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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
The digital camera has an LCD and a print button and can set image
capturing modes such as a single frame shooting mode and a continuous
shooting mode. In the case where the print button is depressed in
a state where the digital camera is set in the single frame shooting
mode, after making an error check, the digital camera immediately
shifts to a state where a print mode is set. In the print mode,
a print setting screen in which settings of a print order can be
made on an image recorded on a memory card is displayed on the LCD.
As a result, settings of the print order can be made promptly.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital camera having an image capturing part which captures
an image of a subject formed by an optical member, comprising: (a)
a display part which displays an image captured by said image capturing
part; (b) a mode setting member which sets an image capturing mode
for capturing an image of said subject by said image capturing part;
and (c) a display controller which displays a print setting screen
regarding printing of an image on said display part when a predetermined
operation member is operated during a predetermined image capturing
operation or recording of an image in said image capturing mode
set by said mode setting member.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when said predetermined
operation member is operated during a live view display in said
image capturing mode, said display controller displays said print
setting screen on said display part.
3. The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising:
(d) an image capture controller which generates control data regarding
image capturing on the basis of an image captured by said image
capturing part during said live view display, and stores said control
data into a memory, wherein when said predetermined operation member
is operated during said live view display in said image capturing
mode, said display controller erase said control data stored in
said memory and displays said print setting screen on said display
part.
4. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein when said predetermined
operation member is operated while a taking lens included in said
optical member is driven during said live view display in said image
capturing mode, said display controller inhibits display of said
print setting screen on said display part.
5. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein when said predetermined
operation part is operated after a member for instructing image
capturing is operated during said live view display, said display
controller inhibits displaying of said print setting screen on said
display part.
6. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising:
(e) an image generator which generates recording image data to be
recorded on a recording medium and display image data to be displayed
on said display part on the basis of said image captured in said
image capturing mode; and (f) a recording controller which records
said display image data generated by said image generator in said
image capturing mode onto said recording medium, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated while image data is being
recorded in said image capturing mode, said display controller displays
said print setting screen including said display image onto said
display part.
7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein when said predetermined
operation member is operated while said image data is being recorded,
said recording controller records an image in a state where said
print setting screen is displayed.
8. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein when erasing
is instructed in said print setting screen, said recording controller
interrupts recording of said image data and erases said image data
stored in said memory before recording to said recording medium.
9. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when said predetermined
operation member is operated while moving picture capturing is performed
in said image capturing mode, said display controller interrupts
said motion picture capturing and displays said print setting screen
on said display part.
10. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein a still picture
different from a captured motion picture is displayed on said print
setting screen which is displayed on said display part after interruption
of said motion picture capturing.
11. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated during interval image
capturing which is set in said image capturing mode, said display
controller interrupts said interval image capturing and displays
said print setting screen on said display part.
12. The digital camera according to claim 11, wherein at least
one still picture captured in said interval image capturing is displayed
on said print setting screen displayed on said display part after
interruption of said interval image capturing.
13. The digital camera according to claim 11, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated in a period since said
interval image capturing is set until said interval image capturing
starts, said display controller displays said print setting screen
including a still picture captured before said interval image capturing
is set onto said display part.
14. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated while a self timer which
is set in said image capturing mode works, said display controller
interrupts work of said self timer and displays said print setting
screen on said display part.
15. A digital camera having an image capturing part which captures
an image of a subject formed by an optical member, comprising: (a)
a display part which displays an image captured by said image capturing
part; (b) a recording controller which records data of an image
captured by said image capturing part onto a recording medium; and
(c) a display controller which displays a print setting screen regarding
printing of a captured image onto said display part when a predetermined
operation member is operated, wherein when said predetermined operation
member is operated in a state where no image data is recorded on
said recording medium, said display controller inhibits displaying
of said printing setting screen onto said display part.
16. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated in a state where said
image data is not recorded on said recording medium, said display
controller inhibits displaying of said print setting screen on said
display part and displays a warning on said display part.
17. A digital camera having an image capturing part which captures
an image of a subject formed by an optical member, comprising: (a)
a display part which displays an image captured by said image capturing
part; (b) an operation part having a plurality of operation members
for inputting an instruction; and (c) a display controller which
displays a print setting screen regarding printing of said image
onto said display part when a predetermined operation member included
in said plurality of operation members is operated, wherein when
said predetermined operation member is operated during sound recording,
said display controller interrupts said sound recording and displays
said printing setting screen onto said display part.
18. The digital camera according to claim 17, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated while sound is recorded
in a state where a playback mode for playing back an image of said
subject onto said display part is set by a mode setting member included
in said operation part, said display controller displays said print
setting screen including an image played back onto said display
part.
19. The digital camera according to claim 17, wherein when said
predetermined operation member is operated while sound is recorded
in a state where an image capturing mode for capturing an image
of said subject is set by a mode setting member included in said
operation part, said display controller displays said print setting
screen including an image captured before operating said predetermined
operation member onto said display part.
20. A digital camera having an image capturing part which captures
an image of a subject formed by an optical member, comprising: (a)
a display part which displays an image captured by said image capturing
part and a menu setting screen; and (b) a display controller which
displays a print setting screen regarding printing of said image
onto said display part when a predetermined operation member is
operated, wherein when said predetermined operation member is operated
while said menu setting screen is displayed on said display part,
said display controller switches displaying on said display part
from said menu setting screen to said print setting screen.
21. The digital camera according to claim 20, wherein when said
menu setting screen is a print menu setting screen regarding printing
of said image, said display controller displays information which
is set in said print menu setting screen in said print setting screen
switched from said print menu setting screen.
22. A digital camera having an image capturing part which captures
an image of a subject formed by an optical member, comprising: (a)
a display part which displays an image captured by said image capturing
part and a menu setting screen; and (b) a display controller which
displays a print setting screen regarding printing of said image
onto said display part when a predetermined operation member is
operated, wherein when said predetermined operation member is operated
while a motion picture is continuously played back, said display
controller interrupts continuous playback of said motion picture
and displays onto said display part said print setting screen including
a still picture other than said motion picture of which continuous
playback was interrupted.
Digital Camera Patent Description
[0001] This application is based on application No. 2004-095536
filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera having
image capturing means which acquires an image by taking a picture
of a subject via a taking lens.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] In a digital camera, generally, a very complicated operation
is necessary to make settings of a print order.
[0006] For example, there is a digital camera capable of making
print settings on a captured still image being displayed on a display
only by an operation of depressing a dedicated print button (concretely,
a DPOF(R) dedicated switch).
[0007] In the digital camera, print settings can be made in a state
where a still image is being displayed in a playback mode, simplified
reproduction is being performed in an image capturing mode, a still
image is being displayed immediately after image capture, or a still
image is being displayed by automatic frame advance.
[0008] In the digital camera, however, print settings can be made
only under specific conditions requiring a shift to the playback
mode or simplified reproduction in the image capturing mode. Consequently,
since in reality it is difficult to make print settings only by
a single operation to a print button, the user has to perform many
operations, and it is difficult to make prompt print settings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a digital camera.
[0010] According to the present invention, the digital camera having
an image capturing part which captures an image of a subject formed
by an optical member comprises: (a) a display part which displays
an image captured by the image capturing part; (b) a mode setting
member which sets an image capturing mode for capturing an image
of the subject by the image capturing part; and (c) a display controller
which displays a print setting screen regarding printing of an image
on the display part when a predetermined operation member is operated
during a predetermined image capturing operation or recording of
an image in the image capturing mode set by the mode setting member.
Therefore, settings of a print order can be made promptly.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the
digital camera, when the predetermined operation member is operated
during a live view display in the image capturing mode, the display
controller displays the print setting screen on the display part.
Therefore, settings of a print order can be made promptly even in
a state where a live view is displayed.
[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
a digital camera capable of promptly making settings of a print
order.
[0013] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages
of the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the outside configuration of
a digital camera according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the outside configuration of
the digital camera;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inside configuration of
the digital camera;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data sequence in a memory
card;
[0018] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams respectively illustrating a print
order file;
[0019] FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams respectively illustrating a print
setting screen;
[0020] FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams respectively showing operations
in a print mode;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged print preview
screen;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operations of print order
recording;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a print menu screen;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing items displayed on the print
menu screen;
[0025] FIGS. 17A to 17D are diagrams respectively illustrating
displays regarding the total number of prints;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing operations of print initial
setting;
[0027] FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrams respectively showing operations
of print total number display setting;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a state transition diagram showing basic operations
of the digital camera;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the relation between the print
mode and other four kinds of modes;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing error check operation;
[0031] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing processes performed in the
case where the print button is depressed in the states of the digital
camera in the playback mode;
[0032] FIGS. 25 and 26 are diagrams respectively showing the operations
of the digital camera in the playback mode;
[0033] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing processes performed in the
case where the print button is depressed in the states of the digital
camera in the image capturing mode;
[0034] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing operations of the digital camera
in a single frame shooting mode;
[0035] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing operations of the digital camera
in a continuous shooting mode;
[0036] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing operations of the digital camera
in a motion picture mode; and
[0037] FIGS. 31 and 32 are diagrams respectively showing operations
of the digital camera regarding an image capturing menu.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0039] Outline of Configuration
[0040] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the outside configuration
of a digital camera 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view from the
front side and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view from the rear
side.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 is thin
and has an almost rectangular parallelepiped shape.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 has, on its front
face side, a taking lens 2, an optical viewfinder 4 and an electronic
flash 6, and has, on its top face side, a power source button 3,
a shutter button (release button) 9 and a microphone 12. As shown
in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 has, on its rear face side, a liquid
crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as LCD) 5, button groups
7 and 8, a mode switching button 11 and a print button 13. The button
group 7 is constructed by cross cursor buttons 7a to 7e (hereinafter,
also referred to as up button 7a, down button 7b, left button 7c,
right button 7d and center (execution) button 7e). The button group
8 has a menu button 8a, a liquid crystal monitor button 8b and an
electronic flash mode button 8c. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, the digital camera 1 also has, on its side faces, a cover 14,
a DC input terminal 15, a USB terminal 16 and an AV output terminal
17.
[0043] As will be described later, the digital camera 1 obtains
image data of a subject by photoelectrically converting an image
of the subject from the taking lens 2 by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device)
20 (FIG. 3).
[0044] The power source button 3 is used for accepting an operation
of turning on/off the power source. Concretely, each time the power
source button 3 is depressed, the power source is switched between
the ON and OFF states.
[0045] The shutter button 9 is a two-level press switch capable
of detecting a half-pressed state (hereinafter, also referred to
as an S1 state) and a depressed state (hereinafter, also referred
to as an S2 state) set by the user (operator). In the half-pressed
(S1) state, automatic focus control is started. In the depressed
(S2) state, image capturing operation for capturing an image to
be recorded is started.
[0046] The LCD 5 performs preview display (also referred to as
live view display) before the image capturing operation and playback
and display of a recorded image. The LCD 5 has a predetermined number
of display pixels (in this case, 320.times.240) and can display
a color image. The LCD 5 functions as a display part capable of
displaying an image captured in an image capturing mode (which will
be described later) and recorded.
[0047] After the power source of the digital camera 1 is turned
on or the image capturing operation is completed, in the live view
display, capturing of an image of the subject is repeated at low
resolution every {fraction (1/30)} second and the captured image
is displayed in a motion picture mode on the LCD 5. By the live
view display on the LCD 5, the user can perceive the position, size
and the like of the subject in the captured image and perform framing
operation. The framing operation can be also performed by using
only the optical viewfinder 4 without using the LCD 5.
[0048] By depressing the mode switching button 11, the mode is
cyclically switched among the single frame shooting-mode, continuous
shooting mode, motion picture mode and playback mode (see FIG. 22).
The single frame shooting mode, continuous shooting mode and motion
picture mode are included in the image capturing mode. The image
capturing mode is a mode of performing photographing, and the playback
mode is a mode of playing back a captured image recorded on a memory
card and displaying the image played back on the LCD 5. The digital
camera 1 of the preferred embodiment is set in the image capturing
mode at the turn-on of the power source by depression of the power
source button 3. By depressing the mode switching button 11, the
mode can be switched to the playback mode. By further depressing
the mode switching button 11, the mode is switched to the single
frame shooting mode in the image capturing mode.
[0049] The menu button 8a has a function of switching between display
and non-display of a menu on the LCD 5. For example, each time the
menu button 8a is depressed in the initial screen of any operation
mode, a menu screen and a screen without a menu (display screen
of a live view, an image played back or the like) are alternately
displayed on the LCD 5. A display cursor in the menu screen displayed
on the LCD 5 can be moved in four ways by using the cross cursor
buttons 7a to 7d. Further, by depressing the execution (center)
button 7e in the state where a desired option is selected, a setting
operation or the like corresponding to the option can be executed.
By such operation, various image capturing parameters can be set.
[0050] The liquid crystal monitor button 8b is a button for switching
the state between display and non-display of an image on the LCD
5 as a liquid crystal monitor. Each time the liquid crystal monitor
button 8b is depressed, a state where an image or the like is displayed
(display state) and a state where no image is displayed (non-display
state) are alternately switched. In the non-display state, power
consumption can be decreased.
[0051] The electronic flash mode button 8c is a button for determining
the mode of the electronic flash 6. Each time the electronic flash
mode button 8c is depressed, the electronic flash mode is switched
to an automatic electronic flash mode, a forced electronic flash
mode and an electronic flash inhibited mode in this order.
[0052] The microphone 12 is used for obtaining (recording) sound
data at the time of motion picture capturing, voice memo, voice
recording and after-recording.
[0053] The print button 13 is a button for shifting the mode to
a print mode (which will be described later).
[0054] The cover 14 is provided in a portion to cover a battery
chamber and a memory card insertion part. In other words, on the
inside of the cover 14, a battery chamber for housing a power source
battery BT and a memory card insertion part in which a memory card
90 as a detachable recording medium (portable recording medium)
is inserted are provided. The power source battery BT and the memory
card 90 are detachably inserted in the battery chamber and the memory
card insertion part, respectively. Image data and the like obtained
by the image capturing operation is recorded on the memory card
90 which is inserted into the insertion part. The digital camera
1 can receive power supply from the power source battery BT and
power supply from an AC adapter (not shown) or the like by using
the DC input terminal 15.
[0055] The USB terminal 16 is a terminal for performing data communication
with a personal computer. By connecting a USB standard cable or
the like to the USB terminal 16, data communication can be performed
with an external apparatus (personal computer or the like).
[0056] The AV output terminal 17 is a terminal for connecting the
digital camera 1 to an external audio visual apparatus (AV apparatus)
such as a television. By connecting the AV output terminal 17 and
an input terminal of the external AV apparatus via a predetermined
AV code, an image and/or sound can be outputted to the external
AV apparatus.
[0057] The inside configuration of the digital camera 1 will now
be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram
showing the internal functions of the digital camera 1.
[0058] The CCD (image capturing device) 20 functions as image capturing
means for capturing an image of a subject and generating an electronic
image signal and has, for example, 1600.times.1200 pixels. The CCD
20 photoelectrically converts a light image of the subject formed
by the taking lens 2 into an image signal of color components of
R (red), G (green) and B (blue) on a pixel unit basis (signal constructed
by a signal sequence of pixel signals received by the pixels) and
outputs the image signal.
[0059] The image signal obtained from the CCD 20 is supplied to
an analog signal processing circuit 21 where the image signal (analog
signal) is subjected to predetermined analog signal processes. The
analog signal processing circuit 21 has a correlated double sampling
(CDS) circuit and an auto gain control (AGC) circuit. A process
of reducing noise in the image signal is performed by the CDS circuit
and the gain is adjusted by the AGC circuit, thereby performing
level adjustment of the image signal.
[0060] An A/D converter 22 converts each of pixel signals of the
image signal into a digital signal of 12 bits. The digital signal
obtained by the conversion is temporarily stored as image data into
a buffer memory 54 in an RAM 50a. On the image data stored in the
buffer memory 54, WB (White Balance) process, .gamma. correcting
process, color correcting process and the like are performed by
an image processor 51 which will be described later, and the processed
data is subjected to compressing process or the like in a compressor/decompressor
52.
[0061] A sound signal obtained from the microphone 12 is inputted
to a sound processor 53. The sound signal inputted to the sound
processor 53 is converted by an A/D converter (not shown) provided
in the sound processor 53 into a digital signal, and the digital
signal is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54.
[0062] An operation part 30 is an operation part including the
power source button 3, button groups 7 and 8, shutter button 9 and
mode switching button 11 and is used by the user to perform an operation
of changing the setting state of the digital camera 1, an image
capturing operation, and the like.
[0063] A power source 40 is a power supply source for the digital
camera 1. The digital camera 1 is driven by using a secondary battery
such as a lithium ion battery as the power source battery BT.
[0064] An overall controller 50 is constructed by a microcomputer
having therein the RAM 50a and a ROM 50b and controls the above-described
components in a centralized manner when the microcomputer executes
a predetermined program. The RAM 50a is a semiconductor memory which
can be accessed at high speed (for example, DRAM). The ROM 50b is
an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory (for
example, a flash ROM). A region in a part of the RAM 50a functions
as a buffer area for temporary storage. Herein, the buffer area
is also referred to as the buffer memory 54. The buffer memory 54
temporarily stores image data and sound data.
[0065] The overall controller 50 has the image processor 51, compressor/decompressor
52 and sound processor 53. The overall controller 50 also has a
display controller 55 for performing a display control regarding
the print setting screen, an image capture controller 56 for generating
an AF evaluation value (control data regarding image capturing),
and a recording controller 57 for performing a recording control
on the memory card 90. The processors 51 to 53 and the controllers
55 to 57 are a function part realized when the microcomputer executes
a predetermined program.
[0066] The image processor 51 is a processor for performing various
digital image processes such as WB process and y correcting process.
The WB process is a process for performing level conversion of each
of the color components of R, G and B and adjusting color balance.
The y correcting process is a process for correcting the tone of
pixel data. The compressor/decompressor 52 is a processor for performing
a process of compressing/decompressing image data. As a compressing
method, for example, the JPEG system is employed. The sound processor
53 is a processor for performing various digital processes on sound
data.
[0067] By the overall controller 50 having such a configuration,
processes are performed in the image capturing mode, playback mode
and print mode. For example, when the shutter button 9 is half-pressed
(S1 state) by the user in the image capturing mode, an AF evaluation
value is obtained on the basis of image data outputted from the
CCD 20 in a state where a live view is displayed and is stored in
the RAM 50a, and the taking lens is moved to a focus position by
a known hill-climbing method. On the basis of luminance information
of the subject read by the CCD 20, shutter speed, an f-number value,
and a gain set value of auto white balance at the time of image
capturing are determined.
[0068] On the other hand, when the shutter button is depressed
(S2 state) in the image capturing mode, the overall controller 50
sets the resolution of the CCD 20 to high resolution, captures an
image of a subject, and generates a compressed image by the compressor/decompressor
52 on the basis of image data captured by the CCD 20. The compressed
high-resolution image data is recorded on the memory card 90 functioning
as a recording medium. The data structure in the memory card 90
will be described below.
[0069] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data sequence of the memory
card 90. In the memory card 90, frames of a still picture and a
motion picture recorded by the digital camera 1 are stored sequentially.
In each frame, a file attribute AT, tag information TG, high-resolution
image data HD (1600.times.1200 pixels) compressed in the JPEG format,
and thumbnail image data SD (320.times.240 pixels) for displaying
a thumbnail image are recorded. In the file attribute AT, read only
attribute (R), archive attribute (A), system file attribute (S)
and hidden file attribute (H) can be set. In the case where protection
of a file is set by the user, the read only attribute is set. In
the tag TG, information of file name, date and time of image capturing,
serial number of a digital camera used for the image capturing,
and sound file associated with image data is recorded.
[0070] In the memory card 90, encrypted print unit price information
is stored as a table TB in which the relation between the number
of prints and unit price is described. With reference to the print
unit price table TB, for example, when the print size is L and the
number of prints is 9 or less, the print unit price is set as 40
yen. For example, when the print size is 2L and the number of prints
is 50 or more, the print unit price is set as 50 yen. In such a
manner, print charge which will be described later is displayed
on the LCD 5.
[0071] When the image capturing mode is switched to the playback
mode by depression of the mode switching button 11, data of an image
of the largest frame number in the memory card 90, that is, an image
captured most recently is read and decompressed by the compressor/decompressor
52, and the resultant image is displayed on the LCD 5. In the playback
mode, the frame advance and frame reverse can be performed by depression
of the left button 7c and the right button 7d, respectively.
[0072] A card interface (I/F) 60 is an interface for writing/reading
image data to/from the memory card 90 inserted in the insertion
part in the side face of the digital camera 1.
[0073] At the time of reading/writing image data from/to the memory
card 90, the process of compressing/decompressing image data is
performed in, for example, the JPEG system by the compressor/decompressor
52 and image data is transmitted/received between the buffer memory
54 and the memory card 90 via the card interface 60. Also at the
time of reading/writing sound data, sound data is transmitted/received
between the buffer memory 54 and the memory card 90 via the card
interface 60.
[0074] Further, by using the card interface 60, the digital camera
1 can perform not only transmission/reception of data such as an
image and sound but also reception of a program which operates on
the digital camera 1. For example, a control program recorded on
the memory card 90 can be stored into the RAM 50a or ROM 50b in
the overall controller 50. Consequently, the control program can
be updated.
[0075] Also by communication with an external apparatus (such as
an external computer) via the USB terminal 16, various data such
as an image and sound, a control program or the like can be transmitted/received.
For example, various data, a program or the like recorded on a recording
medium (such as CD-R/RW or CD-ROM) set in a reading device (such
as an optical drive device) of an external computer can be obtained
via the USB terminal 16.
[0076] Print Mode
[0077] When the print button 13 is depressed by the user, the digital
camera 1 enters the print mode for performing print settings, and
a print setting screen is displayed.
[0078] In the print mode, a print order file regarding print settings
is created. The print order file will be described first.
[0079] FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a print order file Pf.
[0080] In the memory card 90, a plurality of image files Gf are
stored in a captured image folder Fa and the print order file Pf
is stored in a folder Fb different from the captured image folder
Fa.
[0081] The print order file Pf is constructed by, as shown in FIG.
6, general information Df1, user information Df2, print job information
Df3, image source information Df4, various settings information
Df5 and vendor information Df6. The vendor information Df6 is information
which is defined by each of manufactures of digital cameras.
[0082] By creating the print order file Pf, labor of the user at
the time of print order can be reduced. The print setting screen
for setting the various information Df1 to Df6 in the print order
file Pf will now be described.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the print setting screen.
[0084] In a print setting screen Gp displayed on the LCD 5, total
number display Gp1 for displaying the total number of images ordered
to be printed and order number display Gp2 of the number of prints
ordered of an image presently displayed on the LCD 5, the display
Gp2 being in an upper right portion of the screen on the LCD 5,
are performed so as to superimpose on an image Gq to be printed.
In short, a captured image as a target of print settings and the
presence or absence of print settings on the captured image are
displayed on the LCD 5.
[0085] On the other hand, when the digital camera 1 shifted to
the print mode in response to depression of the print button 13,
the electronic flash mode button 8c functions as a hold button,
and the liquid crystal monitor button 8b functions as an erase button.
In the print setting screen Gp, "hold" display Gp3 and
"erase" display Gp4 for indicating that the functions
are assigned are performed.
[0086] In the digital camera 1, in order to give priority to a
print image, the image Gq is displayed in accordance with the aspect
ratio of the print size. When the aspect ratio of the screen size
of the LCD 5 and that of the print size are different from each
other, for example, the size is adjusted by providing margins Gpe
(parallel hatched parts) in both ends of the screen of the LCD 5.
In the case of superimpose the date of image capturing on the image
Gq, date display Gp5 such as "'03/5/7" is made in a superimpose
portion of the image.
[0087] In the print setting screen Gp shown in FIG. 7, when the
right button 7d or print button 13 is depressed, the subsequent
image (frame) Gr is displayed as shown in FIG. 8 (to be described
in detail later).
[0088] The operations in the print mode will now be described.
[0089] FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams for describing operations in
the print mode for displaying the print setting screen Gp (FIG.
7) on the LCD 5. FIG. 9 shows the relation between the operation
of the user and the screen transition and each of FIGS. 10 and 11
shows a state of transition from a print setting screen GN11 displaying
an image of the frame number (n) to another screen. In the following
description, the image of the frame number (n) will be regarded
as an image having the latest (largest) frame number immediately
after shift to the print mode. In FIG. 11, blocks having reference
symbols starting with GN indicate states of the display screen,
and blocks having reference symbols starting with ST show operations
of the digital camera 1.
[0090] In the following, the operations of the print mode will
be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 for each of items
(1) to (11) shown in FIG. 9.
[0091] (1) When the left button 7c is depressed, the settings made
in the print setting screen are determined and the program shifts
to the print setting screen displaying the immediately preceding
frame. In this case, the print order number selected in the image
before depression of the left button 7c is added to the print total
number, and the total number is updated.
[0092] Specifically, in the case where the left button 7c is depressed
in the print setting screen GN 11 displaying an image of the frame
number (n) shown in FIG. 11, a process ST12 (which will be described
in detail later) of recording the print order of the image of the
frame number (n) is performed, and the program shifts to a print
setting screen GN12 of the image of the frame number (n-1).
[0093] Concretely, for example, when the left button 7c is depressed
in the state where the print setting screen Gp is displayed as shown
in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 12, the image Gq corresponding to the
immediately preceding frame is displayed on the LCD 5 and, in the
total number display Gp 1, the total number "22" obtained
by increasing "21" in the total number display Gp1 of
FIG. 8 by one is displayed.
[0094] (2) When the right button 7d is depressed, settings in the
print setting screen are determined and the program shifts to the
print setting screen displaying the subsequent frame. In this case,
the print order number selected in the image before depression of
the right button 7d is added to the print total number, and the
total number is updated.
[0095] Specifically, when the right button 7d is depressed in the
print setting screen GN12 displaying the image of the frame number
(n-1) shown in FIG. 11, a process ST13 (which will be described
in detail later) of recording the print order of the image of the
frame number (n-1) is performed, and the program shifts to he print
setting screen GN11 of the image of the frame number (n).
[0096] Concretely, for example, when the right button 7d is depressed
in the state where the print setting screen Gp is displayed as shown
in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 8, an image Gr corresponding to the
subsequent frame is displayed on the LCD 5, and the total number
"21" obtained by increasing "20" shown in the
total number display Gp1 of FIG. 7 by one is displayed in the total
number display Gp1.
[0097] (3) When the up button 7a is depressed, as shown in FIG.
10, the number of prints of the frame (image) which is currently
displayed on the LCD 5 is increased. Therefore, the number in the
print number display Gp2 increases.
[0098] (4) When the down button 7b is depressed, as shown in FIG.
10, the number of prints of the frame (image) which is currently
displayed on the LCD 5 is decreased. Therefore, the number in the
print number display Gp2 decreases. The default value of the number
of prints is set as 1 and the lower limit value of the print number
is 0.
[0099] (5) When the menu button 8a is depressed, as shown in FIG.
10, the print menu screen (which will be described later) is displayed
on the LCD 5.
[0100] (6) When the erase button 8b is depressed, the frame (image)
which is currently displayed on the LCD 5 is erased, and the program
shifts to the print setting screen displaying the subsequent frame.
The erase button 8b functions as a function key for erasing captured
image data. It is assumed that even when the erase button 8b is
depressed, a protected image, concretely, an image which is set
in the read only attribute in the file attribute shown in FIG. 4
cannot be erased. By an operation input on the erase button 8b,
data of the captured image can be erased also in the playback mode.
Therefore, since the button having the erasing function is commonly
used in the playback mode and the print mode, an operation error
regarding erasure of captured image data can be reduced.
[0101] For example, when the erase button 8b is depressed in the
print setting screen GN 12 displaying the image of the frame number
(n-1) shown in FIG. 11, a process ST 14 of erasing the image of
the frame number (n-1) is performed, and the program shifts to the
print setting screen GN11 displaying the image of the frame number
(n).
[0102] When the erase button 8b is depressed in the print setting
screen GN11 displaying the image of the maximum frame number (n)
shown in FIG. 11, a process ST11 for erasing the image of the frame
number (n) is performed and, after that, the program shifts to the
print setting screen GN12 displaying an image of the maximum frame
number (n-1) after the erasing process.
[0103] (7) When the hold button 8c is depressed, the number of
prints of the frame (image) currently displayed on the LCD 5 is
set to 0, and the program shifts to the print setting screen displaying
the subsequent frame. In response to an operation input on the hold
button 8c, the program shifts to the print setting screen of an
image of the subsequent frame number of the image being displayed
on the LCD 5. The shift is not limited to the image of the subsequent
frame number of the image being displayed, but the program may be
shifted to the print setting screen of an image of the preceding
frame number.
[0104] Specifically, when the hold button 8c is depressed in the
print screen GN12 displaying the image of the frame number (n-1)
shown in FIG. 11, the print order contents regarding the image of
the frame number (n-1) are checked. When the print order number
is 1 or more, a process ST17 for erasing the order contents regarding
the image of the frame number (n-1), that is, for setting the number
of prints to 0 is performed. The program shifts to the print setting
screen GN11 displaying the image of the frame number (n). In the
print setting screen GN11 of the frame number (n) immediately after
the shift, the number of prints is temporarily set to the default
value of 1, and "1" is displayed in the order number display
Gp2 (see FIG. 7). In the case where the default value is set to
2 or more, the number of prints is set to 2 or more in the print
setting screen immediately after the shift by depression of the
hold button 8c.
[0105] In the case where the hold button 8c is depressed in the
print setting screen GN11 displaying the image of the frame number
(n) shown in FIG. 11, the order contents in the print order file
regarding the image of the frame number (n) are checked. When the
print order number is 1 or more, a step ST16 for erasing the order
contents regarding the image of the frame number (n), that is, setting
the number of prints to 0 is performed. Since the frame number (n)
is the largest and the subsequent frame does not exist, the program
returns to the print setting screen GN11 displaying the image of
the frame number (n).
[0106] (8) When the print button 13 is depressed, the settings
made in the print setting screen are determined, and the program
shifts to the print setting screen displaying the next frame.
[0107] Specifically, when the print button 13 is depressed in the
print setting screen GN12 displaying the image of the frame number
(n-1) shown in FIG. 11, the ordering process ST13 (which will be
described in detail later) of the image of the frame number (n-1)
is performed, and the program shifts to the print setting screen
GN11 displaying the image of the frame number (n).
[0108] Concretely, for example, when the print button 13 is depressed
in the state where the print setting screen Gp of FIG. 7 is displayed,
as shown in FIG. 8, the image Gr corresponding to the subsequent
frame is displayed on the LCD 5 and the total number "21"
obtained by increasing "20" in the total number display
Gp1 of FIG. 7 by one is displayed in the total number display Gp1.
[0109] In the case where the print button 13 is depressed in the
print setting screen GN11 displaying the image of the frame number
(n) shown in FIG. 11, an ordering process ST15 (which will be described
in detail later) on the image of the frame number (n) is executed.
In this case, the frame number (n) is the largest and the next frame
does not exist, so that the program returns to the print setting
screen GN11 displaying the image of the frame number (n).
[0110] (9) When the center (execution) button 7e is depressed,
the program shifts to an enlarged print preview screen Gpw (see
FIG. 13) as shown in FIG. 10. In the enlarged print preview screen
Gpw, an image Gqw of which display magnification is, for example,
twice as large as the print setting screen Gp (see FIG. 7) in which
the image Gq of which display magnification is once is displayed
while the print setting information such as the total number display
Gp1 and the order number display Gp2 remains the same without being
enlarged. The user can visually recognize the details of the image
of the enlarged print preview screen Gpw.
[0111] (10) When the mode switching button 11 is depressed, the
program goes out from the print setting screen as shown in FIG.
10 and shifts to the screen (such as the menu screen of the image
capturing mode) before the shift to the print setting screen on
the basis of information of the shift source mode stored in the
RAM 50a.
[0112] (11) When the shutter button 9 is depressed, as shown in
FIG. 10, the program shifts to the single frame shooting mode and
the live view display is made.
[0113] The order recording operation in steps ST12, ST13 and ST15
in FIG. 11 will be described below.
[0114] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the print order recording
operation on an image of the frame number (n).
[0115] First, when the print button 13 or the like is depressed,
it is determined whether the print order file exists in the memory
card 90 or not (step SP1). In the case where a print order file
exists, the program advances to step SP2. In the case where the
print order file does not exist, the program advances to step SP4.
[0116] In step SP2, it is determined whether the order contents
have been changed or not. For example, it is determined whether
the number of prints has increased or not by depression of the up
button 7a or down button 7b. If the order contents have been changed,
the program advances to step SP3. If the order contents have not
been changed, the program goes out from the flowchart and finishes
the print order recording process.
[0117] In step SP3, the print order file is updated with the changed
order contents of the image of the frame number (n) to be print
ordered.
[0118] In step SP4, a print order file is newly created. Consequently,
when the print button 13 is depressed and the program shifts to
the print mode, a print order file is created in the memory card
90.
[0119] In step SP5, the order contents of the image of the frame
number (n) to be print ordered are recorded in the print order file.
[0120] In step SP6, the total number of prints is updated. Consequently,
the total number display Gp1 in the print setting screen is changed.
[0121] When the print settings are made on the captured image being
displayed on the LCD 5 by the operation of the print order recording,
the contents of the print settings are recorded on the memory card
90.
[0122] In the digital camera 1, by depressing the left button 7c
or the right button 7d, at least one print of a desired image can
be ordered. Thus, an order omission can be prevented and the convenience
of the user improves.
[0123] When the menu button 8a is depressed in the print setting
screen, the program shifts to the print menu screen Gpm shown in
FIG. 15. The print menu screen Gpm will now be described.
[0124] FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing the items displayed
in the print menu screen Gpm. In the following, the functions of
the print menu screen will be described for each of the items (1)
to (7) shown in FIG. 16.
[0125] (1) When the print initial setting is designated, the default
number of prints or default print size can be selected with respect
to print designation by using the button group 7. In the digital
camera 1, the default print setting conditions can be changed.
[0126] (2) When a date superimpose position is designated, with
respect to the date superimpose position on a print image corresponding
to the date display Gp5 (FIG. 7), "lower left" in an image
(screen), "lower right" in an image, or "none"
for inhibiting date superimpose can be selected.
[0127] (3) After the date superimpose form is designated, the form
of "YY/M/D", "YYYY/M/D" or "Japanese Era
Y/M/D" can be selected. In the case where the date superimpose
position is set to "none", the date superimpose form cannot
be designated.
[0128] (4) When the total number of prints is designated, "display
of charge", "display of the number of prints", "display
of the number of prints for each size and the total number"
or "no display" can be selected. When "display of
charge" is set, the display Gp11 of the charge is made on the
LCD 5 as shown in FIG. 17A. When "display of the number of
prints" is set, display Gp12 of only the total number is made
on the LCD 5 as shown in FIG. 17B. When "display of the number
of prints for each size and the total number" is set, as shown
in FIG. 17C, the display Gp13 of the total number, the number of
prints of the L size, and the number of prints of the 2L size is
made on the LCD 5. When "no display" is set, as shown
in FIG. 17D, the total number is not displayed on the LCD 5. In
the case of displaying charges, for example, the charge is calculated
on the basis of the print unit price table TB in the memory card
90.
[0129] (5) When the index print is designated, either "yes"
or "no" of index print can be selected.
[0130] (6) When reset of all of the print settings is designated,
"execute" or "cancel" can be selected. In the
case where "execute" is selected, the settings of all
of the numbers of prints are reset to the default values which are
set in the print initial settings.
[0131] (7) When restore of the erased image is designated, "execute"
or "cancel" can be selected. Even in the case where "execute"
is selected, to effectively utilize the capacity of the memory card,
an image which can be restored is only the image erased just before.
[0132] As described above, settings can be made for each of the
items shown in FIG. 16. As a concrete example, operations of making
print initial settings and setting of the total number of prints
will now be described.
[0133] FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing the operation of the
print initial settings. In the diagram, blocks having reference
symbols starting with GN indicate states of the display screen,
and blocks having reference symbols starting with ST show processes
of the digital camera 1.
[0134] When the menu button 8a is depressed in a state GN15 displaying
the print setting screen, the program shifts to a state GN16 in
which the print menu screen Gpm is displayed. When the "print
initial setting" is selected in the state GN16 and the execution
(center) button 7e is depressed, the program shifts to a state GN
17 in which the screen for making the print initial setting is displayed.
[0135] In the display state GN17, an initial setting of the number
of prints and an initial setting of the print size can be made.
For example, when the number of prints is set as two, in the print
setting screen in which an image is displayed first, "2"
is displayed in the order number display Gp2. In such a manner,
initial settings can be easily made, so that convenience of the
user improves.
[0136] In the display state GN17, the number of prints can be changed
by depressing the up button 7a or down button 7b, and the print
size can be changed by depressing the right button 7d or left button
7c.
[0137] When the execution (center) button 7e or print button 13
is depressed in the display state GN17, the program shifts to the
state GN15 showing the print setting screen in which the initial
settings are reflected. Specifically, in the case where the print
button 13 is operated when the print menu screen (menu setting screen)
is displayed, the print menu screen is immediately switched to the
print setting screen. In the print setting screen, display in which
the result of settings made on the print menu screen is reflected
is performed (for example, when the number of prints is changed
to two, two images are displayed).
[0138] On the other hand, when the hold button 7c is depressed
in the display state GN17, the program shifts to the state GN15
displaying the print setting screen in which the result of settings
in the state GN17 is not reflected.
[0139] FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrams for describing a print total
number display setting operation. In the diagrams, blocks having
reference symbols starting with GN indicate states of the display
screen, and blocks having reference symbols starting with ST show
processes of the digital camera 1.
[0140] In the case where the menu button 8a is depressed in a state
GN20 in which the print menu screen Gpm (FIG. 15) is displayed,
the program shifts to any of menu display states GN21 to GN24 corresponding
to print setting screens (four kinds of screens shown in FIGS. 17A
to 17D) immediately before a shift to the print menu screen Gpm.
In the menu display states GN21 to GN24, the setting of the total
number of prints can be changed. The setting can be changed by depressing
the right and left buttons 7d and 7c.
[0141] When the execution (center) button 7e is depressed in the
state GN21 in which an amount display setting is selected, the program
shifts to the state GN25 in which a screen for selecting "reading
from memory card" for a unit price setting is displayed. When
the execution (center) button 7e is depressed, a process ST21 of
reading registered information of the memory card 90, that is, the
print unit price table TB shown in FIG. 4 is performed, and a process
ST22 of determining whether registered information exists in the
memory card 90 or not is performed. In the case where registered
information exists in the process ST22, the program shifts to a
state GN27 in which charge setting data is displayed on the basis
of the information and, by depression of the execution (center)
button 7e, a process ST23 of updating the displayed data is executed.
On the other hand, when registered information does not exist in
the process ST22, the program shifts to a state GN28 in which a
warning of "no charge information in the memory card"
is displayed. When the execution (center) button 7e is depressed
in this state GN28, the program shifts to a state GN26.
[0142] On the other hand, when the down button 7b is depressed
in a state GN25, the program shifts to the state GN26 in which a
screen for selecting "manual setting" for unit price setting
is displayed. In this case, the amount can be increased/decreased
by operating the left and right buttons 7c and 7d. When the up button
7a is depressed, the program shifts to the state GN25.
[0143] General Operation of Digital Camera 1
[0144] The operation regarding the print mode has been described
above. The general operation of the digital camera 1 such as the
relation between the print mode and the other modes (image capturing
mode and playback mode) will be described below.
[0145] FIG. 21 is a state transition diagram showing basic operation
of the digital camera 1.
[0146] First, when the power source button 3 is depressed in a
state where the power source of the digital camera 1 is off, the
program shifts to a state ST31 of checking a mode at the time of
turn-on stored in the ROM 50b. At the time of shipment of the digital
camera 1, the image capturing mode is set.
[0147] The program shifts to a state ST32 in which the mode determined
in state ST31 is set. As the modes of the digital camera 1, there
are the print mode, image capturing modes (single frame shooting
mode, motion picture mode and continuous shooting mode) and playback
mode. By depression of the mode switching button 11 and the print
button 13, the mode can be switched among the five kinds of modes.
In the case where the menu button 8a is depressed in the state ST32,
the program shifts to a state ST33 in which a screen for setting
various menus according to the mode is displayed on the LCD 5.
[0148] On the other hand, when the power source button 3 is depressed
in the state ST32, via a state ST34 for storing the currently set
mode into the ROM 50b, the power source of the digital camera 1
is turned off.
[0149] The relation between the print mode as one of the five modes
and the other four kinds of modes will be described with reference
to FIG. 22 showing a state transition.
[0150] In states GN81 to GN84 in which the single frame shooting
mode, continuous shooting mode, motion picture mode and playback
mode are set, respectively, the mode is cyclically switched by depression
of the mode switching button 11. At the time of shifting the state
GN83 in which the motion picture mode is set to the state GN84 in
which the playback mode is set, a captured image of the largest
frame number is displayed on the LCD 5.
[0151] When the print button 13 is depressed in the states GN81
to GN83 in which the single frame shooting mode, continuous shooting
mode and motion picture mode are set, respectively, via an error
check ST41 which will be described in detail later, the program
shifts to a state GN85 in which the print mode is set. That is,
when the print button (predetermined operation member) 13 is operated,
the screen is immediately switched to the print setting screen.
Immediately after the shift to the state GN85, a captured image
of the largest frame number is displayed on the LCD 5.
[0152] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN84
in which the playback mode is set, the program shifts to the state
GN85 in which the print mode is set. Immediately after the shift
to the state GN85, the same image as an image played back on the
LCD 5 in the state GN84 is displayed. When the shutter button 9
is depressed in the state GN84, the program shifts to the state
GN81 in which the single frame shooting mode is set.
[0153] Also when the print button 13 is depressed in the state
GN85 in which the print mode is set, a process of updating the print
order contents or the like is performed as described above, but
the setting of the print mode is maintained. In the case where the
shutter button 9 is depressed in the state GN85, the program shifts
to the state GN81 in which the single frame shooting mode is set.
[0154] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of an error
check corresponding to the state ST41.
[0155] First, it is determined whether a captured image is stored
in the memory card 90 or not (step ST51). In the case where a captured
image is stored, the program advances to step ST52. In the case
where a captured image is not stored, the program advances to step
ST53.
[0156] In step ST52, a captured image of the largest frame number
is designated and an image file (data) is read. After completion
of the reading, the program shifts to the state GN85 (FIG. 22) in
which the print mode is set. Even when the print button 13 is depressed
in step ST52, the print button 13 is ignored and the reading of
a file is continued.
[0157] In step ST53, the mode (single frame shooting mode, continuous
shooting mode or motion picture mode) which is set before the shift
to the error check ST45 is stored.
[0158] In step ST54, a warning that "there is no image in
memory card" is displayed on the LCD 5. After lapse of two
seconds, in response to the depression of the execution (center)
button 7e, print button 13 or mode switching button 11, the program
returns to the mode before the shift stored in the step ST53.
[0159] As described above, in the case where the print button 13
is operated in a state where an image to be printed is not recorded
on the memory card 90, by the error check operation of inhibiting
the switch to the print setting screen and displaying a warning
on the LCD 5, the digital camera 1 can be prevented from shifting
to the print mode when there is no captured image in the memory
card 90.
[0160] The process performed in the case where the print button
13 is depressed in each of the states of the digital camera 1 in
the playback mode will be described with respect to each of the
items (1) to (6) shown in FIG. 24.
[0161] (1) When the print button 13 is depressed in the state where
the menu screen of the playback mode (hereinafter, also referred
to as a "playback menu") is being displayed, the program
immediately shifts to the print setting screen Gp (FIG. 7).
[0162] (2) When the print button 13 is depressed during a slide
show, the slide show is interrupted and the program shifts to the
print setting screen Gp.
[0163] (3) When the print button 13 is depressed during playback
of a motion picture (continuous playback of a motion picture file),
the motion picture playback is interrupted, and the program shifts
to the print setting screen Gp displaying the subsequent still picture
of the motion picture presently being played back for the reason
that printing cannot be designated for a motion picture. If the
subsequent still picture does not exist after the motion picture
being played back, the still picture before the motion picture is
displayed.
[0164] (4) When the print button 13 is depressed during a file
access (reading) by frame advance, enlarge display, image process
or the like, the program interrupts the file access and shifts to
the print setting screen Gp. In the case where the mode shift is
being performed, priority is given to reading of data.
[0165] (5) Even when the print button 13 is depressed during a
file access (writing) by the image process, a setting of copy, erase,
or protect, updating of a print order file, or the like, it is ignored
in order to prevent the file from being destroyed.
[0166] (6) When the print button 13 is depressed during after-recording,
the program interrupts the after-recording and, after completion
of recording of sound up to the interruption, shifts to the print
setting screen Gp of a frame to be after-recorded. In the print
setting screen Gp, sound information regarding the after-recording
is not displayed but a still picture which is not related to the
after-recording is displayed.
[0167] FIGS. 25 and 26 are diagrams for describing operations of
the digital camera 1 in the playback mode. In the diagrams, blocks
having reference symbols starting with GN indicate states of the
digital camera, and blocks having reference symbols starting with
ST indicate processes of the digital camera 1.
[0168] When the mode switching button 11 is depressed in a state
GN61 in which the motion picture mode is set as shown in FIG. 25,
a process ST61 of determining whether a captured image is stored
in the memory card 90 or not is performed. If it is found in the
process ST61 that the captured image is stored, a process ST63 of
designating an image of the largest frame number and reading the
image file is performed. After completion of the reading, the program
shifts to a state GN33 in which the playback mode of displaying
the image of the frame number is displayed. Even in the case where
the print button 13 is depressed while the process ST63 is performed,
it is ignored and the reading process is continued.
[0169] On the other hand, if it is found in the process ST61 that
a captured image is not stored, the program shifts to a state GN62
in which a warning of "there is no image in memory card"
is displayed. After two seconds, the program shifts to the state
GN61 in which the motion picture mode is set. Even when the print
button 13 is depressed in the state GN62, it is ignored.
[0170] When the left button 7c (or right button 7d) is depressed
in the state GN33 in which the playback mode is set, a process ST64
of designating an image of the preceding (or subsequent) frame number
and reading an image file is performed. After completion of the
process ST64, the program shifts to the state GN33 in which the
playback mode displaying the read image file is set. In the process
ST64, when the print button 13 is depressed, reading of an image
file is interrupted, and the program shifts to a state GN37 in which
the print mode of displaying the image displayed immediately before
the reading process is set.
[0171] In the case where the mode switching button 11 is depressed
in the state GN33 in which the playback mode is set, the program
shifts to a state GN35 in which the single frame shooting mode is
set. When the frame of a motion picture is designated and the execution
(center) button 7e is depressed in the case where an image is displayed
in the form of a thumbnail image in the state GN33, the program
shifts to a state GN36 of playing back the motion picture of the
designated frames. When the print button 13 is depressed in this
state GN36, the program shifts to a state GN39 in which the print
mode of displaying a still picture of the subsequent frame number
is set.
[0172] When the menu button 8a is depressed in the state GN33 in
which the playback mode is set, the program shifts to a state GN34
in which the menu screen of the playback mode shown in FIG. 26 is
displayed. When the menu button 8a is depressed, the program returns
to the state GN33 in which the playback mode shown in FIG. 25 is
set.
[0173] In the case where "protect" as a menu item is
selected and the execution (center) button 7e is depressed in the
state GN34 in which the playback menu is displayed as shown in FIG.
26, a process ST65 of setting protection is performed. After completion
of the setting of protection, the program returns to the state GN34
in which the playback menu is displayed. Even in the case where
the print button 13 is depressed during the protection setting process
ST65, it is ignored and the protection setting is continued.
[0174] In the case where "after-recording" as a menu
item is selected and the execution (center) button 7e is executed
in the state GN34 in which the playback menu is displayed, the program
shifts to a state GN40 displaying an image played back and a progress
bar of sound recording. In the state GN40, when the after-recording
is finished, a process ST66 of creating an after-recording sound
file in the memory card 90 and associating the created after-recording
sound file with an image file is performed. After completion of
creation of the after-recording sound file, the program shifts to
the state GN34 displaying the playback menu. On the other hand,
in the case where the print button 13 is depressed in the state
GN40, after-recording is interrupted, a process ST68 of creating
a sound file up to the interruption and associating the sound file
with an image file of an image played back is performed. The program
shifts to the state GN37 (FIG. 25) in which the print mode of displaying
the image played back is set. That is, when the print button 13
is operated during sound recording, the sound recording is interrupted,
and the display screen is immediately switched to the print setting
screen.
[0175] In the case where "formatting" as a menu item
is selected and the execution (center) button 7e is depressed in
the state GN34 in which the playback menu shown in FIG. 26 is displayed,
a process ST67 of executing formatting is executed. When the formatting
is completed, the program returns to the state GN34 in which the
playback menu is displayed. Even in the case where the print button
13 is depressed during the formatting process ST67, it is ignored
and the formatting process is continued.
[0176] In the case where "slide show" as a menu item
is selected and the execution button 7e is depressed in the state
GN34 in which the playback menu is displayed, the program shifts
to a state GN38 where the slide show is executed. In the case where
the slide show is finished and the menu button 8a is depressed in
the state GN38, the program returns to the state GN34 in which the
playback menu is displayed. When the print button 13 is depressed
in the state GN38, the program shifts to the state GN37 (FIG. 25)
in which the print mode of displaying the print setting screen is
set.
[0177] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN34
in which the playback menu shown in FIG. 26 is displayed, the program
shifts to the state GN37 (FIG. 25) in which the print mode of displaying
the print setting screen is set.
[0178] Although the relation between the playback mode and the
print mode has been described above, in the following, the process
performed when the print button 13 is depressed in each of the states
of the digital camera 1 in the image capturing modes other than
the playback mode, concretely, the single frame shooting mode, continuous
shooting mode and motion picture mode will be described with respect
to each of the items (1) to (8) shown in FIG. 27.
[0179] (1) When the print button 13 is depressed during live view
display, the program immediately shifts to the print setting screen
Gp (FIG. 7). In the case where an AE evaluation value is obtained
in a live view, it is discarded.
[0180] (2) Even when the shutter button 9 is half-pressed (S1 state)
and the print button 13 is depressed during AF, the depression is
ignored. That is, in the case where the shutter button 9 is depressed
and the print button 13 is operated during live view display in
which the taking lens 2 is driven, the program inhibits switch to
the print setting screen.
[0181] (3) When the print button 13 is depressed after the shutter
button 9 is half-pressed (S1 state) and AF is completed, the program
discards an AF evaluation value obtained and immediately shifts
to the print setting screen Gp. Specifically, when the print button
13 is operated in a state where a live view is being displayed (during
image capturing operation), an AF evaluation value (control data
regarding image capturing) calculated by the overall controller
50 and held in the RAM 50a is erased, and the display screen is
switched to the print setting screen.
[0182] (4) After the shutter button 9 is depressed (S2 state) and
during recording of a captured image or between image captures in
the continuous shooting, by depression of the print button 13, the
program shifts to the print setting screen Gp before a file access
(writing) is completed. In the print setting screen, a thumbnail
image (image for display) generated on the basis of a captured image
to be stored in the RAM 50a is displayed. While maintaining display
of the print setting screen switched, the captured image is concurrently
recorded into the memory card 90 in the background. In the case
where the erase button 8b is depressed in the print setting screen
and an image erasing operation is performed, the captured image
recording process is interrupted, and the captured image data stored
in the RAM 50a is erased.
[0183] (5) During an after view display of displaying a captured
image on the LCD 5 after the shutter button 9 is depressed (S2 state)
(in the state where an option of "to record" or "not
to record" is displayed), an image displayed as an after view
is recorded by depressing the print button 13. After completion
of the recording, the program shifts to the print setting screen
Gp.
[0184] (6) When the print button 13 is depressed during a self
timer operation, the program cancels the self timer and shifts to
the print mode. Specifically, when the print button 13 is operated
during operation of the self timer in the image capturing mode (during
the image capturing operation), the operation of the self timer
is stopped, and the program shifts to the print setting screen immediately.
[0185] (7) When the print button 13 is depressed during display
of the menu screen of the image capturing mode (hereinafter, also
referred to as "image capturing menu"), the program immediately
shifts to the print setting screen Gp.
[0186] (8) When the print button 13 is depressed during capturing
of a motion picture in the motion picture mode, the program finishes
the motion picture capturing and shifts to the print setting screen
Gp. That is, when the print button 13 is operated, capturing of
a motion picture and recording of the captured motion picture is
stopped, and the program immediately shifts to the print setting
screen. In the print setting screen, a captured motion picture is
not displayed but a still image which is different from the motion
picture and has been captured before the motion picture capturing
is displayed.
[0187] The operation of the digital camera 1 in each of the single
frame shooting mode, continuous shooting mode and motion picture
mode will be described below.
[0188] FIG. 28 is a diagram for describing the operation of the
digital camera 1 in the single frame shooting mode. In the diagram,
blocks having reference symbols starting with GN indicate the states
of the digital camera, and blocks having reference symbols starting
with ST show processes of the digital camera 1.
[0189] When the single frame shooting mode is set and the shutter
button 9 is half-pressed in a state GN41 in which live view display
is made, AF, AE and AWB processes ST71 are performed. After completion
of the process, the program shifts to a state GN42 in which AF,
AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained. When the print button
13 is depressed during the AF, AE and AWB processes ST71, the depression
is ignored, and shift to the print mode is inhibited.
[0190] When the menu button 8a is depressed in the state GN41 in
which the single frame shooting mode is set, the program shifts
to a state where the image capturing menu which will be described
later is displayed.
[0191] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN42
where the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained, a process
ST72 of discarding the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values is performed
and, after that, the error check process ST74 is performed. On the
other hand, when the shutter button 9 is depressed in the state
GN42, a process ST73 of determining whether the self timer is set
or not is performed. In the case where the self timer is set, the
program shifts to a self timer counting state GN43. On the other
hand, in the case where the self timer is not set, the program shifts
to a state GN44 of performing exposure, storing captured image data
into the RAM 50a, and performing an image process.
[0192] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN43
of counting the self timer, the program cancels the self timer and
shifts to the error check process ST74. On the other hand, when
the self timer is counted up in the state GN43, the program shifts
to the state GN44 of performing exposure and the like.
[0193] Even when the print button 13 is depressed in the state
GN44 of performing exposure and the like, it is ignored and the
exposing process or the like is continued. After completion of the
image process in the state GN44, the program shifts to a process
ST75 of determining whether after-view is set or not.
[0194] In the case where after-view is set in the determining process
ST75, a process ST76 of generating a thumbnail image for display
of the thumbnail image data SD (FIG. 4) is performed, and the program
shifts to a state GN45 of displaying the thumbnail image of a captured
image. On the other hand, when the after-view is not set in the
determining process ST75, a process ST79 of recording the captured
image into the memory card 90 is performed and, after that, the
program shifts to the state GN41 in which the single frame shooting
mode is set, and the live view display is made. When the print button
13 is depressed during the recording process ST79, even writing
has not been completed, the program immediately shifts to the print
mode of the print setting screen accompanying display of a thumbnail
image (image for display).
[0195] In the case where the print button 13 is depressed in the
thumbnail image display state GN45, a process ST77 of recording
a captured image into the memory card 90 is performed, and the program
shifts to the print mode.
[0196] In the case where there is no user's operation for predetermined
time (for example, three seconds) or image recording is selected
by the user in the thumbnail image display state GN45, the program
shifts to the recording process ST79.
[0197] In the case where erase of an image is selected in the thumbnail
image display state GN45, the captured image data in the RAM 50a
is cleared, and the program shifts to the single frame shooting
mode setting screen GN41 and performs live view display.
[0198] FIG. 29 is a diagram for describing the operation of the
digital camera 1 in the continuous shooting mode. In the diagram,
blocks having reference symbols starting with GN indicate states
of the digital camera, and blocks having reference symbols starting
with ST show processes of the digital camera 1.
[0199] When the shutter button 9 is half-pressed in a state GN51
where the continuous shooting mode is set and the live view display
is performed, an AF, AE and AWB process ST81 is performed. After
completion of the process, the program shifts to a state GN52 where
the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained. Even if the print
button 13 is depressed in the AF, AE and AWB process ST81, the depression
is ignored and shift to the print mode is inhibited.
[0200] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN52
in which the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained, a process
ST82 of discarding the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values is performed
and, after that, the error check process ST83 is performed. On the
other hand, when the shutter button 9 is depressed in the state
GN52, the program shifts to a state GN53 of performing exposure,
storing captured image data into the RAM 50a, and performing the
image process.
[0201] In the state GN53 of performing the exposure and the like,
even if the print button 13 is depressed, it is ignored and the
process such as exposure is continued. After the image process is
completed in the state GN53, the program shifts to a process ST84
of determining whether there is a free space in the RAM 50a or not.
In the case where the shutter button 9 is turned off in the state
GN53, a recording process ST85 is performed on the memory card 90.
After that, the program shifts to the state GN51 and the live view
display is performed.
[0202] In the case where there is no free space in the RAM 50a
in the determining process ST84, the program shifts to a state GN54
of continuing the image process and the recording process. On the
other hand, in the case where there is a free space in the RAM 50a,
the program shifts to the state ST53 where exposure and the like
are performed.
[0203] In the case where the shutter button 9 is depressed in the
state GN54, the program shifts to the determining process ST84 for
checking a free space. On the other hand, in the case where the
shutter button 9 is turned off, the program shifts to the process
ST85 of recording a captured image onto the memory card 90.
[0204] In the case where the print button 13 is depressed during
the state GN54 or the recording process ST85, the program shifts
to the print mode.
[0205] FIG. 30 is a diagram for describing the operation of the
digital camera 1 in the motion picture mode. In the diagram, blocks
having reference symbols starting with GN indicate states of the
digital camera, and blocks having reference symbols starting with
ST indicate processes of the digital camera 1.
[0206] In the case where the shutter button 9 is half-pressed in
a state GN61 where the motion picture mode is set and live view
display is performed, an AF, AE and AWB process ST91 is performed.
After completion of the processes, the program shifts to a state
GN62 in which the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained.
Even if the print button 13 is depressed in the AF, AE, and AWB
process ST91, the depression is ignored, and shift to the print
mode is inhibited.
[0207] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN62
in which the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained, the
program performs a process ST92 of discarding the AF, AE and AWB
evaluation values and shifts to the print mode. On the other hand,
when the shutter button 9 is depressed in the state GN62, the program
shifts to a state GN63 of performing exposure, storing captured
image data into the RAM 50a, and performing the image process. When
the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN63, the program
shifts to the print mode.
[0208] After completion of the image process in the state GN63,
the program shifts to a state GN64 of performing a process of recording
one frame to the memory card 90. After that, the program shifts
to a state ST93 of determining whether there is a free space in
the memory card 90 or not. In the case where the print button 13
is depressed in the state GN64, the program immediately shifts to
the print mode.
[0209] By repeating the recording process for each of frames constructing
a motion picture in the state GN64, motion picture data is generated.
[0210] In the case where the shutter button 9 is depressed again
in the state GN63, the program shifts to a state GN65 of performing
a recording process of one frame to the memory card 90 and, after
that, a process ST94 of finishing recording of a motion picture
file onto the memory card 90 is performed.
[0211] In the case where there is a free space in the memory card
90 in the determining process ST93, the program shifts to the state
GN63. On the other hand, when there is no free space, the program
shifts to the recording finishing process ST94.
[0212] In the recording finishing process ST94, a header and the
like are added to image data of a motion picture captured, and the
resultant is recorded as a motion picture file onto the memory card
90. After completion of the process ST94, the program shifts to
the state GN61 in which the motion picture mode is set, and live
view display is performed. When the print button 13 is depressed
during the recording finishing process ST94, the program shifts
to the print mode.
[0213] FIGS. 31 and 32 are diagrams for describing the operations
of the digital camera 1 regarding the image capturing menu. In the
diagrams, blocks having reference symbols starting with GN show
states of the digital camera 1, and blocks having reference symbols
starting with ST indicate processes of the digital camera 1.
[0214] When the menu button 8a is depressed in the single frame
shooting mode, the program shifts to a state GN71 of displaying
the image capturing menu. In the image capturing menu screen, by
depressing the up button 7a or down button 7b, a selected item can
be changed to a state GN72, GN73 or the like.
[0215] When the execution (center) button 7e is depressed in the
state GN72 where "sound recording" is selected, the program
shifts to a state GN74 in which sound recordable time is displayed.
[0216] When the print button 13 is depressed in the state GN74,
the program shifts to the print mode in which an image captured
before the sound recording is displayed.
[0217] When the shutter button 9 is depressed in the state GN74,
the program performs a process ST101 of starting sound recording
and shifts to a state GN76 of displaying "recording" and
also displaying a progress bar. When the shutter button 9 is depressed
in the state GN76, the program performs a sound recording finishing
process ST102 and shifts to the state GN72. On the other hand, when
the print button 13 is depressed in the stage GN76, the program
performs a sound recording finishing process ST103 and shifts to
the print mode.
[0218] When the execution (center) button 7e is depressed in the
state GN73 in which "interval shooting" is selected, the
program shifts to a state GN75 (FIG. 32) where live view display
is performed. When the print button 13 is depressed in the state
GN75, the program shifts to the print mode. In this case, the display
screen is switched to the print setting screen accompanying display
of a still picture captured in, for example, the single frame shooting
mode before the interval shooting mode is set.
[0219] When the shutter button 9 is half-pressed in the live view
display state GN75, the program performs an AF, AE and AWB processes
ST104 and, after completion of the process, shifts to a state GN77
where the AF, AE and AWB evaluation values are obtained.
[0220] When the print button 13 is depressed in this state GN77,
the program performs a process ST105 of discarding the AF, AE and
AWB evaluation values and, after that, shifts to the print mode.
[0221] When the shutter button 9 is depressed in the state GN77,
the program shifts to a state GN78 of performing exposure, storing
captured image data into the RAM 50a, and performing the image process
and the recording process. Even if the print button 13 is depressed
in this state GN78, it is ignored and the process is continued.
Consequently, even if the print button 13 is touched by mistake
at the time of image capturing, the image capturing is not interrupted.
[0222] When the image process is completed in the state GN78, the
program shifts to a process ST106 of determining whether there is
a free space in the memory card 90 or not. When there is no free
space in the memory card 90 in the determining process ST106, the
program shifts to a state GN79 of displaying a warning "no
free space in the memory card". When the print button 13 is
depressed in the state GN79, the program shifts to the print mode.
[0223] On the other hand, when it is determined in the determining
process ST106 that there is a free space in the memory card 90,
the program shifts to a counting state GN80 of an interval timer
and, after that, shifts to a process ST107 of determining count-up
of the timer. In the case where the print button 13 is depressed
in the state GN80, the timer counter is reset, the program immediately
shifts to the print mode, and the display screen is switched to
the print setting screen. In the print setting screen, at least
one still picture captured by the interval shooting mode is displayed.
In such a manner, cancel of the interval shooting and print designation
can be performed simultaneously.
[0224] In the case where the timer has not been counted up in the
determining process ST107, the program shifts to the state GN80.
On the other hand, when the timer counts up, the program returns
to the state GN78.
[0225] By the operation of the digital camera 1, when the print
button 13 is depressed in a state where the single frame shooting
mode or the like is set, the display screen is switched to the print
setting screen, so that setting of a print order can be made promptly.
[0226] While the invention has been shown and described in detail,
the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not
restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications
and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of
the invention. |