Imaging device, method for controlling imaging device, and program

Abstract

An imaging device according to the present invention includes: a first operation member capable of receiving a first operation; and a second operation member capable of receiving a second operation. When the first operation member receives the first operation, the imaging device controls an imaging means to capture an image, and records, on a recording medium, the captured image acquired by the aforementioned image-capturing, and when the second operation member receives the second operation, the imaging device records the first image on the recording medium. Even when the second operation member has received the second operation, the imaging device does not record the first image on the recording medium if the image that has been recorded on the recording medium immediately prior is the first image.

Description

Image capture device, image capture device control method, and program

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

[0002] When images captured by a camera are displayed in a list, many thumbnail images with similar images are often displayed side by side. This can make it difficult for a user to visually distinguish the boundaries between multiple consecutive captured images. Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) describes a technique for acquiring predetermined boundaries between captured images and generating "boundary images that are displayed at the boundaries when multiple captured images are displayed in a list."

[0003] JP 2008-244778 A

[0004] In Patent Document 1, when predetermined conditions are met, a separator image is automatically generated and recorded on a medium without the user's awareness. This eliminates the user's need to generate and record separator images. However, this technology requires fixed conditions for recording (generating) separator images. Therefore, it is not possible to record separator images on a medium at the timing intended by the user.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that, when recording a plurality of captured images on a medium, can record delimiter images on the medium at a timing intended by the user.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a first operating member capable of accepting a first operation that instructs the imaging means to take a photograph, and a second operating member capable of accepting a second operation, and a control means that 1) when the first operating member accepts the first operation, controls the imaging means to take a photograph and records the photographed image obtained by the photograph on a recording medium, and 2) when the second operating member accepts the second operation, records a first image on the recording medium, wherein the control means does not record the first image on the recording medium even when the second operating member accepts the second operation, if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is the first image.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a control method for an imaging device having an imaging means, a first operating member capable of accepting a first operation that instructs the imaging means to take a photograph, and a second operating member capable of accepting a second operation, the control method comprising: a first control step in which, when the first operating member accepts the first operation, controls the imaging means to take a photograph and records the photographed image obtained by the photograph on a recording medium; and a second control step in which, when the second operating member accepts the second operation, records a first image on the recording medium, wherein in the second control step, even if the second operating member accepts the second operation, if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is the first image, the first image is not recorded on the recording medium.

[0008] According to the present invention, when recording a plurality of captured images on a medium, the imaging device can record a delimiter image on the medium at a timing intended by the user.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 3A to 3H are diagrams illustrating separator images according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of display control processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing according to the Fn1 button according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing according to the Fn1 button according to the second embodiment.

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

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a digital camera 100 (imaging device) according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an external view of the digital camera 100. Note that embodiment 1 may be applied to any electronic device (such as a smartphone or a personal computer) that has an imaging unit, instead of the digital camera 100.

[0012] The photographing lens 104 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 105 is a shutter with an aperture function. The imaging unit 106 is an imaging element composed of elements (such as a CCD or CMOS element) that convert optical images into electrical signals. The imaging unit 106 acquires a photographed image by capturing an image of real space. The A / D converter 107 converts analog signals into digital signals. The A / D converter 107 is used to convert the analog signals output from the imaging unit 106 into digital signals. The barrier 103 covers the imaging system (including the photographing lens 104) of the digital camera 100. In this way, the barrier 103 prevents the imaging system (including the photographing lens 104, the shutter 105, and the imaging unit 106) from becoming dirty or being damaged.

[0013] The image processing unit 102 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing (reduction, etc.), or color conversion on data from the A / D converter 107 or data from the memory control unit 108. The image processing unit 102 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data. Based on the obtained arithmetic results, the system control unit 101 performs exposure control and distance measurement control. This results in TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. The image processing unit 102 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic results.

[0014] The output data from the A / D converter 107 is written directly to the memory 109 via the "image processing unit 102 and memory control unit 108" or via the "memory control unit 108". The memory 109 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 106 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 107. The memory 109 stores image data to be displayed on the display unit 111. The memory 109 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio.

[0015] The memory 109 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory). The D / A converter 110 converts the image display data stored in the memory 109 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 111. When the display image data written in the memory 109 is supplied to the display unit 111 via the D / A converter 110, an image based on the image data is displayed on the display unit 111.

[0016] The display unit 111 displays on a display device such as an LCD in accordance with the analog signal from the D / A converter 110. The digital signal that has been A / D converted once by the A / D converter 107 and stored in the memory 109 is then converted to analog in the D / A converter 110. The display unit 111 functions as an electronic viewfinder by sequentially displaying images based on the transferred signals, and can display through images (hereinafter referred to as "live view images").

[0017] The nonvolatile memory 114 is a memory that can be electrically erased and recorded. For example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is used as the nonvolatile memory 114. Constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 101 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 114. The programs referred to here are programs for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0018] The system control unit 101 controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 101 executes programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 described above to realize the various processes of this embodiment, which will be described later. The system memory 112 uses RAM (Random Access Memory). Constants, variables, programs (programs read from the nonvolatile memory 114) used by the system control unit 101 to operate are loaded into the system memory 112. The system control unit 101 also controls the memory 109, D / A converter 110, display unit 111, and the like, thereby performing display control. The system timer 113 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0019] The shutter button 115 , mode switching dial 118 , power button 119 , and operation unit 120 are each an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 101 .

[0020] The mode switching dial 118 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 101 to a detailed mode included in the "still image recording mode, moving image recording mode, and each operation mode."

[0021] The first shutter switch 116 generates a first shutter switch signal SW1 when it is turned on by half-pressing (instructing preparation for shooting) during operation of the shutter button 115 provided on the digital camera 100. The generation of the first shutter switch signal SW1 starts an operation such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, or EF (pre-flash) processing.

[0022] The second shutter switch 117 generates a second shutter switch signal SW2 when the shutter button 115 is fully pressed (photographing instruction) and turned ON. When the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated, the system control unit 101 starts a series of operations for photographing processing (processing from reading a signal from the imaging unit 106 to writing image data to the recording medium 124).

[0023] The power supply control unit 121 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit (a circuit that switches the blocks to which electricity is applied). The power supply control unit 121 detects the state of the power button 119, whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 121 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 101. In this way, the power supply control unit 121 supplies the necessary voltage to each unit, including the recording medium 124, for the necessary period of time.

[0024] The power supply unit 122 includes a primary battery (such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery), a secondary battery (such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery), an AC adapter, etc. In this embodiment, a case where a secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 122 (hereinafter referred to as "battery 122") will be described.

[0025] The recording medium I / F 123 is an interface with a recording medium 124 (such as a memory card or a hard disk). The recording medium 124 is a memory card or the like for recording captured images. The recording medium 124 is configured from a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0026] The digital camera 100 can issue notifications such as warnings by sound. Specifically, the speaker 126 can emit sounds generated by the sound control unit 125.

[0027] Each operating member of the operating unit 120 operates as a variety of function buttons. Appropriate functions are assigned to each operating member depending on the selection of various function icons displayed on the display unit 111. Each operating member is assigned a function button such as an end button, a back button, an image forward button, a jump button, a narrow down button, or an attribute change button.

[0028] For example, when the menu button 201 shown in Fig. 2 is pressed, a menu screen in which various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 111 (see Fig. 3A). While looking at the menu screen displayed on the display unit 111, the user can intuitively make various settings using the cross button 202 (an operation member having buttons in four directions: up, down, left, and right) and the SET button 203.

[0029] The controller wheel 204 and electronic dial 205 are rotatable operating members included in the operation unit 120. The controller wheel 204 and electronic dial 205 are used together with the cross button 202 to indicate a selection item, etc. Pressing the playback button 206 makes it possible to switch between the shooting mode and playback mode of the digital camera 100. Pressing the video recording start button 207 makes it possible to start and stop recording a video.

[0030] The user can assign any function to each of the function button 208 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fn1 button 208") and the function button 209 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fn2 button 209") When each function button is pressed, the digital camera 100 executes the function assigned to that function button.

[0031] A battery 122 and a recording medium 124 can be inserted into the digital camera 100 from the bottom of the digital camera 100. The bottom of the digital camera 100 can be covered with a cover 210 that can be opened and closed.

[0032] Next, an overview of the generation of separator images will be described. The separator image generation function can be assigned to an operation member on a menu screen such as that shown in Fig. 3A. As shown in Figs. 3B and 3C, separator images are images that indicate separators between a plurality of captured images (images of real space) when the captured images are displayed in a list (list playback).

[0033] When the button assigned with the function of generating a separator image is pressed in the standby state immediately after continuous shooting, a separator image is generated as the next image in the series of shot images. The generated separator image is recorded as a file on the recording medium 124.

[0034] The separator image allows the user to easily visually identify the divisions between consecutive captured images, even when multiple thumbnails with similar images are lined up in a list display such as that shown in Figures 3G and 3H. Furthermore, the system control unit 101 may generate a specific separator image at the timing of a predetermined change and record it on the recording medium 124. Here, the specific separator image may be a separator image different from either separator image IA or separator image IB, which will be described later. This allows the user to easily determine whether an image in the list display is captured before the timing of the predetermined change. The timing of the predetermined change may be when a setting value of the digital camera 100 is changed, when the lens is replaced, or when the date changes.

[0035] In the first embodiment, two types of separator images are prepared. One of the two types of separator images is called "separator image IA" (see FIG. 3B), and the other is called "separator image IB" (see FIG. 3C). As shown in FIG. 3A, separator image IA can be generated by pressing the Fn1 button 208. Separator image IB can be generated by pressing the Fn2 button 209.

[0036] The delimited images are given file names according to the "predetermined naming rules" that are the same as the naming rules for the captured images, and are recorded on the recording medium 124. The file names may be assigned unique numbers in the order of capture (order of creation; order of recording). In other words, the predetermined naming rules may be any naming rules that allow files (images) to be sorted in the order of creation based on the file names. For example, DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) may be used as the naming rule for still images. Furthermore, the file name may simply be a number indicating the date and time of capture (year + month + day + hour + minute + second). In this case, for example, if the file name of a certain image is "20231117025030," it can be determined that the image was captured (created) at 2:50:30 on November 17, 2023. Even when a separator image and a plurality of captured images are transmitted from the digital camera 100 to the PC, the PC can display the separator image at a desired position by arranging the images in the order of file numbers.

[0037] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the digital camera 100 prevents duplicate separator images from being generated if one function button (the Fn1 button 208 or the Fn2 button 209) is accidentally pressed repeatedly when generating separator images. Because the same separator images are not generated consecutively, the same separator images are displayed separately (not next to each other horizontally) in the list display, as shown in FIG. 3G. Furthermore, because multiple types of separator images each have their own meanings determined by the user, different types of separator images can be generated consecutively, as shown in FIG. 3H.

[0038] The display control process for separator images according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. When the digital camera 100 is set to a shooting mode, the state of the digital camera 100 transitions to a shooting standby state. In the shooting standby state, the process of the flowchart in Fig. 4 is periodically executed.

[0039] In step S401, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S402. If it is determined that the Fn1 button 208 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S403.

[0040] In step S402, the system control unit 101 executes processing in response to the pressing of the Fn1 button 208. Details of the processing in step S402 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0041] In step S403, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the Fn2 button 209 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Fn2 button 209 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S404. If it is determined that the Fn2 button 209 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0042] In step S404, the system control unit 101 executes processing in response to pressing of the Fn1 button 208. Details of the processing in step S404 are the same as those of step S402 (the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 5 ). Specifically, in the processing in step S404, the "Fn1 button 208" in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is replaced with the "Fn2 button 209," the "divider image IA" is replaced with the "divider image IB," and the "generation flag FA" is replaced with the "generation flag FB." Therefore, a detailed description of the processing in step S404 will be omitted. Here, if the generation flag FA is ON, it indicates that the divider image IA has already been generated and that no subsequent recording (generation) of a captured image has been performed. If the generation flag FB is ON, it indicates that the divider image IB has already been generated and that no subsequent recording (generation) of a captured image has been performed.

[0043] In step S405, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button 115 has been pressed (whether the second shutter switch 117 has been pressed). If it is determined that the shutter button 115 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S406. If it is determined that the shutter button 115 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S410.

[0044] In step S406, the system control unit 101 controls the imaging unit 22 to perform imaging, thereby performing processing to generate a still image (photographed image).

[0045] In step S407, the system control unit 101 generates a file name for the generated still image (captured image) in accordance with a predetermined naming rule.

[0046] In step S408, the system control unit 101 records the still image (captured image) with the generated file name on the recording medium 124 as a still image file.

[0047] In step S409, the system control unit 101 clears (turns OFF) the generated flag FA for delimiter image IA and the generated flag FB for delimiter image IB. Clearing the generated flags FA and FB makes it possible to generate a delimiter image as the next image. The presence of the generated flags means that only one delimiter image IA and one delimiter image IB can be generated (recorded) between captures. In other words, the presence of the generated flags prevents two or more identical delimiter images from being generated (recorded) between captures.

[0048] In step S410, the system control unit 101 determines whether the operation mode has been changed from the shooting mode. If it is determined that the operation mode has been changed from the shooting mode, the process of this flowchart ends. If it is determined that the operation mode has not been changed from the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S401.

[0049] The process of step S402 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0050] In step S501, the system control unit 101 determines whether the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed and held. Here, a "long press" refers to a press operation that continues for a period of time longer than a predetermined period of time (e.g., one or two seconds). If it is determined that the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed and held, the process proceeds to step S509. If it is determined that the Fn1 button 208 has not been pressed and held (i.e., the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed and held for a period of time shorter than the predetermined period of time), the process proceeds to step S502.

[0051] In step S502, the system control unit 101 determines whether the generated flag FA is ON. If it is determined that the generated flag FA is ON, the process proceeds to step S508. If it is determined that the generated flag FA is not ON, the process proceeds to step S503.

[0052] In step S503, the system control unit 101 generates a delimiter image IA.

[0053] In step S504, the system control unit 101 generates a file name for the delimited image IA in accordance with a predetermined naming rule, which is the same as the naming rule for the file name of the still image described in step S407.

[0054] In step S505, the system control unit 101 records the delimiter image IA on the recording medium 124 using the generated file name.

[0055] In step S506, the system control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 111 indicating that a delimiter image IA has been generated (recorded), as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0056] In step S507, the system control unit 101 sets the generated flag FA to ON.

[0057] In step S508, the system control unit 101 does not generate the separator image IA because it is prohibited to generate the same separator image. Therefore, the system control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 111 indicating that the separator image IA cannot be generated (recorded), as shown in FIG.

[0058] In step S509, the system control unit 101 determines whether the generated flag FA is ON. If it is determined that the generated flag FA is ON, the process proceeds to step S510. If it is determined that the generated flag FA is not ON, the process of this flowchart ends, and the process proceeds to the next step (step S403) in the flowchart of FIG. 4. Note that if it is determined that the generated flag FA is not ON, the deleting process of the delimiter image IA in step S510 is not performed because no delimiter image IA has been recorded since the immediately preceding captured image was recorded (the immediately preceding capture).

[0059] In step S510, the system control unit 101 erases the file of the delimiter image IA that was recorded immediately before from the recording medium 124.

[0060] In step S511, the system control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 111 indicating that the delimiter image IA has been deleted, as shown in FIG. 3F.

[0061] In step S512, the system control unit 101 clears the generated flag FA.

[0062] According to the first embodiment, when a user presses a specific button between shots, a separator image is recorded at the timing intended by the user. Furthermore, since the same separator image is prohibited from being generated repeatedly, it is possible to prevent the user from recording an unintended separator image due to an erroneous operation. Therefore, when a list of multiple shot images is displayed, the separator image is displayed in the location intended by the user, allowing the user and others viewing the list display to intuitively grasp the separator (group) intended by the user among the multiple shot images.

[0063] In the first embodiment, a method for generating two types of separator images has been described, but the number of types of separator images may be one, three, or more, and may be equal to the number of operation members to which functions can be assigned. Also, a method for generating (recording) and erasing separator images by operating an operation member has been described, but in addition to the long press of an operation member described in the first embodiment, separator images may also be generated or erased by an operation such as pressing the operation member twice in a short period of time. Furthermore, by assigning a separator image erasing function to an operation member to which a function can be assigned, the previous separator image may be erased when the operation member is operated.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a generated flag is used to determine whether a specific separator image has been recorded since the immediately preceding captured image was recorded. The digital camera 100 may check additional information of the image file recorded on the recording medium 124 and determine whether a specific separator image has been recorded since the immediately preceding captured image was recorded based on whether the attribute of the file indicates a specific separator image.

[0065] In step S507, the system control unit 101 may execute processing to turn on the generated flag FA and clear the generated flag FB. This processing enables the generation (recording) of a subsequent separator image IB, even if the separator image IB was generated (recorded) after the most recent captured image was acquired (after the most recent capture). In this case, generation of the separator image IB is prohibited only when the most recent image recorded on the recording medium 124 is the separator image IB. On the other hand, generation of the separator image IB is not prohibited when the most recent image recorded on the recording medium 124 is a captured image or separator image IA. This makes it possible to generate (record) the separator image IB, then the separator image IA, and then the separator image IB in this order.

[0066] Second Embodiment In a second embodiment, the digital camera 100 generates (records) a separator image when a specific button is operated, and erases the previous separator image when the specific button is operated again.

[0067] 4 is also executed in the second embodiment, but only the processes in steps S402 and S404 differ from those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the process in step S402 (processing in response to pressing of the Fn1 button 208) will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0068] The processing of step S404 is the same as the processing of step S402 (the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 6). Specifically, the processing of step S404 differs only in that the "delimiter image IA" in the flowchart in FIG. 6 is replaced with the "delimiter image IB" and the "generated flag FA" is replaced with the "generated flag FB." Therefore, a detailed description of the processing of step S404 will be omitted.

[0069] In step S601, the system control unit 101 determines whether the generated flag FA is ON. If it is determined that the generated flag FA is ON, the process proceeds to step S607. If it is determined that the generated flag FA is not ON, the process proceeds to step S602.

[0070] In step S602, the system control unit 101 generates a delimiter image IA because the delimiter image IA has not been recorded on the recording medium 124 after the immediately preceding captured image was recorded (after the immediately preceding capture).

[0071] In step S603, the system control unit 101 generates a file name for the delimited image IA in accordance with a predetermined naming rule, similar to step S504.

[0072] In step S604, the system control unit 101 records the delimiter image IA on the recording medium 124 using the generated file name.

[0073] In step S605, the system control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 111 indicating that a delimiter image IA has been generated, as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0074] In step S606, the system control unit 101 sets the generated flag FA to ON.

[0075] In step S607, the system control unit 101 erases the file of the immediately preceding delimiter image IA from the recording medium 124.

[0076] In step S608, the system control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 111 indicating that the delimiter image IA has been deleted, as shown in FIG. 3F.

[0077] In step S609, the system control unit 101 clears the generated flag FA.

[0078] In the second embodiment, when a specific button is operated, the digital camera 100 determines whether a specific separator image has been recorded (generated) since the immediately preceding captured image was recorded. The digital camera 100 then switches between generating and deleting separator images depending on the determination result, thereby preventing the same separator image from being generated repeatedly.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above, "If A is equal to or greater than B, proceed to step S1; if A is smaller (lower) than B, proceed to step S2" may be read as "If A is greater (higher) than B, proceed to step S1; if A is equal to or less than B, proceed to step S2." Conversely, "If A is greater (higher) than B, proceed to step S1; if A is equal to or less than B, proceed to step S2" may be read as "If A is equal to or greater than B, proceed to step S1; if A is smaller (lower) than B, proceed to step S2." Therefore, unless a contradiction arises, "equal to or greater than A" may be read as "greater (higher; longer; more) than A," and "equal to or less than A" may be read as "smaller (lower; shorter; fewer) than A." Furthermore, "greater (higher; longer; more) than A" may be read as "greater than A," and "smaller (lower; shorter; fewer) than A" may be read as "equal to or less than A."

[0081] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0082] The processor is a processor in the broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), and a digital signal processor (DSP). Dedicated processors include, for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (PLD). Examples of programmable logic devices include a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD).

[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0084] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more functions.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0086] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-174203, filed on October 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] 100: Digital camera (imaging device), 111: Shutter button, 208, 209: Function buttons, 101: System control unit

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: an imaging means; a first operating member capable of accepting a first operation that instructs the imaging means to take a photograph; and a second operating member capable of accepting a second operation; and control means which: 1) when the first operating member accepts the first operation, controls the imaging means to take a photograph and records the photographed image obtained by the photographing on a recording medium, and 2) when the second operating member accepts the second operation, records a first image on the recording medium, wherein the control means does not record the first image on the recording medium even when the second operating member accepts the second operation, if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is the first image.

2. The imaging device of claim 1, characterized in that the control means, when the first operating member accepts the first operation, records the captured image on the recording medium with a file name that complies with a predetermined naming rule, and when the second operating member accepts the second operation, records the first image on the recording medium with a file name that complies with the predetermined naming rule.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means does not record the first image on the recording medium even when the second operating member accepts the second operation, if the first image has been recorded on the recording medium after the immediately preceding captured image was recorded.

4. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third operating member capable of accepting a third operation, wherein the control means: 1) when the third operating member accepts the third operation, if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is a second image, does not record the second image on the recording medium, and 2) when the third operating member accepts the third operation, if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is not the second image, records the second image on the recording medium.

5. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second operating member is capable of accepting the second operation and a fourth operation, and when the second operating member accepts the fourth operation, the control means erases from the recording medium the first image that was most recently recorded on the recording medium.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second operation is a pressing operation for a period shorter than a predetermined period, and the fourth operation is a pressing operation for a period longer than the predetermined period.

7. The imaging device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means, when the second operating member accepts the second operation, records the first image on the recording medium if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is not the first image, and, when the second operating member accepts the second operation, erases the first image most recently recorded on the recording medium from the recording medium if the image most recently recorded on the recording medium is the first image.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means records a third image on the recording medium when a setting value of the imaging device is changed, when a lens of the imaging device is replaced, or when a date changes.

9. A control method for an imaging device having an imaging means, a first operating member capable of receiving a first operation that instructs the imaging means to take a photograph, and a second operating member capable of receiving a second operation, comprising: a first control step of controlling the imaging means to take a photograph when the first operating member receives the first operation, and recording a photographed image obtained by the photographing on a recording medium; and a second control step of recording a first image on the recording medium when the second operating member receives the second operation, wherein in the second control step, even if the second operating member receives the second operation, if the image previously recorded on the recording medium is the first image, the first image is not recorded on the recording medium.

10. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images