JP4862740B2 - Imaging apparatus, information display apparatus, display data control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, an information display device, a display data control method, and a computer program. More specifically, for example, in an information display device having a display unit such as a camera, an imaging device and an information display device capable of determining the switching timing of various screens displayed on the display unit according to the convenience of the user And a display data control method, and a computer program.

  In an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, or other information processing apparatus including a display unit, various display processes are performed on a display serving as a display unit.

  For example, in a digital camera, there is a configuration in which a captured still image is displayed on a display unit of the camera for a certain period, so that the captured still image can be confirmed. The configuration of such a camera is described in, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 1848968). Specifically, before shooting, an image input from the imaging unit, that is, a moving image is displayed as a through image on the display unit of the camera, and when the shooting is executed, the captured still image is displayed for a certain period of time. Is displayed, and then the screen is switched to the through image again.

  However, such screen transition timing is performed at a fixed timing in advance, and even if the photographer himself can confirm a still image displayed for a certain period after photographing, the photographed subject is taken. When a person or the like confirms, the still image display period has already passed, and the display on the display unit is switched from the photographed still image to the through image, and the confirmation may not be in time. In such a case, it is necessary to perform processing such as retrieving a photographed image from a photographed image recorded on the medium and redisplaying it, which is a burden on the user.

In addition, not only cameras but also information processing apparatuses having various display units may display various screens on the display unit, such as descriptions of device operations and device setting states (modes). For example, when the shooting mode is switched in the camera, there is a setting in which a description of the mode is displayed on the display unit for a certain period and the user can check. However, the display period of such explanation is also set as a time set in advance in the camera, and after a certain period, the explanation disappears from the display unit, and the display is displayed before the user fully confirms the explanation displayed. It disappears.
Japanese Patent No. 1848968

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. For example, in an information display device having a display unit such as a camera, switching timing of various screens displayed on the display unit is determined according to the convenience of the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device, an information display device, a display data control method, and a computer program that enable this.

The first aspect of the present invention is:
An imaging means for imaging a subject image;
Operation means for instructing recording of the subject image;
Sensor means for detecting contact information with a user of the imaging device;
Display means for displaying a subject image obtained from the imaging means or a subject recording image recorded based on an instruction from the operation means;
Control means for controlling the recording process and the display process,
The control means displays the subject recorded image on the display means when the recording is performed, and continues to detect the subject recorded image while the contact information is detected after a recording instruction from the operation means. Is displayed on the display means.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment of the information display device of the present invention, when the control means inputs information indicating non-contact to the operation means from the contact sensor during execution of the continuous display process, the control means performs the user operation. The display stop processing of the corresponding display information is performed.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information display device of the present invention, the control means inputs the information indicating the non-contact of the user with respect to the operation means from the contact sensor, and then, within a predetermined period, the control means When information indicating user contact with the operation means is re-input, the display information is re-displayed according to the user operation.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information display device of the present invention, the operation means is a shutter in an imaging device, the contact sensor is a contact sensor that detects the presence or absence of a user contact with the shutter, and the control means includes: When the still image captured by the user operation of the shutter is displayed on the display unit and contact information indicating user contact with the shutter is input following the user operation of the shutter, during the input period of the contact information, When the display of the still image displayed on the display means is performed, and information indicating non-contact with the shutter with respect to the shutter is input from the contact sensor during the continuous display processing of the still image, the display of the still image is performed. After executing stop processing and inputting information indicating non-contact of the user to the shutter from the contact sensor, Within predetermined time period, when re-enter the information indicating the user contact to the shutter from the contact sensor, characterized in that it is configured to perform re-display of the still image.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment of the information display device of the present invention, the control means displays explanatory information corresponding to the user operation on the display means by a user operation of the operation means, and allows the user operation of the operation means. When the contact information indicating the user contact to the operation means is continuously input, the description information displayed on the display means is continuously displayed during the contact information input period, and the description information is continuously displayed. During execution, when information indicating non-contact of the user with respect to the operation unit is input from the contact sensor, display processing for stopping the explanation information is executed, and information indicating non-contact of the user with respect to the operation unit is input from the contact sensor Thereafter, when information indicating user contact with the operation means is re-input from the contact sensor within a predetermined period, the explanation information is re-displayed. Characterized in that it is a power sale configuration.

Furthermore, the second aspect of the present invention provides
An input unit for inputting user operation information, and an input unit capable of outputting a plurality of operation level signals;
A display for executing information display;
A control unit that inputs user operation information of the input unit and executes control of display information for the display unit;
The controller is
When second-level operation information for the input unit is input following the first-level user operation for the input unit, the first-level user operation is performed during the second-level operation information input period. The display information displayed on the display unit is continuously displayed,
When non-input of the second level operation information is detected during the continuous display process, a display stop process for display information corresponding to the user operation is performed.
After shifting to the non-input state of the second level operation information, when the second level operation information is input again within a predetermined period, the display information is redisplayed according to the user operation. There is an information display device characterized by being.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment of the information display device of the present invention, the input unit is a shutter in the imaging device, the first level user operation is a full pressing operation of the shutter, and the second level user operation is performed. Is a half-press operation of the shutter, and the control unit distinguishes between first-level user operation information corresponding to the shutter full-press process and second-level user operation information corresponding to the shutter half-press process. It is the structure which performs the display control of the information with respect to the said display part.

Furthermore, the third aspect of the present invention provides
A display data control method executed in an information display device,
An information input step in which the control unit inputs user operation information of the input unit and sensor detection information of the contact sensor set corresponding to the input unit;
When the control unit inputs contact information indicating user contact to the input unit continuously from the contact sensor to the user operation on the input unit, the display unit responds to the user operation during the input period of the contact information. A display control step for continuously displaying the display information displayed in
A display data control method characterized by comprising:

  Furthermore, in one embodiment of the display data control method of the present invention, when the display control step further inputs information indicating user non-contact with respect to the input unit from the contact sensor during the continuous display process, It has a step which performs the display stop process of the display information according to the said user operation.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment of the display data control method of the present invention, the display control step further includes, within a predetermined period after inputting information indicating non-contact with the input unit from the contact sensor. The method includes a step of redisplaying display information in accordance with the user operation when information indicating user contact with the input unit is re-input from the contact sensor.

Furthermore, the fourth aspect of the present invention provides
A computer program for executing display data control processing in an information display device,
An information input step for causing the control unit to input user operation information of the input unit and sensor detection information of the contact sensor set corresponding to the input unit;
When the contact information indicating the user contact with respect to the input unit is input from the contact sensor to the control unit after the user operation with respect to the input unit, during the input period of the contact information, the display unit The display information displayed in is continuously displayed,
During execution of the continuous display process, when information indicating user non-contact with respect to the input unit is input from the contact sensor, a display stop process of display information according to the user operation is performed.
When information indicating user non-contact with respect to the input unit is input from the contact sensor and then information indicating user contact with respect to the input unit is re-input from the contact sensor within a predetermined period, the user operation is performed. There is provided a computer program characterized by having a step of redisplaying the displayed information.

  The computer program of the present invention is, for example, a computer program that can be provided by a storage medium or a communication medium provided in a computer-readable format to a general-purpose computer system that can execute various program codes. . By providing such a program in a computer-readable format, processing corresponding to the program is realized on the computer system.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a more detailed description based on embodiments of the present invention described later and the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the system is a logical set configuration of a plurality of devices, and is not limited to one in which the devices of each configuration are in the same casing.

  According to the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit of the information display device inputs the operation information of the input unit and the detection information of the contact sensor set corresponding to the input unit, and based on these input information Control of the display information for the display unit. For example, when a user contact to the input unit that is continued to a user operation on the input unit is detected, the display information displayed on the display unit is continuously displayed according to the user operation, and when the user transitions to a non-contact state Display information is stopped. Further, after the transition to the user non-contact state, when the transition to the user contact state occurs within a predetermined period, the stopped display information is redisplayed. With this configuration, for example, a display period of a still image taken by a shutter operation in the imaging apparatus can be adjusted by a user touching the shutter, and data display control according to the user's intention can be performed.

  Hereinafter, details of an imaging device, an information display device, a display data control method, and a computer program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an embodiment of an imaging apparatus and an information display apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  First, an external configuration and a hardware configuration example of the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the imaging apparatus 10. 1A is a front view of the imaging apparatus 100, FIG. 1B is a top view, and FIG. 1C is a rear view. (B) The lens portion of the top view is shown as a cross-sectional view. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a lens unit 101, a shutter 102, a mode selection dial 103 for setting modes such as a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode, a zoom button 104 for performing zoom settings, operation buttons 105 for performing various settings and operations, and The display unit (monitor) 106 displays an image (through image) photographed by the imaging device, operation information, and the like.

  The subject image is displayed on the display unit (monitor) 106. The display unit 106 is configured by, for example, an LCD, and a subject image through the lens is displayed as a moving image. This moving image is called a through image. Further, the display unit 106 is also used as a display area for displaying still images, which are images taken by the imaging apparatus, or for explaining information such as various operation information and setting information.

  Next, the main hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the information display apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing only the components related to the present invention selected from the hardware constituting the imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes a control unit (CPU) 201, an input unit 202 including a shutter 102, a mode selection dial 103, a zoom button 104, an operation button 105, and the like shown in FIG. 1, a contact sensor 203, a memory 204, a display unit 106, a timer 206, A power source 207 is included. The display unit 106 corresponds to the display unit 106 illustrated in FIG.

  The control unit 201 inputs operation information via the input unit 202 and the contact sensor 203, for example, and executes control of data processing in the imaging apparatus. Specifically, the start of shooting processing, signal processing of shooting data, recording processing to the memory 204, display control processing for various information display units 106 according to user operations, and the like are executed. Note that the memory 204 is a memory that includes not only a recording area for shooting data but also a storage area for a program corresponding to processing executed by the control unit 201 and a memory area used as a work area for program execution. Although shown as one memory 204 in the figure, it is a memory including a RAM, a ROM, a medium, etc. according to various uses.

  The contact sensor 203 is set corresponding to each of the input unit 202 including the shutter 102, the mode selection dial 103, the zoom button 104, the operation button 105, and the like shown in FIG. It is detected whether the dial 103, the zoom button 104, and the operation button 105 are touched, and the detection information is input to the control unit 201.

  The control unit 201 inputs various operation information from the input unit 202, that is, operation information of the shutter 102, mode selection dial 103, zoom button 104, operation button 105, and timer 206 shown in FIG. Processing corresponding to various operations, for example, shooting processing, display information control processing for the display unit 106, and the like, and a contact sensor 203 corresponding to the input unit 202, that is, the shutter 102, the mode selection dial 103 shown in FIG. Display control processing such as switching of display information displayed on the display unit 106 is executed in accordance with detection information of the contact sensor 203 set corresponding to each of the zoom button 104 and the operation button 105.

  The details of the display control process executed by the control unit 201 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining subject photographing processing by a user (photographer). A user (photographer) 301 shoots the subject 321 by pressing the shutter 102 of the camera. A through image (moving image) is displayed on the display unit 106 of the camera before the subject is started to be photographed, and the user (photographer) determines a photographing region while checking the screen, and depresses the shutter 102 to photograph. . When shooting is performed, an image captured by the display unit 106, that is, a captured still image 322 is displayed.

  In the conventional general camera, the display time of the photographed still image is set to a fixed time preset in the camera, for example, 5 seconds, and when the display period elapses, the through image display is automatically performed. Had been switched to. As described above, if the screen switching timing is fixed as described above, the still image display period has already been reached in the case where the photographed subject is confirmed by the person who has been photographed. In some cases, the confirmation may not be in time. In such a case, it is necessary to perform processing such as retrieving a photographed image from a photographed image recorded on the medium and redisplaying it, which is a burden on the user.

  In the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the display data of the display unit 106 is switched by detecting whether the detection information of the contact sensor 203 described with reference to FIG. The control unit 201 controls based on the detection information on whether or not.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display control according to the present invention. FIG. 4A shows a state at the time when the photographing process is executed by the operation of the shutter 102 by the user 301, and the photographed still image 322 is displayed on the display unit 106. In the display control of the present invention, while the user 301 is touching the input unit, in this case, the shutter 102, the display of the photographed still image 322 is continuously performed on the display unit 106. That is, instead of automatically switching to a live view after a certain period of time, the control unit 201 shown in FIG. 2 is in contact with the user from the contact sensor 203, that is, in this case, the contact sensor corresponding to the shutter 102 The detection information as to whether or not the user is touching the shutter 102 is input by the period of time, and it is detected that the user is touching the shutter 102 with the finger, that is, the contact sensor During the period when the detection information is ON, the captured still image 322 is continuously displayed on the display unit 106.

  When it is detected that the user's finger has moved away from the shutter 102 and the detection information of the contact sensor has been turned off, the display on the display unit 106 is updated as shown in FIG. Can be switched.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, even after the display on the display unit 106 is switched to the through image, the user can detect the contact sensor corresponding to the shutter 102 within a predetermined period from the through image switching time. If it is detected again that the finger touches the shutter 102, that is, if the detection information of the contact sensor changes from OFF to ON again, as shown in FIG. Processing for switching the display from the through image to the photographed still image 322 is executed.

  Thus, in the display control according to the present invention, since the display is switched based on the contact information on the user's input unit, it is possible to control the switching of the display data according to the user's intention, for example, When the person who is the subject confirms the shot image, if the finger is touching the shutter, the shot still image will be continuously displayed on the display section even if time passes. It is possible to check a photographed image smoothly.

  A display control sequence according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A shows a display sequence of a still image taken by a conventional camera. If the shooting time for taking a still image is (T1), the still image display period (T1 to T2) displays a still image on the display unit, but the preset still image display period is When the end time T2 is reached, the switching to the through image is forcibly executed.

  FIG. 5B is an example of display control according to the present invention, and is an example of display control based on detection of contact information from a contact sensor. In the shooting still image display control according to the present invention, the shooting time for shooting a still image is set as (T1), and then display switching control is performed according to user contact information from the contact sensor. That is, in the case of this example, the control unit 201 inputs detection information indicating whether or not the user is touching the shutter from the contact sensor set corresponding to the shutter, and it is detected that the user is touching the shutter. Is set as a shooting still image display period.

  FIG. 5 (2) shows (a) display information and (b) contact information detection signals. (B) The period in which the contact information detection signal is ON is a period in which the user who is a photographer is touching the shutter, for example, and this period indicates that the user is touching the shutter from the contact sensor 203 to the control unit 201. A state detection signal (ON) is input. During this period, the display on the display unit 106 is maintained as a captured still image. When the user releases his / her hand from the shutter, (b) the contact information detection signal is turned OFF, and at this point, the control unit 201 switches the display on the display unit 106 from the captured still image to the through image.

  As described above, the control unit 201 of the imaging apparatus of the present invention inputs contact information indicating whether or not the user is touching the input unit operated by the user from the contact sensor 203, and when the contact information is (ON). Since the display data of the display unit 106 is not switched, the display data can be switched according to the user's intention.

  FIG. 6 further shows an example of display control according to the present invention. In the display control of the present invention, as described with reference to FIG. 5 (2), the period during which it is detected that the user is touching the shutter is set as the shooting still image display period, and the user starts from the shutter. When the hand is released and the contact information detection signal is turned OFF, the control unit 201 performs processing for switching the display on the display unit 106 from the captured still image to the through image. Further, the display on the display unit 106 is changed from the captured still image. After switching to the through image, the control is performed when the user touches the input unit (shutter) 202 again within a predetermined period [Tb] measured by the timer 206 and the contact information detection signal from the contact sensor 203 is turned on. The unit 201 performs a process of switching the display on the display unit 106 from a through image to a captured still image.

  As described above, even if the user once lifts the finger from the input unit (shutter) 202, the user again touches the input unit (shutter) 202 within a certain period [Tb], so that the display unit 106 again The display can be switched to a photographed still image.

  A sequence of display data control processing for the display unit executed by the control unit of the imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a display control process performed by the control unit after a user performs an operation via the input unit, for example, still image shooting by a shudder operation.

  First, in step S101, the control unit displays the captured still image on the display unit. Next, in step S102, it is determined whether or not a predetermined still image display time [Ta] has elapsed. If not, the captured still image display is continued. If it has elapsed, step S103 is determined. Proceed to In step S103, contact information input from the contact sensor, that is, contact information indicating whether or not the user is touching the input unit is input, and whether or not contact information [ON] indicating contact is input is input. judge.

  If the contact information [ON] indicating that the contact has been made is input, the process returns to step S101, and the setting state in which the display data for the display unit is taken as a photographed still image is continued. If it is not detected in step S103 that the user is touching the input unit, that is, if the contact information is [OFF], the process proceeds to step S104, and the display on the display unit is changed to a through image. Further, in step S105, contact information [ON indicating that the user has touched the input unit (shutter) before a preset time [Tb] has elapsed from the time when the still image display is switched to the through image display. ] Is input, and if contact is detected, the process proceeds to step S106, and a process of switching the display data on the display unit from a through image to a captured still image is executed.

  Further, in step S107, it is determined whether or not the contact information of the input unit (shutter) is [ON]. If it is ON, the captured still image display in step S106 is continuously executed and turned off. If YES in step S104, the flow advances to step S104 to execute processing for switching the display on the display unit from the captured still image to the through image. In step S105, contact information [ON] indicating that the user has touched the input unit (shutter) before the preset time [Tb] has elapsed from the time when the still image display is switched to the through image display. If not entered, the process is terminated. At this point, the display of the photographed still image based on the input from the contact sensor ends.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit has been described as performing display control based on the input information of the contact sensor. However, instead of the contact sensor, for example, the presence or absence of a half-pressed state of the input unit such as a shutter is detected. Then, the half-pressed state of the input unit is interpreted in the same manner as the detection information [ON] of the contact sensor described above, and when it is in the half-pressed state, information corresponding to the operation of the input unit, for example, a shutter Even when the continuous display of the shot still image is executed and the display is switched to the through image, the information corresponding to the operation of the input unit when the input unit is half-pressed within a certain period [Tb], If it is a shutter, it is good also as a structure which a control part performs the display control which switches to a picked-up still image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display data control process when a still image is shot with the input unit operated by the user as a shutter has been described. The present invention is not limited to display data control associated with still image shooting, and other input units, for example, modes for setting modes such as the shutter 102, still image shooting mode, and moving image shooting mode described with reference to FIG. The display control similar to the above is performed also in the operation of the selection dial 103, the zoom button 104 for performing zoom setting, the operation button 105 for performing various settings and operations, and the respective input units.

  With reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures, an example of control processing of display data on the display unit 106 when operating the mode selection dial 103 for setting modes such as a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a transition example of display data on the display unit 106 when the user 301 operates the mode selection dial 103.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the mode selection dial 103 is set to the still image mode and the user 301 operates the mode selection dial 103 to change the setting to the moving image mode, the setting shown in FIG. As described above, the display unit 106 displays the description information 351 corresponding to the changed mode.

  In many conventional devices, the display period of the explanation information is fixed to the period [Ta] set in advance in the equipment as described above, and the explanation information disappears when the display period elapses. This is the same as the still image display period by the shutter operation described above.

  In the apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9C, while the user 301 is touching the input unit, in this case, the mode selection dial 103, the explanation information 351 is continuously displayed. When the user 301 cancels the contact state of the mode selection dial 103, the display of the explanatory information is erased as shown in FIG.

  That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 201 controls the display data of the display unit 106 by inputting contact information from the input unit 202, in this example, the contact sensor 203 corresponding to the mode selection dial 103. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), even when the display of the explanation information is once canceled, the user touches the mode selection dial within the preset period [Tb]. Executes redisplay of the explanation information 351.

  A display control sequence according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an example of display control of the present embodiment, and is an example of display control based on detection of contact information from a contact sensor. In the display control according to the present embodiment, the operation time when the input unit (mode selection dial) is operated is (T1), and thereafter, display switching control is performed according to user contact information from the contact sensor. That is, in this example, the control unit 201 inputs detection information as to whether or not the user is touching the mode selection dial from the contact sensor set corresponding to the mode selection dial, and the user touches the mode selection dial. The period during which it is detected is set as a display period of information displayed based on an operation of the input unit, in this example, as a display period of mode explanation information.

  FIG. 10 shows (a) display information and (b) contact information detection signals. (B) The period during which the contact information detection signal is ON is a period in which the user is touching the input unit (mode selection dial). During this period, the user inputs the input unit (mode selection dial) from the contact sensor 203 to the control unit 201. A state detection signal (ON) indicating that the user is touching is input. When the user removes his / her hand from the input unit (mode selection dial), (b) the contact information detection signal is turned OFF, and at this time, the control unit 201 displays information displayed on the display unit 106 based on the operation of the input unit. In this example, the display state of the mode explanation information is stopped, and the display is switched to other information display such as a through image display.

  As described above, the control unit 201 of the imaging apparatus of the present invention inputs contact information indicating whether or not the user is touching the input unit operated by the user from the contact sensor 203, and when the contact information is (ON). Since the display data of the display unit 106 is not switched, it is possible to switch the display data according to the user's intention, and it is possible to read the description of the mode over time and the user. It is possible to control the display time in response to the understanding.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of display control corresponding to FIG. 6 of the shutter operation described above. When the user releases the input unit (mode selection dial) and the contact information detection signal is turned OFF, the control unit 201 performs a process of switching the display on the display unit 106 from the description information to the through image. After the display of the unit 106 is switched from the explanation information to the through image, the user again touches the input unit (mode selection dial) 202 within a predetermined period [Tb] measured by the timer 206, and the touch sensor 203 When the contact information detection signal is turned on, the control unit 201 performs a process of switching the display on the display unit 106 from the through image to the explanation information.

  Thus, even if the user once lifts his / her finger from the input unit (mode selection dial) 202, the user again touches the input unit (mode selection dial) 202 within a certain period [Tb], It is possible to switch the display on the display unit 106 to information displayed when operating the input unit, in this case, mode explanation information corresponding to the mode selection dial setting mode.

  The sequence of the display data control process of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows a display control process performed by the control unit after a user performs an operation such as an input unit (mode selection dial) operation via the input unit.

  First, in step S201, the control unit displays information based on a user operation on the input unit on the display unit. For example, when the mode selection dial 103 is operated, the explanation information corresponding to the mode set by the operation of the mode selection dial 103 is displayed. Next, in step S202, it is determined whether or not an information display period [Ta] corresponding to a predefined user operation has elapsed. If not, information corresponding to the user operation (for example, mode explanation information). ) Display is continued, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, contact information input from the contact sensor, that is, contact information indicating whether or not the user is touching the input unit is input, and whether or not contact information [ON] indicating contact is input is input. judge.

  If the contact information [ON] indicating contact is input, the process returns to step S201 to continue the setting state in which the display data for the display unit is information corresponding to the user operation (for example, mode explanation information). To do. If it is not detected in step S203 that the user is touching the input unit, that is, if the contact information is [OFF], the process proceeds to step S204 to change the display on the display unit, for example, to a through image. Further, in step S205, before the preset time [Tb] elapses from the time when the information corresponding to the user operation (for example, mode explanation information) is switched to the live view display, the user inputs the input unit (for example, the mode). It is determined whether or not contact information [ON] indicating contact with the selection dial) is input. If contact is detected, the process proceeds to step S206, and the display data for the display unit is handled from the through image to the user operation. A process of switching to information (for example, mode explanation information) is executed.

  Further, in step S207, it is determined whether or not the contact information of the input unit (for example, the mode selection dial) is [ON]. If the contact information is ON, information corresponding to the user operation in step S206 (for example, mode explanation information). ) Is continuously executed and when the display is turned OFF, the process proceeds to step S204, and a process of switching the display on the display unit from the information corresponding to the user operation (for example, mode explanation information) to the through image is executed. In step S205, the user has touched the input unit (shutter) before the preset time [Tb] has elapsed from the time when the user operation correspondence information (for example, mode explanation information) display is switched to the through image display. If the contact information [ON] indicating is not input, the process is terminated. At this time, the display of the user operation correspondence information (for example, mode explanation information) based on the input of the contact sensor ends.

  In the above embodiment, the mode selection dial 103 is used as the input unit operated by the user. However, other buttons such as the zoom button 104 for performing other zoom settings, the operation button 105 for performing various settings and operations, or the release button are provided. In the operation, display control similar to the above is performed. For example, the display control described above is performed when a pressure-sensitive means such as a release button is continuously pressure-treated after the photographing operation. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure applied in operation using a remote control device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example of setting the monitor in which the display unit is integrated with the image pickup apparatus has been described using the image pickup apparatus as an example. However, a monitor such as a PC or a display connected by cable connection is applied as the display unit. It is good also as a structure.

  The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. In other words, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of exemplification, and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the claims should be taken into consideration.

  The series of processing described in the specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both. When executing processing by software, the program recording the processing sequence is installed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and executed, or the program is executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processing. It can be installed and run. For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a recording medium. In addition to being installed on a computer from a recording medium, the program can be received via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet and can be installed on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  Note that the various processes described in the specification are not only executed in time series according to the description, but may be executed in parallel or individually according to the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processes or as necessary. Further, in this specification, the system is a logical set configuration of a plurality of devices, and the devices of each configuration are not limited to being in the same casing.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit of the information display device inputs the operation information of the input unit and the detection information of the contact sensor set corresponding to the input unit. Based on these input information, control of display information for the display unit is executed. For example, when a user contact to the input unit that is continued to a user operation on the input unit is detected, the display information displayed on the display unit is continuously displayed according to the user operation, and when the user transitions to a non-contact state Display information is stopped. Further, after the transition to the user non-contact state, when the transition to the user contact state occurs within a predetermined period, the stopped display information is redisplayed. With this configuration, for example, a display period of a still image taken by a shutter operation in the imaging apparatus can be adjusted by a user touching the shutter, and data display control according to the user's intention can be performed.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the imaging device as one Example of the information display apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the hardware structural example of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of a transition of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the transition sequence of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the transition sequence of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the transition sequence of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of a transition of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the transition sequence of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the transition sequence of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the transition sequence of the display data displayed on the display part of the information display apparatus of one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 101 Lens 102 Shutter 103 Mode selection dial 104 Zoom button 105 Operation button 106 Display part 201 Control part 202 Input part 203 Contact sensor 204 Memory 205 Display part 206 Timer 207 Power supply 301 User 321 Photographed still image 331 Through image 351 Explanation information

Claims (4)

An imaging means for imaging a subject image;
Operation means for inputting recording instruction information of the subject image and shooting mode setting information ;
Contact sensor means for detecting user contact information for the operation means ;
Display means for displaying a subject image obtained from the imaging means or a subject recorded image recorded based on an instruction from the operation means;
Control means for controlling the recording process and the display process,
The control means includes
In response to recording instruction information input to the operating means, subject image recording processing is performed and the subject recorded image is displayed on the display means,
After the recording instruction information is input, while the user contact information is continuously input from the contact sensor to the operation unit, an image continuous display process for continuously displaying the subject recorded image on the display unit is executed. ,
During execution of the image continuation display process, when user non-contact information for the operation means is input from the contact sensor, an image display stop process for stopping the display of the subject recorded image is performed.
After the image display stop process, when user contact information for the operation means is detected again from the contact sensor within a predetermined period, the subject recorded image is re-displayed,
The control means further includes
In response to the input of the shooting mode setting information to the operation means, the explanation information corresponding to the setting mode is displayed on the display means,
Explanation information for continuously displaying the explanation information on the display means while the user contact information for the manipulation means is continuously inputted from the contact sensor after the photographing mode setting information is inputted to the operation means. Execute the continuous display process,
During execution of the explanation information continuation display process, when user non-contact information for the operation means is input from the contact sensor, an explanation information display stop process for stopping display of the explanation information is performed,
An imaging apparatus that re-displays the explanation information when user contact information for the operation means is detected again from the contact sensor within a predetermined period after the explanation information display stop processing . The operation means is a shutter in the imaging apparatus,
The contact sensor means includes at least a contact sensor for detecting presence or absence of a user contact with a shutter constituting the operation means,
The control means includes
When the still image captured by the user operation of the shutter is displayed on the display unit and contact information indicating user contact with the shutter is input following the user operation of the shutter, during the input period of the contact information, The continuous display processing of the still image displayed on the display means is executed,
When the information indicating the non-contact of the shutter with respect to the shutter is input from the contact sensor during the continuous display process of the still image, the display stop process of the still image is executed.
When information indicating user non-contact with respect to the shutter is input from the contact sensor and then information indicating user contact with the shutter is re-input from the contact sensor within a predetermined period, the still image is displayed again. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is configured to perform.   An information display control method executed in the imaging device,
  The control means
  Executes recording processing of a subject image taken in response to recording instruction information input to the operation means, and displays the subject recording image on the display means,
  After the recording instruction information is input, while the user contact information is continuously input from the contact sensor to the operation unit, an image continuous display process for continuously displaying the subject recorded image on the display unit is executed.
  During execution of the image continuation display process, when user non-contact information for the operation means is input from the contact sensor, an image display stop process for stopping the display of the subject recorded image is performed.
  After the image display stop process, when user contact information for the operation means is detected again from the contact sensor within a predetermined period, the subject recorded image is re-displayed,
  The control means further comprises:
  In response to the input of the shooting mode setting information to the operation means, the explanation information corresponding to the setting mode is displayed on the display means,
  Explanation information for continuously displaying the explanation information on the display means while the user contact information for the manipulation means is continuously inputted from the contact sensor after the photographing mode setting information is inputted to the operation means. Execute the continuous display process,
  During execution of the explanation information continuation display process, when user non-contact information for the operation means is input from the contact sensor, an explanation information display stop process for stopping display of the explanation information is performed,
  An information display control method for redisplaying the explanation information when user contact information for the operation means is detected again from the contact sensor within a predetermined period after the explanation information display stop processing.   A program for executing information display control in an imaging device,
  Control means
  A process for recording a subject image photographed in response to recording instruction information input to the operating means, a process for displaying the subject recorded image on the display means,
  An image continuation display process for continuously displaying the subject recorded image on the display unit while inputting user contact information for the operation unit from the contact sensor after the recording instruction information is input;
  An image display stop process for stopping display of the subject recorded image when user non-contact information for the operation means is input from the contact sensor during the image continuous display process;
  After the image display stop process, when user contact information for the operation means is detected again from the contact sensor within a predetermined period, a process for redisplaying the subject recorded image is executed.
  Furthermore, the control means includes
  A process of displaying explanatory information corresponding to a setting mode on the display unit in response to input of shooting mode setting information to the operation unit;
  Explanation information for continuously displaying the explanation information on the display means while the user contact information for the manipulation means is continuously inputted from the contact sensor after the photographing mode setting information is inputted to the operation means. Continuous display processing,
  During the execution of the explanation information continuation display processing, when user non-contact information for the operation means is input from the contact sensor, explanation information display stop processing for stopping display of the explanation information;
  A program for executing a process of re-displaying the explanation information when user contact information for the operation means is detected again from the contact sensor within a predetermined period after the explanation information display stop process.