Sony Patent | Image Processing Device, Control Method, And Program

Patent: Image Processing Device, Control Method, And Program

Publication Number: 20200059608

Publication Date: 20200220

Applicants: Sony

Abstract

The present technology relates to an image processing device, a control method, and a program which are capable of improving convenience. The image processing device includes: a setting unit that sets a flip function of displaying an image in a state of being vertically inverted to ON or OFF; and a control unit that performs control so that a display screen is allowed to be displayed on the basis of setting of the flip function, and in a case of receiving an operation instruction related to a predetermined direction from an external device, an operation related to the predetermined direction is performed with the display screen set as a reference. The present technology is applicable to a digital camera.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates to an image processing device, a control method, and a program, and more particularly, to an image processing device, a control method, and a program which are configured to improve convenience.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] For example, as a technology related to a camera, there is suggested a technology in which an image of one visual field is laterally inverted and displayed when displaying a half-wide image in which two images different in a visual field are cut out from an image acquired by developing a wide-view image and are arranged in parallel (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] When capturing an image after installing the camera to which the technology is applied in a vehicle, and displaying an acquired half-wide image, landscapes flow in the same direction in two regions different in a visual field in the half-wide image, and thus the technology can be used for applications such as driving assistance.

[0004] In addition, when capturing an image with the camera, image capturing may be performed in a state in which the camera is carried by hands or image capturing may be performed in a state in which the camera is fixed to a vehicle, a ceiling, or the like in accordance with use applications. However, when a moving image is captured in a state in which the camera is inverted, the top and bottom of an image or right and left channels of sound are inverted.

[0005] Therefore, there is also suggested a function of vertically inverting a recording image or exchanging right and left channels of sound on the assumption that image capturing is performed in a state in which a camera is inverted.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-28778

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the above-described technology, when capturing an image in a state in which a camera is inverted, and the like, an image capturing operation and the like are inconvenient, and thus it cannot be said that convenience is sufficiently improved by only vertically inverting a captured image.

[0008] The present technology has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve convenience.

Solutions to Problems

[0009] According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided an image processing device including: a setting unit that sets a flip function of displaying an image in a state of being vertically inverted to ON or OFF; and a control unit that performs control so that a display screen is allowed to be displayed on the basis of setting of the flip function, and in a case of receiving an operation instruction related to a predetermined direction from an external device, an operation related to the predetermined direction is performed with the display screen set as a reference.

[0010] In a case where the flip function is set to ON, the control unit may allow the display screen to be displayed in a state of being vertically inverted.

[0011] In a case where the flip function is set to ON, when receiving an operation instruction related to an upward direction with the external device set as a reference from the external device, the control unit may perform control so that an operation to the upward direction with the vertically and invertedly displayed display screen set as a reference is performed.

[0012] In a case where the flip function is set to OFF, the control unit may allow the display screen to be displayed without being vertically inverted, and may perform control so that, when receiving an operation instruction related to an upward direction with the external device set as a reference from the external device, an operation to the upward direction with the display screen displayed without vertical inversion set as a reference is performed.

[0013] The display screen may set as a menu screen in which a plurality of menu items are arranged in parallel.

[0014] In a case where the flip function is set to ON, the control unit may allow the menu screen to be displayed in a state of being vertically inverted, and when receiving an operation instruction related to the predetermined direction from the external device, the control unit may select the menu item on the menu screen with the vertically and invertedly displayed menu screen set as a reference on the basis of the operation instruction related to the predetermined direction.

[0015] In a case of receiving an operation instruction associated with no direction from the external device, the control unit may perform control so that the operation associated with no direction is performed without depending on setting of the flip function.

[0016] In a case where the flip function is set to ON, at least one of vertical inversion of an image acquired through image capturing, exchange of right and left channels of collected sound acquired through sound collection, vertical inversion display of the display screen, or change of allocation functions between operation units associated with directions different from each other may be performed.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a control method or a program which includes steps of: setting a flip function of displaying an image in a state of being vertically inverted to ON or OFF; and performing control so that a display screen is allowed to be displayed on the basis of setting of the flip function, and in a case of receiving an operation instruction related to a predetermined direction from an external device, an operation related to the predetermined direction is performed with the display screen set as a reference.

[0018] In the aspect of the present technology, a flip function of displaying an image in a state of being vertically inverted is set to ON or OFF, and control is performed so that a display screen is allowed to be displayed on the basis of setting of the flip function, and in a case of receiving an operation instruction related to a predetermined direction from an external device, an operation related to the predetermined direction is performed with the display screen set as a reference.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the aspects of the present technology, it is possible to improve convenience.

[0020] Furthermore, the effect described herein is not limited, and may be any one effect described in the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration example of an external appearance of an imaging device.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a configuration example of the external appearance of the imaging device.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a configuration example of the external appearance of the imaging device.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a configuration example of the external appearance of the imaging device.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging device.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating flip setting.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the flip setting.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the flip setting.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating flip setting processing.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the flip setting and capturing of a moving image.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the flip setting and capturing of a moving image.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating image capturing processing.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the flip setting and image output.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the flip setting and image output.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating output processing.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the flip setting and behavior of a direction key.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the flip setting and behavior of a direction key.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating display switching related to a DISP function.

[0039] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating display switching related to the DISP function.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a view illustrating display switching related to the DISP function.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a display example of a function setting screen.

[0042] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a display example of a WB setting screen.

[0043] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a display example of a menu screen.

[0044] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating key operation processing.

[0045] FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a configuration example of an external appearance a remote operation device.

[0046] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating command execution processing.

[0047] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic operating system.

[0049] FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a camera head and a CCU which are illustrated in FIG. 28.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present technology is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

[0051]

[0052] First, description will be given of a configuration example of an external appearance of an imaging device which is an example of an image processing device to which the present technology is applied with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a front view of the external appearance of the imaging device.

[0054] For example, an imaging device 11 is constituted by a digital camera and the like and has a configuration capable of capturing an image in a state in which a user who is a photographer carries the imaging device 11 with hands and capable of capturing an image in a state in which the imaging device 11 is fixed to a bicycle, a ceiling, a wall, or the like.

[0055] A lens 21 that guides light from a subject to an imaging element (not illustrated) is provided on a front surface of the imaging device 11. In addition, a sound collection unit 22-1 and a sound collection unit 22-2 which are constituted by a microphone that collects ambient sound at the time of capturing a moving image are provided on a lower side of the lens 21 on the front surface of the imaging device 11 in the drawing. Basically, sound collected by the sound collection unit 22-1 becomes sound of a right channel and sound collected by the sound collection unit 22-2 becomes sound of a left channel.

[0056] Furthermore, in the following description, the sound collection unit 22-1 and the sound collection unit 22-2 are also simply referred to as “sound collection unit 22” in a case where it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the units.

[0057] A tally lamp 23 is provided on an upper-left side of the front portion of the imaging device 11 in the drawing. The tally lamp 23 is turned on during capturing of a moving image by the imaging device 11 and is turned off while capturing of the moving image is not performed.

[0058] In addition, typically, when a moving image or a still image is captured with the imaging device 11, image capturing is performed in a state in which a top surface indicated by an arrow A11 faces a vertically upward side, that is, in a state in which a bottom surface indicated by an arrow A12 faces a ground surface.

[0059] Accordingly, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a power supply button 41, a shutter button 42, a sound output unit 43, and the like are provided on the top surface of the imaging device 11. Furthermore, FIG. 2 is a top view of the imaging device 11 when viewed from the upper side toward a downward direction in FIG. 1.

[0060] The power supply button 41 is a button that is operated when the imaging device 11 is powered on or off. The shutter button 42 is operated when capturing a still image, when initiating capturing of a moving image, when stopping capturing of a moving image, and the like. In addition, the shutter button 42 functions as an Enter key (a selection button) for determining selection in a state in which a menu screen or the like is displayed on a display unit (not illustrated).

[0061] For example, the sound output unit 43 is constituted by a speaker and the like and reproduces sound of a moving image at the time of reproduction of the moving image.

[0062] In addition, on a surface opposite to the front surface of the imaging device 11 illustrated in FIG. 1, that is, a rear surface of the imaging device 11, for example, various buttons and the like are provided as illustrated in FIG. 3. Furthermore, in FIG. 3, an upper side of the imaging device 11 in FIG. 3 is a top surface side, and a lower side of the imaging device 11 in FIG. 3 is a bottom surface side.

[0063] A display unit 61 which is constituted, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like and which displays various images is provided on the rear surface of the imaging device 11.

[0064] In addition, a tally lamp 62, an upward button 63, a downward button 64, a leftward button 65, a rightward button 66, and a menu button 67 are provided at the periphery of the display unit 61.

[0065] Similarly to the tally lamp 23 provided on the front surface of the imaging device 11, the tally lamp 62 is turned on when a moving image is being captured and is turned off when a moving image is not captured.

[0066] The upward button 63 is operated when an upward operation is performed on an image, a menu screen, or the like displayed on the display unit 61.

[0067] That is, the upward button 63 is operated, for example, when moving a cursor or the like on a menu screen toward a top end of the menu screen, when performing a scrolling operation for displaying a region close to the top end of an image acquired by image capturing, or the like.

[0068] In the following description, particularly, it is assumed that a direction from the center of an image, a menu screen, or the like toward the top end thereof is also referred to as “screen upward direction”, and similarly, directions from the center of the image, the menu screen, or the like toward the bottom, the left end, and the right end are also referred to as “screen downward direction”, “screen leftward direction”, and “screen rightward direction”, respectively. For example, the screen upward direction is an upward direction with an image, a menu screen, or the like set as a reference, that is, on the image, the menu screen, or the like.

[0069] In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that functions of performing operations associated with the screen upward direction, the screen downward direction, the screen leftward direction, and the screen rightward direction on an image, a menu screen, or the like are also referred to as “upward operation function”, “downward operation function”, “leftward operation function”, and “rightward operation function”, respectively.

[0070] Accordingly, the upward operation function such as an operation associated with the upward direction with a display screen such as an image and a menu screen set as a reference, that is, a scrolling operation of moving a cursor or the like in the screen upward direction or displaying a region close to an end in the screen upward direction, is allocated to the upward button 63.

[0071] In addition, the upward button 63 is also operated when display on the display unit 61 is switched at the time of capturing an image or reproducing an image. That is, when the upward button 63 is operated, the display on the display unit 61 is switched in correspondence with the operation on the upward button 63 in a state in which marks and the like which indicate various settings are displayed minimum necessary, a state in which a lot of marks and the like which indicate various settings are displayed, a state in which a histogram associated with an image is displayed, and the like.

[0072] In the following description, a function of switching the display on the display unit 61 at the time of capturing an image or reproducing an image is referred to as “DISP function”.

[0073] In this manner, the upward operation function and the DISP function are allocated to the upward button 63.

[0074] Characters “DISP” indicating the DISP function are printed above the upward button 63 in the drawing, that is, in a portion indicated by an arrow W11, on the rear surface of the imaging device 11. A user can instantaneously understand that the DISP function is allocated to the upward button 63 when viewing the printed characters.

[0075] The downward button 64 is disposed below the upward button 63 in the drawing, that is, on the bottom surface side thereof. The downward button 64 is operated when performing a screen downward operation. That is, a downward operation function is allocated to the downward button 64.

[0076] In addition, an arbitrary function among a plurality of predetermined functions in addition to the downward operation function can be selectively allocated to the downward button 64. For example, in initial setting, a reproduction function is allocated to the downward button 64. Reproduction of the latest captured image is initiated when the downward button 64 is operated.

[0077] The rightward button 66 is operated when performing a screen rightward operation on an image, a menu screen, and the like which are displayed on the display unit 61. That is, the rightward operation function is allocated to the rightward button 66.

[0078] Specifically, the rightward button 66 is operated, for example, when moving a cursor or the like in the screen rightward direction on a menu screen, when performing a scrolling operation of displaying a region close to a right end of an image acquired by image capturing, and the like.

[0079] In addition, in addition to the rightward operation function, a function display function (hereinafter, referred to as “Fn function”) of displaying a function setting screen is also allocated to the rightward button 66. That is, for example, when the rightward button 66 is operated at the time of capturing an image, or the like, a function setting screen is displayed on the display unit 61.

[0080] Characters “Fn” indicating the Fn function are printed on the right of the rightward button 66 in the drawing, that is, in a portion indicated by an arrow W12, on the rear surface of the imaging device 11. A user can instantaneously understand that the Fn function is allocated to the rightward button 66 when viewing the printed characters.

[0081] Furthermore, an example in which characters such as characters “DISP” and “Fn” indicating functions allocated in advance to the buttons are printed in the vicinity of the buttons is described, but symbols indicating functions and the like may be printed.

[0082] The leftward button 65 is disposed on the left of the rightward button 66 in the drawing. The leftward button 65 is operated when a screen leftward operation is performed. That is, a leftward operation function is allocated to the leftward button 65.

[0083] In addition, an arbitrary function among a plurality of predetermined functions in addition to the leftward operation function can be selectively allocated to the leftward button 65. For example, in initial setting, a white balance (WB) setting function is allocated to the leftward button 65, and when the leftward button 65 is operated at the time of capturing an image or the like, a WB setting screen for selecting an image capturing environment serving as a premise for white balance adjustment is displayed on the display unit 61.

[0084] In this manner, the upward button 63, the downward button 64, the leftward button 65, and the rightward button 66 are associated with upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions, and functions of performing an operation in the directions associated with the buttons (keys) and functions associated with no direction are allocated to thereto. That is, a function that is associated with a direction and a function that is not associated with a direction are allocated in advance to the buttons which are operation units associated with a direction.

[0085] In the following description, the upward button 63, the downward button 64, the leftward button 65, and the rightward button 66 are also referred to as “direction key” in a case where it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the buttons. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, an arrow indicating a direction associated with each direction key is printed on the direction key. In addition, at least one function may be allocated to each direction key. That is, one or more functions may be allocated to each direction key.

[0086] A menu button 67 is disposed on the left of the leftward button 65 in the drawing. The menu button 67 is operated when displaying a menu screen on the display unit 61. That is, a menu display function of displaying a menu screen is allocated to the menu button 67.

[0087] A cover 68 is attached to the left of the display unit 61 in the drawing on the rear surface of the imaging device 11. The cover 68 is detachable from the imaging device 11 by operating a lock button 69.

[0088] As indicated by an arrow Q11, various terminals or slots are provided on a lower side of the cover 68 in the main body of the imaging device 11. Here, a view indicated by the arrow Q11 illustrates a state in which the cover 68 is detached from the left part of the rear surface of the main body of the imaging device 11.

[0089] In this example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) (registered trademark) terminal 70 and a universal serial bus (USB) (registered trademark) terminal 71 are provided as input/output terminals for external connection below the cover 68 of the main body of the imaging device 11.

[0090] In addition, a terminal 72 for attachment of a microphone, a slot 73 that is an insertion port of a removable recording medium detachable from the imaging device 11, and a medium access lamp 74 for giving a notification of access to the removable recording medium and the like are provided below the cover 68 of the main body of the imaging device 11.

[0091] In addition, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a socket 91 that is a fixing portion for fixing the imaging device 11 to a tripod or the like is provided on the bottom surface of the imaging device 11. When the imaging device 11 is fixed to a ceiling, a wall, or the like by using the socket 91, image capturing or the like can be performed in a state in which the imaging device 11 is inverted or rotated by 90 degrees.

[0092]

[0093] A functional configuration example of the imaging device 11 will be described below.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging device 11. Furthermore, in FIG. 5, the same reference numeral will be given to a portion corresponding to a case in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0095] In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the imaging device 11 can be remotely operated with a remote operation device 121, and an external device 122 such as a display-equipped recorder or a display is connected to the imaging device 11. In the following description, it is assumed that the external device 122 is the display-equipped recorder. In addition, the external device 122 and the imaging device 11 can be remotely operated by a remote operation device 123 for an external device dedicated for the external device 122.

[0096] The imaging device 11 includes an imaging unit 131, a sound collection unit 22, an operation unit 132, a control unit 133, a removable recording medium 134, a sound output unit 43, a display unit 61, a communication unit 135, and an input/output terminal 136.

[0097] The imaging unit 131 includes the lens 21 illustrated in FIG. 1, an imaging element, and the like. The imaging unit 131 captures an image by receiving light from a subject and photoelectrically converting the received light under the control of the control unit 133, and supplies image data of an acquired image to the control unit 133. Furthermore, in the following description, an image acquired by the imaging unit 131 is also particularly referred to as “captured image”.

[0098] The sound collection unit 22 collects ambient sound under the control of the control unit 133 and supplies sound data of the collected sound acquired as a result to the control unit 133.

[0099] For example, the operation unit 132 includes the power supply button 41 and the shutter button 42 which are illustrated in FIG. 2, the upward button 63 to the menu button 67 which are illustrated in FIG. 3, a touch panel disposed to overlap the display unit 61, and the like, and supplies a signal corresponding to a user’s operation to the control unit 133.

[0100] The control unit 133 controls the whole operations of the imaging device 11. The control unit 133 includes a setting unit 151, an on-screen-display (OSD) image generation unit 152, a display control unit 153, and a recording control unit 154.

[0101] The setting unit 151 performs various settings on the basis of a signal transmitted from the operation unit 132. The OSD image generation unit 152 generates an OSD image.

[0102] Examples of an OSD image include images indicating marks or images indicating various settings or states of the imaging device 11 such as a mark indicating an image capturing mode, an image indicating an amount of residual power of a battery, a mark indicating white balance setting, and the like.

[0103] The display control unit 153 controls display of various images on the display unit 61 or the external device 122. The recording control unit 154 controls recording of image data acquired through image capturing or sound data acquired through sound collection on the removable recording medium 134 or the external device 122.

[0104] The removable recording medium 134 is a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device 11, and enters a state attached to the imaging device 11 when being inserted into the slot 73 illustrated in FIG. 3. The removable recording medium 134 records image data or sound data supplied from the control unit 133 and supplies image data or sound data recorded thereon to the control unit 133 as necessary.

[0105] The communication unit 135 receives a command transmitted from the remote operation device 121 through wireless or wired communication and supplies the received command to the control unit 133.

[0106] For example, the remote operation device 121 is a remote commander that is dedicated for the imaging device 11 or a general-purpose remote commander that transmits a command by wireless communication using infrared rays or the like or wired communication using the terminal 71 or the like, and may be realized by a smartphone or the like.

[0107] For example, the input/output terminal 136 is an input/output unit that is constituted by the terminal 70 and the terminal 71 illustrated in FIG. 3, or the like, and performs communication with the external device 122.

[0108] For example, the input/output terminal 136 outputs image data or sound data which is supplied from the control unit 133 to the external device 122, or outputs a command and the like which are supplied from the external device 122 to the control unit 133.

[0109]

[0110] Incidentally, as described above, the imaging device 11 may be used in a state of being carried by hands of a user or may be used in a state of being fixed to a ceiling, a wall, or the like.

[0111] For example, when the imaging device 11 is used in a state of being fixed inversely, a captured image is recorded in a vertically inverted state and right and left channels of collected sound are recorded in an exchanged state.

[0112] Therefore, the imaging device 11 is provided with a flip function for prohibiting vertical inversion of an image even when the imaging device 11 is used in an inverted state. The flip function is a function of vertically inverting a display direction of an image such as a captured image, a reproduced image, and a menu screen to a predetermined direction, that is, the vertical direction herein. In addition, in this embodiment, even when the imaging device 11 is used in an inverted state, the right and left channels of sound are not inverted due to the flip function.

[0113] Here, with regard to a captured image acquired by the imaging unit 131, an angle-of-view confirmation image displayed on the display unit 61 during image capturing is referred to as “through-image”, and a recording image that is to be recorded on the removable recording medium 134 or the like is referred to as “recording image”. In addition, sound acquired by the sound collection unit 22 is also referred to as “collected sound”, and recording sound that is to be recorded on the removable recording medium 134 or the like is also referred to as “recording sound”.

[0114] For example, in a state in which flip setting is turned off, that is, in a state in which the flip function is set to OFF, it is assumed that the imaging device 11 is used in a non-inverted state, that is, in a state in which the bottom surface of the imaging device 11 faces a vertically downward side (the ground surface side).

[0115] Accordingly, in the state in which flip setting is turned off, a captured image and collected sound become a recording image and recording sound as is.

[0116] In addition, although details will be described later, a display screen such as an OSD image and a menu screen is also displayed so that the top surface of the imaging device 11 faces the screen upward direction in the state in which flip setting is turned off.

[0117] Furthermore, in the following description, images (screens) which are displayed on the display unit 61 such as a recording image, an OSD image, and a menu screen are also simply referred to as “display screen” in a case where it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the images (screens). Here, it is assumed that a through-image is not included in (is excluded from) the display screen.

[0118] In addition, in the following description, a display state in which a top end of a display screen, that is, an end in the screen upward direction is located on the top surface side of the display unit 61 when the display screen is displayed on the display unit 61 is referred to as “normal display state”. In the normal display state, on the display unit 61, characters and the like are displayed erectly to a user who uses the imaging device 11 in a state in which the top surface thereof is located on the upper side when seen from the user.

[0119] In contrast, in a state in which flip setting is turned on, that is, the flip function is set to ON, a captured image is vertically inverted, that is, the captured image is rotated by 180 degrees and is set as a recording image, and the right and left channels of collected sound are exchanged and are set as recording sound.

[0120] In addition, although details will be described later, a display screen such as an OSD image and a menu screen is vertically inverted and displayed such that the bottom surface of the imaging device 11 faces the screen upward direction in a state in which flip setting is turned on. That is, the display direction of the display screen is vertically inverted.

[0121] Furthermore, in the following description, a display state in which a top end of a display screen, that is, an end in the screen upward direction, is located on the bottom surface side of the display unit 61 when the display screen is displayed on the display unit 61 is referred to as “inverted display state”.

[0122] In the inverted display state, on the display unit 61, characters and the like are displayed erectly to a user who uses the imaging device 11 in a state in which the bottom surface thereof is located on the upper side when seen from the user. In other words, in the inverted display state, on the display unit 61, characters and the like are displayed in the vertically inverted state to a user who uses the imaging device 11 in a state in which the top surface thereof is located on the upper side when seen from the user.

[0123] Furthermore, in the state in which flip setting is turned on, behavior of the direction keys of the imaging device 11 also varies. That is, functions allocated to two direction keys associated with different directions are exchanged between the two direction keys.

[0124] In a case where the flip function is set to ON in this manner, vertical inversion of a captured image at the time of generating a recording image, exchange of the right and left channels of collected sound at the time of generating recording sound, vertically inverted display of a display screen, and exchange of allocated functions between the direction keys are performed, but at least one thereof may be performed. For example, when the flip function is set to ON, at least vertical inversion of a display direction of an image such as vertical inversion of a captured image at the time of generating a recording image or vertically inverted display of a display screen may be performed. In this case, exchange of the right and left channels of collected sound at the time of generating recording sound or exchange of allocated functions between the direction keys may be performed or may not be performed.

[0125]

[0126] Flip setting will be described below in more details.

[0127] First, an operation when the flip function is set to ON or OFF will be described.

[0128] A user can perform a setting operation of setting flip setting to ON or OFF by operating the menu button 67 disposed on the rear surface of the imaging device 11 or the like to display a menu screen on the display unit 61.

[0129] For example, when the menu button 67 is operated in a state in which flip setting is turned off, the display control unit 153 supplies data of a menu screen to the display unit 61 in correspondence with a signal supplied from the menu button 67 serving as the operation unit 132 and displays the menu screen illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0130] In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of menu items including a menu item MA11 in which characters “Flip” are displayed are arranged (displayed) in parallel on the menu screen. The menu item MA11 is a menu item for performing flip setting, and characters “Off” displayed in the menu item MA11 indicate that current flip setting is turned off. Accordingly, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the display state of the menu screen is the normal display state.

[0131] In addition, in this example, the menu item MA11 is highlighted, that is, is in a display state different from that of other menu items, and the menu item MA11 is in a selected state.

[0132] In this state, for example, it is assumed that the user operates the shutter button 42 or the like disposed on the top surface of the imaging device 11 and gives an instruction for determination of selection of the menu item MA11.

[0133] Then, the display control unit 153 supplies data of a flip setting screen to the display unit 61 in correspondence with a signal supplied from the shutter button 42 or the like serving as the operation unit 132 and displays, for example, the flip setting screen illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0134] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, since a flip setting screen FC11 for performing flip setting is displayed to overlap the menu screen illustrated in FIG. 6 and flip setting is turned off, the flip setting screen FC11 is also displayed in the normal display state.

[0135] A setting item CA11-1 for setting the flip function to ON and a setting item CA11-2 for setting the flip function to OFF are displayed on the flip setting screen FC11. Particularly, characters “On” are displayed in the setting item CA11-1, and characters “Off” are displayed in the setting item CA11-2. Furthermore, in the following description, the setting item CA11-1 and the setting item CA11-2 are also simply referred to as “setting item CA11” when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the items.

[0136] When the flip setting screen FC11 is displayed, the user performs flip setting by operating the direction keys, the shutter button 42, and the like to set the setting item CA11 as a selected state or to determine selection of the setting item CA11 that is in the selected state.

[0137] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the setting item CA11-2 for turning off flip setting is highlighted and is set to a selected state. When an operation of determining selection of the setting item CA11-2 is performed in this state, the setting unit 151 turns off the flip setting on the basis of a signal supplied from the operation unit 132 and records flip setting information indicating the setting result.

[0138] Furthermore, more specifically, the setting unit 151 records flip setting information and updates the flip setting information by setting the recorded flip setting information to information indicating that the flip function is set to OFF when selection of the setting item CA11-2 is determined.

[0139] When flip setting is turned off in this manner, the display control unit 153 returns, for example, the display of the display unit 61 to the menu screen illustrated in FIG. 6 or returns the display to a state before the menu screen is displayed, for example, a state in which a through-image is displayed.

[0140] On the other hand, when the setting item CA11-1 for turning on flip setting is selected and an operation of determining the selection of the setting item CA11-1 is performed by the user, the setting unit 151 turns on flip setting on the basis of a signal supplied from the operation unit 132 and records flip setting information indicating the setting result. That is, the flip setting information is updated with information indicating that the flip function is set to ON.

[0141] In addition, when flip setting is turned on, the display control unit 153 controls the display unit 61 immediately thereafter to display, for example, an explanation screen that is a screen associated with flip setting illustrated in FIG. 8, that is, a screen associated with setting of the flip function is displayed.

[0142] In this example, since flip setting is turned on, the explanation screen is displayed in the inverted display state. That is, the explanation screen is displayed in the vertically inverted state on the display unit 61 such that the top end of the explanation screen faces the bottom surface of the imaging device 11.

[0143] Explanation related to the flip function is displayed on the explanation screen. Specifically, characters “switches between the up button and down button function.” and characters “switches between the left button and right button function.” which indicate explanation related to behavior of the operation unit 132 when flip setting is turned on, particularly, behavior of the direction keys serving as the operation unit 132 are displayed on the explanation screen.

[0144] That is, explanation indicating exchange of behavior (functions) of buttons associated with opposite directions such as the upward button 63 and the downward button 64 among the direction keys is displayed on the explanation screen. Similarly, explanation indicating exchange of behavior (functions) of buttons associated with opposite directions such as the leftward button 65 and the rightward button 66 among the direction keys is also displayed on the explanation screen.

[0145] Furthermore, details of behavior of the direction keys or the like according to flip setting will be described later. In addition, description has been given of a case where explanation of behavior of the direction keys is displayed as an example of the explanation screen. However, the explanation screen is not particularly limited as long as explanation indicating behavior of the imaging device 11 or the like including a display state when flip setting is turned on such as explanation indicating that the display is vertically inverted and explanation of behavior of a remote operation device is displayed.

[0146] As described above, in the imaging device 11, immediately after flip setting is turned on, an explanation screen on which explanation of behavior of the imaging device 11 is displayed when flip setting is turned on is displayed in the inverted display state. With this arrangement, a user can be notified of a situation in which flip setting is turned on and can be allowed to intuitively and easily understand behavior after the setting. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience of the imaging device 11. Particularly, when the explanation screen is displayed in the inverted display state, a user can easily understand that the display of the display unit 61 is vertically inverted.

[0147] In addition, a button BT11 that is operated when a user has confirmed the explanation content of the explanation screen is also displayed on the explanation screen illustrated in FIG. 8, and characters “OK” are displayed in the button BT11.

[0148] When the button BT11 is provided on the explanation screen, a user can be prompted to confirm that flip setting is turned on. Accordingly, in this example, the explanation screen also serves as a confirmation screen for performing confirmation of flip setting, that is, confirmation of setting of the flip function with respect to a user.

[0149] When the button BT11 is operated by a user, the display of the display unit 61 is then returned to, for example, the menu screen illustrated in FIG. 6 or is returned to a state before the menu screen is displayed, for example, a state in which a through-image is displayed.

[0150] In addition, description has been given of an example in which the button BT11 which is an OK button for confirming that flip setting is turned on is provided on the explanation screen, but a cancellation button for canceling the operation of turning on flip setting in addition to the button BT11 may also be provided.

[0151] In this case, a user operates the cancellation button on the explanation screen by operating the direction keys or the like serving as the operation unit 132, thereby invalidating the selecting operation of turning on flip setting which has been performed by the user.

[0152] When the cancellation button is operated by a user in a state in which the explanation screen (the confirmation screen) is displayed to give an instruction for cancellation of the setting of turning on the flip function, the setting unit 151 cancels the setting of the flip function which has been performed immediately before the explanation screen is displayed on the basis of a signal transmitted from the operation unit 132. In addition, the display control unit 153 controls the display unit 61 to return the display of the display unit 61 to the flip setting screen FC11 illustrated in FIG. 7. Then, when flip setting is newly performed, the setting unit 151 records flip setting information indicating a new setting result.

[0153] When setting of turning on the flip function which has been performed immediately before can be canceled on the explanation screen of flip setting in this manner, it is possible to further improve convenience.

[0154] Description will be given of a specific operation of the imaging device 11 when the above-described flip setting is performed. That is, flip setting processing that is performed by the imaging device 11 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. This flip setting processing is initiated when the flip setting screen FC11 illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 61.

[0155] In step S11, the setting unit 151 determines whether or not to turn on flip setting on the basis of a signal transmitted from the operation unit 132.

[0156] For example, in a case where the operation unit 132 is operated by a user and selection of the setting item CA11-1 on the flip setting screen FC11 is determined, it is determined that flip setting is turned on. In contrast, in a case where selection of the setting item CA11-2 on the flip setting screen FC11 is determined, it is determined that flip setting is not to be turned on, that is, to be turned off.

[0157] In step S11, in a case where it is determined that flip setting is to be turned on, that is, in a case where an instruction for turning-on of the flip function is received, in step S12, the setting unit 151 turns on flip setting on the basis of a signal supplied fromthe operation unit 132 in correspondence with an operation of determining selection of the setting item CA11-1 by a user.

[0158] Specifically, the flip setting information recorded by the setting unit 151 is updated with information indicating that flip setting is turned on. In other words, the setting unit 151 generates flip setting information indicating that flip setting is turned on, and records the generated flip setting information.

[0159] In step S13, the display control unit 153 supplies data of the explanation screen to the display unit 61, controls the display unit 61 on the basis of the flip setting information that is recorded in the setting unit 151 and indicates that flip setting is turned on to allow the display unit 61 to display a vertically inverted explanation screen. With this arrangement, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the explanation screen is displayed in the inverted display state on the display unit 61.

[0160] When the explanation screen is displayed, the flip setting processing is terminated. In this case, when the button BT11 is operated by a user, the display of the display unit 61 is returned to the menu screen or is returned to display of a through-image.

[0161] In contrast, in step S11, in a case where it is determined that flip setting is not to be turned on, that is, to be turned off, in step S14, the setting unit 151 turns off flip setting on the basis of a signal supplied from the operation unit 132 in correspondence with an operation of determining selection of the setting item CA11-2 by a user.

[0162] Specifically, the setting unit 151 updates the flip setting information that is recorded with information indicating that flip setting is turned off. In other words, the setting unit 151 generates flip setting information indicating that flip setting is turned off, and records the generated flip setting information.

[0163] When flip setting is turned off, the flip setting processing is terminated. In this case, the display of the display unit 61 is returned to, for example, the menu screen or is returned to display of a through-image. That is, when flip setting is turned off, the display control unit 153 does not display a screen related to setting of the flip function such as the explanation screen illustrated in FIG. 8, and the like.

[0164] When the flip setting information is recorded and flip setting is turned on in correspondence with a user’s operation of the flip setting screen in this manner, the imaging device 11 displays the explanation screen in the inverted display state immediately thereafter. Accordingly, the user can be allowed to easily understand whether flip setting is turned on or what behavior is performed when flip setting is turned on. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience of the imaging device 11.

[0165]

[0166] Operations at the time of capturing an image when flip setting is turned on or off will be described below.

[0167] For example, when a moving image is captured in a state in which flip setting is turned off, a captured image and collected sound become a recording image and recording sound as is. In addition, display in the normal display state is performed on the display unit 61.

[0168] Accordingly, for example, when image capturing is performed in a state in which the bottom surface of the imaging device 11 faces the ground surface as indicated by an arrow Q21 in FIG. 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as “normal use state”), an OSD image or a through-image displayed on the display unit 61 is displayed erectly to a user.

[0169] Furthermore, when a user uses the imaging device 11 in the normal use state, it is assumed that the user sees the display unit 61 in a state in which the top surface thereof is located on the upper side of the imaging device 11 when seen from the user, and the bottom surface thereof is located on the lower side of the imaging device 11 when seen from the user. This is similar to the following description.

[0170] In addition, when a user uses the imaging device 11 in a state in which the imaging device 11 is vertically inverted (hereinafter, also referred to as “inverted use state”), it is assumed that the user sees the display unit 61 in a state in which the bottom surface thereof is located on the upper side of the imaging device 11 when seen from the user, and the top surface thereof is located on the lower side of the imaging device 11 when seen from the user.

[0171] In addition, a situation in which an OSD image or a through-image is displayed erectly to a user represents a situation in which characters on the OSD image are neither inverted nor laid down, and are displayed erectly to the user in the same way as a state in which a user generally sees the characters and a subject on the through-image is also displayed to the user in the same way as the user actually sees the subject. In the following description, when it is mentioned that something is seen erectly by a user, it means that an image or the like is seen from the user in this state.

[0172] When flip setting is turned off and image capturing is performed in the normal use state as indicated by the arrow Q21, a recording image is also recorded in a state similar to a state in which the user actually sees a subject as indicated by an arrow Q22 and recording sound is also recorded in a state in which the right and left channels are right.

[0173] In addition, for example, when flip setting is turned off and image capturing is performed in the inverted use state as indicated by an arrow Q23, that is, in a state in which the imaging device 11 is vertically inverted, a subject is displayed on the through-image as if the user sees an actual subject, but the OSD image is displayed in the vertically inverted state to the user.

[0174] Furthermore, when flip setting is turned off and image capturing is performed in the inverted use state as indicated by the arrow Q23, the recording image is recorded in the vertically inverted state unlike a subject that is actually seen by the user as indicated by an arrow Q24 and the recording sound is also recorded in a state in which the right and left channels are inverted unlike actual sound.

[0175] In this manner, when flip setting is turned off, the normal use state is a right use state and the inverted use state is a wrong use state. That is, when flip setting is turned off, use of the imaging device 11 in the normal use state is assumed, and use in the inverted use state is not assumed.

[0176] On the other hand, when a moving image is captured in a state in which flip setting is turned on, an image obtained by vertically inverting a captured image is set as a recording image, and sound obtained by exchanging the right and left channels of collected sound is set as recording sound. In addition, display in the inverted display state is performed on the display unit 61. However, a through-image is not displayed in the inverted display state, and is displayed in the normal display state.

[0177] Accordingly, when flip setting is turned on and image capturing is performed by the imaging device 11 in the normal use state, for example, as indicated by an arrow Q31 in FIG. 11, a subject is displayed on a through-image in the same way as a user sees the actual subject, but an OSD image is displayed in the vertically inverted state to the user.

[0178] When flip setting is turned on and image capturing is performed in the normal use state as indicated by the arrow Q31, the recording image is recorded in the vertically inverted state unlike a subject which is actually seen by the user as indicated by an arrow Q32, and the recording sound is also recorded in a state in which the right and left channels are inverted unlike actual sound.

[0179] Furthermore, for example, when flip setting is turned on and image capturing is performed by the imaging device 11 in the inverted use state as indicated by an arrow Q33, an OSD image or a through-image displayed on the display unit 61 is seen erectly by a user.

[0180] When flip setting is turned on and image capturing is performed in the inverted use state as indicated by the arrow Q33, the recording image is recorded in the similar state to the user actually sees a subject as indicated by an arrow Q34 and the recording sound is also recorded in a state in which the right and left channels thereof are right.

[0181] In this manner, when flip setting is turned on, the inverted use state is a right use state and the normal use state is a wrong use state. That is, when flip setting is turned on, use of the imaging device 11 in the inverted use state is assumed, and use thereof in the normal use state is not assumed.

[0182] Description will be given of an operation of the imaging device 11 when a moving image is captured. That is, image capturing processing using the imaging device 11 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12.

[0183] In step S41, the imaging unit 131 initiates capturing of an image. That is, the imaging unit 131 captures an image of each frame by receiving light incident from a subject and performing photoelectric conversion, and sequentially supplies image data that is acquired to the control unit 133.

[0184] In step S42, the sound collection unit 22 initiates collection of ambient sound and sequentially supplies sound data of collected sound to the control unit 133.

[0185] In step S43, the control unit 133 determines whether or not flip setting is turned on. For example, in a case where flip setting information recorded in the setting unit 151 is information indicating that flip setting is turned on, it is determined that flip setting is turned on.

[0186] In step S43, in a case where it is determined that flip setting is turned on, in step S44, the display control unit 153 displays a vertically inverted OSD image to overlap a through-image.

[0187] That is, the display control unit 153 supplies image data of the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 131 as image data of a through-image to the display unit 61 as is, and allows the display unit 61 to display the through-image.

[0188] In addition, the display control unit 153 generates image data in which an OSD image is displayed in the vertically inverted state, that is, an OSD image is displayed in the inverted display state on the basis of the image data of the OSD image generated by the OSD image generation unit 152 in accordance with various settings, and sets the generated image data as image data of a final OSD image. Then, the display control unit 153 supplies the generated image data of the OSD image to the display unit 61 and controls the display unit 61 to display the OSD image in the inverted display state to overlap the through-image.

[0189] With this arrangement, for example, the through-image and the OSD image which are indicated by an arrow Q31 or indicated by an arrow Q33 in FIG. 11 are displayed on the display unit 61.

[0190] In step S45, the recording control unit 154 vertically inverts the captured image and sets the inverted captured image as a recording image.

[0191] That is, the recording control unit 154 generates image data for displaying a captured image displayed in the inverted display state, that is, an image displayed in the vertically inverted state as image data for a recording image on the basis of the image data of the captured image supplied from the imaging unit 131.

[0192] In step S46, the recording control unit 154 exchanges the right and left channels of collected sound and sets the channel-exchanged sound as recording sound.

[0193] That is, the recording control unit 154 generates sound data in which the right and left channels of sound data are exchanged on the basis of the sound data of the collected sound supplied from the sound collection unit 22, and sets the generated sound data as sound data for recording sound.

[0194] Through the above-described processing, image data of a recording image and sound data of recording sound for reproducing a moving image are acquired, for example, as indicated by an arrow Q32 or an arrow Q34 in FIG. 11.

[0195] When the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound are acquired, for example, the recording control unit 154 supplies the image data and the sound data to the removable recording medium 134 and records the image data and the sound data therein. In addition, for example, the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound may be supplied to the external device 122 through the input/output terminal 136 by the control unit 133.

[0196] Then, when the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound are appropriately recorded or the like, the image capturing processing is terminated.

[0197] In contrast, in step S43, in a case where it is determined that flip setting is not turned on, that is, flip setting is turned off, the processing proceeds to step S47.

[0198] In step S47, the display control unit 153 displays an OSD image to overlap a through-image.

[0199] That is, the display control unit 153 supplies image data of the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 131 as image data of a through-image to the display unit 61 as is, and allows the display unit 61 to display the through-image.

[0200] In addition, the display control unit 153 supplies the image data of an OSD image, which is generated by the OSD image generation unit 152 in accordance with various settings, to the display unit 61 as is, and controls the display unit 61 to display the OSD image in the normal display state to overlap the through-image.

[0201] With this arrangement, for example, the through-image and the OSD image which are indicated by an arrow Q21 or indicated by an arrow Q23 in FIG. 10 are displayed on the display unit 61.

[0202] In step S48, the recording control unit 154 sets the captured image as a recording image as is. That is, the recording control unit 154 sets the image data of the captured image supplied from the imaging unit 131 as image data of a recording image as is.

[0203] In step S49, the recording control unit 154 sets the collected sound as recording sound as is. That is, the recording control unit 154 sets the sound data of the collected sound supplied from the sound collection unit 22 as sound data of recording sound as is.

[0204] Through the above-described processes, image data of a recording image and sound data of recording sound for reproducing a moving image are acquired, for example, as indicated by an arrow Q22 or an arrow Q24 in FIG. 10.

[0205] When the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound are acquired, for example, the recording control unit 154 supplies the image data and the sound data to the removable recording medium 134 and records the image data and the sound data therein. In addition, for example, the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound may be supplied to the external device 122 through the input/output terminal 136 by the control unit 133.

[0206] Then, when the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound are appropriately recorded and the like, the image capturing processing is terminated.

[0207] In this manner, the imaging device 11 generates the recording image and the recording sound depending on whether flip setting is turned on or off. Particularly, when the flip setting is turned on, the captured image is vertically inverted and is set as a recording image, and the right and left channels of the collected sound are exchanged and resultant sound is set as recording sound, and thus it is possible to acquire a recording image and recording sound which are appropriately reproduced even when the imaging device 11 is used in the inverted use state.

[0208]

[0209] In addition, when an image or sound acquired by the imaging device 11 is output to the external device 122, outputting of an image or sound is controlled such that various images such as an OSD image are displayed in the normal display state and sound is reproduced rightly without depending on whether flip setting is turned on or off. This is, for example, because a display of the external device 122 is not often used in the vertically inverted state.

[0210] Here, when an OSD image or the menu screen is displayed on the external device 122, the imaging device 11 outputs data such as the OSD image and the menu screen to the external device 122 as is to be displayed in the normal display state. In addition, the imaging device 11 outputs the image data of a recording image or the sound data of recording sound to the external device 122 as is such that a moving image is reproduced rightly.

[0211] Accordingly, for example, when flip setting is turned off as indicated by an arrow Q41 in FIG. 13, it is assumed that capturing of a moving image is performed in the normal use state and the acquired recording image and recording sound and the OSD image are output to the external device 122 to be displayed thereon.

[0212] In this case, as indicated by the arrow Q41, the OSD image or the through-image in the imaging device 11 is seen erectly by a user.

[0213] In addition, in this case, as indicated by an arrow Q42, the OSD image and the recording image in the display unit 181 which is a display constituting the external device 122 is seen erectly by a user. That is, in the recording image, a subject is displayed in the same way as a user actually sees the subject.

[0214] In contrast, for example, when flip setting is turned off as indicated by an arrow Q43, it is assumed that a moving image is captured in the inverted use state and the acquired recording image and recording sound and the OSD image are output to the external device 122 to be displayed thereon.

[0215] In this case, as indicated by the arrow Q43, a subject on a through-image in the imaging device 11 is displayed in the same way as a user actually sees the subject, but the OSD image is displayed in the vertically inverted state to the user.

[0216] In addition, in this case, as indicated by an arrow Q44, the OSD image on the display unit 181 of the external device 122 is displayed erectly to a user, but the subject in the recording image is displayed in the vertically inverted state unlike the subject which is actually seen by the user.

[0217] On the other hand, for example, when flip setting is turned on as indicated by an arrow Q51 in FIG. 14, it is assumed that a moving image is captured in the normal use state and the acquired recording image and recording sound and the OSD image are output to the external device 122 to be displayed thereon.

[0218] In this case, as indicted by the arrow Q51, a subject on a through-image in the imaging device 11 is displayed in the same way as a user actually sees the subject, but the OSD image is displayed in the vertically inverted state to the user.

[0219] In addition, in this case, as indicted by an arrow Q52, the OSD image in the display unit 181 of the external device 122 is displayed erectly to the user, but a subject in the recording image is displayed in the vertical inverted state unlike the subject which is seen by the user.

[0220] In contrast, for example, when flip setting is turned on as indicated by an arrow Q53, it is assumed that a moving image is captured in the inverted use state and the acquired recording image and recording sound and the OSD image are output to the external device 122 to be displayed thereon.

[0221] In this case, as indicated by the arrow Q53, the OSD image or the through-image in the imaging device 11 is displayed erectly to the user.

[0222] In addition, in this case, as indicted by an arrow Q54, the OSD image and the recording image in the display unit 181 of the external device 122 are displayed erectly to the user. That is, a subject in the recording image is displayed in the same way as the subject which is actually seen by the user.

[0223] In this manner, when a recording image or recording sound is output to the external device 122 and image capturing is performed in a right use state by the imaging device 11, the OSD image or the recording image in the external device 122 is displayed erectly and the recording sound can be rightly reproduced.

[0224] Here, description will be given of processing of causing the imaging device 11 to output an OSD image, a recording image, and recording sound to the external device 122 as described above. That is, output processing by the imaging device 11 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15.

[0225] This output processing is performed, for example, when a moving image is being captured by using the imaging device 11, that is, when the image capturing processing described above with reference to FIG. 12 is being performed, when a moving image recorded on the removable recording medium 134 after the image capturing, that is, the recording image and the recording sound are reproduced by the external device 122, or the like.

[0226] In step S81, the control unit 133 outputs image data of an OSD image generated by the OSD image generation unit 152 to the external device 122 through the input/output terminal 136 as is. With this arrangement, the OSD image is displayed erectly on the external device 122.

[0227] In step S82, the control unit 133 outputs image data of a recording image and sound data of recording sound to the external device 122 through the input/output terminal 136 as is, and the output processing is terminated.

[0228] For example, when a moving image is being captured, the image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound which are acquired in the processing in step S45 and step S46 in FIG. 12 or the processing in step S48 and step S49 in FIG. 12 are output to the external device 122 in step S82.

[0229] In addition, for example, when a moving is not being captured, image data of a recording image and sound data of recording sound which are read from the removable recording medium 134 are output to the external device 122.

[0230] The image data of a recording image and the sound data of recording sound which are supplied to the external device 122 are recorded in the external device 122 or are used for reproducing processing in the external device 122. Accordingly, for example, when a recording image is displayed on the display unit 181, a direction of a subject varies depending on the flip setting and the use state of the imaging device 11 as in the example indicated by the arrow Q42 or the arrow Q44 in FIG. 13 or the example indicated by the arrow Q52 or the arrow Q54 in FIG. 14.

[0231] As described above, the imaging device 11 outputs the OSD image, the recording image, and the recording sound to the external device 122 as is without depending on whether flip setting is turned on or off.

[0232] Accordingly, when an image is captured in the right use state by the imaging device 11 and an image of a subject is displayed on the display unit 181 of the external device 122 for confirmation of an angle of view and the like, for example, during capturing a moving image, the OSD image or the recording image is displayed erectly on the external device 122 and the recording sound can also be rightly reproduced. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve convenience.

[0233]

[0234] In addition, behavior of the direction keys serving as the operation unit 132 in the imaging device 11 varies depending on whether flip setting is turned on or off.

[0235] That is, in the state in which flip setting is turned off, the upward operation function and the DISP function are allocated to the upward button 63, and the downward operation function and another selected function are allocated to the downward button 64. Furthermore, in the following description, it is assumed that a reproduction function is allocated to the downward button 64 as another selected function.

[0236] When flip setting is turned on in this state, the allocated functions of the upward button 63 and the downward button 64 associated with opposite directions are exchanged with each other.

[0237] That is, in the state in which flip setting is turned on, the downward operation function and the reproduction function are allocated to the upward button 63, and the upward operation function and the DISP function are allocated to the downward button 64.