Patent Abstract:
Digital camera and method are configured to operate in various photographic modes of operation that capture a sequence of images. The sequence of images is stored in memory, and selected of the stored images are retrieved from memory and automatically displayed after the sequence of images has been captured. The images are viewed on a on-camera display that is automatically turned on at the conclusion of the capturing of the sequence of images. A duration of the image display time is user-settable.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a digital camera and imaging method that stores image information obtained by an imaging device in a recording medium and more particularly to a power-thrifty digital camera, which controls power consumption of a battery or the like. 
   2. Discussion of the Background 
   A camera using a photographic film (i.e. a silver halide film camera) has been generally used for photography. Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly widespread. In the digital cameras, an object image is photographed by a solid-state imaging device, such as a charged coupled device (CCD) or the like, and image data of the object image, such as static images (still images) and moving images (movie images), are obtained and digitally recorded in an IC (integrated circuit) card, such as a printed circuit (PC) card with semiconductor memory, a video floppy disk, or the like. 
   Digital cameras have many photographing modes for imaging objects by the solid-state imaging device other than a normal photographing mode in which a single static image is obtained every time a shutter releases. These modes include the following: (1) a continuous shoot mode in which multiple static images are successively obtained at a predetermined time interval when the an operator continuously depresses a shutter release device; (2) an auto bracketing mode in which a same static image is photographed with different predetermined multiple exposure values corresponding to a shutter release operation; and (3) a movie capture mode in which moving images are obtained each time the shutter releases in response to the shutter release device being continuously depressed. In the above-described digital camera, almost all functions, except for optical sub-systems are digitally performed, e.g., basic photographing functions, add-on accessory functions, etc. 
   In the digital camera, much electric power tends to be consumed for supporting components, which include an imaging device, a lens driving motor, an electronic flash, a display part, etc. As the digital camera is usually equipped as a portable device for photographing various events, battery power, such as a primary cell and a storage cell, is used as a main operation power. When the battery gets weak, the digital camera loses its ability to function and cannot continue to photograph without the assistance of a spare battery. For example, the digital camera may continue to operate on four AA batteries for 20 to 40 minutes, and for 1 to 2 hours on a lithium battery. However, the present invention attempts to increase operational time by reducing the consumption of electric power as much as possible in the digital camera. 
   Various methods have been employed to reduce the consumption of electric power. For example, in non-photographing modes, especially when photographed image data are read out, displayed and transmitted to other devices, such as a computer, the digital camera is made to use auxiliary power sources such as utility AC (alternating current) power from an electrical outlet, a car battery via an AC adapter or the like. Further, in order to reduce the consumption of electric power in the photographing mode, the power source is automatically turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed while the camera operated in a standby condition. Furthermore, indications such as displays or lights corresponding to functions that are not used in an active operational mode are selectively turned off. 
   Recently, the number of digital cameras having a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as an LCD) has increased. In such digital cameras, the LCD is used to display photographed images and is used as an electronic viewfinder in a photographing mode. However, the LCD consumes much electric power, not only for driving a display, but also for backlighting for a translucent display. Therefore, the inventors recognize that it is preferable for saving electric power to use an optical viewfinder instead of a LCD electronic viewfinder in a photographing mode. 
   When an operator photographs an image with the optical viewfinder, the operator often has a demand for viewing the photographed image at that moment. As a result, the operator displays the photographed image on the LCD right after photographing and checks the image. 
   However, performing display operations every time an image is photographed becomes a burden on the operator. Further, there are concerns about increasing the consumption of the battery power resulting from driving the LCD for a long time. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to address the above-identified, and other, limitations with conventional devices and methods. The following brief description is a synopsis of only selected features and attributes of the present system and method. A more complete description of the invention is found below in the section entitled “Description of the Preferred Embodiments”. 
   A digital camera and method according to the present invention are configured to operate in various photographic modes of operation that capture a sequence of images. The sequence of images is stored in memory, and selected of the stored images are retrieved from memory and automatically displayed after the sequence of images has been captured. The images are viewed on a on-camera display that is automatically turned on at the conclusion of the capturing of the sequence of images. A duration of the image display time is user-settable. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a digital camera  1  according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method for controlling an on-camera display; 
       FIGS. 3–6  are illustrative views of an optical view finder and on-camera display device, illustrating how the captured images displayed on the camera&#39;s on-camera display device after being captured; 
       FIGS. 7   a – 7   c  provide an explanatory illustration of a series of photographs being captured, stored, and displayed; 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart describing a process flow for coordinating a movie capture mode of operation and subsequent display and LCD control operations; 
       FIGS. 9   a – 9   c  are illustrative views of a continuous shoot mode of operation; 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of process steps carried out in a continuous shoot mode of operation followed by subsequent display and LCD control operations; 
       FIGS. 11   a – 11   c  are explanatory views of a bracketing mode of operation; 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing process steps performed in the bracketing mode of operation and subsequent image display and LCD control operations; 
       FIGS. 13   a – 13   c  provide an exemplary view of a movie capture mode of operation with a subsequent multiple display operation; 
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart of process steps performed in the movie capture mode in multiple display operation described in  FIGS. 13   a – 13   c;    
       FIGS. 15   a – 15   c  describe exemplary views of a continuous shoot mode of operation in which multiple static images are consecutively photographed at a predetermined time interval and read-out in a multiple display mode; 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart of process steps that correspond with  FIGS. 15   a – 15   c;    
       FIGS. 17   a – 17   c  are explanatory views of an autobracketing mode of operation followed by a multi-display operation; and 
       FIG. 18  is a flowchart show process steps that correspond with the operations shown in  FIGS. 17   a – 17   c.    
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to  FIG. 1  thereof, a block diagram showing an overall construction of a digital camera according to the present invention is illustrated. The exemplary digital camera according to the embodiments of the present invention photographs not only static images in a normal photographing mode, a continuous shoot mode, and an auto bracketing mode, but also moving images in a movie capture mode in which moving image and sound data for a short time is recorded. 
   A digital camera illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes a lens system  1 , a shutter mechanism  2 , a charge coupled device (CCD)  3 , a correlate dual sampling (CDS) circuit  4 , a first analog to digital (A/D) converter  5 , a digital signal processing circuit  6 , a compression and decompression circuit  7 , a first-in first-out (FIFO)  8 , a card interface (I/F)  9 , a PC card  10 , a microphone  11 , an amplifier and filter (AMP/FILTER)  12 , a second analog to digital (A/D) converter  13 , a sound data compression and decompression circuit  14 , a central processing unit (CPU)  21 , a first liquid crystal display (LCD)  22 , an operation unit  23 , a motor driver  25 , a signal generator (SG)  26 , a strobe flash  27 , a battery  28 , a DC—DC converter  29 , and a second liquid crystal display (LCD)  30 . Signal paths between the above-described components are shown above. 
   A photographic optical system for image focusing includes the lens system  1  and the shutter mechanism  2 . The shutter mechanism  2  includes an auto focus (AF), an aperture, and a filter mechanism, and controls an exposure time when a shutter is released. As an imaging device, the CCD  3  is used in this embodiment. The CCD  3  converts optical images, which are imaged through the photographic optical system, into electrical signals. 
   A photograph process device includes the CDS circuit  4 , the A/D converter  5 , a digital signal processing circuit  6 , a compression and decompression circuit  7 , the FIFO  8 , and the CPU  21 . 
   A read out/display device includes the digital signal processing circuit  6 , the compression and decompression circuit  7 , the FIFO  8 , the CPU  21 , and the LCD  30 . 
   The CDS circuit  4  reduces noise in the electrical signals output from the CCD  3 . The A/D converter  5  converts the analog image signals, which are input thereto from the CCD  3  through the CDS circuit  4 , into digital image data. In further detail, the A/D converter  5  converts the signals output from the CCD  3  to digital signals through the CDS circuit  4  with an optimum sampling frequency. 
   The digital signal processing circuit  6  separates the digital image data, which is input thereto from the A/D converter  5 , into color-difference data and luminance data, and then performs various processes on the separated data including processes for correcting and compression/decompression. The compression/decompression circuit  7  compresses the image data with, e.g., an orthogonal transformation and a Huffman encoding, and then decompresses the image data with, e.g., a corresponding Huffman decoding and an inverse orthogonal transformation, e.g., in conformity with the Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) standard. 
   Sound is converted to electrical signals by the microphone  11 . In the AMP/FILTER  12 , the sound signals in a predetermined band are passed through the AMP/FILTER  12  and are selectively amplified. The A/D converter  13  then converts the sound signals which have passed through the AMP/FILTER  12  to digital sound data with a sampling frequency which is more than double the frequency of the predetermined band. Then, the sound data compression and decompression circuit  14  compresses and encodes the digital sound data. 
   The FIFO  8  is a temporary memory device, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static ram, a flash memory, or the like. The FIFO  8  temporarily stores compressed image data and sound data therein. The compressed image data and sound data are read out by the card interface  9 , and are recorded in the PC card  10  serving as a record medium which connects to the card interface  9 . The PC card  10  contains semiconductor memory, or a recognized equivalent, for recording the information. 
   The CPU  21  controls operations of each unit of the digital camera according to instructions from the operation unit  23 . The LCD  30  displays an image of digital image data of a photograph just taken or an image of image data which is decompressed and read out with a single frame, or double or triple frames (multiple display) in the same page of the LCD  30 . The LCD  30  further displays messages indicating operational conditions of the digital camera, such as a normal photographing mode, a movie capture mode, a continuous shoot mode, and an auto bracketing mode. For inspection by the operator, the LCD  22  also displays the above-described operational conditions (i.e. the four photographing modes of the digital camera). 
   The operation unit  23  includes an operation device, such as a release button for inputting a photographing instruction, a function selection button for selecting desired functions, a mode selection button for selecting the normal photographing mode, the movie capture mode, the continuous shoot mode, and the auto bracketing mode, a switch button, and a setting button for setting other various photographing conditions. 
   The motor driver  25  drives the photographing lens system  1  and the shutter mechanism  2  according to a control signal provided by the CPU  21 . The SG  26  generates drive control signals such as clock signals, and provides the drive control signals to the CCD  3 , CDS circuit  4 , and A/D converter  5 . The strobe flash  27  is controlled by the CPU  21  and is flashed when the shutter mechanism  2  is released, and which illuminates an object image. 
   A power unit of the digital camera includes the battery  28  and the DC—DC converter  29 . As the battery  28 , a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, or a lithium battery is used. The voltage is converted to an appropriate level by the DC—DC converter  29  to be supplied to the whole system of the digital camera. 
   As described later in  FIGS. 3 through 6 , the digital camera according to the embodiments includes an optical viewfinder (the optical viewfinder is designated by a reference character F in  FIGS. 3 through 6 ) to optically check a picture view. An operator operates the operation unit  23  and takes photographs while looking through the optical viewfinder. Because the optical viewfinder is provided, the CPU  21  is able to turn off an image display on the LCD  30  in a photograph standby condition in either of the normal photographing mode, the continuous shoot mode, the auto bracketing mode, and the movie capture mode. The CPU  21  actuates the strobe flash  27  to generate a flash if necessary corresponding to a release operation by a release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 , and which controls the shutter mechanism  2  to open and photograph an object image by the CCD  3  and then write image data in the PC card  10  via the digital signal processing circuit  6 . 
   For example, in the normal photographing mode, after the above-described writing of the image data in the PC card  10 , the CPU  21  turns on the LCD  30  promptly to display the image written in the PC card on the LCD  30 . The CPU  21  further maintains control of the display by displaying the image for a predetermined period of time, e.g., one or two seconds, and then to turn off the image display on the LCD  30 . The predetermined period of time may be a user-set parameter for enabling an image to be displayed for up to several minutes. Thus, the CPU  21  also functions as a display time controlled device. An operator can check the result of photograph in one or two seconds in which the photographed image is displayed on the LCD  30 . The period for displaying the photographed image on the LCD  30  can be set at the operation unit  23  to the desired period. Alternatively, in the normal photographing mode, the operator may choose to take several photographs in rapid sequence. In this case, the operator has insufficient time to inspect each photograph before taking the next one in sequence. Accordingly, the CPU  21  measures a time lag between different photographing events, and if the time lag is sufficiently short, the CPU  21  opts not to display the photographs until the measured time lag exceeds a predetermined time interval, e.g. 5 seconds. Once the predetermined time interval has been observed, the first and the last photographs of the sequence are displayed simultaneously. Alternatively, the first and last photographs are displayed one after another. 
   Generally, operators like to check the result of a photograph operation just after taking photographs for both still images and moving images. Therefore, the photographed images are automatically displayed only just after photographing. Other than the above-described case, the LCD  30  is turned off to avoid unnecessary electric power consumption. When the operator desires to check the result of the photograph operation after many hours have elapsed, the operator can selectively display the photographed images on the LCD  30  for a desired time. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 through 6 , a photographing control operation of the CPU  21  according to the first embodiment, in which the normal photographing mode is selected, is explained. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the digital camera is in a standby condition, the LCD  30  is off and image data are not displayed thereon. Referring further to  FIG. 4 , an operator holds a body B of the digital camera and watches an object H through an optical viewfinder F with composition and timing adjusted, and pushes the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
   When the release button  23   a  is pushed, a normal photographing mode operation in a flowchart of  FIG. 2  starts, an operation that is employed in conventional cameras, such as Kodak&#39;s DC260 and DC220. The CPU  21  controls the strobe flash  27  to flash if necessary, an auto focus function, open the shutter mechanism  2 , photograph an object image by the CCD  3 , and to write image data in the PC card  10  via the digital signal processing circuit  6  in step S 1 . Right after writing the image data, the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to turn on and to read out/display the image data of a photographed object H′ thereon as illustrated in  FIG. 5  in step S 2 . An operator checks the result of photograph on the LCD  30  at this time. 
   Next, the CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time, for example, one or two seconds, has elapsed after the image data of the photographed object H′ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 3 . If the answer is YES in step S 3 , the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to turn off in step S 4 , and the digital camera returns to the standby condition.  FIG. 6  illustrates the condition of the digital camera in which the LCD  30  is off and the digital camera returns to the standby condition. If the answer is NO in step S 3 , the normal photographing mode operation reexecutes step S 3 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7   a – 7   c  and  8 , a second embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIGS. 7   a – 7   c  and  8  are an explanatory view and a flowchart, respectively, for a movie capture mode operation in which images of, for example, 30 frames per second are obtained while pushing the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
     FIG. 7   a  illustrates a view when six images from the first to sixth frame are consecutively photographed.  FIG. 7   b  illustrates a view when the moving image information of the first through sixth frames photographed in  FIG. 7   a  is written to the PC card  10  by the photograph process device.  FIG. 7   c  illustrates a view when the first frame and the last frame (the sixth frame) out of the written six frames in  FIG. 7   b  are read out and displayed successively on the LCD  30  by the operation of the read out/display device in accordance with the instruction of the display time control device. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the digital camera is in a standby condition, the LCD  30  remains off so image data is not displayed thereon. As described in  FIG. 4 , an operator holds the body B of the digital camera and watches the object H through the optical viewfinder F with composition and timing adjusted, and pushes the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
   When the release button  23   a  is pushed, a movie capture mode operation in a flowchart of  FIG. 8  starts. The CPU  21  controls to flash the strobe flash  27  if necessary, to operate an auto focus function, to open the shutter mechanism  2 , to photograph object images of the first through sixth frames consecutively by the CCD  3 , and to write image data consecutively in the PC card  10  via the digital signal processing circuit  6  in steps S 17  through S 16 . Right after writing the image data, the CPU  21  turns on the LCD  30  in step S 17  and reads out/displays the first written object image out of the six image data (i.e. the first frame  1 ″ in  FIG. 7C ) on the LCD in step S 18 . An operator checks the result of the photographed first frame  1 ″ on the LCD  30  at this time. Next, the CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the first frame  1 ″ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 19 . If the answer is YES in step S 19 , the CPU  21  controls a read out/display operation of the sixth object image (i.e. the six frame  6 ″ in  FIG. 7C ) on the LCD  30  in step S 20 . If the answer is NO in step S 19 , the movie capture mode operation returns so as to reexecute before step S 19 . The CPU  21  further judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the six frame  6 ″, is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 21 . If the answer is YES in step S 21 , the CPU  21  turns off the LCD  30  in step S 22  and the digital camera returns to the standby condition. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 9   a – 9   c  and  10 , a third embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIGS. 9   a – 9   c  and  10  are an explanatory view and a flowchart, respectively, of a continuous shoot mode operation in which multiple static images are consecutively photographed at a predetermined time interval (t) while continuously pushing the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
     FIG. 9   a  illustrates a view when three images from the first to third frame are consecutively photographed.  FIG. 9   b  illustrates a view when the static image information of the first through third frame photographed in  FIG. 9   a  is written to the PC card  10  by the photograph process device.  FIG. 9   c  illustrates a view when the first frame and the last frame (the third frame) out of the written three frames in  FIG. 9   b  are read out and displayed successively on the LCD  30  by the operation of the read out/display device in accordance with the instruction of the display time control device. 
   Referring to the flowchart in  FIG. 10 , the continuous shoot mode operation controlled by the CPU  21  of the digital camera according to the third embodiment of this invention is explained. In the flowchart in  FIG. 10 , as the continuous shoot mode is already selected by the mode selection button, the continuous shoot mode operation starts upon pushing the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
   When the release button  23   a  is pushed, the continuous shoot mode operation in the flowchart of  FIG. 10  starts. The CPU  21  controls the strobe flash  27  to flash if necessary, operate an auto focus function, open the shutter mechanism  2 , photograph an object image of the first frame by the CCD  3 , and write image data in the PC card  10  via the digital signal processing circuit  6  in step S 31 . Next, the CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the first frame is photographed in step S 32 . The above-described time is preset by an operator. If the answer is YES in step S 32 , the second frame is photographed and its image data is written in the PC card  10  in step S 33 , just like step S 31 . If the answer is NO in step S 32 , the continuous shoot mode operation returns to reexecute step S 32 . The CPU  21  further judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the second frame is photographed in step S 34  like step S 32 . If the answer is YES in step S 34 , the third frame is photographed and its image data is written in the PC card  10  in step S 35 , like steps S 31  and S 33 . Next, the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  in step S 36  to turn on and to read out/display the first written object image (i.e. the first frame  1 ″ in  FIG. 9C ) on the LCD  30  in step S 37 . An operator checks the result of the photographed first frame  1 ″ on the LCD  30  at this time. 
   The CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the first frame  1 ″ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 38 . If the answer is YES in step S 38 , the CPU  21  controls a read out/display operation of the third object image (i.e. the third frame  3 ″ in  FIG. 9   c ) on the LCD  30  in step S 39 . If the answer is NO in step S 38 , the continuous shoot mode operation returns to reexecute step S 38 . The CPU  21  further judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the third frame  3 ″ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 40 . If the answer is YES in step S 40 , the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  in step S 41  to turn off and the digital camera returns to the standby condition. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 11   a – 11   c  and  12 , a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIGS. 11   a – 11   c  and  12  are an explanatory view and a flowchart, respectively, for an auto bracketing mode operation in which a same static image is photographed with different predetermined multiple exposure values, e.g., +1.0 EV (exposure value) overexposure, correct exposure, and −1.0 EV underexposure, corresponding to a push operation of the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
     FIG. 11   a  illustrates a view when three images from the first to third frame are photographed.  FIG. 11   b  illustrates a view when the static image information of the first through third frame photographed in  FIG. 11   a  is written in the PC card  10  by the photograph process device.  FIG. 11   c  illustrates a view when the second frame of correct exposure (i.e. the static image  2 ″) out of the written three images in  FIG. 11   b  (i.e. static image  1 ′ of +1.0 EV overexposure, static image  2 ′ of correct exposure, and static image  3 ′ of −1.0 EV underexposure) is read out and displayed by the operation of the read out/display device in accordance with the instruction of the display time control device. Referring to the flowchart in  FIG. 12 , the auto bracketing mode operation controlled by the CPU  21  of the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment of this invention is explained. In the flowchart in  FIG. 12 , as the auto bracketing mode is already selected by the mode selection button, the auto bracketing mode operation starts upon pushing the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
   When the release button  23   a  is pushed, the auto bracketing mode operation in the flowchart of  FIG. 12  starts. The CPU  21  controls to perform an exposure compensation operation (i.e. setting up an exposure value of, for example, +1.0 EV , (or +0.5 EV ), overexposure compared to the correct exposure) for the shutter mechanism  2  or an aperture mechanism (not shown) in step S 51 . The CPU  21  further controls the strobe flash  27  to flash if necessary, operate an auto focus function, to open the shutter mechanism  2 , photograph an object image of the first frame by the CCD  3 , and write image data in the PC card  10  via the digital signal processing circuit  6  in step S 52 . 
   Next, the CPU  21  further controls a correct exposure value to set up for the shutter mechanism  2  or the aperture mechanism (not shown) in step S 53 . Then, the CPU  21  controls the second frame to be photographed and write the corresponding image data in the PC card  10  in step S 54 , like step S 52 . Further, the CPU  21  controls an exposure value to be set up, for example, −1.0 EV (or −0.5 EV ) underexposure compared to the correct exposure for the shutter mechanism  2  or the aperture mechanism in step S 55 . 
   The CPU  21  controls the third frame to be photographed and its image data to be written to the PC card  10  in step S 56  like steps S 52  and S 54 . 
   Next, the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to turn on in step S 57  and to read out/display the second written object image out of the three object images (i.e. the second frame  2 ″) in  FIG. 11   c , on the LCD  30  in step S 57 . An operator may view the result of the photographed second frame  2 ″ of the correct exposure on the LCD  30  at this time. 
   The CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time has elapsed after the second frame  2 ″, is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 59 . If the answer is YES in step S 59 , the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to turn off in step S 60  and the digital camera returns to the standby condition. If the answer is NO in step S 59 , the auto bracketing mode operation returns to reexecute step S 59 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 13   a – 13   c  and  14 , a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIGS. 13   a – 13   c  and  14  are explanatory views and a flowchart, respectively, for the movie capture mode operation in which images of, for example, 30 frames per second are obtained while pushing the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
     FIG. 13   a  illustrates a view when six object images from the first to sixth frame are consecutively photographed.  FIG. 13   b  illustrates a view when the moving image information of the first through sixth frames photographed in  FIG. 13   a  is written in the PC card  10  by the photograph process device.  FIG. 13   c  illustrates a view when the first frame  1 ″ and the last frame (the sixth frame  6 ″) are read out and simultaneously displayed in the same page of the LCD  30  (referred to as “multiple display”) for a predetermined time by the operation of the read out/display device in accordance with the instruction of the display time control device, and the sixth frame  6 ″ is zoomed in on the LCD  30 . 
   Referring to the flowchart in  FIG. 14 , the movie capture mode operation controlled by the CPU  21  of the digital camera according to the fifth embodiment of this invention is explained. The movie capture mode operation of the fifth embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except for a different way of reading out/displaying frames on the LCD  30 . Therefore, the movie capture mode operation from steps S 61  to S 67  in  FIG. 14  is the same as the one from steps S 11  to S 17  in  FIG. 8 , and their description is omitted. 
   After the CPU  21  controls the sixth object image to be photographed, its moving image written to the PC card  10  in step S 66 , and the LCD  30  to be turned on step S 67 , the CPU  21  controls the first frame  1 ″ to be displayed and the last frame (i.e. the sixth frame  6 ″) simultaneously in the same page of the LCD  30  in step S 68  (multiple display). The CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the first frame  1 ″ and the sixth frame  6 ″ are displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 69 . If the answer is YES in step S 69 , the CPU  21  controls the sixth frame  6 ″ to be zoomed-in upon and displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 70 . If the answer is NO in step S 69 , the movie capture mode operation returns to reexecute step S 69 . The CPU  21  further judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the zoomed six frame  6 ″ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 71 . If the answer is YES in step S 71 , the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to be turned off in step S 72 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 15   a – 15   c  and  16 , a sixth embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIGS. 15   a – 15   c  and  16  are an explanatory view and a flowchart, respectively, for a continuous shoot mode operation in which multiple static images are consecutively photographed at a predetermined time interval (t) while pushing the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
     FIG. 15   a  illustrates a view when four object images from the first to fourth frame are consecutively photographed.  FIG. 15   b  illustrates a view when the static image information of the first through fourth frame photographed in  FIG. 15   a  is written to the PC card  10  by the photograph process device.  FIG. 15   c  illustrates a view when the first frame  1 ″ and the last frame (the fourth frame  4 ″) are simultaneously displayed in the same page of the LCD  30  for a predetermined time by the operation of the read out/display device in accordance with the instruction of the display time control device, and the fourth frame  4 ″ is zoomed in on the LCD  30 . 
   Referring to the flowchart in  FIG. 16 , the continuous shoot mode operation controlled by the CPU  21  of the digital camera according to the sixth embodiment of this invention is explained. The continuous shoot mode operation of the sixth embodiment is the same as the third embodiment except for a different way of displaying frames on the LCD  30 . Therefore, the continuous shoot mode operation from steps S 81  to S 88  in  FIG. 16  is substantially the same as the one from steps S 31  to S 36  in  FIG. 10 , and so their description is omitted. 
   After the CPU  21  controls the fourth object image to be photographed, its image information written to the PC card  10  in step S 87  and the LCD  30  turned on in step S 88 , the CPU  21  controls the first frame  1 ″ and the last frame (i.e. the fourth frame  4 ″) to be displayed simultaneously in the same page of the LCD  30  in step S 89  (multiple display). The CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the first frame  1 ″ and the fourth frame  4 ″ are displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 90 . If the answer is YES in step S 90 , the CPU  21  controls the fourth frame  4 ″ to be zoomed-in upon and displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 91 . If the answer is NO in step S 90 , the continuous shoot mode operation returns before step S 90 . The CPU  21  further judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the zoomed fourth frame  4 ″ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 92 . If the answer is YES in step S 92 , the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to be turned off in step S 93 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 17   a – 17   c  and  18 , a seventh embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIGS. 17   a – 17   c  and  18  are an explanatory view and a flowchart, respectively, for an auto bracketing mode operation in which a same static image is photographed with different predetermined multiple exposure values, e.g., +1.0 EV (exposure value) overexposure, correct exposure, and −1.0 EV underexposure, corresponding to a push operation of the release button  23   a  of the operation unit  23 . 
     FIG. 17   a  illustrates a view when three object images from the first to third frame are photographed.  FIG. 17   b  illustrates a view when the static image information of the first through third frame photographed in  FIG. 17   a  is written to the PC card  10  by the photograph process device.  FIG. 17   c  illustrates a view when the three frames (i.e. the first frame  1 ″ of +1.0 EV , (exposure value), overexposure, the second frame  2 ″ of correct exposure, and the third frame  3 ″ of −1.0 EV underexposure) are simultaneously displayed in the same page of the LCD  30  for a predetermined time by the operation of the read out/display device in accordance with the instruction of the display time control device, and the second frame  2 ″ is zoomed in on the LCD  30 . 
   Referring to the flowchart in  FIG. 18 , an auto bracketing mode operation controlled by the CPU  21  of the digital camera according to the seventh embodiment of this invention is explained. The auto bracketing mode operation of the seventh embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except for a different way of displaying frames on the LCD  30 . Therefore, the auto bracketing mode operation from steps S 101  to S 107  in  FIG. 18  is substantially the same as the one from steps S 51  to S 57  in  FIG. 12 , and their description is omitted. 
   After the CPU  21  controls the third object image to be photographed, its image information is written to the PC card  10  in step S 106 , and the LCD  30  is turned on in step S 107 , the CPU  21  controls to display the first frame  1 ″, the middle second frame  2 ″, and the last frame (i.e. the third frame  3 ″) to be simultaneously displayed in the same page of the LCD  30  in step S 108 . The CPU  21  judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the first through three frames are displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 109 . If the answer is YES in step S 109 , the CPU  21  controls to zoom in the second frame  2 ″ and display on the LCD  30  in step S 110 . If the answer is NO in step S 109 , the auto bracketing mode operation returns to reexecute step S 109 . The CPU  21  further judges if a predetermined time is elapsed after the zoomed second frame  2 ″ is displayed on the LCD  30  in step S 111 . If the answer is YES in step S 111 , the CPU  21  controls the LCD  30  to turn off in step S 112 . 
   As described above, according to the first through seven embodiments, the photographed image is controlled to be displayed automatically on the LCD  30  for an operator&#39;s inspection and the LCD  30  is controlled to be turned off automatically after a predetermined time. Therefore, the digital camera of the present invention can reduce power consumption and extend a battery life. In addition, because an operator does not need to switch to display the LCD  30  to check the photograph result each time the operator takes a photograph, the digital camera of the present invention can achieve convenience of operation in various photographing modes while saving power. 
   In the above-described first through seven embodiments, an operator can change the display time for the photographed image on the LCD  30  as desired, for example, a few seconds or several tens of seconds. 
   Further, when the operator does not need to check the result of photograph or the operator predicts that the battery  28  is becoming weak, the operator can set the camera such that the photographed image is not automatically displayed on the LCD  30 . Alternatively, when the operator needs to read out/display the photographed image written to the PC card  10  on the LCD  30 , the operator can continuously display the image on the LCD  30 . In this case, the digital camera is often used in a room with outlets for utility AC power and uses not the battery  28  but an AC adapter as a power source. 
   Furthermore, in either one of the above-described movie capture mode, continuous shoot mode, and auto bracketing mode, the number of frames photographed by one operation, the number of frames to be displayed on the LCD  30 , or the number of multiple frames to be displayed in a page of the LCD  30  can be set to any desired number. 
   Although the frame is zoomed to be displayed on the LCD  30  in the fifth through seventh embodiments, the zooming operation is not necessarily required after multiple frames are displayed in a page of the LCD  30 . 
   The processes set forth in the present description may be implemented using a conventional general purpose microprocessor programmed according to the teachings of the present specification, as will be appreciated to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s). 
   The present invention thus also includes a computer-based product which may be hosted on a storage medium and include instructions which can be used to program a computer to perform a process in accordance with the present invention. The storage medium can include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disk, optical disk, CD-ROMS, and magneto-optical disks, ROMS, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. 
   Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. This document claims priority and contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application No. 10-294317 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Oct. 15, 1998, and Japanese Patent Application No. 11-247234 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Sep. 1, 1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7