Patent Publication Number: US-2023164425-A1

Title: Imaging apparatus and control method of the same

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     A present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method of an imaging apparatus. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Some imaging apparatuses include a member in combination of an eight directional key and a center push button (multifunction controller) and a member in combination of an infrared detection member for detecting finger movements in eight directions and a center push button (smart controller), which are used to adjust a focus on a desired position, for example. Using such an operation member enables a user to swiftly select a subject to be focused. Touching a liquid crystal display also enables a user to bring a touched point into focus (touch autofocus (AF)). 
     While these operation members facilitate quick operations, the operation members have an issue that an erroneous operation is easily caused due to contact between the operation members or the liquid crystal display and a user&#39;s body when the imaging apparatus is put around the shoulder. 
     As a technique for preventing an erroneous operation, a lock function of an operation member has been proposed. 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-220582 discusses a system having a disabled mode of an operation member. In the disabled mode, a function operable by one member is disabled, and a function operable by two members is enabled. 
     As for enhancement of operability, an imaging apparatus having a function that enables customization of a function of an operation member has also been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-29056 discusses a technique with which custom modes are created and any function can be set for an operation member for each of the custom modes. 
     In a case where an imaging apparatus is used in a medical workplace, a user uses a camera without putting the camera around the shoulder. Thus, there is little possibility of an erroneous operation. Consequently, a lock function and an OFF setting for customization which are provided to prevent an erroneous operation are unnecessary settings and may disturb a smooth image capturing operation of the user instead. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an imaging apparatus in which a setting suitable for the use in a medical workplace can be set. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes an operation member, a memory and at least one processor which function as a setting unit configured to set the operation member to an enabled state or a disabled state, a switching unit configured to switch an image capturing mode to a medical mode, and a control unit configured to perform, in a case where the image capturing mode is not the medical mode, control to allow the setting unit to set the operation member to the enabled state or the disabled state, and perform, in a case where the image capturing mode is the medical mode, control to set the operation member to the enabled state. 
     Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are external views of an imaging apparatus. 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of the imaging apparatus. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are diagrams each illustrating an example of a live view screen that is displayed in a medical mode. 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are flowcharts illustrating processing that is executed in the medical mode. 
         FIGS.  5 A to  5 C  are diagrams each illustrating an example of a screen that is displayed in patient information acquisition processing or user information acquisition processing. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart of the patient information acquisition processing. 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are diagrams each illustrating an example of a screen that is displayed in region information acquisition processing. 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart of the region information acquisition processing. 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart of affected area image capturing processing. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that is displayed in affected area image confirmation processing. 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  are flowcharts illustrating the affected area image confirmation processing. 
         FIGS.  12 A to  12 D  are diagrams each illustrating an example of a screen that is displayed in affected area image retransmission processing. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart of the affected area image retransmission processing. 
         FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  are flowcharts illustrating medical mode switching processing. 
         FIGS.  15 A to  15 E  are diagrams each illustrating an example of a customization function setting screen. 
         FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating processing of a customization setting. 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart of lock function switching processing of an operation member. 
         FIG.  18    is a diagram illustrating a network system of an in-hospital system and an imaging apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, an example embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     &lt;External View of Imaging Apparatus  100 &gt; 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are external views of a digital camera (imaging apparatus)  100  serving as an example of an apparatus (electronic device) to which the present invention can be applied.  FIG.  1 A  is a front side perspective view of the digital camera  100  and  FIG.  1 B  is a back side perspective view of the digital camera  100 . 
     A display unit  28  disposed on the back surface of the digital camera  100  displays images and various types of information. A touch panel  70   a  detects touch operations on a display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit  28 . A viewfinder external display unit  43  disposed on a top surface of the digital camera  100  displays various setting values, such as a shutter speed and an aperture value, of the digital camera  100 . A shutter button  61  is an operation member for use in issuing an image capturing instruction. A mode selection switch  60  is an operation member for use in switching a mode between various modes. A terminal cover  40  protects a connector (not illustrated) for, for example, a connection cable that connects the digital camera  100  to an external device. 
     A main electronic dial  71  is a rotary operation member. A rotation operation on the main electronic dial  71  moves a selection frame (cursor) and changes setting values, such as a shutter speed and an aperture value, in accordance with a display state. A power switch  72  is an operation member for use in switching between ON and OFF of the power of the digital camera  100 . A sub electronic dial  73  is a rotary operation member. A rotation operation on the sub electronic dial  73  moves a selection frame (cursor), changes setting values, such as a shutter speed and an aperture value, and feeds images, in accordance with a display state. A four directional key (cross key)  74  is an operation member which includes upper, lower, left, and right portions capable of being individually pressed, and an operation on the four directional key  74  moves a selection frame (cursor) and issues an execution instruction of processing corresponding to a pressed portion of the four directional key  74 , in accordance with a display state. A SET button  75  is another example of an operation member and is a push button for mainly use in determination of a selected item. 
     Other examples of operation members, which may be buttons or keys, are described in the following. A movie button  76  is for use in issuing start and stop instructions of moving image capturing (recording). An autoexposure (AE) lock button  77  is a push button. A pressing operation on the AE lock button  77  in an imaging standby state fixes an exposure state. An enlargement button  78  is an operation button for use in switching between ON and OFF of an enlarged mode in live view display (LV display) in an image capturing mode. An operation on the main electronic dial  71  after the enlarged mode is turned ON enlarges or reduces a live view image (live image, LV image). In a reproduction mode, the enlargement button  78  functions as an operation button to enlarge a reproduced image and to increase an enlargement ratio of the reproduced image. A reproduction button  79  is an operation button for use in switching between the image capturing mode and the reproduction mode. A pressing operation on the reproduction button  79  while the digital camera  100  is in the image capturing mode shifts the digital camera  100  to the reproduction mode, and a latest image among images recorded on a recording medium  200  (to be described below) is displayed on the display unit  28 . A MENU button  81  is a push button that is used in an instruction operation to display a menu screen. When the MENU button  81  is pressed, the menu screen on which various settings are set is displayed on the display unit  28 . The user can intuitively perform various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit  28 , the four directional key  74 , and the SET button  75 . 
     A touch bar  82  (multifunction bar: M-Fn bar) is a linear touch operation member (line touch sensor) for use in receiving a touch operation. The touch bar  82  is disposed at a position touch-operable (touchable) by a right thumb in a state in which a grip portion  90  is gripped by a right hand (gripped by a right little finger, a right ring finger, and a right middle finger) in a manner such that a right index finger can press the shutter button  61 . In other words, the touch bar  82  is disposed at a position operable in a state in which the user is looking into a viewfinder with his/her eye being kept close to an eyepiece unit  16  and is holding the digital camera  100  in a manner ready to press the shutter button  61  (image capturing orientation). The touch bar  82  is a reception unit that receives, for example, a tap operation on the touch bar  82  (an operation of touching the touch bar  82  with a finger and detaching the finger within a predetermined time period without moving a touch position) and a left-right slide operation on the touch bar  82  (an operation of touching the touch bar  82  and then moving a touch position while touching the touch bar  82 ). The touch bar  82  is an operation member different from the touch panel  70   a  and does not include a display function. 
     A display switching button  83  is another example of an operation member and is a push button for use in switching information that is superimposed on a LV image in LV display in the image capturing mode. When a medical mode is ON, the display switching button  83  functions as a member for use in switching information to be displayed between medical information and imaging parameter information. When the medical mode is OFF, the display switching button  83  functions as a member for use in switching display between several patterns of imaging parameter information. 
     A multifunction controller  84  is an operation member in combination of an eight directional key operable in a plurality of directions, i.e., eight directions and a center push button. The multifunction controller  84  is for use in the autofocus setting to execute a function of adjusting a focus on a desired position (AF frame direct selection) in accordance with a user operation swiftly moving an autofocus frame (AF frame) indicating a position of a subject to be focused. 
     A smart controller  86  is an operation member in combination of an infrared detection member for detecting finger movements in eight directions and a center push button. The smart controller  86  is for use in the autofocus setting to execute a function of adjusting a focus on a desired position (AF frame direct selection) in accordance with a user operation swiftly moving an AF frame indicating a position of a subject to be focused. A photometry-in-progress AF frame selection function of selecting an AF frame only during photometry or during photometry timer measurement can also be allocated to the smart controller  86 . Because the smart controller  86  detects a user operation by infrared rays, an erroneous operation occurs easily in particular. Thus, enabling a selection function of an AF frame during photometry (during photometry and during photometry timer measurement), which is a timing at which AF frame selection is executed, and invalidating an operation for the selection function at the other timings can further prevent an erroneous operation. “During photometry timer measurement” refers to a time period from when photometry processing included in an imaging preparation processing is performed in accordance with the first shutter switch signal SW 1  until a predetermined period elapses. 
     A lock button  85  is a push button for use in collectively switching between lock and unlock of a plurality of operation members that can be easily erroneously operated. Operation members to be locked may include one or more of the main electronic dial  71 , the sub electronic dial  73 , the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , the touch bar  82 , and the touch panel  70   a.  In a locked state, even if a locked member is operated, the operation is disabled and a corresponding function is not executed. 
     A communication terminal  10  of the digital camera  100  is a communication terminal for use in communication with a lens unit  150  (detachable) to be described below. The eyepiece unit  16  is an eyepiece unit of an eyepiece viewfinder  17  (look-in viewfinder). The user can visually check a video displayed on an internal electric viewfinder (EVF)  29  via the eyepiece unit  16 . An eye approximation detection unit  57  is an eye approximation detection sensor that detects whether an eye of a user (photographer) approaches the eyepiece unit  16 . A lid  202  is a lid of a slot storing the recording medium  200  (to be described below). The grip portion  90  is a holding portion having a shape that can be easily grasped by a right hand when the user holds the digital camera  100 . The shutter button  61  and the main electronic dial  71  are disposed at positions operable by the right index finger in a state in which the user holds the digital camera  100  by grasping the grip portion  90  with the right little finger, the right ring finger, and the right middle finger. In addition, the sub electronic dial  73  and the touch bar  82  are disposed at positions operable by the right thumb in the above-described holding state. A thumb rest portion  91  (thumb standby position) is a grip member disposed at a position on the rear side of the digital camera  100  where the user can naturally place his/her thumb of the right hand gripping the grip portion  90  in a state in which the user operates none of the operation members. The thumb rest portion  91  is formed of rubber member to enhance holding force (grip force). 
     &lt;Configuration Block Diagram of Imaging Apparatus  100 &gt; 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the digital camera  100  (imaging apparatus). The lens unit  150  is a lens unit including an interchangeable imaging lens. While a lens  103  normally includes a plurality of lenses, the plurality of lenses is illustrated as one lens in  FIG.  2    for the sake of simplification. A communication terminal  6  of the lens unit  150  is a communication terminal for use in communication with the digital camera  100 . The communication terminal  10  of the digital camera  100  is the communication terminal for use in communication with the lens unit  150 . The lens unit  150  communicates with a system control unit  50  via the communication terminals  6  and  10 . Then, the lens unit  150  controls an aperture  1  via an aperture drive circuit  2  using a lens system control circuit  4  provided inside the lens unit  150 . The lens unit  150  also executes focusing by displacing the position of the lens  103  via an autofocus (AF) drive circuit  3  using the lens system control circuit  4 . 
     A shutter  101  is a focal plane shutter with which exposure time of an imaging unit  22  can be controlled under the control of the system control unit  50 . 
     The imaging unit  22  is an image sensor including a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit  22  can include an imaging plane phase difference sensor for outputting defocus amount information to the system control unit  50 . An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter  23  converts an analog signal output from the imaging unit  22  into a digital signal. 
     An image processing unit  24  performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resize processing, such as reduction, color conversion processing, etc.) on data from the A/D converter  23  or data from a memory control unit  15 . The image processing unit  24  also performs predetermined calculation processing using data of a captured image. Based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing unit  24 , the system control unit  50  performs exposure control and ranging control. Through-the-lens (TTL) system AF processing, AE processing, and electronic flash pre-emission (EF) processing are thus performed. The image processing unit  24  further performs predetermined calculation processing using data of a captured image, and also performs TTL system automatic white balance (AWB) processing, based on the obtained calculation result. 
     Data outputted from the A/D converter  23  is written into a memory  32  via the image processing unit  24  and the memory control unit  15 . Alternatively, data outputted from the A/D converter  23  is written into the memory  32  via the memory control unit  15  not via the image processing unit  24 . The memory  32  stores image data, obtained by the imaging unit  22  and converted by the A/D converter  23  into digital data, and image data to be displayed on the display unit  28  or the EVF  29 . The memory  32  has a storage capacity sufficient for storing a predetermined number of still images and a moving image and voice having a predetermined time length. 
     The memory  32  also serves as a memory (video memory) for image display. A digital-to-analog (D/A) converter  19  converts display image data stored in the memory  32  into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit  28  or the EVF  29 . Display image data written into the memory  32  in this manner is displayed on the display unit  28  and the EVF  29  via the D/A converter  19 . The display unit  28  and the EVF  29  are displays, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and perform display in accordance with an analog signal from the D/A converter  19 . Digital signals A/D-converted by the A/D converter  23  and stored in the memory  32  are converted into analog signals by the D/A converter  19 , and the analog signals are sequentially transferred to the display unit  28  and the EVF  29  and displayed on the display unit  28  and the EVF  29 . Live view display (LV) can be thus performed. Hereinafter, an image displayed in live view display will be referred to as a live view image (LV image). 
     The system control unit  50  is a control unit including at least one processor and/or at least one circuit and controls the entire operation of the digital camera  100 . The system control unit  50  is a processor, and is a circuit. By executing a program recorded on a nonvolatile memory  56 , the system control unit  50  implements each piece of processing in the present example embodiment, which will be described below. The system control unit  50  also performs display control by controlling the memory  32 , the D/A converter  19 , the display unit  28 , and the EVF  29 . 
     For example, a random access memory (RAM) serves as a system memory  52 . The system control unit  50  loads constants for operating the system control unit  50 , variables, and programs read out from the nonvolatile memory  56 , into the system memory  52 . 
     The nonvolatile memory  56  is an electrically-erasable/recordable memory, and is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), for example. Constants for operating the system control unit  50  and programs are recorded on the nonvolatile memory  56 . The programs refer to programs for various processes of flowcharts to be described below in the present example embodiment. 
     A system timer  53  is a time measuring unit for measuring a time to be used for various types of control and a time of a built-in clock. 
     A communication unit  54  transmits and receives video signals and audio signals to and from an external device connected wirelessly or via a cable. The communication unit  54  can also be connected with a wireless local area network (LAN) and the Internet. The communication unit  54  can also communicate with an external device via Bluetooth® or Bluetooth® Low Energy. The communication unit  54  can transmit an image (including a LV image) captured by the imaging unit  22  and an image recorded on the recording medium  200 . In the present example embodiment, the digital camera  100  can communicate with an in-hospital system (medical system of, for example, electronic medical charts and a medical accounting system) serving as an external device, via a server. Then, the digital camera  100  can receive, from the in-hospital system, medical information (including patient information, user information, affected area information), image data, and other various types of information. As illustrated in  FIG.  18   , an in-hospital network system within a hospital includes a server  1801  and an in-hospital system  1802 . A plurality of digital cameras (imaging apparatuses)  100   a  and  100   b  can connect to the server  1801  via each of the communication unit  54  of the digital cameras, and acquire various types of information from the in-hospital system  1802 . In the present example embodiment, the server  1801  different from the in-hospital system  1802  is used. Because the communication is executed via the server  1801 , information transmission and reception between the imaging apparatuses  100  and the in-hospital system  1802  can be implemented without extensive changes in the in-hospital system  1802 . In addition, the imaging apparatuses  100  can directly connect to the in-hospital system  1802  not via the server  1801 . Alternatively, the function of the server  1801  can be provided in the in-hospital system  1802 . In the above-described manner, an imaging apparatus  100  according to an example embodiment of the present invention can connect with a predetermined specific system (server  1801  or in-hospital system  1802 ) and acquire patient information and information regarding a doctor and/or nurse from electronic medical charts or a medical accounting system of the in-hospital system  1802 . While, in the present example embodiment, an in-hospital system  1802  will be described as a medical system, the medical system needs not be installed inside a hospital. The medical system can be a system in which the imaging apparatuses  100  communicate with a server or a medical system that is provided on the outside of a hospital, via the internet. 
     An orientation detection unit  55  detects the orientation of the digital camera  100  with respect to a direction of gravitational force. Based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit  55 , determination of whether an image captured by the imaging unit  22  is an image captured with the digital camera  100  being held in a landscape direction or an image captured with the digital camera  100  being held in a portrait direction can be performed. The system control unit  50  can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit  55 , to an image file of an image captured by the imaging unit  22 , or rotate an image and store the rotated image. As the orientation detection unit  55 , an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor can be used. The acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor serving as the orientation detection unit  55  can also be used to detect the movement (pan, tilt, lifting, whether stationary, etc.) of the digital camera  100 . 
     The eye approximation detection unit  57  is an eye approximation detection sensor that detects an approximation and a separation of an eye (object) with respect to the eyepiece unit  16  of an eyepiece viewfinder  17  (hereinafter, simply described as “viewfinder”) (approximation detection). In accordance with the state detected by the eye approximation detection unit  57 , the system control unit  50  switches the display (displayed state)/nondisplay (non-displayed state) of the display unit  28  and the EVF  29 . More specifically, in a case where the digital camera  100  is at least in an imaging standby state and a switching setting of a display destination is set to an automatic switching setting, the display destination is set to the display unit  28  and the display is set to ON, and the EVF  29  is set to the non-displayed state, during the separation of an eye from the eyepiece unit  16 . Alternatively, in a case where an eye approaches the eyepiece unit  16 , the display destination is set to the EVF  29  and the display is set to ON, and the display unit  28  is set to the non-displayed state. For example, an infrared light proximity sensor can be used as the eye approximation detection unit  57 . The eye approximation detection unit  57  can detect an approximation of any object to the eyepiece unit  16  of the viewfinder  17  incorporating the EVF  29 . In a case where an object approaches, infrared light projected from a light projection unit (not illustrated) of the eye approximation detection unit  57  is reflected on the object and received by a light receiving unit (not illustrated) of the infrared light proximity sensor. Based on an amount of the received infrared light, a distance between the object and the eyepiece unit  16  (eye approximation distance) can also be determined. In the above-described manner, the eye approximation detection unit  57  performs eye approximation detection of detecting an approximation distance of an object to the eyepiece unit  16 . In a case where an object that approaches the eyepiece unit  16  at less than or equal to a predetermined distance away from the eyepiece unit  16  in a non-contact state (separated state) is detected, an approximation of the eye is detected. In a case where an object of which approximation to the eyepiece unit  16  had been detected is separated from the eyepiece unit  16  by a predetermined distance or more in a contact state (approximated state), the separation of the eye is detected. A threshold for detecting the approximation of the eye and a threshold for detecting the separation of the eye may be different from each other by providing a hysteresis, for example. In addition, after the approximation of the eye is detected, the contact state is maintained until a separation of the eye is detected. After the separation of the eye is detected, the non-contact state is kept until an approximation of the eye is detected. The infrared light proximity sensor is an example, and a different sensor can be employed as the eye approximation detection unit  57  as long as the sensor can detect the proximity of an eye or an object that can be considered as an eye in the detection of the proximity. 
     Various camera setting values including a shutter speed and an aperture value are displayed on the viewfinder external display unit  43  via a viewfinder external display unit drive circuit  44 . 
     A power source control unit  80  includes a battery detection circuit, a direct current (DC)-DC converter, and a switch circuit for switching a block to be supplied with power. The power source control unit  80  detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of the battery, and remaining battery capacity. In addition, the power source control unit  80  controls the DC-DC converter, based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit  50 , and supplies necessary voltage to components including the recording medium  200  for a necessary time period. A power source unit  30  includes a primary battery, such as an alkaline battery and a lithium battery, a secondary battery, such as a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, and a lithium (Li) battery, and an alternating current (AC) adapter. 
     A recording medium interface (I/F)  18  is an interface to the recording medium  200 , such as a memory card and a hard disc. The recording medium  200  is a recording medium, such as a memory card, for recording a captured image and includes a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disc. 
     An operation unit  70  is an input unit for receiving operations (user operations) from the user and is for use in inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit  50 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the operation unit  70  includes the shutter button  61 , the mode selection switch  60 , the power switch  72 , the touch panel  70   a,  and other operation members  70   b.  The other operation members  70   b  include the main electronic dial  71 , the sub electronic dial  73 , the four directional key  74 , the SET button  75 , the movie button  76 , the AE lock button  77 , the enlargement button  78 , the reproduction button  79 , the MENU button  81 , the touch bar  82 , the display switching button  83 , the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , and the lock button  85 . 
     The shutter button  61  includes a first shutter switch  62  and a second shutter switch  64 . The first shutter switch  62  is turned ON in the middle of an operation on the shutter button  61 . The first shutter switch  62  is turned ON by a half pressing operation (i.e. an imaging preparation instruction) and outputs a first shutter switch signal SW 1 . In accordance with the first shutter switch signal SW 1 , the system control unit  50  starts imaging preparation processing, such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, or EF processing. 
     The second shutter switch  64  is turned ON upon completion of an operation on the shutter button  61 . The second shutter switch  64  is turned ON by a full pressing operation (i.e. imaging instruction) and outputs a second shutter switch signal SW 2 . In accordance with the second shutter switch signal SW 2 , the system control unit  50  starts a series of imaging processes starting from signal readout from the imaging unit  22  up to writing of a generated image file including a captured image into the recording medium  200 . 
     The mode selection switch  60  switches an operation mode of the system control unit  50  to either mode of a still image capturing mode, a moving image capturing mode, and a reproduction mode. The still image capturing mode includes modes, such as an automatic image capturing mode, an automatic scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode). The still image capturing mode further includes modes, such as various scene modes each having a different image capturing setting for a corresponding image capturing scene and a custom mode. The user uses the mode selection switch  60  to directly switch an operation mode to any one of the modes. Alternatively, an operation mode can be switched in the following manner. The mode selection switch  60  switches a screen to a list screen of image capturing modes, and then any one of a plurality of displayed modes is selected using another operation member so that an operation mode is switched to the selected mode. Similar to the still image capturing mode, the moving image capturing mode can include a plurality of modes. 
     The touch panel  70   a  is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit  28  (operation surface of the touch panel  70   a ). The touch panel  70   a  and the display unit  28  can be integrally formed. For example, the touch panel  70   a  is attached to a top layer of the display surface of the display unit  28  in a manner such that light transmittance does not disturb display on the display unit  28 . Then, an input coordinate on the touch panel  70   a  and a display coordinate on the display surface of the display unit  28  are associated with each other. This structure can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that performs display as if the user could directly operate a screen displayed on the display unit  28 . 
     The system control unit  50  can detect the following operations performed on the touch panel  70   a  or the following state of the touch panel  70   a.  
     An operation of a finger or a stylus that has not been in touch with the touch panel  70   a  newly touching the touch panel  70   a,  i.e., the start of a touch on the touch panel  70   a  (hereinafter, referred to as “Touch-Down”).   A state in which a finger or a stylus is in touch with the touch panel  70   a  (hereinafter, referred to as “Touch-On”).   An operation of a finger or a stylus moving over the touch panel  70   a  while being in touch with the touch panel  70   a  (hereinafter, referred to as “Touch-Move”).   The detachment (release) of a finger or a stylus that has been in touch with the touch panel  70   a,  i.e., the end of a touch on the touch panel  70   a  (hereinafter, referred to as “Touch-Up”).   A state in which nothing touches the touch panel  70   a  (hereinafter, referred to as “Touch-Off”).   

     When the Touch-Down is detected, the Touch-On is simultaneously detected. After the Touch-Down, normally, the Touch-On continues to be detected until the Touch-Up is detected. The Touch-On is simultaneously detected also in a case where the Touch-Move is detected. Even when the Touch-On is detected, the Touch-Move is not detected unless a touch position moves. After the Touch-Up of all the fingers or styluses that have been in touch is detected, the Touch-Off is detected. 
     These operations and states and a position coordinate on the touch panel  70   a  at which a finger or a stylus is in touch are notified to the system control unit  50  via an internal bus. Based on the notified information, the system control unit  50  then determines the type of an operation (touch operation) performed on the touch panel  70   a.  In the Touch-Move, a moving direction of a finger or a stylus moving on the touch panel  70   a  can also be determined for each perpendicular component/horizontal component on the touch panel  70   a,  based on a change in position coordinate. In a case where it is detected that the Touch-Move is performed for a predetermined distance or more, the system control unit  50  determines that a slide operation has been performed. An operation of swiftly moving a finger by a certain amount of distance with the finger being in touch with the touch panel  70   a  and then detaching the finger will be referred to as a flick. In other words, the flick is an operation of swiftly moving the finger over the touch panel  70   a  like a flip. In a case where it is detected that the Touch-Move has been performed at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined distance or more, and the Touch-Up is detected in this state, the system control unit  50  determines that a flick has been performed (it can be determined that a flick has been performed subsequent to the slide operation). Furthermore, a touch operation of touching a plurality of locations (e.g. two points) together (multi-touch), and bringing the touch positions closer to each other will be referred to as “pinch-in”, and a touch operation of bringing the touch positions away from each other will be referred to as “pinch-out”. The pinch-out and the pinch-in will be collectively referred to as a pinch operation (or simply “pinch”). As the touch panel  70   a,  a touch panel of any of the following various types can be used: a resistive touch panel, a capacitive touch panel, a surface acoustic wave touch panel, an infrared touch panel, an electromagnetic induction type touch panel, an image recognition type touch panel, and an optical sensor type touch panel. Some touch panels detect a touch upon detecting contact with the touch panel  70   a  while the other touch panels detect a touch upon detecting the proximity of a finger or a stylus to the touch panel  70   a. A touch panel of any types can be used.    
     Next, a basic operation of an imaging apparatus (the digital camera)  100  according to the present example embodiment will be described. 
     As described below, the imaging apparatus  100  (the system control unit  50 ) switches an image capturing mode of the imaging apparatus between a medical mode (e.g. medical mode is set to ON) and a normal image capturing mode (e.g. medical mode is set to OFF). For example, the imaging apparatus  100  can switch between ON and OFF of a medical mode by a setting on a menu screen. In a case where ON/OFF of the medical mode is switched, an operation to be described below becomes effective in a case where the medical mode is set to ON. In a case where the medical mode is set to OFF, a mode becomes a normal image capturing mode. While, in the present example embodiment, a mode is switched between the medical mode and the normal image capturing mode by an operation on the menu screen, switching between the medical mode and the normal image capturing mode can be performed in accordance with an operation on a specific operation member. More details of switching to a medical mode are given below with reference to  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B . A medical mode may be a mode of the imaging apparatus for use in a medical workplace or medical environment, in which the imaging apparatus may perform various operations for use in carrying out a medical process. 
     Operations in the medical mode can include one or more of patient information acquisition processing, user information acquisition processing, region information acquisition processing, affected area image capturing processing, affected area image confirmation processing, and affected area image retransmission processing. 
     In the patient information acquisition processing, the imaging apparatus  100  transmits image data, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, of a patient ID that has been read or acquired as a LV image, to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . Then, the imaging apparatus  100  receives and acquires patient information, such as a name, gender, and age, that is based on the code included in the image data, from the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . Data to be transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  can be acquired in the following manner. More specifically, a code is acquired from image data in the imaging apparatus  100 , code information is transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 , and patient information is acquired from the in-hospital system  1802  based on the code. Alternatively, the imaging apparatus  100  can acquire an ID code from an integrated circuit (IC) chip embedded in a patient&#39;s registration card, and acquire patient information corresponding to the ID code, from the in-hospital system  1802 . 
     In the user information acquisition processing, the imaging apparatus  100  transmits, to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 , image data obtained by reading an ID code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) of a user (doctor, nurse) of a medical image or image data obtained as a captured LV image of the ID code. Then, the imaging apparatus  100  receives and acquires user information, such as a name and a medical diagnosis and a treatment department of a user (doctor/nurse, etc.), obtained based on the code included in the image data from the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . Data to be transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  can be acquired in the following manner. More specifically, a code is acquired from image data in the imaging apparatus  100 , code information is transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 , and user information is acquired from the in-hospital system  1802  based on the code. 
     In the region information acquisition processing, the imaging apparatus  100  acquires list information of regions from the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 , and the user selects a region corresponding to an affected area from the region list and determines the region. 
     In the affected area image capturing processing, the imaging apparatus  100  captures an image of a subject (affected area of patient) by an image capturing operation of the user, records obtained image data into the recording medium  200  in association with medical information including, patient information, user information, and region information, and transmits the image data to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . As a method of associating image data and medical information, medical information can be embedded into a part of image data. Alternatively, image data and medical information can be stored as separated files while the files are associated with each other using file names. 
     In the affected area image confirmation processing, a thumbnail image captured in the affected area image capturing processing and medical information associated with image data are displayed, and the user executes processing of confirming the thumbnail image and the medical information. A result of the confirmation, including OK or not OK, is transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 . 
     In the affected area image retransmission processing, processing of retransmitting image data that has been generated in the affected area image capturing processing but failed to be properly transmitted to the in-hospital system is executed. The causes of the transmission failure include an error in communication between the imaging apparatus  100  and the in-hospital system  1802  and an error in communication between the in-hospital system  1802  and a database. 
     &lt;Customization Setting&gt; 
     The imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment can set a customization setting to allocate a function to be executed to a plurality of the operation members.  FIGS.  15 A to  15 E  are diagrams each illustrating an example of a customization function setting screen. 
       FIG.  15 A  illustrates an example of a customization function setting screen which is for the multifunction controller  84  and is displayed when the medical mode is OFF. On the screen, an item  1501  indicating an operation member name of a setting target is displayed. Because the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment can allocate a function to be executed to a plurality of the operation members, the item  1501  is displayed so that the user can identify a setting target operation member name. In  FIG.  15 A , MULTIFUNCTION CONTROLLER is displayed in the item  1501  as a setting target operation member name. A function item(s)  1502  is also displayed to indicate settable customization function(s) (function(s) to be allocated to an operation member). As for the multifunction controller  84 , “OFF” and “AF frame direct selection” are displayed as the function items  1502  of customization functions. The OFF setting is a setting to not allocate a function to the operation member, and consequently, an operation on the operation member becomes invalid. In a case where a function item other than the OFF setting is selected, a corresponding function is allocated to an operation member, and consequently, an operation on the operation member becomes valid. To prevent an erroneous operation of the multifunction controller  84 , a default setting value is set to the OFF setting and an OFF item is displayed at the leftmost position among items. 
       FIG.  15 B  illustrates an example of a customization function setting screen which is for the multifunction controller  84  and is displayed when the medical mode is ON. On the screen, the item  1501  for a setting target operation member name and a function item  1503  for a customization function settable when the medical mode is ON are displayed. Because there is little concern about an erroneous operation in the medical mode, an OFF setting is hidden from the screen so that the OFF setting is unselectable, and only “af frame direct selection” is displayed in a selected state as a default value. Because a possibility of an erroneous operation is little in the medical mode and capturing a clear affected area image is demanded in a medical workplace, selection of an AF position becomes important. For this reason, in the medical mode, the OFF setting (disabling of an operation member) is unselectable (e.g. the operation member is set to an enabled state) and a function related to AF is allocated to the multifunction controller  84 . 
       FIG.  15 C  illustrates an example of a customization function setting screen which is for another operation member other than the multifunction controller  84  and the smart controller  86 .  FIG.  15 C  illustrates a customization function setting screen for a multifunctional button. On the screen, an item  1505  indicating a setting target operation member name and function items  1504  of settable customization functions are displayed. Because there is little concern about an erroneous operation of an operation member other than the multifunction controller  84  and the smart controller  86 , a function is allocated as a default value instead of an OFF setting, and a default setting function is displayed at the leftmost position. The OFF setting is used for a setting target operation member by the user with intention of not using the operation member. As for an operation member other than the multifunction controller  84  and the smart controller  86 , the OFF setting is displayed irrespective of whether the medical mode is ON or OFF, and the user can select an enabled state (e.g. a state in which the operation member can be operated) and a disabled state (e.g. a state in which the operation member cannot be operated) of the operation member. 
       FIG.  15 D  illustrates an example of a customization function setting screen which is for the smart controller  86  and is displayed when the medical mode is OFF. On the screen, an item  1506  for a setting target operation member name and function items  1507  of settable customization functions are displayed. Similarly to the multifunction controller  84 , an OFF setting is a default setting for the smart controller  86 . With respect to the smart controller  86 , not only “OFF setting” and “AF frame direct selection” but also “AF frame selection (photometry in progress)” is displayed and the displayed functions are selectable. As described above, the “AF frame selection (photometry in progress)” is a function of moving an AF frame during photometry or during photometry timer measurement (during a predetermined period from when photometry processing is performed in response to a pressing operation on the first shutter switch  62 ). 
       FIG.  15 E  illustrates an example of a customization function setting screen which is for the smart controller  86  and is displayed when the medical mode is ON. On the screen, an item  1506  for a setting target operation member name and function items  1508  of customization functions settable when the medical mode is ON are displayed. Because the medical mode is ON, similarly to the customization function setting screen for the multifunction controller  84  that is illustrated in  FIG.  15 B , an OFF setting is hidden from the screen and is unselectable, and “AF frame direct selection” is displayed in a selected state as a default value. 
     Hereinafter, customization setting processing will be described with reference to  FIG.  16   .  FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating the customization setting processing. Each piece of processing of the flowchart is implemented by the system control unit  50  loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory  56  into the system memory  52  and executing the program. The system control unit  50  is arranged to set an operation member to an enabled state (e.g. an OFF setting is unselectable so that the operation member is in a state when it can be operated) or a disabled state (e.g. an OFF setting is selectable and has been selected so that the operation member is in a state when it cannot be operated). 
     In step S 1601 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected an item of operation member customization on a MENU screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on an operation member customization item or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on an operation member customization item by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where an operation member customization item has been selected (YES in step S 1601 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1602 . In a case where an operation member customization item has not been selected (NO in step S 1601 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1602 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the multifunction controller  84  as an operation member to be customized. In a case where the multifunction controller  84  has been selected (YES in step S 1602 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1603 . In a case where the multifunction controller  84  has not been selected (NO in step S 1602 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1606 . 
     In step S 1603 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the medical mode is ON. In a case where the medical mode is ON (YES in step S 1603 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1604 . In a case where the medical mode is OFF (NO in step S 1603 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1605 . 
     In step S 1604 , the system control unit  50  displays a customization function setting screen for the multifunction controller  84  on which the OFF setting is unselectable as illustrated in  FIG.  15 B . For example, when the image capturing mode is the medical mode (medical mode is ON), the system control unit  50  performs control to allow to set the operation member (in this case the multifunction controller  84 ) to the enabled state by ensuring the OFF setting is unselectable. 
     In step S 1605 , the system control unit  50  displays a customization function setting screen for the multifunction controller  84  on which the OFF setting is selectable as illustrated in  FIG.  15 A . 
     In step S 1606 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the smart controller  86  as an operation member to be customized. In a case where the smart controller  86  has been selected (YES in step S 1606 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1607 . In a case where the smart controller  86  has not been selected (NO in step S 1606 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1610 . 
     In step S 1607 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the medical mode is ON. In a case where the medical mode is ON (YES in step S 1607 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1608 . In a case where the medical mode is OFF (NO in step S 1607 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1609 . 
     In step S 1608 , the system control unit  50  displays the customization function setting screen for the smart controller  86  on which the OFF setting is unselectable as illustrated in  FIG.  15 E . 
     In step S 1609 , the system control unit  50  displays the customization function setting screen for the smart controller  86  on which the OFF setting is selectable as illustrated in  FIG.  15 D . 
     In step S 1610 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the touch AF as an operation to be customized. In a case where the touch AF member has been selected (YES in step S 1610 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1611 . In a case where the touch AF member has not been selected (NO in step S 1610 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1614 . 
     In step S 1611 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the medical mode is ON. In a case where the medical mode is ON (YES in step S 1611 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1612 . In a case where the medical mode is OFF (NO in step S 1607 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1613 . 
     In step S 1612 , the system control unit  50  displays a customization function setting screen (not illustrated) for the touch AF on which the OFF setting is unselectable. 
     In step S 1613 , the system control unit  50  displays a customization function setting screen (not illustrated) for the touch AF on which the OFF setting is selectable. 
     In step S 1614 , the system control unit  50  displays a customization function setting screen for a selected operation member as illustrated in  FIG.  15 C , for example. As for an operation member other than the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , and the touch AF member, a customization function setting screen on which the OFF setting is selectable is displayed irrespective of whether the medical mode is ON or OFF. 
     In step S 1615 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has set a function item to allocate the function item to the operation member. The setting is performed by a touching operation on a function item or a pressing operation on the SET button  75 . In a case where a function item has been set (YES in step S 1615 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1616 . In a case where a function item has not been set (NO in step S 1615 ), the processing returns to step S 1615 . 
     In step S 1616 , the system control unit  50  sets a function corresponding to the function item selected by the user as a customization function of a setting target operation member. 
     In the above-described manner, the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment can perform the customization setting to set a function to be allocated to each operation member. In a case where an imaging apparatus  100  is used in a medical workplace, a camera needs not be put around the user&#39;s shoulder and there is no need to worry about an erroneous operation. Thus, a lock function and an OFF setting of customization to prevent an erroneous operation are unnecessary settings, which may disturb a smooth image capturing operation of the user instead. In view of the foregoing, in the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment, in a case where the medical mode is ON, the OFF setting for invalidating an operation on an operation member is not displayed on the customization function setting screen for the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , or the touch AF, so that a function related to AF is set. In the present example embodiment, the OFF setting is hidden. Alternatively, the OFF setting can be grayed out to notify the user that the OFF setting is in an unselectable state. On the other hand, as for an operation member other than the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , and the touch AF member, the OFF setting is displayed in a settable manner irrespective of whether the medical mode is ON or OFF. 
     &lt;Lock Function&gt; 
     Aside from the customization setting of an operation member, the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment includes a lock function with which a function is not executed even if an operation member is operated. 
     Hereinafter, switching processing of the lock function will be described with reference to  FIG.  17   .  FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating processing of the lock function. Each piece of processing of the flowchart is implemented by the system control unit  50  loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory  56  into the system memory  52  and executing the program. 
     In step S 1701 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has pressed the lock button  85 . In a case where the lock button  85  has been pressed (YES in step S 1701 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1702 . In a case where the lock button  85  has not been pressed (NO in step S 1701 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1702 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the medical mode is ON. In a case where the medical mode is ON (YES in step S 1702 ), the processing ends. In other words, in a case where the medical mode is ON, even when the lock button  85  is pressed, the lock function is not executed. In a case where the medical mode is ON, the lock function is switched to OFF when a transition to the medical mode is performed, and consequently, even when the lock button  85  is operated, no function is executed. In other words, in a case where the medical mode is ON, the system control unit  50  invalidates an operation on the lock button. The lock button  85  is an example of a specific operation member the operation of which, in the case where the image capturing mode is the medical mode (e.g. the medical mode is ON), can be invalidated by the system control unit  50 . 
     In a case where the medical mode is OFF (NO in step S 1702 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1703 . 
     In step S 1703 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the lock function is ON. In a case where the lock function is ON (YES in step S 1703 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1704 . In a case where the lock function is OFF (NO in step S 1703 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1705 . In step S 1704 , the system control unit  50  sets the lock function to OFF to unlock the operation members. In step S 1705 , the system control unit  50  sets the lock function to ON and executes the lock function to invalidate an operation on the operation members. In the above-described manner, in a case where the medical mode is OFF, ON and OFF of the lock function is switched in accordance with a pressing operation on the lock button  85 . Some operation members (e.g., shutter button, etc.) are excluded from the target of the lock function. Thus, even in a case where the lock function is ON, an operation on the shutter button is not invalidated, and thus it is possible to avoid missing a photo opportunity. In the present example embodiment, operation members targeted by the lock function include the main electronic dial  71 , the sub electronic dial  73 , the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , the touch bar  82 , and the touch panel  70   a.  Alternatively, the operation members targeted by the lock function can be pre-settable by the user without being fixed. 
     In the above-described manner, by setting a function corresponding to an operation member to OFF using a customization setting of the operation member or by setting the lock function, the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment can prevent a function from being executed even in a case where an operation member is operated. When the imaging apparatus  100  is normally used, in some cases, a strap is attached to the imaging apparatus  100 , and the imaging apparatus  100  is used with the strap put around the user&#39;s neck or shoulder. In such a case, an operation member may be unintentionally operated and a setting may be changed while the imaging apparatus  100  is put around the user&#39;s neck in an unused state. Thus, by using the OFF setting of the customization setting or the lock function, it is possible to prevent a function from being unintentionally executed. However, in a case where the medical mode is ON, the imaging apparatus  100  is generally used without a strap wearable on the user&#39;s neck or shoulder. The lock function is thus set to be disabled even when the lock button  85  is operated. In a case where the medical mode is ON, because it is necessary to capture an image clearly showing an affected area, the setting of AF becomes important. Thus, in the medical mode, the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment allocates a function of an AF to the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , and the touch AF member, to prevent operations on these operation members from being invalidated. 
     Hereinafter, processing of implementing an operation of switching between ON and OFF of the medical mode will be described with reference to  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B .  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  are flowcharts illustrating an example of a procedure of switching between ON and OFF of the medical mode according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Irrespective of whether the medical mode is set to ON or OFF, the processing of the flowchart is started by the user pressing the MENU button  81  of the operation members. Nevertheless, during the patient information acquisition processing, the user information acquisition processing, the region information acquisition processing, the affected area image capturing processing, the affected area image confirmation processing, or the affected area image retransmission processing, the start of the processing of the flowchart is disabled even when the user presses the MENU button. Each piece of processing in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  is implemented by the system control unit  50  loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory  56  into the system memory  52  and executing the program. 
     In step S 1401 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected a medical mode item on a MENU screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on a medical mode item or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on a medical mode frame by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the medical mode item is selected (YES in step S 1401 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1402 . In a case where the medical mode item is selected (NO in step S 1401 ), the processing is ended. 
     In step S 1402 , the system control unit  50  displays ON and OFF as sub items of the medical mode item on the menu screen and determines whether a medical mode OFF state has been changed to a medical mode ON state. The system control unit  50  performs determination of whether a medical mode OFF state has been changed to a medical mode ON state, based on whether the user has selected the ON item. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the ON item or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the ON item by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the medical mode has been changed to ON (YES in step S 1402 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1403 . In a case where the medical mode has not been changed to ON (NO in step S 1402 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1416 . 
     In step S 1403 , the system control unit  50  sets the medical mode to ON. In a case where the medical mode becomes ON, the imaging apparatus operates in the medical mode to be described below. Thus, the system control unit  50  operates to switch the image capturing mode between a medical mode and a mode that is not the medical mode (e.g. normal image capturing mode) and so can operate to switch the image capturing mode to a medical mode. 
     In step S 1404 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the customization setting of the multifunction controller  84  is OFF. In a case where the customization setting is OFF (YES in step S 1404 ), the processing proceeds to step  51405 . In a case where the customization setting is not OFF (NO in step S 1404 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1407 . 
     In step S 1405 , the system control unit  50  sets a backup setting of the multifunction controller  84  to OFF and stores the backup setting into the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1406 , the system control unit  50  sets a customization setting of the multifunction controller  84  to AF frame direct selection. The leftmost item among customization setting items for the multifunction controller  84  that are settable in the medical mode as illustrated in  FIG.  15 B  has been described as an example of a function to be set, but the function to be set needs not be the leftmost function. 
     In step S 1407 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the customization setting of the smart controller  86  is OFF. In a case where the customization setting is OFF (YES in step S 1407 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1408 . In a case where the customization setting is not OFF (NO in step S 1407 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1410 . 
     In step S 1408 , the system control unit  50  sets a backup setting of the smart controller  86  to OFF and stores the backup setting into the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1409 , the system control unit  50  sets the customization setting of the smart controller  86  to AF frame direct selection. The leftmost item among customization setting items for the smart controller  86  settable in the medical mode as illustrated in  FIG.  15 E  has been described as an example of a function to be set, but the function to be set needs not be the leftmost function. 
     In step S 1410 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the customization setting of the touch AF is OFF. In a case where the customization setting is OFF (YES in step S 1410 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1411 . In a case where the customization setting is not OFF (NO in step S 1410 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1413 . 
     In step S 1411 , the system control unit  50  sets a backup setting of the touch AF to OFF and stores the backup setting into the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1412 , the system control unit  50  sets the customization setting of the touch AF to AF frame direct selection. An item to be set can be a different item. 
     In step S 1413 , the system control unit  50  checks whether a lock function of the operation members is ON. In a case where the lock function is ON (YES in step S 1413 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1414 . In a case where the lock function is OFF (NO in step S 1413 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1414 , the system control unit  50  sets a backup setting of the lock function to ON and stores the backup setting into the nonvolatile memory  56 . Then, in step S 1415 , the system control unit  50  sets the lock function to OFF. 
     In the above described manner, in a case where the medical mode is switched to ON, a function related to AF is allocated to each operation of the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , and the touch AF without changing a setting on each of the customization function setting screens. Because an imaging apparatus  100  is used without a strap wearable on the user&#39;s shoulder in a medical workplace, the lock function is switched to OFF to unlock the operation members in accordance with the medical mode being switched to ON. Because there is little concern about an erroneous operation in a medical workplace, the operation members are unlocked. Further, because capturing a clear affected area image is important in a medical workplace, in the medical mode, a function of selecting a focus position (AF frame) as a setting related to AF is especially allocated to the multifunction controller  84 , the smart controller  86 , and the touch AF to which a function related to AF is allocated. 
     In step S 1416 , the system control unit  50  displays ON and OFF as sub items of the medical mode item on the menu screen. Then, the system control unit  50  determines whether a medical mode state has been changed from the medical mode ON state to the medical mode OFF state. The system control unit  50  performs the determination of whether the medical mode ON state has been changed to the medical mode OFF state, based on whether the user has selected the OFF item. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the OFF item or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the OFF item by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the medical mode has been changed to OFF (YES in step S 1416 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1417 . In a case the medical mode has not been changed to OFF (NO in step S 1416 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1417 , the system control unit  50  sets the medical mode to OFF. In other words, the imaging apparatus  100  operates in the normal image capturing mode but not in the medical mode. In the normal image capturing mode, the imaging apparatus  100  performs exposure control and ranging control on a subject in accordance with the first shutter switch signal SW 1  being turned ON as described above. Then, the imaging apparatus  100  executes an operation as a digital camera in the normal image capturing mode. More specifically, the imaging apparatus  100  captures an image in accordance with the second shutter switch signal SW 2  being turned ON and records the captured image into the recording medium  200  as a still image file. 
     In step S 1418 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a backup setting of the multifunction controller  84  is stored. In a case where a backup setting is stored (YES in step S 1418 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1419 . In a case where a backup setting is not stored (NO in step S 1418 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1421 . 
     In step S 1419 , the system control unit  50  acquires, from the backup setting in the nonvolatile memory  56 , a function for the multifunction controller  84  set before the medical mode is set to ON and sets the function as a customization function of the multifunction controller  84 . 
     In step S 1420 , the system control unit  50  clears the backup setting of the multifunction controller  84 . 
     In step S 1421 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a backup setting of the smart controller  86  is stored. In a case where a backup setting is stored (YES in step S 1421 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1422 . In a case where a backup setting is not stored (NO in step S 1421 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1424 . 
     In step S 1422 , the system control unit  50  acquires, from the backup setting in the nonvolatile memory  56 , a function for the smart controller  86  set before the medical mode is set to ON and sets the function as a customization function of the smart controller  86 . 
     In step S 1423 , the system control unit  50  clears the backup setting of the smart controller  86 . 
     In step S 1424 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a backup setting of the touch AF is stored. In a case where a backup setting is stored (YES in step S 1424 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1425 . In a case where a backup setting is not stored (NO in step S 1424 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1427 . 
     In step S 1425 , the system control unit  50  acquires, from the backup setting in the nonvolatile memory  56 , a function for the touch AF member set before the medical mode is set to ON and sets the function as a customization function of the touch AF. 
     In step S 1426 , the system control unit  50  clears the backup setting of the touch AF. 
     In step S 1427 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a backup setting of the lock function is stored. In a case where a backup setting is stored (YES in step S 1427 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1428 . In a case where a backup setting is not stored (NO in step S 1427 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1428 , the system control unit  50  acquires, from the backup setting, an ON/OFF setting of the lock function that is set before the medical mode is set to ON and sets the acquired ON/OFF setting to the lock function. 
     In step S 1429 , the system control unit  50  clears the backup setting of the lock function. 
     In the above-described manner, in a case where a medical mode setting is switched from ON to OFF, a customization setting and the lock function are set to settings set before the medical mode is set to ON, by using the backup settings. 
     &lt;Live View Screen Display&gt; 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  each illustrate an example of a live view screen that is displayed on the display unit  28  according to the present example embodiment when the digital camera  100  is in an imaging standby state while the medical mode is set to ON. 
     A LV display setting includes medical information display and imaging parameter display. By the user pressing the display switching button  83 , the LV display setting can be switched between the medical information display and the imaging parameter display. 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates an example of a live view screen that is displayed when the LV display setting is set to the medical information display. 
     A live view image captured by the imaging unit  22  is displayed in an area  301 . Icons  302 ,  304 ,  306  and  310 , text boxes (display frames)  303 ,  305  and  307 , and buttons  308  and  309  are displayed in a superimposed manner on the live view image. 
     The icon  302  indicates a user and shows that information in the text box  303  next to the icon  302  is about the user. After user information is acquired in the user information acquisition processing in step S 410 , the icon  302  can be changed to an icon based on the acquired user information. 
     The text box  303  is a display frame for user information display. By a touching operation on the text box  303  for user information or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  after a selection frame (cursor) is moved to the text box  303  for user information by a dial operation or a cross key operation, the processing transitions to the user information acquisition processing in step S 410 . In a case where user information is not set, a message “select user” as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A  is displayed to notify that a user is unset. After user information is acquired in the user information acquisition processing in step S 410 , user information (user name) is displayed in the text box  303  for user information. 
     The icon  304  indicates a patient and shows that information in the text box  305  next to the icon  304  is about the patient. After patient information is acquired in the patient information acquisition processing in step S 408 , the icon  304  can be changed to an icon based on the acquired patient information. As an example, the icon  304  can be changed to an icon based on the gender or age of the patient. 
     The text box  305  is a display frame for patient information display. By a touching operation on the text box  305  for patient information or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  after a selection frame (cursor) is moved to the text box  305  for patient information by a dial operation or a cross key operation, the processing transitions to the patient information acquisition processing in step S 408 . In a case where patient information is not set, a message “select patient” as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A  is displayed to notify that a patient is unset. After patient information is acquired in the patient information acquisition processing in step S 408 , the acquired patient information (patient name) is displayed in the text box  305  for patient information. Because patient information is important information that must not be mistaken, not only a patient name but also gender and age can be displayed. 
     The icon  306  indicates a region and shows that information in the text box  307  next to the icon  306  is about selection of the region. After region information is acquired in the region information acquisition processing in step S 412 , the icon  306  can be switched to an icon based on the acquired region information. 
     The text box  307  is a display frame for region information display. By a touching operation on the text box  307  for region information or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  after a selection frame (cursor) is moved to the text box  307  for region information by a dial operation or a cross key operation, the processing transitions to the region information acquisition processing in step S 412 . In a case where region information is not set, a message “select region” as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A  is displayed to notify that a region is unset. After region information is acquired in the region information acquisition processing in step S 412 , the acquired region information (region name) is displayed in the text box  307  for region information. 
     When the user fully presses the shutter button  61  during display of the live view screen, the processing transitions to the affected area image capturing processing in step S 425 . In the affected area image capturing processing in step S 425 , image capturing is performed, and the obtained image data is recorded in association with user information, patient information, and region information displayed in the text boxes  303 ,  305 , and  307 , respectively, and the image data is transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 . 
     The button  308  is an end button. When the user ends the capturing of a necessary number of images of an affected area of a patient, the user presses the button  308 . A pressing operation on the button  308  transitions the processing to the affected area image confirmation processing in step S 427 , and then when the user selects an OK button or a cancel button, a result of the selection is transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 . The pressing operation on the button  308  can clear the settings of the text box  303  for user information, the text box  305  for patient information, and the text box  307  for region information. 
     A button  309  is a retransmission button. A touching operation on the button  309  for retransmission on the screen or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  after a selection frame is moved to the button  309  for retransmission by a dial operation transitions the processing to the affected area image retransmission processing in step S 429 . In the affected area image retransmission processing in step S 429 , retransmission of image data that has failed to be transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  even though the user selects an OK button in the affected area image confirmation processing in step S 427  is performed. 
     The icon  310  is an icon indicating a communication state. The icon  310  displays whether the imaging apparatus  100  has not been connected with the in-hospital system  1802  (server  1801 ) or has been connected with the in-hospital system  1802  (server  1801 ). 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates an example of a live view screen that is displayed when the LV display setting is set to imaging parameter display. A live view image of a subject is displayed in an area  311 . In a case where the LV display setting is set to the imaging parameter display, the following information regarding an image capturing setting is displayed together with a live view image (live image). An icon  312  is an image capturing mode icon indicating an image capturing mode. An item  313  indicates a setting value of a shutter speed. An item  314  indicates an aperture value. An item  315  indicates an exposure compensation value. An item  316  indicates an ISO value. 
     In the above-described manner, in a case where the LV display setting is set to the imaging parameter display, currently-set various imaging parameters (the setting of an image capturing mode and setting values of various imaging parameters) are displayed. In the imaging parameter display, the button  308  for an end of image capturing, the button  309  for retransmission, and the icon  310  indicating the communication state that are displayed when the LV display setting is set to the medical information display can also be displayed in the medical mode. 
     &lt;Processing in Medical Mode&gt; 
     Hereinafter, the processing that is executed by the imaging apparatus  100  in the medical mode according to an example embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B .  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are diagrams of a flowchart illustrating processing that is executed by the imaging apparatus  100  from a start to an end of the medical mode. The medical mode is started by the user turning the power ON in a state in which the medical mode is set to ON or the user switching the setting of the medical mode from OFF to ON. Each piece of processing in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  is implemented by the system control unit  50  loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory  56  into the system memory  52  and executing the program when the power switch  72  is turned on. Each piece of processing in  FIGS.  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  11 A and  11 B , and  13 , which indicate sub procedures of the flowchart illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , is implemented by the system control unit  50  loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory  56  into the system memory  52  and executing the program. 
     In step S 401 , the system control unit  50  reads an image transmission list from the nonvolatile memory  56 . The image transmission list is to be used to retransmit unsent image data in the affected area image retransmission processing in step S 429  if any image data has failed to be transmitted when the imaging apparatus  100  has operated in the medical mode the last time. 
     In step S 402 , the system control unit  50  connects with the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . In the present example embodiment, the system control unit  50  wirelessly connects to the in-hospital system  1802  via the server  1801  as illustrated in  FIG.  18   . Alternatively, the system control unit  50  can connect to the in-hospital system  1802  via a cable. 
     In step S 403 , the system control unit  50  acquires a setting of display or nondisplay for each piece of medical information (user information, patient information, region information) from the in-hospital system  1802 . The setting is to be used to switch between display and nondisplay of medical information indicated by the icons  302 ,  304 , and  306  and text boxes  303 ,  305 , and  307 . 
     In step S 404 , the system control unit  50  acquires, from the in-hospital, a list of regions to be selected by the user in the system region information acquisition processing. 
     In step S 405 , the system control unit  50  sets the LV display setting to medical information display. This is because the medical information display as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A  is performed in a default state of the medical mode. For this reason, in a case where the power is turned on when the medical mode is set to ON or when the mode is switched to the medical mode, the live view screen is initially displayed in the medical information display as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A . 
     In step S 406 , when the LV display setting is set to the medical information display, the system control unit  50  displays medical information (patient information, user, region information) as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A , and when the LV display setting is set to the imaging parameter display, the system control unit  50  displays specific imaging parameters as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B . 
     In step S 407 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the text box  305  for patient information on the screen. The selection is performed by either of a touching operation on the text box  305  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the text box  305  for patient information by a dial operation or a cross key operation to be described below. The dial operation is an operation on the main electronic dial  71  or the sub electronic dial  73 , and the cross key operation is an operation on the four directional key  74 . In a case where the text box  305  for patient information has been selected (YES in step S 407 ), the processing proceeds to step S 408 . In a case where the text box  305  for patient information has not been selected (NO in step S 407 ), the processing proceeds to step S 409 . 
     In step S 408 , the system control unit  50  executes the patient information acquisition processing to receive patient information from the in-hospital system  1802  by transmitting, to the in-hospital system  1802 , a barcode image of a patient whose image has been captured by the imaging unit  22 . The patient information to be acquired from the in-hospital system  1802  includes a patient name, a patient ID, age, and gender. Alternatively, as another configuration, the system control unit  50  can analyze a captured barcode image, transmit analyzed barcode information to the in-hospital system  1802 , and receive patient information from the in-hospital system  1802 . The patient information acquisition processing will be described in detail below. 
     In step S 409 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the text box  303  for user information on the screen. The selection is performed by either of a touching operation on the text box  303  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the text box  303  for user information by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the text box  303  for user information has been selected (YES in step S 409 ), the processing proceeds to step S 410 . In a case where the text box  303  for user information has not been selected (NO in step S 409 ), the processing proceeds to step S 411 . 
     In step S 410 , the system control unit  50  executes the user information acquisition processing to receive user information from the in-hospital system  1802  by transmitting a barcode image of a user (doctor or nurse) to the in-hospital system  1802 . The user information includes a user name, a user ID, and a name of a department to which the user belongs. Alternatively, as another configuration, the system control unit  50  can analyze a captured barcode image, transmit analyzed barcode information to the in-hospital system  1802 , and receive user information from the in-hospital system  1802 . The user information acquisition processing will be described in detail below. 
     In step S 411 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the text box  307  for region information on the screen. The selection is performed by a pressing operation on the text box  307  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the text box  307  for region information by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the text box  307  for region information has been selected (YES in step S 411 ), the processing proceeds to step S 412 . In a case where the text box  307  for region information has not been selected (NO in step S 411 ), the processing proceeds to step S 413 . 
     In step S 412 , the system control unit  50  displays the region list acquired in step S 404  and prompts the user to select a region from the region list, to execute the region information acquisition processing to determine region information. The region information acquisition processing will be described in detail below. 
     The processing in steps  5407  to  5412  is executed in a case where the LV display setting is set to the medical information display in which the text box  303  for user information, the text box  305  for patient information, and the text box  307  for region information are displayed. In a case where the LV display setting is set to the imaging parameter display, because the text box  303  for user information, the text box  305  for patient information, and the text box  307  for region information are not displayed, the processing in steps  5407  to  5412  is not executed. In other words, while medical information can be changed in accordance with a user operation in a case where the LV display setting is set to the medical information display, medical information cannot be changed in accordance with a user operation in a case where the LV display setting is set to the imaging parameter display. 
     In step S 413 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has pressed the display switching button  83 . In a case where the user has pressed the display switching button  83  (YES in step S 413 ), the processing proceeds to step S 414 . In a case where the user has not pressed the display switching button  83  (NO in step S 413 ), the processing proceeds to step S 417 . 
     In step S 414 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the LV display setting is set to the medical information display. In a case where the LV display setting is set to the medical information display (YES in step S 414 ), the processing proceeds to step S 415 . In a case where the LV display setting is not set to the medical information display (NO in step S 414 ), the processing proceeds to step S 416 . 
     In step S 415 , the system control unit  50  sets the LV display setting to the imaging parameter display, and then the processing returns to step S 406 . In this case, because the LV display setting is changed from the medical information display to the imaging parameter display, in step S 406 , LV display is changed to the display including imaging parameter information together with a live view image as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B . 
     In step S 416 , the system control unit  50  sets the LV display setting to the medical information display, and then the processing returns to step S 406 . In this case, because the LV display setting is changed from the imaging parameter display to the medical information display, in step S 406 , LV display is changed to the display including medical information together with a live view image as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A . In step S 417 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has performed a dial operation on the main electronic dial  71  or the sub electronic dial  73 . In a case where the user has performed a dial operation (YES in step S 417 ), the processing proceeds to step S 418 . In a case where the user has not performed a dial operation (NO in step S 417 ), the processing proceeds to step S 421 . 
     In step S 418 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the LV display setting is set to the medical information display. In a case where the LV display setting is set to the medical information display (YES in step S 418 ), the processing proceeds to step S 419 . In a case where the LV display setting is not set to the medical information display (NO in step S 418 ), the processing proceeds to step S 420 . 
     In step S 419 , the system control unit  50  moves a selection frame for medical information. The selection frame for medical information is displayed on either one of the text box  303  for user information, the text box  305  for patient information, and the text box  307  for region information, and moves in the order of the text box  303  for user information, the text box  305  for patient information, and the text box  307  for region information. Next to the text box  307  for region information, the selection frame moves to the text box  303  for user information. In a case where the selection frame moving operation is performed during a half press operation on the shutter button  61 , the movement of the selection frame of medical information can be enabled. During the medical information display, not only by a dial operation, the selection frame for medical information can also be moved by a cross key operation similarly to a dial operation. 
     In step S 420 , the system control unit  50  changes imaging parameters. As an example, the imaging parameters include a shutter speed, an aperture value, an exposure compensation value, and an ISO value. For each image capturing mode, the imaging parameters are individually allocated to the main electronic dial  71  and the sub electronic dial  73 . For example, in a case where the image capturing mode is a Tv mode, a setting value of a shutter speed is changed in accordance with an operation on the main electronic dial  71 , and in a case where the image capturing mode is an Av mode, a setting value of an aperture value is changed in accordance with an operation on the main electronic dial  71 . 
     In the above-described manner, during the medical information display, the selection frame of medical information is moved in accordance with a dial operation, and during the imaging parameter display, a setting value of an imaging parameter for each of the image capturing modes allocated to the dials  71  and  73  is changed in accordance with a dial operation. In a case where a function of an imaging parameter change is allocated to a different operation member, such as the touch bar  82 , an imaging parameter can be made changeable irrespective of the LV display setting. In this case, even in a case where the LV setting is set to the medical information display, an imaging parameter can be changed in accordance with a user operation. 
     In step S 421 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has half pressed the shutter button  61  (i.e., the first shutter switch signal SW 1  has been output). In a case where the user has half pressed the shutter button  61  (YES in step S 421 ), the processing proceeds to step S 422 . In a case where the user has not half pressed the shutter button  61  (NO in step S 421 ), the processing proceeds to step S 426 . 
     In step S 422 , the system control unit  50  sets the LV display setting to the medical information display. Also in the medical mode, similarly to the normal image capturing mode, an imaging preparation operation is executed in accordance with a half-press operation of the shutter button  61 . 
     Because the LV display setting has been changed to the medical information display in step S 422 , in step S 423 , the system control unit  50  changes the display to the medical information display as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A . 
     As described above, in the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present example embodiment, in a case where the shutter button  61  has been half pressed, even if the LV display setting is set to the imaging parameter display setting, the imaging parameter display is switched to the medical information display and live view display is performed. Accordingly, a user can confirm medical information before image capturing, whereby an inputting error of medical information can be prevented. In the present example embodiment, the LV display setting is changed to the medical information display in accordance with the half press of the shutter button  61 . Alternatively, the setting of the LV display setting can be configured to be temporarily changed to the medical information display while the shutter button  61  is being half pressed. In this case, in accordance with the detachment of a finger from the shutter button  61 , the display returns to the display based on the LV display setting set before the shutter button  61  is half pressed. 
     In step S 424 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has fully pressed the shutter button  61 . More specifically, the system control unit  50  determines whether the second shutter switch signal SW 2  has been output. In a case where the user has fully pressed the shutter button  61  (YES in step S 424 ), the processing proceeds to step S 425 . In a case where the user has not fully pressed the shutter button  61  (NO in step S 424 ), the processing proceeds to step S 426 . 
     In step S 425 , the system control unit  50  executes the affected area image capturing processing by generating image data by performing image capturing, record medical information (user information, patient information, region information) and the image data in association with each other, and transmitting the image data to the in-hospital system  1802 . The affected area image capturing processing will be described in detail below. 
     In step S 426 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the button  308  to end the processing on the screen. Alternatively, the system control unit  50  can determine whether the user has pressed the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the button  308  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. Alternatively, in a case where the end button function is allocated to a specific operation member, the system control unit  50  can determine whether the user has operated the specific operation member to which the end button function is allocated. In a case where the button  308  has been selected (YES in step S 426 ), the processing proceeds to step S 427 . In a case where the button  308  has not been selected (NO in step S 426 ), the processing proceeds to step S 428 . 
     In step S 427 , the system control unit  50  executes the affected area image confirmation processing by prompting the user to confirm an affected area image and select either the OK button or the cancel button and transmitting a result of the selection to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . The affected area image confirmation processing will be described in detail below. 
     In step S 428 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the button  309  for retransmission on the screen. Alternatively, the system control unit  50  can determine whether the user has pressed the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the button  309  for retransmission by a dial operation or a cross key operation. Alternatively, in a case where the retransmission button function is allocated to a specific operation member, the system control unit  50  can determine whether the user has pressed the specific operation member to which the retransmission button function is allocated. In a case where the button  309  for retransmission has been selected (YES in step S 428 ), the processing proceeds to step S 429 . In a case where the button  309  for retransmission has not been selected (NO in step S 428 ), the processing proceeds to step S 430 . 
     In step S 429 , the system control unit  50  executes the affected area image retransmission processing by determining an image that has failed to be transmitted in step S 425 , from among images in the image transmission list for which the OK button has been selected in the affected area image confirmation processing in step S 427  and retransmitting the determined image to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . The affected area image retransmission processing will be described in detail below. 
     In step S 430 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has ended the medical mode by switching the medical mode to OFF or turning the power OFF. In a case where the user has ended the medical mode (YES in step S 430 ), the processing proceeds to step S 431 . In a case where the user has not ended the medical mode (NO in step S 430 ), the processing returns to step S 406 . 
     In step S 431 , the system control unit  50  writes, in the nonvolatile memory  56 , image file information in a “retransmission waiting” status in the image transmission list. In a case where the power is turned OFF, it is desirable that a current mode (medical mode/normal image capturing mode) is also written into the nonvolatile memory  56 , and when the power is turned ON next time, an operation is started in the mode set when the power is turned OFF. 
     &lt;Patient Information Acquisition Processing/User Information Acquisition Processing&gt; 
       FIGS.  5 A to  5 C  illustrate examples of screens that are displayed in the patient information acquisition processing in step S 408  and the user information acquisition processing in step S 410 , according to the present example embodiment. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates an example of a barcode acquisition screen. 
     A live view image is displayed in an area  501 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , a frame of a region to capture a barcode image and a message “SCAN BARCODE” to prompt the user to perform barcode image capturing can be displayed together with the live view image. 
     A MENU button  502  is a button to close the barcode acquisition screen and also notifies that pressing of the MENU button  502  can close the barcode acquisition screen. 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates an example of an information confirmation screen to prompt the user to confirm information received in step S 605  to be described below. 
     Received information (either patient information or user information)  503 , an OK button  504 , and a rescan button  505  are displayed on the information confirmation screen. 
     The OK button  504  is a button that is used when the user selects OK after confirmation of the received information. 
     The rescan button  505  is a button that is used when the user selects whether to perform image capturing again. 
       FIG.  5 C  illustrates an example of an error screen that is displayed in a case where information has failed to be properly received. 
     A message  506  notifying the user of an error, an end button  507 , and a rescan button  508  are displayed on the error screen. A wording of the message  506  can be changed in accordance with the type of the error. 
     Hereinafter, the patient information acquisition processing (step S 408 ) and the user information acquisition processing (step S 410 ) will be described with reference to  FIG.  6   . Because basic operations in the patient information acquisition processing and the user information acquisition processing are the same, the patient information acquisition processing and the user information acquisition processing will be described with reference to one flowchart. 
     In step S 601 , the system control unit  50  displays the barcode acquisition screen as illustrated in  FIG.  5 A . 
     In step S 602 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the MENU button  502  on the screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the MENU button  502  or a pressing operation on the MENU button  81  of the operation member. In a case where the MENU button has been selected (YES in step S 602 ), the processing ends. In a case where the MENU button has not been selected (NO in step S 602 ), the processing proceeds to step S 603 . 
     In step S 603 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has fully pressed the shutter button  61 . In a case where the user has fully pressed the shutter button  61  (YES in step S 603 ), the processing proceeds to step S 604 . In a case where the user has not fully pressed the shutter button  61  (NO in step S 603 ), the processing returns to step S 602 . 
     In step S 604 , the system control unit  50  captures a barcode image using the imaging unit  22  and transmits the captured barcode image to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . The system control unit  50  can acquire a barcode by analyzing a barcode image and transmit barcode information to the in-hospital system via the communication unit  54  without transmitting a barcode image. 
     In step S 605 , the system control unit  50  determines whether information has been received from the in-hospital system  1802 . In a case where information has been received (YES in step S 605 ), the processing proceeds to step S 606 . In a case where information has not been received (NO in step S 605 ), the processing in step S 605  is executed again. 
     In step S 606 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the received information is normal. In a case where the received information is normal (YES in step S 606 ), the processing proceeds to step S 607 . In a case where the received information is not normal (NO in step S 606 ), the processing proceeds to step S 608 . 
     In step S 607 , the system control unit  50  displays the information confirmation screen for the received information illustrated in  FIG.  5 B . 
     In step S 608 , the system control unit  50  displays the error screen illustrated in  FIG.  5 C . 
     In step S 609 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the end button  507  on the screen The selection is performed by a touching operation on the end button  507  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the end button  507  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the end button  507  has been selected (YES in step S 609 ), the processing ends. In a case where the end button has not been selected (NO in step S 609 ), the processing proceeds to step S 610 . 
     In step S 610 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the rescan button  508  on the screen. The selection performed by a touching operation on the rescan button  508  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the rescan button  508  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the rescan button  508  has been selected (YES in step S 610 ), the processing returns to step S 601 . In a case where the rescan button  508  has not been selected (NO in step S 610 ), the processing returns to step S 609 . 
     In step S 611 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the OK button  504  on the screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the OK button  504  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the OK button  504  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the OK button  504  has been selected (YES in step S 611 ), the processing proceeds to step S 613 . In a case where the OK button  504  has not been selected (NO in step S 611 ), the processing proceeds to step S 612 . 
     In step S 612 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the rescan button  508  on the screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the rescan button  508  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the rescan button  508  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the rescan button  508  has been selected (YES in step S 612 ), the processing returns to step S 601 . In a case where the rescan button  508  has not been selected (NO in step S 612 ), the processing returns to step S 611 . 
     In step S 613 , in a case where the system control unit  50  executes the patient information acquisition processing in step S 408 , the system control unit  50  sets the information received in step S 605  as patient information, and in a case where the system control unit  50  executes the user information acquisition processing in step S 410 , the system control unit  50  sets the information received in step S 605  as user information. As described above, because the patient information acquisition processing and the user information acquisition processing are executed in a case where the LV setting is set to the medical information display, when the processing ends, the screen returns to the medical information display screen illustrated in  FIG.  3 A . At this time, the information set in the processing is displayed in the text box  305  for patient information or the text box  303  for user information. 
     &lt;Region Information Acquisition Processing&gt; 
       FIGS.  7 A to  7 B  each illustrate an example of a screen that is displayed in the region information acquisition processing (step S 412 ). 
       FIG.  7 A  illustrates an example of a region list selection screen. 
     A region list  701  and a MENU button  702  are displayed on the region list selection screen. The region list  701  is list display of the region list acquired in step S 404 . The MENU button  702  is a button to close the region list selection screen. 
       FIG.  7 B  illustrates an example of an error screen. 
     A message  703  notifying the user of an error and an end button  704  are displayed on the error screen. A wording of the message  703  can be changed in accordance with the type of an error. 
     Hereinafter, the region information acquisition processing in step S 412  will be described with reference to  FIG.  8   . 
     In step S 801 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a region list has been acquired from the in-hospital system  1802  in step S 404 . In a case where a region list has been acquired (YES in step S 801 ), the processing proceeds to step S 802 . In a case where a region list has not been acquired (NO in step S 801 ), the processing proceeds to step S 803 . 
     In step S 802 , the system control unit  50  displays the region list selection screen illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . The region list acquired in step S 404  is displayed in the region list  701 . 
     In step S 803 , the system control unit  50  displays the error screen illustrated in  FIG.  7 B  and ends the processing in accordance with the end button  704  being operated. 
     In step S 804 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the MENU button  702  on the region list selection screen. The selection is performed by a touch operation on the MENU button  702  or a pressing operation on the MENU button  81  of the operation member. In a case where the MENU button has been selected (YES in step S 804 ), the processing ends. In a case where the MENU button has not been selected (NO in step S 804 ), the processing proceeds to step S 805 . 
     In step S 805 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected any region in the region list  701  on the region list selection screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on any region in the region list  701  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on any region in the region list by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where a region has been selected (YES in step S 805 ), the processing proceeds to step S 806 . In a case where a region has not been selected (NO in step S 805 ), the processing returns to step S 804 . 
     In step S 806 , the system control unit  50  sets the region selected by the user in step S 805  as region information. 
     As described above, because the region information acquisition processing is executed in a case where the LV setting is set to the medical information display, when the processing ends, the screen returns to the medical information display screen illustrated in  FIG.  3 A . At this time, the region information set in the processing is displayed in the text box  307  for region information. 
     &lt;Affected Area Image Capturing Processing&gt; 
     Hereinafter, the affected area image capturing processing (step S 425 ) will be described with reference to  FIG.  9   . 
     In step S 901 , the system control unit  50  captures an affected area image using the imaging unit  22  and acquires image data of the affected area image. 
     In step S 902 , the system control unit  50  displays the preview of the affected area image captured in step S 901 . In the preview display, set medical information (patient information, user information, region information) can be displayed in a superimposed manner. The display/nondisplay and a display time of the preview display can be changed in accordance with a user setting. 
     In step S 903 , the system control unit  50  stores medical information (patient information, user information, region information) into the nonvolatile memory  56  in association with the image data of the affected area image. The system control unit  50  can record the medical information into the recording medium  200  instead of the nonvolatile memory  56 . In the present example embodiment, the system control unit  50  associates the medical information, as the attribute information of the image data, with the image data by storing the medical information into an image file in which the image data is recorded. 
     In step S 904 , the system control unit  50  transmits an image file including the image data of the affected area image and the medical information to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . While, in the present example embodiment, the medical information is included in the image file, the medical information can be stored as a file different from the image data, and the image file and the medical information file can be transmitted in association with each other. 
     In step S 905 , the system control unit  50  stores image file information and a “transmitting” status into the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . An image file name is used as an example of image file information to be stored. 
     In the above-described manner, in the affected area image capturing processing, an affected area image is captured and the captured affected area image data and medical information are transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  in association with each other. 
     &lt;Affected Area Image Confirmation Processing&gt; 
       FIG.  10    illustrates an example of a screen that is displayed in the affected area image confirmation processing in step S 427  according to the present example embodiment. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates an example of an affected area image confirmation screen. On the affected area image confirmation screen, the user confirms set medical information and image data which has been captured in step S 901  and of which transmission has not been completed. 
     An item  1001  displays patient information (patient name) from among pieces of medical information associated with image data that is in the “transmitting” status in the image transmission list. In a case where a plurality of pieces of image data is in the “transmitting” status, medical information associated with image data of an image captured first or last can be displayed. Alternatively, medical information of all pieces of image data can be displayed. 
     An item  1002  displays the number of pieces of image data that are in the “transmitting” status in the image transmission list. 
     An area  1003  displays thumbnail images of image data that is in the “transmitting” status in the image transmission list. In a case where a plurality of pieces of image data in the “transmitting” status exists, a thumbnail image of image data of an image captured first or last can be displayed, or thumbnail images of all pieces of image data can be displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
     An OK button  1004  and a cancel button  1005  are used when the user selects OK or cancel after confirmation of the medical information and the thumbnail image. 
     Hereinafter, the affected area image confirmation processing (step S 427 ) will be described with reference to  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B . 
     In step S 1101 , the system control unit  50  reads an image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1102 , the system control unit  50  determines whether image file information in the “transmitting” status is included in the image transmission list acquired in step S 1101 . In a case where image file information in the “transmitting” status is included in the image transmission list (YES in step S 1102 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1103 . In a case where image file information in the “transmitting” status is not included in the image transmission list (NO in step S 1102 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1103 , the system control unit  50  displays the affected area image confirmation screen illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
     In step S 1104 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the cancel button  1005  on the affected area image confirmation screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the cancel button  1005  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the cancel button  1005  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the cancel button has been selected (YES in step S 1104 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1105 . In a case where the cancel button has not been selected (NO in step S 1104 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1107 . 
     In step S 1105 , the system control unit  50  transmits a cancel notification to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . 
     In step S 1106 , the system control unit  50  deletes, from the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 , list information (image file information and status) that is in the “transmitting” status in the image transmission list. 
     In step S 1107 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the OK button  1004  on the screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the OK button  1004  a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the OK button  1004  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the OK button  1004  has been selected (YES in step S 1107 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1108 . In a case where the OK button  1004  has not been selected (NO in step S 1107 ), the processing returns to step S 1104 . 
     In step S 1108 , the system control unit  50  transmits an OK notification to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . 
     In step S 1109 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a transmission result of the image data transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  in step S 904  has been received from the in-hospital system  1802 . In a case where a transmission result of the image data has been received (YES in step S 1109 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1110 . In a case where a transmission result has not been received (NO in step S 1109 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1113 . 
     In step S 1110 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the image data transmission result received from the in-hospital system  1802  is normal. In a case where the transmission result is normal (YES in step S 1110 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1111 . In a case where the transmission result is not normal (NO in step S 1110 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1112 . 
     In step S 1111 , among pieces of image file information in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 , the system control unit  50  changes a status of image file information for which the transmission result has been received from the in-hospital system  1802 , to “transmission completed”. 
     In step S 1112 , among pieces of image file information in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 , the system control unit  50  changes a status corresponding to image file information for which the transmission result has been received from the in-hospital system  1802 , to “transmission failed”. 
     In step S 1113 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a transmission result has not been received from the in-hospital system  1802  for a certain period of time from when image data has been transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  in step S 904 . In a case where the transmission has timed out (YES in step S 1113 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1114 . In a case where the transmission has not timed out (NO in step S 1113 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1115 . 
     In step S 1114 , among pieces of image file information in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 , the system control unit  50  changes a status of image file information for which the transmission result has not been received from the in-hospital system  1802 , to “transmission failed”. 
     In step S 1115 , the system control unit  50  determines whether list information in the “transmitting” status is included in the image transmission list. In a case where list information in the “transmitting” status is included (YES in step S 1115 ), the processing returns to step S 1109 . In a case where list information in the “transmitting” status is not included (NO in step S 1115 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1116 . 
     In step S 1116 , the system control unit  50  deletes list information that is in the “transmission completed” status, from the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1117 , the system control unit  50  changes a status of list information that is in the “transmission failed” status in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 , to “retransmission waiting”. 
     In the above-described manner, in the affected area image confirmation processing, it is possible to check image data that has not been transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 , and it is also possible to cancel transmission of unsent image data. The processing in steps S 1109  to S 1117  is also executed in a case where image data (image file) transmission result from the in-hospital system  1802  is received, transmission time-out is occurred, and image data in the “transmitting” status is no more in the image transmission list, even when the affected area image retransmission processing is not executed. In other words, an image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56  is appropriately updated in accordance with a transmission status of image data. 
     &lt;Affected Area Image Retransmission Processing&gt; 
       FIGS.  12 A to  12 D  each illustrate an example of a screen that is displayed in the affected area image retransmission processing. 
       FIG.  12 A  illustrates a retransmission confirmation screen. 
     An item  1201  is patient information (patient name) associated with image data that is in the “retransmission waiting” status in the image transmission list. In a case where a plurality of pieces of image data in the “retransmission waiting” status exists, medical information associated with image data of an image captured first or last can be displayed, or medical information associated with all pieces of image data can be displayed. 
     An item  1202  displays the number of pieces of image data that are in the “retransmission waiting” status in the image transmission list. 
     An item  1203  is thumbnail images of image data that is in the “retransmission waiting” status in the image transmission list. In a case where a plurality of pieces of image data in the “retransmission waiting” status exists, a thumbnail image of image data of an image captured first or last can be displayed, or thumbnail images of all pieces of image data can be displayed as illustrated. 
     An OK button  1204  is used when the user selects OK after confirmation of whether to retransmit image data. 
     A cancel button  1205  is used when the user selects cancel after confirmation of whether to retransmit image data. 
       FIG.  12 B  illustrate a retransmitting screen. 
     On the retransmitting screen, a message  1206  notifying that image is being transmitted and a cancel button  1207  are displayed. The progress of the number of image data being transmitted out of pieces of image data can be displayed. A transmission stop instruction can be issued by operating the cancel button  1207 . 
       FIG.  12 C  is a retransmission success screen indicating that the retransmission has been properly performed. 
     On the retransmission success screen, a message  1208 , notifying that the retransmission has succeeded, and an OK button  1209  are displayed. 
       FIG.  12 D  is a retransmission failure screen notifying that retransmission has not been properly performed. 
     On the retransmission failure screen, a message  1210 , notifying that the transmission has failed, and an OK button  1211  are displayed. 
     Hereinafter, the affected area image retransmission processing (step S 429 ) will be described with reference to  FIG.  13   . 
     In step S 1301 , the system control unit  50  determines whether list information in the “retransmission waiting” status is included in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . In a case where list information in the “retransmission waiting” status is included in the image transmission list (YES in step S 1301 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1302 . In a case where list information in the “retransmission waiting” status is not included in the image transmission list (NO in step S 1301 ), the processing ends. 
     In step S 1302 , the system control unit  50  displays the retransmission confirmation screen illustrated in  FIG.  12 A . 
     In step S 1303 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the cancel button  1205  on the screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the cancel button  1205  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the cancel button  1205  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the cancel button  1205  has been selected (YES in step S 1303 ), the processing ends. In a case where the cancel button  1205  has not been selected (NO in step S 1303 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1304 . 
     In step S 1304 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the user has selected the OK button  1204  on the screen. The selection is performed by a touching operation on the OK button  1204  or a pressing operation on the SET button  75  in a state in which a selection frame is set on the OK button  1204  by a dial operation or a cross key operation. In a case where the OK button  1204  has been selected (YES in step S 1304 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1305 . In a case where the OK button  1204  has not been selected (NO in step S 1304 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1303 . 
     In step S 1305 , the system control unit  50  displays the retransmitting screen illustrated in  FIG.  12 B . 
     In step S 1306 , the system control unit  50  transmits one image data file from among image data files that are in the “retransmission waiting” status in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 , to the in-hospital system  1802  via the communication unit  54 . In a case of a configuration in which medical information associated with image data is data different from image data, data of the associated medical information is transmitted together. 
     In step S 1307 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a transmission result of image data transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  in step S 1306  has been received from the in-hospital system  1802 . In a case where a transmission result has been received (YES in step S 1307 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1309 . In a case where a transmission result has not been received (NO in step S 1307 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1308 . 
     In step S 1308 , the system control unit  50  determines whether a transmission result has not been received from the in-hospital system  1802  for a certain period of time from when image data has been transmitted to the in-hospital system  1802  in step  51306 . In a case where the transmission has timed out (YES in step S 1308 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1312 . In a case where the transmission has not timed out (NO in step S 1308 ), the processing returns to step S 1307 . 
     In step S 1309 , the system control unit  50  determines whether the transmission result received from the in-hospital system  1802  is normal. In a case where the transmission result is normal (YES in step S 1309 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1310 . In a case where the transmission result is not normal (NO in step S 1309 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1312 . 
     In step S 1310 , the system control unit  50  changes a status of image file information, for which the transmission result has been received from the in-hospital system  1802 , in the image transmission list to “transmission completed”. 
     In step S 1311 , the system control unit  50  determines whether list information in the “retransmission waiting” status is included in the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . In a case where list information in the “retransmission waiting” status is included in the image transmission list (YES in step S 1311 ), the processing returns to step S 1306 . In a case where list information in the “retransmission waiting” status is not included in the image transmission list (NO in step S 1311 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1314 . 
     In step S 1312 , the system control unit  50  deletes list information that is in the “transmission completed” status, from the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1313 , the system control unit  50  displays the retransmission failure screen illustrated in  FIG.  12 D . 
     In step S 1314 , the system control unit  50  deletes list information that is in the “transmission completed” status, from the image transmission list stored in the nonvolatile memory  56 . 
     In step S 1315 , the system control unit  50  displays the retransmission success screen illustrated in  FIG.  12 C . 
     In the above-described manner, in the affected area image retransmission processing, unsent image data that is in the “retransmission waiting” status in the image transmission list can be retransmitted to the in-hospital system  1802 . 
     &lt;LV Display in Normal Image Capturing Mode&gt; 
     As described above, in the medical mode, the LV display setting is switched between the imaging parameter display and the medical information display in accordance with an operation on the display switching button  83 . In contrast to the configuration, in the normal image capturing mode (medical mode OFF), various LV display settings, such as ON/OFF of imaging parameter display, the type of imaging parameters to be displayed, ON/OFF of perpendicular display, and ON/OFF of live view display, can be switched in accordance with an operation on the display switching button  83 . In the normal image capturing mode, the LV display setting is not switched to the medical information display even in a case where the display switching button  83  is operated. 
     In the medical mode, an imaging preparation operation, such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing, is executed in accordance with the first shutter switch signal SW 1  (shutter button  61  half press), and by switching the LV display setting to the medical information display, the user is provided with medical information to perform a confirmation before affected area image capturing. In contrast to the configuration, in the normal image capturing mode, an imaging preparation operation is executed in accordance with the first shutter switch signal SW 1 , and the LV display is switched to LV display ON and display of specific imaging parameters (for example, AF frame (frame indicating an in-focus region), shutter speed, an aperture value). By hiding other imaging parameters and various types of information, a confirmation of live view and specific imaging parameters can be easily performed. For this reason, an imaging preparation operation can be executed before still image capturing in accordance with the second shutter switch signal SW 2 , and a live image captured after the imaging preparation operation can be confirmed, whereby it becomes possible to confirm imaging parameters important for still image capturing. 
     Other Example Embodiments 
     The above-described various types of control that are performed by the system control unit  50  can be performed by one piece of hardware. Alternatively, the entire apparatus can be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware (e.g., a plurality of processors or circuits) sharing the processing. 
     The example embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these specific example embodiments, and various configurations without departing from the scope of the invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described example embodiments merely indicates an example embodiment of the present invention, and the example embodiments can be appropriately combined. 
     In the above-described example embodiment, an example case where the present invention is applied to the imaging apparatus (digital camera)  100  has been described. An application example of the present invention is not limited to this example, and the present invention can be applied to any device including an imaging unit. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistance (PDA), a mobile phone terminal, a portable image viewer, a printer apparatus including a display, a digital photo frame, a music player, a game machine, and an electronic book reader. 
     An application example is not limited to an imaging apparatus main body, and the present invention can also be applied to a control apparatus that communicates with an imaging apparatus (including a network camera) via wired or wireless communication and remotely controls the imaging apparatus. Examples of the control apparatus that remotely controls the imaging apparatus include a smartphone, a tablet PC, and a desktop PC. By notifying commands for causing the imaging apparatus to perform various operations and settings, from the control apparatus based on operations performed by the control apparatus or processing performed by the control apparatus, the imaging apparatus can be remotely controlled. In addition, the control apparatus can receive a live view image captured by the imaging apparatus, via wired or wireless communication, and display the live view image. 
     Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)TM), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments and is defined by the following claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-191534, filed Nov. 25, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.