Imaging device, imaging device control method, program, and recording medium
The method allows imaging devices to determine and display conditions for operation without power restrictions, addressing usability issues by considering power source type, lens type, and recording settings, ensuring smooth operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021203246
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-12-15
Smart Images
Figure 0007786822000001 
Figure 0007786822000002 
Figure 0007786822000003
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention provides Imaging Device, Imaging device The present invention relates to a control method, a program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]
[0002] When an electronic device can be powered by a selection of multiple power sources, the power that can be supplied (power supply capacity) may differ depending on the type of power source. Also, the power required by the electronic device varies depending on the accessories attached and the operating settings, so the operation of the electronic device may be restricted depending on the combination of the power source type and operating settings.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera that, when one of a plurality of shooting modes is selected, displays information in a different format depending on the selection, in order to clearly display the setting status of the camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-118530 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, Patent Document 1 only makes it easy for the user to understand the current settings of the camera (electronic device), but does not allow the user to grasp the conditions under which the operation of the digital camera is not restricted depending on the type of power source or the operation settings. As a result, the operation of the digital camera may be restricted in situations that the user does not intend, which may reduce usability.
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to allow users to understand the conditions for using electronic devices so as not to reduce usability. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis. From the power source based on the type of power source Imaging device The available power supply is determined based on at least a plurality of factors including the type of the power source. Imaging device The maximum power consumption is determined The imaging device , Depending on the user's choice hand , a condition of a first element which is at least one element of the plurality of elements is setting do setting Means and The aforementioned setting The means setting Based on the condition of the first element, a condition of a second element of the plurality of elements that is different from the first element is determined, and the condition of the second element is determined in a predetermined situation. Imaging device a determination means for determining a condition under which the maximum power consumption becomes equal to or less than the available power supply without restricting the operation of the The condition of the second element determined by the determining means is On the display To display Limited to Control means for controlling With death, the first element is a lens type; The setting means displaying a lens type setting screen on the display unit for selecting a lens type from a plurality of options including a first type of lens, a second type of lens, and a lens currently being attached; When a selection item indicating a lens attached to the imaging device is selected by the user on the lens type setting screen, the type of lens attached to the imaging device is set as a condition of the first element; When a selection item indicating a first type of lens or a second type of lens is selected by a user on the lens type setting screen, the lens type corresponding to the selected selection item is set as the condition of the first element, regardless of the type of lens attached to the imaging device. Characterized by Imaging device is. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to allow a user to understand the conditions for using an electronic device, thereby preventing a decrease in usability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a digital camera. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a condition display process. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit in a condition display process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit in a condition display process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit in a condition display process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a lens selection process and a power supply selection process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a drive selection process and a setting selection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a determination table. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing processing during shooting. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] <Embodiment 1> A digital camera according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 includes many components (functional units) inside a housing.
[0011] The lens mount 101 can mount a lens 125 and hold the lens 125. The lens mount 101 has contacts (communication contacts) for communicating with the lens 125. When the digital camera 100 is in a power shortage state, the lens mount 101 stops the power supply to the lens 125 based on an instruction from the system control unit 110. This reduces the maximum amount of power consumed by the digital camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as "maximum power consumption").
[0012] The imaging unit 102 acquires image data (captured image data) by capturing an image of a subject. The imaging unit 102 includes an imaging sensor (a sensor that converts an optical image collected by the lens 125 into an electrical signal) and an A / D converter (a converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal). The imaging sensor captures images at a predetermined frame rate. The imaging sensor can convert (read) an optical image for all pixels into an electrical signal, or it can crop (cut out) only the central portion of the optical image and convert it into an electrical signal. The power consumption of the imaging unit 102 varies depending on the frame rate and readout mode of the imaging sensor. In addition, in an additive readout mode in which adjacent pixels are treated as a single pixel and readout, the number of transmitted signals is reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the imaging unit 102.
[0013] Image data (captured image data) from the imaging unit 102 or image data from the memory control unit 108 is input to the image processing unit 103 at a predetermined frame rate. The image processing unit 103 performs image processing (such as resizing, cropping, color conversion, or distortion correction) on the input image data. The image processing unit 103 outputs (stores) the processed image data as VRAM image data in an area (storage area) generated in the memory 109. Alternatively, the image processing unit 103 can output the image data (RAW data) before the image processing is performed as VRAM image data to the memory 109 as is. The amount of output data varies depending on the format, resolution, and frame rate of the VRAM image data that the image processing unit 103 outputs to the memory 109, which affects the maximum power consumption.
[0014] Furthermore, the image processing unit 103 performs predetermined calculation processing using image data acquired by imaging (captured image data), and the system control unit 110 performs exposure control, distance measurement control, or vibration reduction control based on the obtained calculation results. The predetermined calculation processing also includes a function for detecting a subject such as a face. This makes it possible to perform AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, or vibration reduction processing. The image processing unit 103 further performs predetermined calculation processing using image data acquired by imaging (captured image data), and the system control unit 110 performs exposure control, distance measurement control, or vibration reduction control based on the obtained calculation results. The predetermined calculation processing also includes a function for detecting a subject such as a face. This makes it possible to perform AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, or vibration reduction processing. The image processing unit 103 performs predetermined calculations using the image data, and also performs AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the calculation results. Furthermore, when decoded image data (image data decoded by the codec 104 from encoded image data) is input, the image processing unit 103 can perform resizing and color conversion processing to generate new VRAM image data.
[0015] The codec 104 can encode VRAM image data generated by the image processing unit 103 using a video compression format such as MPEG2 or H.264. Furthermore, the codec 104 can store the encoded VRAM image data in a container in XMF format or MP4 format. Furthermore, the codec 104 can store RAW data in a container in RAW format. The codec 104 can also decode encoded image data from the memory control unit 108 and output the decoded image data to the memory control unit 108 as VRAM image data. Note that, while the codec 104 normally encodes all VRAM image data generated by the image processing unit 103 sequentially, in double-speed drive mode, it thins out half the frames of the VRAM image data before encoding. In other words, the codec 104 encodes and records at a frame rate that is half the frame rate of the imaging unit 102.
[0016] The image output unit 105 reads out a plurality of image data stored in the memory 109 via the memory control unit 108. The image output unit 105 also superimposes the plurality of image data to generate an image signal, and outputs the image signal to the display unit 106.
[0017] The display unit 106 displays an image based on the image signal output by the image output unit 105. The display unit 106 is, for example, an OLED panel. The display unit 106 may be a display device using another method, such as an LCD. The display unit 106 may also be an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) interface or an SDI interface. Alternatively, the display unit 106 may be an external device that receives an image signal (image data) using a wireless technology, such as a wireless LAN, and displays the image. In the double-speed drive mode, images are displayed on the display unit 106 at a frame rate that is twice the recording frame rate. In modes other than the double-speed drive mode, images with a relatively rough frame rate, such as 24P (progressive scan at 24 frames per second), may be displayed on the OLED panel, and the large time difference between displayed frames may make the image appear less smooth. On the other hand, in the double-speed drive mode, images can be displayed at 48P (progressive scan at 48 frames per second), improving image smoothness.
[0018] Accessory mounting unit 107 is a mounting unit for connecting digital camera 100 to an accessory device (peripheral equipment). Accessory mounting unit 107 may be a connection unit for connecting a cable, or may be a fixing unit, such as an accessory shoe, for fixing the housing of the accessory device to the housing of digital camera 100. Accessory mounting unit 107 has a communication contact for communication between digital camera 100 and the accessory device, and a power contact for supplying power from digital camera 100 to the accessory device. The communication contact and the power contact may be a common contact.
[0019] The memory control unit 108 coordinates access requests from each block to the memory 109 .
[0020] The memory 109 stores image data handled by the image processing unit 103, the codec 104, the image output unit 105, and the drawing unit 121. The memory 109 also temporarily stores encoded image data output from the codec 104 and encoded image data read from the recording medium 124. The memory 109 has a storage capacity sufficient to store moving images and audio for a predetermined period of time.
[0021] The system control unit 110 controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 110 reads and executes programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory 129 to control each functional unit and realize each process in each flowchart described below. The system control unit 110 may be equipped with multiple CPU cores. In this case, the tasks described in the programs can be shared among the multiple CPU cores.
[0022] The mode switch 111 is a switch for selecting an operation mode of the digital camera 100. The mode switch 111 determines the mode (for example, one of camera mode, playback mode, and power mode) depending on the position where it is pressed, and notifies the system control unit 110 of the determined mode. The camera mode is a mode for photographing a subject, and the playback mode is a mode for playing back images acquired by photographing. The power mode is a mode for switching the power on and off.
[0023] Menu key 112 is a key for instructing whether to display or hide (open or close) a menu screen. When the menu screen is displayed, the settings of each functional unit of digital camera 100 can be changed by user operation. When the menu screen is displayed, a power navigation screen (described later) can be displayed by performing a specific user operation.
[0024] The cross key 113 is used, for example, to instruct the movement of a cursor displayed on the display unit 106. The SET key 114 is used, for example, to instruct the selection (confirmation of selection) of a setting item or setting value indicated by the cursor. The cancel key 115 is used, for example, to instruct the return from an intermediate setting state on the menu screen to the previous state or to close the menu screen.
[0025] The REC key 116 is a key for instructing the start and stop of video recording. In response to the depression of the REC key 116, the system control unit 110 instructs the codec 104 and the recording medium 124 to start or stop processing, thereby controlling video recording.
[0026] The power supply control unit 117 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit (a circuit that switches between blocks to which electricity is applied), and the like. The power supply control unit 117 detects, for example, whether the battery pack 119 is attached, the type of the battery pack 119, and the remaining charge of the battery pack 119. The power supply control unit 117 also detects the attachment status and voltage of the power supplies (USB power supply connected to the USB terminal 118, the battery pack 119, and the AC adapter 120). The power supply control unit 117 then determines the power supply from which to receive power. The power supply control unit 117 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results of the attachment status and voltage of the power supply and instructions from the system control unit 110. In this way, the power supply control unit 117 supplies the required voltage (power) for the required period to each functional unit (including the lens 125, the external microphone 122, and the recording medium 124). Note that the power supply control unit 117 converts the voltage from the power supply, and therefore the amount of power consumed varies depending on the type of power supply.
[0027] The USB terminal 118 is a terminal conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard and can receive power from an external USB power supply.
[0028] The battery pack 119 includes a primary battery (such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery) or a secondary battery (such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery). The battery pack 119 can supply power to the power supply control unit 117.
[0029] The AC adapter 120 (AC power supply) supplies power to the power supply control unit 117. can be done.
[0030] The digital camera 100 can operate as long as power is supplied to the power supply control unit 117 from any of the USB power source (USB terminal 118), battery pack 119, and AC adapter 120. However, the maximum power that can be supplied (available power supply; power supply capacity) varies depending on the power source. For this reason, depending on the recording settings and the type of accessory device, a USB power source or battery pack 119 with a low available power supply may not be able to supply the power required by the entire digital camera 100. In this case, for example, the system control unit 110 may reduce the power required by the entire digital camera 100 by stopping the power supply to the lens 125 (or external microphone 122). Note that if the power supply to the lens 125 is stopped, the digital camera 100 is unable to control (drive) the lens 125, and therefore it can be said that the digital camera 100 is unable to use the lens 125.
[0031] The drawing unit 121 renders character strings and items (icons) that represent the status and settings of the digital camera 100, as well as menu screens, in a storage area on the memory 109. Information on characters and items is stored in the non-volatile memory 129, and the drawing unit 121 reads out this information and renders it in the storage area.
[0032] The external microphone 122 is a microphone (accessory device; peripheral device) that captures audio with higher quality than the built-in microphone 128. When the external microphone 122 is attached to the accessory mounting unit 107, it can capture high-quality audio instead of the built-in microphone 128. The audio captured by the external microphone 122 is input as sampled digital data to the codec 104 via the accessory mounting unit 107. The audio input to the codec 104 is encoded and then superimposed on an image. The external microphone 122 operates by receiving power from the digital camera 100. Therefore, even if the external microphone 122 is attached to the accessory mounting unit 107, the built-in microphone 128 captures audio when the supply of power from the digital camera 100 to the external microphone 122 is stopped. However, the external microphone 122 may have its own power source and be able to operate without relying on power supply from the digital camera 100.
[0033] The interface 123 is an interface with the recording medium 124 .
[0034] The recording medium 124 records the image data and data accompanying the image data read from the memory 109. The recording medium 124 also transfers the recorded image data to the memory 109. The recording medium 124 may be a memory card, a hard disk drive, or a disk that can be attached to the digital camera 100, or may be a flash memory or a hard disk drive built into the digital camera 100.
[0035] The lens 125 is an external lens. The lens 125 has a focus mechanism, a zoom mechanism, an aperture, and an image stabilization mechanism. The lens 125 performs lens control (such as driving the focus lens, the aperture, and the image stabilization lens) based on control commands received from the lens mount 101. The digital camera 100 can mount various types of lenses (such as a large-aperture super telephoto lens or a lightweight short-focus lens) as the lens 125 to suit the subject (photographed object). Furthermore, the digital camera 100 can also mount a lens with a mount standard different from that of the lens mount 101 as the lens 125 by using a mount adapter (not shown). Note that the amount of power required for various lens controls differs depending on the type of lens 125 mounted on the digital camera 100.
[0036] The system memory 126 may be, for example, a RAM. Constants, variables, programs, etc. are loaded into the system memory 126. The system control unit 110 also stores the memory 1 The digital camera 100 controls the display unit 106 by controlling the system control unit 110, the drawing unit 121, and the image output unit 105. The system memory 126 may be common to the memory 109. In this case, since the memory access is adjusted by the memory control unit 108, the digital camera 100 may be provided with a small-capacity memory that can be accessed at high speed, separately and directly connected to the system control unit 110.
[0037] The system timer 127 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.
[0038] The built-in microphone 128 captures sound when the external microphone 122 is not attached to the accessory attachment unit 107. The built-in microphone 128 can operate with less power consumption than the external microphone 122.
[0039] The nonvolatile memory 129 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory. For example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is used as the nonvolatile memory 129. Constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 110 are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 129. The programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory 129 include programs for executing various flowcharts described below.
[0040] The power supplied to the digital camera 100 (power usable by the digital camera 100) differs depending on the type of power source (USB power source connected to the USB terminal 118, battery pack 119, and AC adapter 120) that supplies power to the digital camera 100. The maximum power consumption of the entire digital camera 100 varies depending on the status (settings) of each functional unit. In particular, the maximum power consumption changes depending on the type of lens 125 (lens type), the sensor mode (effective area of the image sensor) of the imaging unit 102, the recording format and frame rate of the image data (recording frame rate), and whether or not an external microphone 122 is attached.
[0041] There are two types of lens 125 (lens types), for example, a lens for a mirrorless camera (mirrorless lens) and a lens for a single-lens reflex camera (single-lens reflex lens). Note that the lens type is not limited to these, and may be any type that affects the maximum power consumption of digital camera 100, such as a type according to the size or drive method of the lens.
[0042] The sensor mode includes, for example, a full-size mode in which imaging is performed using the entire imaging surface of the imaging unit 102. Further sensor modes include a Super35mm mode in which imaging is performed using a 24 mm x 14 mm range in the center of the imaging surface, and a Super16mm mode in which imaging is performed using a 12.5 mm x 7.4 mm range in the center of the imaging surface. Therefore, the sensor mode is the mode of the imaging sensor according to the effective area.
[0043] The recording format of image data is the format of image data recorded in memory 109. For example, the recording format may be the RAW format, which is the format of the image data (captured image data; RAW data) acquired by the imaging unit 102. Furthermore, the recording format may be the MPEG format, which is the format of image data encoded in accordance with MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group), a video compression standard. Alternatively, the recording format may be the MP4 format, which is the format of image data encoded in accordance with MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), a video compression standard.
[0044] [About conditional display processing] With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, a condition display process (display method; display control method) for displaying the conditions (usage conditions) of various elements of digital camera 100 that can be used without restricting the operation of digital camera 100 will be described. Below, the condition display process will be described with reference to screens displayed on display unit 106, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, 4A to 4D, 5A, and 5B. FIGS. 3B to 3D, 4A to 4D, 5A, and 5B show power navigation screens for determining and displaying the conditions (usage conditions) of various elements of digital camera 100. First, the overall condition display process will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, and then the process by which the user selects conditions (processing included in the condition display process) will be described in detail using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. Note that restricting the operation of digital camera 100 means that a specific operation is not performed under the conditions set (selected) by the user, the operating speed of the specific operation is slower than that of the normal specific operation, or the specific operation itself cannot be performed.
[0045] The condition display process is a process for displaying the usage conditions of each element such that the maximum power consumption of the digital camera 100 is equal to or less than the power that can be supplied from the power source to the digital camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as "supplyable power") without restricting the operation of the digital camera 100. The suppliable power is determined based on the type of power source, and the maximum power consumption is determined based on at least multiple elements including the type of power source. In the condition display process, when the user selects a condition for at least one element out of multiple elements related to photography, the digital camera 100 determines the conditions for the other elements in accordance with the user's selection. The digital camera 100 then notifies the user of the determined condition (displays it on the display unit 106). Note that the power consumed by the digital camera 100 includes power consumed by supplying power to the lens 125 and the external microphone 122 (power supplied from the digital camera 100 to the outside). In the following, "usage conditions" refers to conditions under which the operation of the digital camera 100 is not restricted (specifically, the power supply to the lens 125 is not stopped) during photography, and the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power.
[0046] In the first embodiment, the multiple elements are the lens type, recording settings, whether double-speed drive is enabled (whether double-speed drive mode is enabled or disabled), power source type, and whether power is supplied to the external microphone 122 (microphone accessory) (microphone power supply). However, the multiple elements are not limited to elements related to photography, and can include any element as long as the maximum power consumption or available power supply changes depending on the conditions. The recording settings are settings for the sensor mode, recording format, and frame rate (the frame rate at which image data is stored in memory 109).
[0047] 2 is a flowchart showing a condition display process (power navigation) for displaying the conditions for use of digital camera 100. Each process in this flowchart is realized by system control unit 110 expanding a program stored in nonvolatile memory 129 into system memory 126 and executing it.
[0048] In the following, a "cancel operation" refers to pressing the cancel key 115, or selecting the "cancel" item by touching the screen when the "cancel" item is displayed on the screen displayed by the display unit 106. An "OK operation" refers to pressing the SET key 114, or selecting the "OK" item by touching the screen when the "OK" item is displayed on the screen displayed by the display unit 106.
[0049] In S201, the system control unit 110 displays on the display unit 106 a menu screen for selecting setting items related to the digital camera 100, as shown in FIG. 3A.
[0050] On the menu screen, an item list 301 is used to determine the conditions for use of the digital camera 100. The list of items includes an item for "Power Navigation," which is an item for selecting a power source. Tabs 302 indicate item categories (major menu items). Cursor 303 is a thick frame that can point to either tab 302 or item list 301. When the tab 302 pointed to by cursor 303 is changed, the displayed item list is changed to another item list. The position of cursor 303 can be moved by user operation of cross key 113.
[0051] In S202, system control unit 110 determines whether or not the user has pressed menu key 112. If it is determined that menu key 112 has been pressed, the process of this flowchart ends; otherwise, the process proceeds to S203.
[0052] In S203, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not an item other than the "Power Navigation" item (power navigation item) on the menu screen has been selected in response to a user operation of the cross key 113 and the SET key 114. The user can change the item pointed to by the cursor by operating the cross key 113, and can select the item pointed to by the cursor by pressing the SET key 114. If it is determined that an item other than the power navigation item has been selected, the process proceeds to S204; otherwise, the process proceeds to S205.
[0053] In S204, the system control unit 110 changes the settings of the items selected in S203. For example, by performing the processes in S203 and S204, the system control unit 110 can change settings such as the sensor mode, recording format, frame rate, or whether or not to use the double-speed drive mode.
[0054] In S205, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the "Power Navigation" item (power navigation item) on the menu screen has been selected by a user operation on the cross key 113 and the SET key 114. If it is determined that the power navigation item has been selected, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S206; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S202.
[0055] In S206, the system control unit 110 displays on the display unit 106 a power navigation screen for determining the conditions of use of the digital camera 100, as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0056] The power navigation screen displays a power check item 304, a recording check item 305, and a cancel item 306. The power check item 304 is an item for displaying the power source type conditions under which digital camera 100 can be used without operational restrictions under the conditions of the element selected by the user (lens type conditions and recording setting conditions), based on the conditions of the element selected by the user (lens type conditions and power source type conditions). The recording check item 305 is an item for displaying the recording setting conditions under which digital camera 100 can be used without operational restrictions under the conditions of the element selected by the user (lens type conditions and power source type conditions). In the example of FIG. 3B, the cursor (bold frame) is pointing to power check item 304.
[0057] In S207, the system control unit 110 determines whether the power supply confirmation item 304 on the power supply navigation screen has been selected by a user operation. If it is determined that the power supply confirmation item 304 has been selected, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S225; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S208.
[0058] In S208, the system control unit 110 determines whether the record check item 305 on the power supply navigation screen has been selected by a user operation. If it is determined that the record check item 305 has been selected, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S210; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S209.
[0059] In S209, the system control unit 110 determines whether the cancel item 306 on the power supply navigation screen has been selected by a user operation. If it is determined that the cancel item 306 has been selected, the process proceeds to S202; otherwise, the process proceeds to S207. Also, if the cancel key 115 is pressed, the process proceeds to S202.
[0060] In S210, the system control unit 110 executes a lens selection process (see FIG. 6A) that prompts the user to select the type (lens type) of the lens 125 to be driven (used) during shooting. Information on the conditions of the lens type selected by the lens selection process is stored in the system memory 126 as information on the "selected lens type." Note that during the lens selection process, a lens selection screen is displayed for selecting the conditions of the lens type to be used during shooting, as shown in FIG. 3C.
[0061] In the lens selection screen shown in FIG. 3C , item 307 is an item for selecting a mirrorless lens as the type of lens to be used when shooting. In the example of FIG. 3C , item 307 is pointed to by a cursor. Item 308 is an item for selecting a single-lens reflex lens as the type of lens to be used when shooting. Item 309 is an item for selecting the type of lens 125 currently attached to digital camera 100 as the type of lens to be used when shooting. Guide 310 is a guide (item) indicating that pressing cancel key 115 will return the displayed screen to the previous screen (cancel). Note that in the first embodiment, mirrorless lenses and single-lens reflex lenses consume different amounts of power in digital camera 100, so these two types (items) are provided. However, any type (item) may be provided as long as the type (item) consumes different amounts of power in digital camera 100 depending on the type, such as lens size or driving method.
[0062] In S211, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user in the lens selection process (S617). If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S206; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S212.
[0063] In S212, system control unit 110 executes a power source selection process (see FIG. 6B) that allows the user to select the condition for the type of power source to be used during shooting and the condition for whether or not to supply power to the microphone. Information on the condition for the type of power source selected by the power source selection process is stored in system memory 126 as information on "selected power source type." Information on the condition for whether or not to supply power to the microphone selected by the power source selection process is stored in system memory 126 as information on "power supply selection." Note that in the power source selection process, a power source selection screen for selecting the condition for the type of power source to be used during shooting and the condition for whether or not to supply power to the microphone is displayed on display unit 106, as shown in FIG. 3D.
[0064] In the power source selection screen shown in FIG. 3D, item 311 is an item for selecting a battery pack as the type of power source to be used when capturing images. In FIG. 3D, item 311 is pointed to by the cursor. Item 312 is an item for selecting a USB power source as the type of power source to be used when capturing images. Item 313 is an item for selecting an AC adapter as the type of power source to be used when capturing images. Item 314 is an item for selecting whether or not to supply microphone power (supplying electricity from digital camera 100 to external microphone 122) by checking or unchecking a checkbox. The user selects one of items 311 to 313 and also checks or unchecks the checkbox for item 314.
[0065] In S213, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user in the power source selection process (S624). If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S210, and if not, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S214.
[0066] In S214, the system control unit 110 determines the usage conditions of the recording settings based on the information on "selected lens type," "selected power supply type," and "power supply selection." The system control unit 110 determines the usage conditions of the recording settings by referring to the determination table shown in FIG. The table indicates whether digital camera 100 can be used without operational restrictions when taking pictures for each combination of conditions of multiple elements (lens type, recording settings, whether double-speed drive is enabled, power source type, and whether microphone power is enabled). In other words, the determination table indicates combinations of conditions of multiple elements that, when taking pictures, will keep the maximum power consumption below the available power supply without stopping the supply of power to lens 125. More specifically, the determination table indicates that, when taking pictures, the maximum power consumption will be below the available power supply if the combination is marked with "o" for the power source type (battery pack, USB power source, AC adapter). The determination table is pre-stored in non-volatile memory 129.
[0067] For example, assume that the "selected lens type" indicates a mirrorless lens, the "selected power source type" indicates a battery pack, and the "power supply selection" indicates that microphone power is supplied. In this case, in the example of FIG. 8, the system control unit 110 can determine that the recording setting conditions corresponding to at least rows numbered 4 to 8 and 16 are the usage conditions for the recording settings. For example, the system control unit 110 can determine that the usage conditions for the recording settings are the condition where the sensor mode is full-size mode, the recording format is RAW format, and the frame rate is one of 1 to 30 fps (the condition corresponding to number 4).
[0068] In S215, the system control unit 110 determines whether the use conditions of the recording settings change depending on whether double-speed driving is enabled (the drive selection process shown in FIG. 7A is required) based on the determination result of the use conditions of the recording settings in S214. If it is determined that the use conditions of the recording settings change depending on whether double-speed driving is enabled, the process proceeds to S216; otherwise, the process proceeds to S222.
[0069] For example, assume that the "selected lens type" indicates a single-lens reflex lens, the "selected power source type" indicates a battery pack, and the "power supply selection" indicates that microphone power is supplied. In this case, in the example of FIG. 8, the system control unit 110 can determine at least the recording setting condition corresponding to number 12 as the recording setting usage condition in S214. Here, number 12 indicates a condition in which the double-speed drive mode is not used, and number 11, which indicates the same recording setting condition as number 12, indicates a condition in which the double-speed drive mode is used. However, the determination table of FIG. 8 reveals that when the "selected power source type" indicates a battery pack and the "power supply selection" indicates that microphone power is supplied, the digital camera 100 cannot be used for shooting under the conditions of each element indicated by number 11. Therefore, when the double-speed drive mode is used, the system control unit 110 cannot select the recording setting condition indicated by number 11 as the usage condition. Therefore, if the above "selected lens type" indicates a single-lens reflex lens, the "selected power source type" indicates a battery pack, and the "power supply selection" indicates that microphone power is supplied, it is determined that the usage conditions of the recording settings change depending on whether double-speed drive is enabled or disabled.
[0070] In S216, the system control unit 110 executes a drive selection process (see FIG. 7A) that allows the user to select whether or not to use the double-speed drive mode during shooting (whether or not to use double-speed drive). When the drive selection process is executed, information on the condition of whether or not to use double-speed drive selected by the user is stored as "double-speed drive condition" information in the system memory 126. Furthermore, in the drive selection process, a drive selection screen is displayed for selecting the condition of whether or not to use double-speed drive mode during shooting, as shown in FIG. 4A.
[0071] 4A, the "Use" option 415 indicates that the double-speed drive mode is to be used during shooting. Item 415 is pointed to by the cursor. The "Do Not Use" option 416 indicates that the double-speed drive mode is not to be used.
[0072] In this way, in S215, it is determined whether the use conditions of the recording settings change depending on whether double speed driving is used. If the use conditions of the recording settings do not change depending on whether double speed driving is used, the drive selection process for prompting the user to select whether double speed driving is used is not performed (i.e., double speed (The conditions for using the recording settings are determined regardless of whether the camera is driven or not.) This allows the digital camera 100 to smoothly display the conditions for using the recording settings without placing an excessive operational burden on the user.
[0073] In S217, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user in the drive selection process (S713). If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S212, and if not, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S218.
[0074] In S218, the system control unit 110, similar to S214, uses the determination table shown in FIG. 8 to determine the usage conditions of the recording settings based on the information on "selected lens type," "power supply type," "power supply selection," and "double speed driving conditions."
[0075] In S219, the system control unit 110 displays the determination results (usage conditions of the recording settings) of S218 in a list on the determination result screen shown in FIG. 4C.
[0076] On the determination result screen, list 421 shows a list of multiple recording setting conditions (i.e., combinations of recording format, sensor mode, and frame rate). In list 421, usable recording setting conditions (items) are marked with an "o" symbol. Guide 422 indicates that pressing the SET key 114 will end the condition display process (power navigation). Note that list 421 shown in FIG. 4C displays all of the list showing multiple recording setting conditions, with usable conditions marked with an "o" symbol, indicating that only conditions marked with an "o" symbol are usable, but this is not limited to this. In other words, instead of displaying a list of all of the multiple recording setting conditions, it is also possible to display a list of only usable conditions, i.e., only those in list 421 in FIG. 4C that are marked with an "o" symbol.
[0077] Note that in this flowchart, the processes of S210 and S211 may be omitted. In this case, in S219, for example, the system control unit 110 displays the screen shown in FIG. 5A on the display unit 106, thereby displaying the usage conditions of the recording settings for each lens type in a table format. This can reduce the burden on the user who selects the conditions for the lens type in the lens selection process, for example. Furthermore, the display with improved visibility makes it easier for the user to understand the usage conditions that should be used.
[0078] In S220, system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user on the determination result screen. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S216; otherwise, the process proceeds to S221.
[0079] In S221, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the user has performed an OK operation (selecting the "OK" item or pressing the SET key 114) on the determination result screen. If it is determined that the OK operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S202, and if not, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S220.
[0080] In S222, similarly to S219, the system control unit 110 displays the usage conditions of the recording settings (the determination result of S214) on the determination result screen shown in FIG. 4C.
[0081] In S223, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user on the determination result screen. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S212; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S224.
[0082] In S224, the system control unit 110 determines whether the user has performed an OK operation on the determination result screen. If it is determined that an OK operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S202, and if not, the process proceeds to S223.
[0083] In S225, similarly to S210, the system control unit 110 executes the lens selection process (see FIG. 6A) to acquire information on the conditions of the lens type selected by the user as information on the "selected lens type."
[0084] In S226, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user in the lens selection process (S617). If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S206; otherwise, the process proceeds to S227.
[0085] In S227, the system control unit 110 executes a setting selection process (see FIG. 7B) that allows the user to select the recording setting conditions (sensor mode, recording format, and frame rate) to be used when capturing an image. Information on the recording setting conditions selected by the user in the setting selection process is stored in the system memory 126 as "selected recording setting" information. In the setting selection process, a setting selection screen is displayed for selecting the recording setting conditions to be used when capturing an image, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0086] In the setting selection screen shown in FIG. 4B, item group 417 is a group of recording settings (i.e., a combination of recording format, sensor mode, and frame rate). Item group 417 displays a plurality of items, each representing a different recording setting. The user can select one or more items by checking the checkbox corresponding to each item in item group 417. Scroll bar 418 indicates the display range of the recording setting items. The displayed recording setting items change by moving (scrolling) the position of scroll bar 418. "Cancel" item 419 is an item for returning the screen to the previous screen. "OK" item 420 is an item for confirming the selection of a recording setting item. Note that the recording setting may be any one of recording format, sensor mode, and frame rate, or a combination of two of these.
[0087] In S228, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user in the setting selection process (S724). If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S225, and if not, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S229.
[0088] In S229, the system control unit 110 refers to the determination table shown in FIG. 8 and determines the use conditions of the power source type and the use conditions of whether or not the microphone is powered, based on the information of "selected lens type" and "selected recording setting."
[0089] For example, assume that the "selected lens type" indicates a single-lens reflex lens, and the "selected recording setting" indicates a full-frame mode, the recording format indicates RAW format, and the frame rate is 20 fps. In this case, in the example of FIG. 8, the conditions indicated by the "selected lens type" and the "selected recording setting" match the conditions indicated in rows 11 and 12 (the lens type condition and the recording setting condition). Therefore, for example, if the double-speed drive mode is not used, the system control unit 110 can determine that all power source types (battery pack, USB power source, and AC adapter) are selectable as the power source type usage condition when the double-speed drive mode is used and microphone power is to be supplied. Furthermore, the system control unit 110 can determine that the AC adapter or USB power source is selectable as the power source type usage condition when the double-speed drive mode is used and microphone power is not to be supplied.
[0090] In S230, system control unit 110 determines whether the power source type and the use conditions (determination result) of whether or not microphone power is supplied change depending on whether double-speed driving is enabled, based on the determination result in S229. If it is determined that the determination result changes, the process proceeds to S231; otherwise, the process proceeds to S237.
[0091] In S231, the system control unit 110 executes a drive selection process (see FIG. 7A) for acquiring information on the condition of whether or not double-speed drive is performed, selected by the user, as information on the "double-speed drive condition."
[0092] In S232, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user in the double-speed driving process (S713). If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S227, and if not, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S233.
[0093] In S233, the system control unit 110 refers to the determination table shown in FIG. 8 and determines the usage conditions for the power source type and the presence or absence of microphone power supply based on the information on the "selected lens type," "selected recording setting," and "double speed drive conditions."
[0094] In S234, based on the determination in S233, the system control unit 110 displays the usage conditions of the power supply configuration (usage conditions of the power supply type and usage conditions for whether or not to supply power to the microphone) on the power supply determination screen shown in Fig. 4D. List display 423 displays a list of usable power supply types. In list display 423, an item marked with an * mark (asterisk mark) indicates that power cannot be supplied from the digital camera 100 to the external microphone 122 when shooting is performed using a power supply of the power supply type indicated by the item. Also, Fig. 4D indicates that when using the external microphone 122 while shooting using a power supply of the power supply type indicated by the item marked with an * mark (asterisk mark), the external microphone 122 must be powered by a battery provided inside the external microphone 122.
[0095] In this way, in S234, the system control unit 110 indicates the use conditions, including the condition of whether or not the microphone is powered. This allows the user to correctly know whether or not the external microphone 122 that requires power can be used under the selected recording settings and lens type conditions.
[0096] In addition, if the user selects multiple recording setting conditions in S227 (setting selection process), in S234, the system control unit 110 displays as the usage conditions the power supply configuration conditions under which the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power supply under any of the multiple conditions.
[0097] Note that S225 and S226 may be omitted. In this case, in S234, the system control unit 110 displays various usage conditions for each lens type in a table format on the power supply determination screen shown in Fig. 5B.
[0098] In S235, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed on the power supply determination screen. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S231; otherwise, the process proceeds to S236.
[0099] In S236, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not an OK operation has been performed on the power supply determination screen. If it is determined that an OK operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S202; otherwise, the process proceeds to S235.
[0100] In S237, the system control unit 110 displays the usage conditions of the power supply configuration (the determination result in S229) on the power supply determination screen, similarly to S234.
[0101] In S238, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed on the power supply determination screen. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S227; otherwise, the process proceeds to S239.
[0102] In S239, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not an OK operation has been performed on the power supply determination screen. If it is determined that an OK operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S202; otherwise, the process proceeds to S238.
[0103] (Lens selection process) 6A is a flowchart showing the details of the lens selection process in S210 and S225. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 110 loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 129 into the system memory 126 and executing it.
[0104] In S610, the system control unit 110 displays the lens selection screen shown in FIG. 3C.
[0105] In S611, the system control unit 110 determines whether the type of the lens 125 attached to the lens mount 101 can be identified. For example, if the lens 125 and the lens mount 101 are electrically connected and type information (information indicating the lens type) of the lens 125 can be acquired, the system control unit 110 determines that the type of the lens 125 can be identified. On the other hand, if the lens 125 is not attached to the lens mount 101 or if the system control unit 110 cannot electrically communicate with the lens 125, the system control unit 110 determines that the type of the lens 125 cannot be identified. Alternatively, if the lens 125 is an unknown lens that notifies unexpected information, the system control unit 110 determines that the type of the lens 125 cannot be identified. If it is determined that the type of the lens 125 can be identified, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S613; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S614.
[0106] In S613, the system control unit 110 makes the "attached lens" item 309 on the lens selection screen selectable (enables it). When the "attached lens" item 309 is enabled, the text indicated by the item 309 is displayed in white.
[0107] In S614, the system control unit 110 changes the color of the text in the "Attached Lens" item 309 on the lens selection screen to gray. Then, the system control unit 110 disables the item 309, making it unselectable.
[0108] In S615, the system control unit 110 determines whether the user has selected the "Mirrorless Lens" item 307 or the "Single-lens Reflex Lens" item 308 on the lens selection screen. If it is determined that the item 307 or the item 308 has been selected, the process proceeds to S619; otherwise, the process proceeds to S616.
[0109] In S616, the system control unit 110 determines whether the user has selected the "Attached Lens" item 309 (whether the user has performed a user operation to select the type of lens currently attached as the lens type). If it is determined that the item 309 has been selected, the process proceeds to S618; otherwise, the process proceeds to S617.
[0110] In S617, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process of this flowchart ends; if not, the process proceeds to S615.
[0111] In S618, the system control unit 110 determines the lens type of the currently attached lens 125. The system control unit 110 identifies the lens type of the lens 125, and stores information about the identified lens type in the system memory 126 as information about the "selected lens type" (the lens type condition selected by the user). Therefore, it can be said that the user selected the lens type condition that "the type of the currently attached lens 125 is the type of lens 125 to be used when taking a photograph" in the lens selection process. The system control unit 110 determines the lens type of the lens 125, for example, by acquiring information about the power consumption (maximum power consumption) of the lens 125 from the lens 125 and comparing it with a correspondence table of power consumption and lens type stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. Alternatively, the system control unit 110 may determine the type of the lens 125 by acquiring a lens product ID (identification information) from the lens 125 and comparing it with a correspondence table of lens product IDs and lens types stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. The lens product ID is, for example, information about the group to which the lens 125 belongs (such as information about the model of the lens 125) or information unique to the lens 125 (such as the serial number of the lens 125). These allow for more precise identification of the lens type of the attached lens 125. Note that the information received by the system control unit 110 from the lens 125 may be any information (for example, manufacturer information or lens size information) as long as it allows for identification of the lens type. Furthermore, if the system control unit 110 is able to receive power consumption information from the lens 125, it may store the power consumption information in the system memory 126 as lens type information.
[0112] In S619, the system control unit 110 stores information about the lens type selected in S615 as "selected lens type" information in the system memory 126. Therefore, it can be said that the user selected the lens type condition in the lens selection process that "the type of lens selected by the user from among a mirrorless lens and a single-lens reflex lens is the type of lens 125 to be used when taking a photograph."
[0113] In this way, the lens selection process allows the user to select the type of lens to be used for shooting. Therefore, even if the power consumption of the digital camera 100 differs depending on the lens type, the digital camera 100 can display the usage conditions for other elements that take into account the type of lens to be used for shooting.
[0114] (Power source selection process) 6B is a flowchart showing the details of the power supply selection process of S212. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 110 loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 129 into the system memory 126 and executing it.
[0115] In S620, the system control unit 110 displays the power source selection screen shown in Fig. 3D. Note that when a certain item (an item indicating a certain power source type) among the items 311 to 313 is selected, if the use conditions of other elements (recording settings) are restricted, the system control unit 110 may display the selected item in a different color from the other items. Note that instead of displaying the certain item in a different color from the other items, the system control unit 110 may display it in a different display format (graphic, flashing, bold frame).
[0116] In S621, the system control unit 110 determines whether the selection state of the "Power microphone accessory from camera" item 314 has been changed. If it is determined that the selection state of item 314 has been changed, the process proceeds to S622; otherwise, the process proceeds to S623. Note that when the selection state of item 314 has been changed, the system control unit 110 reflects the change in the selection state of item 314 in the display of the check box on the power source selection screen.
[0117] In S622, the system control unit 110 stores the information on whether or not microphone power is supplied, which is indicated by the item 314 after the selection state has been changed, in the system memory 126 as information on "power supply selection" (conditions on whether or not power is supplied selected by the user). It can be said that the microphone power supply availability condition has been selected, where "the microphone power supply availability indicated by item 314 after the selection state has been changed is the microphone power supply availability at the time of shooting." Note that before the selection state of item 314 is changed, information corresponding to the selection state before the change is stored in system memory 126 as "power supply selection" information. In other words, when the selection state of item 314 is changed, the "power supply selection" information stored in system memory 126 is updated.
[0118] In S623, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not any of the items 311 to 313 (items indicating any of the power source types) has been selected. If it is determined that any of the items 311 to 313 has been selected, the process proceeds to S625; otherwise, the process proceeds to S624.
[0119] In S624, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process of this flowchart ends; if not, the process proceeds to S621.
[0120] In S625, the system control unit 110 stores information on the power source type indicated by the item selected in S623 as information on the "selected power source type" (condition of the power source type selected by the user) in the system memory 126. Therefore, it can be said that the user selected the power source type condition "the power source type indicated by the item selected in S623 is the power source type to be used when shooting" in the power source selection process.
[0121] In this way, in S621 of the power source selection process, the user can select whether or not to supply power to the microphone, thereby indicating the conditions for use of other elements that take into account the power required by the external microphone 122.
[0122] Furthermore, as described above, the display format (color or shape) of items indicating conditions that impose restrictions on the use conditions of elements other than the power source type may be different from the display format of other items (items indicating conditions that do not impose restrictions on the use conditions). This allows the user to understand which item selection will affect the results of the use condition determination before selecting the power source type condition. This reduces the burden on the user (the burden of repeatedly checking the determination results while changing the selected conditions) when the user wants to understand the determination results under various conditions.
[0123] (About drive selection process) 7A is a flowchart showing the details of the drive selection process of S216 and S231. Each process in this flowchart is realized by system control unit 110 loading a program stored in nonvolatile memory 129 into system memory 126 and executing it.
[0124] In S710, the system control unit 110 displays the drive selection screen shown in FIG. 4A on the display unit 106.
[0125] In S711, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the "Use" item 415 has been selected. If it is determined that the item 415 has been selected, the process proceeds to S714; otherwise, the process proceeds to S712.
[0126] In S712, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the "Do not use" item 416 has been selected. If it is determined that the item 416 has been selected, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S714; if not, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S713.
[0127] In S713, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed by the user, the process of this flowchart ends; if not, the process proceeds to S711.
[0128] In S714, the system control unit 110 stores information on whether double-speed drive is enabled or disabled, indicated by the selected item, as information on the "double-speed drive condition" (the condition on whether double-speed drive is enabled or disabled selected by the user) in the system memory 126. Therefore, it can be said that the user selected the condition on whether double-speed drive is enabled or disabled in the drive selection process, that is, "the condition on whether double-speed drive is enabled or disabled indicated by the selected item between items 415 and 416 is the condition on whether double-speed drive is enabled or disabled during shooting."
[0129] (About the setting selection process) 7B is a flowchart showing the details of the setting selection process of S227. Each process in this flowchart is realized by system control unit 110 expanding a program stored in nonvolatile memory 129 into system memory 126 and executing it.
[0130] In S720, system control unit 110 displays the setting selection screen shown in Fig. 4B on display unit 106. Note that if there is an item in item group 417 that, when selected, restricts the use conditions of other elements, system control unit 110 may display that item in a color or shape different from other items (items that, when selected, do not restrict the use conditions of other elements).
[0131] In S721, the system control unit 110 determines whether the selection state of any of the multiple recording setting items indicated by the item group 417 has changed. If it is determined that the selection state of any of the multiple recording settings has changed, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S722; otherwise, the system control unit 110 proceeds to S723. Note that when the selection state of any of the multiple recording settings has changed, the system control unit 110 updates the display of the check boxes in the item group 417 in accordance with the changed selection state.
[0132] In S722, the system control unit 110 stores information about the currently selected recording setting as information about the "selected recording setting" (the recording setting condition selected by the user) in the system memory 126. Therefore, it can be said that the user selected the recording setting condition that "the recording setting currently selected in the item group 417 is the recording setting at the time of shooting" in the setting selection process. Note that before the selection state of any of the multiple recording setting items is changed, information corresponding to the selection state before the change is stored in the system memory 126 as information about the "selected recording setting." In other words, when the selection state of any of the multiple recording setting items is changed, the information about the "selected recording setting" stored in the system memory 126 is updated.
[0133] In S723, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the user has performed an OK operation. If it is determined that the OK operation has been performed, the process of this flowchart ends; if not, the process proceeds to S724.
[0134] In S724, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not a cancel operation has been performed by the user. If it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed, the process of this flowchart ends; if not, the process proceeds to S721.
[0135] As described above, according to the condition display process, when the user selects the desired condition for a certain element, the user can be notified (made aware) of the conditions for other elements under which the digital camera 100 can be used so that the maximum power consumption does not exceed the available power supply.
[0136] In particular, when the image (photography conditions) that the user wants to capture is predetermined, By having the user select conditions such as the mode, recording format, and frame rate, it is possible to display the power supply configuration conditions required for capturing images under those conditions. Conversely, if the power supply configuration to be used for capturing images is predetermined, by having the user select the conditions for that power supply configuration, it is possible to display the sensor mode, recording format, and frame rate conditions that can be used for capturing images. In this way, it is possible to convey the conditions under which the digital camera 100 can be used in various use cases, which contributes to the user smoothly preparing settings and accessory devices. In other words, it is possible to prevent a decrease in usability for users of the digital camera 100.
[0137] Furthermore, in S721, the user can simultaneously select multiple recording setting items (select multiple recording setting conditions). In S234 and S237, the system control unit 110 displays the power supply configuration conditions that can be used for all of the multiple recording setting conditions selected. This makes it possible to show the power supply configuration conditions that can be used for all of the recording setting conditions desired by the user, allowing the user to switch between multiple recording settings during a series of shooting.
[0138] [Processing during shooting] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing performed when photographing by digital camera 100. Each process in this flowchart is realized by system control unit 110 loading a program stored in nonvolatile memory 129 into system memory 126 and executing it. Also, Figs. 10A to 10C show screens displayed on display unit 106 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9.
[0139] When the digital camera 100 is turned on in response to a user operation on the mode switch 111, the processing of this flowchart begins.
[0140] In S901, the system control unit 110 displays the shooting screen of Fig. 10A on the display unit 106. A display item 1001A indicates the recording operation status, and indicates that recording is on standby. A display item 1002A indicates the current focal length of the attached lens 125. A display item 1003A indicates the current aperture value of the attached lens 125.
[0141] In S902, the system control unit 110 determines whether the usage conditions of the digital camera 100 are satisfied, based on the current state (setting state) of the digital camera 100, by referring to the determination table shown in FIG. 8. The current state of the digital camera 100 refers to the setting states of multiple elements of the current digital camera 100 (recording settings, whether double-speed drive is enabled, the type of power source that supplies power, the type of lens 125, and whether microphone power is enabled). A case in which the usage conditions are satisfied means that the current state (setting state) of the digital camera 100 satisfies the condition that the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the power supplyable level without restricting the operation of the digital camera 100 when capturing an image. A case in which the usage conditions are not satisfied means that the current state (setting state) of the digital camera 100 does not satisfy the condition that the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the power supplyable level without restricting the operation of the digital camera 100 when capturing an image. For example, assume that a single-lens reflex lens is set as the lens 125 of the digital camera 100. In this case, if the power supply to the lens 125 of the digital camera 100 is stopped during image capture, the system control unit 110 determines that the usage conditions are not met because the operation of the digital camera 100 (specifically, the drive of the lens 125) is restricted. If it is determined that the usage conditions of the digital camera 100 are met, the process proceeds to S906, and if not, the process proceeds to S903.
[0142] In S903, the system control unit 110 detects that the digital camera 100 is recording a moving image (taking a picture). If it is determined that the digital camera 100 is currently recording a moving image, the process proceeds to S904, and if not, the process proceeds to S905.
[0143] In S904, the system control unit 110 displays a warning screen for use during video recording (photography) shown in Fig. 10B on the display unit 106. Note that at the start of the processing of S904, there is a shortage of power to drive the lens 125, so the supply of power from the digital camera 100 to the lens 125 has stopped.
[0144] 10B, display item 1001B is a display item indicating the recording operation status, and indicates that operation recording is in progress (photography is in progress). Display item 1002B is a display item indicating the current focal length of attached lens 125, but is in an invalid state because power supply to lens 125 has been stopped due to a power shortage. Display item 1003B is a display item indicating the current aperture value of attached lens 125, but is in an invalid state because power supply to lens 125 has been stopped due to a power shortage.
[0145] Considering that video recording is in progress, warning item 1004 displays concise text that does not take up a large amount of display area. Specifically, warning item 1004 indicates that there is insufficient power and that lens 125 will not work. Warning item 1005 indicates that lens 125 will not work. Note that in S904, the user is not prompted to refer to the power navigation screen (FIG. 3B).
[0146] In S905, the system control unit 110 displays a warning screen indicating that a moving image is not being recorded (not being photographed) as shown in Fig. 10C. The warning item 1006 indicates the reason why the lens 125 is not working, and urges the user to refer to the power navigation screen (Fig. 3B). This is because, since the digital camera 100 is not recording a moving image, the user is likely to have time to check the status of the digital camera 100.
[0147] In S906, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the lens 125 has been replaced. If it is determined that the lens 125 has been replaced, the process proceeds to S902, and if not, the process proceeds to S907.
[0148] In S907, the system control unit 110 controls the power supply control unit 117 to determine whether the power supply source has been changed. If it is determined that the power supply source has been changed, the process proceeds to S902; otherwise, the process proceeds to S908.
[0149] In S908, the system control unit 110 determines whether the moving image recording state (whether or not shooting is in progress) has changed by pressing the REC key 116. If it is determined that the moving image recording state has changed, the process proceeds to S902; otherwise, the process proceeds to S909.
[0150] In S909, the system control unit 110 determines whether or not the menu key 112 has been pressed. If it is determined that the menu key 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S910; otherwise, the process proceeds to S906.
[0151] In S910, system control unit 110 performs a condition display process in accordance with the flowchart shown in Fig. 2. That is, when menu key 112 is pressed, the menu screen shown in Fig. 3A is displayed on display unit 106 in S910.
[0152] In S911, the system control unit 110 displays the shooting screen shown in FIG. 10A on the display unit 106, similarly to step S901.
[0153] As described above, according to the flowchart in Figure 10, when a power shortage state occurs (operational restrictions are occurring due to a power shortage) or when there is a possibility that a power shortage state may occur, the situation can be communicated to the user by a warning item. Furthermore, if digital camera 100 is not currently recording a video, the warning item prompts the user to refer to the power navigation screen. This allows the user to accurately understand the power shortage state and smoothly avoid operational restrictions due to a power shortage. If video recording is in progress, digital camera 100 simply notifies the user that there is a power shortage and that lens 125 will not operate, and prompts the user to refer to the power navigation screen again after video recording has finished.
[0154] When the usage conditions are not met, system control unit 110 may notify the user by voice, instead of displaying a warning item. In this case, system control unit 110 may also prompt the user by voice to refer to the power navigation screen, for example, unless video recording (photography) is in progress.
[0155] In the above description, digital camera 100 determines the usage conditions under which the maximum power consumption during photography is equal to or less than the available power supply. However, the usage conditions may be determined not only during photography but also in other specific situations, such as during image playback (movie playback), execution of specific image processing, or specific photography (for example, during flash photography).
[0156] Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the processes in the above flowchart to be performed by the digital camera 100. For example, while the digital camera 100 is an electronic device that takes pictures in accordance with multiple factors, there may also be a display control device that determines the usage conditions of the digital camera 100 and displays the determined usage conditions on the digital camera 100. In other words, there may also be a display control device that has part of the configuration of the digital camera 100 described above.
[0157] The various controls described above as being performed by the system control unit 110 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.
[0158] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.
[0159] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a digital camera, but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device that can be connected to multiple types of power sources. That is, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printers with displays, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, and the like.
[0160] The present invention is not limited to application to the imaging device itself, but can also be applied to a control device that communicates with an imaging device (including a network camera) via wired or wireless communication and remotely controls the imaging device. Examples of devices that remotely control an imaging device include smartphones, tablet PCs, and desktop PCs. The imaging device can be remotely controlled by issuing commands from the control device to the imaging device to perform various operations and settings based on operations or processes performed on the control device. Furthermore, a live view image captured by the imaging device may be received via wired or wireless communication and displayed on the control device.
[0161] Note that each functional unit in each of the above embodiments (variations) may or may not be individual hardware. The functions of two or more functional units may be realized by common hardware. Each of multiple functions of one functional unit may be realized by individual hardware. Two or more functions of one functional unit may be realized by common hardware. Furthermore, each functional unit may or may not be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. For example, an apparatus may have a processor and a memory (storage medium) in which a control program is stored. Then, the functions of at least some of the functional units of the apparatus may be realized by the processor reading and executing the control program from the memory.
[0162] (Other embodiments) 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]
[0163] 100: Digital camera, 106: Display unit, 110: System control unit, 118: USB terminal, 119: Battery pack, 120: AC adapter
Claims
1. An imaging device in which a supplyable power, which is power that can be supplied from a power source to the imaging device, is determined based on a type of the power source, and a maximum power consumption of the imaging device is determined based at least on a plurality of factors including the type of the power source, a setting means for setting a condition of a first element, which is at least one element of the plurality of elements, in response to a user selection; a determination means for determining, based on the condition of the first element set by the setting means, a condition of a second element of the plurality of elements that is different from the first element, such that the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power supply in a predetermined situation without restricting the operation of the imaging device; a control means for controlling the display unit to display the condition of the second element determined by the determination means; and the first element is a lens type; The setting means displaying a lens type setting screen on the display unit for selecting a lens type from a plurality of selection items including a first type of lens, a second type of lens, and a lens currently being attached; When a selection item indicating a lens attached to the imaging device is selected by the user on the lens type setting screen, the type of lens attached to the imaging device is set as a condition of the first element; When a selection item indicating a first type of lens or a second type of lens is selected by a user on the lens type setting screen, the lens type corresponding to the selected selection item is set as the condition of the first element, regardless of the type of lens attached to the imaging device. An imaging device characterized by:
2. an acquisition unit for acquiring information about a lens attached to the imaging device; the setting means makes the selection item of the attached lens on the lens type setting screen selectable when the acquisition means can acquire lens information, and makes the selection item of the attached lens on the lens type setting screen unselectable when the acquisition means cannot acquire lens information.
2. The imaging device according to claim 1.
3. The setting means sets a condition for a third element, which is one element of the plurality of elements and is different from the first element and the second element, in accordance with a user's selection; The determining means determines, based on the condition of the first element and the condition of the third element set by the setting means, the condition of the second element under which the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power supply without limiting the operation of the imaging device in the predetermined situation.
2. The imaging device according to claim 1.
4. When a type of power source is selected by a user as the second element, the setting means sets a recording setting condition according to the user's selection as a condition of the third element; When a recording setting is selected by the user as the second element, the setting means sets a condition of a type of power source as a condition of the third element in accordance with a selection by the user.
4. The imaging device according to claim 3.
5. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the lens information is information about a group to which a lens attached to the imaging device belongs.
6. The lens information is information about the power consumption of the lens attached to the imaging device.
3. The imaging device according to claim 2.
7. The control means controls the display unit to display items indicating conditions of the first element selectable by the user.
7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second lenses are arranged in a plane parallel to each other.
8. The control means causes a display form of an item indicating a condition of the first element selectable by the user that, when selected by the user, places a restriction on the condition of the second element to be different from a display form of an item indicating a condition that, when selected by the user, does not place a restriction on the condition of the second element to be different.
8. The imaging device according to claim 7.
9. When a user selects a plurality of conditions for the first element, the determination means determines a condition for the second element under which the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power supply without limiting the operation of the imaging device in the predetermined situation, regardless of the case of any of the plurality of conditions.
9. The imaging device according to claim 8.
10. the second element is a plurality of elements; The control means controls the display unit to display a combination of conditions of the plurality of elements, which is the second element, in a table format.
10. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.
11. If the condition of the second element does not change depending on the third element, (1) the setting means does not set the condition of the third element selected by the user, and (2) the determination means determines the condition of the second element without depending on the third element.
4. The imaging device according to claim 3.
12. the determination means determines whether or not current setting states of the plurality of elements in the imaging device satisfy a usage condition that is a condition under which the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power supply without limiting the operation of the imaging device in the predetermined situation; The control means (1) when it is determined that the use conditions are not satisfied, prompts the user to refer to a predetermined screen for displaying the conditions of the second element, and (2) controls the display unit to display the predetermined screen in response to a user operation to display the predetermined screen.
12. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.
13. The predetermined situation is when the image is captured by the imaging device, Even if it is determined that the use conditions are not satisfied, the control means does not prompt the user to refer to the predetermined screen if the imaging device is capturing an image.
13. The imaging device according to claim 12.
14. The plurality of elements include whether or not power is supplied from the imaging device to a predetermined peripheral device in the predetermined situation.
14. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.
15. The determining means determines, as the condition for the second element, a condition regarding the type of the power source and a condition regarding whether or not power is being supplied to a predetermined peripheral device.
15. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.
16. the imaging device has imaging means including an imaging sensor, When the setting means sets at least a condition of the type of the power source in the predetermined situation as a condition of the first element, The determining means determines the conditions of the second element, including the effective area of the image sensor, the recording format of image data acquired by imaging, and the frame rate of the image data.
15. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.
17. An imaging device in which a supplyable power, which is power that can be supplied from a power source to the imaging device, is determined based on a type of the power source, and a maximum power consumption of the imaging device is determined based at least on a plurality of factors including the type of the power source, a setting step of setting a condition for a first element, which is at least one element among the plurality of elements, in response to a user selection; a determination step of determining, based on the condition of the first element set in the setting step, a condition of a second element of the plurality of elements that is different from the first element, such that the maximum power consumption is equal to or less than the available power supply in a predetermined situation without restricting operation of the imaging device; a control step of controlling the condition of the second element determined in the determination step to be displayed on a display unit; and the first element is a lens type; In the setting step, displaying a lens type setting screen on the display unit for selecting a lens type from a plurality of selection items including a first type of lens, a second type of lens, and a lens currently being attached; When a selection item indicating a lens attached to the imaging device is selected by the user on the lens type setting screen, the type of lens attached to the imaging device is set as a condition of the first element; When a selection item indicating a first type of lens or a second type of lens is selected by the user on the lens type setting screen, the lens type corresponding to the selected selection item is set as a condition of the first element regardless of the type of lens attached to the imaging device. Set up, 10. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising:
18. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
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