CN1335712A - Image Quality Selection Method and Digital Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a simple and clear menu display mode which is easy to see and not disordered when a user selects the image quality of a photographed image. A candidate for the number of pixels to be photographed and a candidate for the compression rate of a picture are displayed in a two-dimensional arrangement on a setting screen for setting the quality of a photographed picture, and a combination of the number of pixels to be photographed and the compression rate of a picture is presented to a user, and a cursor movement instruction is received on the screen, and the number of pixels to be photographed and the compression rate of a picture shown by the position of a cursor are changed by specifying the position of the cursor. For example, the number of pixels can be selected to 2400 × 1800, 1280 × 960, and 640 × 480, and three types of "excellent", "standard", and "base" can be selected as the image compression rate. When the number of pixels is selected, selectable compression rate candidates are indicated in the number of pixels. Preferably, the number of photographable sheets and the moving picture photographing time calculated from the capacity of the recording medium according to the combination of the number of pixels and the compression rate are simultaneously expressed.

Description

Image Quality Selection Method and Digital Camera

The present invention relates to a method for selecting photographic quality suitable for a digital camera and a camera using the method.

The quality of images recorded by a digital camera is generally determined by two parameters, the number of photographic pixels and the image compression rate. In traditional digital cameras, the number of shooting pixels and image compression rate are independent setting items. Such a camera is a camera that can set the above two parameters separately and select a specific number of shooting pixels and a specific image compression rate. A camera that can set both the number of shooting pixels and image compression ratio together.

However, a digital camera that can separately set the number of pixels and the compression rate cannot confirm the type of compression rate when selecting the number of pixels, and conversely, it cannot know the type of number of pixels when selecting the compression rate. In addition, in digital cameras that select a combination of the number of pixels and the compression rate, the combination is simply displayed in a list, or the comprehensive image quality evaluation achieved by the combination is presented with a simple symbol such as the number of stars, so there is a The disadvantage that it is not easy to understand the combination of the actual number of pixels and the compression rate is set.

In addition, in conventional cameras, when the menu for setting the number of shooting pixels and the image compression ratio is a special mode (adjustment mode, etc.), it is impossible to know what is possible when selecting the number of pixels and compression ratio by using this adjustment mode, etc. The number of shots taken. Conversely, when the settings of the number of pixels and the compression rate can be switched in the still shooting mode, although the number of pictures that can be taken is also changed by this conversion, there is data in addition to the liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying images. Even if the number of shots changes with the camera on the display screen, the time available for movie shooting cannot be indicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image quality selection method and a digital camera that can easily display to the user what combination of the number of pixels and the compression rate are set. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image quality selection method and a digital camera that realize the function of assisting the user in judging what combinations can be selected while selecting the image quality.

In order to achieve the above object, the feature of the image quality selection method of the present invention is that, on the setting screen for setting the image quality setting, the candidate options for the number of image pixels and the image compression ratio are displayed in a two-dimensional layout form. Alternate options, while prompting the user to select the combination of the number of photographic pixels and the image compression rate, accept the cursor movement instruction on the screen and change and set the photographic image shown by the cursor position by confirming the cursor position Prime and image compression.

According to the present invention, as a user interface for specifying the two parameters of the number of imaging pixels and the image compression rate that specify the image quality, the number of imaging pixels is presented to the user in a simple and clear two-dimensional layout form on the setting screen. Candidate options for the image compression rate and candidate options for the image compression ratio can be specified by moving the cursor. As a result, the user can understand the combination of the number of imaging pixels and the image compression rate at a glance, and can easily determine the imaging quality without confusion.

In particular, by displaying the number of images that can be captured at the number of imaging pixels and image compression rate selected by the cursor on the setting screen, the user can select the image quality while considering the number of images that can be captured.

In movie shooting, the time at which movie shooting can be performed is indicated instead of the number of shots that can be taken. In a camera capable of switching between the still image shooting mode and the movie shooting mode, the number of frames that can be shot and the time that can be shot for movies can also be displayed together.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the combination form of the number of photographing pixels and the image compression rate set in the past is stored, and when any one of the number of photographing pixels or the image compression rate is converted by the user's operation, according to the stored The cursor is automatically moved to the position of the image compression rate or the number of photographing pixels related to the past setting in relation to the information of the other party's candidate option. According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily reset the last setting content and improve operability.

In addition, when any one of the number of photographing pixels or the image compression rate is switched by the user's operation, the cursor is automatically moved to the position of the predetermined default image compression rate or the photographic image in relation to the other candidate option. prime position.

The digital camera of the present invention that provides a digital camera for realizing the above method invention has: a photographing lens; a photographing element that converts light incident through the photographing lens into electrical signals; a signal processing unit that processes signals from the photographing element; A photographing instruction input operation unit for instructing to start photographing images for recording; recording means for recording the photographed images in response to the operation of the photographing instruction input operation unit on a recording medium; A display of a predetermined setting screen; on the screen of the display, the candidate options for the number of photographic pixels and the candidate options for the image compression rate are displayed in a two-dimensional layout form, and thus the selectable number of photographic pixels and image compression rate are prompted. A control mechanism in the form of a combination; a cursor operating mechanism for inputting an instruction to move a cursor representing a selected position on the display screen; a confirmation indicating mechanism for displaying confirmation of the selected position of the cursor; according to the confirmation indicating mechanism The image quality setting mechanism that changes and sets the number of imaging pixels and the image compression rate indicated by the cursor position.

In addition, in the digital camera of the present invention, the camera has a calculator that calculates the number of images that can be photographed and/or the time that video can be photographed based on the combination of the number of photographic pixels and the image compression rate based on the capacity of the record carrier. Preferably, on the setting screen, the number of images that can be photographed, the time that video can be photographed, or both are displayed on the setting screen.

In addition, as the setting screen, a table in which one of the candidates for the number of imaging pixels and the image compression rate is arranged horizontally and the other is arranged vertically is prepared, and in each cell of the table The grid shows the number of images that can be photographed or the time that video can be photographed or both when the combination of the number of photographing pixels and the image compression rate corresponding to the unit is selected.

According to one embodiment of the camera of the present invention, the camera has a memory for storing the combination of the number of photographic pixels and the image compression rate set in the past, and the display control mechanism switches the photographic pixel by the operation of the cursor operation mechanism. When either one of the number or the image compression rate is selected, the cursor is automatically moved to the position of the image compression rate or the number of photographing pixels related to the previously set image compression rate in relation to the other candidate option based on the information stored in the memory. position.

According to a digital camera according to another embodiment of the present invention, the display control means uses the display control means in relation to the other candidate option when switching either of the number of imaging pixels or the image compression rate by operating the cursor operating means. The cursor automatically moves to the predetermined default image compression ratio or photographic pixel number.

As described above, according to the image quality selection method and the digital camera of the present invention, since the candidate options for the number of photographing pixels and the image compression ratio prepared are displayed in a simple and clear two-dimensional layout form, the user can understand the photographic quality at a glance. The combination of pixel count and image compression rate does not easily determine the quality of photography.

In addition, since the number of images that can be photographed and the time that can be photographed are calculated and displayed on the selection screen when combining the selectable number of photographic pixels and the image compression ratio, the user can refer to these displays. The shooting quality is determined based on the information (number of frames that can be taken, and the time that can be used to shoot movies).

In a conventional camera, as long as the number of pixels and the compression rate are not selected, the number of pictures that can be taken and the time for animation shooting are not displayed. The number of shots taken and the shooting time of the movie can be used, so it is helpful for selection judgment.

The preferred embodiments of the image quality selection method and the digital camera of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is the front view of the digital camera of the embodiment of the present invention

Figure 2 is a rear view of the digital camera shown in Figure 1

Figure 3 is a plan view of the digital camera shown in Figure 1

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the digital camera shown in Figure 1

Figure 5 is a side view of the digital camera shown in Figure 1

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the digital camera of this embodiment

Fig. 7 shows how the image quality setting screen (menu screen) switches

Fig. 8 shows a screen showing the combination of the number of pixels and the compression rate that can be selected and the number of pictures that can be taken

Figure 9 shows other screens except for the combination of selectable pixel number and compression rate and the number of photographable sheets

Fig. 10 shows an example of a screen showing a list of selectable combinations of pixels and compression ratios and the number of images that can be taken

Fig. 11 shows an example of changing the number of images that can be taken after shooting one image from the state of Fig. 10

Figure 12 shows other embodiments of the present invention

Figure 13 shows an example of a table showing the time available for video recording

Fig. 14 shows an example of changing the display of the possible number of shots and the available video shooting time after 80 seconds of video shooting from the state of Fig. 13

Fig. 15 shows an example in which the number of pictures that can be taken and the time that can be taken for movies are simultaneously displayed in a list when the quality of still image recording and the quality of video recording can be changed

Fig. 16 shows other examples of the number of pictures that can be taken and the time that can be taken for movies

Fig. 17 shows other examples of the number of pictures that can be taken and the time that can be taken for movies

1 to 5 are respectively a front view, a rear view, a plan view, a bottom view, and a right side view showing the appearance of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera is a digital camera with a sound reproduction function. It has a flat and roughly cuboid appearance as shown in FIGS.

On the front of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 1 , a retractable photographic lens 12 , a viewfinder window 14 , a flash 16 , a flash dimming detector 18 and a self-timer light 20 are arranged. In addition, on the front of the digital camera 10, there is provided a lens cover (not shown in FIG. 1, designated as 22 in FIG. 6) which is closed in the telescopic position of the photographing lens 12. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 1 , the lens cover 22 is drawn in relation to the opened state. Reference numeral 23 is a part corresponding to the camera grip.

On the back side of digital camera 10 shown in Fig. 2, finder 24, mode dial 26, right key 28, left key 30, up/down bar 32, menu/execution key 34, cancel reset key 36, display key are set 38 and liquid crystal monitor 40 etc. The mode dial 26 changes the camera function of the camera mode and by turning the operation mode dial 26, a still photography mode, a reproduction mode for reproducing captured portraits, or a movie mode for animation photography is set.

The right button 28, the left button 30, and the up/down lever 32 are components capable of inputting instructions in corresponding four directions (up, down, left, and right). The right button 28 and the left button 30 have played the effect of forward button and reverse button respectively when the playback mode, and the upper/lower bar 32 has played the effect of the magnification adjustment zoom bar of the image electronic zoom when the camera mode. In addition, the right button 28, the left button 30 and the up/down lever 32, when setting the menu mode by the menu/execution button 34, browse the menu and select the menu, and at the same time serve as operation buttons for instructing the selection of various setting items of each menu. effect.

The menu/execution key 34 is used to switch from the normal screen of each mode to the menu screen, or to determine selection content, execute (confirm) instructions for processing, and the like.

The cancel reset key 36 is used when canceling an item selected according to the menu (cancel) and returning to the last operation state or the like.

While the liquid crystal monitor 40 can be used as an electronic viewfinder for confirming the angle of view, it can display the image taken and the reproduced image read out from the memory card (shown by 72 in FIG. 6 ) installed in the camera. portrait etc. In addition, menu selection using the right button 28 , left button 30 , and up/down lever 32 and setting of various setting items of each menu can also be performed using the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor 40 . In addition, the liquid crystal monitor 40 also displays information such as the number of pictures that can be taken (frame number) and the number of reproduced frames, whether the flashlight is fired, macro mode display, image compression rate (quality) display, and pixel number display.

On the upper surface of the digital still camera 10 shown in FIG. 3, a shutter button 42, a mode setting switch 44 serving also as a power switch, and a flash button 46 are provided. The shutter button 42 also functions as a video recording button (video recording start/stop button) in the case of video recording.

The mode setting switch 44 is a slide switch that is locked when the knob is moved to the right (sound mode position) and unlocked when the knob is moved to the left in FIG. 3 . When locked when the knob is moved to the right, the sound mode is set, while whenever the knob is moved to the left, the camera mode is set alternately with the disconnect mode that cuts off the power in the camera.

In the occasion of setting the sound mode by the mode setting switch 44, the various switches of the camera body do not work, but only accept earphones (both earphones) connected to the remote controller terminal (marked 56 in Fig. 5 ) described later. headset) on and off with a remote control (not shown). In addition, even if the sound mode is set by the mode setting switch 44, if the remote controller is not connected to the remote controller terminal 56, the power supply inside the camera remains off. switch, the power in the camera is turned on.

On the bottom surface of the digital still camera 10 shown in FIG. 4, a battery cover 48 and a tripod threaded hole 50 serving also as an access cover for a memory card (in this example, a smart carrier) are provided. On the side of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 5 (the side opposite to the grip portion 23), a speaker 52, a sound/image output (video output) terminal 54, a remote controller including a sound output terminal are provided. Terminal 56 , digital (USB) terminal 58 and power input terminal 60 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera 10 . In this figure, a central processing unit (CPU) 70 collectively controls the digital camera 10 based on input information from the mode setting switch 44, the mode dial 26, the shutter button 42, other operating parts 61, and a remote controller not shown. each circuit within. The operation unit 61 is composed of input operation members such as the above-mentioned right key 28, left key 30, up/down bar 32, menu/execute key 34, cancel reset key 36, display key 38, and the like. Also, symbol 71 is an internal bus.

When the mode setting switch 44 is set to the camera mode from the OFF mode, the CPU 70 detects this, and controls to open the lens cover 22 while turning on the power in the camera. Furthermore, when the mode setting switch 44 is set from the camera mode to the off mode or the sound mode, the CPU 70 detects this and performs control to close the lens cap 22 .

Here, when the lens cover 22 is opened, the CPU 70 sends a signal for the forward rotation of the motor 64 through the driver 62, and when the lens cover 22 is closed, it sends a signal for the reverse rotation of the motor 64 through the driver 62. In addition, when closing the lens cover 22, the taking lens 12 is first controlled to move to the retractable position.

When the camera mode is set by the mode setting switch 44 and the shooting mode is set by the mode dial 26 and the shutter button 42 is pressed, the CPU 70 detects this and permits still picture photography, a picture obtained by this photography. The frame image data is recorded on the memory card 72 , that is, the CPU 70 performs focus control and exposure control and makes the captured object image on the illuminated surface of the solid-state imaging device (CCD) 74 through the photographic lens 12 .

The CCD 74 converts the light of the photographed object imaged on the light-emitting surface into signal charges whose amount corresponds to the light amount. The signal charges accumulated in this way are sequentially read out as voltage signals corresponding to the signal charges. The voltage signal read out sequentially from the CCD74 is added to the relevant double sampling circuit (CDS circuit) 76, here, the R, G, B signals relevant to each pixel are amplified and added to the A/D converter 78 on. The A/D converter 78 converts the R, G, B signals sequentially from the CDS circuit 76 into 10-bit (0-1023) digital R, G, B signals and outputs them to the image signal processing circuit 80 .

The image signal processing circuit 80 performs predetermined image processing such as simultaneous conversion of dot-by-dot R, G, and B signals from the A/D converter 78 , white balance adjustment, gamma correction, and YC signal processing. The luminance signal Y and color signals Cr, Cb (YC signal) formed by reading the YC signal processing circuit 80 through the image signal processing circuit 80 are compressed into a predetermined format (such as JPEG mode) by the compression and decompression circuit 82, and then they pass through the carrier The control circuit 84 is recorded on the memory card 72 .

The form of the record carrier is not limited to a smart carrier, it may also be a PC card, a compact flash card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick, etc., and may be of various types that can be read and written electronically, magnetically or optically or a combination thereof. carrier. Appropriately employ signal processing mechanisms and interfaces corresponding to the carrier used. It goes without saying that record carriers of the same or different kind can be used and that it is also possible to mount a plurality of record carriers on the camera body. In addition, the mechanism for storing image data and music data is not limited to a removable medium detachably attached to the camera body, but may also be a recording medium (internal memory) built in the camera.

When the camera mode is set by the mode setting switch 44 and the film mode is set by the mode dial 26, animation recording can be carried out, and the video recording operation can be started by pressing the shutter button 42, and when the shutter button 42 is pressed again, the video recording operation can be started. Finish. It is also possible to perform a video recording operation while continuing to press the shutter button 42 and stop the video recording by releasing the button. Movie data is recorded on the memory card 72 in motion JPEG format, for example.

On the other hand, when the camera mode is set by the mode setting switch 44 and the reproduction mode is set by the mode dial 26, the image file of the last frame recorded on the memory card 72 is read by the carrier control circuit 84. . The compressed data of the read image file is restored to an uncompressed YC signal by the compression/decompression circuit 82 .

The compressed YC signal is converted into an NTSC standard camera composite image signal through the image reproduction processing circuit 86 and the video encoding circuit 88, and is output to the sound/image output terminal while being output to the liquid crystal monitor 40. 54 (see Figure 5). As a result, the last frame image recorded on the memory card 72 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 40 . In addition, when a TV is connected to the audio/video output terminal 54, the last frame image is displayed on the TV.

Subsequently, when the right key 28 is pressed, the frame-by-frame transmission is forwarded, and when the left key 30 is pressed, the frame-by-frame transmission is reversed. Therefore, the image file at the frame position transferred frame by frame is read from the memory card 72 and the frame image is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 40 in the same manner as above. Also, when forwarding frame-by-frame in a state where the last frame image is represented, the image file recorded on the memory card 72 for one frame is read out and reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 40 and the television.

When the file to be played back is an animation file, the first frame of the animation is represented as a representative image and transitions to a screen for receiving an instruction to start animation playback.

Next, the audio reproduction function of the above-mentioned digital camera 10 will be described. The sound reproduction function is a function of reproducing music files such as MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer-III) formats recorded on the memory card 72, when the sound mode is set by the mode setting switch 44 and the remote controller with earphones is connected with the When the remote control terminal 56 is connected, the power in the camera is turned on and the sound can be reproduced. In the sound mode, the CPU 70 only accepts remote controller signals from the remote controller, and does not accept input from switches other than the mode setting switch 44 also serving as the power switch of the camera body.

When the playback button of the remote controller is pressed while the digital camera 10 is set to the sound mode, the music file is read from the memory card 72 via the record carrier control circuit 84 . Needless to say, the music files are downloaded onto the memory card 72 directly from the personal computer or via the digital (USB) terminal 58 of the digital camera 10 (see FIG. 4).

The compressed data of the music file read from the memory card 72 is decompressed into uncompressed music data by a compression decompression circuit 82 . The decompressed music data is converted into an analog sound signal when processing such as D/A conversion is performed by the sound processing circuit 90 . The converted sound signal is amplified by the sound reproduction circuit 92 and output as sound through a sound output terminal in the remote controller terminal 56 and an earphone (not shown).

Next, the image quality setting procedure of the digital camera 10 configured as described above will be described. When the mode setting switch also serving as a power source is turned on, the digital camera 10 starts to operate in the camera mode. When the mode dial 26 is set to the photography mode or the movie mode, the digital camera 10 becomes a photographable state. At this time, if the display key 38 is pressed, the real-time image captured by the CCD 74 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 40 . Also, when the mode dial 26 is set to the reproduction mode, the image data is read from the memory card 72 and the latest recorded image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 40 by one frame.

When the menu/execution key 34 is pressed in each of the shooting mode, movie mode, and playback mode, a menu screen corresponding to each mode is displayed. For example, when the menu/execution key 34 is pressed in the photography mode (or movie mode), menu items related to the photography mode (or movie mode) are displayed, including the item "quality setting". When the "quality setting" item is selected by the right button 28, the left button 30 or the up/down lever 32, the image quality setting menu screen shown in FIG. 7(a) is changed.

In the case of this example, 2400×1800, 1280×960, and 640×480 can be selected for the number of imaging pixels, and three types of excellent mode, standard mode, and basic mode can be selected as the image compression rate. As for the order of the image quality of these modes, the excellent mode is the highest quality, and then the quality is gradually reduced according to the standard mode and the basic mode. For example, the premium mode corresponds to a 1/4 (JPEG) compression processing mode, the standard mode corresponds to a 1/8 (JPEG) compression processing mode, and the basic mode corresponds to a 1/16 (JPEG) compression processing mode.

If the "compression ratio" is defined as the ratio of the compressed data volume to the original data volume, the compression ratio is such that the larger the value, the smaller (lower) the degree of compression, resulting in a high-quality image. On the other hand, when the denominator when the amount of compressed original data is divided into a fraction is defined as the compression rate, the larger the value, the lower the image quality.

There is also an uncompressed mode that does not undergo compression processing by the camera. Since selection of the highest quality compression rate can also be taken into consideration, non-compression is included in a concept called "compression rate selection".

In the menu screen shown in Figure 7, the number of photographic pixels is displayed as "pixel", the image compression ratio is displayed as "quality", 2400×1800 is displayed as "2400", 1280×960 is displayed as "1280", 640× 480 appears as "640". When entering this menu screen, the cursor is located on the position of the combination of pixel number and compression rate related to the current setting. In this figure, the cursor position transitions to a distinguishable color.

In the case of this figure (a), the cursor is positioned at the position of pixel="2400" and quality="standard". Change, the compression ratio can be changed. For example, when the right key 28 is pressed, as shown in (b) of the figure, the cursor position moves to "basic". In the state of the figure (b), if the left key 30 is pressed, the display screen of the figure (a) is returned.

At the current cursor position (for example, in the case of figure (a), it is "standard", in the case of figure (b), it is "basic") displayed on the "right triangle mark" 94R and "left". The triangle mark " 94L informs the user that the compression ratio can be changed by operating the right button 28 or the left button 30 . However, when the key operation is invalid, the corresponding triangle mark is not displayed.

The number of pixels is changed by the operation of the up/down lever 32 . Operating the up/down lever 32 upward is equivalent to pressing the up key, and operating the up/down lever 32 downward is equivalent to pressing the down key. When changing pixels by the up/down bar 32, the cursor position is moved while displaying selectable compression ratio candidates in the selected pixel number. In the screen of Fig. 7(a), when the up/down lever 32 is operated downward and the number of pixels is changed to "1280", as shown in the figure (c), the compression rate candidate options related to "2400" The bar disappears, and instead it shows a "1280" compression ratio alternate option bar. In the case of this embodiment, when the number of pixels is "1280", since "excellent" or "standard" can be selected but "basic" cannot be selected, "basic" is not displayed.

Also, the cursor position at this time moves toward the compression rate set at "1280" in the past (in this case, toward "excellent"). If there is no previously set history, transition to the appropriate default location (or where possible, the current location). Even if the number of pixels is changed, a "downward triangle mark" 96D or an "upward triangle mark" 96U or both are displayed on the right side of the current cursor position, thereby notifying the user that the upper/lower lever 32 can be operated. Change the number of pixels. When the key is invalid, the corresponding triangle mark is not displayed.

In the figure (c), by operating the right key 28 (in this case, only the right key 28 is valid), as shown in the figure (d), the compression ratio can be changed to "standard". In the figure (d), if the left key 30 is pressed, the display screen of the figure (c) will return.

When the up/down lever 32 is operated downward in the state of the figure (c) or the figure (d), as shown in the figure (e), the cursor moves to the position of the number of pixels "640", The compression ratio candidate column related to "1280" disappeared, and the compression ratio candidate column of "640" was displayed instead. In the case of this embodiment, when the number of pixels is "640", only "standard" and "excellent" and "standard" cannot be selected because only "standard" can be specified, so only "standard" is displayed, and no other candidates are displayed. options.

Although the digital still camera 10 of this example defines selectable compression rates by the number of pixels, it is also possible to select all compression rates in each number of pixels. In other words, three types of compression ratios can be selected corresponding to three types of pixel numbers, so there are a total of nine combinations. Needless to say, the number of follow-up options can be appropriately designed, and if at least one of the number of pixels and the compression rate has two or more candidate options, a two-dimensional expression form can be realized. Additionally, alternate options should preferably be color-coded for easy visibility.

In the bottom line of the image quality setting screen (pixel/quality setting menu screen) shown in Figure 7(a)-(d), the buttons "Setting → Execute" and "Stop → Cancel" are displayed. Operation guide. This indicates how to select items on this menu screen. "Execution key", that is, the menu/execution key 34 shown in Figure 2 is used to determine the setting at the current cursor position as a setting item, by pressing the menu/execution key 34 to set the setting in the camera content. "Cancel key", that is, the cancel reset key 36 shown in FIG. 2 is used to return to the last setting item and withdraw from the occasion of this menu screen.

When leaving the menu of pixel/quality setting, each compression rate set according to the number of pixels other than the number of pixels of the final item is stored in non-volatile memory (such as the internal memory of CPU70) before.

Then, when entering the next pixel/quality setting menu and moving to each pixel number through the user's operation, the cursor is moved according to the memory data in the non-volatile memory. This makes it easy to reset the previous setting state. Needless to say, when the default value of the compression rate as a candidate option is predetermined for each number of pixels, the cursor may be moved to a position indicating the default value.

In addition, as a modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment, when the number of pixels and the compression rate are selected, it is preferable to display the number of images that can be photographed (number of images that can be photographed) under the setting conditions. The CPU 70 calculates the number of images that can be photographed based on the combination of the number of photographing pixels and the image compression rate and the capacity of the memory card 72 . Then, the calculated number of photographable shots is displayed at a predetermined position on the setting screen as shown in FIG. 8 at the upper right of the screen. In this figure, it is shown that 77 still pictures can be recorded when the number of pixels is "2/400" and the compression rate is "standard".

The display position of the number of pictures that can be taken is not limited to the example of Fig. 8, it also can be in places such as the bottom right of the picture, also can be displayed in the empty column portion except the rear step option display area of pixel number and compression rate. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9 , the number of images that can be photographed may be displayed above (or below) the current cursor position or the like. In this way, by presenting the number of images available for the selected combination before finalizing the image quality setting, the user can determine the image quality in consideration of the number of images that can be imaged.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as the number of photographing pixels, three types of 2400×1800, 1280×960, and 640×480 can be selected, and as the image compression rate, three types of “excellent”, “standard” and “basic” can be selected. . In the example shown in the figure, the candidates for the number of pixels "2400", "1280", and "640" are arranged vertically and the candidates for the compression rate "Excellent", "Standard" and "Basic" are arranged horizontally. form. In each cell (grid) of this table, the number of photographable sheets when the combination of the number of pixels and the compression rate corresponding to the cell is selected is displayed. However, the combination unit in which the camera form is not selectable is not shown and the cursor cannot be moved.

In FIG. 10, the maximum number of photographs of a 64MB smart carrier is shown. For example, in the case of the combination of the number of pixels corresponding to the current cursor position "2400" and the compression rate "standard", it is displayed that the number of photographable sheets is 77 according to the capacity of the memory card 72 . As another form of the cursor, it can also mark a box in the target cell.

The user determines the photographic quality by selecting the compression ratio with the right button 28 or left button 30 and the pixel count with the up/down lever 32 . At the time of selection, it is possible to refer to the number of photographable sheets indicated in the cell.

When taking pictures and storing image data on the memory card 72, it is preferable to directly calculate the number of pictures that can be taken according to the remaining capacity of the memory card 72 and refresh the display. In FIG. 11, the number of photographable sheets after shooting one sheet under the setting conditions of the number of pixels "2400" and the compression ratio "Standard" is plotted from the state of Fig. 10 . If the calculated number of images that can be photographed is "0", the cursor corresponding to the cell cannot be moved, and the cell cannot be selected so that it cannot be displayed (not displayed). In addition, when the cursor moves to the "0" position of the number of photographable sheets, a warning may be issued, and a user interface prompting a change may be flashed to the user.

However, although in the embodiment described in FIG. 7 , the candidate options for the compression rate that can be selected according to the selected number of pixels are shown on the basis of the candidate options of the number of pixels, but conversely, the compression rate may be used as the basis. And according to the selected compression ratio, it will prompt the candidates for the number of pixels. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the candidate options of compression rate "Excellent", "Standard", and "Basic" are vertically arranged, and while displayed on the screen, when the compression rate "Excellent" is selected, the options shown in Figure (a) As shown, the candidates for the number of pixels "2400" and "1280" are displayed side by side.

When the compression rate "Standard" is selected, as shown in (b) of the figure, candidate options "2400", "1280", and "640" for the number of pixels are displayed. When the compression rate "basic" is selected, as shown in figure (c), "1280" is displayed in the column of the number of pixels. As shown in FIG. 12, the number of pixels that can be selected according to the compression rate can be limited, and the number of pixels of all types can be selected according to each compression rate.

Although a digital still camera with a sound reproduction function has been exemplified in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this form in carrying out the present invention. The present invention can also be applied to a digital camera dedicated to still picture recording, a special camera for moving picture recording, and a dual-purpose digital camera for still picture and moving picture.

Next, a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.

In the image quality selection menu screen, when selecting the desired number of pixels and compression rate, check the state of the record carrier (such as the recordable capacity) and calculate the number of pictures that can be taken for still images and the number of images that can be recorded for the image quality that is relevant to the selection. The shooting time, and it is preferable to display the information of the number of pictures that can be taken and the time that can be taken for animation.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a display screen to which animation shooting time is added. On the image quality selection menu screen shown in the figure, the image quality of still image shooting can be selected, but the image quality of moving image shooting is fixed. In each cell (selectable cell) of the two-dimensional selection table showing the candidate options for the number of pixels and the candidate options for the compression rate, the number of still pictures that can be taken is displayed, and on the outside of the upper right column of the table, An animation-capable time (in this case, 410 seconds) is shown. Combination cells that cannot be selected become unrepresented and the light is prohibited from moving to that position, or a warning that it cannot be selected is issued. In addition, the graph plots the maximum number of shots for an unrecorded card with a 64MB Smart Carrier.

FIG. 14 shows the display contents of the number of images that can be photographed and the time for which video can be photographed after 80 seconds of video recording has been performed in the movie mode from the state of FIG. 13 . The video shooting time is changed to 330 seconds, and the number of still pictures that can be taken is recalculated according to the usage of the recording medium accompanying the video recording, so that the remaining amount of the recording medium is checked and the display is updated at any time.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which image quality can be changed together with still picture shooting and moving picture shooting. In this figure, in movie shooting, you can select the number of pixels "1280" or "640", and when the number of pixels is "1280", you can also select the compression rate as "Excellent", "Standard", " "Basic" three. When the number of pixels is "640", the compression ratio is "excellent". Needless to say, selectable combination forms are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately designed according to the form of the camera.

In each cell (selectable unit) of the two-dimensional selection table presenting candidates for the number of pixels and the candidate for the compression rate, the number of images that can be photographed and the time that can be photographed for movies are displayed. In this figure, the number of images that can be photographed is shown on the upper row of each unit, and the video shooting time is shown on the lower row. For example, in the combination form of the number of pixels "2400" and the compression ratio "standard", it shows that the number of pictures that can be photographed is 77 and the time that can be videoed is 12 seconds.

In FIG. 16, another example related to display of animatable shooting time is shown. As described in FIG. 7, when selecting the image quality, first select the number of pixels, and in the menu method of presenting selectable compression rate candidates under the number of pixels related to this selection, it is the same as in FIG. 13 In addition, the number of images that can be photographed and the time that video can be photographed at the position where the cursor appears are simultaneously displayed outside the upper right column of the candidate options. In the picture (a), the cursor is located at the combined position of the number of pixels "2400" and the compression rate "standard". In the picture (b), the cursor is located at the position of the combination of the number of pixels "1280" and the compression rate "standard". At the combined position, in the figure (c), the cursor is located at the combined position of the number of pixels "640" and the compression rate "standard".

16 shows an example in which the image quality of still image shooting and the image quality of moving image are fixed, but in the case where the image quality of moving image can be changed, corresponding to the combination form related to the selection, Changed the representation of animatable camera time. In this case, when the calculated video shooting-capable time becomes 0 seconds, time display may not be performed, or a warning that video recording cannot be displayed may be displayed.

Although FIG. 16 shows a menu method for selecting a compression rate based on the candidate options of the number of pixels and corresponding to the number of pixels, as shown in FIG. A menu method for selectively presenting candidate pixel numbers.

In addition, the recordable time of the music file (hereinafter referred to as the recordable time of the music file) is calculated according to the capacity of the recording medium, and information such as the number of pictures that can be taken, the time of video recording, and the recordable time of the music file can also be displayed. Also, when the sound quality setting can be changed when recording a music file, the present invention can be applied in connection with the setting change screen.

For example, in the case where the sound quality at the time of music file recording is specified based on the two parameters of the number of samples (the number of audio data) and the compression rate, the candidate options for the number of samples and the candidate options for the compression rate are represented by a two-dimensional selection representation, and the The display screen allows the user to specify an ideal combination. Therefore, on this display screen, the recordable time of the music file is displayed in the combination of the selected number of samples and the compression rate. According to such an aspect, it is possible to easily set the sound quality while targeting the recordable time of the music file.

Claims (10)

1. image quality selecting method, it is characterized in that, the setting picture of setting in the image quality that is used to photograph, arrange that with Quadratic Finite Element form demonstrates the candidate option of photography number of picture elements and the candidate option of portrait compression ratio, in combining form from portrait compression ratio to the user that point out selectable photography number of picture elements and, on this picture, accept cursor and move indication and set photography number of picture elements shown in this cursor position and portrait compression ratio by determining that cursor position changes.

2. image quality selecting method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, is demonstrating the portrait number that can photograph under photography number of picture elements of being selected by cursor and portrait compression ratio on the described setting picture.

3. image quality selecting method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, in the photographic time that demonstrates the animation that can photograph on the described setting picture under photography number of picture elements of being selected by described cursor and portrait compression ratio.

4. image quality selecting method as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the combining form of photography number of picture elements that storage is set in the past and portrait compression ratio, when the either party in the conversion of the operation by user photography number of picture elements or the portrait compression ratio, according to institute's canned data and with the opposing party's candidate option make relatively cursor move on to automatically with the position of setting relevant portrait compression ratio or photography number of picture elements in the past on.

5. image quality selecting method as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, when changing either party in the compression ratio of photography number of picture elements or portrait by user's operation, cursor is moved on on the position of the position of predetermined default portrait compression ratio or the number of picture elements of photographing automatically with the opposing party's candidate option.

6. a digital camera is characterized in that it has: phtographic lens; To change the photographic element of electric signal by the light of phtographic lens incident into; Processing is from the signal processing part of the signal of described photographic element; Give the photography of indicating that begins to photograph that is used to obtain to write down and indicate input operation part with portrait; Will be in response to the operation of described photography indication input operation part the portrait under taking be recorded in recording means on the record carrier; Can demonstrate the display of the setting picture that the image quality that is used to photograph sets; On the picture of described display with Quadratic Finite Element arrange form represent to photograph the candidate option of number of picture elements and portrait compression ratio the candidate option and point out selectable photography number of picture elements thus and the controlling organization of the combining form of portrait compression ratio; Input makes the cursor operations mechanism of the indication that the cursor of the chosen position of expression on the described display picture moves; Demonstrate the affirmation indicating mechanism of the affirmation of the chosen position of representing described cursor; Confirm that according to described the affirmation indication of indicating mechanism changes the image quality set mechanism of setting photography number of picture elements shown in this cursor position and portrait compression ratio.

7. digital camera as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that, but this camera has at the combination of photography number of picture elements and portrait compression ratio and calculates out the exerciser of photographic number and/or animation photography time according to the capacity of described record carrier, but demonstrates the photographic number of calculating by described exerciser or animation photography time or the two on described setting picture.

8. digital camera as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, as described setting picture made in the candidate option of the candidate option of described photography number of picture elements and described portrait compression ratio either party laterally side by side and the vertical form arranged side by side of the opposing party, but in each cell of this table, expressed photographic number when the combination of selecting corresponding to the photography number of picture elements of unit and portrait compression ratio or animation photography time or the two.

9. digital camera as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that, this camera has the photography number of picture elements that storage sets in the past and the memory of portrait compression ratio combining form, described demonstration controlling organization when switching in photography number of picture elements or the portrait compression ratio either party by the operation of described cursor operations mechanism according to described memory institute's canned data and with the opposing party's candidate option make relevantly described cursor move on to automatically with before on the position of the position of the relevant portrait compression ratio of setting or the number of picture elements of photographing.

10. digital camera as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that, with the opposing party's candidate option cursor is moved on on the position of the position of predetermined default portrait compression ratio or the number of picture elements of photographing automatically during described demonstration controlling organization either party in switch photography number of picture elements or portrait compression ratio by the operation of described cursor operations mechanism.

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