JP6948856B2 - Imaging device and its control method, program, storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for assisting self-portrait in an imaging device.

Conventionally, when a user takes a self-portrait using an imaging device, the display surface of the monitor attached to the imaging device is directed to the user side, and the composition is confirmed while viewing the live view image of the monitor. However, at this time, the user's line of sight is directed to the display surface of the monitor, so when taking a selfie by handheld shooting, an angle difference occurs between the direction of the optical axis of the lens and the display direction of the monitor, resulting in a failed photo. It often became.

Conventionally, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for executing an imaging process at a timing intentionally deviated from the operation timing of an imaging instruction and notifying a subject in an audiovisual manner.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-45012

However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, although it is possible to direct the attention of the subject to the camera, it is not always possible to accurately direct the line of sight to the lens of the camera. Therefore, when shooting while viewing the live view image, there is a problem that the user's line of sight is directed to the monitor and the user's line of sight is deviated from the optical axis of the lens of the camera.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of more accurately urging a subject to direct his / her line of sight toward a lens.

The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is the imaging device when the imaging instruction is given in a state where the imaging means, the instruction means for giving an imaging instruction, and a predetermined condition for the photographer to take a self-portrait image are satisfied. A member on the optical path of the subject light up to the means or a member surrounding the optical path performs a notification operation, and after the notification operation, control is performed so that the imaging means takes a picture. When a shooting instruction is given, the control means is provided with a control means for controlling the shooting by the imaging means without performing the notification operation, and the control means is a notification method based on the type of the mounted lens. characterized that you perform the notification operation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to more accurately encourage the subject to direct his / her line of sight toward the lens.

The external view of the digital camera of the 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the digital camera of the 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the vari-angle monitor part of a digital camera. The flowchart which shows the operation of the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. A flowchart showing a subroutine of shooting operation. The flowchart which shows the subroutine of audiovisual notification of 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the subroutine of audiovisual notification of 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the imaging device of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100.

In FIG. 1, the display unit 128 is a display device such as an LCD provided on the back surface of the digital camera 100 that displays images and various information. In addition, the display unit 128 also has a still image reproduction after still image shooting, a moving image display during recording, and a live view display function (which can display a live view image). Further, the display unit 128 is arranged in the vari-angle monitor unit 126. The vari-angle monitor unit 126 is a housing in which the display unit 128 is arranged, and is rotatably connected to the main body of the digital camera 100 via a hinge unit 127. By rotating the vari-angle monitor unit 126 so that the display surface of the display unit 128 faces the subject side, the user can see how his / her face is reflected in the display unit 128, for example, when taking a selfie. You can shoot while checking on the view display. The details of how the vari-angle monitor unit 126 rotates with respect to the digital camera 100 will be described later.

The shutter button 161 is an operation unit for giving a shooting instruction. The mode changeover switch 160 is a dial-type operation unit for switching various modes. The terminal cover 140 is a cover member that protects a connector (not shown) for connecting an external device and the camera 100 via a cable such as USB. The main electronic dial 171 is a rotation operation member included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2, and by turning the main electronic dial 171, set values such as a shutter speed and an aperture value can be changed.

The power switch 172 is an operating member for switching the power of the camera 100 on / off. The sub-electronic dial 173 is also a rotation operation member included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2, and can move the selection frame, feed an image, and the like. The cross key 174 is also a movement instruction member included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2, and by pushing any of up, down, left, and right, it is possible to perform an operation according to the pressed portion of the cross key 174. Become.

The SET button 175 is also a push button included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2, and is mainly used for determining selection items and the like. The live view button 176 is also a push button included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2. In the still image shooting mode, the live view display is switched on / off, and in the movie recording mode, movie shooting (recording) is started or stopped. Used for instructions. The enlargement button 177 is also a push button included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2, and is an operation member for turning on / off the enlargement display during the live view and changing the enlargement ratio during the enlarged display. In addition, the enlargement button 177 can enlarge the reproduced image and increase the enlargement ratio in the reproduction mode. The reduction button 180 is also a push button included in the operation unit 270, which will be described later, and is an operation member for reducing the enlargement ratio of the enlarged reproduced image and reducing the screen.

The play button 178 is also a push button included in the operation unit 270 described later in FIG. 2, and is an operation member for switching between the shooting mode and the play mode. By pressing the playback button 178 during the shooting mode, the playback mode can be entered, and the latest image among the images recorded on the recording medium 299 described later in FIG. 2 can be displayed on the display unit 128. The MENU button 179 is also a push button included in the operation unit 270 of FIG. 2, and is an operation member for switching between the shooting mode and the menu mode. By pressing the MENU button 179 to display the menu screen on the display unit 128, the user can set the self-timer shooting mode and the self-shooting shooting mode, which will be described later, using the menu screen.

The quick return mirror 212 is driven to an up position (exposure and live view position) or a down position (optical viewfinder position) by an actuator (not shown) in response to an instruction from the system control unit 250 described later in FIG. The communication terminal 210 is an electrical contact for the camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 200 (FIG. 2). The peep-type eyepiece finder 216 is an optical member for confirming the focus and composition of the subject image imaged by the lens unit 200 by observing the focusing screen 213 (FIG. 2). The lid 180 is a member that opens and closes a slot for attaching and detaching the recording medium 299 to and from the camera 100. The grip portion 190 has a shape that is easy to grip with the right hand when the user holds the camera 100. The flash 119 is a flash device built in the digital camera 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the lens unit 200 is equipped with a photographing lens 209 and is removable from the camera 100. The photographing lens 209 is usually composed of a plurality of lenses, but here, only one lens is shown for brevity. The communication terminal 206 is an electrical contact for the lens unit 200 to communicate with the camera 100. The communication terminal 210 is an electrical contact for the camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 200. The lens unit 200 communicates with the system control unit 250 via the communication terminal 206. Then, the built-in lens control unit 204 controls the aperture drive circuit 202 to drive the aperture 208 for adjusting the amount of light, and controls the AF drive circuit 203 to displace the position of the photographing lens 209 to focus. The light emission control unit 205 is a circuit that controls the light emitting body 207, and adjusts the light emission timing and the light emission amount of the light emitting body 207. The light emitting body 207 may be any of the LED light emitting type and the flash light emitting type.

The AE sensor 217 measures the brightness of the subject captured through the lens unit 200. The focus detection unit 211 outputs a defocus amount to the system control unit 250, and the system control unit 250 communicates with the lens unit 200 according to the defocus amount to perform autofocus processing in a phase difference detection method.

The quick return mirror 212 is driven to an up position or a down position by an actuator (not shown) in response to an instruction from the system control unit 250 during exposure, live view display, and moving image shooting. The quick return mirror 212 switches the luminous flux incident from the photographing lens 209 to the eyepiece finder 216 or the imaging unit 222. The quick return mirror 212 is usually urged in the down position to reflect the luminous flux and guide the luminous flux to the eyepiece viewfinder 216, but in exposure or live view display, the optical path jumps upward so as to guide the luminous flux to the imaging unit 222. Evacuate from inside (up position). Further, the quick return mirror 212 has a half mirror at the center so that a part of the light flux is transmitted and incident on the focus detection unit 211. By observing the focusing screen 213 through the pentaprism 214 and the eyepiece finder 216, the photographer can confirm the focus and composition of the optical image of the subject captured through the lens unit 200.

The focal plane shutter 221 controls the exposure time of the imaging unit 222 according to the instruction of the system control unit 250. The image pickup unit 222 has an image pickup element such as a CCD or a CMOS sensor that converts an optical image of a subject into an electric signal. The A / D converter 223 converts the analog signal output from the image pickup unit 222 into a digital signal to generate image data. The image sensor arranged in the image pickup unit 222 has a large number of unit pixels, and each unit pixel has a plurality of photoelectric conversion units. Then, by detecting the phase difference of the signals output from the plurality of photoelectric conversion units in the unit pixel, the autofocus of the phase difference detection method on the imaging surface is possible. With this configuration, the camera 100 of the present embodiment can perform autofocus of the phase difference detection method even in the state of performing live view display. Alternatively, during the live view display, not only the phase difference method but also the contrast of the image signal obtained from the image sensor can be detected to perform the autofocus of the contrast detection method.

The image processing unit 224 performs resizing processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 223 or the data from the memory control unit 215. Further, the image processing unit 224 performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data, and the system control unit 250 performs exposure control and autofocus control based on the calculation result. As a result, TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing are performed. The image processing unit 224 further performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data, and also performs a TTL method AWB (auto white balance) process based on the calculation result.

The image data output from the A / D converter 223 is written directly to the memory 232 via the image processing unit 224 and the memory control unit 215, or via the memory control unit 215. The memory 232 stores image data obtained from the image pickup unit 222 and the A / D converter 223, and image display data for display on the display unit 128. The memory 232 has a storage capacity sufficient for storing a predetermined number of still images, moving images for a predetermined time, and audio. Further, the memory 232 also serves as a memory (video memory) for displaying an image.

The D / A converter 225 converts the display image data stored in the memory 232 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 128. The image data for display written in the memory 232 is displayed by the display unit 128 via the D / A converter 225. The display unit 128 displays according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 225. In this way, by converting the digital signal stored in the memory 232 into an analog signal, sequentially transferring it to the display unit 128 and displaying it, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) function is realized and the live view display (LV display). It can be performed. The display unit 128 is arranged in the vari-angle monitor unit 126 as described with reference to FIG.

Here, the vari-angle monitor unit 126 will be described with reference to FIG. The vari-angle monitor unit 126 can be moved to a position as shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the main body of the digital camera 100, and the system control unit 250 detects the position of the vari-angle monitor unit 126. It is possible. Specifically, the vari-angle monitor unit 126 can be moved to the following positions.
(1) The position (first position) shown in FIG. 3A, which is folded so that the display surface of the display unit 128 is exposed.
(2) The display surface of the display unit 128 faces the front of the digital camera 100 (the surface provided with the lens into which the subject light is incident), and the display surface of the display unit 128 is opened so that it can be visually recognized from the subject side to be imaged. The facing position (second position) shown in FIG. 3 (d).
(3) The open position (third position) shown in FIG. 3 (c) opened so that the display surface of the display unit 128 can be visually recognized from the back side of the digital camera 100.
(4) The closed position (fourth position) shown in FIG. 3B, in which the display surface of the display unit 128 faces the back surface 129 of the digital camera 100 and is folded so that the display surface of the display unit 128 cannot be seen.

The photographer moves the vari-angle monitor unit 126 to any of the above positions (1) to (4) according to the convenience of shooting. In particular, when the photographer takes a self-portrait, the vari-angle monitor unit 126 is usually moved to the facing position shown in FIG. 3 (d) of (2) above, and the photographer takes a picture while looking at the live view screen. Become.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the non-volatile memory 256 is, for example, an EEPROM that can be electrically erased and recorded. The non-volatile memory 256 stores constants, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control unit 250. The program referred to here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later.

The system control unit 250 includes a CPU and an MPU that control the entire camera 100, and executes a program stored in the non-volatile memory 256 to realize each process of the flowchart described later. The system memory 252 is composed of RAM and the like, and is also used as a work memory for expanding constants and variables for operation of the system control unit 250, programs read from the non-volatile memory 256, and the like. The system control unit 250 also controls the display by controlling the memory 232, the D / A converter 225, the display unit 128, and the like. The system timer 253 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock. The flash control circuit 254 controls the flash 119 and adjusts the pop-up of the flash 119, the light emission timing, and the light emission amount.

The mode changeover switch 160, the first shutter switch 262, the second shutter switch 264, and the operation unit 270 are operation means for inputting various instructions to the system control unit 250. The mode changeover switch 160 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 250 to any one of a still image shooting mode, a moving image recording mode, and a playback mode. The modes included in the still image shooting mode include auto shooting mode, auto scene discrimination mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and various scenes with shooting settings for each shooting scene. There are modes, program AE modes, custom modes, etc.

The mode changeover switch 160 directly switches to any of a plurality of modes included in the still image shooting mode. Alternatively, after switching to the still image shooting mode once with the mode changeover switch 160, the mode may be switched to any of the plurality of modes included in the still image shooting mode by using another operating member. Similarly, the moving image recording mode and the playback mode may include a plurality of modes. Further, the mode changeover switch 160 is configured so that the self-portrait shooting mode described later can be set.

The first shutter switch 262 is turned on by a so-called half-press (imaging preparation instruction) during the operation of the shutter button 161 provided on the camera 100, and the first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. Upon receiving the first shutter switch signal SW1, the system control unit 250 causes the image processing unit 224 to start AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, EF processing, and the like.

The second shutter switch 264 is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 161 is completed, that is, when the shutter button 161 is fully pressed (imaging instruction), and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. Upon receiving the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 250 starts a series of shooting processes from reading the signal from the imaging unit 222 to writing the image data to the recording medium 299.

The operation unit 270 is an input unit that receives an operation from the user and notifies the system control unit 250, and includes at least the following operation members. Shutter button 161, main electronic dial 171, power switch 172, sub electronic dial 173, cross key 174, SET button 175, live view button 176, enlargement button 177, play button 178, reduction button 180.

The power supply control unit 280 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power supply control unit 280 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control unit 250, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 299 for a necessary period.

The power supply unit 230 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery or a Li ion battery, an AC adapter or the like. The recording medium I / F 218 is an interface with a recording medium 299 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 299 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording a captured image, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like. The communication control unit 282 establishes a communication method and performs information communication in order to utilize the function of the accessory unit 285. The accessory unit 285 will be described later.

In the present embodiment, as one of the operation units 270, a touch panel 128a capable of detecting contact with the display unit 128 is provided. The touch panel 128a and the display unit 128 can be integrally configured. For example, the touch panel 128a is configured so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 128, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 128. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 128a are associated with the display coordinates on the display unit 128. As a result, it is possible to configure a GUI (graphical user interface) as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 128. The system control unit 250 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel 128a.
(1) Touching the touch panel 128a with a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down).
(2) The touch panel 128a is in a state of being touched with a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-On).
(3) The touch panel 128a is moved while being touched with a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move).
(4) The finger or pen touching the touch panel 128a is released (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Up).
(5) A state in which nothing is touched on the touch panel 128a (hereinafter, referred to as Touch-Off).

These operations / states and the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel 128a are notified to the system control unit 250 through the internal bus, and how the system control unit 250 is displayed on the touch panel 128a based on the notified information. Judgment whether an operation has been performed. Regarding the touch move, the moving direction of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 128a can also be determined for each vertical component and horizontal component on the touch panel 128a based on the change in the position coordinates. Further, it is assumed that a stroke is drawn when the touch panel 128a is touched up from the touch down through a certain touch move.

The operation of drawing a stroke quickly is called flicking. Flicking is an operation of quickly moving a finger on the touch panel 128a by a certain distance and then releasing it as it is, in other words, an operation of quickly tracing the touch panel 128a as if flicking it with a finger. It can be determined that the flick has been performed when it is detected that the touch move is performed at a predetermined speed or more over a predetermined distance and the touch-up is detected as it is. In addition, if it is detected that the touch move is performed at a speed equal to or longer than a predetermined distance, it is determined that the drag has been performed. Further, touching up the touch panel 128a quickly without touch-moving from touch-down is called tap. The quick tapping twice in a row is called a double tap.

Further, an operation in which two points (two places) are touched on the touch panel at the same time, the distance between the two points is narrowed, and then the touch-up is performed is called pinch-in. That is, pinch-in is an operation in which the fingers are brought close to each other while touching two points on the touch panel 128a, and then the fingers are released from the touch panel 128a. In other words, pinch-in is an operation of tracing the touch panel 128a so as to pinch an object such as an image displayed under the touch panel 128a with two fingers. Contrary to pinch-in, the operation of increasing the distance between two points while touching two points with a finger or a pen at the same time and then performing touch-up is called pinch-out. As the touch panel 128a, any of various methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitance method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared ray method, an electromagnetic induction method, an image recognition method, and an optical sensor method may be used.

Next, returning to the description of FIG. 2, the accessory unit 285 will be described. The accessory unit 285 is a unit equipped with a light emitting device such as a flash or an LED light for expanding the functions of the digital camera 100. Further, the accessory unit 285 is an attachment type unit that can be attached to the outer peripheral portion of the lens unit 200. In other words, the accessory unit 285 holds a member such as the light emitting device on the optical path of the subject light up to the imaging unit 222 or at a position surrounding the optical path.

In the accessory unit 285, the non-volatile memory 292 is a memory that can be electrically erased and recorded, and for example, EEPROM or the like is used. The non-volatile memory 292 stores constants, programs, and the like for the operation of the control unit 284. The program referred to here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment. The control unit 284 controls the entire accessory unit 285.

The light emission control unit 294 controls the light emitting body 296 and adjusts the light emission timing and the light emission amount of the light emitting body 296. The light emitting body 296 may be any of the LED light emitting type and the flash light emitting type.

The power switch 286 is an operating member that receives an operation from the user. The power supply control unit 288 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power supply control unit 288 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction of the control unit 284, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit for a necessary period. The battery 290 is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li ion battery. Further, the battery 290 has a positive voltage line (+) and a negative voltage line (−), and the positive voltage line (+) and the negative voltage line (−) are connected to the power supply control unit 288. The communication control unit 298 establishes a communication method with the digital camera 100 and performs information communication in order to provide the function of the accessory unit 285.

Next, the operation of the image pickup apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a shooting operation of the imaging device of the present embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 250 expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 256 into the system memory 252 and executing it.

First, in S402, the system control unit 250 causes the display unit 128 to start displaying the live view image. In S404, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the shutter button 161 is half-pressed and the first shutter switch 262 (SW1) is turned on. If the first shutter switch 262 is not turned on, it waits as it is, and if it is turned on, the process proceeds to S406.

In S406, the system control unit 250 performs AF processing (autofocus processing) according to the method of imaging surface autofocus (imaging surface AF) of the image sensor, and at the same time performs AE processing (automatic exposure processing). In S408, the system control unit 250 causes the display unit 128 to display the live view image. If the live view image is already displayed, the displayed content is not changed.

In S410, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the shutter button 161 is fully pressed and the second shutter switch 264 (SW2) is turned on. If the second shutter switch 264 is turned on, the process proceeds to S411, and if it is not turned on, the process proceeds to S412. In S411, the system control unit 250 executes the shooting processing subroutine shown in FIG. The operation of the shooting process of FIG. 5 will be described later.

In S412, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the first shutter switch 262 is turned on. When the first shutter switch 262 is turned on, the process returns to S408 and the processes of S408 to S412 are repeated. If the first shutter switch 262 is not turned on, the process proceeds to S414.

In S414, the system control unit 250 has performed a series of photographing processes from reading a signal from the imaging unit 222 to writing image data to the recording medium 299 in S411, that is, whether or not one or more images have been photographed. Is determined. If the shooting process is performed, the process proceeds to S416, and if not, the flowchart ends.

In S416, the system control unit 250 displays image data (quick review image) for display stored in the memory 232 on the display unit 128 with respect to the last captured image, and ends the flowchart.

Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing process executed in S411 of FIG.

First, in S502, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the shooting mode is set to the self-timer shooting mode. If the self-timer shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to S504, and if the self-timer shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to S510.

In S504, the system control unit 250 executes a series of shooting processing operations from exposure and signal reading of the imaging unit 222 to writing image data to the recording medium 299. In S506, the system control unit 250 causes the display unit 128 to display the live view image.

In S508, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the second shutter switch 264 is turned on. When the second shutter switch 264 is turned on, it waits as it is, and when the second shutter switch 264 is not turned on, it returns to S412 of the main routine of FIG. By the operation of S504 to S508, shooting is performed in a normal shooting mode other than the self-timer shooting mode.

On the other hand, when the self-timer shooting mode is set in S502, the system control unit 250 starts counting the system timer 253 in S510. The self-timer delays shooting by a preset delay time from the shooting instruction, and the delay time (counting time) is set to, for example, about 2 seconds to 10 seconds. Alternatively, the user may be able to set a desired time.

In S512, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the shooting conditions satisfy a predetermined condition for the photographer to perform self-shooting shooting. Here, the predetermined conditions for the photographer to take a self-portrait are, for example, the following (a) and (b).
(A) The display surface of the display unit 128 is set to the facing position shown in FIG. 3 (d) facing the subject side (the photographer side in the case of self-shooting).
(B) The shooting mode is set to a specific shooting mode, for example, a self-shooting shooting mode by the mode changeover switch.
Then, if any of the above conditions (a) and (b) is satisfied in S512, the process proceeds to S514, and if not, the process proceeds to S516.

In S514, the system control unit 250 executes the audiovisual notification subroutine shown in FIG.

The operation of the audiovisual notification in FIG. 6 will be described in detail later, but here, the necessity thereof will be schematically described. When taking a selfie, the user stands in front of the digital camera 100 and the lens unit 200 (the surface provided with the lens on which the subject light is incident). Then, the vari-angle monitor unit 126 is moved to an open facing position (the second position described above) so that the display surface can be visually recognized, and shooting is performed while viewing the live view image of the display surface. At this time, if the user's line of sight is directed to the display surface of the monitor, the line of sight deviates from the shooting optical axis. Therefore, the photographed image looks like a stranger. Therefore, it is considered effective to perform audiovisual notification that encourages the user's line of sight to face the direction of the shooting optical axis. In S514, immediately before shooting, this audiovisual notification is performed to draw the user's attention and urge the user to direct his / her line of sight to the lens. This audiovisual notification does not need to be performed in normal shooting, and is a particularly effective operation when performing self-shooting shooting.

In S516, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the system timer 253 reaches a certain value or more and the timer has expired (whether or not the set delay time of the self-timer has elapsed). If the timer expires, the process proceeds to S518, otherwise the process returns to S512 and the processes of S512 to S516 are repeated.

In S518, the system control unit 250 performs AF processing according to the method of image pickup surface autofocus (imaging surface AF) of the image pickup element, and also performs AE processing at the same time. In S520, the system control unit 250 executes a series of shooting processing operations from exposure and signal reading of the imaging unit 222 to writing image data to the recording medium 299.

In S522, the system control unit 250 causes the display unit 128 to display the live view image. In S524, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the second shutter switch 264 is turned on. When the second shutter switch 264 is turned on, it waits as it is, and when the second shutter switch 264 is not turned on, it returns to S412 of the main routine of FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the second shutter switch 264 is pressed in the self-timer shooting mode and the shooting conditions satisfy the predetermined conditions for the photographer to perform self-shooting shooting. The user is notified by executing the audiovisual notification subroutine (S514). However, in the present invention, the self-timer shooting mode is not indispensable, and even if the self-timer shooting mode is not used, the audiovisual notification subroutine ( S514) may be executed. In that case, for example, the audiovisual notification subroutine (S514) may be executed when the first shutter switch 262 is turned on, and shooting may be performed when the second shutter switch 264 is turned on.

In the above description, when the user takes a self-portrait, the case where the user presses the shutter button 161 to take a picture is described. However, in the present embodiment, since the display unit 128 includes the touch panel 128a, shooting may be performed by touching the touch panel 128a instead of operating the shutter button 161. By using the touch panel 128a as a shutter release, the convenience of the user when taking a self-portrait is improved.

Further, in the above description, in S512, the audiovisual notification subroutine (S514) is executed when the shooting condition satisfies any one of the conditions (a) and (b). However, it is not a matter of simply satisfying one of these conditions (a) and (b), but whether or not to execute the audiovisual notification subroutine (S514) in consideration of both the conditions (a) and (b). You may decide.

Next, the operation of the audiovisual notification executed in S514 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an audiovisual notification subroutine according to the present embodiment.

First, in S602, the system control unit 250 determines the type of the lens unit 200 mounted on the digital camera 100.

In S604, the system control unit 250 determines the notification method used for audiovisual notification depending on the type of lens determined in S602. Here, in the present embodiment, at least one of narrowing down drive, shutter drive, mirror drive, light emission of the light emitting body of the lens unit, light emission of the light emitting body of the accessory unit, and zoom drive of the lens unit is performed as the notification method. It shall be. The narrowing-down drive, shutter drive, mirror drive, and zoom drive are drives of members on the optical path of the subject light up to the imaging unit 222. The light emission of the light emitting body of the accessory unit and the light emission of the light emitting body of the lens unit are notification operations by a member surrounding the optical path of the subject light up to the imaging unit 222 (light emitting body arranged in an annular shape surrounding the optical path). Further, the above-mentioned narrowing-down drive, shutter drive, mirror drive, and zoom drive for audiovisual notification include a drive operation that is not performed in a normal shooting operation other than self-shooting shooting.

More specifically, the aperture drive is an operation of opening and closing the aperture 208 of the lens unit 200 via the lens control unit 204 and the aperture drive circuit 202. To the user, the size of the lens 209 in the direction of the shooting optical axis changes. The shutter drive is an operation of opening and closing the focal plane shutter 221 by the system control unit 250. The user can hear the sound from the focal plane shutter 221 in the direction of the shooting optical axis. Driving the mirror is an operation of raising and lowering the mirror 212 by driving an actuator (not shown) by the system control unit 250. The user will hear sound from the mirror 212 in the direction of the shooting optical axis.

The light emission of the light emitting body of the lens unit is an operation of illuminating the light emitting body 207 of the lens unit 200 via the lens control unit 204 and the light emission control unit 205. To the user, the light emitting body 207 provided in the lens unit 200 in the shooting optical axis direction appears to shine. The light emission of the light emitting body of the accessory unit is an operation of illuminating the light emitting body 296 of the accessory unit 285 via the control unit 284 and the light emission control unit 294. To the user, the light emitting body 296 provided in the accessory unit 285 in the shooting optical axis direction arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the lens unit 200 can be seen shining. The zoom drive of the lens unit is an operation of displacing the position of the lens 209 via the lens control unit 204. The user can hear the sound from the lens unit 200 in the direction of the shooting optical axis.

In this way, at least one of narrowing down drive, shutter drive, mirror drive, light emission of the light emitting body of the lens unit, light emission of the light emitting body of the accessory unit, and zoom drive of the lens unit is performed. This makes it possible to draw the user's attention and urge the user's line of sight to be directed in the direction of the shooting optical axis.

Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, in S606, the system control unit 250 determines the notification method determined in S604. Then, in the case of narrowing down drive, the process proceeds to S612, in the case of shutter drive, the process proceeds to S622, and in the case of mirror drive, the process proceeds to S632. Further, when the light emitting body of the lens unit emits light, the process proceeds to S642, when the light emitting body of the accessory unit emits light, the process proceeds to S652, and when the zoom drive of the lens unit is performed, the process proceeds to S662.

In S612, the system control unit 250 closes the aperture 208 via the lens control unit 204 and the aperture drive circuit 202. The aperture value may be one that is easy for the user to see. In S614, the system control unit 250 opens the aperture 208 via the lens control unit 204 and the aperture drive circuit 202. In S216, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the aperture drive has been operated a predetermined number of times. When the operation is performed a specified number of times, the audiovisual notification subroutine is terminated. If not, the process returns to S612. In this way, the narrowing down drive is performed by the processing of S612 to S616.

In S622, the system control unit 250 drives the focal plane shutter 221. In S624, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the focal plane shutter 221 has been driven a predetermined number of times. When it is driven a specified number of times, the audiovisual notification subroutine is terminated. If not, the process returns to S622. In this way, the shutter drive is performed by the processing of S622 to S624.

In S632, the system control unit 250 lowers the mirror 212 by driving an actuator (not shown). In S634, the system control unit 250 raises the mirror 12 by driving an actuator (not shown). In S236, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the mirror has been driven a predetermined number of times. When it is driven a specified number of times, the audiovisual notification subroutine is terminated. If not, the process returns to S632. In this way, the mirror drive is performed by the processing of S632 to S636.

In S642, the system control unit 250 illuminates the light emitting body 207 via the lens control unit 204 and the light emission control unit 205. In S644, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the light emitting body 207 has emitted light a predetermined number of times. When the light is emitted a specified number of times, the audiovisual notification subroutine is terminated. If not, the process returns to S642. By the processing of S642 to S644 in this way, the light emitting body of the lens unit emits light.

In S652, the system control unit 250 illuminates the light emitting body 296 via the control unit 284 and the light emission control unit 294. In S654, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the light emitting body 296 has emitted light a predetermined number of times. When the light is emitted a specified number of times, the audiovisual notification subroutine is terminated. If not, the process returns to S652. In this way, the light emitting body of the accessory unit emits light by the processing of S652 to S654.

In S662, the system control unit 250 displaces the position of the lens 209 to the infinite end via the lens control unit 204 and the AF drive circuit 203. In S664, the system control circuit 250 displaces the position of the lens 209 to the nearest end via the lens control circuit 204 and the AF drive circuit 203. In S666, the system control unit 250 determines whether or not the zoom drive has been performed a predetermined number of times. If it is performed a specified number of times, the audiovisual notification subroutine is terminated. If not, the process returns to S662. In this way, the zoom drive of the lens unit is performed by the processing of S662 to S666.

As described above, in the self-portrait mode, in addition to the normal shooting operation, visual and auditory notifications are performed to attract the user's attention and encourage the user's line of sight to face the lens, and self-portrait. It is possible to reduce the number of failed images.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, in the self-shooting mode, a method of promoting the user's line of sight toward the lens and reducing failed images by performing visual and auditory notifications in addition to the normal shooting operation will be described. bottom.

However, the display unit 128 is performing visual and auditory notifications such as aperture drive, shutter drive, mirror drive, lens unit light emitting body light emission, accessory unit light emitting body light emission, and lens unit zoom drive. The live view image flickers when the live view image is still displayed. Therefore, on the contrary, it is conceivable that the display unit 128 attracts the user's attention and the user's line of sight is directed to it.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display of the display unit 128 is held (maintains the immediately preceding display) while the visual and auditory notifications are performed.

Specifically, the display of the display unit 128 is held before S602 in FIG. As a result, the live view image of the display unit 128 is temporarily not updated. Then, after the visual and auditory notifications are completed, the display update of the display unit 128 is restarted, and the subroutine processing of the audiovisual notification is completed.

In the above description, the display of the display unit 128 is held, but the display of the display unit 128 may be stopped while the visual and auditory notifications are being performed.

As described above, in the self-portrait mode, in addition to the normal shooting operation, visual and auditory notifications are performed to attract the user's attention and encourage the user's line of sight to face the lens, and self-portrait. It is possible to reduce the number of failed images.

(Third Embodiment)
As described in the first embodiment, the user can optically visually recognize the subject by looking into the finder 216. However, when the finder 216 is not viewed, external light enters the camera 100 through the finder 216. When the mirror 212 is down, the incoming light from the outside escapes to the lens unit 200. When the brightness of the incoming light is high, the brightness of the incoming light from the viewfinder 216 can be sufficiently recognized when the user looks at the lens unit 200 from the front of the camera during self-portrait shooting. At this time, if the mirror 212 is moved up and down, the user can not only hear the sound from the mirror 212 in the shooting optical axis direction, but also switch between the state where the light entering from the finder 216 can be seen and the state where the light can not be seen. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the surroundings of the camera are bright, visual and auditory notification is performed by driving the mirror.

The flowchart in this case is shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described only with respect to parts different from the first and second embodiments.

In S702, the system control unit 250 causes the AE sensor 217 to measure the brightness of the outside light. At this time, since the mirror 212 is in the raised state, the brightness of the light entering through the finder 216 from the outside is determined. In S704, the system control unit 250 determines the brightness measured in S702. If it is determined to be bright, the process proceeds to S706, and if not, the process proceeds to S602. In S706, the system control unit 250 sets the notification method to drive the mirror.

In this way, when the light entering through the viewfinder 216 is bright, the method of notifying the user is to drive the mirror, which enables effective notification to direct the user's line of sight toward the lens. Become.

As described above, in the self-portrait mode, in addition to the normal shooting operation, notification is performed by moving the mirror up and down to attract the user's attention and encourage the user's line of sight to face the lens, and take a self-portrait. It is possible to reduce the number of failed images.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and modifications can be made within the scope of the gist thereof.

The above-mentioned various controls described as being performed by the system control unit 250 may be performed by one hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by sharing the processing among a plurality of hardware. ..

Further, although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this example, and any device having an imaging means can be applied. That is, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, tablet terminals, smartphones and the like.

(Other Examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

100: Digital camera, 126: Vari-angle monitor unit, 127: Hinge unit, 128: Display unit, 200: Lens unit, 204 lens control unit, 250: System control unit, 284: Control unit, 285: Accessory unit

Claims (15)

Imaging means and
Instruction means for giving shooting instructions and
When the shooting instruction is given while the photographer satisfies a predetermined condition for taking a self-portrait, a member on the optical path of the subject light to the imaging means or a member surrounding the optical path performs a notification operation. Then, after the notification operation, control is performed so that the image pickup means takes a picture.
When the shooting instruction is given in a state where the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control means for controlling the shooting by the imaging means without performing the notification operation is provided .
It said control means, the image pickup apparatus characterized that you perform the notification operation by the notification method based on the type of lens that is mounted. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a display means capable of displaying an image captured by the imaging means and capable of directing a display surface toward a subject. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the display means can display a live view image. The imaging device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the display surface of the display means faces the subject side. Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means controls to perform the notification operation between the time when the shooting instruction is given and the time when the shooting is performed in the case of self-timer shooting. The image pickup apparatus according to item 1. A claim, further comprising setting means for setting a specific shooting mode for performing self-shooting, the predetermined condition includes being set to the specific shooting mode by the setting means. The imaging apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5. The notification operation is a drive of an aperture for adjusting the amount of subject light incident on the imaging means, and includes a drive that is not performed in shooting when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. 6. The imaging apparatus according to any one of 6. The notification operation, the a shutter drive for opening and closing the optical path to the imaging unit, according to claim 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a driving is not performed in the imaging of the case does not satisfy the predetermined condition The imaging apparatus according to any one item. The imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the notification operation includes a zoom drive of the photographing lens, which is not performed in the photographing when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. Device. Any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the notification operation includes driving a mirror that changes the optical path of the subject light, and is not performed in shooting when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. The imaging apparatus according to the section. An optical finder for optically observing a subject image and a detection means for detecting the brightness of light incident from the optical finder are further provided, the predetermined conditions are satisfied, and the detection means allows the optical finder to be used. The imaging device according to claim 10 , wherein when it is detected that the brightness of the incident light is brighter than a predetermined value, the mirror is controlled to be driven as the notification operation. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control means stops updating the live view image while the notification operation is being performed. A method of controlling an imaging device including an imaging means and an instruction means for giving an imaging instruction.
When the shooting instruction is given while the photographer satisfies a predetermined condition for taking a self-portrait, a member on the optical path of the subject light to the imaging means or a member surrounding the optical path performs a notification operation. Then, after the notification operation, control is performed so that the image pickup means takes a picture.
If the said shooting instruction in a state which does not satisfy the predetermined condition has been performed, to have a control step of controlling to perform imaging by the imaging means without performing the notification operation,
The method of the imaging apparatus in the control step, characterized that you perform the notification operation by the notification method based on the type of lens that is mounted. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A computer-readable storage medium containing a program for causing the computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images