Patent Publication Number: US-2023164428-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 
     Techniques of associating an image and information regarding a subject of the image have been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-145984 discusses an imaging apparatus that captures an image of a code, analyzes the code, acquires patient information corresponding to the code from a database, superimposes the patient information on a live view image display, and records obtained image data in association with the patient information. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an imaging apparatus in which medical information and an imaging parameter are provided for a user to perform a confirmation and the medical information is provided for the user to perform a confirmation before image capturing of image data. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes a memory and at least one processor which function as a display control unit configured to perform control to display, on a display unit, a live image captured by the imaging unit and medical information, and a control unit configured to associate image data obtained by the imaging unit and the medical information in accordance with a full press operation on a shutter button, wherein the display control unit performs control, in accordance with a predetermined user operation, to switch between first display of displaying the medical information together with a live image and second display of displaying an imaging parameter related to image capturing together with a live image, and wherein the display control unit performs control, in accordance with a half press operation on the shutter button different from the predetermined user operation, to switch display to the first display. 
     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. 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart of medical mode switching processing. 
         FIG.  15    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 an 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 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) or live 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. 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.  15   , an in-hospital network system within a hospital includes a server  1501  and an in-hospital system  1502 . A plurality of digital cameras (imaging apparatuses)  100   a  and  100   b  can connect to the server  1501  via the communication units  54  of the digital cameras, and acquire various types of information from the in-hospital system  1502 . In the present example embodiment, the server  1501  different from the in-hospital system  1502  is used. Because the communication is executed via the server  1501 , information transmission and reception between the imaging apparatuses  100  and the in-hospital system  1502  can be implemented without extensive changes in the in-hospital system  1502 . In addition, the imaging apparatuses  100  can directly connect to the in-hospital system  1502  not via the server  1501 . Alternatively, the function of the server  1501  can be provided in the in-hospital system  1502 . 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  1501  or in-hospital system  1502 ) 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  1502 . While, in the present example embodiment, the in-hospital system  1502  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 , and the display switching button  83 . 
     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  FIG.  14   . 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  1502  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  1502  via the communication unit  54 . Data to be transmitted to the in-hospital system  1502  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  1502 , and patient information is acquired from the in-hospital system  1502  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  1502 . 
     In the user information acquisition processing, the imaging apparatus  100  transmits, to the in-hospital system  1502  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 hospital department of a user (doctor/nurse, etc.), obtained based on the code included in the image data from the in-hospital system  1502  via the communication unit  54 . Data to be transmitted to the in-hospital system  1502  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  1502 , and user information is acquired from the in-hospital system  1502  based on the code. 
     In the region information acquisition processing, the imaging apparatus  100  acquires list information of regions from the in-hospital system  1502  via the communication unit  54 , and the user selects a region corresponding to an affected area from the region list and determines the region. For example, the imaging apparatus  100  may determine region information based on the selected region. The region information may be information associated with an area or region of a subject (e.g. a patient), such as, a face, neck arm, or leg region or any other region of a subject&#39;s body. For example, the region information may include information identifying the selected region (e.g. region name). 
     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  1502  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  1502 . 
     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  1502  and an error in communication between the in-hospital system  1502  and a database. 
     &lt;Processing of Switching to Medical Mode&gt; 
     Hereinafter, processing of implementing an operation of switching between ON and OFF of the medical mode will be described with reference to  FIG.  14   .  FIG.  14    is a flowchart 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  FIG.  14    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 and determines 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 ON item is selected (YES in step S 1402 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1403 . In a case where the ON item is not selected (NO in step S 1402 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1404 . 
     In step S 1403 , the system control unit  50  sets the medical mode to ON. 
     In step S 1404 , the system control unit  50  determines 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 OFF item is selected (YES in step S 1404 ), the processing proceeds to step S 1405 . In a case where the OFF item is not selected (NO in step S 1404 ), the processing returns to step S 1402 . 
     In step S 1405 , 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 without operating 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  executes the operation of capturing an image in accordance with the second shutter switch signal SW 2  being turned ON and recording the captured image into the recording medium  200  as a still image file. 
     &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 (e.g. the display switching button  83  is an example of a specific operation member to which display switching is allocated). 
       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 (e.g. a first display). 
     A live view image captured by the imaging unit  22  is displayed in an area  301 . On the live view image, icons  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  310 , text boxes (display frames)  303 ,  305 , and  307 , and buttons  308  and  309  are superimposed and displayed. 
     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 medical information which may include one or more of 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  1502 . 
     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  1502 . 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  1502  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  1502  (server  1501 ) or has been connected with the in-hospital system  1502  (server  1501 ). 
       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 (e.g. a second 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, such as in-focus region (e.g. AF frame), shutter speed, and an aperture value) 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  FIG.  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  1502  via the communication unit  54 . In the present example embodiment, the system control unit  50  wirelessly connects to the in-hospital system  1502  via the server  1501  as illustrated in  FIG.  15   , but the system control unit  50  can connect to the in-hospital system  1502  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  1502 . 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  1502  by transmitting, to the in-hospital system  1502 , 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  1502  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  1502 , and receive patient information from the in-hospital system  1502 . 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  1502  by transmitting a barcode image of a user (doctor or nurse) to the in-hospital system  1502 . 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  1502 , and receive user information from the in-hospital system  1502 . 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 may include one or more of a shutter speed, an aperture value, an exposure compensation value, in-focus region 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. Thus, one or more imaging parameters displayed, during the medical information display or the imaging parameter display, may be changed via user operation including dial operation, operation of a touch bar, or any other of similar user operations. 
     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 . 
     In a case where medical information, such as patient information, is to be stored in an imaging apparatus in association with image data, it is important for the user to confirm that the medical information is correct medical information, and the user desires to confirm the medical information at the time of image capturing. Furthermore, to capture a high-quality image and obtain high-quality image data, it is also important to confirm imaging parameters relating to image capturing (Av/Tv/exposure compensation value/Iso, etc.) at the time of image capturing. In view of the foregoing, 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  1502 . The affected area image capturing processing will be described in detail below. Thus, in an example arrangement, after at least the medical information (e.g. one or more of user information, patient information, region information) and a live image have been displayed (during the medical information display e.g. by a half press operation on the shutter button  61 ), image data may be obtained by imaging unit  22  by performing image capturing in response to a full press operation on the shutter button  61 . The obtained image data is then associated with the medical information in response to the full press operation on the shutter button  61 . This enables medical information for the live image displayed to be checked before image capturing and association of the image data with the medical information. In an example, when display is switched to the imaging parameter display, imaging parameters relating to the live image displayed can be checked before image capturing. 
     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  1502  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  1502  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  1502  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  1502 . 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  5606 ), 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  may be a display of the region list acquired in step S 404 . For example, the region list  701  may list one or more areas or regions of a subject (e.g. a patient), such as, a face, neck arm, or leg region or any other region of a subject&#39;s body. 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  1502  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  1502  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  1502  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  1502  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  1502  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  1502  in step S 904  has been received from the in-hospital system  1502 . 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  1502  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  1502 , 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  1502 , 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  1502  for a certain period of time from when image data has been transmitted to the in-hospital system  1502  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  1502 , 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  1502 , 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  1502  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  1502  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  1502  in step S 1306  has been received from the in-hospital system  1502 . 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  1502  for a certain period of time from when image data has been transmitted to the in-hospital system  1502  in step S 1306 . 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  1502  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  1502 , 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  1502 . 
     &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. 
     An example embodiment of the present invention is also implemented by executing the following processing. More specifically, the processing is processing of supplying software (program) implementing the functions of the above-described example embodiment, to a system or an apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, micro processing unit (MPU), etc.) of the system or the apparatus reading a program code and executing the program code. In this case, the program and a storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention. 
     Other Embodiments 
     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. 2021-191533, filed Nov. 25, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.