuing to turn on SW2 of the operation switch 211 until the on operation of SW2 is released, thereby acquiring multiple still images.

[0048] <AFモード> The digital camera of this embodiment has two focus detection modes: one-shot AF mode and servo AF mode. These focus detection modes will be explained below.

[0049] The one-shot AF mode is a focus detection mode in which focus position control (hereinafter referred to as focus position control) is performed only once to obtain an in-focus state in response to turning on SW1 of the operation switch 211. After the focus position control is completed, the focus position is fixed as is as long as SW1 remains turned on. In this embodiment, the camera controller 212 performs focus position control in one-shot AF mode during the still image one-shot mode.

[0050] The servo AF mode is a focus detection mode in which focus position control is repeatedly performed while the ON operation of SW1 or SW2 of the operation switch 211 continues. This allows the focus position to track a moving subject. The focus position control ends when the ON operation of SW1 is released. In this embodiment, the camera controller 212 performs focus position control in the servo AF mode during the still image continuous shooting mode.

[0051] <Digital camera operation when taking pictures> The flowchart in Figure 8 shows the process (image capture operation, image rating operation, and initialization of image output processing status) performed by the digital camera in this embodiment when taking a picture. The camera controller 212 executes this process in accordance with a computer program. The camera controller 212 corresponds to an image processing device.

[0052] Imaging operation (steps S801 to S807) In the digital camera of this embodiment, in the initial state immediately after power is turned on, the still image one-shot mode or still image continuous shooting mode is set with the mirror down, and the photographer can confirm the subject image by looking through the viewfinder 206. First, when the photographer turns on SW1 of the operation switch 211, processing for the image capturing operation is executed from step S801.

[0053] In step S801, the camera controller 212 obtains a photometry result by having the photometry sensor 208 perform photometry. After that, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S802.

[0054] In step S802, the camera controller 212 causes the focus detection unit 209 to perform first focus detection to detect the defocus amount of the imaging optical system (lens unit 101) and obtains the defocus amount as the first focus detection result. After that, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S803.

[0055] In step S803, the camera controller 212 calculates a focus drive amount, which is a drive amount of the focus lens of the lens unit 101, based on the first focus detection result obtained in step S802. The camera controller 212 transmits the calculated focus drive amount to the lens controller 104. The lens controller 104 moves the focus lens via the lens drive unit 103 based on the received focus drive amount, thereby controlling the focus position of the lens unit 101. After this, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S804.

[0056] Note that the calculation of the focus drive amount in step S803 may use the current aperture value obtained from the aperture control unit 106 via the lens controller 104. Also, the focus sensitivity (the focus drive amount required to move the focal position by a unit defocus amount) determined for each position of the focus lens may be obtained and used from the optical information recording unit 107. Also, the fluctuation magnification of the reference focus drive amount, which optically changes as the defocus amount increases, may be obtained and used from the optical information recording unit 107.

[0057] In step S804, the camera controller 212 detects the operation state of the operation switch 211 and determines whether or not the ON operation of SW1 is being maintained. If the ON operation of SW1 is being maintained, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S805, and if not, proceeds to step S806.

[0058] In step S805, the camera controller 212 determines whether the focus detection mode is the servo AF mode. If it is the servo AF mode, the camera controller 212 returns to step S801 to repeatedly perform photometry and first focus detection until SW2 of the operation switch 211 is turned on or released. On the other hand, if the focus detection mode is the one-shot AF mode rather than the servo AF mode, the camera controller 212 returns to step S804 to continue monitoring whether SW1 of the operation switch 211 is turned on while keeping the focus position fixed.

[0059] In step S806, the camera controller 212 detects the operation state of the operation switch 211 and determines whether SW2 has been turned on. If SW2 has been turned on, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S807; if not, it determines that neither SW1 nor SW2 of the operation switch 211 has been turned on, and ends this processing.

[0060] In step S807, the camera controller 212 controls the main mirror 201 and the sub-mirror 202 to a mirror-up state. The camera controller 212 then causes the image capturing unit 210 to perform an image capturing operation to acquire an image capturing signal based on the charge accumulation time and ISO sensitivity settings determined from the photometry results in step S801. The image capturing unit 210 photoelectrically converts the subject image to acquire an image capturing signal, and generates first RAW data, which is pupil-divided image data. The generated first RAW data is transferred to the memory 213.

[0061] Furthermore, the camera controller 212 generates second RAW data and still image data (such as a JPEG file) in a predetermined file format by performing predetermined image processing on the second RAW data. The camera controller 212 records the second RAW data and still image data in the recording unit 219. Thereafter, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S808 and operates as an image processing device.

[0062] Grading (Step S808, Step S901 to Step S903) In step S808, the camera controller 212 causes the correlation calculation unit 214 to perform second focus detection using the first RAW data transferred to the memory 213. The defocus amount detection unit 216 calculates the defocus amount from the result of the second focus detection (second focus detection result). The second focus detection is performed after the imaging operation in step S807, and therefore, in one sequence of this processing, it is performed after the focus position control in step S803 based on the first focus detection result described in step S802.

[0063] The second focus detection will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. First, in step S901, the camera controller 212 transfers the first RAW data from the memory 213 to the correlation calculation unit 214. The correlation calculation unit 214 extracts an image area corresponding to the focus detection area from the transferred first RAW data and calculates a correlation value for each shift amount between two image signals obtained from a pair of focus detection pixel arrays in the extracted image area. The phase difference detection unit 215 calculates the phase difference from the correlation value that shows the highest correlation among the correlation values for each shift amount. The defocus amount detection unit 216 acquires a reference defocus amount per unit phase difference determined for each aperture value of the aperture 102 from the optical information recording unit 107. The defocus amount detection unit 216 calculates the defocus amount based on the acquired reference defocus amount per unit phase difference and the phase difference calculated by the phase difference detection unit 215. After this, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S902.

[0064] In step S902, the camera controller 212 performs a rating based on the defocus amount calculated from the second focus detection result. Specifically, the camera controller 212 first calculates an absolute defocus amount value D [μm] by removing the sign indicating the perspective direction from the defocus amount calculated based on the second focus detection result and expressing it as an absolute value. Next, the camera controller 212 compares the absolute defocus amount value D with a predetermined focus level J and determines a rating based on the comparison result. The focus level J represents a magnification factor whose unit quantity is the product of the permissible circle of confusion diameter δ [μm] in the image data (captured image) acquired by imaging and the aperture value F. As this magnification factor increases, the degree of focus decreases, indicating a larger blurred image.

[0065] 10 shows the relationship between the focus level J[Fδ], the absolute defocus amount D[μm] calculated based on the second focus detection result, and the corresponding magnitude. For example, when the aperture value F of the aperture 102 is 2.8 and the permissible circle of confusion diameter δ is 10[μm], and the absolute defocus amount D is 7.0[μm], the corresponding focus level J[Fδ] can be calculated using the following formula (1). J = 7.0 / (2.8 × 10) = 0.25 … (1)

[0066] In this embodiment, seven levels of grading are used: five levels of 1 to 5 based on the focus level J shown in FIG. 10; an initial level of 0 indicating that no grading has been performed; and a level of -1 indicating that no grading has been performed or that grading could not be performed. In this embodiment, five levels of grading based on the focus level J are used, but fewer levels may be set in the XMP system described in Reference 2. Alternatively, if a unique system is used, a greater number of levels may be set. After determining the grading level based on the first grading system, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S903.

[0067] In step S903, the camera controller 212 records the rating result (evaluation information) in the attribute information area of the corresponding image (still image) data. That is, the rating result is recorded in association with the corresponding image. Specifically, as described as the recording method in FIG. 7, an Exif-format information description area is created in the marker segment "APP1" of the image data, and a "MakerNote" field is provided. Then, a five-level rating (values 1 to 5) based on the focus level J shown in FIG. 10 is recorded in that field. Having recorded the rating result, the camera controller 212 ends the rating process. After this, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S809 in FIG. 8.

[0068] Manage the implementation of predetermined image operations (step S809) In step S809, the camera controller 212 secures an attribute area in the "MakerNote" field shown in FIG. 7 for recording whether a predetermined image operation for managing the processing status of the present invention has been performed. Here, the predetermined image operation refers to transferring, from among the images graded in step S809, images with a predetermined rating or higher, such as a value of 5 indicating the highest focus level J, to an external server via the communication unit 220 in FIG. 1. Another example of the predetermined image operation is when an operator (also referred to as a user) manually assigns a rating below a predetermined threshold to the image graded in step 809. Another example of the predetermined image operation refers to transferring the image graded in step 809 to an external hard disk (an example of an external device) via a connection terminal (not shown). The attribute area secured in this step is typically set to a value of 0, indicating unprocessed, or a value of 1, indicating processed. However, since the image is still in the unprocessed stage, the value 0 is set in this step. After setting the attribute area, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S810.

[0069] In step S810, the camera controller 212 determines whether the imaging operation mode is the still image continuous shooting mode. If the imaging operation mode is the still image continuous shooting mode, the camera controller 212 proceeds to step S811 to determine the next operation during the continuous shooting period. If the imaging operation mode is another imaging operation mode, the camera controller 212 ends this process because the image data obtained by imaging has been appropriately classified and recorded.

[0070] In step S811, the camera controller 212 determines whether SW2 of the operation switch 211 is still being turned on (instructing continuation of continuous shooting) or whether SW1 of the operation switch 211 has been turned on again to instruct focus position control. If SW2 or SW1 is being turned on, the camera controller 212 returns to step S801. As a result, the camera controller 212 transitions the main mirror 201 and the sub-mirror 202 to the mirror-down state and performs photometry and first focus detection (AF). If neither SW2 nor SW1 has been turned on, the camera controller 212 ends this process because it has properly classified and recorded the image data obtained by capturing images. The operation of this step means that the camera controller 212 performs the rating of the present invention on multiple pieces of image data (hereinafter simply referred to as images) captured during the continuous shooting period from when SW2 is first pressed until the operation switch 211 is released.

[0071] <Digital camera operation when not taking pictures> The flowchart in Fig. 11 shows the process (updating the image output processing status) that the digital camera of this embodiment performs when it is in a state other than shooting, such as when it is in standby mode or when it is playing back images. The camera controller 212 executes this process in accordance with a computer program. The camera controller 212 corresponds to an image processing device.

[0072] Step S1101 is a step that is executed when no shooting operation is being performed as described in Fig. 8 and the operation switch 211 is released. In this step, the camera controller 212 determines whether or not an operation input has been made to request a specific image operation, such as server transfer, saving to an external hard disk, or manual downgrading, as described in step S809 of Fig. 8. If no operation input has been made, the process proceeds to step S1102, and if an operation input has been made, the process proceeds to step S1103.

[0073] In step S1102, there is no operational input requesting the above-mentioned predetermined image operation. In this step, the camera controller 212 determines whether or not an operational input such as pressing SW1 or SW2, which indicates a request related to the shooting process, or an operational input such as turning the power off, has been made. If there is no such operational input, the process returns to step S1101 to continue monitoring the operational input. If there is such an operational input, the series of processes performed in states other than shooting is terminated.

[0074] Step S1103 is a step executed when no image capture operation is being performed. In this step, the requested operation is executed based on a request for a specific image operation, such as server transfer, saving to an external hard disk, or manual downgrading. After execution, proceed to step S1104.

[0075] In step S1104, in response to the execution of the predetermined image operation in step S1103, the value set in the attribute area for recording whether the predetermined image operation for managing the processing status in the present invention has been executed is updated. The attribute area is the area that was initialized in step S809 in FIG. 8. Specifically, the update process updates the setting from a state in which the value 0, indicating unprocessed, to a value 1, indicating processed. After the update, the series of processes that are performed in states other than when shooting is terminated.

[0076] <Digital camera image deletion operation> The flowchart in FIG. 12 shows the processing that is performed when a request is made to delete multiple image data items collectively from among the image data items recorded in the recording unit 219 in the digital camera of this embodiment.

[0077] In step S1201, the camera controller 212 determines whether initialization involving deletion of image data recorded in the recording unit 219 or a deletion request for a folder, which is a collection of image data recorded in the recording unit 219, has been input to the operation unit 218. (The above-mentioned deletion operation is hereinafter referred to as bulk deletion, since it involves deleting multiple image data at once.) If the above-mentioned bulk deletion operation has been input, the process proceeds to step S1202. If no operation has been input, the process ends.

[0078] In step S1202, camera controller 212 refers to the result of the grading described in step S903 of FIG. 9 for image data in recording unit 219 to be deleted. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the grading result is set in the Rating field as a value of 1 to 5 indicating the degree of focus, a value of 0 indicating no grading, or a value of −1 indicating no grading. In this embodiment, image data with a high grading value of 4 to 5 indicating the degree of focus is treated as a suspicious image that should be deleted with caution. Therefore, in this step, if camera controller 212 extracts a suspicious image with a high degree of focus, rated at 4 or higher, from the image data to be deleted, the name of the image data is temporarily stored and the process proceeds to step S1203. If no suspicious image is extracted, the process proceeds to step S1204.

[0079] In step S1203, the value of the attribute information set in step S1104 of Fig. 11 is referenced for the suspicious images extracted in step S1202. This attribute information is an attribute area for recording whether a predetermined image manipulation for managing the processing status in the present invention has been performed, and is set to either a value of 0 indicating unprocessed or a value of 1 indicating processed. In this step, if the camera controller 212 does not extract any suspicious images with a value of 0 indicating unprocessed, the process proceeds to step S1204. If any are extracted, the number of images is temporarily stored, and the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0080] In step S1204, in response to the input of the request for batch deletion of images, a screen for confirming with the operator whether or not it is OK to batch delete the images is displayed on the display unit 217. This display is configured so that the operator can select whether to approve or reject the batch deletion.

[0081] 13 is an example of a normal screen display that requests an operation input to confirm initialization when an operation input is made in step S1201 to request initialization of recording unit 219. Display screen 131 depicts display 132 for selecting approval for bulk deletion and display 133 for selecting rejection, and in FIG. 13, the approval display 132 is shown selected by a double line.

[0082] 14 shows an example of a typical screen display for requesting confirmation of the batch deletion of image data on a folder-by-folder basis when a request for batch deletion of image data on a folder-by-folder basis is input in step S1201. Display screen 141 displays a list 142 of folders in which image data is stored in recording unit 219, and displays the folder names, the number of image data stored, and check boxes for selecting whether each folder is to be subject to batch deletion. If the number of folders set in recording unit 219 is so large that it overflows the area of folder list 142, scroll bar 143 is also displayed to enable scrolling. In addition to these displays, display 144 for selecting approval and display 145 for selecting rejection are displayed for the batch deletion of folders selected by the check boxes, and in FIG. 14, the approval display 144 is indicated by a double line to indicate that it is selectable.

[0083] After the display as explained with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 is performed, this operation ends.

[0084] In step S1205, in response to the input of a request to delete all images at once, a screen is displayed on the display unit 217 to ask the operator whether it is OK to delete all images at once. In addition to the display for confirming the batch deletion in step S1204, the display in this step also displays the number of suspicious images that have a predetermined level or higher indicating the degree of focus. As explained in step S1202, the predetermined level in this embodiment is a value that indicates a high level of focus, with a rating of 4 or higher. By displaying in this manner, the operator can make sure that they will not accidentally delete any suspicious images, without having to check the images to be deleted one by one.

[0085] 15 shows an example of a screen display that requests an operation input for confirmation of initialization when an operation input for requesting initialization of recording unit 219 is made in step S1201 and furthermore, when unprocessed images requiring caution due to a high level of focus are included. Display screen 151 displays indicator 152 for selecting approval for batch deletion and indicator 153 for selecting rejection, and in FIG. 15, the selected state of indicator 152 for approval is indicated by a double line. The display in step S1205 differs from the display in step S1204 in that warning indicator 154 is also displayed, indicating that the deletion range includes unprocessed images requiring caution due to a high level of focus. The example of warning indicator 154 shown in FIG. 15 indicates that there are 33 unprocessed images requiring caution in deletion, and prompts the operator to confirm whether to proceed with batch deletion without processing them.

[0086] 16 shows an example of a screen display for requesting an operation input to confirm the batch deletion of image data on a folder-by-folder basis in step S1201, when the image data in the recording unit 219 includes unprocessed, suspicious images with a high focus level. Display screen 161 displays a list 162 of folders in which data is stored in the recording unit 219, showing the folder names, the number of image data stored therein, and check boxes for selecting whether each folder is to be deleted in batch. If the number of folders set in the recording unit 219 is so large that it overflows the area of folder list 162, a scroll bar 163 is also displayed to allow scrolling. In addition to these displays, a display 164 for selecting approval and a display 165 for selecting rejection are displayed for the batch deletion of folders selected by the check boxes. In FIG. 15, the approval display 164 is indicated by a double line to indicate that it is selectable. Furthermore, the display in step S1206 differs from the display in step S1204 in that a warning display 166 is displayed indicating that unprocessed images requiring caution due to their high focus level are included in the deletion range. In the example of warning display 166 shown in Fig. 16, it indicates that there are four unprocessed images requiring caution in deletion in folder 001, one in folder 002, and 47 in folder 003, and the operator is prompted to confirm whether it is OK to delete them all at once without processing them.

[0087] After the display as explained with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 is performed, the process proceeds to step S1206.

[0088] In step S1206, the camera controller 212 determines whether the operator has selected either approval or rejection of the batch deletion displayed on the display unit 217. If approval is selected, the process proceeds to step S1207. If rejection is selected, the process ends.

[0089] In step S1207, upon approval of the operator for the collective deletion of images, initialization of the recording unit 219 and deletion of folders, which are the processes for which the operation input was confirmed in S1201, are executed, and the operation ends.

[0090] <Effects> By performing the above operations, when performing bulk deletion operations such as initializing the recording unit 219 or deleting a folder, which involves deleting image data, it is possible to reduce the possibility of accidentally deleting important images that are highly focused and require careful deletion. [Example]

[0091] In the first embodiment, initialization of the recording unit 219 and batch deletion of folders, which are collections of image data recorded in the recording unit 219, are performed by an operator through operation input. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is detected that the available recording capacity of the recording unit 219 has fallen below a predetermined level, and a message is automatically displayed to prompt the photographer to decide whether or not to perform batch deletion.

[0092] The second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 17. Note that only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described here, and a description of the commonalities between them will be omitted.

[0093] The digital camera of this embodiment has the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 to 7, and performs the same operations as in Figures 8 to 11. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that when the digital camera is in a state other than shooting, such as when it is in standby mode or when it is playing back images, it additionally performs the operations shown in the flowchart of Figure 13 in addition to the operations shown in Figure 11. The operations shown in Figure 17 will be described below.

[0094] In step S1701, the camera controller 212 determines whether the free space in the recording unit 219 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is, for example, 1% of the total recording capacity of the recording unit 219. If the free space is equal to or less than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S1702. If the free space exceeds the threshold, the process ends.

[0095] In step S1702, camera controller 212 refers to the result of the grading described in step S903 of FIG. 9 for the image data in recording unit 219. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the grading result is set in the Rating field as a value of 1 to 5 indicating the degree of focus, a value of 0 indicating no grading, or a value of −1 indicating no grading. In this embodiment, image data with a high grading value of 4 to 5 indicating the degree of focus is treated as a cautionary image that should be carefully deleted. Therefore, in this step, if camera controller 212 extracts an image with a high grading value of 4 or higher that should be carefully deleted from the image data in recording unit 219, the name of the image data is temporarily stored and the process proceeds to step S1703. If no image is extracted, the process proceeds to step S1704.

[0096] In step S1703, the value of the attribute information set in step S1104 of Fig. 11 is referenced for the suspicious images extracted in step S1702. This attribute information is an attribute area for recording whether a predetermined image operation for managing the processing status in the present invention has been performed, and is set to a value of 0 indicating that the image has not been processed, or a value of 0 indicating that the image has been processed. In this step, if the camera controller 212 does not extract any suspicious images with a value of 0 indicating that the image has not been processed, the process proceeds to step S1704. If any suspicious images have been extracted, the number of images is temporarily stored, and the process proceeds to step S1705.

[0097] In step S1704, upon detecting that the free space in the recording unit 219 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, a screen for confirming with the operator whether to perform bulk deletion is displayed on the display unit 217 as shown in FIG. 14 of the first embodiment. In order to have the operator specify the range of bulk deletion, if the recorded image data is divided into folders on the above screen, a screen is displayed for the operator to select whether to delete each folder at once. This display is configured so that the operator can select whether to approve or reject the bulk deletion. Note that, as a modified example, the display format on the display unit 217 may be as shown in FIG. 13 instead of FIG. 14, to confirm whether to initialize the recording unit 219. After the display is completed, this operation is terminated.

[0098] In step S1705, upon detecting that the free space in the recording unit 219 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, a screen for confirming to the operator whether to delete all images at once is displayed on the display unit 217 as in FIG. 16 of the first embodiment. In addition to the display for confirming the batch deletion in step S1704, the display in this step also displays the number of suspicious images that have a predetermined level or higher, which indicates the degree of focus. In this embodiment, the predetermined level is a value indicating a high level of focus, with a rating of 4 or higher, as described in step S1202 of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. By displaying in this manner, the operator can make sure that he or she will not accidentally delete any suspicious images, without having to check the images to be deleted one by one. After the display is displayed, the process proceeds to step S1706.

[0099] In step S1706, the camera controller 212 determines whether the operator has selected either approval or rejection of the batch deletion displayed on the display unit 217. If approval is selected, the process proceeds to step S1707. If rejection is selected, the process ends.

[0100] In step S1707, upon detecting that the free space in the recording unit 219 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the folder containing the image data in the recording unit 219 selected in step S1705 is deleted. If all folders have been selected in step S1705, the recording unit 219 is initialized. After the above-mentioned batch deletion process is executed, this operation ends.

[0101] <Effects> By performing the above-described operations, when the free space in the recording capacity is running out while the photographer continues taking pictures, a confirmation of deletion is automatically displayed to prompt the photographer to secure storage capacity, and the photographer is also warned about deleting image data that is highly focused but has not undergone the predetermined processing. [Example]

[0102] In the above-described embodiments, whether or not a predetermined image operation, such as server transfer, saving to an external hard disk, or manual downgrading, has been performed on the digital camera is recorded in the attribute information field of the image data. In contrast, in a third embodiment of the present invention, an external image processing device (computer) executes processing according to a computer program. The computer records the image data in the attribute information field when a recording medium constituting the recording unit of the digital camera is connected to the computer or transferred via communication and a predetermined image operation is performed on the computer. By performing this operation, even when a batch deletion process is performed on a computer serving as an external image processing device, it is possible to warn users about deleting unprocessed image data, as in the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, even when a recording medium constituting the recording unit of the digital camera is reconnected to the digital camera or when image data is retransferred via communication to the digital camera, it becomes possible to more easily grasp whether or not a predetermined process has been performed on the image data.

[0103] The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0104] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the overall configuration in which the storage unit 219 of the digital camera in this embodiment and a computer 1800 serving as an external image processing device are electrically connected to establish a state in which communication is possible.

[0105] Image data is stored in a recording unit 219, which is a removable recording medium.

[0106] <Configuration of image processing device> The configuration of a computer serving as an external image processing device in this embodiment is shown in Fig. 18. A system control unit 1810 accepts image reading from a recording unit 219 in response to an operator operating an operation unit 1811 constituted by a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc. In response to this, a system control unit 2210 causes image data recorded in a recording unit 219 detachable from the computer 1800 to be recorded in an image memory 1803 via a recording interface (I / F) 1802.

[0107] If the image data read from the recording unit 219 is compression-encoded data, the system control unit 1810 transmits the image data recorded in the image memory 1803 to the codec unit 1804. The codec unit 1804 decodes the compression-encoded image data and outputs the decoded image data to the image memory 1803. The system control unit 1810 outputs the decoded image data stored in the image memory 1803 or uncompressed image data in Bayer RGB format (RAW format) or the like to the image processing unit 1805.

[0108] An image processing unit 1805 performs image processing on uncompressed image data and stores the processed image data obtained as a result in an image memory 1803. In addition, a system processing unit 1810 reads the processed image data from the image memory 1803 and outputs it to a monitor 1807 via an external monitor interface (I / F) 1806.

[0109] 18, the computer 1800 includes a power switch 1812, a power supply unit 1813, and a nonvolatile memory 1814 that stores computer programs. The computer 1800 also stores the time and internal memory used for various controls. Timer The computer 1800 further includes a system memory 1816 for storing constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 1810 and for expanding computer programs read from the nonvolatile memory 1814.

[0110] <Operation of image processing device> 19 shows a process (recording of the execution status of a predetermined process) executed by the system control unit 1810 of this embodiment. The system control unit 1810 executes this process in accordance with a computer program read from the nonvolatile memory 1814 and loaded into the system memory 1816.

[0111] First, in response to the operator starting a predetermined software application that manages whether or not predetermined processing, such as saving to a recording medium external to the imaging device or a network server, is performed, the system control unit 1810 proceeds to step S1901. The predetermined software application has the function of reading image data specified by the operator, performing various image processing, and recording or communicating the processed image data to a specified recording destination.

[0112] In step S1901, the system control unit 1810 determines whether the image data to be processed has been designated by an operator's operation input, and whether a request for predetermined processing, such as saving the image data to a recording medium external to the image capture device or to a network server, has been made. If a predetermined processing request has been made, the process proceeds to step S1902. If no request has been made, the process proceeds to step S1905.

[0113] In step S1902, a requested predetermined process is executed on the designated image data based on the operator's operation input, and the process proceeds to step S1903.

[0114] In step S1903, the system control unit 1810 determines whether the specified image data has an attribute area for recording whether a specific image operation for managing the processing status in the present invention has been performed. The attribute area is an item reserved in the "MakerNote" field of the Exif format, initialized in step S809 in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. If the attribute area exists in the image data, the process proceeds to step S1904. If not, the process proceeds to step S1905.

[0115] In step S1904, in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined processing in step S1902, the value set in the attribute area for recording whether or not a predetermined image operation for managing the processing status in the present invention has been performed is updated, as explained in step S1104 of Fig. 11 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the update process updates the setting from a value of 0, which indicates unprocessed, to a value of 1, which indicates processed. After the update, the process proceeds to step S1905.

[0116] In step S1905, the system control unit 1810 determines whether a specific software application currently running, which manages whether or not specific processing such as saving to a recording medium external to the imaging device or to a network server, is to be terminated. If the application is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S1901, and similar operations are accepted for other image data. If the application is to be terminated, this operation is terminated.

[0117] <Effects> By performing the above-described operations, even when the bulk deletion of image data is performed on a computer as an external image processing device separate from the digital camera, it is possible to warn users about deleting unprocessed image data, as in the above-described embodiment. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility of accidentally deleting important images with high focus levels that require careful deletion during the bulk deletion operation. Furthermore, even when the recording medium that constitutes the recording unit of the digital camera is reconnected to the digital camera or when image data is retransferred to the digital camera, it is possible to more easily grasp whether the predetermined processing has been performed on the image data.

[0118] <Modification> Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a reading device that reads data from the recording 219 of the digital camera is electrically connected to an external computer to establish a state in which communication is possible. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a wireless communication means is provided in the recording unit 219 of the digital camera, the reading device that reads data from the recording unit 219, or the external computer to establish a state in which communication is possible without an electrical connection.

[0119] <Other variations> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0120] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 210 Imaging unit 212 Camera Controller 217 Display section

Claims

1. a control means for storing a plurality of images in a storage means, each of the images being associated with information relating to the evaluation of the image; a display control means for, when a user performs an operation to delete the plurality of images at once, displaying information relating to evaluations of the plurality of images on a display means, for allowing the user to confirm whether or not it is OK to delete the plurality of images at once; A control device characterized in that the information regarding the evaluation of the multiple images includes information regarding images that have been given an evaluation of a focus level higher than a predetermined level, and does not include information regarding images that have been given an evaluation of a focus level lower than the predetermined level.

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means causes the display means to display the number of images among the plurality of images that have been given a focus level evaluation of a predetermined level or higher.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of images are images stored in one folder in the storage means.

4. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the storage means to store information corresponding to the image, including at least one of information regarding whether the image has been transferred via communication, whether the image has been saved to an external device, and whether the user has changed the evaluation.

5. The control device described in Claim 1, characterized in that when a user performs an operation to delete the multiple images at once, if the multiple images include images that have not been transferred via communication and have been evaluated as having a focus level of a predetermined level or higher, the display control means displays information on the display means to confirm whether the multiple images can be deleted at once.

6. The control device described in Claim 1, characterized in that when a user performs an operation to delete the multiple images at once, if the multiple images include images that have not yet been saved to an external device and have been evaluated as having a focus level of a predetermined level or higher, the display control means displays information on the display means to confirm whether the multiple images can be deleted at once.

7. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the evaluation of the image is information described as attribute information of the image data in association with an image capturing operation.

8. imaging means for capturing the image; An imaging device comprising: the control device according to claim 7.

9. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means acquires information described as attribute information of image data from the imaging device together with the image in association with an imaging operation, and stores the information in the storage means.

10. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the plurality of images from an imaging device and determines information relating to the evaluation of the image for each image.

11. a control step of storing a plurality of images in a storage means, each of the images being associated with information relating to the evaluation of the image; a display control step of controlling, when a user performs an operation to delete the plurality of images at once, to display information on evaluations of the plurality of images on a display means for confirming to the user whether or not it is OK to delete the plurality of images at once, A control method for a control device, characterized in that the information regarding the evaluation of the multiple images includes information regarding images that have been given an evaluation of a focus level higher than a predetermined level, and does not include information regarding images that have been given an evaluation of a focus level lower than the predetermined level.

12. A program for causing one or more processors of a control device to function as each of the means of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images