Patent Description:
Conventionally, exposure control has been performed such that, in a shutter-speed-priority mode (Tv mode), an aperture-priority mode (Av mode), and the like, setting values of some exposure-related items are set by a user and other items are automatically determined by the camera. On the other hand, in an automatic mode, the shutter speed, the aperture value, and the ISO speed are automatically determined by the camera based on photometry performed by the camera. Furthermore, in a manual mode, setting values of individual exposure-related items are set by the user.

Methods for setting values of a plurality of items have been proposed. <CIT> discloses a method for setting values of a plurality of items such as a range of exposure, the correction amount of exposure, and priority of brightness or darkness. Furthermore, methods for setting values of items include a method in which setting values are automatically set by an apparatus, and a method in which setting values are set by a user. <CIT> discloses a method for setting a setting value of the ISO speed, in which any one of ISO speed values displayed in a scale can be set, and also an automatic mode (Auto) to automatically determine a setting value of the ISO speed is set upon an auto-touch button being touched.

In the method disclosed in <CIT>, it is possible to set and change one of the plurality of items but is not possible to set and change all of the items that can be set to "Auto" at one time. In <CIT>, it is possible to set the ISO speed to "Auto" with one operation but is not possible to set, during the setting of the ISO speed, an item different from the ISO speed to "Auto".

In <CIT>, a digital camera is described, which displays a plurality of pieces of setting information for respective setting items. According to an operation performed by a user with an operation member, one of the plurality of pieces of setting information is selected and determined.

In <CIT>, a digital camera is described, in which setting items that can be selected are displayed. The digital camera includes an operation mode in which the display items are designated by default.

The present invention was made in view of such circumstances, and provides an electronic apparatus that has improved operability when a plurality of setting items are set.

The present invention in its first aspect provides an image capturing control apparatus as specified in the appended claims.

The present invention in its second aspect provides a control method as specified in the appended claims.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and is not limited by the following respective embodiments. Also, not all of the combinations of the aspects that are described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the present invention. Also, the aspects that are described in the respective embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

<FIG> is a front perspective view showing a digital camera <NUM>, which serves as an example of an electronic apparatus (image capturing control apparatus), and <FIG> is a rear perspective view showing the digital camera <NUM>. In <FIG>, a display unit <NUM> is a display unit for displaying an image or various types of information. A touch panel 70a is integrated with the display unit <NUM>, and a user can touch the surface of the display unit <NUM> to intuitively select items or an object position displayed on the display unit <NUM>. A shutter-release button <NUM> is an operation unit for giving a shooting instruction. A mode selection switch <NUM> is an operation unit for switching between various modes. A terminal cover <NUM> is a cover for protecting a connector (not-shown) for a connection cable that connects the digital camera <NUM> and an external apparatus to each other. A main electronic dial <NUM> is a rotating operation member, and by rotating the main electronic dial <NUM>, setting values such as shutter speed or diaphragm aperture can be changed, for example. A power supply switch <NUM> is an operation member for turning on/off the digital camera <NUM>. A sub electronic dial <NUM> is a rotating operation member for moving a selection frame, scrolling images, and the like. A cross key <NUM> is a four-directional key including an upper key 74a, a lower key 74b, a left key 74c, and a right key 74d, which can be pressed down, and can give an instruction to, for example, move a cursor or the like in the pressed direction. A SET button <NUM> is a push button for use mainly in determining selection items and the like. A reproduction button <NUM> is an operation button for switching between a shooting mode and a reproduction mode. When, during the shooting mode, the reproduction button <NUM> is pressed down, the digital camera <NUM> is switched to the reproduction mode, so that the latest image stored in a recording medium <NUM> (described later) can be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The shutter-release button <NUM>, the main electronic dial <NUM>, the power supply switch <NUM>, the sub electronic dial <NUM>, the cross key <NUM>, the SET button <NUM>, and the reproduction button <NUM> are included in operation unit <NUM>. A viewfinder <NUM> is an eyepiece viewfinder through which a user observes a focusing screen <NUM> (described later) to check the focus and composition of an optical image of an object taken in through a lens unit <NUM>. A grip <NUM> is a holding portion that has a shape that makes it easy to be gripped by a user's right hand when he or she holds the digital camera <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the digital camera <NUM> according to the present embodiment. In <FIG>, the lens unit <NUM> includes a shooting lens, and is replaceable.

A lens <NUM> is typically constituted by a plurality of lenses, but is simplified here and is shown only with one lens. A communication terminal <NUM> is a communication terminal through which the lens unit <NUM> communicates with the digital camera <NUM>. A communication terminal <NUM> is a communication terminal through which the digital camera <NUM> communicates with the lens unit <NUM>. The lens unit <NUM> communicates with a system control unit <NUM> through the communication terminals <NUM> and <NUM>. Using a lens system control circuit <NUM>, the lens unit <NUM> controls a diaphragm driving circuit <NUM> to drive a diaphragm <NUM>, and controls an AF driving circuit <NUM> to displace the position of the lens <NUM>, thereby bringing the object into focus.

An AE sensor <NUM> performs photometry to obtain the luminance of an object image formed on the focusing screen <NUM> through the lens unit <NUM> and a quick return mirror <NUM>.

A focus detection unit <NUM> (AF sensor) is a phase difference detection type AF sensor that captures an image incident thereon via the quick return mirror <NUM> and a sub mirror (not-shown), and outputs information relating to a defocus amount to the system control unit <NUM>. The system control unit <NUM> controls the lens unit <NUM> based on the information relating to a defocus amount to perform phase difference AF. Note that the AF method may be contrast AF instead of phase difference AF. Furthermore, the phase difference AF may also be performed, instead of using the focus detection unit <NUM>, based on the defocus amount detected on an image capturing surface of an image capturing unit <NUM> (image capturing surface phase difference AF).

The quick return mirror <NUM> receives an instruction from the system control unit <NUM> at the time of exposure, live view shooting, or moving image shooting, and is raised and lowered by an actuator (not-shown). The quick return mirror <NUM> is a mirror for switching luminous flux entering the lens <NUM> between the viewfinder <NUM> side and the image capturing unit <NUM> side. The quick return mirror <NUM> is usually arranged so as to reflect and guide the luminous flux to the viewfinder <NUM>, but when shooting is performed or live view is displayed, the quick return mirror <NUM> kicks upward and recedes from the luminous flux so as to guide the luminous flux to the image capturing unit <NUM> (mirror up). Furthermore, the central portion of the quick return mirror <NUM> is a half mirror such that some beams of light can pass through, and allows a portion of the luminous flux to pass through and enter the focus detection unit <NUM>, which is a unit for performing focus detection.

By observing an image formed on the focusing screen <NUM> via a pentaprism <NUM> and the viewfinder <NUM>, the user can check the focus and composition of an optical image of an object taken in through the lens unit <NUM>.

A shutter <NUM> controls the exposure time of the image capturing unit <NUM> in accordance with the control of the system control unit <NUM>. The image capturing unit <NUM> is an image sensor constituted by a CCD or CMOS sensor or the like that converts an optical image into electric signals. An A/D converter <NUM> converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A/D converter <NUM> is used to convert an analog signal output from the image capturing unit <NUM> into a digital signal.

An image processing unit <NUM> performs resizing processing, such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processing with respect to data from the A/D converter <NUM> or data from a memory control unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the image processing unit <NUM> performs predetermined calculation processing using captured image data, and the system control unit <NUM> performs exposure control and ranging control based on the obtained calculation results. Accordingly, AF (Automatic Focus) processing, AE (Automatic Exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (Through the Lens) type are performed. The image processing unit <NUM> also performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and AWB (Automatic White Balance) processing of the TTL type based on the obtained calculation results.

The data output from the A/D converter <NUM> is written into a memory <NUM> via both the image processing unit <NUM> and the memory control unit <NUM>, or directly via the memory control unit <NUM>. The memory <NUM> stores the image data that was obtained from the image capturing unit <NUM> and converted into digital data by the A/D converter <NUM>, and image data to be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The memory <NUM> has a storage capacity that is sufficient for storing a predetermined number of still images as well as moving images and audio of a predetermined length of time.

The memory <NUM> also functions as a memory for image display (video memory). A D/A converter <NUM> converts the image data for display stored in the memory <NUM> into an analog signal and supplies the display unit <NUM> with the analog signal. In this way, the image data for display that was written into the memory <NUM> is displayed by the display unit <NUM> via the D/A converter <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> performs display on the display unit such as an LCD in accordance with the analog signal from the D/A converter <NUM>. As a result of the digital signals that have been subjected to A/D conversion once by the A/D converter <NUM> and were stored in the memory <NUM> being converted into analog signals by the D/A converter <NUM>, and the analog signals being successively transmitted to the display unit <NUM> so as to be displayed thereon, an electronic viewfinder can be realized and through image display can be performed (live view display).

A nonvolatile memory <NUM> is, for example, an EEPROM, which is electrically erasable and recordable by the system control unit <NUM>. In the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, constants, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit <NUM> are stored. In this context, "programs" may refer to programs for executing various flowcharts that will be described later in the present embodiment.

The system control unit <NUM> includes at least one processor, and controls the entire digital camera <NUM>. The system control unit <NUM> realizes, by executing the above-described programs stored in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, the procedures of the present embodiment that will be described later. A system memory <NUM> is a RAM. In the system memory <NUM>, constants and variables for operating the system control unit <NUM>, the programs read out from the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, and the like are expanded. Furthermore, the system control unit <NUM> also controls the memory <NUM>, the D/A converter <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, and the like to perform display control. A system timer <NUM> is a timer unit for measuring time periods for various types of controls and the time of an integrated clock.

The mode selection switch <NUM>, the shutter-release button <NUM>, and the operation unit <NUM> are operation members for inputting various types of instructions into the system control unit <NUM>. The mode selection switch <NUM> switches the operation mode of the system control unit <NUM> to any of a still image recording mode, a moving image recording mode, a reproduction mode, and the like. The still image recording mode includes an automatic shooting mode, an automatic scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture-priority mode (Av mode), and a shutter-speed-priority mode (Tv mode). Various scene modes in each of which scene-specific shooting setting is made, a program AE mode, a custom mode, and the like are included. Using the mode selection switch <NUM>, the mode is directly switched to any of these modes included in the menu screen. Alternatively, it is also possible to switch, using the mode selection switch <NUM>, to the menu screen and then to switch, using another operation member, to any of these modes included in the menu screen. Similarly, the moving image recording mode as well may include a plurality of modes.

While the shutter-release button <NUM> provided on the digital camera <NUM> is being operated, that is, pressed half-way (the shooting preparation instruction), the first shutter switch <NUM> is turned on and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. Upon receiving the first shutter switch signal SW1, the system control unit <NUM> starts operations of the AF (Automatic Focus) processing, the AE (Automatic Exposure) processing, the AWB (Automatic White Balance) processing, the EF (flash pre-emission) processing, and the like.

When the operation of the shutter-release button <NUM> is complete, that is, the shutter-release button <NUM> is pressed fully (the shooting instruction), the second shutter switch <NUM> is turned ON and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. Upon receiving the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit <NUM> starts operations of a series of shooting processing from reading out signals from the image capturing unit <NUM> to writing image data to the recording medium <NUM>.

For example, by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit <NUM>, appropriate functions for each situation are assigned to the operation members of the operation unit <NUM>, and the operation members thus act as various function buttons. Examples of these function buttons include an end button, a return button, an image scrolling button, a jump button, a narrow-down button, and an attribute change button. For example, a menu screen that allows various settings to be made is displayed on the display unit <NUM> by pressing the menu button. The user can make various settings intuitively by using the menu screen displayed on the display unit <NUM>, the four directional key (cross key <NUM>) including the upper, lower, left and right keys, the SET button <NUM>, and the like.

The operation unit <NUM> include the various operation members serving as input units, which accept a user operation. The operation unit <NUM> include at least the following operation members: the shutter-release button <NUM>, the main electronic dial <NUM>, the power supply switch <NUM>, the sub electronic dial <NUM>, the cross key <NUM>, the SET button <NUM>, and the reproduction button <NUM>.

A power control unit <NUM> is constituted by, for example, a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching over the block to be supplied with power, and detects whether a battery has been inserted or not, the type of the battery, and the residual capacity thereof. Further, the power control unit <NUM> controls the DC-DC converter in accordance with the detection results and an instruction from the system control unit <NUM>, and supplies the necessary voltage for the necessary length of time to each of the units including the recording medium <NUM>.

A power supply unit <NUM> comprises a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adaptor, or the like. A recording medium I/F <NUM> is an interface with the recording medium <NUM> such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium <NUM> is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording shot images, and is constituted by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like. The power supply switch <NUM> is a switch for switching the digital camera <NUM> on and off.

A communication unit <NUM> is connected to an external apparatus wirelessly or via a wired cable, and transmits and receives a video signal or an audio signal. The communication unit <NUM> is also connectable to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit <NUM> can transmit an image (including a through image) captured by the image capturing unit <NUM> and an image stored in the recording medium <NUM>, or can receive image data or various other information from the external apparatus.

An attitude detection unit <NUM> detects the attitude of the digital camera <NUM> with respect to the gravity direction. Based on the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit <NUM>, it is possible to discern whether an image captured by the image capturing unit <NUM> has been shot with the digital camera <NUM> held in the landscape or portrait orientation. The system control unit <NUM> can add information about the orientation information corresponding to the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit <NUM> to the image file of the image captured by the image capturing unit <NUM>, and can rotate and record the captured image. An acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like may be used as an attitude detection unit <NUM>.

The digital camera <NUM> includes, among the operation unit <NUM>, the touch panel 70a (see <FIG>) that is capable of detecting a touch operation made on the display unit <NUM>. The touch panel 70a and the display unit <NUM> can be constructed as a single integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is constructed in such a manner that the transmittance of light will not interfere with the display presented by the display unit <NUM>, and is attached to the uppermost layer of the display face of the display unit <NUM>. In addition, input coordinates on the touch panel 70a and display coordinates on the display unit <NUM> are correlated. As a result, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be constructed that makes it possible for the user to directly manipulate the screen displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The system control unit <NUM> is capable of detecting the following touch operations and conditions obtained by contacting the touch panel 70a.

When touch-down is detected, the touch-on state is also detected at the same time. Unless touch-up is detected after touch-down, touch-on usually continues to be detected. Touch-move is also detected in a state where touch-on is being detected. Even if touch-on is being detected, touch-move is not detected unless the touch position moves. After touch-up of all the fingers or a pen that have been in contact with the screen is detected, the touch-OFF state is entered.

These operations/conditions and position coordinates at which the touch panel 70a is being touched by the finger or pen are communicated to the system control unit <NUM> through an internal bus. The system control unit <NUM> determines, based upon the information thus communicated, what kind of operation was performed on the touch panel 70a. As for "touch-move", the determination can be also made for every vertical component and horizontal component on the touch panel 70a with regard to the direction of movement of the finger or pen, which is moved on the touch panel 70a, based upon a change in the position coordinates. Further, if a touch-down on the touch panel 70a, a predetermined touch-move, and then a touch-up is detected, it is determined that a stroke has been drawn. An operation of quickly drawing a stroke is referred to as a "flick". An operation in which a finger is touched against the touch panel, swiftly moved a certain distance, and then lifted away will be referred to as a "flick", in other words, a flick is an operation in which a finger is swiftly flicked across the touch panel 70a. If a touch-move with a predetermined distance or longer and a predetermined speed or higher is detected, and then a touch-up is detected, it can be determined that a flick has been performed. Further, if a touch-move with a predetermined distance or longer and a speed less than the predetermined speed is detected, it can be determined that a drag has been performed. The touch panel 70a may employ a method that relies upon any of the following: resistive film, electrostatic capacitance, surface acoustic waves, infrared radiation, electromagnetic induction, image recognition and optical sensing. There are methods in which a touch is detected based on contact with the touch panel, as well as methods in which a touch is detected based on approach of a finger or a pen to the touch panel, and any method may be employed.

The following will describe a basic flow of exposure parameter changing processing based on the shooting mode that is executed by the digital camera <NUM> with reference to <FIG>. The processes of steps of this flowchart are executed, unless otherwise noted, by the system control unit <NUM> expanding the program stored in the nonvolatile memory <NUM> onto the system memory <NUM> and executing the expanded program. The same is applied to the later-described flowcharts of <FIG>. The procedure of the present flowchart is started when, for example, the digital camera <NUM> is turned on.

In step S300, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the power supply switch <NUM> is ON. If the power supply switch <NUM> is ON, the procedure moves to step S301, whereas if the power supply switch <NUM> is OFF, the procedure of step S300 is repeated.

In step S301, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the current shooting mode (exposure setting mode) of the digital camera <NUM>. The shooting mode is recorded in the system memory <NUM>, and the system control unit <NUM> reads out the shooting mode from the system memory <NUM>.

In step S302, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode acquired in step S301 is an exposure adjustment mode. The procedure moves to step S303 if the shooting mode is the exposure adjustment mode, and moves to step S306 if the shooting mode is not the exposure adjustment mode.

In step S303, the system control unit <NUM> acquires, from the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, exposure parameters relating to exposure control for the exposure adjustment mode. In the following description, it is assumed that the exposure parameters include the shutter speed, the aperture value, the ISO speed, and the exposure correction value, but the exposure parameters of the present embodiment are not limited to them.

In step S304, the system control unit <NUM> acquires, from the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, a selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode.

In step S320, the system control unit <NUM> displays, on the display unit <NUM>, a setting display screen <NUM> on which exposure parameters for exposure adjustment are shown, together with live view, as shown in <FIG>. In the present embodiment, the exposure parameters include the shutter speed, the aperture value, the exposure correction value, and the ISO speed. Accordingly, the system control unit <NUM> displays, on the setting display screen <NUM>, a shutter speed setting value 1502_1, an aperture value 1502_2, an exposure correction value 1502_3, and an ISO speed 1502_4.

In step S321, the system control unit <NUM> performs, on the setting display screen <NUM>, cursor display 1502_5 to show the selected parameter position, that is, the currently selected parameter, acquired in step S304 so that a user can identify it. As a method for displaying the selected parameter position, highlighting or color display may be performed, instead of the cursor display. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an exposure correction position is used as an initial position for the selected parameter position. Since an exposure correction position is used as the initial position for the selected parameter position, a user can perform a shooting operation that is similar to that of the program mode.

Here, it is also possible that, if the exposure adjustment mode is entered or exited, the previous shooting operation in the exposure adjustment mode can be kept by storing the exposure parameters and selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode.

In step S322, the system control unit <NUM> displays, on the display unit <NUM>, guidance <NUM> relating to a reset operation method.

The guidance <NUM> relates to the reset operation method, and explains an operation for resetting the selected item and an operation for resetting the Tv, the Av, the exposure correction, and the ISO.

Furthermore, for example, display of the guidance may be started at a timing at which the mode has been shifted to the exposure adjustment mode, and may disappear at a timing at which a predetermined time period has elapsed. Furthermore, the display of the guidance may remain, and is minimalized, instead of disappearing, when a predetermined time period has elapsed. Furthermore, it is also possible that the guidance is displayed only when the mode has shifted to the exposure adjustment mode for the first time after the digital camera <NUM> was turned on.

Furthermore, if the function assigned to the operation member relevant to the reset operation displayed in the guidance is changed and the operation member no longer has the reset function, the guidance does not necessarily have to be displayed or the display content of the guidance may be changed.

Note that display of the guidance of the present embodiment is not limited to the above.

Although the procedure from steps S320 to S322 has been described separately, the system control unit <NUM> starts displaying the setting display screen <NUM>, the cursor display 1502_5, and the guidance <NUM> at the same time, as shown in <FIG>.

In step S305, the system control unit <NUM> performs exposure parameter changing processing for the exposure adjustment mode. The exposure parameter changing processing in the exposure adjustment mode will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In step S306, the system control unit <NUM> acquires, from the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, exposure parameters for a non-exposure adjustment mode. Then, in step S325, the system control unit <NUM> displays, on the display unit <NUM>, the exposure parameters acquired in step S306, together with live view.

In step S307, the system control unit <NUM> performs exposure parameter changing processing in the modes different from the exposure adjustment mode. The mode different from the exposure adjustment mode is any of the shutter-speed-priority mode, the aperture value priority mode, the program AE mode, the manual mode (mode in which a user selects a setting value from setting value options), the automatic mode, and the like. The exposure parameter changing processing in a mode different from the exposure adjustment mode will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

In step S311, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the power supply switch <NUM> is OFF. If the power supply switch <NUM> is OFF, the procedure moves to step S308, otherwise the procedure returns to step S300.

In step S308, the system control unit <NUM> stores the exposure parameters and the selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

In step S309, the system control unit <NUM> stores, in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, the exposure parameters set in the modes different from the exposure adjustment mode.

In step S310, the system control unit <NUM> turns the digital camera <NUM> off.

The following will describe the exposure parameter changing processing for the exposure adjustment mode (step S305 in <FIG>) in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In step S400, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode has been switched. If the shooting mode has been switched, the procedure of the present flowchart ends. If the shooting mode has not been switched, the procedure moves to step S401.

In step S401, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not an operation to change the selected parameter position has been performed. The operation to change the selected parameter position is performed, for example, by operating the sub electronic dial <NUM>. The procedure moves to step S402 if the operation has been performed, and moves to step S403 if the operation has not been performed.

In step S402, the system control unit <NUM> performs selected parameter position changing processing. The selected parameter position changing processing will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S403, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not an operation to change a parameter has been performed. The operation to change a parameter is performed, for example, by operating the main electronic dial <NUM>. The procedure moves to step S405 if the operation to change a parameter has been performed, and moves to step S404 if the operation to change a parameter has not been performed.

In step S404, the system control unit <NUM> performs parameter reset processing. The parameter reset processing will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S405, the system control unit <NUM> performs parameter changing processing. The parameter changing processing will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S406, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the first shutter switch <NUM> is ON. If the first shutter switch <NUM> is ON, the procedure moves to step S407, otherwise the procedure moves to step S400. Furthermore, a photometric timer is started in accordance with the shutter switch <NUM> (SW1) being turned on. After the shutter switch <NUM> has been turned ON, the processes in steps S407 and S408 are executed until the photometric timer has ended or until the result of step S417 is YES as a result of a shooting instruction being given.

In step S407, the system control unit <NUM> performs photometry (photometric processing) on an object, and acquires a photometric value (object brightness) and a calculated photometric value, which is calculated from the object brightness and the currently set value. The calculated photometric value is a setting value determined based on the result of the photometric processing, and is determined from among a plurality of setting values selectable as the respective exposure parameters.

In step S408, the system control unit <NUM> stores, in the system memory <NUM>, the calculated photometric value as a temporary setting value of the exposure parameter. Note that for the exposure parameter, "Auto", which is a specific setting value for applying the setting value automatically determined during an operation in a predetermined operation mode, or a setting value indicating a specific numerical value such as "<NUM>/<NUM> second" designated by a user was set. A temporary setting value is stored for the exposure parameter whose setting value is "Auto". In other words, the setting value of the item for which the setting value is set by a user prior to step S406, that is, before the photometry is performed, is not changed, but the setting value of the item for which "Auto" is set is calculated based on a photometric result and is recorded as a temporary setting value. Also, the system control unit <NUM> switches, on the setting display screen that displays the exposure parameter for which "Auto" is set, "A", which indicates that the setting value is "Auto", to the temporary setting value and displays the temporary setting value. The display will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S409, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the photometric timer has ended. If the photometric timer has ended, the procedure moves to step S410, otherwise the procedure moves to step S412.

In step S410, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the temporary setting value was stored in the system memory <NUM>. If the temporary setting value was stored, the procedure moves to step S411, otherwise the procedure moves to step S400.

In step S411, the system control unit <NUM> deletes, from the system memory <NUM>, the temporary setting value that was calculated based on the photometric result obtained in step S407 and stored in step S408. The temporary setting value is deleted from the system memory <NUM> when the photometric timer has ended, that is, when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the SW1 was turned ON and the photometric processing was started.

As described above, during the predetermined time from when the SW1 has been turned on until the photometric timer has ended, the digital camera <NUM> is in a photometric state in which the photometric processing in step S407 and the processing for storing the temporary setting value in step S408 are performed continuously. Then, the photometric processing is complete when the photometric timer has ended, and the digital camera <NUM> is in a non-photometric state in which no temporary setting value is present. Furthermore, the digital camera <NUM> is also in the non-photometric state before the photometric processing is executed (before the start of the photometric processing). In other words, the digital camera <NUM> is in the photometric state during the execution of the photometric processing after it is started, and is in the non-photometric state before the start of the photometric processing and after the completion of the photometric processing. Then, upon the SW1 being turned on again after the photometric state has changed to the non-photometric state, the digital camera <NUM> executes the processing in steps S407 and S408, and is in the photometric state. Accordingly, when photometry is executed next, with respect to the exposure parameter whose setting value is "Auto" (for example, the shutter speed), a calculated photometric value is again acquired and a new temporary setting value is set.

With such processing, by executing photometric processing only for a predetermined time period after the SW1 has been operated, it is possible to acquire a temporary setting value and the exposure parameter that was set to "Auto". Note that, in the present embodiment, photometric processing and acquisition of a temporary setting value are assumed to be performed continuously until a predetermined time period has elapsed upon the SW1 being operated. However, it is also possible that photometric processing and acquisition of a temporary setting value are performed only one time in accordance with the operation of the SW1. In this case, the temporary setting value may be discarded as in step S411 when a predetermined time period has elapsed, so that the acquired value is made invalid.

In other words, in the present embodiment, the photometric state refers to a state in which photometric processing is executed and an effective temporary setting value is acquired, and the non-photometric state refers to a state in which no effective temporary setting value is present before the photometric processing is started, or after the photometric processing is complete.

As described above, the system control unit <NUM> performs photometry during an operation in an operation mode (predetermined operation mode) that is started upon the first shutter switch <NUM> being turned on, and stores a temporary setting value with respect to the exposure parameter that was set to "Auto" (automatic setting of a value). Then, when this operation mode is complete, the system control unit <NUM> deletes, from the system memory <NUM>, the temporary setting value of the exposure parameter that was subjected to automatic setting, and sets the exposure parameter to "Auto". In other words, when the shutter speed is taken as an example, the setting value that was set to any of table numbers N, which are <NUM> to <NUM> (see <FIG>), is changed to <NUM>. Accordingly, the exposure parameter that was set to "Auto" before the start of the photometry (at the time of the start) remains set to "Auto" also after the photometry is complete unless the setting value is not changed during the photometry, as will be described below.

Note here that a configuration has been described in which a setting value and a temporary setting value are distinguished, and thereby the exposure parameter that was set to "Auto" can remain set to "Auto" also after photometry is complete. However, specific implementation is not particularly limited, and, for example, a flag may be added to an item set to "Auto", and a setting value and a temporary setting value do not need to be distinguished strictly. Any configuration may be employed as long as a specific value for a parameter that was set to "Auto" is automatically set based on a photometry result, and the parameter remains set to "Auto" after photometry is complete.

Furthermore, as will be described later with reference to <FIG>, there may be cases where a parameter automatically set based on a photometry result is subjected to parameter changing processing in the photometric state. In this case, the system control unit <NUM> may also perform control such that the parameter changed in the photometric state does not return to "Auto" after photometry is complete.

Referring again to <FIG>, in step S412, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not an operation to change the selected parameter position has been performed, as in step S401. The procedure moves to step S413 if the operation to change has been performed, and moves to step S414 if the operation to change has not been performed.

In step S413, the system control unit <NUM> performs the selected parameter position changing processing, as in step S402. The selected parameter position changing processing will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S414, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not an operation to change a parameter has been performed, as in step S403. The procedure moves to step S416 if an operation has been performed, and moves to step S415 if an operation has not been performed.

In step S415, the system control unit <NUM> performs the parameter reset processing, as in step S404. The parameter reset processing will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S416, the system control unit <NUM> performs the parameter changing processing in the photometric state. The parameter changing processing will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

In step S417, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not a shooting instruction has been given (whether or not the second shutter switch <NUM> is ON). If a shooting instruction has been given, the procedure moves to step S418, otherwise the procedure moves to step S407.

In step S418, the system control unit <NUM> performs shooting processing. In the shooting processing, the system control unit <NUM> controls the units of the digital camera <NUM> based on the set exposure parameters (setting values of the setting items) for the exposure adjustment mode to shoot an image.

The following will describe the selected parameter position changing processing (steps S402 and S413 in <FIG> and <FIG>) in detail with reference to <FIG>.

In step S500, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number that indicates the selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode that was acquired in step S304, with reference to the table shown in <FIG>. Note that the table is stored in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>, and is expanded in the system memory <NUM> at the start of the processing of <FIG>.

In step S501, the system control unit <NUM> acquires a table number (N_Min), which indicates the lower limit of the selected parameter position, with reference to the table shown in <FIG>.

In step S502, the system control unit <NUM> acquires a table number (N_Max), which indicates the upper limit of the selected parameter position, with reference to the table shown in <FIG>.

In step S503, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the sub electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated rightward. The procedure moves to step S504 if the sub electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated rightward, and moves to step S505 if the sub electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated leftward.

In step S504, the system control unit <NUM> increments the table number (N) acquired in step S500. That is, the table number is updated to "N=N+<NUM>".

In step S505, the system control unit <NUM> decrements the table number (N) acquired in step S500. That is, the table number is updated to "N=N-<NUM>".

In step S506, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) incremented in step S504 exceeds the upper limit table number (N_Max) acquired in step S502. If N>N_Max, the procedure moves to step S508, otherwise the procedure moves to step S510.

In step S507, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) decremented in step S505 is lower than the lower limit table number (N_Min) acquired in step S501. If N<N_Min, the procedure moves to step S509, otherwise the procedure moves to step S510.

In step S508, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the lower limit table number (N_Min) acquired in step S501 for the table number (N) indicating the current selected parameter position.

In step S509, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the upper limit table number (N_Max) acquired in step S502 for the table number (N) indicating the current selected parameter position.

In step S510, the system control unit <NUM> sets a new selected parameter position, based on the table number (N) that indicates the current selected parameter position and has been updated in steps S503 to S509, and the table shown in <FIG>. Then, the system control unit <NUM> changes and displays, based on the new selected parameter position, the cursor display position on the setting display screen. For example, a state is taken in which, as shown in <FIG>, a cursor <NUM> indicates the shutter speed. In this state, if the user repeatedly rotates the sub electronic dial <NUM> rightward, the setting display screen of the display unit <NUM> will be changed as shown from <FIG>,. , in the stated order. As a result of a new selected parameter position being set in accordance with an operation of the sub electronic dial <NUM> in this way, the currently selected parameter is changed, and the position on the setting display screen at which the cursor <NUM> indicating the currently selected parameter is displayed is changed. Note that "A" on the setting display screens of <FIG> means that the setting value is "Auto".

A configuration may be employed in which the table number is not changed if the determination result of step S506 or S507 is Yes.

The following will describe the parameter reset processing (steps S404 and S415 in <FIG> and <FIG>) in detail with reference to <FIG>.

In step S600, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the left key or upper key of the cross key <NUM> has been pressed down (whether or not the corresponding button has been pressed down). If the left key or upper key of the cross key <NUM> has been pressed down, the procedure moves to step S601, otherwise the procedure moves to step S603.

In step S601, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N) indicating the current selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode, based on the table shown in <FIG>.

In step S602, the system control unit <NUM> sets the setting value of the parameter that is indicated by the table number (N) acquired in step S601 to "Auto" serving as an initial value, and updates the display of the setting value on the setting display screen in accordance with the change in the setting value. For example, a state is taken in which, as shown in <FIG>, the shutter speed is set to "<NUM>" (which means <NUM>/<NUM> of a second), the aperture value is set to "<NUM>" (which means F3. <NUM>), the ISO speed is set to "A" (which means "Auto"), and the exposure correction value is set to "<NUM>". Here, a cursor <NUM> indicates the aperture value. If the processing in step S602 is performed in this state, the setting value of the aperture value is set to "Auto", and the setting display screen is changed from <FIG>.

Note that, even if the setting value of the parameter is reset and changed to "Auto", the selected parameter position is neither reset nor changed from the current position. Accordingly, the user can continue the previous operation to change a parameter after the reset operation.

With this control, it is possible to change only the selected aperture value to "Auto" (that is, the setting values of the items other than the selected setting item are not changed). In this example, it is possible to change the exposure setting to the same state as in the shutter-speed-priority mode, only with the operation of pressing down the cross key <NUM>.

Note that, if the procedure of <FIG> is executed as the processing in step S415 in <FIG>, the exposure parameter that was originally set to "Auto" has a corresponding temporary setting value. Accordingly, for example in <FIG>, the temporary setting value will be displayed, instead of "A", at the position that corresponds to the ISO speed. Furthermore, for the exposure parameter that was set to "Auto" in step S602, a corresponding temporary setting value is stored when the processing in step S408 is executed next. Therefore, for example in <FIG>, the temporary setting value will be displayed, instead of "A", at the position that corresponds to the aperture value. The same applies to the processing in step S604, which will be described later. While a temporary setting value is displayed, the setting is changed once to "Auto" in response to an instruction to change the temporary setting value to "Auto", but while photometry is being performed, the temporary setting value is immediately displayed based on the photometric result.

In step S603, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the right key or lower key of the cross key <NUM> has been pressed down. If the right key or lower key of the cross key <NUM> has been pressed down, the procedure moves to step S605, otherwise the procedure ends.

In step S604, the system control unit <NUM> sets all of the exposure parameters to "Auto" serving as an initial value, and updates the display of the setting value on the setting display screen in response to the change in the setting value. Note however that the exposure correction value is set to "<NUM>" serving as an initial value, because the exposure correction value does not have the setting value of "Auto" and cannot be set to "Auto". For example, the state shown in <FIG> is taken. In this case, not only the aperture value indicated by the cursor <NUM> but also the shutter speed are changed to "Auto", and the setting display screen is changed from that in <FIG>.

Note that, even if the setting values of the parameters are reset and changed to "Auto", the selected parameter position is not changed from the current position. Accordingly, the user can continue the previous operation to change a parameter even after the reset operation.

With this control, it is possible to change both the shutter speed and the aperture value to "Auto". In this example, it is possible to change the exposure setting to the same state as in the program AE mode, simply with the operation of pressing down the cross key <NUM>. Note that if the processing in step S604 is performed during the photometry, the shutter speed, the aperture value, and the ISO speed are changed to "Auto", and then are set to temporary setting values obtained based on the photometric results. An item such as the exposure correction value that does not have the setting of "Auto" may be set to an initial value or a predetermined standard value.

According to the rest processing in <FIG> in this way, it is possible to easily set, during display of a plurality of display items (such as "A") that correspond to a plurality of exposure parameters, the selected exposure parameter or all of the exposure parameters to "Auto", alternatively.

Note that the determination in step S600 or S603 may be performed based on a touch operation. The determination in step S600 may be Yes if the time period in which the touch panel 70a is touched is within a predetermined time period such as a time period from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds, or a time period from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> second. Also, the determination in step S603 may be Yes if the time period in which the touch panel 70a is touched is within a predetermined time period (that is longer than the predetermined time period for step S600) such as a time period from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> second, or a time period from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds.

Furthermore, a configuration is also possible in which, if an item is touched, the currently selected item is set to "Auto", an item for setting the entirety to "Auto" is displayed, and if the item is touched, the processing in step S604 is performed.

Furthermore, in place of the cross key <NUM>, a dedicated button may be provided, or a function to set an item to "Auto" may be assigned to another button.

As described above, the determination in steps S600 and S603 may also be performed not only based on a touch operation, but also based on an operation of the cross key <NUM>. Note that the above-described operation methods are merely examples, and the operation to set an item to "Auto" is not limited to the above-described examples.

As described above, the upper key or left key of the cross key <NUM> is pressed down to set the currently selected item to "Auto", and the lower key or right key of the cross key <NUM> is pressed down to set all items that can be set to "Auto" to "Auto". The cross key <NUM> is located near the grip <NUM>, and can be operated by a user holding the grip <NUM>. Accordingly, the cross key <NUM> is located at a position at which it is easily reached by the user's hand even when the user performs shooting in a shooting standby state while holding the camera in the landscape or portrait orientation. Furthermore, the positional relation between the key for giving an instruction to set the selected item to "Auto" and the key for giving an instruction to set all the items that can be set to "Auto" to "Auto" does not change between when the camera is held in the landscape orientation and when the camera is held in the portrait orientation, and thus operability is good. Specifically, when the camera is held in the landscape orientation, the upper key can be used to change the selected item to "Auto" and the lower key can be used to change all the items that can be set to "Auto" to "Auto". In other words, the selected item can be set to "Auto" by the user pressing the button of the cross key that is located upward in the gravity direction while holding the camera, and all the items that can be set to "Auto" can be set to "Auto" by the user pressing the button of the cross key that is located downward in the gravity direction.

When the camera is held in the portrait orientation, namely, when the camera is held in the portrait orientation with the grip <NUM> located downward in the gravity direction for example, the selected item can be changed to "Auto" by pressing the button (left key) of the cross key that is located upward in the gravity direction in the state in which the camera is held. Furthermore, all the items that can be set to "Auto" can be set to "Auto", by pressing the button (right key) of the cross key that is located downward in the gravity direction. Since the grip <NUM> is located on the right side of the digital camera <NUM> as viewed from the rear, the grip <NUM> is likely to be located downward in the gravity direction when the camera is held in the portrait orientation, and thus the operability is improved by making the upper key and the left key a set, and the lower key and the right key a set.

The following will describe camera setting initializing processing with reference to <FIG>. The camera setting initializing processing is executed upon the item of the camera setting initializing processing being selected on the menu screen.

In step S1400, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the power supply switch <NUM> is ON. If the power supply switch <NUM> is ON, the procedure moves to step S1401, whereas if the power supply switch <NUM> is OFF, the processing in step S1400 is repeated.

In step S1402, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not an operation to initialize a camera setting has been performed. The procedure moves to step S1403 if the operation has been performed, and moves to step S1411 if the operation has not been performed.

In step S1403, the system control unit <NUM> sets all of the exposure parameters for the exposure adjustment mode to "Auto" serving as an initial value. Note however that the exposure correction value is set to "<NUM>" serving as an initial value, because the exposure correction value does not have the setting of "Auto".

In step S1404, the system control unit <NUM> sets the selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode to an initial position (exposure correction position).

In the present embodiment, the exposure correction position is used as the initial position, but another item may also be used. In the reset operation described with reference to <FIG>, the selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode is not set to the initial position, but only the exposure parameter is initialized. In contrast, in the camera setting initializing processing, both the selected parameter position and the exposure parameters are initialized. In the reset operation described with reference to <FIG>, the setting display screen for the exposure parameters for the exposure adjustment mode is displayed, and a reset operation is accepted in a state in which the operation to change an exposure parameter is possible. Accordingly, the selected parameter position is neither initialized nor changed at the time of the reset operation, so that the previous operation to change an exposure parameter can be continued also after the reset operation. The camera setting initializing processing is executed upon the camera setting initialization being selected on the menu screen, instead of during display of the setting display screen for the exposure parameters for the exposure adjustment mode. In other words, this is processing that is executed when an operation to change an exposure parameter for the exposure adjustment mode is not possible, and thus the selected parameter position is not kept but is initialized. In step S1405, the system control unit <NUM> sets the exposure parameters for the non-exposure adjustment mode to the initial values.

In step S1411, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the power supply switch <NUM> is OFF. If the power supply switch <NUM> is OFF, the procedure moves to step S1408, otherwise the procedure returns to step S1400.

In step S1408, the system control unit <NUM> stores the exposure parameters and the selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

In step S1409, the system control unit <NUM> stores the exposure parameters set in modes different from the exposure adjustment mode in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

In step S1410, the system control unit <NUM> turns the digital camera <NUM> off.

In the description above, in the camera setting initializing processing, the exposure parameters and the selected parameter position for the exposure adjustment mode, and the exposure parameters for the non-exposure adjustment mode are assumed to be initialized, but other settings may be initialized.

The following will describe the exposure parameter changing processing for modes different from the exposure adjustment mode (step S307 in <FIG>) in detail with reference to <FIG>.

In step S700, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the shutter-speed-priority mode (Tv mode). If the shooting mode is the Tv mode, the procedure moves to step S701, otherwise the procedure moves to step S702.

In step S701, the system control unit <NUM> sets the aperture value to "Auto".

In step S702, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the aperture-priority mode (Av mode). If the shooting mode is the aperture-priority mode, the procedure moves to step S703, otherwise the procedure moves to step S704.

In step S703, the system control unit <NUM> sets the shutter speed to "Auto".

In step S704, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the program AE mode (program mode (P mode)). If the shooting mode is the P mode, the procedure moves to step S705, otherwise the procedure moves to step S706.

In step S705, the system control unit <NUM> sets the shutter speed and the aperture value to "Auto".

In step S706, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the main electronic dial <NUM> has been operated. The procedure moves to step S707 if the main electronic dial <NUM> has been operated, and moves to step S713 if the main electronic dial <NUM> has not been operated.

In step S707, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the manual mode (M mode) or the shutter-speed-priority mode. If the shooting mode is the M mode or the Tv mode, the procedure moves to step S708, otherwise the procedure moves to step S709.

In step S708, the system control unit <NUM> changes the shutter speed.

In step S709, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the aperture-priority mode or a Bulb mode. If the shooting mode is the Bulb mode, which is a shooting mode in which exposure is performed while the shutter-release button <NUM> is pressed down, the shutter speed is not set and the setting of the Av value is changed. If the shooting mode is the Av mode or the Bulb mode, the procedure moves to step S710, otherwise the procedure moves to step S711.

In step S710, the system control unit <NUM> changes the aperture value.

In step S711, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the program AE mode. If the shooting mode is the P mode, the procedure moves to step S712, otherwise the procedure ends.

In step S712, the system control unit <NUM> changes the program shift value.

In step S713, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the sub electronic dial <NUM> has been operated. The procedure moves to step S714 if the sub electronic dial <NUM> has been operated, and the procedure ends if the sub electronic dial <NUM> has not been operated.

In step S714, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the shooting mode is the manual mode or the Bulb mode. If the shooting mode is the M mode or the Bulb mode, the procedure moves to step S715, otherwise the procedure moves to step S716.

In step S715, the system control unit <NUM> changes the aperture value.

In step S716, the system control unit <NUM> changes the exposure correction value.

With the above-described control, it is possible to set values in modes other than the exposure adjustment mode. In modes other than the exposure adjustment mode, a setting value of a setting item that was set by a user cannot be set to "Auto" within the same mode. For example, when the setting value of the Tv value that was set by the user is to be changed to "Auto", it is necessary to switch the mode from the Tv mode to the Av mode. Furthermore, when Tv and Av are to be set to "Auto" in the manual mode, it is necessary to switch the mode to the P mode.

The following will describe the parameter changing processing in a non-photometric state in the exposure adjustment mode (step S405 in <FIG>) in detail with reference to <FIG>. The system control unit <NUM> can change parameters using the procedure of <FIG>.

In step S800, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N) that indicates the current setting value of the currently selected parameter, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter. For example, a case where, as shown in <FIG>, a cursor <NUM> indicates the shutter speed (that is, the currently selected parameter is the shutter speed) is taken. In this case, the system control unit <NUM> references the table shown in <FIG>. The current setting value of the shutter speed is "Auto", and thus the system control unit <NUM> acquires "<NUM>" as the table number (N). Note that the tables shown in <FIG> are stored in, for example, the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

In step S801, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N_Min), which indicates the lower limit of the currently selected parameter, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter.

In step S802, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N_Max), which indicates the upper limit of the currently selected parameter, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter.

In step S803, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the main electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated rightward. The procedure moves to step S804 if the main electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated rightward, and moves to step S810 if the main electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated leftward.

In step S804, the system control unit <NUM> increments the table number (N) acquired in step S800.

In step S805, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the currently selected parameter is the exposure correction value. If the currently selected parameter is the exposure correction value, the procedure moves to step S808, otherwise the procedure moves to step S806.

In step S806, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) incremented in step S804 exceeds the table number (N_Max)+<NUM>, the table number (N_Max) being acquired in step S802. If N>N_Max+<NUM>, the procedure moves to step S807, otherwise the procedure moves to step S813.

In step S807, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the table number (N_Max)+<NUM>, the table number (N_Max) being acquired in step S802, for the table number (N), which indicates the current setting value of the currently selected parameter.

In step S808, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) incremented in step S804 exceeds the table number (N_Max) acquired in step S802. If N>N_ Max, the procedure moves to step S809, otherwise the procedure moves to step S813.

In step S809, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the table number (N_Max) acquired in step S802 for the table number (N), which indicates the current setting value of the currently selected parameter.

In step S810, the system control unit <NUM> decrements the table number (N) acquired in step S800.

In step S811, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) decremented in step S810 is lower than the table number (N_Min) acquired in step S801. If N<N_Min, the procedure moves to step S812, otherwise the procedure moves to step S813.

In step S812, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the table number (N_Min) acquired in step S801 for the table number (N), which indicates the current setting value of the currently selected parameter.

In step S813, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the setting value that corresponds to the table number (N) updated in steps S803 to S812, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter. Then, the system control unit <NUM> updates the setting value of the currently selected parameter based on the acquired setting value, and records the updated setting value in the system memory <NUM>. The updated setting value is then displayed on the setting display screen. For example, a case is taken where the main electronic dial <NUM> is clicked leftward by one in the state of the setting display screen shown in <FIG>. In this case, the setting value of the shutter speed is changed from "Auto" to "<NUM>/<NUM> of a second", and the setting display screen is changed from <FIG>. Furthermore, when the main electronic dial <NUM> is clicked rightward by one in the state of the setting display screen shown in <FIG>, the setting value of the shutter speed is changed from "<NUM>/<NUM> of a second" to "Auto", and the setting display screen is changed to that in <FIG>. Accordingly, in the non-photometric state, the setting value can be changed to "Auto" and can be switched between a specific setting value and the setting value of "Auto".

The following will describe the parameter changing processing in the photometric state in the exposure adjustment mode (step S416 in <FIG>) with reference to <FIG>.

In step S900, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N) that indicates the setting value or the temporary setting value of the currently selected parameter, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter (see S408). If the currently selected parameter is an item that was set to a value other than "Auto" before the start of the photometry, the table number of the setting value that has already been set by a user is acquired. Furthermore, the setting value is acquired even if the currently selected parameter was set to "Auto" before the start of the photometry, and even if the parameter changing processing of <FIG> has already been performed. If a temporary setting value calculated based on the photometric result was set, the temporary setting value is acquired from the system memory <NUM>.

In step S901, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N_Min), which indicates the lower limit of the currently selected parameter, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter.

In step S902, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the table number (N_Max), which indicates the upper limit of the currently selected parameter, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter.

In step S903, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the main electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated rightward. The procedure moves to step S904 if the main electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated rightward, and moves to step S905 if the main electronic dial <NUM> has been rotated leftward.

In step S904, the system control unit <NUM> increments the table number (N) acquired in S900.

In step S905, the system control unit <NUM> decrements the table number (N) acquired in step S900.

In step S906, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) incremented in step S904 exceeds the table number (N_Max) acquired in step S902. If N>N_Max, the procedure moves to step S908, otherwise the procedure moves to step S910.

In step S907, the system control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the table number (N) decremented in step S905 is lower than the table number (N_Min) acquired in step S901. If N<N_Min, the procedure moves to step S909, otherwise the procedure moves to step S910.

In step S908, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the table number (N_Max) acquired in step S902 for the table number (N), which indicates the temporary setting value of the currently selected parameter.

In step S909, the system control unit <NUM> substitutes the table number (N_Min) acquired in step S901 for the table number (N), which indicates the temporary setting value of the currently selected parameter.

In step S910, the system control unit <NUM> acquires the setting value that corresponds to the table number (N) updated in step S903 to S909, with reference to one of the tables shown in <FIG> that corresponds to the currently selected parameter. Then, the system control unit <NUM> updates the setting value of the currently selected parameter based on the acquired setting value and records, in the system memory <NUM>, the updated setting value as a setting value and not as the temporary setting value. In other words, if an operation to change a temporary setting value to a setting value is made by a user, the changed value is recorded as the setting value in the system memory <NUM>. Then, the system control unit <NUM> displays the updated setting value on the setting display screen.

For example, a case is taken where the setting values of the shutter speed, the aperture value, and the ISO speed are "Auto", and the setting value of the exposure correction value is "<NUM>". In this case, before the start of photometry, the setting display screen of the display unit <NUM> is in the state shown in <FIG>. Then, when photometric processing is executed, and a temporary setting value is stored in step S408 in <FIG>, the setting display screen is changed to, for example, that in <FIG>, and displays temporary setting values for the setting values that were set to "Auto". Here, the temporary setting value of the shutter speed is "<NUM>" (meaning <NUM>/<NUM>), and the cursor <NUM> indicates the shutter speed. In other words, the currently selected parameter is the shutter speed. The temporary setting value of the aperture value is "<NUM>" (meaning F2. <NUM>), and the temporary setting value of the ISO speed is "<NUM>". Also, the items whose setting values were "Auto" and for which the temporary setting values are indicated are displayed with the temporary setting values underlined as shown in <FIG>. If, in this state, a user clicks the main electronic dial <NUM> leftward by one, N will change to "<NUM>" that corresponds to <NUM>/<NUM> of a second in step S905. Then, in step S910, the setting value of the shutter speed is updated from "Auto" to "<NUM>/<NUM> of a second", and the temporary setting value (<NUM>/<NUM> of a second) is deleted from the system memory <NUM>. Alternatively, the temporary setting value is recorded, but is not used for shooting because the setting value has been set. In this case, the setting display screen of the display unit <NUM> is changed from that in <FIG> to that in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the shutter speed-related display shown in <FIG> is changed, and "<NUM>", which means <NUM>/<NUM> of a second, is displayed as the shutter speed, where the shutter speed is no longer provided with an underline, which means that it is a temporary setting value. If a temporary setting value is designed to be displayed in the photometric state, it will be possible to check the setting value, for use in shooting, of the setting item set to "Auto". However, it will not be apparent whether the displayed setting value is a setting value selected by a user or a temporary setting value calculated in the photometric processing. Therefore, underlining a temporary setting value when it is displayed makes it possible for the user to identify that "Auto" was set and the displayed setting value is a temporary setting value calculated in the photometric processing. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a temporary setting value is displayed with an underline. However, the display mode may be changed such that a setting value is displayed with another color or font, instead of being underlined. Moreover, display may also be performed such that, by adding a display item other than an underline, it is possible for the user to identify that the displayed setting value is a temporary setting value (that is, "Auto" was set). With this control, the exposure adjustment based on a calculated photometric value (temporary setting value) is possible in the photometric state.

Furthermore, if a user clicks the main electronic dial <NUM> rightward by two clicks in the state of the setting display screen shown in <FIG>, the setting value of the shutter speed is updated from "<NUM>/<NUM> of a second" to "<NUM>/<NUM> of a second", but is not updated to "Auto". That is, in the photometric state, it is not possible to change a setting value to "Auto". If, in the photometric state, a setting value other than "Auto" is changed to "Auto", photometry will be performed again and a temporary setting value is determined. Accordingly, in the photometric state, in contrast to the non-photometric state (see <FIG>), a setting value is changed to "Auto" by operating the cross key <NUM>, instead of operating the main electronic dial <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to mitigate the possibility that, although a user has made a setting to "Auto", the user perceives that the setting has failed (because a temporary setting value is displayed although "Auto" was set indeed).

Furthermore, a case is taken where, in the state shown in <FIG>, the photometric timer has ended and the processing in step S411 in <FIG> is executed. In this case, the setting value of the shutter speed is updated to "<NUM>/<NUM> of a second" in step S910, but the setting values of the aperture value and the ISO speed that are not subjected to exposure adjustment are kept as "Auto". Accordingly, in step S411, the setting values of the aperture value and the ISO speed are changed from the temporary setting values to "Auto", and the setting display screen of the display unit <NUM> is changed from <FIG>. In this way, if the photometric timer has ended, the parameters other than the parameters changed in the photometric state return to the setting value before the start of the photometry, namely, "Auto". Accordingly, from the next shooting onward, it is possible to immediately start shooting in the same state as that before the end of the previous shooting. Note that a configuration is also possible in which the setting value before the start of the photometry is stored when the setting value is updated in step S910, and upon the photometric timer ending, all of the parameters are returned to the setting values before the start of photometry. In other words, even if an item that was set to "Auto" is changed from a temporary setting value to a setting value, the item may be configured to return to "Auto" when the photometric timer has ended.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the digital camera <NUM> can easily set a currently selected one of a plurality of display items to "Auto" and set the plurality of display items to "Auto", in accordance with an operation. The digital camera <NUM> performs control such that, while the plurality of display items are displayed, a selected exposure parameter is set to "Auto" in accordance with a first user operation (pressing down the left key of the cross key <NUM>, for example). Furthermore, the digital camera <NUM> performs control such that, while a plurality of display items are displayed, a plurality of exposure parameters are set to "Auto" in accordance with a second user operation (pressing down the right key of the cross key <NUM>, for example).

For example, if a user has manually changed a parameter setting but could not obtain a desired shooting state, it is possible to instantaneously set all the items whose parameters can be set to "Auto" to "Auto". Since it is possible to set any of the items to a setting value or to "Auto" depending on the shooting state, it is possible to quickly configure the desired exposure settings without switching the mode. Accordingly, it is possible to mitigate the possibility that a user misses a shooting opportunity due to he or she having failed to set desired setting values and adjusting the setting values, for example. Furthermore, if the brightness of an object has drastically changed, it is possible to easily perform shooting with appropriate exposure by setting all the items that can be set to "Auto" to "Auto" without changing the setting values of the items one by one. Furthermore, for example, basically if a user also desires to perform shooting while changing the setting value of the shutter speed without changing the aperture value set to "Auto" (corresponding to the Tv mode), the shutter speed can easily be set to the appropriate exposure (Auto), and thus it is possible to quickly set the setting value desired by the user.

The exposure adjustment mode is, for example, advantageous for a case where, in a manual mode shooting, a followed object in a bright state with his or her back to the sun suddenly becomes dark when clouds are formed, and the object brightness undergoes a large change, and the current setting is deviated from the setting for obtaining appropriate exposure. In such a case, a user wants to promptly achieve appropriate exposure and perform shooting, but needs to operate the mode selection switch <NUM> to realize the P mode in order to easily achieve appropriate exposure in one action. When, for example, a user wants to change the depth of field after appropriate exposure is realized, the user only need to place the cursor on the Av value and rotate the dial to fix the Av value, and when a user wants to change the flow of an object, similarly, the user only need to place the cursor on the Tv value and rotate the dial to fix the Tv value. In this way, it is possible to quickly set appropriate exposure, and change the setting value of the item selected by the user without performing an operation to change the mode after the appropriate exposure has been achieved. In other words, in the exposure adjustment mode, it is possible to realize a state that functions substantially as the P mode, in one action without changing the mode, and it is possible to change the setting value of the item desired by the user only by rotating the dial, without changing the mode from the state in which the appropriate exposure was achieved.

Furthermore, if after the setting was changed, the object brightness drastically changes again during shooting, the operation of the P mode is continued by setting the item to "Auto", and thus it is possible to perform shooting with appropriate exposure. Accordingly, it is possible to switch between the operations corresponding to the P mode, the Av mode, the Tv mode, and the M mode, and thus, if the brightness has drastically changed, or there is a desire to change blurring or a flow from the appropriate exposure state, it is possible to configure settings quickly without switching the mode.

Furthermore, if the brightness has drastically changed in operation corresponding to the M mode, and a user does not want to change the aperture value from the current setting but wants to quickly change only the shutter speed, it is possible to set only the shutter speed to "Auto". For example, if the shutter speed is set to <NUM>/<NUM>, and the user wants to change the setting value to about <NUM>/<NUM> due to a drastic change in brightness, the user needs to rotate the dial from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> in the M mode (for example, by <NUM> clicks). Here, in the exposure adjustment mode, it is possible to change the setting value to about <NUM>/<NUM> by setting "Auto" in one action. For example, if the setting value can be changed to <NUM>/<NUM> in one action by setting "Auto", the user only needs to rotate the dial by one click, realizing a reduction in the amount of operation.

As described above, it is possible to perform the same operations as all of the mode changing operations, without changing the mode.

In the above-described embodiment, the difference in the operation method between a dial rotating operation (first operation) for changing the setting value of a selected item and a button operation (second operation) for setting an item to "Auto" has been explained. Accordingly, the user can distinguish and recognize, based on the operation method, whether the settings are changed individually or simply set to "Auto". In a case where a touch operation is performed, a bar with which the option of setting values and "Auto" can be selected (for example, "Auto" is located at an end position) is provided, and by touching the bar, it is possible to change the setting. Furthermore, it is also possible that an item for setting a selected item to "Auto", and an item for setting all items that can be set to "Auto" to "Auto" are displayed, and by touching any of the items, it is possible to configure settings.

The description has been given that any of "Auto" and options of a plurality of setting values can be set in accordance with a dial operation, but it is also possible that "Auto" is not set in accordance with the dial operation. That is, it is possible that, for example, a setting value can be set from a plurality of setting values excluding "Auto" in accordance with a dial operation, and "Auto" can be set in accordance with a button operation. Moreover, when a touch operation is performed, a bar indicating options of setting values without "Auto", and an item indicating "Auto" may also be displayed separately.

Note that, in the description above, exposure parameters (at least one setting item relating to exposure control) are used as examples of setting items. However, the setting items of the present embodiment are not limited to the exposure parameters. For example, the setting items may be setting items relating to the ranging point of Automatic Focus. In this case, the configuration of the present embodiment is applicable to a configuration that performs control such that, when a user has operated the main electronic dial <NUM> during automatic ranging control in Automatic Focus, the ranging point is changed from a tracking ranging point to any ranging point. Alternatively, the setting items may be setting items relating to Automatic White Balance.

Note that a single item of hardware may perform various types of control that have been described as being performed by the system control unit <NUM>, or the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of items of hardware sharing processing.

The foregoing embodiments have dealt with an example in which the present invention is applied to the digital camera <NUM>, but are not limited to these examples, and the present invention is applicable to a control apparatus for controlling setting items. That is to say, the present invention is applicable to, for example, the following apparatuses: a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile telephone terminal, a portable image viewer, a printer device having a display, a digital photo frame, a music player, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a game console, an e-book reader, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a projector, a home electric appliance having a display, an on-board apparatus having a display, and the like.

Claim 1:
An image capturing control apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
image capturing control means (<NUM>) configured to control image capturing by image capturing means based on setting values of a plurality of setting items;
selection means (<NUM>) configured to select a setting item from among the plurality of setting items; and
changing means (<NUM>) configured to change the setting value of the setting item selected by the selection means to a setting value that is selected in accordance with a dial rotating operation from among a plurality of setting values that correspond to the selected setting item,
characterized in that
the changing means (<NUM>) is further configured to change the setting values of the plurality of setting items to AUTO values each of which is automatically determined in accordance with a photometric processing performed by the image capturing control means, in accordance with a key pressing operation, and
the image capturing control apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises:
control means (<NUM>) configured to perform control such that a change to the AUTO value in accordance with the dial rotating operation is enabled before the photometric processing is executed, and a change to the AUTO value in accordance with the dial rotating operation is disabled after the photometric processing has been executed.