Digital Camera Patent AbstractThe present invention provides a digital camera that prevents photographing
errors attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing
the recordable image size. In a digital camera that allows a high
sensitivity to be set by pixel mixture, a display is provided to
prevent photographing errors caused by restrictions or the like
resulting from setting of a high sensitivity.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A digital camera which obtains image data representing an object
by forming an image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising
a set of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving
elements, the digital camera controlling exposure according to a
set sensitivity, the digital camera comprising: a sensitivity setting
operation member which sets sensitivity; an image size setting operation
member which sets a recording image size; a pixel mixing section
which operates if the sensitivity setting operation member is operated
to set a predetermined sensitivity, to execute a pixel mixing process
on a plurality of pieces of luminance information obtained from
the plurality of unit light receiving elements constituting the
solid imaging device, the pixel mixing process comprising integrating
the plurality of pieces of luminance information together so that
one new piece of luminance information is formed of every predetermined
number of pieces of luminance information obtained from a predetermined
number of adjacent unit light receiving elements, the pixel mixing
section thus reducing a recordable image size to a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible image size to realize the predetermined
high sensitivity; an image size setting section which sets the recording
image size according to an operation of the image size setting operation
member and if a recording image size larger than the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size has previously been set, changes the recording image
size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the high-sensitivity setting operation member; and a display section
which indicates that the recording image size has been changed to
the high-sensitivity-compatible image size if the image size setting
section changes the recording image size to the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size in response to the setting of the predetermined high
sensitivity carried out by operating the sensitivity setting operation
member.
2. A digital camera which obtains image data representing an object
by forming an image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising
a set of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving
elements, the digital camera controlling exposure according to a
set sensitivity, the digital camera comprising: a sensitivity setting
operation member which sets sensitivity; an image size setting operation
member which sets a recording image size; a pixel mixing section
which operates if the sensitivity setting operation member is operated
to set a predetermined sensitivity, to execute a pixel mixing process
on a plurality of pieces of luminance information obtained from
the plurality of unit light receiving elements constituting the
solid imaging device, the pixel mixing process comprising integrating
the plurality of pieces of luminance information together so that
one new piece of luminance information is formed of every predetermined
number of pieces of luminance information obtained from a predetermined
number of adjacent unit light receiving elements, the pixel mixing
section thus reducing a recordable image size to a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible image size to realize the predetermined
high sensitivity; an image size setting section which sets the recording
image size according to an operation of the image size setting operation
member and if a recording image size larger than the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size has previously been set, changes the recording image
size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the high-sensitivity setting operation member; and a display section
which indicates that the predetermined high sensitivity has been
set during a state in which the predetermined high sensitivity remains
set.
3. A digital camera which obtains image data representing an object
by forming an image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising
a set of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving
elements, the digital camera controlling exposure according to a
set sensitivity, the digital camera comprising: a sensitivity setting
operation member which sets sensitivity; an image size setting operation
member which sets a recording image size; a pixel mixing section
which operates if the sensitivity setting operation member is operated
to set a predetermined sensitivity, to execute a pixel mixing process
on a plurality of pieces of luminance information obtained from
the plurality of unit light receiving elements constituting the
solid imaging device, the pixel mixing process comprising integrating
the plurality of pieces of luminance information together so that
one new piece of luminance information is formed of every predetermined
number of pieces of luminance information obtained from a predetermined
number of adjacent unit light receiving elements, the pixel mixing
section thus reducing a recordable image size to a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible image size to realize the predetermined
high sensitivity; an image size setting section which sets the recording
image size according to an operation of the image size setting operation
member and if a recording image size larger than the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size has previously been set, changes the recording image
size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the high-sensitivity setting operation member; an electronic zoom
operation section which implements an electronic zoom function in
which the high-sensitivity-compatible image size is a maximum enlarged
size; and a display section which indicates that the electronic
zoom function is disabled if the image size setting section changes
the recording image size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image
size in response to the setting of the predetermined high sensitivity
carried out by operating the sensitivity selling operation member.
4. A digital camera which obtains image data representing an object
by forming an image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising
a set of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving
elements, the digital camera controlling exposure according to a
set sensitivity, the digital camera comprising: a sensitivity setting
operation member which sets sensitivity; an image size selling operation
member which sets a recording image size; a pixel mixing section
which operates if the sensitivity setting operation member is operated
to set a predetermined sensitivity, to execute a pixel mixing process
on a plurality of pieces of luminance information obtained from
the plurality of unit light receiving elements constituting the
solid imaging device, the pixel mixing process comprising integrating
the plurality of pieces of luminance information together so that
one new piece of luminance information is formed of every predetermined
number of pieces of luminance information obtained from a predetermined
number of adjacent unit light receiving elements, the pixel mixing
section thus reducing a recordable image size to a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible image size to realize the predetermined
high sensitivity; an image size setting section which has a setting
screen which displays a settable recording image size when the image
size setting operation member is operated to set the recording image
size, the image size setting section changing display on the setting
screen in connection with the operation of the image size setting
operation member to set the recording image size according to the
operation of the image size setting operation member, and wherein
the image size setting section indicates on the setting screen that
only the high-sensitivity-compatible image size can be set on the
setting screen if the sensitivity setting operation member has been
operated to set the predetermined high sensitivity.
5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the digital
camera controls exposure on the basis of a program diagram corresponding
to a selected one of a plurality of photographing modes with different
program diagrams, wherein the digital camera comprises a photographing
mode selecting operation member used to select a photographing mode,
wherein the pixel mixing section operates if the photographing mode
selecting operation member is operated to select a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode and the high-sensitivity
setting operation member is operated to set the predetermined high
sensitivity, and wherein the digital camera comprises a sensitivity
setting section which sets sensitivity according to an operation
of the sensitivity setting operation member, and returns sensitivity
to a predetermined initial sensitivity value if the photographing
mode selecting operation member is operated to select a photographing
mode different from a previously selected high-sensitivity-compatible
photographing mode.
6. A digital camera which obtains image data representing an object
by forming an image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising
a set of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving
elements, the digital camera controlling exposure according to a
set sensitivity, the digital camera comprising: a sensitivity setting
operation member which sets sensitivity; an image size setting operation
member which sets a recording image size; a pixel mixing section
which operates if the sensitivity setting operation member is operated
to set a predetermined sensitivity, to execute a pixel mixing process
on a plurality of pieces of luminance information obtained from
the plurality of unit light receiving elements constituting the
solid imaging device, the pixel mixing process comprising integrating
the plurality of pieces of luminance information together so that
one new piece of luminance information is formed of every predetermined
number of pieces of luminance information obtained from a predetermined
number of adjacent unit light receiving elements, the pixel mixing
section thus reducing a recordable image size to a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible image size to realize the predetermined
high sensitivity; an image size setting section which has a setting
screen which displays a settable recording image size when the image
size setting operation member is operated to set the recording image
size, the image size setting section changing display on the setting
screen in connection with the operation of the image size setting
operation member to set the recording image size according to the
operation of the image size setting operation member; and an electronic
zoom operation section which implements an electronic zoom function
in which the high-sensitivity-compatible image size is a maximum
enlarged size, and wherein the image size setting section indicates
on the setting screen that the electronic zoom function is disabled
if the sensitivity setting operation member has been operated to
set the predetermined high sensitivity.
7. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the digital
camera controls exposure on the basis of a program diagram corresponding
to a selected one of a plurality of photographing modes with different
program diagrams, wherein the digital camera comprises a photographing
mode selecting operation member used to select a photographing mode,
wherein the pixel mixing section operates if the photographing mode
selecting operation member is operated to select a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode and the high-sensitivity
setting operation member is operated to set the predetermined high
sensitivity, and wherein the digital camera comprises a sensitivity
setting section which sets sensitivity according to an operation
of the sensitivity setting operation member, and returns sensitivity
to a predetermined initial sensitivity value if the photographing
mode selecting operation member is operated to select a photographing
mode different from a previously selected high-sensitivity-compatible
photographing mode. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera that takes a
photograph by forming an image of an object on a solid imaging device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Because of the reduced size and costs of their unit light receiving
elements, digital cameras have recently been popular which take
a photograph by forming an image of an object on a solid imaging
device composed of a set of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged
unit light receiving elements to obtain image data representing
this object. These digital cameras control exposure according to
sensitivity set by, for example, selecting an ISO (International
Organization for Standardization) value from a menu display.
If a high sensitivity is set, some of these digital cameras actualize
this high sensitivity by increasing the time for which charges remain
stored in the solid imaging device (for example, refer to Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No. 6-165048). Other digital cameras actualize
this high sensitivity by carrying out pixel mixture in which a plurality
of pieces of luminance information obtained from a plurality of
unit light receiving elements are integrated together so that one
new piece of luminance information is formed of every predetermined
number of pieces of luminance information obtained from a predetermined
number of adjacent unit light receiving elements. It is assumed
that in the digital camera actualizing a high sensitivity through
this pixel mixture, for example, the charged coupled device is composed
of 6,000,000 unit light receiving elements, i.e. recordable image
size is 6 mega-pixels. Then, when high-sensitivity photographing
corresponding to ISO 800 is specified, four unit light receiving
elements are integrated together into one unit light receiving element.
Thus, the recordable image size becomes 1.5 mega-pixels.
However, a large number of users are unfamiliar with such correlationship
between the sensitivity setting and the recordable image size. Accordingly,
for example, with a digital camera having a recordable image size
of 6 mega-pixels, when a high sensitivity is set if an image is
to be recorded so as to have an image size of 3 mega-pixels, the
recordable image size becomes 1.5 mega-pixels. Consequently, a photographing
process is not executed with the set recording image size (3 mega-pixels).
As a result, the image quality of the resulting photograph is disadvantageously
lower than intended.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above-described circumstances, it is an object of
the present invention to provide a digital camera that prevents
photographing errors attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected
by reducing recordable image size.
To attain this object, a first digital camera according to the
present invention obtains image data representing an object by forming
an image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising a set
of a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving
elements, controls exposure according to a set sensitivity, and
has:
a sensitivity setting operation member which sets sensitivity;
an image size setting operation member which sets a recording image
size;
a pixel mixing section which operates if the sensitivity setting
operation member is operated to set a predetermined sensitivity,
to execute a pixel mixing process on a plurality of pieces of luminance
information obtained from the plurality of unit light receiving
elements constituting the solid imaging device, the pixel mixing
process comprising integrating the plurality of pieces of luminance
information together so that one new piece of luminance information
is formed of every predetermined number of pieces of luminance information
obtained from a predetermined number of adjacent unit light receiving
elements, the pixel mixing section thus reducing a recordable image
size to a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible image size to
realize the predetermined high sensitivity;
an image size setting section which sets the recording image size
according to an operation of the image size setting operation member
and if a recording image size larger than the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size has previously been set, changes the recording image
size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the high-sensitivity setting operation member; and
a display section which indicates that the recording image size
has been changed to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size if
the image size setting section changes the recording image size
to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to the
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the sensitivity setting operation member.
With the first digital camera of the present invention, when the
predetermined high sensitivity is set, the pixel mixture is carried
out to reduce the recordable image size to the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size. Accordingly, if the recording image size set before
this predetermined high sensitivity is set is larger than this high-sensitivity-compatible
image size, the recording image size is changed to the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size. Further, an indication is provided which means that
the current recording image size has been changed to a value smaller
than the set one. Therefore, according to the first digital camera
of the present invention, if the recording image size is changed
by setting the predetermined high sensitivity, a user is informed
of this before photographing. This prevents photographing errors
attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the
recordable image size.
To attain the above object, a second digital camera of the present
invention obtains image data representing an object by forming an
image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising a set of
a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving elements,
controls exposure according to a set sensitivity, and has:
a sensitivity setting operation member which sets sensitivity;
an image size setting operation member which sets a recording image
size;
a pixel mixing section which operates if the sensitivity setting
operation member is operated to set a predetermined sensitivity,
to execute a pixel mixing process on a plurality of pieces of luminance
information obtained from the plurality of unit light receiving
elements constituting the solid imaging device, the pixel mixing
process comprising integrating the plurality of pieces of luminance
information together so that one new piece of luminance information
is formed of every predetermined number of pieces of luminance information
obtained from a predetermined number of adjacent unit light receiving
elements, the pixel mixing section thus reducing a recordable image
size to a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible image size to
realize the predetermined high sensitivity;
an image size setting section which sets the recording image size
according to an operation of the image size setting operation member
and if a recording image size larger than the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size has previously been set, changes the recording image
size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the sensitivity setting operation member; and
a display section which indicates that the predetermined high sensitivity
has been set during a state in which the predetermined high sensitivity
remains set.
With the second digital camera of the present invention, the above
configuration maintains an indication meaning that sensitivity has
been set at the predetermined high sensitivity value until this
setting is cleared. According to the second digital camera of the
present invention, the user's attention is always called to the
fact that the current sensitivity is set at the predetermined high
sensitivity value, thus preventing a misunderstanding about the
recording image size. This in turn prevents photographing errors
attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the
recordable image size.
To attain the above object, a third digital camera of the present
invention obtains image data representing an object by forming an
image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising a set of
a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving elements,
controls exposure according to a set sensitivity, and has:
a sensitivity setting operation member which sets sensitivity;
an image size setting operation member which sets a recording image
size;
a pixel mixing section which operates if the sensitivity setting
operation member is operated to set a predetermined sensitivity,
to execute a pixel mixing process on a plurality of pieces of luminance
information obtained from the plurality of unit light receiving
elements constituting the solid imaging device, the pixel mixing
process comprising integrating the plurality of pieces of luminance
information together so that one new piece of luminance information
is formed of every predetermined number of pieces of luminance information
obtained from a predetermined number of adjacent unit light receiving
elements, the pixel mixing section thus reducing a recordable image
size to a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible image size to
realize the predetermined high sensitivity;
an image size setting section which sets the recording image size
according to an operation of the image size setting operation member
and if a recording image size larger than the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size has previously been set, changes the recording image
size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response to
setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out by operating
the sensitivity setting operation member;
an electronic zoom operation section which implements an electronic
zoom function in which the high-sensitivity-compatible image size
is a maximum enlarged size; and
a display section which indicates that the electronic zoom function
is disabled if the image size setting section changes the recording
image size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size in response
to the setting of the predetermined high sensitivity carried out
by operating the sensitivity setting operation member.
With the third digital camera of the present invention, the electronic
zoom function is available only if the image size, determined by
an enlargement range set on the solid imaging device, is larger
than the high-sensitivity-compatible image size, in order to prevent
image quality from being degraded. Thus, with the third digital
camera of the present invention, when the predetermined high sensitivity
is set, both the recordable image size on the solid imaging device
and the set recording image size change to the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size, and thus the electronic zoom function is disabled and
the indication of the electronic zoom function being disabled is
made. Therefore, according to the third digital camera of the present
invention, before taking a photograph, the user is informed that
the electronic zoom function is disabled if the predetermined high
sensitivity is set. This prevents photographing errors attributed
to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the recordable
image size.
To attain the above object, a fourth digital camera of the present
invention obtains image data representing an object by forming an
image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising a set of
a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving elements,
controls exposure according to a set sensitivity, and has:
a sensitivity setting operation member which sets sensitivity;
an image size setting operation member which sets a recording image
size;
a photographing mode selecting operation member which selects a
photograph mode;
a pixel mixing section which operates if the photographing mode
selecting operation member is operated to select a predetermined
high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode and the sensitivity
setting operation member is operated to set a predetermined sensitivity
to execute a pixel mixing process on a plurality of pieces of luminance
information obtained from the plurality of unit light receiving
elements constituting the solid imaging device, the pixel mixing
process comprising integrating the plurality of pieces of luminance
information together so that one new piece of luminance information
is formed of every predetermined number of pieces of luminance information
obtained from a predetermined number of adjacent unit light receiving
elements, the pixel mixing section thus reducing a recordable image
size to a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible image size to
realize the predetermined high sensitivity; and
a sensitivity setting section which sets sensitivity according
to an operation of the sensitivity setting operation member, and
returns sensitivity to a predetermined initial value if the photographing
mode selecting operation member is operated to set sensitivity and
to select a photographing mode different from the previously selected
high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode.
With the fourth digital camera of the present invention, the above
configuration prevents the predetermined high sensitivity set in
the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode from being mistakenly
kept in modes other than the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode. Therefore, according to the fourth digital camera of the present
invention, it is possible to avoid unintentionally changing sensitivity
always used in the modes other than the high-sensitivity-compatible
photographing mode. This prevents photographing errors attributed
to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the recordable
image size.
Here, preferably, in the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode, if the high-sensitivity setting operation member is operated
to change a previously set normal sensitivity to the predetermined
high sensitivity and then the photographing mode selecting operation
member is operated to select a photographing mode different from
the previously selected high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode, then the sensitivity setting section of the fourth digital
camera of the present invention returns sensitivity to the initial
value. Subsequently, if the photographing mode selecting operation
member is operated to select the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode again, the sensitivity setting section sets sensitivity to
the normal sensitivity value.
This is convenient if any normal sensitivity is always used in
the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode.
To attain the above object, a fifth digital camera of the present
invention obtains image data representing an object by forming an
image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising a set of
a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving elements,
controls exposure according to a set sensitivity, and has:
a sensitivity setting operation member which sets sensitivity;
an image size setting operation member which sets a recording image
size;
a pixel mixing section which operates if the sensitivity setting
operation member is operated to set a predetermined sensitivity,
to execute a pixel mixing process on a plurality of pieces of luminance
information obtained from the plurality of unit light receiving
elements constituting the solid imaging device, the pixel mixing
process comprising integrating the plurality of pieces of luminance
information together so that one new piece of luminance information
is formed of every predetermined number of pieces of luminance information
obtained from a predetermined number of adjacent unit light receiving
elements, the pixel mixing section thus reducing a recordable image
size to a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible image size to
realize the predetermined high sensitivity;
an image size setting section which has a setting screen which
displays a settable recording image size when the image size setting
operation member is operated to set the recording image size, the
image size setting section changing display on the setting screen
in connection with the operation of the image size setting operation
member to set the recording image size according to the operation
of the image size setting operation member, and
wherein the image size setting section indicates that only the
high-sensitivity-compatible image size can be set on the setting
screen if the sensitivity setting operation member has been operated
to set the predetermined high sensitivity.
With the fifth digital camera of the present invention, the above
configuration carries out pixel mixture to reduce the recordable
image size to the high-sensitivity-compatible image size when the
predetermined high sensitivity is set. Accordingly, even if a recording
image size exceeding the high-sensitivity-compatible image size
is set, image data is actually recorded only with this high sensitivity-compatible
image size. Consequently, a setting screen that allows the setting
of the recording image size indicates that the settable image recording
image size is only the high-sensitivity-compatible image size. Therefore,
according to the fifth digital camera, the user realizes the limitation
of the recording image size associated with the setting of the predetermined
high sensitivity, on the setting screen that allows the setting
of the recording image size. This prevents photographing errors
attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the
recordable image size.
To attain the above object, a sixth digital camera of the present
invention obtains image data representing an object by forming an
image of the object on a solid imaging device comprising a set of
a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged unit light receiving elements,
controls exposure according to a set sensitivity, and has:
a sensitivity setting operation member which sets sensitivity;
an image size setting operation member which sets a recording image
size;
a pixel mixing section which operates if the sensitivity setting
operation member is operated to set a predetermined sensitivity,
to execute a pixel mixing process on a plurality of pieces of luminance
information obtained from the plurality of unit light receiving
elements constituting the solid imaging device, the pixel mixing
process comprising integrating the plurality of pieces of luminance
information together so that one new piece of luminance information
is made of every predetermined number of pieces of luminance information
obtained from a predetermined number of adjacent unit light receiving
elements, the pixel mixing section thus reducing a recordable image
size to a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible image size to
realize the predetermined high sensitivity;
an image size setting section which has a setting screen which
displays a settable recording image size when the image size setting
operation member is operated to set the recording image size, the
image size setting section changing display on the setting screen
in connection with the operation of the image size setting operation
member to set the recording image size according to the operation
of the image size setting operation member; and
an electronic zoom operation section which implements an electronic
zoom function in which the high-sensitivity-compatible image size
is a maximum enlarged size, and
wherein the image size setting section indicates that the electronic
zoom function is disabled if the sensitivity setting operation member
has been operated to set the predetermined high sensitivity.
With the sixth digital camera of the present invention, the electronic
zoom function is available only if the image size, determined by
the enlargement range set on the solid imaging device, is larger
than the high-sensitivity-compatible image size, in order to prevent
image quality from being degraded. Thus, with the sixth digital
camera of the present invention, when the predetermined high sensitivity
is set, both the recordable image size on the solid imaging device
and the set recording image size change to the high-sensitivity-compatible
image size value, and thus the electronic zoom function is disabled
and the indication of the electronic zoom function being disabled
is made. Therefore, according to the sixth digital camera of the
present invention, on the setting screen that allows the setting
of the recording image size, the user realizes that the electronic
zoom function is disabled if the predetermined high sensitivity
is set. This prevents photographing errors attributed to an increase
in sensitivity effected by reducing the recordable image size.
Here, preferably, the fifth digital camera or sixth digital camera
of the present invention controls exposure on the basis of a program
diagram corresponding to a selected one of a plurality of photographing
modes with different program diagrams,
the digital camera comprises a photographing mode selecting operation
member used to select a photographing mode,
the pixel mixing section operates if the photographing mode selecting
operation member is operated to select a predetermined high-sensitivity-compatible
photographing mode and the high-sensitivity setting operation member
is operated to set to the predetermined high sensitivity, and
the digital camera comprises a sensitivity setting section which
sets sensitivity according to an operation of the sensitivity setting
operation member, and returns sensitivity to a predetermined initial
sensitivity value if the photographing mode selecting operation
member is operated to select a photographing mode different from
a previously selected high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode.
This prevents the predetermined high sensitivity set in the high-sensitivity-compatible
photographing mode from being mistakenly kept in modes other than
the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode. This in turn
prevents an unintentional change of sensitivity always used in the
modes other than the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode.
Furthermore, preferably, in the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode, if the sensitivity setting operation member is operated to
change the previously set normal sensitivity to the predetermined
high sensitivity and then the photographing mode selecting operation
member is operated to select a photographing mode different from
the previously selected high-sensitivity-compatible photographing
mode, then the setting section of the fifth digital camera or sixth
digital camera of the present invention returns sensitivity to the
initial value. Subsequently, if the photographing mode selecting
operation member is operated to select the high-sensitivity-compatible
photographing mode again, the sensitivity setting section sets sensitivity
to the normal value.
This is convenient if any normal sensitivity is always used in
the high-sensitivity-compatible photographing mode.
As described above, the digital camera of the present invention
prevents photographing errors attributed to an increase in sensitivity
effected by reducing the recordable image size.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are a front view, a left side view, a
rear view, and a top view, respectively, of a digital camera 1 of
the present embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the interior of the digital camera
of the present embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a view showing the state of a mode dial of the digital
camera of the present embodiment and images displayed on a liquid
crystal panel of the digital camera;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a routine which is activated when ISO
800 or ISO 1600 is selected from the menu "sensitivity"
in a "manual" mode and which is executed by a CPU, shown
in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the routine "mode switching process"
activated when the mode dial is operated to switch a photographing
mode;
FIG. 6 is a view showing the state of the mode dial of the digital
camera of the present embodiment and images displayed on the liquid
crystal panel of the digital camera; and
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a routine which is activated when the
menu "pixel size" is selected in the "manual"
mode and which is executed by the CPU, shown in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of digital camera of the present invention will be
described below.
First, description will be given of an embodiment common to a first,
second, third, and fourth digital cameras of the present invention.
FIGS. 1A to 1D are a front view, a left side view, a rear view,
and a top view, respectively, of a digital camera 1 of this embodiment.
The front view in FIG. 1A shows a camera enclosure 11, a lens barrel
13 containing a photographing lens 13a, a finder objective window
16, a flash light receiving window 14, a self timer lamp 15 having
a blink speed which varies depending on the time remaining before
the start of a photographing process if a self timer function has
been activated, and a photographing mode dial 26 that switches six
types of photographing modes, described later. The flash light receiving
window 14 is used to guide flash light to a flash light receiving
sensor that detects the quantity of returning flash light reflected
by an object during flash emission. The digital camera 1 is provided
with a real-image type zoom finder.
The left side view in FIG. 1B shows not only the lens barrel 13
shown in FIG. 1A but also a video output terminal 17 used to output
data on a photographed image to a projector or the like, a USB terminal
18 to which a universal serial bus (USB) cable is connected which
is used to transmit this image data to a personal computer or the
like, an external power terminal 19, and a battery cover 11a.
The rear view in FIG. 1C shows a liquid crystal panel 20 that displays
images, a liquid crystal panel activation button 22 used to turn
on and off image display on the liquid crystal panel, a finder ocular
window 25, the previously described photographing mode dial 26,
a cross key 28 operated to select a variation or carry out zooming,
a menu/OK button 27 used to display menus on the liquid crystal
panel and enter any of the menus, a flash device activation button
30 operated to allow a popup type flash device to pop up from the
top surface of the camera enclosure for use, and a main switch 23.
Further, the rear view in FIG. 1C shows a function selection lever
24 operated to determine whether to select a "photographing
and recording function" or "image data reproducing function"
provided in the digital camera 1. When the function selection lever
24 is moved upward, the "photographing and recording function"
is selected. When the function selection lever 24 is moved downward,
the "image data reproducing function" is selected.
The top view in FIG. 1D shows not only the lens barrel 13 also
shown in FIG. 1A but also a popup type flash device 31 and a release
button 29.
The digital camera 1 of the present embodiment is, as described
later in detail, a zoom-lens-containing digital still camera that
employs a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as a solid imaging device.
A zoom function is used for both optical and electronic zooming.
With the digital camera 1, when the main switch 23 is turned on,
a lens cover (not shown) provided in the front surface of the camera
so as to cover the lens is opened, and the lens barrel 13 is protruded
to a predetermined position. When the main switch 23 is turned off,
the protruded lens barrel 13 is sunk into the interior of the camera.
Then, the photographing lens 13a is covered with the lens cover.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the interior of the digital camera
of the present embodiment. The digital camera 1 is provided with
the flash device 31, an I/O port controller that receives signals
from various switches and the USB terminal 18, the flash light receiving
sensor, a motor driven to carry out optical zooming and focusing,
a motor driver that controls the motor, and others. However, the
illustration of these components in this figure is unrelated to
the present invention and is thus omitted.
FIG. 2 shows a CPU 39 that controls the entire digital camera 1,
a timing generator 12a that causes, according to an instruction
from the CPU 39, an image sensor element 34 of the charge coupled
device (CCD) type (hereinafter, the image sensor element of the
CCD type is called "CCD") forming an image of an object
through the photographing lens 13a to be driven to output an image
signal representing the object image, an amplifier 32 that amplifies
the output image signal, and an A/D converting circuit 33 that converts
the image signal amplified by the amplifier 32 into digital image
data.
FIG. 2 also shows a SDRAM 35 as a memory, an image input controller
36 that stores digital image data in the SDRAM 35, an image signal
processing circuit 37 that processes the digital image data stored
in the SDRAM 35 so that the data can be compressed, a compressing
circuit 38 that compresses the digital image data processed so as
to be compressed, a media controller 41 that records, on a recording
media 40, the compressed digital image data, which has been converted
into a file format by the CPU 39, a VRAM 42 that stores non-compressed
digital image data transferred by the SDRAM 35, a video encoder
44 that creates a video signal by adding a synchronizing signal
to the non-compressed digital image data stored in the VRAM 42,
and an image display control device 43 that converts the video signal
created by the video encoder 44 which is digital into an analog
signal and amplifies this analog signal. The image display control
device 43 provides such control that an image is displayed on the
liquid crystal panel 20.
Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows an AF detecting circuit 46 that carries
out focusing by detecting the contrast of an image based on an image
signal output by the CCD 34 and an AE detecting circuit 45 that
detects luminance information on an image based on an image signal
output by the CCD 34. FIG. 2 also shows the function selection lever
24, the main switch 23, the cross key 28, also used for a zooming
operation, the release button 29, and the mode dial 26, all these
components being also shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1D.
The mode dial 26 is operated to select any of six types of modes
including a "people photographing" mode, a "manual"
mode, a "sports" mode, an "AUTO" mode, a "scenery
photographing" mode, and a "night scene photographing"
mode. In the "manual" mode and the "AUTO" mode,
exposure is controlled according to a set sensitivity or a default
sensitivity. In the "people photographing" mode, the "sports"
mode, the "scenery photographing" mode, and the "night
scene photographing" mode, the exposure is controlled according
different program diagrams. The zooming function of the digital
camera 1 is used for both optical and electronic zooming. In the
cross key 28, shown in FIG. 1, depressing any of those keys to which
a ".DELTA." mark is attached causes zooming toward a TELE
side. Depressing any of those keys to which a ".gradient."
mark is attached causes zooming toward a WIDE side. If it is assumed
that the camera has been adjusted to a predetermined zooming position
within an optical zooming range. Then, if any of the ".DELTA."
marks is continuously depressed, a zoom-up operation is performed
by protrusion of the lens barrel or the like until an optical zoom-up
limit is reached. Once the optical zoom-up limit is passed, the
CPU 39 detects the level of depression of that key. Then, an electronic
zoom-up operation is performed. With the electronic zoom-up operation,
the level of the depression is detected, and an enlargement range
on the CCD 34 is arithmetically determined.
Operations of the digital camera 1 will be described below.
The digital camera 1 is provided with the "photographing and
recording function" and the "image data reproducing function".
With a photographing function of the photographing and recording
function, analog image data output by the CCD 34 is converted into
digital image data by the A/D converting circuit 33. Then, the digital
image data is stored in the SDRAM 35 and then processed by the image
signal processing circuit 37. Then, the data passes through the
VRAM 42 and is then reprocessed by the video encoder 44 and others.
Subsequently, the data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel
20 as an image. In this manner, the image transmitted by the CCD
34 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel as a through image.
A recording function of the photographing and recording function
and the "image data reproducing function" are unrelated
to the present invention. Their description is thus omitted.
Here, a table is shown below which shows ISO sensitivities that
can be set for a settable recording image size of the digital camera
1 of the present embodiment. The digital camera 1 has a recordable
image size of 6 mega-pixels at a normal sensitivity.
Table 1 shows ISO sensitivities that can be set for 6 mega-pixels
(6M), 3 mega-pixels (3M), 1 mega-pixel (1M), and 0.4 mega-pixel
(VGA standard), which are all settable recording image sizes. The
table indicates that for ISO 800 and ISO 1600 as high sensitivities,
the setting of the recording image size is limited to 1 mega-pixel.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Recording image size ISO 6 M 3 M 1 M VGA
sensitivity (2832 .times. 2128) (2048 .times. 1536) (1280 .times.
960) (640 .times. 480) ISO100 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. ISO200 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
ISO400 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. ISO800
-- -- .smallcircle. -- ISO1600 -- -- .smallcircle. --
This is because the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment
actualizes a high sensitivity by pixel mixture in which a plurality
of pieces of luminance information obtained from a plurality of
unit light receiving elements constituting the CCD are integrated
together so that one new piece of luminance information is formed
of every four pieces of luminance information obtained from adjacent
four unit light receiving elements. In such a structure, usually,
the original recordable pixel size of 6 mega-pixels is reduced to
one fourth, thus, if the set recording image size exceeds 1.5 mega-pixels,
photographing is carried out only with 1.5 mega-pixels. In the present
embodiment, the recordable image size as a result of pixel mixture
is 1 mega-pixel instead of 1.5 mega-pixels. Therefore, a high-sensitivity-compatible
image size according to the present invention is 1 mega-pixel. Thus,
if the set recording image size is 1M, a high sensitivity can be
set. Further, as opposed to the conventional art, no high sensitivities
can be set if the recording image size is set at 0.4 mega-pixels
(VGA standard).
A table is shown below which shows ISO sensitivities that can be
set for settable photographing modes of the digital camera 1 of
the present embodiment.
Table 2 shows ISO sensitivities that can be set for the settable
photographing modes, i.e. the "AUTO" mode, "manual"
mode, "person" mode, "sports" mode, "scenery"
mode, and "night scene" modes. This table indicates that
any of the ISO sensitivities (100 1600) can be selected for the
"manual" mode, whereas only the ISO sensitivity 200 can
be selected for the other modes.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Photographing mode ISO Night sensitivity
Auto Manual People Sports Scenery scene ISO100 -- .smallcircle.
-- -- -- -- ISO200 .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircl- e. .smallcircle. ISO400 -- .smallcircle. -- -- -- --
ISO800 -- .smallcircle. -- -- -- -- ISO1600 -- .smallcircle. --
-- -- --
FIG. 3 shows the state of the mode dial of the digital camera of
the present embodiment and images displayed on the liquid crystal
panel of the digital camera.
At the left end of upper stage of FIG. 3, the mode dial is shown
set to the "manual" mode. Near the left end of lower stage
of FIG. 3, the mode dial is shown set at the "AUTO" mode.
Parts (a) to (h) of FIG. 3 show how the image displayed on the
liquid crystal display 20 is altered by operating the menu/OK button
27 and the mode dial 26, shown in FIG. 1.
Operations of the digital camera 1 will be described below in connection
with the case in which the main switch 23, shown in FIG. 1, is depressed,
the function selection lever 24, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is subsequently
operated to select the "photographing and recording" function,
and the mode dial 26 (see FIG. 1) is then operated to select the
"manual" as shown in the left of upper stage of FIG. 3.
First, since the mode dial 26 has been operated to select the "manual"
mode, the through image shown in part (a) of FIG. 3 is displayed
on the liquid crystal panel 20.
In the right of upper end of part (a) of FIG. 3, "3M"
is displayed to indicate that this image has been recorded with
a recording image size of 3 mega-pixels. In the left of upper end
of part (a) of FIG. 3, a mark for the "manual" mode is
displayed. The recording image size of 3 mega-pixels is a default
value in the menu "pixel size", described later.
Here, when the menu/OK button 27, shown in FIG. 1 is depressed,
the liquid crystal panel 20 displays the image shown in part (b)
of FIG. 3.
Part (b) of FIG. 3 shows how plural menus any of which can be selected
in the manual mode are displayed. In this case, the menu "sensitivity"
has been selected by default. To inform the user of this, the indication
"sensitivity" shown in the left of vertically middle stage
of the part (b) of FIG. 3 is lighted up, with "sensitivity"
also displayed in the left of upper end of the same figure. The
indication "pixel size", used to select the menu "pixel
size", is shown obliquely upward to the right of the indication
"sensitivity" shown in FIG. 3. In the menu "pixel
size", the recording image size can be set. The menus other
than these are unrelated to the present invention and their description
is thus omitted. Any of these manus can be selected by operating
the cross key 28, shown in FIG. 1, to move and place the light-up
onto an indication representing the desired menu. A decision can
be made by depressing the menu/OK button 27.
Part (c) of FIG. 3 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
display 20 by depressing (deciding) the menu/OK button 27 with the
default menu "sensitivity" lighted up and selecting ISO
sensitivity 400 from a group of ISO sensitivities 100, 200, 400,
800, and 1600, which can be set in the digital camera 1.
Part (d) of FIG. 3 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
panel when the light-up is moved from ISO sensitivity 400 to ISO
sensitivity 800 in order to select the ISO sensitivity 800, which
is a high sensitivity. This movement can be effected by operating
the cross key 28, shown in FIG. 1. Description will be given below
of the meaning of the indication "(1M)", located on the
right of each of the indications "800" and "1600".
Part (e) of FIG. 3 shows that the message "pixel.fwdarw.(1M)"
is displayed on the liquid crystal panel, the message indicating
that since the ISO sensitivity 800 is selected, pixel mixture is
carried out to reduce the recordable image size from 3 mega-pixels
(see part (a) of FIG. 3) to 1 mega-pixel. Thus, this high sensitivity
setting changes the recording image size of 3 mega-pixels, which
has been selected by default, to 1 mega-pixel. This message is continuously
displayed until the menu/OK button 27, shown in FIG. 1, is depressed.
Part (f) of FIG. 3 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
panel 20 after the menu/OK button 27 has been depressed in response
to the message in part (e) of FIG. 3.
Here, the electronic zooming function of the digital camera 1 will
be described with reference to the table shown below.
Table 3 shows selectable combinations of the recording image sizes
and ISO sensitivities with which the electronic zooming function
of the digital camera 1 can be used.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Recording image size ISO 6 M 3 M 1 M VGA
sensitivity (2832 .times. 2128) (2048 .times. 1536) (1280 .times.
960) (640 .times. 480) ISO100 -- .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
ISO200 -- .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. ISO400 -- .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. ISO800 -- -- -- -- ISO1600 -- -- --
--
As shown in Table 3, with the digital camera 1, when the ISO sensitivity
800 or 1,600 is selected, the electronic zooming function is disabled
for all recording image sizes. Furthermore, even with an ISO sensitivity
of less than 800, if the recording image size of 6 mega-pixels is
selected, the electronic zooming function is disabled.
This is because the electronic zooming function of the digital
camera 1 is enabled only if the image size, determined by an enlargement
range set on the CCD, is larger than 1 mega-pixel in order to prevent
image quality from being degraded. If the ISO sensitivity 800 or
more is selected, the recordable image size on the CCD is reduced
to 1 mega-pixel. When the already selected recording image size
is 6 or 3 mega-pixels, the recording image size is changed to 1
mega-pixel. Accordingly, when a high sensitivity is set, the recordable
image size becomes the same as the recording image size. Consequently,
the electronic zooming function is disabled. If the ISO sensitivity
is less than 800 and the selected recording image data has a size
of 6 mega-pixels, then the electronic zooming is also disabled for
the same reason. Further, if the selected recording image data has
a size of 0.4 mega-pixel (VGA standard) and the ISO sensitivity
is 800 or more, the recording image size is changed to 1 mega-pixel
as described previously. Consequently, the electronic zooming function
is disabled. Furthermore, if the ISO sensitivity is less than 800
and the selected recording image data has a size of 3 mega-pixels
or 1 mega-pixel, electronic zooming is possible in which the enlargement
range is from 6 mega-pixels, corresponding to the entire CCD, to
the pixel size of the selected recording image data. If the ISO
sensitivity is less than 800 and the selected recording image data
has a size of 0.4 mega-pixel, electronic zooming is possible between
6 mega-pixels, corresponding to the entire CCD, and 1 mega pixel.
Referring back to part (f) of FIG. 3, further description will
be given.
When the menu/OK button 27 is depressed to end the display of the
message "pixel.fwdarw.(1M)", shown in part (e) of FIG.
3, the message "Electronic zooming disabled", shown in
part (f) of FIG. 3, is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 20,
the message indicating that the electronic zooming function is disabled
because the high ISO sensitivity has been selected.
The display of the message shown in part (f) of FIG. 3 can be ended
by depressing the menu/OK button 27.
When the display of the message shown in part (f) of FIG. 3 is
ended using the menu/OK button 27, the indication "ISO",
indicating that a high ISO sensitivity has been selected, is displayed
close to the center of upper end of part (g) of FIG. 3 together
with the indication "1M", the current recording image
size. Further, a mark indicating the manual mode, the currently
selected mode, is displayed in the left of upper end of part (g)
of FIG. 3.
Here, when the mode dial 26 is set to "AUTO" as shown
close to the left end of lower stage of FIG. 3, the indication "ISO",
displayed in part (g) of FIG. 3, is omitted as shown in part (g)
of FIG. 3. This is because the photographing mode has been switched
from "manual" mode to "AUTO" mode, thus setting
sensitivity to the default ISO sensitivity value of 200 as shown
in Table 2.
Here, when the mode dial is switched from "AUTO" mode
to "manual" mode, sensitivity is set to the normal ISO
sensitivity value of 400, which had been selected immediately before
a high sensitivity was set in the last "manual" mode.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a routine which is activated when the
ISO 800 or the ISO 1600 is selected from the menu "sensitivity"
in the "manual" mode and which is executed by the CPU,
shown in FIG. 2.
At step S1 of the routine "high sensitivity setting process",
shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the recording image
size set before a high sensitivity higher than the ISO 800 is 1
mega-pixel.
At step S1, if it is determined that the recording image size is
not 1 mega-pixel, the routine proceeds to step S2 to display the
message "pixel.fwdarw.(1M)", meaning that the recording
image size has been changed to 1 mega-pixel. Subsequently, the routine
proceeds to step S3 to wait for the menu/OK button 27 to be depressed.
At step S3, if the menu/OK button 27 is not depressed, the routine
returns to step S1. If the menu/OK button 27 is depressed, the routine
proceeds to step S4.
If it is determined at step S1 that the recording image size is
1 mega-pixel, the routine proceeds to step S4 to display the message
"Electronic zooming disabled", meaning that the electronic
function is disabled. Subsequently, the routine proceeds to step
S5 to wait for the menu/OK button 27 to be depressed.
At step S5, if the menu/OK button 27 is not depressed, the routine
returns to step S1. If the menu/OK button 27 is depressed, the routine
proceeds to step S6.
At step S6, "ISO" is displayed meaning that a high sensitivity
is currently set. Subsequently, the routine proceeds to step S7
to determine whether or not the current sensitivity is still ISO
800 or more.
If it is determined at step S7 that sensitivity is ISO 800 or more,
step S6 is repeated. If it is determined at step S7 that sensitivity
is less than ISO 800, the routine is ended.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the routine "mode switching process"
activated when the mode dial 26 is operated to switch the photographing
mode.
At step S11 of the routine "mode switching process",
it is determined whether this mode switching is from one of the
six types of photographing modes which is other than the "manual"
mode to the "manual" mode.
If it is determined at step S11 that the mode switching is not
from a mode other than the "manual" mode to the "manual"
mode, i.e. from a mode other than the "manual" mode to
a mode other than the "manual" mode, or from the "manual"
mode to a mode other than the "manual" mode then the routine
proceeds to step S13 to set the ISO 200 (see Table 2), the default
sensitivity.
If it is determined at step S11 that the mode switching is from
a mode other than the "manual" mode to the "manual"
mode, the routine proceeds to step S12 to set the normal sensitivity
of ISO 400 (see part (c) of FIG. 3), which had been set immediately
before a high sensitivity was set in the last "manual"
mode.
As described above, with the digital cameral 1 of the present embodiment,
when a high sensitivity of ISO 800 or more is set, if the recording
image size set before this high sensitivity is set exceeds 1 mega-pixel,
then the recording image size is changed to 1 mega-pixel. Further,
the message meaning this change remains displayed until a response
is made by the predetermined switch.
Furthermore, with the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment,
if a high sensitivity of ISO 800 or more is set, the message meaning
that the electronic zooming function is disabled remains displayed
until a response is made by the predetermined switch. Subsequently,
the mark meaning this remains displayed while this high sensitivity
remains set.
Moreover, with the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment,
whenever the "manual" mode is switched to one of the six
types of photographing modes which is other than the "manual"
mode, sensitivity is set to the ISO 200.
On the other hand, with the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment,
if a high sensitivity of ISO 800 or more is set in the "manual"
mode and then a mode other than the "manual" mode is selected,
sensitivity is set to the ISO 200. Subsequently, when the "manual"
mode is selected again, the normal sensitivity of ISO 400 is set,
which had been selected immediately before a high sensitivity was
set in the last "manual" mode.
Thus, with the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the
user realizes before photographing or a photographing operation
that the recording image size has been unintentionally changed or
the electronic zooming function is disabled because a high sensitivity
has been set. Furthermore, a set sensitivity value is prevented
from being mistakenly kept between different photographing modes.
Now, an embodiment common to a fifth and sixth digital cameras
of the present invention will be described.
The appearance and internal configuration of a digital camera of
the present embodiment are the same as those of the digital camera
1, described above. Thus, their indication in figures and description
are omitted. For the functions of the digital camera, the same types
of functions as those provided in the digital camera 1 will be described
using the reference numerals and names used in the description of
the digital camera 1.
Operations of the digital camera will be described.
The digital camera is provided with a "photographing and recording
function" and an "image data reproducing function".
For a photographing function of the photographing and recording
function, analog image data output by the CCD 34 is first converted
into digital image by the A/D converting circuit 33. Then, the digital
image data is stored in the SDRAM 35 and then processed by the image
signal processing circuit 37. The data then passes through the VRAM
42 and is then reprocessed by the video encoder 44 and others. Subsequently,
the data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 20 as an image.
In this manner, the image transmitted by the CCD 34 is displayed
on the liquid crystal panel as a through image. A recording function
of the photographing and recording function and the "image
data reproducing function" are unrelated to the present invention.
Their description is thus omitted.
Here, description of the ISO sensitivities, which can be set for
the settable recording image sizes of the digital camera of the
present embodiment, is the same as that given with reference to
Table 1 for the digital camera 1. This description is thus omitted.
Further, description of the ISO sensitivities, which can be set
for the settable photographing modes of the digital camera of the
present embodiment, is the same as that given with reference to
Table 1 for the digital camera 1. This description is thus omitted.
FIG. 6 shows the state of the mode dial of the digital camera of
the present embodiment and images displayed on the liquid crystal
panel of the digital camera.
At the left end of upper stage of FIG. 6, the mode dial is shown
set to the "manual" mode. Near the left end of lower stage
of FIG. 6, the mode dial is shown set at the "AUTO" mode.
Parts (a) to (h) of FIG. 6 show how the image displayed on the
liquid crystal display 20 is altered by operating the menu/OK button
27 and the mode dial 26, shown in FIG. 1.
Operations of the digital camera will be described below in connection
with the case in which the main switch 23, shown in FIG. 1, is depressed,
the function selection lever 24, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is subsequently
operated to select the "photographing and recording" function,
and the mode dial 26 (see FIG. 1) is then operated to select the
"manual" as shown in the left of upper stage of FIG. 6.
First, since the mode dial 26 has been operated to select the "manual"
mode, the through image shown in part (a) of FIG. 6 is displayed
on the liquid crystal panel 20.
In the right of upper end of part (a) of FIG. 6, "3M"
is displayed to indicate that this image has been recorded with
a recording image size of 3 mega-pixels. In the left of upper end
of part (a) of FIG. 3, a mark indicating that the "manual"
mode has been selected is displayed. The recording image size of
3 mega-pixels is a default value in the menu "pixel size",
described later.
Here, when the menu/OK button 27, shown in FIG. 1 is depressed,
the liquid crystal panel 20 displays the image shown in part (b)
of FIG. 6.
Part (b) of FIG. 6 shows how a plurality of menus any of which
can be selected in the "manual" mode are displayed. In
this case, the menu "sensitivity" has been selected by
default. To inform the user of this, the indication "sensitivity"
shown in the left of vertically middle stage of the part (b) of
FIG. 6 is lighted up, with "sensitivity" also displayed
in the left of upper end of the same figure. The indication "pixel
size", used to select the menu "pixel size", is shown
obliquely upward to the right of the indication "sensitivity"
shown in FIG. 6. In the menu "pixel size", the recording
image size can be set. The menus other than these are unrelated
to the present invention and the indication and description of their
contents are thus omitted. Any of these manus can be selected by
operating the cross key 28, shown in FIG. 1, to move the light-up
onto an indication representing the desired menu. A decision can
be made by depressing the menu/OK button 27.
Part (c) of FIG. 6 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
display 20 by depressing (deciding) the menu/OK button 27 with the
default menu "sensitivity" lighted up as shown in part
(b) of FIG. 6 and selecting the ISO sensitivity 400 from the group
of ISO sensitivities 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, which can be
set in the digital camera.
Part (d) of FIG. 6 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
panel when the menu/OK button 27 is depressed (decided) with the
ISO sensitivity 400 remaining selected to return to the menu selection
screen shown in part (b) of FIG. 6 and then the menu "pixel
size" is selected and the menu/OK button 27 depressed.
Part (d) of FIG. 6 shows that a recording image size of 3 mega-pixel
(3M) has been selected. At the right side of an indication (in this
case, "3M") representing the selected recording image
size, "F" and "N" are displayed which are used
to determine the level at which image data recorded in the SDRAM
35 with this recording image size is subsequently compressed and
recorded on the recording media 40, shown in FIG. 1. The indication
"F" represents FINE, while the indication "N"
represents NORMAL. The data size after compression is larger with
FINE than with NORMAL. Selecting "F" increases the amount
of data compared to selection of "N" but hinders images
from being degraded when compressed data is expanded. In this case,
the indicator `F` is selected by default.
Part (e) of FIG. 6 shows an image on the liquid crystal panel displayed
when the menu "sensitivity" is selected back in the menu
screen to select a high sensitivity of ISO sensitivity 800 and then
the ISO 800, a high sensitivity, is selected. The meaning of the
indication "(1M)", located at the right side of the indications
"800" and "1600", will be described later.
Part (f) of FIG. 6 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
panel 20 when the menu/OK button 27 is depressed in order to decide
the selection of the ISO sensitivity 800, shown in part (e) of FIG.
6, and then the menu "pixel size" is selected again.
As described previously, when a high sensitivity is set in the
digital camera, the settable recording image size is 1 mega-pixel
only. Thus, part (f) of FIG. 6 shows the indication "ISO"
indicating this, at the left of "1M". Further, "F"
and "N" are displayed at the right side of the indication
"1M". In this case, the indication "N" has been
selected in place of the default indication "F".
Furthermore, part (f) of FIG. 6 shows the message "Electronic
zooming NG".
In this case, selectable combinations of the recording image sizes
and ISO sensitivities with which the electronic zooming function
of the digital camera can be used are the same as those described
with reference to Table 3 for the digital camera 1. Their description
is thus omitted.
Referring back to part (f) of FIG. 6, further description will
be given.
The message "Electronic zooming NG", shown in part (f)
of FIG. 6, indicates that the electronic zooming function is disabled
because a high sensitivity setting has been selected in part (e)
of FIG. 6.
Part (g) of FIG. 6 shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal
panel 20 when the menu/OK button 27 is depressed in the state shown
in part (f) of FIG. 6. The indication "ISO", indicating
that a high ISO sensitivity has been selected, is shown close to
the center of upper end of part (g) of FIG. 6 together with the
indication "1M", the current recording image size. Further,
a mark indicating the manual mode, the currently selected mode,
is displayed in the left of upper end of part (g) of FIG. 6.
Here, when the mode dial 26 is set to "AUTO" as shown
close to the left end of lower stage of FIG. 6, the indication "ISO",
displayed in part (g) of FIG. 6, is omitted as shown in part (h)
of FIG. 6. This is because the photographing mode has been switched
from "manual" mode to "AUTO" mode, thus setting
sensitivity to the default ISO sensitivity value of 200 as shown
in Table 2.
Here, when the mode dial is switched from "AUTO" mode
to "manual mode" again, sensitivity is set to the ISO
sensitivity value of 400, which had been selected immediately before
a high sensitivity was set in the "manual" mode.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a routine which is activated when the
menu "pixel size" is selected in the "manual"
mode and which is executed by the CPU, shown in FIG. 2.
At step S1 of the routine "image size display process",
shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a high sensitivity
of ISO 800 or more is currently selected.
If it is determined at step S1 that a high sensitivity has been
set, the routine proceeds to step S2 to display "ISO",
indicating that the recording image size is limited to 1 mega-pixel.
Subsequently, the routine proceeds to step S4 to determine whether
or not the menu "pixel size" remains selected.
If it is determined at step S4 that this menu remains selected,
the routine returns to step S1. If it is determined at step S4 that
this menu is no longer selected, the routine ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined at step S1 that no high
sensitivities are currently selected, the routine proceeds to step
S3 to display "F" and "N" at the right side
of an indication (e.g. "3M") representing a recording
image size selected by default with ISO not displayed. Subsequently,
the routing proceeds to step S4. The subsequent steps are as described
above, and their description is thus omitted.
Description of the routine "mode switching process",
activated when the mode dial 26 is operated to switch the photographing
mode, is the same as that given with reference to FIG. 5 for the
digital camera 1. This description is thus omitted.
As described above, with the digital camera of the present embodiment,
when a high sensitivity of ISO 800 or more is set, the mark is displayed
on the screen in which the recording image size is set, the mark
indicating that the settable recording image size is limited to
1 mega-pixel.
Further, with the digital camera of the present embodiment, when
a high sensitivity of ISO 800 or more is set, the mark is displayed
on the screen in which the recording image size is set, the message
indicating that the electronic zooming function is disabled.
Furthermore, with the digital camera of the present embodiment,
whenever the "manual" mode is switched to one of the six
types of photographing modes which is other than the "manual"
mode, sensitivity is set to the ISO 200.
Moreover, with the digital camera of the present embodiment, if
a high sensitivity of ISO 800 or more is set in the manual mode
in which the ISO sensitivity 400 has been set and then a mode other
than the "manual" mode is set, then sensitivity is set
to the ISO 200. Subsequently, if the "manual" mode is
selected again, the normal sensitivity of ISO 400 is set, which
had been set immediately before a high sensitivity was set in the
"manual" mode.
Thus, with the digital camera of the present embodiment, the user
realizes before photographing that the recording image size is limited
or the electronic zooming function is disabled because a high sensitivity
has been set. Furthermore, a set sensitivity value is prevented
from being mistakenly kept between different photographing modes. |