JP4254068B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of restricting the use of a light emitting device such as a strobe to a child who has just been born.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many modern cameras have a built-in strobe and a function that automatically determines whether or not to use the strobe. Some of these cameras have a button that prohibits the strobe from being automatically used when it is not desired to use it. Even when taking a picture of a young child, a strobe is used when the place to be taken is in a relatively dark room. However, the flash of a strobe is too intense for an early child, and it can happen that the child feels the flash. Therefore, when a camera is used for photographing such a child, many people turn on the strobe use prohibition button so that the strobe is not used.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In practice, however, it often happens that children who have forgotten to turn on the strobe use prohibition button are photographed using a strobe. Also, if a few months have passed since the child was born, you can use the strobe to shoot the child, but in practice you forget to turn off the strobe disable button and leave the child for months without the strobe. It is happening that they are shooting. Similarly, after shooting a child who was not born with the strobe use prohibition button turned on without using the strobe, forgetting to turn off the button and using the strobe for the subject that should use the strobe There is also a case of shooting without doing.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in consideration of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of finely controlling use or non-use of a strobe in accordance with user needs. .
[0005]
A specific object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of automatically controlling the use of a strobe according to the elapsed time after birth when the subject is a child.
[0006]
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of automatically limiting the use of a strobe when the subject is a child shortly after birth.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject, a light emitting unit that generates light during shooting, a date data storage unit that stores date data specified by a user, and the date Control means for controlling light emission by the light emitting means depending on an elapsed period from the date indicated by the date data stored in the data storage means to the photographing date.
[0008]
Child date data can also be used as the date data. In that case, light emission can be automatically controlled according to whether or not the subject is a child just after birth. For example, the control means limits the light emission by the light emitting means when the elapsed period is relatively short compared to when the elapsed period is relatively long. Here, the restriction means, for example, prohibiting light emission by the light emitting means. Alternatively, light emission by the light emitting means may be weakened. Alternatively, the light emission by the light emitting means may be prohibited when the distance from the imaging device to the subject is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic still camera (hereinafter simply referred to as an electronic camera) as an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, an optical system 1 includes an optical lens and the like, and forms an image of a subject (not shown) on an image pickup device 2 composed of a CCD light receiving device, for example. The optical system 1 includes a diaphragm mechanism (not shown) that adjusts the amount of light passing therethrough. The automatic gain control unit 3 automatically adjusts the level of the image signal output from the image sensor 2, and the A / D conversion unit 4 converts the adjusted image signal into digital data.
[0011]
The signal processing unit 5 performs various types of signal processing on the obtained digital data. The control unit 6 captures image data that is finally output by the signal processing unit 5. The control unit 6 includes a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), read-only memory (ROM) that stores various program data, various parameter data, and character data such as alphabets, Japanese characters, and numerical values to be described later. A random access memory (RAM) used as a storage unit for various data is built in, and the operation of the electronic camera is controlled according to a program stored in the ROM.
[0012]
For example, at the time of imaging, the drive control unit 7 that drives the imaging device 2 is controlled to control the output timing of image data captured by the imaging device 2. Prior to photographing, the optical system drive circuit 8 is controlled to move the optical system 1 back and forth along the optical axis so that the focal position is automatically met based on an output signal from a distance detector (not shown). Moving. Further, the aperture amount and shutter time of the optical system 1 are determined according to the output of the light amount detection unit 9, and the necessity of using a strobe, which is a flash device that generates auxiliary light when photographing, is determined. Furthermore, the optical system driving circuit 8 is controlled to set the diaphragm amount in the optical system 1 to the determined value. Alternatively, when it is necessary to use a strobe, the strobe drive control unit 10 is controlled during shooting to control the light emission timing and light emission amount of the strobe 11.
[0013]
The controller 6 is further connected to the following circuit or device. The display device 12 includes a liquid crystal display device, for example, and is used for purposes such as displaying captured images, displaying data input by the user, displaying various warnings, and displaying various events described below. A memory card 14 composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory can be detachably attached to the storage medium drive control unit 13, and the storage medium drive control unit 13 reads and writes data from and to the memory card 14 under the control of the control unit 6. Execute. For example, image data obtained by the electronic camera is stored in the memory card 14. The input / output terminal 15 is connected to, for example, an external personal computer, and is used when image data obtained by the electronic camera is transferred to the personal computer or the like.
[0014]
The clock circuit 16 includes a clock signal generation circuit (not shown) and a circuit that generates time data indicating the date and time (current year, month, day, and time) based on the clock signal generated by the circuit. 6 supplies the clock signal and time data. The image memory 17 is a memory for storing image data photographed by the electronic camera, and is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.
[0015]
The event memory 18 is a memory provided to realize the event management function according to the present invention, and stores data directly related to the event such as the name of the event, the date of the event, and other data indirectly related to the event. Used to memorize. The event memory 18 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and details of data stored in the event memory 18 will be described later. The event memory 18 and the image memory 17 may be configured by a common memory. Further, the memory card 14 may be used for the image memory 17 and the event memory 18.
[0016]
The sound generation unit 19 is used, for example, to issue a warning to the user via the speaker 20. The operation button group 21 includes a power button, a shutter button, and other various buttons. The types of these buttons and how to use them will be described later.
[0017]
In the electronic camera, the time from when the image pickup device 2 starts to accumulate electric charge to the time when the image pickup device 2 completes accumulation can be controlled by a signal given to the image pickup device 2, and in that sense, the image pickup device 2 has an electronic shutter built-in or It is said to have an electronic shutter function. The function of the electronic shutter is equivalent to the shutter function using a mechanical shutter. Therefore, hereinafter, the electronic shutter is also simply referred to as a shutter. Further, although the electronic shutter is realized by the image pickup device 2, it may be described that the electronic shutter is provided in the optical system 1 as in the case of the mechanical shutter. A mechanical shutter may be provided inside the optical system 1 together with the electronic shutter.
[0018]
FIG. 2 shows examples of various storage areas provided in the event memory 18. In this embodiment, as an example of a plurality of events that are triggered by the occurrence of a specific event related to a person, events performed by a parent in relation to the birth of a child are managed by this electronic camera. The event memory 18 is provided with a plurality of event data group storage areas 180, 190,. Each event data group storage area is used to store a plurality of event data relating to the same individual. For example, the event data group storage areas 180 and 190 are used to store event data groups related to two children, for example, “Taro” and “Jiro”. In the following, each event data group storage area 180, 190,... May be referred to as a page for the sake of simplicity of explanation.
[0019]
FIG. 5B shows a plurality of event data storage areas provided on one page, for example, page 180. The page 180 is provided with a plurality of event data storage areas 181A to 181E,... 181F, 181G,. In each event data storage area, a name / event name storage area 182 and a reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 are provided. The name / event name storage area 182 and the reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 in the first event data storage area 181A store the names of the children born, the reference date (in this example, the birthday), and the birth time, respectively. Is done. Note that the birth time may not be stored.
[0020]
The name / event name storage area 182 and the reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 provided in the second event data storage area 181B and thereafter are the names of the events as event data related to the event that is born. And the scheduled date is memorized.
[0021]
In all the event data storage areas 181A,..., An image data identification information storage area 184, a weight storage area 185, and a height storage area 186 are further provided. With respect to these areas 184 to 186, birth is treated in the same manner as other events.
[0022]
In the image data identification information storage area 184, identification information of the first image data in a series of image data that is photographed on the date of birth or event and stored in the image memory 17 is stored. For example, the memory address of the image memory 17 in which the head image data is stored is stored as image data identification information. The image data identification information is stored as information associating the image data photographed on the day of the event with the event, and is used to display image data related to the event designated by the user later using the association information. In the weight storage area 185 and the height storage area 186, the weight and height of the child measured on the day of any event including the birthday are stored as data related to the event.
[0023]
The event name and scheduled date stored in the name / event name storage area 182 and the reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 in the second and subsequent event data storage areas 181B,. Is determined and stored based on the reference date (birthday in this case) stored in the first event data storage area 181A. The event data that is memorized occurs from the event that is executed immediately after birth, such as seven nights, or when three or five years have passed since birth, such as entering kindergarten (younger) or kindergarten (older). Things to do are also included as events. Note that the determined scheduled date can be changed by the user. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5C, an event input and set by the user can be added to the event memory 18.
[0024]
FIG. 3 shows a plurality of image data storage areas provided in the image memory 17. It is assumed that a plurality of image data obtained on the date of birthday or each event is sequentially stored in a continuous image data storage area. For example, the plurality of image data obtained on the birthday is sequentially stored in the adjacent image data storage areas 170, 171,..., And the plurality of image data obtained on the night of the seventh night is stored in the subsequent image data storage area 172, 173, ... are sequentially stored.
[0025]
Similarly, the plurality of image data obtained on the day of the internal celebration is stored in the subsequent image data storage area 174,..., And the plurality of image data obtained on the day of the palace visit is stored in the subsequent image data storage area 175. , ... is memorized. In the figure, the numerical value given before each image data storage area exemplifies the memory address of the storage area. For example, the memory addresses of the image data storage areas 170, 171,... In which a plurality of image data obtained on the birthday are stored are “0001”, “0002”,.
[0026]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a plurality of buttons included in the operation button group 21 (FIG. 1) provided in the electronic camera. The operation button group 21 includes a power button 21A, a shutter button 21B, a playback button 21C, a communication button 21D, an event button 21E, a backward button 21F, a forward button 21G, a related data button 21H, an image readout button 21J, and an event change. A button 21K, an event addition button 21L, a page setting button 21M, a page selection button 21N, a zoom button 21P, a strobe use prohibition button 21Q, a character symbol input button group 21R including a plurality of buttons for inputting a character symbol, and the like are included. .
[0027]
The buttons 21A to 21Q are buttons having independent names, but some of these buttons can also be realized by appropriately combining a plurality of buttons in the character symbol input button group 21R. . In this way, the total number of buttons that should be included in the operation button group 21 can be reduced.
[0028]
FIG. 5 shows a plurality of program storage areas provided in the ROM in the control unit 6 (FIG. 1). The program storage areas 61 to 66 store a power supply processing program 610, a shooting mode processing program 620, a playback mode processing program 630, a communication mode processing program 640, an event mode initial processing program 650, and an event mode button-specific processing program 660, respectively. ing.
[0029]
FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the power supply processing program 610 stored in the program storage area 61 (FIG. 5). For example, when the power button 21A is pressed for the first time, the power button 21A is kept on until it is pressed again, and remains on until it is pressed again. This is a manual reset switch. The power supply processing program 610 is activated when the power button 21A is pressed and turned on or turned off, and the program is executed only once.
[0030]
That is, the power supply processing program 610 determines in step S611 whether the power button 21A has been pressed and turned on or turned off. If it is determined that the power supply processing program 610 has turned on, the process proceeds to step S612. However, power is supplied to each part of the electronic camera. This power supply continues until the power supply is stopped in step S616 described later. Accordingly, in the next step S613, each part of the electronic camera is initialized, that is, for example, the position of the optical system 1 (FIG. 1) is set to a predetermined use position. The state is set to the initial state. Thereafter, in step S614, the operation mode of the electronic camera is set to the shooting mode, and the power supply processing program 610 ends.
[0031]
If it is determined in the power button determination step S611 that the power button 21A has been turned off, end processing S615 is executed, and the state of each part in the electronic camera is set to the end state. For example, the position of the optical system 1 is moved to a position when not in use. Thereafter, in step S616, power supply to each unit in the electronic camera is stopped.
[0032]
In the electronic camera, when the shutter button 21B (FIG. 4) is pressed, the shooting mode processing program 620 stored in the program storage area 62 (FIG. 5) is executed, and imaging is executed. The operation of the apparatus in this shooting mode will be described later.
[0033]
When the playback button 21C (FIG. 4) is pressed, the electronic camera enters the playback mode, and the playback mode processing program 630 stored in the program storage area 63 (FIG. 5) is activated. When the playback mode processing program 630 is activated, the image data stored in the image memory 17 is read out and displayed on the display device 12 by the shooting that has already been performed.
[0034]
When the communication button 21D (FIG. 4) is pressed, the electronic camera enters the communication mode, and the communication mode processing program 640 stored in the program storage area 64 (FIG. 5) is activated. When the communication mode processing program 640 is activated, image data designated by the user among a plurality of image data stored in the image memory 17 is transferred to an external device such as a personal computer (not shown) via the input / output terminal 15. .
[0035]
In order to use the event management function of the electronic camera, the user needs to execute a page setting process described later to set a page in the event memory 18 and store initial setting data such as name and birthday on the page. There is. Here, it is assumed that such a page setting process has already been performed, and if necessary, a page related to the born child has been selected by a page selection process described later.
[0036]
FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of an example of processing executed by the shooting mode processing program 620 stored in the program storage area 62 (FIG. 5). The shutter button 21B (FIG. 4) is a two-stage switch that can take a half-pressed state and a fully-pressed state. The shooting mode processing program 620 is activated when the shutter button 21B is pressed halfway.
[0037]
This electronic camera has an exposure control function. For example, in a state where the shutter time is designated (set), the luminance of the subject is measured, and an appropriate aperture value is automatically determined according to the luminance. Alternatively, in a state where the aperture is designated (set), the luminance of the subject is measured, and an appropriate shutter time is determined according to the luminance. Alternatively, the aperture and shutter time may be automatically determined. Further, the electronic camera has an automatic strobe function (automatic flash function). That is, when the aperture and / or shutter time are automatically determined, the use of the strobe is automatically determined when the brightness of the subject is insufficient.
[0038]
In this embodiment, even when shooting a low-brightness subject that requires a strobe based on the result of photometry, if the subject is a child (baby) just after birth, the strobe is used. Is automatically restricted.
[0039]
However, when the shooting mode processing program 620 is activated, photometry is performed in step S621. That is, the luminance of the subject is detected by an appropriate method. For example, it is detected based on the output of the light quantity detector 9. Note that this photometry may be executed using the image sensor 2. Next, in a state where one of the aperture value and the shutter time is fixed in advance in step S622, the other of the aperture value and the shutter time is determined based on the photometric result in step S621. Both the aperture value and the shutter time may be automatically determined depending on the result of photometry. Thus, the aperture value and shutter time are determined depending on the luminance of the subject.
[0040]
In step S623, automatic focusing (autofocus) is performed. This automatic focusing may be performed based on a signal of distance information sent from a distance detection device (not shown), but the image sensor 2 in FIG. 1 is used as a distance detection device, that is, as a distance measurement sensor. The focus of the optical system 1 may be automatically adjusted to the subject according to the output of the signal processing unit 5.
[0041]
Next, in step S624, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to use the strobe in accordance with a predetermined standard. For example, it is determined based on the aperture value and the shutter time determined above. For example, when the aperture value is the maximum value and the shutter time is longer than the limit shutter time 1/60 at which camera shake does not occur, it is determined that the strobe is necessary.
[0042]
If it is determined in step S624 that the strobe needs to be used, the process advances to step S626 to execute strobe use restriction processing. The strobe use restriction process in step S626 checks whether there is a reason for restricting the use of the strobe in the case of a low-luminance subject whose use is determined to be necessary in step S624. Details of the processing will be described later.
[0043]
If it is determined in step S624 that it is not necessary to use the strobe, or if it is determined in step S624 that the strobe is required to be used and the strobe use restriction process S626 is executed, the process proceeds to step S627, and the shutter button is fully pressed. When it is detected in step S627 that the shutter button has been fully pressed, image data is captured in step S628 and the captured image data is stored in the image memory 17, and then obtained and stored by image capture. An association process S629 for associating the image data thus obtained with the event information stored in the event memory 18 is executed.
[0044]
FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the strobe use restriction process S626. First, it is determined whether or not the strobe use prohibition button 21Q (FIG. 4) is turned on (step S626A). If the strobe use prohibition button 21Q is on, the user of the electronic camera prohibits the use of the strobe. Therefore, in step S626E, for example, a warning message indicating that the strobe is not used is displayed on the display device 12, or The user is notified by voice via the speaker 20. Thereafter, in step S626F, a strobe non-use process is performed for shooting without using the strobe. This strobe non-use processing is a processing for setting the strobe not to be used even if the strobe is used normally. For example, the shutter time is increased or the optical system 1 is passed. This is a process of changing the aperture value in order to increase the amount of light to be emitted, and is a process of resetting the shutter time and the aperture value so that the captured image is as close as possible when the flash is used without causing the flash to emit light.
[0045]
When it is determined in step S626A that the strobe use prohibition button 21Q is in the off state, in the next step S626B, it is determined whether or not the birthday of the child who is the subject has already been registered (stored). Here, it is assumed that the birthday of the subject is already registered (stored) in the reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 in the first event data storage area 181A of the event memory 18. In that case, the process proceeds to step S626C, and it is determined whether or not the elapsed period (days) after the birth of the child as the subject exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example, two months after the birth. This elapsed period is a period set based on whether or not the strobe can be used, and the threshold value may be a value increased or decreased to a value larger or smaller than two months, or The user of the electronic camera may set (specify).
[0046]
If the elapsed time after the birth of the subject child is relatively short (that is, when the elapsed time does not exceed the threshold), the process proceeds to step S626E, where the warning message described above is output, and further, step S626F is performed. The non-use processing of the strobe is determined at. Thus, even when shooting a low-brightness subject that requires a strobe based on the result of photometry, the strobe is not used when the subject is a child shortly after birth.
[0047]
When it is determined in step S626B that the birthday of the subject child is not registered, or when it is determined in step S626C that the elapsed time after the birth of the subject child exceeds the threshold, the use of the strobe In step S626D, a parameter for using the strobe, for example, the light emission amount of the strobe, is determined and set. The amount of light emitted from the strobe is determined according to, for example, the distance from the electronic camera to the subject and the luminance of the subject. For example, the light emission intensity of the strobe is increased according to the distance to the subject and decreased according to the luminance of the subject.
[0048]
The use restriction of the strobe can be realized by other modes. FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart illustrating another example of processing that can be executed as the strobe use restriction processing S626. 9 is different from FIG. 8 in that step S626G is further executed when it is determined in step S626C that the elapsed time after birth is smaller than the threshold value. That is, in FIG. 8, when the elapsed time after birth is smaller than the threshold, the use of the strobe is prohibited. However, in FIG. 9, when the elapsed time after birth is smaller than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S626G. A process of changing and setting is performed. That is, the usage mode is set as follows.
[0049]
When the elapsed time after birth exceeds the threshold value, the strobe light emission intensity is generally determined according to the distance to the subject and the luminance of the subject, as already described with reference to step S626D in FIG. If the elapsed time after birth does not exceed the threshold value, in step S626G, a strobe light emission amount smaller (less) than the strobe light emission amount determined in step S626D when the elapsed time after birth exceeds the threshold value. decide.
[0050]
At the same time, one or both of the aperture value and the shutter time value determined in step S622 (FIG. 7) are changed. For example, the aperture value is decreased (the aperture is increased) or the shutter time is increased. In this way, even if the stroboscopic light emission amount is smaller (small) than the stroboscopic light emission amount determined in step S626D, the photographed image is as close as possible when using the stroboscope with the light emission amount in step S626D. In this way, when the elapsed time after birth does not exceed the threshold value, the strobe light emission can be automatically reduced as compared to the case where the elapsed time is not so, and there is no need to worry about the adverse effect on the child who is just born. In this case, it is desirable to use a weak strobe light or to output a message warning the user that the exposure time will be long.
[0051]
The usage mode of the strobe can be realized by other modes. For example, in step S626G in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the distance from the camera to the subject is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When the distance from the camera to the subject is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the strobe light emission is prohibited, or the light emission is less than normal. The strobe light may be emitted with a normal light emission amount only when the distance from the camera to the subject is a predetermined value or more. In addition, when the light emission amount of the strobe that emits light is set to a light emission amount that is smaller than usual, the aperture value and / or the shutter time are further changed from the values determined in step S622 (FIG. 7). It is desirable.
[0052]
Returning to FIG. 7, it is detected in step S 627 that the shutter button is fully pressed. In step S 628, shooting is executed and the shot image data is stored in the image memory 17. That is, a process is performed in which an image of a subject is imprinted on the image sensor 2 and the image data is sent to the control unit 6 and stored in the image memory 17. In the next step S629, it is determined whether or not the stored image data and each event stored in the event memory 18 are related. If they are related, identification information indicating the relationship is sent to the event memory. The associating process stored in 18 is executed. FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed as the association processing S629. First, in step S629A, it is determined whether or not the shooting date is the holding date stored in the event memory 18. Here, it is assumed that only the first page 180 is set in the event memory 18 by assumption, and the event date determined in step S629A is the event date stored in the first page 180. However, the event memory 18 may store a plurality of pages as shown in FIG. In that case, a page is selected in advance by the user before shooting by a page selection operation described later. In this case, the date determined in step S629A is the date stored in the page selected in advance in this way.
[0053]
Here, it is assumed that the event data shown in FIG. In this case, it is determined in step S629A whether or not the shooting date matches any of the plurality of holding dates stored in the plurality of reference dates / scheduled date storage area 183. When this step S629A is executed, the birthday is also treated as the date of the event. When the shooting date coincides with any one of the dates, the process proceeds to step S629B to determine whether or not the shooting is the first shooting of the day. When it is determined that it is the first shooting, the process proceeds to step S629C, and the identification information of the image data that was previously shot and stored in the image memory 17 is stored in the image data identification information storage area 184 of FIG. As the identification information, for example, a memory address of the image memory 17 in which the image data is stored is used.
[0054]
Therefore, when the first shooting is performed on the birthday, the memory address “0001” in the image memory 17 where the shot image data is stored is stored in the image data identification information storage area 184 in the event data storage area 181A. When the first shooting is performed on the night of the night, the memory address “0013” in which the image data of the night is stored in the image data identification information storage area 184 in the event data storage area 181B is stored. Similarly, memory addresses “0039” and “0053” are stored for the internal celebration and the beginning of eating.
[0055]
As a result of the determination in step S629B, when it is determined that the shooting is not the first shooting on the date of the event, the storage of the identification information of the image data in step S629C is not executed. Thus, the associating process S629 ends.
[0056]
Note that the determination of whether or not shooting is the first shooting on the day of the event in step S629B can be made by various methods. For example, the determination may be made based on whether any identification information is already stored in the image data identification information storage area 184 corresponding to the date of the event that coincides with the current day. For example, the file name of the image data can be used as the identification information of the image data stored in step S629C instead of the memory address of the image memory 17 in which the image data is stored. Further, when image data obtained by photographing is stored in the memory card 14, information for identifying the memory card and information for identifying the image data stored in the memory card are stored in the image data identification information storage area 184. Just remember. As described above, the execution of the shooting mode processing program 620 ends.
[0057]
The electronic camera can also use zoom. FIG. 11 shows an example of changes in the field of view of the electronic camera when zooming is used in the shooting mode. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the zoom is realized by so-called digital zoom. In a state in which the zoom button 21P is not pressed, as shown in FIG. 5A, a rectangular area 69A indicating an area enlarged and displayed on the screen with a double zoom and a double zoom (a total zoom of 4 times) are provided. A rectangular area 69B indicating the area to be enlarged is displayed. When the zoom button 21P is pressed, a screen shown in FIG. On this screen, a rectangle 69 </ b> C indicating an area to be enlarged and displayed on the screen by the double zoom is displayed. When the zoom button 21P is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed, the screen shown in FIG.
[0058]
By looking at these rectangles 69A, 69B or 69C, it is possible to know which screen area is enlarged by zooming before zooming. It is possible to confirm without zooming that an area of a desired size can be enlarged and displayed by changing the imaging position back and forth as necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the size of the image to be taken after zooming, and the shutter can be pressed immediately, so that the possibility of missing a photo opportunity is reduced.
[0059]
Now, in the electronic camera, the page setting process can be executed when the electronic camera is in the event mode. The process of setting the electronic camera to the event mode is executed by the event mode initial processing program 650 as described below. The event button 21E (FIG. 4) can be configured by a manual return type button having the same configuration as the power button 21A. When this button is turned on or off, the event mode initial processing program 650 stored in the program storage area 65 (FIG. 5) is activated. Therefore, the user who uses the event management function of the electronic camera for the first time first turns on the event button 21E in order to set the page.
[0060]
FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the event mode initial processing program 650. In the event mode initial process program 650, first, it is determined whether the event button 21E is turned on or off (step S651). When the event button 21E changes to the on state, the electronic camera is set to the event mode (step S652). The electronic camera can be shifted to the event mode in any of the shooting mode, the playback mode, and the communication mode.
[0061]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a page has been set in the event memory 18 (step S653). In the present assumption, it is assumed that no page is set in the event memory 18 yet. In this case, the event mode initial processing program 650 ends without executing other processing. Even after the event mode initial processing program 650 ends, the electronic camera remains in the event mode.
[0062]
When the electronic camera is in the event mode, various buttons including a page setting button are operated by the user as described later, and processing corresponding to the operated button is performed. Thereafter, when the event button 21E is pressed again, it is determined in step S651 that the event button 21E has been turned off, and the event mode of the electronic camera is reset in step S654. At that time, the electronic camera returns to the mode before the transition to the event mode. When the event button 21E is turned on after the page has been set, it is determined that the page has been set in step S653, and the event mode initial screen display process 800 shown in detail in FIG. 17 is executed. This process 800 will be described later.
[0063]
The operation button group 21 (FIG. 4) is provided with a number of buttons that can be used when the electronic camera is set to the event mode. For example, the forward button 21F, the backward button 21G, the related data button 21H, the image readout button 21J, the event change button 21K, the event addition button 21L, the page setting button 21M, and the page selection button 21N. These buttons can be realized by various structures. For example, it can be configured by a self-returning button that automatically returns to an off state when the user stops pressing the button after being turned on when the user presses it. If any of the above buttons is turned on while the electronic camera is in the event mode, the event mode button-specific processing program 660 stored in the program storage area 66 (FIG. 5) is activated.
[0064]
FIG. 13 is a part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the event mode button-specific processing program 660, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are other parts of the flowchart. The event mode button-specific processing program 660 determines which button has been turned on, and executes processing according to the button that has been turned on.
[0065]
In order for the user to use the event management function of the electronic camera for the first time, the page setting button 21M is turned on. Whether or not this button is turned on is determined in step S710 of FIG. When it is determined that this button has been turned on, initial setting data is input (step S711). Specifically, a screen for inputting the name data, birthday data, and time data of the born child is displayed on the display device 12, and the user inputs these data using the character symbol input button group 21R.
[0066]
Further, in step S712, the input data is stored in a predetermined page in the event memory 18 as initial setting data. Assuming that the page selection button 21N is not operated, the page is stored in the first page 180 (FIG. 2) of the event memory 18. That is, the names (for example, “Taro Taro”) input to the name / event name storage area 182 and the reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 in the first event data storage area 181A shown in FIG. And the birthday and the birth time (for example, “02.01.2001 AM 8:34”) are stored.
[0067]
Returning to FIG. 15, in step S713, scheduled dates for a plurality of events related to birth (hereinafter simply referred to as dates) are calculated. For this calculation, event model data is stored in advance in a ROM (not shown) in the control unit 6 (FIG. 1).
[0068]
FIG. 16 shows stored data stored in advance in the event model data storage area 67 provided in the ROM. In the event model data storage area 67, for each of a plurality of events that are triggered by the occurrence of a specific event of birth, an area 671 that stores event name data indicating the contents of the event and the date on which the event should be performed An area 672 for storing an elapsed period (number of days) from the reference date (in this example, the birthday) is provided.
[0069]
Events that take place as a result of birth include events that are directly related to the birth and subsequent events that are related to the growth of the child, such as entering a kindergarten. Lines directly related to birth include, for example, seven nights, internal celebrations, the beginning of eating, etc. Examples of events related to child growth include kindergarten (younger) admission, kindergarten (older) admission. Although not shown, events such as admission to elementary school are also included. Enrollment in education-related periods such as kindergartens and elementary schools is also a major event for children, so it is desirable that it be included in the event model data.
[0070]
The event model data may not be stored in the ROM in a tabular form as shown in the figure. For example, the name of each event and the elapsed time may be distributed and stored in the program stored in the ROM. In addition, all the illustrated events may not be stored in the event model data. For example, at least a typical palace visit and the beginning of eating may be stored, and other event schedules such as seven nights and a house celebration may be additionally set by a user as described later. Furthermore, the event name data stored in the ROM is not a simple word such as the above-mentioned seven nights, a congratulatory celebration or the beginning of eating, but a name such as an explanatory sentence such as “celebrating that seven days have passed since birth” It may be data.
[0071]
The elapsed time from the date of birth to the date on which each event is to be held is determined in principle. For example, 7 nights is the 7th day after birth. However, there may be a case where a plurality of elapsed periods are defined as on the 30th or 31st day after birth, such as visiting a palace. Similarly, the beginning of eating is the 100th day or the 120th day. On the other hand, there is no stipulation of the elapsed time for the internal celebration, and it may be held on any day. Kindergarten (younger) admission and kindergarten (older) admission are defined as April 1 after the child is 3 or 5 years old.
[0072]
In the date calculation step S713, the date of each event is calculated and determined based on the input birthday and the elapsed time stored in the area 672 (FIG. 16) defined for each event. Therefore, the user does not need to calculate and determine the date of the event. In this case, when a plurality of elapsed periods are determined such as a palace visit or a meal start, a plurality of dates corresponding to each elapsed period are determined as date candidates. In addition, the date of the event is not determined for events that have an arbitrary date, such as a celebration.
[0073]
Next, in step S714, when a plurality of date candidates are determined such as a palace visit or a meal start, the user is requested to select one of the date candidates. That is, the name of the event and a plurality of date candidates determined for the event are displayed on the display device 12. The user selects one of them using the character symbol input button group 21R. Such selection of the date candidate is performed for the palace and the beginning of eating.
[0074]
In step S715, the user is requested to input an event date for an event with an arbitrary event date, such as an internal celebration. That is, the event name is displayed on the display device 12. The user inputs the date of the event using the character symbol input button group 21R. If the date cannot be determined, the user can input the date later without inputting the date. In this way, the date of each event is determined.
[0075]
In step S <b> 716, event data including the event name and date related to each event is stored in the event memory 18. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the name / event name storage area 182 provided in the plurality of event data storage areas after the second event data storage area 181B and the reference date / scheduled schedule In the date storage area 183, the event name and the scheduled date determined are stored.
[0076]
In the example of the figure, for example, event name data stored in the event model data storage area 67 in advance, such as “Seven Nights”, “Inner Celebration”, “Omiya Shuri”, “Eat First”, and each event obtained by the calculation process. “2001.02.08”, “2001.03.01”, “2001.03.04”, and “2001.05.12” are stored. On the other hand, “2004.4.01” and “2006.4.01” are stored for the kindergarten (younger) and kindergarten (older) admission, respectively.
[0077]
Instead of storing the event name in the name / event name storage area 182 of the event memory 18, the event name stored in the event name storage area 671 in the event model data storage area 67 (FIG. 16) should be used instead. You can also. For example, an event number is determined in advance for each event, the event number is stored in the name / event name storage area 182 of the event memory 18, and when displaying the event name of each event, it corresponds to this event number. The event name may be read from the event model data storage area 67 and used.
[0078]
When the process of step S716 ends, it is determined whether or not the event mode has been reset in step S664 of FIG. 13. If the event mode has not been reset, the process returns to the first step of the event mode button processing program. The program remains operational until the event mode is reset.
[0079]
When the page setting process is executed in this way, as described above, the user uses the event management function of the electronic camera to store the image data captured on the day of any event in association with the event. be able to.
[0080]
After the shooting, the user can input data related to the event using the event management function of the electronic camera. In the present embodiment, the user can input the weight and height of the child as data related to the event. For example, when the event button 21E is turned on and the electronic mode is set to the event mode and the user presses the related data button 21H, the related data button 21H is turned on in step S660 (FIG. 13). It is detected. In this case, it is determined whether or not the current day is a holding day in step S661, and when the current day is the holding day, a weight / height input screen is displayed on the display device 12 in step S662.
[0081]
When the user inputs weight and height using the character symbol input button group 21R, these input data are respectively stored in the weight storage area 185 and the height storage area 186 corresponding to the event of the day in the event memory 18 in step S663. Remembered. For example, when the body weight and height are input on the birthday, the body weight (for example, “3140 (g)”) and the height (for example, “3140 (g)”) are respectively stored in the body weight storage area 185 and the height storage area 186 provided in the first event data storage area 181A. For example, “55.5 (cm)”) is stored. The same applies to other dates.
[0082]
If it is determined in step S661 that the current day is not an event date, the event mode button-specific processing program 660 does nothing. Therefore, the user cannot input weight / height. In order to input the weight and height on days other than the date of the event, as described later, after adding that day as the event date, the related data button 21H may be turned on to input the weight and height.
[0083]
After the page is set, the user can know the schedule of the next event by using the event management function of the electronic camera every day. That is, when the user turns on the event button 21E, as described above, when the event mode initial processing program 650 (FIG. 12) is activated, it is determined in step S651 that the event button 21E is on, In step S652, the electronic camera is set to the event mode. In step S653, it is determined that the page has been set under the current assumption. As a result, the event mode initial screen display process 800 is executed.
[0084]
FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the event mode initial screen display processing 800. In step S801, initial setting data of a page designated in advance, that is, a name and a birthday are read out. In this case, the first page 180 (FIG. 2A) in the event memory 18 is designated in advance by assumption. Therefore, the name “Taro” and the birthday “name” stored in the name / event name storage area 182 and the reference date / scheduled date storage area 183 in the first event data storage area 181A shown in FIG. "2001.02.01AM8: 34" is read out.
[0085]
In step S 802, image data first taken on the birthday is read from the image memory 17. For this reading, the memory address stored in the image data identification information storage area 184 provided in the first event data storage area 181A is used. In step S803, the data of the event of the day when the event button 21E is pressed or the next event is read out.
[0086]
That is, when the current day matches any event day, the event is read out, and when the current day does not match any event day, the next event to be executed first after that day is read out. . For example, assuming that the date on which the event button 21E is pressed is two days after the birthday, seven nights are read out as the next event. Alternatively, assuming that the day when the event button 21E is pressed is 7 days after the birthday, seven nights are read as the event of the day.
[0087]
Thereafter, in step S804, the number of elapsed days / time from the birthday to the point when the event button 21E is pressed is calculated. Thereafter, in step S805, the event mode initial screen is displayed using the data obtained in steps S801 to S804.
[0088]
FIG. 18 shows an example of the event mode initial screen that is displayed when the event button 21E is pressed on the day when the day is two days after the birthday. This screen includes a character string 651 indicating the name, a character string 652 indicating the number of days and hours elapsed, a character string 653 indicating that the next event is “Seven Nights”, a character string 654 indicating the date of the day, A character string 655 indicating the birthday and birth time is displayed. Further, an image 656 that is first taken on the birthday is displayed. When the current day coincides with the date of any event, a character string indicating the name of the event of the day such as “Today is XX Day” is displayed as the character string 653, for example. Thus, the event mode initial processing program 650 ends.
[0089]
Since the user obtains a notice of the next event by the character string 653 indicating the event of the day or the next event, the user can prepare for the next event. Furthermore, the user can know the number of days and time that have passed since birth by using a character string indicating the number of days and time that has elapsed. Note that only the elapsed days may be calculated instead of the elapsed days / time. However, it is effective to calculate and display the elapsed time together with the elapsed days, particularly when a very long period has not passed since birth. Further, the elapsed days / time from the date of the previous event may be displayed as the elapsed days / time.
[0090]
The user can also view a list of a plurality of previously determined events using the event management function of the electronic camera. That is, when the user turns on the event button 21E and puts the electronic camera in the event mode, and the user turns on the forward advance button 21F or the backward advance button 21G (FIG. 4), the event mode button Another processing program 660 is activated. Hereinafter, the forward step button 21F and the backward step button 21G may be simply referred to as step buttons without being distinguished from each other.
[0091]
Specifically, it is detected in step S670 shown in FIG. 14 that the step button has been turned on, and in step S671, it is determined whether captured image data is being displayed. Image data obtained by photographing is displayed by an operation described later. Here, assuming that the operation has not yet been performed, the image data is not displayed. In that case, it is determined in step S672 whether or not the event list is being displayed. Here, it is assumed that the event list is not being displayed. In that case, a plurality of events stored after the second event data storage area 181B in the event memory 18 are displayed on the display device 12 as an event list.
[0092]
FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of the event list 68. The event list 68 is a list of a plurality of event data including an event date 681, an event name 682, and weight data 683 and height 684 input by the user as related data for the event date as related data. These data included in the displayed event list are read from the event memory 18. Note that the number of event data displayed at the same time depends on the height of the display device 12.
[0093]
When the event list 68 is first displayed in step S673, event data indicating birth and subsequent event data are displayed as shown in the figure. When the event list 68 is first displayed, the cursor 680 is at the position of event data indicating birth.
[0094]
When the event button 68F is turned on while the event list 68 is displayed, it is determined in step S672 that the event list is being displayed, and in step S674, FIG. As shown, the event list 68 is scrolled upward by one event data. In other words, event data after the birthday next event is read from the event memory 18 and displayed on the display device. At this time, the position of the cursor 680 is in the position of the event data for the seven nights, which is the next event of the birthday. Thus, the event data displayed on the display device 12 is updated. The position of the cursor 680 is always at the top of the screen even if the displayed event is updated.
[0095]
If the backward advance button 21G is further turned on in the state where the event data shown in FIG. 5B is displayed, the event list 68 is scrolled downward in step S674, and again shown in FIG. A screen will be displayed. In this way, the user can view related data when the related data has already been input together with the date and event name of the arbitrary event. Thus, by using scrolling, arbitrary event data can be displayed even if the number of event data simultaneously displayed on the display device 12 is small. The display device 12 only needs to display at least one event data.
[0096]
On the other hand, when the user turns on the image reading button 21J while the event list 68 is displayed, the image data captured for the event where the cursor 680 is positioned can be displayed on the display device 12. . That is, when the image reading button 21J is turned on, this is detected in step S680. In that case, the first image data on the day of the event at the cursor position is displayed on the display device 12 in step S681. The displayed image data is read from the image memory 17 based on the image data identification information stored in the image data identification information storage area 184 corresponding to the event in the event memory 18.
[0097]
If the forward step button 21F is turned on while the first image data is displayed, it is detected in step S671 that the image data is being displayed. In this case, the next image data is displayed in step S675. When the backward advance button 21G is turned on while image data other than the top image data is displayed, it is detected that image data is being displayed in step S671, and one step before in step S675. Image data is displayed. In this way, the user can cause the display device 12 to display arbitrary image data taken for the same event.
[0098]
The user can also change the date determined by the event management function of the electronic camera. That is, the event button 21E is turned on, the electronic camera is set to the event mode, the step button 21F or 21G is turned on, and the event list is displayed, and the user turns on the event change button 21K. Then, it is detected in step S690 (FIG. 14) that the event change button 21K has been turned on. At that time, a screen (not shown) for inputting a corrected date for the event where the cursor 680 is positioned is displayed in step S691, and the user inputs the corrected date data. In step S692, the corrected event date is rewritten by the corrected event date in which the corresponding original event date in the event memory 18 is input.
[0099]
The user can also add an event other than the event determined by the event management function of the electronic camera. That is, when the event button 21E is turned on, the electronic camera is set to the event mode, and the event addition button 21L is turned on, the event addition button 21L is turned on according to step S720 (FIG. 15). Detected. At that time, in step S721, a screen (not shown) for inputting the name and date of the event to be added is displayed, and the user inputs the event name and date. In step S722, the event data including the name and date of the input event is stored in the event memory 18. When the added event data is stored, the event data with a date newer than the date of the added event is shifted backward, and the data of the added event is older than the date of the added event. It is memorized so that it is inserted between the event of the new date and the event of the newer date than the date of the added event. FIG. 2C shows an example of the added event.
[0100]
The user can also add a new page to the event memory 18 by operating the page setting button 21M as described above. For example, when a second child is born, initial setting data relating to the second child may be input to the event data group storage area 190 of FIG. Thus, when a plurality of pages are stored in the event memory 18, the user can select an arbitrary page. That is, when the event button 21E is turned on, the electronic camera is set to the event mode, and the page selection button 21N is turned on, the page selection button 21N is turned on according to step S700 (FIG. 15). Detected. At that time, the next page is selected in step S701. When a page is newly selected, an event mode initial screen display process 800 is executed.
[0101]
The event mode initial screen display processing 800 is as already described with reference to FIG. In this case, an event mode initial screen similar to the event mode initial screen illustrated in FIG. 18 is displayed based on the data relating to the second child recorded on the newly selected page. The use of the strobe is automatically controlled in accordance with the elapsed period from the birthday of the child registered on the selected page to the date of shooting.
[0102]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and it is needless to say that the above embodiment may be changed or modified without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the use or non-use of the strobe is controlled according to whether or not the elapsed period from the child's birthday exceeds a threshold value. However, the strobe usage mode may be changed according to the elapsed period without depending on whether or not the elapsed period from the child's birthday exceeds the threshold value. For this purpose, for example, in the strobe use restriction process S626 shown in FIG. 9, after confirming that the birthday is stored in step S626B, is the elapsed time after birth exceeding the threshold as in step S626C? Step S626G is executed without determining whether or not. Moreover, in this step S626G, unlike the previous embodiment, the degree of use of the strobe is continuously changed according to the elapsed time after birth.
[0103]
For example, immediately after birth, the degree of use of the strobe is set to 0%, and the degree of use of the strobe is set to 100% when the above threshold value or an elapsed period of time has passed. Here, the strobe usage level of 0% means that no strobe is used. The strobe usage level of 100% is a subject other than a child who has just been born, and the strobe is used according to the light emission intensity of the strobe used by the electronic camera when the subject has insufficient brightness. It shows that. When the elapsed time after birth is smaller than the above threshold, a value between 0% and 100% is determined as the degree of strobe use depending on the elapsed time.
[0104]
That is, the subject is a subject other than a child just after birth, and has a ratio indicated by the degree of strobe use with respect to the light emission intensity of the strobe used by the electronic camera when the subject has insufficient brightness. Use luminescence intensity. The light emission intensity of the strobe is continuously changed according to the elapsed time. The aperture value and shutter time used for photographing may be determined in accordance with the brightness of the subject and the light emission intensity of the strobe used.
[0105]
In the above embodiment, if the strobe use prohibition button 21Q is turned on in advance, when the child whose birthday is stored is photographed, the strobe does not depend on the elapsed time from the birthday to the photographing date. It was not used. Therefore, in order to use the technique shown in the above embodiment in which the use or non-use of the strobe is controlled depending on the elapsed period from the birthday to the shooting date, the user presses the strobe use prohibition button 21Q in advance. Must be off. On the contrary, if the strobe use prohibition button 21Q is turned on in advance, the strobe is not used regardless of the elapsed period after the birthday.
[0106]
As another method for controlling the use or non-use of the strobe in accordance with the user, the use method of the strobe use prohibition button 21Q can be improved. That is, it is possible to register in advance strobe use prohibition for each subject. For example, each page has an area for storing a strobe use prohibition bit that indicates whether to prohibit strobe use when the child corresponding to the page is a subject, and sets a strobe use prohibition bit provided on the page. Keep it. In order to store the strobe prohibition bit in any page, for example, the page setting button 21M is turned on to perform page setting processing for the page, and the strobe use prohibition button is not displayed before the page setting processing ends. 21Q may be turned on.
[0107]
When photographing a child registered on the page, photographing is performed after the page is selected. When this strobe use prohibition bit is stored in the page, the photographing mode process of the electronic camera is executed so that the strobe use is automatically prohibited. Otherwise, the use of strobes is not prohibited. According to this method, the user sets the strobe use prohibition bit on the page for registering the child at the time of birth of the child, and resets the bit when the elapsed time after birth becomes larger than the above-described threshold. The operation of the strobe use prohibition button 21Q regarding other subjects can be prevented from being affected. In this modified example, when the shooting mode process of the electronic camera is executed, the elapsed period after birth is not taken into account, but it is possible to register whether or not the strobe is prohibited for each subject.
[0108]
Furthermore, in the above, it is assumed that the electronic camera's strobe is automatically used when the brightness of the subject is low, but depending on the electronic camera, the strobe is always used regardless of the brightness of the subject. There may be. In this case, when the elapsed time from the birthday of the child of the subject is relatively short, the strobe may not be emitted according to the present invention, or the amount of light emitted from the strobe may be suppressed.
[0109]
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the word strobe is used as a flash device (flash device) that generates auxiliary light when photographing, but in the present invention, the word strobe means auxiliary light when photographing. Of course, it is not limited to a so-called xenon discharge tube, but may be composed of an LED or other light emitting element.
[0110]
In the above, the embodiment of the electronic still camera is shown as one embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to other imaging apparatus, for example, a camera for VTR (Video Tape Recorder), or a photograph. The present invention can also be applied to a normal camera for recording an image on a photosensitive member such as a film.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically control the use of a strobe by the imaging apparatus according to the elapsed period from the date specified by the user stored in advance in the imaging apparatus to the shooting date.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic still camera having an event management function according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of event data group storage areas provided in an event memory.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plurality of image data storage areas provided in the image memory.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of buttons included in an operation button group.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a plurality of program storage areas provided in a ROM in the control unit.
FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a power supply processing program.
FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a shooting mode processing program.
FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of strobe use restriction processing executed by a shooting mode processing program.
FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart showing another example of the strobe use restriction process.
FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of association processing executed by a shooting mode processing program.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a change in a screen showing a field of view of an electronic camera when using zoom.
FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by an event mode initial processing program.
FIG. 13 is a part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by an event mode button-specific processing program.
FIG. 14 is another part of the schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the event mode button-specific processing program.
FIG. 15 is still another part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the event mode button-specific processing program.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event model data storage area provided in a ROM.
FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of event mode initial screen display processing;
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an event mode initial screen.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event list.
[Explanation of symbols]
680 ... cursor, 681 ... event scheduled date, 682 ... event name, 683 ... weight, 684 ... height.

Claims (8)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
A light emitting means for generating light during shooting;
Date data storage means for storing date data specified by the user;
Control means for controlling light emission by the light emission means depending on an elapsed period from a date indicated by date data stored in the date data storage means to a shooting date;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the date data is data indicating a birthday of a child. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the elapsed period is shorter than a predetermined period, the control unit restricts light emission by the light emitting unit as compared with when the elapsed period is longer than a predetermined period. 2. The imaging device according to 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits light emission by the light emitting unit when the elapsed period is shorter than a predetermined period. 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the elapsed period is shorter than a predetermined period, the control unit weakens light emission by the light emitting unit compared to when the elapsed period is longer than a predetermined period. The imaging device described. The control means prohibits light emission by the light emission means when the distance from the imaging device to the subject is equal to or less than a predetermined distance when the elapsed period is shorter than a predetermined period. The imaging device according to claim 1. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation button for prohibiting light emission by the light emitting unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit that changes an aperture amount or a shutter time in accordance with light emission control by the light emitting unit.

Images