JP4873086B2 - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program for automatically photographing a subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an imaging apparatus that automatically captures an image when a subject's eyes are detected when a group photo or the like is photographed so that all of the subject person faces the imaging apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a photograph in a state where all persons are facing the imaging device. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-336265 A

  By the way, if the shutter is automatically released under only one condition, “If you turn to the imaging device”, you may want to have a smile photo even if you are not facing the imaging device. If you want a photo with a smile and a smile, you will not be able to deal directly.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a program that can easily obtain a user-desired photograph.

The imaging device of the invention according to claim 1
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Automatic shooting condition setting means for selecting and setting a plurality of automatic shooting conditions from selectable automatic shooting conditions capable of selecting and setting multiple types;
Automatic photographing condition determining means for determining whether or not a subject satisfies each of a plurality of automatic photographing conditions set by the automatic photographing condition setting means;
Based on the determination result for each of the plurality of automatic shooting conditions by the automatic shooting condition determination unit, the ratio of the determination result with respect to the determination criterion determined to satisfy the condition is obtained, and the obtained plurality of the ratios are sequentially displayed. Imaging state sequential display control means,
Automatic imaging instruction control means for instructing imaging of an object or recording of an object image by the imaging means when it is determined by the automatic imaging condition determination means that at least one of the automatic imaging conditions is satisfied;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The automatic photographing condition judging means, characterized in that when it is determined that the previous SL automatic photographing conditions are satisfied a predetermined number of the previous SL automatic photographing condition judging means judges that satisfies the automatic photographing conditions It is said.

The invention according to claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The automatic photographing condition judging means, characterized in that when it is determined that the previous SL automatic photographing conditions are satisfied a predetermined number of the previous SL automatic photographing condition judging means judges that satisfies the automatic photographing conditions It is said.

Invention of Claim 4 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-3 ,
For each of the plurality of types of selectable automatic photographing conditions, there is provided a reference setting means for setting a determination criterion for determining the condition.

Invention of Claim 5 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
An imaging condition recording unit is provided that records the automatic imaging condition set by the automatic imaging condition setting unit and the image information captured and generated by the imaging unit in association with each other after the imaging by the imaging unit. It is said.

Invention of Claim 6 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-5 ,
It is characterized by comprising imaging state recording means for associating and recording image information imaged and generated by the imaging means after the imaging by the imaging means and the imaging state of the subject related to the automatic imaging condition.

The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The image forming apparatus includes a determination start time setting unit that sets a start time of determination as to whether or not the automatic shooting condition determination unit satisfies the automatic shooting condition after a predetermined time elapses from a predetermined operation.

The invention according to claim 8 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
A post-imaging state display control unit that displays a subject image at the time of imaging captured by the imaging unit and an imaging state related to the automatic imaging condition of the subject image after imaging by the imaging unit is provided. Yes.

The invention according to claim 9 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
A plurality of person detecting means for detecting a plurality of persons from the subject imaged by the imaging means;
The automatic photographing condition setting means sets the automatic photographing condition for the plurality of persons detected by the plural person detecting means,
The automatic photographing condition determining means determines whether or not the automatic photographing condition relating to the plurality of persons set by the automatic photographing condition setting means is satisfied;
The automatic imaging instruction control unit instructs the imaging unit to image a subject when the automatic imaging condition determination unit determines that the automatic imaging conditions related to the plurality of persons are satisfied. Yes.

The program of the invention according to claim 10 is:
In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
A function for selecting and setting at least a plurality of automatic shooting conditions from among selectable automatic shooting conditions that can be selected and set from a plurality of types,
A function for determining whether or not the subject satisfies each of a plurality of set automatic photographing conditions;
Based on the determination results for each of the plurality of automatic photographing conditions, a ratio of the determination results with respect to the determination criterion determined to satisfy the conditions, respectively, and a function for instructing the sequential display of the determined plurality of the ratios ;
A function of instructing imaging of a subject or recording of a subject image by the imaging means when it is determined that at least one of the automatic photographing conditions is satisfied;
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the present invention, a user-desired photograph can be easily obtained.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of Embodiment 1 to which this invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic shooting condition setting screen displayed on an image display unit of the imaging apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the image pickup apparatus in FIG. 1, schematically showing an example of a screen related to auto shutter shooting processing. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the image pickup apparatus in FIG. 1, schematically showing an example of a screen related to auto shutter shooting processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an auto-shutter shooting process by the imaging apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement which concerns on the automatic imaging | photography condition determination process of the auto shutter imaging | photography process of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an automatic shooting condition setting screen displayed on an image display unit of an imaging apparatus according to a first modification. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a subject for explaining automatic photographing condition determination processing of the imaging device of FIG. 7. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of the modification 2.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

<Embodiment 1>
The imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment performs auto-shutter photographing processing by arbitrarily setting at least one selectable automatic photographing condition from a plurality of selectable automatic photographing conditions.
More specifically, the imaging apparatus 100 can arbitrarily set automatic shooting conditions using a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions. When the automatic shooting conditions are satisfied, an auto shutter shooting process is performed.

(Explanation of block diagram)
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an imaging auxiliary unit 2, a display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a recording medium 5, a sound collecting unit 6, a control unit 7, and the like. It is configured.

  The imaging unit 1 includes an imaging lens group 11, an electronic imaging unit 12, a video signal processing unit 13, an image memory 14, a shooting control unit 15, and the like.

The imaging lens group 11 includes a plurality of imaging lenses.
The electronic imaging unit 12 includes an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) that converts a subject image that has passed through the imaging lens group 11 into a two-dimensional image signal.
The video signal processing unit 13 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the electronic imaging unit 12.
The image memory 14 temporarily stores the image signal after image processing.
The imaging control unit 15 controls the electronic imaging unit 12 and the video signal processing unit 13 under the control of the CPU 71. Specifically, the imaging control unit 15 controls the execution of the process of causing the electronic imaging unit 12 to image a subject with a predetermined exposure time and reading an image signal from the imaging area of the electronic imaging unit 12 at a predetermined frame rate. .

  The imaging unit 1 configured as described above constitutes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and acquires captured image data (image signal).

  The imaging auxiliary unit 2 is driven when the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1, and includes, for example, a focus driving unit 21, a zoom driving unit 22, and the like.

The focus drive unit 21 drives a focus mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens group 11.
The zoom drive unit 22 drives a zoom mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens group 11.
The focus driving unit 21 and the zoom driving unit 22 are connected to the shooting control unit 15 and are driven under the control of the shooting control unit 15.

  The display unit 3 displays an image picked up by the image pickup unit 1 and is disposed so as to expose the display screen from the back side of the image pickup apparatus 100 (see FIG. 3A and the like). The display unit 3 includes, for example, a display control unit 31, an image display unit 32, and the like.

  The display control unit 31 includes a video memory (not shown) that temporarily stores display data appropriately output from the CPU 71.

The image display unit 32 displays a predetermined image and information on the display screen based on the output signal from the display control unit 31.
That is, the image display unit 32 displays an automatic shooting condition setting screen G1 (see FIG. 2) in an automatic shooting condition setting process (details will be described later). Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the automatic shooting condition setting screen G <b> 1 includes “when you stop”, “when you laugh”, “when you hear a sound”, “when you turn to the front”, “when your eyes open”, “ A combination of multiple selectable automatic shooting condition items specified as candidates for automatic shooting conditions that can be selected and set, such as “When the mouth stops”, and a button “○” for selecting each item. is there. Then, by selecting and setting desired items such as “when you stop”, “when you laugh”, and “when you face the front” from among these multiple types of automatic shooting condition items, ) Is displayed with a predetermined color (dot display) “●” (see FIG. 2).
Of the multiple types of selectable automatic shooting condition items, the item “if you laugh” that is currently selected based on the predetermined operation of the cursor button c1 by the user is displayed with the background portion colored in a predetermined color ( Dot display).

Further, the image display unit 32 displays a preview image captured by the imaging unit 1, and at this time, at the time of imaging related to the imaging state related to the automatic imaging condition set in the automatic imaging condition setting process (details will be described later). The status screen C is sequentially displayed in real time (see FIGS. 3A to 3C).
Specifically, the imaging state screen C shows the settable automatic photographing conditions that have been set (for example, “if you stop”, “if you laugh”, “if you are facing the front”; FIGS. 3A to 3C). OSD display of the fluctuation of the imaging state according to the reference)) in the form of a level bar. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, “blurring” associated with the selectable automatic shooting condition “when stopped”, selectable automatic, at a position slightly below the image display unit 32. Each item of “smile” associated with the shooting condition “if you smile” and “face orientation” associated with the selectable automatic shooting condition “if you face in front” is displayed in five levels. If each of the selectable automatic shooting condition items is determined to satisfy a predetermined reference value in the selectable automatic shooting condition determination process (described later in detail), 4 items from the left of the five-level level bar are displayed. Up to the first one is colored, “OK!” Is displayed on the right side, and when it is determined that it is almost completely filled, all five level bars are colored And “Perfect!” Is displayed (see FIG. 3C). On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined reference value is not satisfied, which level bar is not colored depending on the degree, or one to three level bars are colored sequentially from the left. "NG!" Is displayed (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

Further, the image display unit 32 temporarily displays a REC view image (subject image) for confirming the main image recorded on the recording medium 5 after the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1, and at this time, the state after imaging As a display means, a post-imaging state screen relating to the imaging state related to the automatic photographing condition is displayed together with the REC view image. Data relating to the shooting state related to the automatic shooting condition displayed at this time is stored in the recording medium 5 together with the shot image. The post-imaging status screen may be substantially the same as the imaging status screen C (see FIG. 3C) when the main imaging of the subject is instructed, for example.
Accordingly, it is possible to more appropriately grasp the imaging state when the imaging is actually performed after imaging the subject.
An imaging state screen C and a post-shooting state screen that is substantially the same as the imaging state screen C can be switched between a plurality of display forms including display ON / OFF by, for example, a predetermined operation of a display setting button 41d described later. Therefore, only the photographed subject image may be displayed in the REC view, and it is possible to set only the post-shooting state screen which is substantially the same as the shooting state screen C.

  The operation unit 4 is for performing a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes, for example, an operation input unit 41, an input circuit 42, and the like.

  The operation input unit 41 includes a shutter button 41a, a menu button 41b, a selection determination button 41c, a display setting button 41d, and the like.

The shutter button 41a is provided, for example, on the upper surface side of the imaging apparatus 100 (see FIG. 3A and the like), and instructs the imaging unit 1 to image a subject.
The menu button 41b is provided, for example, on the back side of the imaging device 100 (see FIG. 3A, etc.), and instructs display of various menus such as auto shutter shooting processing and self-timer shooting processing.
The selection decision button 41c is provided, for example, below the menu button 41b (see FIG. 3A, etc.). The selection button 41c is provided inside the cursor button c1 for selecting various items and the cursor button c1. An Enter button c2 for determining an item selected by operating the button c1 is provided.
The display setting button 41d is provided, for example, below the selection determination button 41c (see FIG. 3A and the like), and is used for switching display contents displayed on the image display unit 32.

  The input circuit 42 is for inputting an operation signal output from the operation input unit 41 to the CPU 71.

The recording medium 5 is configured by, for example, a card-type nonvolatile memory (flash memory), a hard disk, or the like.
In addition, the recording medium 5 includes an automatic shooting condition set in an automatic shooting condition setting process (details will be described later) after the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1, captured image data generated by the imaging unit 1, and the automatic shooting. The imaging state of the subject related to the condition, that is, the imaging state such as whether the imaging state is “OK!” Or “Perfect!” Is recorded in association with each other.
Here, the recording medium 5 constitutes an imaging condition recording unit that records the automatic imaging condition and the captured image data in association with each other, and also configures an imaging state recording unit that records the imaging state and the captured image data in association with each other. .

The sound collection unit 6 includes, for example, a microphone, an amplifier, etc., although not shown. In addition, the sound collecting unit 6 collects a predetermined sound emitted from the surroundings in a state where “when sound is produced” is selected and set as an automatic photographing condition in the automatic shutter photographing process. A shooting instruction signal is output to the CPU 71.
Furthermore, by recording the voice of a specific person and a specific keyword in advance, the recorded data is voice-authenticated, and the sound collection level of the voice of the specific person, a specific keyword, or a combination thereof is photographed. It may be displayed as a state.

  The control unit 7 controls each unit of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes, for example, a CPU 71, a program memory 72, a data memory 73, and the like.

  The CPU 71 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 100 stored in the program memory 72.

  The data memory 73 is composed of, for example, a flash memory and temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 71.

  The program memory 72 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 71. Specifically, the program memory 72 stores an automatic shooting condition setting program 72a, an automatic shooting condition determination program 72b, an imaging state display control program 72c, a determination start time setting program 72d, an automatic shooting instruction control program 72e, and the like. .

(Description of the program)
The automatic photographing condition setting program 72a is a program for realizing a function related to automatic photographing condition setting processing for arbitrarily setting at least one selectable automatic photographing condition from a plurality of types of selectable automatic photographing conditions. Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the automatic shooting condition setting program 72a and the automatic shutter shooting process is selected based on a predetermined operation of the menu button 41b of the operation input unit 41 by the user, the image display unit 32 An automatic shooting condition setting screen G1 is displayed, and an arbitrary selectable automatic shooting condition from among a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c such as the cursor button c1 or the Enter button c2. Are selected and set (for example, “when you stop”, “when you laugh”, “when you face the front”, etc .; see FIG. 2). When supplementary explanation is given here, at least one selectable automatic photographing condition is activated, but at least two selectable automatic photographing are performed for easy understanding of the description of the embodiment and the configuration of the present invention. The condition is selected and set.
Here, the CPU 71 and the operation input unit 41 constitute automatic photographing condition setting means for arbitrarily setting at least one selectable automatic photographing condition from a plurality of selectable automatic photographing conditions. Here, automatic photographing conditions are determined by setting arbitrary selectable automatic photographing conditions from among a plurality of selectable automatic photographing conditions.
In addition, it is desirable that the automatic photographing conditions have a configuration that can store the settings once made. Furthermore, it is desirable to store only the last setting. This improves the convenience for the user.

  Here, the plurality of types of selectable automatic photographing conditions are classified for each item, and the degree of importance for determining whether or not each item is satisfied (details will be described later in Modification 1). ) Is not considered. Specifically, selectable automatic shooting conditions include, for example, “When you stop”, “When you laugh”, “When you make a sound”, “When you turn to the front”, “When your eyes open”, “Your mouth stops And so on.

The automatic shooting condition determination program 72b causes the CPU 71 to function as automatic shooting condition determination means. That is, it is determined whether the automatic shooting condition set by the automatic shooting condition setting program is satisfied. The automatic shooting condition determination program 72b includes a selectable automatic shooting condition determination program to be described later. That is, when each selectable automatic shooting condition is in a predetermined state, it is determined that the automatic shooting condition is satisfied.
The selectable automatic shooting condition determination program causes the CPU 71 to function as selectable automatic shooting condition determination means. That is, the selectable automatic shooting condition determination program is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to a process for determining whether or not each selectable automatic shooting condition set in the automatic shooting condition setting process is satisfied. . Specifically, the CPU 71 executes a selectable automatic shooting condition determination program, so that after the user presses the shutter button 41a, a plurality of automatic shooting conditions set in the automatic shooting condition setting process, for example, “stop” is set. It is determined whether or not automatic shooting conditions such as “If”, “If you laugh”, “If you are facing the front” are satisfied.
For example, when determining whether or not the selectable automatic photographing condition “if you laugh” is satisfied, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the face detected by the predetermined face detection process ( In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, it is determined whether or not a person is laughing by recognizing a facial expression of a portion in which a substantially rectangular frame W is superimposed and displayed. For example, if it is determined that the user is not laughing (see FIG. 4A), the selectable automatic shooting condition is not satisfied, while if it is determined that the user is laughing (see FIG. 4B), the automatic selection is possible. Judge that the shooting conditions are met.
As will be described later, it is possible to determine that the selectable automatic photographing condition is satisfied in a predetermined state between the state of laughing and the state of not laughing.
Here, the face detection process is a feature that corresponds to eyes, nose, bout, etc. by scanning a face search frame in a predetermined direction for one captured image data (image frame) among a plurality of captured image data. It is a process of identifying a part (face part), determining whether it is a face from the positional relationship of each face part, and detecting the search frame area as a face area when it is determined to be a face, It does not need to be limited to this.

The selectable automatic photographing condition “when stopped” determines whether or not the subject has stopped based on, for example, whether or not the subject has been shaken based on the captured image data generated by the imaging unit 1.
Also, “when the eyes are opened”, “when the mouth stops”, and “when facing the front” are determined by the facial expression recognition detected by the face detection process in substantially the same manner as “when you laugh”.
“When a sound is heard” is determined based on the sound collection result of the sound collection unit 6 whether or not a predetermined sound has been emitted.

The imaging state display control program 72c causes the CPU 71 to function as imaging state sequential display control means. That is, the imaging state display control program 72c captures the imaging state related to the automatic imaging condition of the subject image captured by the imaging unit 1 based on the determination result of whether or not the automatic imaging condition by the automatic imaging condition determination process is satisfied. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to an imaging state display process for displaying the imaging state screen C according to the above in real time on the image display unit 32.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the CPU 71 executes the imaging state display control program 72c to satisfy each automatic imaging condition by the automatic imaging condition determination process. Depending on the determination result, an imaging state screen C represented by five levels for each selectable automatic imaging condition is displayed. For example, when the subject is moving, it is determined that the selectable automatic shooting condition “when it stops” is not satisfied in the automatic shooting condition determination process, so that one to three level bars of “blur” are colored. (In FIG. 3A, only one level bar is displayed in a colored manner). On the other hand, when the movement of the subject stops, it is determined that the selectable automatic shooting condition “when stopped” is satisfied, and four or more “blur” level bars are colored (FIG. 3 ( (b) and FIG. 3 (c) show a state in which four level bars are colored and displayed.
Here, the level 4 state is a state in which blurring has substantially stopped, the state in level 5 may be a state in which the state in which blurring has substantially stopped continues for a predetermined time or more, and the state in level 4 is substantially free of blurring. The level 5 state may be a state in which the blur is less than the level 4 state.
If the subject is not laughing, the automatic shooting condition determination process determines that the selectable automatic shooting condition “if you laugh” is not satisfied, so one to three level bars for “smile” are colored. (In FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), only one level bar is colored and displayed). In contrast, when the subject is in a state of laughing, it is determined that the selectable automatic photographing condition “if you laugh” is satisfied, and four or more “smile” level bars are colored (FIG. 3). (C) shows a state in which all five level bars are colored.)
Here, the level 4 state is a laughing state, the level 5 state may be a state where the laughing state continues for a predetermined time or more, and the level 4 state is a laughing state, The level 5 state may be a state of laughing more than the level 4 state.
That is, the level 5 state may be a state in which the level 4 state continues for a predetermined time or more.

The determination start time setting program 72d is a program for realizing a function related to a process of setting a determination start time whether or not the automatic shooting condition by the automatic shooting condition determination process is satisfied after a predetermined time elapses from a predetermined operation. . Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the determination start time setting program 72d and the self-timer photographing process is selected based on a predetermined operation of the menu button 41b of the operation input unit 41 by the user, the self-timer function The automatic photographing condition determination start time is set after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter button 41a was pressed.
Here, the CPU 71 and the operation input unit 41 constitute determination start time setting means for setting the determination start time of the automatic photographing condition determination process after a predetermined time from a predetermined operation.

  The automatic imaging instruction control program 72e causes the CPU 71 to function as automatic imaging instruction control means. That is, the automatic imaging instruction control program 72e has a function related to a process for instructing the imaging unit 1 to capture the main image of the subject when the automatic imaging condition determination process determines that the automatic imaging condition is satisfied. It is a program for realizing. Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the automatic image capturing instruction control program 72e and determines that the automatic image capturing condition is satisfied in the automatic image capturing condition determining process, the main image for image recording is displayed on the image capturing unit 1. An instruction is made to capture the captured image data of the main image.

(Explanation of flowchart)
Next, the auto shutter photographing process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the auto shutter photographing process.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, when the auto shutter shooting process is selected based on a predetermined operation of the menu button 41 b of the operation input unit 41 by the user (step S <b> 1), the CPU 71 sets the automatic shooting condition in the program memory 72. The setting program 72a is executed to display the automatic shooting condition setting screen G1 on the image display section 32, and selectable automatic shooting can be selected from a plurality of selectable automatic shooting conditions based on a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c. Conditions are set arbitrarily to set automatic shooting conditions (step S2; automatic shooting condition setting process).
The automatic shooting conditions that can be selected are as follows: “When you stop”, “When you laugh”, “When you hear a sound”, “When you turn to the front”, “When your eyes open”, “When your mouth stops” Are sequentially stored in the data memory 73 with numbers from 1 in order.

  Next, when the self-timer photographing process is selected based on a predetermined operation of the menu button 41b of the operation input unit 41 by the user (step S3), the CPU 71 executes the determination start time setting program 72d in the program memory 72. Thus, the automatic photographing condition determination start time (including determination of selectable automatic photographing conditions) is set after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter button 41a was pressed (step S4).

Thereafter, based on a predetermined operation of the shutter button 41a of the operation input unit 41 by the user (step S5), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the self-timer photographing process is set (step S51), and the self-timer photographing process. Is set (step S51; YES), time measurement by a timer (not shown) is started (step S6), and it is determined whether or not the time measured has reached a predetermined set time (when determination is started). Determination is made (step S7). If it is determined that the determination has been reached (step S7; YES), the CPU 71 executes the automatic shooting condition determination program 72b in the program memory 72, and the automatic setting set in the automatic shooting condition setting process. An automatic shooting condition determination process for determining whether or not the shooting condition is satisfied is performed (step S8).
If the self-timer shooting process is not set in step S51 (step S51; NO), the CPU 71 performs the automatic shooting condition determination process in step S8.

The automatic shooting condition determination process will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.
Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the automatic photographing condition determination process.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the automatic shooting condition determination process, first, the CPU 71 sets the number N relating to the determination order of the automatic shooting condition to “1” (step S81), and selects a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions. The first selectable automatic shooting condition (for example, “when stopped”; see FIG. 2) is read from the data memory 73 (step S82), and it is determined whether or not the selectable automatic shooting condition is set. (Step S83).
If it is determined in step S83 that the first selectable automatic shooting condition is set (step S83; YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the selectable automatic shooting condition is satisfied within a predetermined time. In addition to the determination (step S84), the imaging state display control program 72c is executed, and the imaging state screen C (see FIGS. 3A to 3C) related to the change in the imaging state based on the determination result. The image display unit 32 is displayed in real time.
If it is determined that the automatic shooting condition is satisfied (step S84; YES), the CPU 71 selects another selectable automatic shooting that has not yet been subjected to the determination process among a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions. It is determined whether there is a condition (step S85). At this time, when determining the first selectable automatic shooting condition, “YES” is determined in step S85, and the CPU 71 increments the number N relating to the determination order of the selectable automatic shooting condition by “+1”. (Step S86), the process proceeds to Step S82, and the subsequent processing is performed for the second selectable automatic photographing condition (for example, “If you laugh”; see FIG. 2).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S83 that the read-out selectable automatic photographing condition is not set (step S83; NO), the CPU 71 proceeds to step S85 and other selectable automatic photographing conditions. It is determined whether or not there is (step S85).
If it is determined in step S84 that the selectable automatic shooting condition is not satisfied (step S84; NO), the CPU 71 proceeds to step S81, and thereafter the first selectable automatic shooting condition. Process.

As described above, determination is made for all of the plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions, and the remaining selections that have not yet been determined in the plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions in step S85. When it is determined that there is no automatic shooting condition (step S85; NO), the CPU 71 determines that the automatic shooting condition is satisfied and performs automatic shooting. More specifically, the automatic imaging instruction control program 72e in the program memory 72 is executed to cause the imaging unit 1 to capture the main image for image recording (step S9), and the captured image data relating to the main image is acquired. Recording is performed on the recording medium 5 (step S10).
At this time, the automatic image capturing conditions are recorded in association with the captured image data, and when the automatic image capturing conditions are satisfied, the state in which each selectable automatic image capturing condition satisfies the automatic image capturing conditions is satisfied. The state data at that time is also recorded in association.
Thereby, when confirming the captured image later, it is possible to confirm under what automatic photographing conditions the automatic photographing condition is in the automatic photographing condition.

Then, the CPU 71 executes a predetermined program (not shown) as a post-imaging state display control unit, and relates to the set automatic photographing condition together with the rec view image for confirming the main image on the image display unit 32. A post-imaging state screen relating to the imaging state is temporarily displayed (step S11).
As described above, the display form of the REC view screen can be changed by pressing the display setting button 41d.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting from a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions in the automatic shooting condition setting screen G1 in the automatic shutter shooting processing. If the conditions are arbitrarily set and it is determined that all of the multiple types of selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied, the imaging unit 1 instructs the main imaging of the subject image. Automatic photographing processing can be performed under conditions, and a user-desired photograph can be easily obtained.
At this time, since multiple types of selectable automatic shooting conditions can be appropriately combined, it is possible not only to obtain photographs with fewer failures by automatic shooting, but also by appropriately changing the combination of selectable automatic shooting conditions. Thus, it is possible to obtain a photograph that is more in line with the user's intention and to provide the imaging device 100 that is more convenient.

In addition, the imaging state related to the automatic imaging condition of the subject image is displayed in real time on the image display unit 32, so that the current imaging state is notified to the person operating the shutter button 41a, and the automatic imaging condition that is not satisfied. Can be taught to the person who is the subject, and the subject can be imaged more suitably.
Furthermore, since the automatic shooting conditions, the captured image data, and the imaging state of the subject can be recorded in association with each other after the imaging of the subject, the user can automatically record the imaging conditions of each captured image data and the imaging state of the subject. Can be grasped. For example, in the present embodiment, the reference value of the automatic shooting condition is satisfied to the extent that four or more level bars of five level bar displays are displayed. By recording the state, the level is the “OK!” Level captured with four level bars displayed, or the “Perfect!” Level captured with five displayed level bars. Can be determined.

In addition, the self-timer function can set the automatic shooting condition determination start time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter button 41a was pressed, and the subject can be imaged immediately after the shutter button 41a is operated. Can be prevented.
For example, when a person who operates the shutter button 41a is desired to be photographed together with a group photo, if the subject is imaged immediately after the shutter button 41a is pressed, the person who performs the operation cannot be captured, but self By using the timer function to shift the operation timing of the shutter button 41a and the automatic shooting condition determination start timing, it is possible for the person who performs the operation to appear in the group photo with a margin.

In the above-described embodiment, it is determined that the selectable automatic shooting condition is satisfied when the selection process for each selectable automatic shooting condition is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference level. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be determined that the selectable automatic photographing condition is satisfied when it matches a predetermined reference level or when the level falls below a predetermined level. Thereby, the range of selectable automatic photographing conditions can be expanded, and a photograph more in line with the user's intention can be obtained.
For example, if you want a photo that is not a smile, such as an ID photo, you can use a configuration that determines that the automatic shooting condition is met when the selectable automatic shooting condition “If you laugh” falls below a predetermined level. Can respond.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Below, the modification of the imaging device 100 is demonstrated.

<Modification 1>
The imaging apparatus according to the first modification sets an importance level for each of a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions, and performs an auto shutter shooting process using the importance level as an imaging instruction reference.
That is, in the above embodiment, the selectable automatic shooting condition is set (selected) in step S2. In the above embodiment, any selectable automatic shooting condition is selected from all the selectable automatic shooting conditions. After the selection, the importance is set as follows for the selected selectable automatic photographing condition.
Note that the imaging apparatus of the first modification is substantially the same as the above embodiment except for the configuration related to the setting of the importance level of the selectable automatic shooting condition. Description is omitted.

That is, in this case, in the automatic shooting condition setting process, the CPU 71 executes the automatic shooting condition setting program 72a to display the automatic shooting condition setting screen G2 on the image display unit 32, and the cursor button c1, enter button c2, and the like. On the basis of a predetermined operation of the selection determination button 41c, the importance (determination criterion) related to the determination as to whether or not the conditions are satisfied is set for each of the multiple types of selectable automatic photographing conditions.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the automatic shooting condition setting screen G <b> 2 includes “when it stops”, “when you laugh”, “when you hear a sound”, “when you turn to the front”, and “when your eyes open”. The degree of importance of a plurality of selectable automatic photographing condition items such as “When the mouth stops” is expressed by the number of stars (“☆” and “★”).
The importance of selectable automatic shooting conditions indicates that the greater the number of stars “★” in the display (dot display) colored with a predetermined color, the higher the importance. A star “☆” (without dots) becomes a star “★” displayed in a predetermined color (see FIG. 7). For example, the selectable automatic shooting condition “when stopped” has three dot stars “★”, the most important, and the selectable automatic shooting conditions “when you laugh” and “when your eyes open” The number of dots “★” in dot display is two, followed by the most important. Selectable automatic shooting condition “If you face the front” has one star “★” in dot display. The next most important and selectable automatic shooting conditions “when a sound is produced” and “when the mouth stops”, the number of stars in the dot display is “0”, that is, the white star “☆” ”Is three, and the importance is the lowest.
Of the multiple types of selectable automatic shooting condition items, the item “if you laugh” that is currently selected based on the predetermined operation of the cursor button c1 by the user is displayed with the background portion colored in a predetermined color ( Dot display).
As described above, the CPU 71 and the operation input unit 41 constitute reference setting means for setting an imaging instruction reference relating to an imaging instruction in the auto shutter imaging process for each of a plurality of types of selectable automatic imaging conditions.

Then, when the CPU 71 executes the automatic shooting condition determination program 72b in the program memory 72, the CPU 71 also executes a selectable automatic shooting condition determination program according to the execution of the automatic shooting condition determination program 72b. It is determined whether or not an imaging instruction criterion related to selectable automatic imaging conditions is satisfied. Specifically, for example, in the importance of the selectable automatic shooting condition “when facing the front”, when the importance is the highest (the number of dots “★” in the dot display is three), the person of the subject Only when the face of the camera faces almost in front (see FIG. 8 (a)), it is determined that the determination criterion (selectable automatic shooting condition) is satisfied, and the next most important (star with dot display) The number of “★” is two), and when the face of the subject person is facing substantially front or diagonally (see FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b)), the criterion is satisfied. If there is the next highest importance (the number of the star “★” in the dot display is one), the face of the subject's person is facing the front, the case of facing the diagonal, and the side When it is facing (see FIG. 8 (a) to FIG. 8 (c)), it is determined that the determination criterion is satisfied, and the importance is the lowest It determines that the number of dot display of the star is "0"), the orientation of the face of the person meets without selectable automatic photographing conditions relationship.
Here, the CPU 71 functions as a determination criterion determination unit that determines whether or not a plurality of determination criteria set in the automatic shooting condition setting process are satisfied.
That is, it functions to determine whether or not the automatic shooting conditions are satisfied by determining the automatic shooting conditions based on the set determination criteria for the plurality of selectable shooting conditions.

  When it is determined in the automatic shooting condition determination process that all the determination criteria related to the plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied, the CPU 71 executes the automatic shooting instruction control program 72e in the program memory 72. Thus, the imaging unit 1 is instructed to capture a main image for image recording.

  Therefore, according to the imaging apparatus of the first modification, the setting of a plurality of types of selectable automatic shooting conditions can be made finer, so that the auto shutter shooting process is performed in consideration of the importance of each selectable automatic shooting condition. It can be carried out. In other words, by changing the level of importance of the selectable automatic shooting conditions, it is possible to widen the setting range of the automatic shooting conditions, and it is possible to obtain a photograph more in line with the user's intention.

In the first modification, when it is determined in the automatic shooting condition determination process that all the determination criteria related to the set of plural selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied, the image recording is performed. Although the main image is captured, the present image is not limited to this, and the main image may be captured when it is determined that at least one of a plurality of determination criteria is satisfied.
The importance may be a simple weighting of data: 100% for 3 stars “★”, 75% for 2 stars “★”, 50% for 1 star “★”, If “★” is not present, 25% or the function may be turned off.
In addition, even if not all items are satisfied, a product of each data and weight may be calculated for each item, and the shutter may be performed when the total sum exceeds a predetermined condition.

  Furthermore, in the first modification, after selecting an arbitrary selectable automatic shooting condition, the importance is set for the selected selectable automatic shooting condition. However, this may not be the case. The degree of importance may be set for all selectable automatic photographing conditions (automatic photographing condition constituent items). In this case, it is also possible to set the importance for all selectable automatic shooting conditions, select any selectable automatic shooting condition from among them, determine the automatic shooting condition, and perform shooting. Of course it does not matter.

In the embodiment and the first modification, the image capturing is performed when all the selectable automatic image capturing conditions that have been set are satisfied. You may comprise so that it may image | photograph, if a predetermined number of selectable automatic imaging conditions are satisfy | filled among imaging conditions.
More specifically, when shooting a moving child, it is difficult to satisfy all of the settable selectable shooting conditions. Therefore, as described above, a predetermined number of selectable automatic shootings among the settable selectable automatic shooting conditions. When the condition is satisfied, it may be preferable that the automatic photographing is performed by determining that the automatic photographing condition is satisfied.
Thereby, even in a shooting situation where it is difficult to satisfy all shooting conditions, the automatic shooting according to the present invention can be applied.
Further, the first selectable automatic photographing condition that needs to be satisfied by further deepening and the second selectable automatic photographing condition that does not necessarily need to be satisfied are set, and all the first selectable automatic photographing conditions are set. In addition, when a predetermined number of selectable automatic shooting conditions among the second selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied, it may be determined that the automatic shooting conditions are satisfied and automatic shooting is performed. .
Thereby, it is possible to perform photographing closer to a desired state.
In summary, the above three shooting modes are:
1; Automatic shooting when all selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied 2; Automatic shooting when a predetermined number of selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied 3; All first selectable automatic shooting conditions and a predetermined number of Automatic shooting is performed when the second selectable automatic shooting condition is satisfied, and one of these three shooting modes may be arbitrarily selected. Here, the selection of the shooting mode is performed in step S1 of the flowchart of FIG.
Further, these three shooting modes can be realized by changing the contents of the program of the automatic shooting condition determination process in step S2 and step S8 in the flowchart of FIG.

<Modification 2>
The imaging apparatus 200 according to Modification 2 detects a plurality of persons from a subject, sets automatic shooting conditions for each person, and performs an auto shutter shooting process.
Note that the imaging apparatus 200 of Modification 2 is substantially the same as the above-described embodiment except for the configuration related to the multiple person detection process, and thus the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the program memory 72 includes an automatic shooting condition setting program 72a, an automatic shooting condition determination program 72b, an imaging state display control program 72c, a determination start time setting program 72d, and an automatic shooting instruction control program 72e. A multiple person detection program 72f is stored.

  The multiple person detection program 72f causes the CPU 71 to function as multiple person detection means. That is, the multiple person detection program 72f is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to processing for detecting a plurality of persons from the subject image captured by the imaging unit 1. Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the plural person detection program 72f, the faces of a plurality of persons are detected from the subject image by face detection processing based on the picked-up image data generated by the image pickup unit 1.

Then, the CPU 71 executes an automatic shooting condition setting program 72a in the program memory 72, and sets automatic shooting conditions for each of a plurality of persons detected in the plurality of persons detection process. Here, as an automatic shooting condition setting method, for example, after selecting a substantially rectangular frame (not shown) superimposed on each person's face based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 41, a predetermined automatic There is a method of setting automatic shooting conditions on a shooting condition setting screen (not shown).
Thereafter, the CPU 71 executes an automatic shooting condition determination program 72b in the program memory 72 to determine whether or not the automatic shooting conditions related to a plurality of persons set in the automatic shooting condition setting process are satisfied. Here, as a method for determining the automatic shooting condition, for example, before the step S81 in FIG. 6, a process for specifying a person related to the determination of the automatic shooting condition among a plurality of persons is performed. If the subsequent processing is performed and it is determined that all the conditions are satisfied, the next person is designated and the same processing is performed to determine whether or not all the automatic shooting conditions for the plurality of persons are satisfied. The method of doing is mentioned.
When it is determined in the automatic shooting condition determination process that the automatic shooting conditions for a plurality of persons are satisfied, the CPU 71 executes the automatic shooting instruction control program 72e and causes the image pickup unit 1 to store an image recording book. Instructs to take an image.

Therefore, according to the imaging apparatus 200 of the second modification, even when a subject includes a plurality of persons, it is possible to arbitrarily set automatic shooting conditions for a plurality of persons in the auto shutter shooting process. The user-desired photograph can be easily obtained.
For example, when you take a family photo automatically, you can set the automatic shooting conditions separately for adults such as fathers and mothers and babies, so even if your baby's movements are slow or sleeping, For babies, do not set certain automatic shooting conditions such as “When you stop”, “When you face the front” or “When your eyes open”, or even if you set it, make the criteria for automatic shooting conditions more lenient Thus, a user-desired photograph can be obtained.

In the second modification, when it is determined that all the automatic shooting conditions for a plurality of persons are satisfied, the CPU 71 instructs to capture the main image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, when the automatic shooting conditions are determined from a person who is substantially in the center of the angle of view, and it is determined that at least the automatic shooting conditions for the person are satisfied, an instruction to capture the main image is given. You may make it do.
Further, in the imaging apparatus 200 according to the second modification, when the imaging state screen C relating to the imaging state of the subject is displayed on the image display unit 32 in real time, only those relating to the person who does not satisfy the automatic imaging condition are displayed. Alternatively, a plurality of persons may be switched and displayed.

In the second modification, a plurality of automatic shooting conditions corresponding to each person can be set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any one of the automatic shooting conditions can be set to You may make it image | photograph when all the automatic imaging conditions satisfy | fill, and you may make it image | photograph when only a predetermined person (for example, person in the center) satisfy | fills.
In the above embodiment, the self-timer shooting process is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the automatic shooting condition determination process may be performed immediately after a predetermined operation of the shutter button 41a by the user.

  In the above embodiment, the imaging state of the subject is displayed in real time on the image display unit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging state of the subject may be notified by other notification means. Anyway. For example, an LED capable of displaying a change in the imaging state may be provided on the front side of the imaging devices 100 and 200, or a speaker that produces different sounds depending on the imaging state.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when it is determined in the automatic shooting condition determination process that all of the set plural types of selectable automatic shooting conditions are satisfied, the main image for image recording is captured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main image may be captured when it is determined that at least one of a plurality of selectable automatic photographing conditions is satisfied.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been configured to perform pass / fail determination for each item of each selectable automatic shooting condition, and to perform shooting when all items pass, but not limited to this, each selection A score may be assigned to each item of possible automatic shooting conditions, and shooting may be performed when the total score exceeds a predetermined score. That is, instead of setting a predetermined number of automatic photographing conditions among a plurality of types of selectable automatic photographing conditions defined as candidates for automatic photographing conditions that can be selected and set, items of a plurality of types of selectable automatic photographing conditions One automatic shooting condition may be set in combination.
Thereby, the freedom degree of the setting of an auto shutter can be improved.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the first and second modified examples, when the automatic shooting condition is satisfied, the automatic shooting is performed and one still image is shot. However, this need not be the case. . For example, you may comprise so that the still image of the timing which satisfy | filled automatic imaging | photography conditions may be recorded from the image which is continuously image | photographed as a moving image, a continuous shooting image, or a through image. In other words, the photographing may be performed continuously, and only the recorded image may be recorded when the automatic photographing condition is satisfied.

In addition, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto.
Furthermore, examples of the automatic shooting conditions that can be selected include "when you stop", "when you laugh", "when you hear a sound", "when you turn to the front", "when your eyes open", and "when your mouth stops" However, the present invention is not limited to these, and any apparatus may be used as long as it can be applied as a criterion for determining whether to instruct imaging during the selectable automatic imaging process.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, automatic shooting condition setting means, automatic shooting condition determination means, selectable automatic shooting condition determination means, automatic imaging instruction control means, selectable automatic shooting condition determination means, reference setting means, and determination start setting The function as the means, the plural person detection means, the imaging state sequential display control means, and the post-imaging state display control means is realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU 71, but is not limited thereto. Instead, for example, it may be configured by a logic circuit for realizing various functions.

100, 200 Imaging device 1 Imaging unit (imaging means)
3 Display unit 32 Image display unit 4 Operation unit 41 Operation input unit (automatic photographing condition setting unit, determination start setting unit, reference setting unit)
41a Shutter button 41b Menu button 41c Selection decision button 5 Recording medium (imaging condition recording means, imaging state recording means)
71 CPU (automatic imaging condition setting means, automatic imaging condition determination means, automatic imaging instruction control means, selectable automatic imaging condition determination means, reference setting means, determination start time setting means, multiple person detection means, imaging state sequential display control means , Post-imaging state display control means)

Claims (10)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Automatic shooting condition setting means for selecting and setting a plurality of automatic shooting conditions from selectable automatic shooting conditions capable of selecting and setting multiple types;
Automatic photographing condition determining means for determining whether or not a subject satisfies each of a plurality of automatic photographing conditions set by the automatic photographing condition setting means;
Based on the determination result for each of the plurality of automatic shooting conditions by the automatic shooting condition determination unit, the ratio of the determination result with respect to the determination criterion determined to satisfy the condition is obtained, and the obtained plurality of the ratios are sequentially displayed. Imaging state sequential display control means,
Automatic imaging instruction control means for instructing imaging of an object or recording of an object image by the imaging means when it is determined by the automatic imaging condition determination means that at least one of the automatic imaging conditions is satisfied;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The automatic photographing condition judging means, and characterized in that it is determined that if it is determined that satisfies all of the previous SL automatic photographing condition by the previous SL automatic photographing condition judging means, satisfies the automatic photographing conditions The imaging device according to claim 1 . The automatic photographing condition judging means, characterized in that when it is determined that the previous SL automatic photographing conditions are satisfied a predetermined number of the previous SL automatic photographing condition judging means judges that satisfies the automatic photographing conditions The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 . Wherein for each of a plurality of kinds of selectable automatic photographing conditions, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it comprises a reference setting means for setting a criterion relating to the determination of the conditions. An imaging condition recording unit is provided that records the automatic imaging condition set by the automatic imaging condition setting unit and the image information captured and generated by the imaging unit in association with each other after the imaging by the imaging unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . An imaging state recording unit that records image information captured and generated by the imaging unit and an imaging state of a subject related to the automatic imaging condition in association with each other after imaging by the imaging unit. Item 6. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 5 . Of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises the determination start time setting means for setting the determined whether the beginning satisfies the automatic photographing conditions by the automatic photographing condition judging means from a predetermined operation after a predetermined time has elapsed The imaging device according to any one of the above. A post-imaging state display control unit that displays a subject image at the time of imaging captured by the imaging unit and an imaging state related to the automatic imaging condition of the subject image after imaging by the imaging unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . A plurality of person detecting means for detecting a plurality of persons from the subject imaged by the imaging means;
The automatic photographing condition setting means sets the automatic photographing condition for the plurality of persons detected by the plural person detecting means,
The automatic photographing condition determining means determines whether or not the automatic photographing condition relating to the plurality of persons set by the automatic photographing condition setting means is satisfied;
The automatic imaging instruction control unit instructs the imaging unit to image a subject when the automatic imaging condition determination unit determines that the automatic imaging conditions related to the plurality of persons are satisfied. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
A function for selecting and setting at least a plurality of automatic shooting conditions from among selectable automatic shooting conditions that can be selected and set from a plurality of types,
A function for determining whether or not the subject satisfies each of a plurality of set automatic photographing conditions;
Based on the determination results for each of the plurality of automatic photographing conditions, a ratio of the determination results with respect to the determination criterion determined to satisfy the conditions, respectively, and a function for instructing the sequential display of the determined plurality of the ratios ;
A function of instructing imaging of a subject or recording of a subject image by the imaging means when it is determined that at least one of the automatic photographing conditions is satisfied;
A program characterized by realizing.

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