Electronic equipment, its control method, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To allow a user to more easily perceive a change in the internal state of equipment and a resulting temperature change.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes display means, and control means for displaying a temperature change obtained from temperature obtaining means for obtaining the temperature and a state change obtained from detecting means for detecting the state, and the control means controls the display means to display the temperature change and the state change for one time at a certain point in time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for acquiring and controlling the temperature of an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many imaging devices capable of video recording are known. When video recording, heat is generated inside the imaging device. To address the impact on the user and device / image quality protection, countermeasures against the generated heat have become an important issue. In particular, due to the improvement in the image quality that can be captured in recent years, the temperature rise inside the device in the live view shooting standby state has a significant impact on the reduction of the recording time due to the temperature rise during video recording. Patent Document 1 discloses performing operation restrictions on an electronic device based on the measured temperature, and when operation restrictions are imposed, displaying the operation recovery status, for example, the time until recovery after a certain number of minutes, so that the user can visually recognize how much time has passed before the operation restrictions are released. Patent Document 2 discloses showing, in specific time, how long the device needs to be powered off to continuously operate the electronic device for a predetermined time or more from the measured temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the restriction release time and usable time were calculated using the environment and setting parameters at that time, and it was necessary to recalculate the time if the environment or parameters changed. Furthermore, it was not easy for users to understand to what extent changes in internal states such as setting parameters affected the restriction release time, usable time, temperature changes, etc.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention makes it easier for users to recognize changes in the internal state of the equipment and the resulting temperature changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the imaging apparatus of the present invention is The device comprises a display unit and a control means that controls the display unit to display a graph showing temperature changes obtained from a temperature acquisition means, the control means controls the display on the graph to show a first temperature threshold related to the temperature at which video recording stops and a second temperature threshold related to the temperature at which video recording may stop, and the control means controls the display of the cooling location along with the display of the graph when the temperature obtained by the temperature acquisition means exceeds the second temperature threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, users can more easily recognize changes in the internal state of the equipment and the resulting temperature changes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external view of the Digital Camera 100. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of digital camera 100. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a control process flowchart related to the temperature of a digital camera. [Figure 4]This is an example 1 of displaying the time-dependent changes in temperature and internal state of digital camera 100. [Figure 5] This is an example 2 of displaying the time-dependent changes in the temperature and internal state of digital camera 100. [Figure 6] This is example 3 of displaying the time-dependent changes in temperature and internal state of digital camera 100. [Figure 7] This is an example of a display showing recommended cooling points for the digital camera 100. [Figure 8] This is an example of a display showing recommended cooling points for the Digital Camera 100 (Example 2). [Figure 9] This diagram shows the placement of the temperature sensor 93 in the digital camera 100 and the temperature state corresponding to that placement. [Figure 10] This is an example of displaying options regarding cooling methods. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a flowchart of the display control process related to the temperature status display of the digital camera 100. [Figure 12] This is example 4 of the display showing the time-dependent changes in temperature and internal state of digital camera 100. [Figure 13] This is example 5 of displaying the time-dependent changes in the temperature and internal state of digital camera 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show an external view of a digital camera 100 as an example of a device to which the present invention can be applied. Figure 1(a) is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and Figure 1(b) is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100. In Figure 1, the display unit 28 is a display unit located on the back of the camera that displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a is a touch-operable operating member that can detect touch operations on the display surface (operating surface) of the display unit 28. The viewfinder-external display unit 43 is a display unit located on the top surface of the camera that displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture.

[0011] The shutter button 61 is an operating part for issuing shooting instructions. In still image shooting mode, it is used to instruct the camera to prepare for and take still images, and in video shooting mode, it is used to instruct the camera to start and stop video recording. The mode switch 60 is an operating part for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover that protects the connector (not shown) that connects the connection cable to external devices to the digital camera 100. The main electronic dial 71 is a rotating operating member included in the operating unit 70, and by rotating this main electronic dial 71, settings such as shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The power switch 72 is an operating member that switches the power of the digital camera 100 ON and OFF. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotating operating member included in the operating unit 70, and can be used to move the selection frame and advance images. The cross key 74 is an operating member included in the operating unit 70 that has push buttons that can be pressed in four directions, and operations can be performed according to the direction in which the cross key 74 is pressed. The SET button 75 is an operating button included in the operating unit 70 and is mainly used to confirm selection items. The video button 77 is used to start and stop video recording. Pressing the shutter button 61 after pressing the AE lock button 78 allows for shooting with the AF position fixed, or shooting even when AF is unavailable. The playback button 79 is included in the control unit 70 and is used to switch between shooting mode and playback mode. Pressing the playback button 79 while in shooting mode switches to playback mode, and the latest image recorded on the recording medium 200 can be displayed on the display unit 28. The assign button 95 is included in the control unit 70 and can be assigned other functions. In its initial state, it functions as a button to display the status screen, and other functions such as changing settings or status related to video recording and playback, or starting video recording, can be assigned to it. It is also possible to assign the function of displaying the status screen to other assign buttons besides the assign button 95.

[0012] The status screen is a screen composed of multiple pages that displays the settings or status related to video shooting and playback, the internal status of the digital camera, etc.

[0013] The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150 (detachable) described later. The eyepiece part 16 is the eyepiece part of the viewfinder (peeping type finder), and the user can visually recognize the video displayed on the EVF (Electric View Finder) 29 of the in-finder display part through the eyepiece part 16. The lid 202 is the lid of the slot that stores the recording medium 200 and the battery. The grip part 90 is a holding part shaped to be easily held by the right hand when the user holds the digital camera 100. With the grip part 90 held by the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are arranged at positions operable by the index finger of the right hand. Also, in the same state, the sub electronic dial 73 is arranged at a position operable by the thumb of the right hand.

[0014] The air intake port 98 and the exhaust port 99 are the passageways for air to cool the main body. When the fan 92 in FIG. 2 rotates, air flows from the air intake port 98 to the exhaust port 99, and the heat of the main body can be released. Also, the main body is equipped with a temperature sensor 93, and the temperature of a specific location of the main body can be measured by the temperature sensor 93. The fan 92 is stopped or the rotation speed is changed according to the measured temperature. As will be described later, temperature status information is displayed on the screen based on the external / internal temperature of the main body obtained from the temperature sensor 93. It is assumed that there may be multiple such temperature sensors 93 and fans 92.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographing lens. The lens 103 is usually composed of a plurality of lenses, but here it is shown simply as a single lens for simplicity. The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via this communication terminal 6 and the aforementioned communication terminal 10, and controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 by the internal lens system control circuit 4. Thereafter, focusing is performed by displacing the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3.

[0016] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 under the control of the system control unit 50.

[0017] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging device composed of a CCD, a CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 23 is used to convert the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0018] The image processing unit 24 performs resizing processes such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processes on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15 described later. Also, the image processing unit 24 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data. The system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the arithmetic result obtained by the image processing unit 24. As a result, TTL (through-the-lens) AF (auto focus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed. The image processing unit 24 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

[0019] The memory control unit 15 controls the transmission and reception of data between the A / D converter 23, the image processing unit 24, and the memory 32. Output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, or directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data for display on the display unit 28 and EVF 29. The memory 32 has sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of video footage, and audio.

[0020] Furthermore, memory 32 also serves as memory for image display (video memory). Display image data written to memory 32 is displayed by the display unit 28 and EVF 29 via the memory control unit 15. The display unit 28 and EVF 29 display information on a display device such as an LCD or organic EL display according to the signal from the memory control unit 15. Live view display (LV display) can be performed by sequentially transferring the data that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in memory 32 to the display unit 28 or EVF 29 for display. Hereinafter, the image displayed in live view will be referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0021] The compression unit 26 compresses the temporally continuous image data stored in the memory 32 in a format such as MPEG to generate video data. The generated video data is stored in the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15, and is then multiplexed with audio also stored in the memory 32 and written to the recording medium 200 as a video file.

[0022] The external viewfinder display unit 43 displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture, via the external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44.

[0023] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, etc. The program referred to here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0024] The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. It realizes each of the processes of this embodiment, which will be described later, by executing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56. For example, RAM is used in the system memory 52, and constants, variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, the program read from the non-volatile memory 56, etc. are stored there. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 19, the display unit 28, etc.

[0025] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0026] The mode switch 60, first shutter switch 62, second shutter switch 64, and operation unit 70 are operating means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. The mode switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of the following: still image recording mode, video recording mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the still image recording mode include auto shooting mode, auto scene detection mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode. There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide shooting settings for different shooting scenes. The user can switch directly to any of these modes using the mode switch 60. Alternatively, the user can switch to a list screen of shooting modes using the mode switch 60, select one of the displayed modes, and then switch using other operating components. Similarly, the video recording mode may also include multiple modes.

[0027] The first shutter switch 62 turns ON during the operation of the shutter button 61 on the digital camera 100, specifically when it is half-pressed (indicating preparation for shooting), and generates the first shutter switch signal SW1. The first shutter switch signal SW1 initiates operations such as AF (autofocus), AE (automatic exposure), AWB (auto white balance), and EF (flash pre-flash).

[0028] The second shutter switch 64 turns ON when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (shooting instruction), generating the second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processes, from reading the signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the image data to the recording medium 200, in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2.

[0029] Each operating element of the control unit 70 is assigned a function as appropriate for each situation by selecting various function icons displayed on the display unit 28, and acts as various function buttons. Examples of function buttons include an exit button, back button, image advance button, jump button, filter button, attribute change button, etc. For example, when the menu button is pressed, various configurable menu screens are displayed on the display unit 28. Users can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28 and the four directional buttons (up, down, left, right) and the SET button.

[0030] The operation unit 70 consists of various operating components that act as an input unit for receiving operations from the user. The operation unit 70 includes push buttons, rotary dials, touch sensors, etc., and includes at least the following operating components: shutter button 61, main electronic dial 71, power switch 72, sub electronic dial 73, directional pad 74, SET button 75, video button 77, AE lock button 78, playback button 79, and assign button 95.

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

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

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

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

[0035] Furthermore, the operating unit 70 includes a touch panel 70a capable of detecting contact with the display unit 28. The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integral unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured such that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is mounted on the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with the display coordinates on the display screen of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that makes it seem as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28. The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel 70a. - A finger or pen that was not previously touching the touch panel 70a now touches the touch panel 70a. In other words, the start of a touch (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down). The touch panel 70a is being touched with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-On). - The user is moving while touching the touch panel 70a with their finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move). • The finger or pen that was touching the touch panel 70a is lifted. In other words, the touch action ends (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Up). • The touch panel 70a is not being touched (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Off).

[0036] When a touchdown is detected, a touch-on state is also detected simultaneously. After a touchdown, a touch-on state is usually detected unless a touch-up is detected. Touch move is also detected when a touch-on state is detected. Even if a touch-on state is detected, a touch move will not be detected if the touch position has not moved. After all fingers or pens that were touching have been detected as having touched up, the touch-off state is activated.

[0037] These operations and states, as well as the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel 70a, are notified to the system control unit 50 via the internal bus. Based on the notified information, the system control unit 50 determines what kind of touch operation was performed on the touch panel 70a. For touch moves, the direction of movement of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 70a can also be determined for each vertical and horizontal component on the touch panel 70a based on the change in position coordinates. If a touch move of a predetermined distance or more is detected, it is determined that a slide operation was performed. An operation in which a finger is touched on the touch panel and quickly moved a certain distance, and then released, is called a flick. In other words, a flick is an operation in which the finger is quickly traced across the touch panel 70a as if flicking it. If a touch move of a predetermined distance or more at a predetermined speed or faster is detected, and a touch-up is detected immediately afterward, it can be determined that a flick was performed (it can be determined that a flick followed a slide operation).

[0038] Furthermore, touching multiple locations (for example, two points) simultaneously to bring them closer together is called a pinch-in, and touching them further apart is called a pinch-out. Pinch-out and pinch-in are collectively referred to as a pinch operation (or simply a pinch).

[0039] The touch panel 70a may be of any type from among various types of touch panels, such as resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, and optical sensor types. Depending on the type, a touch may be detected when there is contact with the touch panel, or when a finger or pen approaches the touch panel, but either type is acceptable.

[0040] Temperature sensors 93a to 93d are temperature sensors that measure the surface / internal temperature of the housing of the digital camera 100, and are temperature acquisition means included in temperature sensor 93. Figure 9 shows the temperature threshold (temperatures Kl and Kh described later) at which the operation of the digital camera 100 is limited for each temperature sensor, and an example of the placement of each temperature sensor. Figure 9(c) is a view of the digital camera 100 from the display unit 28 side with the EVF 29 facing upwards. Temperature sensor 93a is a temperature sensor placed near the imaging unit 22 and measures the temperature near the device of the imaging unit 22. Temperature sensor 93b is a temperature sensor placed around the connector protected by the terminal cover 40 and measures the temperature for calculating the surface temperature of the housing of the digital camera 100. The housing surface is kept at a sufficiently high temperature (lower than the limiting temperature for device protection described later, specifically around 46°C), so that the user does not suffer low-temperature burns by continuing to hold the grip unit 90 while shooting at that temperature. Temperature sensor 93c is a temperature sensor located near the display unit 28 and measures the temperature near the device of the display unit 28. Temperature sensor 93d is a temperature sensor located inside the lid 202 and measures the temperature near the recording medium 200 and the battery. If each device becomes too hot (for example, above 80°C), the device may not function properly or the image quality may deteriorate, so temperature measurement is performed to prevent these problems. In this embodiment, four temperature sensors are placed near four devices, but the number and position of sensors are not limited to this.

[0041] Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show the internal state and temperature changes of the digital camera 100 displayed on the display unit 28, and control is applied to limit the operation of the digital camera 100 when the temperature rises.

[0042] Figure 3(a) is a flowchart of the control process that is initiated when the digital camera 100 is started (powered on) and in video recording mode while in shooting standby mode. This control process is realized when the system control unit 50 loads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executes it. The recording time may be obtained from the number of frames or time code described in the management information attached to the video file, or it may be obtained by analyzing the number of frames in the video file.

[0043] In S301, the system control unit 50 sets the variable n=1, which indicates the number of times the temperature should be acquired after the digital camera 100 is powered on and enters a shooting standby state, and stores it in the system memory 52. ​​The variable n is reset when the digital camera 100 is powered off or when the system transitions from shooting mode processing (control processing for taking pictures) to other mode processing.

[0044] In S302, the system control unit 50 acquires the temperature Kn at time Xn and the internal state of the camera. The internal state of the camera refers to shooting-related states such as shooting standby state or shooting state (shooting in progress), as well as whether the Wi-Fi connected to the internet via the communication unit 54 and the fan 92 are running.

[0045] In S303, the system control unit 50 determines whether the temperature status display is enabled or disabled. If the temperature status display is enabled, the process proceeds to S304; otherwise, it proceeds to S303. The temperature status is a display related to the temperature changes of the digital camera 100. The user can arbitrarily set whether or not to display the temperature status. When the temperature status display is enabled, the display unit 28 shows a display indicating the temperature changes, allowing the user to check the details of the temperature changes at their desired timing. Even if the temperature status display is disabled, a display related to the temperature is superimposed on the LV image. Although the amount of information is less compared to the detailed display of temperature changes, the temperature changes can be visually confirmed while checking the LV image.

[0046] In S304, the system control unit 50 displays the temperature status on the display unit 28. The control in this step will be described later using the control flowchart in Figure 3(b).

[0047] In S305, the system control unit 50 displays a temperature item, which is a simplified representation of temperature change, on the display unit 28 along with the LV image. An example of what is displayed on the display unit 28 at this time is shown in Figure 6(c).

[0048] In S306, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not there is an instruction to record video. If there is an instruction, the system proceeds to S307; otherwise, it proceeds to S308. Specifically, an instruction is considered to have occurred if the video button 77 is pressed while in standby mode, or if the video button 77 is pressed, a mode is switched, the playback button 79 is pressed, or the power switch 72 is operated while recording video.

[0049] In S307, the system control unit 50 starts or stops video recording. If video recording has not been performed until this step (the camera was in the standby state for shooting), it starts video recording, creates a video file on the recording medium 200, and records the video captured by the imaging unit 22 with the current setting content. If video recording has been performed (the camera was in the middle of video shooting), it stops shooting in response to the instruction and performs a close process (such as adding attribute information) on the video file created on the recording medium 200.

[0050] In S308, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it has elapsed, it proceeds to S311; otherwise, it proceeds to S309.

[0051] In S309, the system control unit 50 determines whether Kn > Kl. If Kn > Kl, it proceeds to S310; if Kn ≤ Kl, it proceeds to S312. When the internal temperature Kn of the digital camera 100 acquired in S302 becomes higher than a predetermined temperature Kl, there is a possibility of reaching a predetermined temperature Kh (Kl < Kh) at which operation is restricted by temperature. Therefore, control is performed to lower the temperature of the digital camera 100 (described later in FIG. 3(c)). The temperatures Kl and Kh will be described later in FIG. 4.

[0052] In S310, the system control unit 50 performs operation restriction processing of the digital camera 100 due to temperature. The operation restriction processing will be described later using FIG. 3(c).

[0053] In S311, the system control unit 50 sets the variable n to n + 1, saves it in the system memory 52, and returns to S302. In this embodiment, from S308Yes and S311, the predetermined time interval for recording the device temperature and device state is the same time, but it may be different time intervals according to the drive frequency of the temperature sensor 93, the operation frequency of the system control unit 50, etc.

[0054] In S312, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the fan is being driven due to a rise in the internal temperature of the digital camera 100. If it is being driven, proceed to S313; otherwise, proceed to S314.

[0055] In S313, the system control unit 50 stops the fan that was driven due to the rise in the internal temperature of the digital camera 100. Since the determination in S309 was No and in S312 was Yes, it can be seen that the fan was driven because the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 rose above the predetermined temperature Kh that limits operation. However, since the current temperature of the digital camera 100 is below Kh, it is determined that the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 has dropped sufficiently, and the fan is stopped.

[0056] In S314, the system control unit 50 determines whether the process has finished. If the process has finished, it terminates the control flowchart shown in Figure 3; otherwise, it returns to S306. The end of the process refers to, for example, turning off the power of the digital camera 100 or transitioning to a mode process other than the shooting mode process.

[0057] Figure 3(b) is a control flowchart that starts when Yes is selected in S303 of Figure 3(a), i.e., when the temperature status display is enabled (S304 in Figure 3(a)). The flowchart shown in Figure 3(b) displays information about the temperature change on the display unit 28. Examples of this display are shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0058] In S321, the system control unit 50 plots the time Xn acquired in S302 in Figure 3, the internal temperature Kn of the digital camera 100, and the internal state on a graph and displays it on the display unit 28. An example of this display is shown in Figure 4. When the power of the digital camera 100 is turned on and it transitions to the shooting standby state, the temperature acquired first is K1 and the time is X1. Figure 4 shows the graph when n=11.

[0059] In S322, the system control unit 50 determines whether the variable n is greater than 1. If it is greater, proceed to S323; otherwise, proceed to S324.

[0060] In S323, the system control unit 50 connects the data Xn-1 and Kn-1 acquired when variable n is n-1 with the data Xn and Kn acquired when variable n is n, creating a line graph. At this time, the internal state of the digital camera 100 is also displayed on the graph.

[0061] In S324, the system control unit 50 determines whether the fan 92 is running or not. If it is running, the process proceeds to S325; otherwise, the control flowchart shown in Figure 3(b) is terminated.

[0062] In step S325, the system control unit 50 displays display items related to fan operation on the plotted points (graph). An example of this display is shown in Figure 5(a).

[0063] In S326, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a fan speed selection has been made for fan 92. If so, the process proceeds to S327. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S328. Fan 92 selection refers, for example, to a user touch operation or instruction via the directional keys 74 on setting item 520a of the display item 520 shown on the display unit 28 along with the graph in Figure 5(a). When the user touches setting item 520a or presses the SET button 75, setting item 521 is displayed. Setting item 521 is a list of possible fan speeds for fan 92. When the user touches setting item 520b or setting item 520c or presses the directional keys 74, the fan speed of fan 92 is changed. In Figure 5(a), the fan speed is set to low.

[0064] In S327, the system control unit 50 highlights an icon corresponding to the speed of the currently selected fan 92. Specifically, in Figure 5(a), the icon for setting item 520a, where indicator 522 is displayed, i.e., when the fan speed was set to low, is highlighted. The display format at this time is as shown in display items 501 to 504.

[0065] In S328, the system control unit 50 determines whether the icon indicating the fan speed, which is displayed along with the graph, has been touched by the user. If it has been touched, the system proceeds to S329; otherwise, it terminates the control process flowchart in Figure 3(b) and returns to S306 in Figure 3(a). Specifically, if there is a touch operation (selection) of any of the display icons 501 to 511 in Figure 5(c), the system determines it to be Yes and proceeds to S329.

[0066] In S329, the system control unit 50 displays information. Since it was determined to be Yes in S328, it displays information about the internal state of the digital camera 100 at the time of the display item selected by the user. Specifically, in response to the user touching the display item 511 in Figure 5(c), the display item 541 and the selected item 542 are superimposed on the graph and displayed on the display unit 28.

[0067] In S330, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a setting change instruction has been received. If an instruction has been received, the system proceeds to S331; otherwise, the control processing flowchart in Figure 3(b) is terminated, and the system returns to S306 in Figure 3(a). Along with the information displayed in S329, the selection item 542 is displayed, and when the user selects it, the fan speed and the internal state of the digital camera 100 at time X11 can be changed all at once. This allows the user to predict future temperature increases / decreases while referring to the graph and change the settings accordingly.

[0068] In S331, the system control unit 50 changes the fan speed and the internal state of the digital camera 100.

[0069] FIG. 3(c) is a control flowchart that starts when the answer in S309 of FIG. 3(a) is Yes, that is, when the temperature status display is valid (S310 in FIG. 3(a)). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3(c), operation restrictions and displays on the display unit 28 are performed when the temperature of the digital camera 100 reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature. Examples of displays at this time are shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10.

[0070] In S341, the system control unit 50 determines whether the camera temperature Kn obtained in S302 of FIG. 3(a) satisfies Kl < Kn ≦ Kh. If Kl < Kn ≦ Kh, the process proceeds to S342; otherwise, it proceeds to S347. Kl and Kh will be described later using FIG. 4, and they are temperature thresholds for restricting the operation of the digital camera 100 and changing the temperature display.

[0071] In S342, the system control unit 50 determines whether video recording is currently in progress. If video recording is in progress, the process proceeds to S343; otherwise, it proceeds to S344.

[0072] In S343, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is an instruction from the user. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to S344; otherwise, it proceeds to S347. At this time, specifically, the display instruction for the cooling location is an instruction to the assign button 95.

[0073] In S344, the system control unit 50 displays the cooling location on the display unit 28. Examples of displays at this time are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0074] In S345, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is an instruction from the user. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to S346; otherwise, it proceeds to S349. When there is an instruction from the user, the display of the cooling location displayed in S344 is turned off, and the display returns to the LV image or other desired shooting information displays such as those desired by the user.

[0075] In S346, the system control unit 50 hides the display of the cooling locations that was displayed in S344. It can be assumed that, due to the user's instruction in S345, the user wants to return from the display of the cooling locations to the display of the LV image or other user-desired shooting information.

[0076] In S347, the system control unit 50 determines whether video recording is currently in progress, similar to S342. If recording is in progress, proceed to S348; otherwise, proceed to S349.

[0077] In S348, the system control unit 50 stops video recording and performs closing processing (such as assigning attribute information) for the video file created on the recording medium 200. Since it was determined to be Yes in S310 in Figure 3(a) and No in S341 in Figure 3(c), it can be seen that the camera temperature Kn is Kn > Kh. As will be explained later using Figure 4, Kh is a high temperature that is highly likely to cause various malfunctions in one of the temperature sensors 93a to 93d. Therefore, if the camera temperature Kn becomes higher than Kh, video recording is stopped even without user instruction to reduce the decrease in image quality and the failure of internal components of the digital camera 100.

[0078] In S349, the system control unit 50 calculates the temperature difference between the temperature T1 measured by the temperature sensor 93 located closest to the center of the digital camera 100 and the temperature T2 measured by the temperature sensor 93 located closest to the exterior of the digital camera 100. If the temperature difference T2 - T1 is greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S351; otherwise, it proceeds to S350. If the result in S349 is Yes, it indicates that there is a significant difference between the temperature of the exterior (or outside air) of the digital camera 100 and the internal temperature. This allows the internal cooling of the digital camera 100 to be more efficiently achieved by driving the fan 92 at maximum speed without turning off the power to the digital camera 100, thereby drawing in outside air. If the result in S349 is Yes, the fan 92 is driven at maximum speed without displaying the cooling method options described later in S350 (described later in S352). This is because, when the temperature difference T2-T1 is greater than a predetermined value, it is thought that running the fan 92 will cool the digital camera 100 more effectively and in a shorter time than turning off the power, but this is not the only reason. In other words, even when the temperature difference T2-T1 is greater than a predetermined value, S350 may be used to display the cooling method options described later. Note that the predetermined value is thought to be around 30-40°C, but this is not limited to this as it depends on the size of the digital camera 100, etc.

[0079] On the other hand, if the result in S349 is determined to be No, it indicates that the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the digital camera 100 is not very large. Therefore, turning off the power to the digital camera 100 and suppressing the heat generated by keeping the power on is a more efficient way to cool the digital camera 100 than to drive the fan 92. In this embodiment, temperature T2 is the temperature measured by temperature sensor 93b or 93d (or both) which is considered capable of measuring the exterior (outside air) temperature, and temperature T1 is the temperature measured by temperature sensor 93a.

[0080] In S350, the system control unit 50 displays a selection of options on the display unit 28. An example of this display is shown in Figure 10. Since "No" was determined in S349, the temperature difference T2-T1 is below a predetermined value, so there is no significant difference in the rate at which the temperature of the digital camera 100 decreases whether cooling is performed by driving the fan 92 (described later in S352) or by turning off the power. However, if video recording is stopped and the camera remains in standby mode, the temperature of the digital camera 100 will not decrease easily, and it will not be possible to start the next video recording. Therefore, a selection of options as shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the display unit 28 for the user to choose from.

[0081] In S351, the system control unit 50 determines which option was selected by the user. If fan rotation is selected, the process proceeds to S352; if power off is selected, the process proceeds to S353.

[0082] In S352, the system control unit 50 starts driving the fan 92 at its maximum speed and returns to S309 in Figure 3(a). The fan 92 driven in this step continues to operate until the temperature of the digital camera 100 falls below a predetermined threshold (Kn ≤ Kl). By controlling it in this way, the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 can be sufficiently lowered, and even if the user resumes video recording, the temperature will not immediately reach a level where operation is limited, allowing for longer video recording times.

[0083] In S353, the system control unit 50 turns off the power to the digital camera 100, ending Figure 3(c), and also ending the control flowchart in Figure 3(a).

[0084] Figure 4 shows an example of a graph display 1 shown on the display unit 28 as a temperature status display. This graph shows the temperature and internal state of the digital camera 100 at each time point. The horizontal axis is time (Xn), and the vertical axis is temperature (Kn). X0 is defined as the time when the power of the digital camera 100 is turned on. In other words, the graph is reset each time the user turns off the power of the digital camera 100. As described in the control flowchart in Figure 3(a), the variable n is incremented according to the passage of a predetermined time or changes in the internal state of the digital camera 100. The dotted line 404 is the dotted line indicating temperature Kh, and the dotted line 406 is the dotted line indicating temperature Kl. Temperatures Kh and Kl are temperature thresholds for preventing failure of the devices constituting the digital camera 100, preventing deterioration of the image quality of captured video, and ensuring the safety of the user holding the digital camera 100. As can be seen from the graph in Figure 4, temperatures Kh and Kl have the relationship Kh > Kl, and by setting two thresholds, the rise / fall in temperature of the digital camera 100 is recognized in stages and notified to the user. Note that the temperatures Kl and Kh are guidelines to prevent the device from reaching the actual operating limit temperature. These temperatures may be the actual temperatures at which the device malfunctions or video quality deteriorates, or they may be lower temperatures, or they may have a range. Additionally, the dotted line 406 may be displayed as a band with a predetermined width.

[0085] The temperatures K1 to K4 at times X1 to X4 are lower than Kl (Kn < Kl). Also, at times X1 to X3, the internal state of the digital camera 100 is in the recording standby state. When video recording starts at time X3, it is in the middle of video recording, and at time X4, the internal state of the digital camera 100 is in the middle of recording. The internal state of the digital camera 100 is displayed at the lower part (region 410) of the graph of the temperature status display. Specifically, it is made possible to know the internal state by a strip-like display like the status display 402. In the video recording standby state, "STBY" is displayed, and in the middle of recording, "REC" is displayed. Also, at times X1 to X4, video recording starts at time X3, and after time X3, the internal state of the digital camera 100 is in the recording state (denoted as "REC" in the graph). Due to the driving of devices such as the imaging unit 22 and the image processing unit 24 by the start of video recording at time X3, the power consumption of these devices increases, and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 becomes large.

[0086] The temperatures K5 to K8 at times X5 to X8 are between Kl and Kh (Kl ≦ Kn ≦ Kh). Also, the internal state of the digital camera 100 is in the middle of video recording (REC). Since the user turns on Wifi at time X6, a display of "Wi-fi On" is made at the lower part of the graph as in the status display 403 of FIG. 4.

[0087] At times X9 to X10, temperatures K9 to K10 are higher than Kh (Kn > Kh). In response to the temperature exceeding Kh, i.e., at time X9, if video recording is in progress, video recording stops and the device transitions to recording standby mode. Therefore, the internal status display of the digital camera 100 also changes, as shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the operation of the digital camera 100 is restricted to stopping video recording and entering standby mode because the temperature Kn exceeded Kh during video recording, but this is not the only example. If the temperature Kn exceeds Kh while in recording standby mode, the Wi-Fi and the power to the digital camera 100 are turned off, or the fan 92 is started. At time X10, the temperature K10 remains higher than Kh, as it was at time X9, so the fan 92 is started. The Wi-Fi is also turned off. The disappearance of the band-shaped display on the status indicator 403 indicates that the Wi-Fi has been turned off. If the temperature remains above Kh for an extended period, it significantly increases the likelihood of damage to the digital camera 100's components and subsequent failure. Therefore, in addition to stopping video recording at time X9, the fan 92 is activated to lower the temperature of the digital camera 100. The status of the fan 92 at this time is shown in status display 405 (FAN). Since status display 405 is not displayed until time X10, the fan 92 is not operating until time X10. As mentioned earlier, Kh is the temperature at which operational restrictions are initiated to prevent failure of the digital camera 100. Therefore, even without user intervention, the operation of the digital camera 100 is restricted when the temperature exceeds the threshold.

[0088] At time X11, the temperature K11 is between Kl and Kh (Kl ≤ Kn ≤ Kh). It can be seen that when fan 92 was activated at time X10, the temperature K11 dropped below Kh. In this way, the user can see both the temperature and internal state of the digital camera 100. This allows the user to predict how much the temperature of the digital camera 100 will decrease and how long it will take to resume video recording by limiting its operation or activating fan 92.

[0089] Other device states that affect the device temperature may also be recorded. For example, recording formats such as file format and codec, or video recording settings such as recording resolution and frame rate. The illumination status of the display means included in the display unit 28 and the viewfinder external display unit 43, or the illumination brightness status indicating the brightness when the display means is illuminated, may also be recorded. The communication status of the external input / output terminals included in the recording medium I / F 18 may also be recorded. The mounting status of external devices such as lenses, tripods, various terminals, handles, strobes, lights, rigs, mudguards, filters, and housings, such as the lens unit 150, or the insertion / removal status of recording media such as the recording medium 200 may also be recorded. Power saving modes with different power consumption or high-performance modes that improve performance by consuming more power than normal may also be recorded. A cooling mode that prioritizes cooling the device temperature rather than normal operation may also be recorded. Sensor drive modes with different sensor update cycles or pixel signal readout methods, such as those of the imaging unit 22 and A / D 23, may also be recorded. The power supply status, such as the battery, AC power, or USB power supply included in the power supply unit 30, may also be recorded. The system may obtain the weather and temperature of the current location via the temperature sensor 93 or external communication via the communication unit 54, or it may estimate the surrounding environmental conditions from the aperture value of the lens unit 150, the shutter speed of the shutter 101, the sensitivity of the imaging unit 22, and the exposure value Ev obtained from the imaging results.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, the user can see from the temperature status display (graph) that the slope of the line graph gradually increases upward from time X3, and the slope increases further upward from time X6. From the slope of the graph and the information on the internal state of the digital camera 100, it can be seen that video recording started at time X3 and Wi-Fi was turned on at time X6. In other words, the user can see that the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 rises significantly when wireless communication via Wi-Fi is started. Although the rate of increase is smaller than that of wireless communication via Wi-Fi, it can be seen that the internal temperature also rises when video recording starts. In contrast, the slope of the graph changes downward from time X9, and the downward slope becomes even steeper from time X10. From these facts, the internal temperature decreases by stopping video recording, and the temperature can be further reduced by driving the fan 92.

[0091] As shown in Figure 4, the temperature status display allows the user to visually see how the temperature rises when the internal state of the digital camera 100 changes. Furthermore, the temperature status display also shows changes in other states, such as the wired and wireless communication status and the fan operation status (cooling status), in addition to the video recording status. This allows the user to visually see which function contributes to the rise / fall of the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 and to what extent. Also, even if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold and video recording becomes impossible, it becomes clear which function should be in what state to cool the digital camera 100 more effectively. It is possible to predict how long the digital camera 100 needs to be left alone to cool down enough to resume video recording, allowing for more efficient video recording without wasting time.

[0092] In other words, according to Display Example 1 of the temperature status display of this embodiment, the internal temperature and internal state of the digital camera 100 are recorded and displayed for each time period, allowing the user to visually identify the internal state that causes temperature changes. Furthermore, the user can predict and imagine what actions should be taken to prevent the temperature from rising or to efficiently lower the temperature when it does rise. That is, it can assist the user in selecting countermeasures to control the temperature.

[0093] The internal status of the digital camera 100 displayed along with the temperature status display includes, but is not limited to, the video recording status, communication status, and fan operation status (cooling status). For example, the external connection status with external display devices (such as HDMI®) via wired or wireless communication, and the power-saving status, which is a status related to the power consumption of the digital camera 100, such as the auto power-off setting, can also be displayed. In addition, the recording media status, which is the status of the recording medium 200 specifications (such as communication speed and capacity), and the display status, which is whether the LV image displayed on the display unit 28 is a high-resolution image such as 4K or 8K, can also be displayed. The operation status of the imaging unit 22, that is, whether or not imaging is being taken using the imaging unit 22, can also be displayed along with the temperature status display on the display unit 28.

[0094] Figures 5(a) to 5(c) show two examples of the temperature status display (graph) shown on the display unit 28. The vertical and horizontal axes of the graph, the time X1 to X11, and the temperature K1 to K11 are the same as in Figure 4. Figure 5 considers the case where the fan 92 was running for all of the time X1 to X11. Figure 5(a) shows the display at S325 and S327 in Figure 3(b), and Figure 5(c) shows the display at S329 in Figure 3(b).

[0095] Unlike the temperature status display graph in Figure 4, the display item 500 in Figure 5(a) displays display items 501 to 511, which show the fan speed setting status at each time, and the fan speed setting item 520. Display items 501 to 511 in display item 500 refer to the internal state information of the digital camera 100, which is stored in memory 32. The setting item 520 shown in Figure 5(a) shows the configurable options and the current setting for the fan speed setting of 92, and is displayed depending on whether it is selected by the user (e.g., touch-on). When not selected by the user (Figure 5(c)), the setting items 520b, 520c, and indicator 522, which are the options for the fan speed setting of 92, are not displayed. In other words, if the user selects setting item 520a (touch-on), setting items 520b and 520c are displayed. Depending on whether the user selects any of the setting items 520a to 520c, the indicator 522 is displayed for the selected setting item, and the fan speed setting of 92 is changed. When indicator 522 moves to setting item 520b ("Middle") at the user's command, display items 505-509 are highlighted. Similarly, when indicator 522 moves to setting item 520c ("High"), display items 510 and 511 are highlighted. When the user makes a decision at the fan speed indicated by the cursor (by touching the cursor again or pressing the SET button 75), the fan speed can be changed and confirmed. This display allows the user to visually see how much the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 changes when the fan speed is changed. In addition, the number of steps can be reduced because the fan speed can be changed without opening the settings menu screen.

[0096] Display item 530 in Figure 5(b) is a table showing information about the plot data that constitutes display item 500 shown in Figure 5(a), and is updated and expanded into memory 32 each time the temperature and fan speed settings are acquired. The temperature in display item 530 is acquired from the temperature sensor 93, and the fan mentioned in display item 530 is information acquired from the setting status of the fan 92 stored in the non-volatile memory 56. Note that when the setting status of the fan 92 is changed by the user from the setting menu screen, it is expanded into the non-volatile memory 56 and the setting is retained at the next startup. Display items 501 to 504 indicate that the fan speed setting is low, display items 505 to 509 indicate that the fan speed setting is medium, and display items 510 to 511 indicate that the fan speed setting is high. In addition, the time in display item 530 indicates the time when the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 and the fan speed setting were acquired via the temperature sensor 93.

[0097] In this embodiment, the number of plotted data points shown in display item 500 is set to 10, and display item 530 is given as an example of updating the information every 10 minutes, but it is not limited to this. Although data is plotted in display item 500 every 10 minutes, it is not limited to 10 minutes, and data may be plotted not only by time, but also when the temperature Kn becomes above or below the temperature Kl.Kh, or when the internal state of the digital camera 100 changes.

[0098] When the user selects setting item 520a (indicator 522 is displayed for setting item 520a), the corresponding fan speed display items 501 to 504 are highlighted. In this embodiment, the display items are highlighted to make them easier for the user to see. When the user changes the fan speed setting to medium (setting item 520b), display items 505 to 509 are highlighted. Similarly, when the user changes the fan speed setting to high (setting item 520c), display items 510 and 511 are highlighted.

[0099] Figure 5(c) shows an example of what is displayed on the display unit 28 when one of the display items 501 to 511 displayed on display item 500 is selected by the user. When display item 511 is selected (touched on) by the user, display item 541 is superimposed on display item 500. Display item 541 shows the speed setting of the fan 92 and the internal state of the digital camera 100 at the time X11 indicated by the display item 511 selected by the user. When selection item 542 is selected, the settings can be changed all at once to the state shown in display item 541.

[0100] In this embodiment, the fan 92's speed can be set to high, medium, or low. However, a setting (e.g., auto) that automatically changes the fan 92's speed according to the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 may also be provided.

[0101] In this embodiment, the relationship between temperature and time is displayed as a line graph, but this is not the only option. Furthermore, if a touch is detected in the area surrounding each indicator 321 or display items 501-511 on the touch panel included in the operation unit 70, such as display item 540, detailed information may be displayed, and the fan setting at the touched point may be changed directly. For example, if the fan speed setting state 511 is touched on display item 540, the fan setting may be displayed as shown on display item 541, and the setting may be changed by touching selection item 542. When selection item 542 is pressed on display item 540, the fan speed displayed in the lower right corner of the display item 540 screen changes from "low" to "high". By setting directly by touch in this way, the setting can be easily reflected while confirming the appropriate setting. Display item 541 is not limited to a pop-up display as shown in Figure 5(c). It may also be displayed above the setting item 520, i.e., below the graph.

[0102] As described with reference to FIG. 5, by performing the display as in Display Example 2 for the temperature status display, the user can visually recognize whether the fan 92 is driven or not at each time in the graph, and not only the fan 92 but also the internal state of the digital camera 100. Even if the user does not remember the set parameters at each time, the user can recognize the set content at each time, and can also recognize how the set parameters and the internal state of the digital camera 100 affect the change in the internal temperature. Furthermore, since the set parameters can be changed while referring to the graph, it is possible to change (lower) the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 more efficiently without feeling bothered.

[0103] FIGS. 6(a) to (c) are Display Example 3 of the temperature status display to be displayed on the display unit 28. In FIGS. 6(a) to (c) which are Display Example 3, display items indicating the current temperature and the state of change of the temperature, which are temperature status displays, are shown superimposed on the LV image to be displayed on the display unit 28.

[0104] FIG. 6(a) shows a display example of the current temperature and the state of change of the temperature of the digital camera 100. Based on the temperatures Kl and Kh (Kl < Kh) described above with reference to FIG. 4, it is determined whether the temperature is lower or higher than those temperatures, and the current temperature is displayed as a temperature icon. For example, when the temperature Kn measured at the time of S302 is Kn < Kl, the display is as shown in display item 601, when Kl ≦ Kn < Kh, the display is as shown in display item 602, and when Kn ≧ Kh, the display is as shown in display item 603. That is, display item 601 displays the temperature sensor icon in white and changes the color of the temperature sensor icon as the temperature becomes higher. Display item 602 is light red, and display item 603 displays the temperature sensor icon in red. Thereby, the user can visually recognize that the temperature is rising / falling by the change in the display form of the display item (temperature sensor icon). In particular, regarding the rise in temperature, by expressing in red that the temperature is approaching a temperature that affects the driving of the digital camera 100, a warning is shown to the user.

[0105] Regarding the degree of temperature change, the degree of change is indicated by display items 604 to 608 as temperature change icons. When the temperature is rising rapidly, display item 604 is displayed on the display unit 28, and when the temperature is rising slowly, display item 605 is displayed. When the temperature change is weak or there is no change, display item 606 is displayed, when the temperature is decreasing slowly, display item 607 is displayed, and when the temperature is decreasing rapidly, the display is performed as in display item 608.

[0106] FIG. 6(b) shows an example of display of temperature information to be superimposed on the LV image. The temperature information is composed of a temperature icon (any one of display items 601 to 603) determined from the temperature Kn at time Xn and a temperature change icon (display items 604 to 608) determined from the temperatures at times Xn - 2, Xn - 1, and Xn. When there are no times Xn - 2 and Xn - 1, only the temperature change icon at the temperature at time Xn is displayed.

[0107] Examples where the temperature of the digital camera 100 is rising are shown for display items 611 and 612. Display item 611 is composed of display item 601 indicating the current temperature and display items 606, 605, 606 indicating the degree of temperature change. The user can see from display item 601 that the temperature of the digital camera 100 at the current time is Kn < Kl, and it is sufficiently low for temperatures that may affect camera malfunctions or the like. Also, from display items 606, 605, 606, it can be seen that although the temperature of the digital camera 100 is rising, the degree of change (rate of change) is not very large. Therefore, it can be seen that it is unlikely that the temperature at which operation is restricted will be reached in a short time even if the processing being performed in the current state of the digital camera 100 is continued.

[0108] The display item 612 is composed of a display item 601 that indicates the current temperature, and display items 604, 605, 604 that indicate the rate of change of the temperature. From the display item 601, the user can know that the temperature of the digital camera 100 at the current time is Kn < Kl, and it is sufficiently low for temperatures that may affect camera failures or the like. Also, from the display items 604, 605, 604, it can be seen that the temperature of the digital camera 100 at the current time is low, but if the processing being performed in the current state of the digital camera 100 is continued, there is a high possibility of reaching a temperature at which operation will be restricted in a short time.

[0109] The display items 613, 614 show an example when the user is cooling an overheated device. The display item 613 is composed of a display item 603 that indicates the current temperature, and display items 607, 608, 607 that indicate the rate of increase (decrease) of the temperature. From the display item 603, the user can know that the temperature of the digital camera 100 at the current time is Kn > Kh, and it has reached / almost reached a temperature that may affect camera failures or the like and is thus quite high. Also, from the display items 607, 608, 607, it can be seen that the temperature of the digital camera 100 is decreasing, and the rate of decrease (cooling rate) is also large. Therefore, the user can imagine that if the cooling is continued in the current state of the digital camera 100, the temperature of the digital camera 100 will become low in a short time and video recording can be resumed.

[0110] Display item 614 consists of display item 603, which shows the current temperature, and display items 606, 607, and 606, which show the degree of temperature rise (decrease). From display item 603, the user can see that the current temperature of the digital camera 100 is Kn > Kh, which is high enough to reach or be about to reach a temperature that could cause camera malfunction. Also, from display items 606, 607, and 606, it can be seen that the temperature of the digital camera 100 is trending downwards, but the rate of decrease (cooling rate) is not very large. Therefore, the user can imagine that even if cooling continues in the current state of the digital camera 100, it will take time for the temperature of the digital camera 100 to become low enough to resume video recording.

[0111] Figure 6(c) shows an example of displaying temperature information superimposed on the LV image, as explained using Figures 6(a) and (b). Display item 622 is displayed superimposed on LV621 displayed on the display unit 28. The user can check the temperature information of the digital camera 100 while checking the LV image, whether the video is being recorded or in standby mode. This allows the user to decide whether to continue recording the video or interrupt the video recording to allow the digital camera 100 to cool down. If the digital camera 100 is to be cooled down, the user can consider whether it would be better to increase the cooling rate further than the current setting. In addition, since the rate of temperature change over time can be visualized, the user can adjust the schedule and plans for subsequent video recording.

[0112] In this embodiment, the temperature is displayed as an icon, but it may also be displayed as a gauge showing the current temperature relative to the upper limit temperature, or the information may be notified by changing the light emission color of the tally light included in the display unit 28. In addition to arrows as temperature change icons, temperature changes may also be notified by switching the blinking interval of the tally light included in the display unit 28. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature difference per unit time is calculated, but the time interval for calculating the temperature difference may be changed. In this case, the number of temperature change icons to be placed may be three as in this embodiment, or the number may be increased or decreased.

[0113] In this embodiment, the LV621 and temperature information are displayed on the display unit 28, but they may also be displayed on the viewfinder-external display unit 43 or the EVF 29, or the temperature information may be notified to the user by changing the blinking color and blinking interval of the tally light included in the display unit 28. In addition, when a terminal such as a PC or smartphone connects to the system control unit 50 via the communication unit 54, the temperature information may be sent to that terminal and notified to the user. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both a temperature icon and a temperature change icon are notified to the user as temperature information, but only the temperature change icon may be notified.

[0114] In the example display 3 of the temperature status display explained in Figure 6, the user can visually check the time-dependent changes in the internal temperature of the digital camera 100 while viewing the LV image. This allows the user to check temperature changes while confirming composition, etc., without feeling any inconvenience during recording or in the recording preparation state, making it user-friendly.

[0115] As explained using Figures 3(a)(b) and Figures 4-6, the display control allows the user to visually see the difference between the current temperature and the temperature at which operation is restricted by displaying the internal temperature change and internal state of the digital camera 100 using graphs and icons. Furthermore, the user can anticipate what countermeasures to take to prevent the temperature from rising or to lower the temperature (cool it down) based on the temperature status display. Moreover, if the temperature at which video recording is restricted is reached, the user can estimate from the graph how long it will take for the temperature to drop to a level where video recording can be resumed, and can make an estimate of the video shooting plan / schedule.

[0116] The temperature status display described using Figures 3(a)(b) and Figures 4-6 is not limited to being displayed on the display unit 28, as mentioned above; it may also be displayed on the EVF 29 or the viewfinder-external display unit 43. It is also possible to display it on an external output device such as HDMI via wired or wireless communication.

[0117] Figures 7 and 8 show examples of what is displayed on the display unit 28 when the user gives an instruction (in this embodiment, when the assign button 95 is pressed) during or while video recording is in standby mode. These are examples of what is displayed in S344 of Figure 3(c). Display example 1 is shown in Figure 7 and display example 2 is shown in Figure 8. Figure 9 shows the temperature thresholds of the temperature sensors 93 and their respective placement positions.

[0118] Based on temperatures obtained from multiple locations via the temperature sensor 93, the system notifies the user of the location closest to the temperature at which operation will be limited. To enable longer video recording without operation limitations, the system explicitly indicates which part of the digital camera 100 should be cooled (recommended cooling location).

[0119] Figure 7(a) shows an example of how the recommended cooling points for the digital camera 100 are displayed on the casing to inform the user. Figures 701 and 702 show the external view of the digital camera 100.

[0120] Areas 703 to 707 represent the locations of the temperature sensors 93 placed inside the digital camera 100. The number of areas displayed corresponds to the number of temperature sensors 93 placed. Note that multiple temperature sensors may be associated with one area, and multiple areas may be displayed for one temperature sensor. The temperature displayed in each area is determined by the system control unit 50 detecting the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 93 at regular intervals, or the temperature measured when the assign button 95 is pressed.

[0121] Display items 708-711 indicate areas where cooling is recommended. Display item 708 indicates areas 703, 709 indicates areas 705, 710 indicates areas 706, and 711 indicates areas 707. Since the recommended cooling areas only need to indicate their location on the digital camera 100, the display is not limited to the format shown in Figure 7(a); other methods such as flashing the area representing the location are also acceptable.

[0122] The system control unit 50 indicates a cooling recommendation location by comparing the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 93 corresponding to the location of the digital camera 100 with a threshold corresponding to that location, and if the temperature exceeds the threshold, it indicates the cooling recommendation location. If there are multiple thresholds, it indicates the cooling recommendation location if one or more of them are exceeded. In this case, the system control unit 50 may use a fixed value, such as a value stored in the system memory 52, as the threshold for display, or it may use a dynamic value, such as a value calculated using a formula based on the state of the digital camera 100.

[0123] Area 712 indicates the intake port 98 of fan 92, area 713 indicates the exhaust port 99 of fan 92, and display items 714 and 714 indicate the location of fan 92. At this time, the display is made so that the user can visually confirm that display item 714 is the intake port and display item 714 is the exhaust port. Areas 712 and 713 and display items 714 and 714, which indicate the location of fan 92, are particularly effective in lowering the internal temperature of the digital camera 100. When fan 92 is in use, cooling the area around the intake port 98 of fan 92 allows cooled air to be sent into the digital camera 100. This allows for more efficient cooling of the inside of the digital camera 100. On the other hand, even if the area around the exhaust port 99 of fan 92 is cooled, only air is expelled from the exhaust port, so it is not possible to efficiently cool the inside of the digital camera 100 using fan 92. In other words, by superimposing areas 712, 713 and display items 714, 714 onto images 701, 702, which are external views of the digital camera 100, the user can more efficiently cool the inside of the digital camera 100 using the fan 92.

[0124] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(b), the external view of the digital camera 100 may be displayed along with a bar graph showing the temperature changes at the multiple temperature sensors 93. Specifically, the display unit 28 displays the recommended cooling locations described in Figure 7(a), the locations of the temperature sensors 93 at each location of the digital camera 100 corresponding to areas 703 to 707, and the history of the difference between the threshold temperature at each location and the measured temperature.

[0125] Images 701 and 702 of the digital camera 100 are reduced versions of images 701 and 702 in Figure 7(a). Graph 723 is a bar graph showing the difference between the threshold value that limits operation and the temperature measured by each temperature sensor 93 at each location of the temperature sensor 93 placed on the digital camera 100. The X-axis represents each location on the digital camera 100 corresponding to the temperature sensor 93, and the Y-axis represents the difference between the threshold value at each location and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 93 corresponding to that location. Note that it is sufficient to represent the current and past data of the temperature state at each location, so the values ​​used for the X and Y axes may be changed, or graph 723 may be represented using a line graph or numerical values ​​only, or other representations besides a bar graph.

[0126] Display item 724 on the X axis represents the location corresponding to the temperature sensor 93 of the digital camera 100.

[0127] Graphs 725, 716, and 717 show the latest, the previous latest, and the two previous latest temperature measurements taken by the temperature sensor 93 at each location. Note that only the latest measurement result may be displayed. Furthermore, any number of past measurement results may be displayed. The measurement results are selected by the system control unit 50 from memory 32 for each location, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 93 at regular intervals, or the temperature measured when the assign button 95 is pressed. Note that the regular interval may be a fixed value stored in system memory 52, or a value set by the user. When displaying the measurement results, the system control unit 50 compares the temperature measured by the corresponding temperature sensor 93 at each location of the digital camera 100 with the corresponding threshold value stored in system memory 52, and may change the color of the bar graph, etc., according to the comparison result.

[0128] Display items 718 to 720 on the Y-axis represent temperature thresholds corresponding to each location on the digital camera 100. Display item 718 on the Y-axis indicates that the temperature is sufficiently low for use with the digital camera 100. Display item 719 on the Y-axis indicates that the temperature is approaching the temperature threshold at which operation will be limited, as described later. Display item 720 on the Y-axis indicates that the temperature at which the digital camera 100 will be forcibly shut down to prevent malfunction (the temperature at which operation will be limited). Note that it is not necessary to display all thresholds corresponding to each location; for example, only display item 720 on the Y-axis, which indicates the temperature at which forced shutdown occurs, or only display the Y-axis elements that indicate the thresholds for cooling recommended locations determined by the system control unit 50.

[0129] Area 721 consists of display items 724 and graphs corresponding to each temperature sensor 93 within the display items 724, as well as their surrounding areas. When the user touches within area 721 displayed on the display unit 28, the system control unit 50 may display an area 707, which represents the location of the digital camera 100 corresponding to the X-axis display items 724 of images 701 and 702, by blinking or other means. When the user touches within area 721, the system control unit 50 determines the location of the X-axis display items 724 corresponding to area 721 and highlights the area of ​​images 701 and 702 corresponding to the touched element.

[0130] Figures 7(c) and 7(d) show an example of displaying the external view of the digital camera 100 shown in Figure 7(a), along with a recommended cooling method.

[0131] Message 732 and Message 734 inform the user of more efficient cooling methods when cooling area 731 and area 733, respectively. The displayed message changes depending on which of the temperature sensors 93a to 93d has exceeded the threshold temperature. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9(a), the area displayed on the display unit 28 changes depending on which of the temperature sensors 93a to 93d has reached which temperature state (temperature state 1 to 3), and the corresponding message shown in Figure 9(b) is displayed. Messages 732 and 734 may be displayed depending on the user's operation to select an area display such as area 731 or 733, or they may be displayed only for areas where the temperature acquired by temperature sensor 93 exceeds the temperature threshold that limits operation. If the threshold is exceeded at multiple temperature sensors, multiple messages may be displayed. In addition to message display, the area display may blink or be highlighted.

[0132] The images 701 and 702 shown in Figures 7(a) to (d) may be external views of the digital camera 100 or illustrations that mimic the digital camera 100. Furthermore, any number of images 701 and 702 may be displayed depending on the location and number of cooling recommendation points to be displayed. In this embodiment, the cooling recommendation points are superimposed on the LV image with sufficient transparency for the user to see that the LV image is being displayed. This indicates that the cooling recommendation points are only displayed temporarily, and the user can easily check the LV image if desired. Additionally, information such as the video recording status (STBY, REC, etc.) and video recording time are displayed without user intervention, even when cooling recommendation points are displayed, because this information is important for video recording. This allows the user to view the minimum necessary information regarding video recording while also checking other information such as cooling recommendation points.

[0133] Each area display has multiple thresholds determined for it. Note that the number of thresholds may be just one. Each area display has its own set of thresholds. The system control unit 50 acquires the threshold corresponding to the area display to be compared and compares it with the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 93 corresponding to that area display. Based on the comparison result, the system control unit 50 performs actions such as showing or hiding the area display, changing its color, and changing the type of associated icon. Figure 9(a) shows an example of the relationship between each area display and its threshold. The column "Camera Location" indicates each area display, and the columns "Temperature State 1," "Temperature State 2," and "Temperature State 3" show the temperature state within each area display, classified by the threshold of each area display. In this figure, each area display has two thresholds. Therefore, as a result of comparing the threshold and temperature, there are three temperature states. The temperature sensors 93a to 93d shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are, as mentioned above, temperature sensors installed in different locations inside the digital camera 100, and measure the temperature at each camera location. As shown in Figure 9(a), when measuring the temperature of a single camera location, such as the "lens surface" or "grip," it is possible to use multiple temperature sensors for measurement and set a threshold for each temperature sensor to determine the temperature state. On the other hand, it is also possible to determine the temperature state using only one temperature sensor, such as for the "LCD," "media," or "battery." This is determined by the relationship between the placement of the temperature sensor 93 and the recommended cooling location, which determines whether to use one temperature sensor or multiple temperature sensors. Furthermore, the same temperature sensor may be used to determine the temperature state in different locations, such as the "lens surface" or "grip." In addition, the same temperature sensor and the same threshold may be used to determine the temperature state in different locations, such as the "media" and "battery." In this embodiment, "LCD" refers to the display unit 28. In other words, message 732 states that it is recommended to apply a coolant to the display unit 28 for cooling. Similarly, "LCD" in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) also refers to the display unit 28.

[0134] Note that the system control unit 50 may use a fixed value such as a value stored in the system memory 52 or the like as the threshold for each area display, or may use a dynamic value such as a value calculated from the state of the digital camera 100. Also, as the threshold for each area display, the threshold when transitioning from the temperature state 1 shown in FIG. 9(a) to the temperature state 2 and the threshold when transitioning from the temperature state 2 to the temperature state 1 may be set to different thresholds depending on the states before and after the transition. If the thresholds are set to the same value, there is a possibility of changing between the temperature state 1 and the temperature state 2 in a short time, which may cause the temperature state to change immediately and make the user feel bothered or confused.

[0135] FIG. 8(a) is an example of notifying the user in the text of the cooling recommended location of which part should be cooled. As described above using FIGS. 7(a) to (d), the cooling recommended location is the arrangement position of the temperature sensor 93.

[0136] The message 816 is shown on the display unit 28 when any one of the temperature sensors 93 exceeds the temperature Kh (described above in FIG. 4) that limits the operation of the digital camera 100. If there is a temperature sensor that has exceeded the temperature Kh, the position where the corresponding temperature sensor is arranged is displayed as a high-temperature location. When the temperature Kn acquired by the temperature sensor satisfies Kl ≦ Kn ≦ Kh, the arrangement position of the corresponding temperature sensor is displayed as a medium-temperature location. Note that when there are multiple thresholds corresponding to each location, the temperature state may be set and displayed for each threshold as shown in FIG. 10(a) according to the temperature measured at each location and the number of exceeded thresholds.

[0137] The message 817 in FIG. 8(b) is a message displayed on the display unit 28 when the temperature Kn is Kn < Kl in all of the temperature sensors 93 arranged in the digital camera 100. When Kn < Kl in all of the temperature sensors, neither the external view of the digital camera 100 as shown in FIG. 7(a) nor the display of the message 817 described in FIG. 8(b) may be performed.

[0138] Figure 10 shows an example of the cooling method options for the digital camera 100, which are displayed on the display unit 28 in S350 of Figure 3(b). A dialog box 1001 is displayed superimposed on the LV image. The dialog box 1001 displays the selection items 1002 and 1003 and the message 1004.

[0139] Message 1004 displays the text, "Fan rotation is effective for cooling the camera." In this embodiment, the text is as in Message 1004, but it is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a text such as, "There are two ways to cool the camera as follows."

[0140] If the user selects option 1002, the fan 92 will start running; if the user selects option 1003, the digital camera 100 will be powered off.

[0141] Furthermore, if the battery level in the power supply unit 30 is lower than a predetermined level, the power to the digital camera 100 is turned off regardless of the user's selection or the temperature difference T2-T1. In other words, the battery level is checked before the determination in S349 in Figure 3(b), and if the battery level is lower than the predetermined level, the process proceeds to S353. If the fan 92 is driven when the battery level is lower than the predetermined level, power will be used for the fan 92, resulting in the battery level becoming 0 and making it impossible to record video. Therefore, if the battery level is lower than the predetermined level, the power to the digital camera 100 is turned off to cool the digital camera 100. This allows the power to be turned on again and video recording to resume once the digital camera 100 has cooled sufficiently. This control allows video recording, which is considered the user's top priority, to be performed without causing the user any inconvenience.

[0142] As explained above, according to this embodiment, electronic devices can be cooled more efficiently by determining and executing the optimal cooling method depending on the situation, from two different cooling methods: cooling using fan rotation and cooling by turning off the power.

[0143] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) show the control flowchart that is initiated when the answer to S303 in Figure 3(a) is "Yes," i.e., when the temperature status display is enabled (S304 in Figure 3(a)). The flowcharts shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) show the display of temperature changes to be displayed on the display unit 28.

[0144] Examples of displays using the flowchart in Figure 11(a) are shown in Figures 12(a) to (c). Figures 12(a) to (c) show examples of displays when the time interval of the graph to be drawn can be changed (Figures 12(a), (b)) and an example of a display when the power of the digital camera 100 was turned off for a relatively short period of time (Figure 12(c)). Figure 12(d) shows the temperature information data stored internally at this time.

[0145] Figure 13(a) shows an example of the display performed using the flowchart in Figure 11(b), and Figure 13(b) shows the internally stored temperature information data. Figure 11(b) explains the control when the digital camera 100 is powered off for a certain period of time.

[0146] In S1101, the system control unit 50 draws the grid lines of the graph and displays them on the display unit 28. The grid lines drawn at this time are based on the time interval information of the graph stored in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0147] In S1102, similar to S301, the system control unit 50 sets the variable n=1, which indicates the number of times the temperature has been acquired, and stores it in the system memory 52.

[0148] In S1103, the system control unit 50 stores the latest data ID as TempID in the non-volatile memory 56. A data ID is the ID assigned to acquired data, as shown in item 1231 in Figure 12(d). For the latest data ID, the item "Is this the latest data?" shown in item 1234 in Figure 12(d) will be set to "TRUE". When new data is added after data ID "55", item 1234 of the data ID becomes "FALSE", and item 1234 of the next new data ID "56" becomes "TRUE".

[0149] In S1104, the system control unit 50 acquires temperature information corresponding to TempID and calculates the Y position of the graph according to the temperature information. Using the calculated Y position, it draws a point at the (Xn,Y) position for the X and Y coordinates.

[0150] In S1105, the system control unit 50 sets PrevTempID = TempID-1. PrevTempID indicates that it is one TempID older than the most recent TempID.

[0151] In S1106, the system control unit 50 determines whether n ≤ 16 and whether temperature information corresponding to PrevTempID exists. If it is determined to be Yes, the process proceeds to S1107; otherwise, the control flowchart in Figure 11(a) is terminated. In this step, the condition n ≤ 16 arises because there are 16 points to plot when drawing the temperature graph (the number of time and temperature information points used to draw the graph). Therefore, the specific numerical value can be changed depending on the points to be plotted on the graph, not just 16.

[0152] In S1107, the system control unit 50 calculates the difference between the date and time of PrevTempID and the date and time of TempID, which is t seconds, and stores it in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0153] In S1108, the system control unit 50 determines whether the time t calculated in S1107 is within 1 minute and 30 seconds. If t is within 1 minute and 30 seconds, the process proceeds to S1109; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1112. The determination of time t in this step depends on the frequency of acquiring temperature data from the temperature sensor 93, which will be described later. In this embodiment, data is acquired approximately every minute. Details of the data acquisition frequency will be described later using Figure 12(d). Although the control is set to acquire data approximately every minute, the acquisition timing may exceed 1 minute depending on the processing order of the tasks of the temperature sensor 93 and the system control unit 50. Therefore, a 30-second margin is provided. If data cannot be acquired for a longer period than 1 minute and 30 seconds, it is determined that the digital camera 100 is powered off. In other words, if the digital camera 100 is powered off and then immediately powered on, the next data can be acquired within 1 minute and 30 seconds, so the digital camera 100 will not be depicted as powered off on the temperature graph (temperature status).

[0154] In S1109, the system control unit 50 acquires temperature information corresponding to PrevTempID and calculates the Y position according to the temperature information. Using the calculated Y position, it draws a point at the (Xn+1, Prev_Y) position for the X and Y coordinates.

[0155] In S1110, the system control unit 50 draws a line connecting the point at position (Xn+1, Prev_Y) drawn in S1109 and the point at position (Xn, Y) drawn in S1104.

[0156] In S1111, the system control unit 50 sets n=n+1 and TempID=PrevTempID, and stores them in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0157] In S1112, since the result was determined to be No in S1108, the system control unit 50 sets the variable m to m = n + t / 60 and stores it in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0158] In S1113, the system control unit 50 determines whether m ≤ 16. If m ≤ 16, the process proceeds to S1114; otherwise, the control flowchart shown in Figure 11(a) is terminated.

[0159] In S1114, the system control unit 50 acquires temperature information corresponding to PrevTempID and calculates the Y position according to the temperature information. Using the calculated Y position, it draws a point at the (Xm, Prev_Y) position for the X and Y coordinates.

[0160] In S1115, the system control unit 50 sets n=m and TempID=PrevTempID and stores them in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0161] In S1116, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to change the time interval of the graph to be displayed. If there has been an instruction, the system proceeds to S1117; otherwise, it returns to S1105. Specifically, an instruction to change the time interval refers to an instruction to display item 1203 or display item 1204 in Figure 12(a).

[0162] In S1117, the system control unit 50 changes the time interval and performs the drawing.

[0163] Next, we will explain the control flowchart in Figure 11(b). Since the control steps are the same as those in Figure 11(a), the explanation will be omitted. In Figure 11(a), we explained the case where the power-off period of the digital camera 100 is short, as shown in Figure 12(c). As shown in Figure 12(c), if the time interval is 1 min (hour 1202) and the power-off time is approximately 2 minutes, only a portion of the graph will not be drawn. However, if the power-off time is long, such as 15 minutes, when the time interval is 1 min, most of the graph will not be drawn, rendering the temperature graph meaningless. Therefore, if the power-off period exceeds a predetermined time, the power-off time is not accurately drawn on the graph, but rather omitted.

[0164] In S1121, similar to S1109, the system control unit 50 acquires temperature information corresponding to PrevTempID and calculates the Y position according to the temperature information. Using the calculated Y position, a point is drawn at the (Xn+1, Prev_Y) position for the X and Y coordinates.

[0165] In S1122, similar to S1108, the system control unit 50 determines whether the value of t calculated in S1107 is within 1 minute and 30 seconds. If t is within 1 minute and 30 seconds, the process proceeds to S1123; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1124.

[0166] In S1123, similar to S1110, the system control unit 50 draws a line connecting the point at position (Xn+1, Prev_Y) drawn in S1121 and the point at position (Xn, Y) drawn in S1104.

[0167] In S1124, the system control unit 50 displays the time the digital camera 100 has been turned off, along with an indicator showing that the digital camera 100 is powered off, on a graph. An example of this display is shown in Figure 13(a).

[0168] In S1125, similar to S1111, the system control unit 50 sets n=n+1 and TempID=PrevTempID, and stores it in the non-volatile memory 56.

[0169] Figures 12(a) to 12(d) show an example display and data ID table when the control flowchart in Figure 11(a) is implemented, and Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show an example display and data ID table when the control flowchart in Figure 11(b) is implemented.

[0170] Figures 12(a) to (c) show graphs plotted and connected from 16 points (16 acquired time and temperature data points). In Graph 1200, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents temperature data. Vertical grid lines are drawn at equal intervals.

[0171] Figure 12(a) is a temperature graph with a time interval of 1 minute (time 1202), and is displayed when S1108 in Figure 11(a) is determined to be Yes. Point 1201 is the latest temperature information and is shown in a different display format (a double circle in this case) than the other points. Since each grid line represents 1 minute, it can be seen that point 1205 is a point from 5 minutes before point 1201, which shows the latest temperature information. Because 16 points are obtained, the user can visually see the change in temperature information from the latest temperature information (point 1201) to point 1208, which is the temperature information from 15 minutes ago.

[0172] Furthermore, a display indicating that it is 5 minutes prior to the latest point 1201 is shown (time 1206). When the user gives instructions to display item 1203 or 1204 (S1116 in Figure 11(a)), time 1202 is changed, and the time interval indicated by the grid lines of graph 1200 is changed. In accordance with the change in the time interval, time 1202 is also changed. When instructions are given to display item 1204 in the state shown in Figure 12(a), the temperature graph changes to the time interval shown in Figure 12(b). However, even if instructions are given to display item 1203 in the state shown in Figure 12(a), the time interval will not be changed.

[0173] Figure 12(b) is a temperature graph with a time interval of 3 minutes, and is displayed when S1108 in Figure 11(a) is determined to be Yes. When instruction is given to display item 1203, the time interval becomes 1 minute (transitioning to Figure 12(a)), and when instruction is given to display item 1204, the time interval becomes 5 minutes. Point 1215 shows the temperature information from 15 minutes prior to point 1201, which is the latest temperature information. Because the time interval is 3 minutes, the user can visually see the change in temperature information at point 1218, which is the temperature information from 45 minutes prior to the latest temperature information (point 1201). Compared to Figure 12(a), the time interval in Figure 12(b) is larger, so the graph has a relatively gentler curve. The other items are the same as the temperature graph explained in Figure 12(a).

[0174] Figure 12(c) is a temperature graph with a time interval of 1 minute, and is displayed when S1108 in Figure 11(a) is determined to be "No". Points 1225 and 1226 are drawn with a broken line (the line is not connected). This indicates that the digital camera 100 was powered off between points 1225 and 1226, and time and temperature information could not be obtained. Figure 12(d) shows the data table obtained to draw the temperature graph, including the data ID, temperature, date and time, at this time. Note that in Figure 12(c), the graph line is not connected while the digital camera 100 is powered off, but this is not the only way. For example, the graph line could be connected, and the line color could be changed or a dotted line could be used only when the power is off. Alternatively, only the relevant area could be masked to indicate the power-off state.

[0175] In Figure 12(d), the temperature sensor 93 acquires the temperature once every minute, and the temperature information, along with the date and time information, is stored in the non-volatile memory 56. 300 minutes of data are stored for the temperature graph, and the frequency of data acquisition by the temperature sensor 93 does not change even if the time interval is switched. That is, data is acquired once every minute even if the time interval is switched. Looking at the dates and times of data IDs 49 and 50 in Figure 12(d), there is a difference of approximately 2 minutes. The temperature sensor 93 acquires data approximately every minute, and the determination in S1108 in Figure 11(a) indicates that data acquisition was not possible for a period of 1 minute and 30 minutes or more. Therefore, based on this data, it is assumed that the digital camera 100 is powered off, and the data is not plotted on the temperature graph. The control of the temperature status display when data acquisition is not possible for a long period of time will be described later using the flowchart in Figure 11(b) and Figures 13(a) and (b).

[0176] This type of control allows the user to understand how much the temperature of the digital camera 100 will decrease when it is powered off. This allows the user to predict how long it will take for the digital camera 100 to cool down enough for the desired shooting time, even if its temperature rises before the next shoot. Furthermore, it reduces the loss of shooting opportunities by preventing the user from shooting for the desired time due to temperature rise during the next shoot.

[0177] Figure 13(a) is a temperature graph with a time interval of 1 minute, and is displayed when S1106 in Figure 11(b) is determined to be No. Point 1301 represents the most recent temperature information, point 1305 represents the information from approximately 5 minutes prior to the most recent temperature information, and point 1306 represents the information from approximately 30 minutes prior to point 1305. Points 1305 and 1306 are drawn with a broken line on the graph (without connecting the lines), and the abbreviated display 1312 and time 1311 are drawn. This indicates that the digital camera 100 was powered off between points 1305 and 1306, and therefore time and temperature information could not be obtained. Figure 13(b) shows the data table obtained to draw the temperature graph, including the data ID, temperature, date and time, at this time.

[0178] In Figure 13(b), similar to the data table shown in Figure 12(d), the temperature sensor 93 acquires the temperature once every minute, and the temperature information, along with the date and time information, is stored in the non-volatile memory 56. Looking at the dates and times of data IDs 49 and 50 in Figure 13(b), there is a difference of approximately 30 minutes. The data acquired by the temperature sensor 93 is acquired approximately every minute, and the determination in S1122 in Figure 11(b) indicates that data acquisition was not possible for a period of 1 minute and 30 minutes or more. Therefore, based on this data, it is assumed that the power of the digital camera 100 was turned off, and the data is not plotted on the temperature graph. However, if, as explained using Figures 11(a) and 12, the points during the power-off state are simply not connected, the graph 1300 will not have any plots at all, which is likely to confuse the user. Also, since it is quite possible that the power of the digital camera 100 will be turned off for about 30 minutes, it would be inconvenient for the user if the data is not plotted on the graph each time. Therefore, if the difference time t of multiple temperature data stored in the non-volatile memory 56 exceeds 1 minute and 30 seconds (S1122 in Figure 11(b)), the points are not connected by lines, and are even abbreviated. In Figure 13(a), the abbreviated display 1311 is used, but this is not the only example. At this time, the duration for which the digital camera 100 was powered off is also indicated (time 1311). This control allows the user to understand how much the temperature of the digital camera 100 will decrease depending on how long the power of the digital camera 100 is turned off. This allows the user to predict how long the power of the digital camera 100 needs to be turned off in order to lower the temperature enough for the desired shooting time, even if the temperature of the digital camera 100 rises when taking the next shot. Furthermore, it reduces the loss of shooting opportunities by preventing the user from taking the desired amount of time due to temperature rise during the next shooting session.

[0179] In this embodiment, the time interval can be changed to 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, or 10 min. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the time interval of the temperature graph that can be changed by the user is predetermined, but the user may be allowed to freely set the time interval as they see fit.

[0180] Furthermore, while it was mentioned above that the reason for not connecting the points on the graph with lines is when the digital camera 100 is powered off, this is not the only case. For example, even in cases where the temperature of the digital camera 100 does not rise easily and there is no need to worry about the internal temperature, such as in still image mode, the same temperature status display control as when the power is off may be used.

[0181] Furthermore, the various controls described above, which are performed by the system control unit 50, may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0182] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0183] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above used the application of the present invention to a digital camera as an example, the invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device capable of obtaining the temperature of the device. In other words, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printer devices equipped with displays, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, and the like.

[0184] Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to electronic devices themselves, but also to control devices that communicate with electronic devices (including digital cameras and network cameras) via wired or wireless communication and remotely control the electronic devices. Examples of devices that remotely control electronic devices include smartphones, tablet PCs, and desktop PCs. Based on operations and processes performed on the control device side, the control device can remotely control the electronic device by notifying the imaging device of commands to perform various operations and settings. In addition, live view images captured by the electronic device may be received via wired or wireless communication and displayed on the control device side.

[0185] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. Display unit and The system includes a control means for controlling the display unit to display a graph showing the temperature change obtained from a temperature acquisition means, The control means controls the graph to display a first temperature threshold related to the temperature at which video recording stops, and a second temperature threshold related to the temperature at which video recording may stop. The control means controls the display of the graph and the cooling location when the temperature obtained by the temperature acquisition means exceeds the second temperature threshold. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition means to be displayed in the graph showing the temperature change at predetermined time intervals.

3. It has a setting means that allows the user to set the time interval, The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means controls the temperature acquisition means to display the temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition means at time intervals set by the setting means in the graph showing the temperature change.

4. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means controls the first temperature threshold to be displayed as a line in the graph showing the temperature change, and the second temperature threshold to be displayed as a band having a predetermined temperature width in the graph showing the temperature change.

5. It has recording means for recording the image obtained by imaging onto a recording medium, The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature acquisition means acquires the temperature of the recording medium.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature acquisition means acquires the temperature of a battery.

7. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means controls the temperature change acquired by the temperature acquisition means to be displayed as a line graph.

8. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means controls the display of the state change of the imaging apparatus on the graph showing the temperature change.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that it has the temperature acquisition means and the detection means for detecting the state of the imaging device.

10. The imaging device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the state of the imaging device is at least one of the following: recording state, recording standby state, cooling state, communication state, external connection state, power saving state, recording media state, imaging unit drive state, power supply state, and surrounding environment state.

11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control means controls the state change detected by the detection means to be displayed as an icon at predetermined time intervals on the graph showing the temperature change.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control means controls the display unit to display detailed information of the state of the imaging apparatus indicated by the icon when the icon is selected by the user.

13. It further has an imaging unit, The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control means stops recording video if the imaging unit was recording video when the temperature of the imaging apparatus obtained by the temperature acquisition means exceeds a first temperature threshold.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the display of the cooling location regardless of user instructions when the temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition means exceeds the second temperature threshold, if video is not being recorded, and if video is being recorded, controls the display of the cooling location in response to user instructions.

15. A method for controlling an imaging device, A temperature acquisition step to obtain the temperature, The system includes a control step of displaying a graph showing the temperature change acquired in the temperature acquisition step on a display unit. The control step involves controlling the graph to display a first temperature threshold related to the temperature at which video recording stops, and a second temperature threshold related to the temperature at which video recording may stop. The control step controls the display of the cooling location along with the display of the graph when the temperature obtained in the temperature acquisition step exceeds the second temperature threshold. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by the following:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images