JP7614882B2 - Imaging device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of outputting audio to an external device.

In recent years, imaging devices such as digital cameras are capable of outputting electronic sounds to an external device for outputting audio. Some imaging devices also have a silent shooting function that operates so that electronic sounds are not output from the device's speaker. Such silent shooting functions are used, for example, to prevent external impacts caused by outputting sound from the device's speaker.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile terminal device that has a silent mode in which no sound is output from the device's speaker. Patent Document 1 further discloses that if it detects that earphones are connected, sound is output to the earphones even in silent mode. This makes it possible to grasp the reception of operations and changes in state through sound via the earphones while minimizing impact on the outside.

JP 2008-244536 A

However, when using the silent shooting function, there may be cases where output to the earphones should not only be suppressed to reduce external impacts by outputting to the earphones, but also where output to the earphones should be suppressed. For example, the silent shooting function may be set in order for the user to concentrate on shooting. Even when the silent shooting function is enabled for such purposes, if all sound is output to the earphones, it may interfere with the user's concentration on shooting. On the other hand, important audio information for shooting should be output. For example, the shutter sound is an important element for determining by sound whether or not a picture has been taken. In this way, even when the silent shooting function is enabled, it is necessary to appropriately output to the earphones.

The present invention aims to enable an imaging device to output appropriate electronic sounds to an external device.

In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device of the present invention is characterized by having an imaging means for imaging a subject, an output means for outputting audio data to an external device, a speaker, a recording means for recording a plurality of pieces of audio data, and a control means for controlling the output means so that, when a function for not outputting the plurality of pieces of audio data from the speaker is active, in a first state, the output means is capable of outputting some of the plurality of pieces of audio data to the external device, and, in a second state different from the first state, the output means is capable of not outputting any of the plurality of pieces of audio data to the external device.

According to the present invention, an imaging device can output an appropriate electronic sound to an external device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an imaging process in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sound output control process in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a volume setting process for an electronic sound in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for changing a volume setting of an electronic sound in the first embodiment.

Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one example of the present invention, and may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. In addition, the embodiments described below may be combined as appropriate.

[First embodiment]
<Configuration of imaging device 100>
1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100 according to a first embodiment. In the first embodiment and other embodiments, a case will be described in which the imaging device 100 is an electronic device capable of operating as a digital camera, but the imaging device 100 is not limited to a digital camera. For example, the imaging device 100 may be a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal.

The control unit 101 has hardware (e.g., a processor) for executing the program recorded in the memory 103. The control unit 101 executes the program recorded in the memory 103 to control the imaging device 100.

The imaging unit 102 has, for example, a lens unit, an imaging element for converting an optical image of a subject formed on an imaging surface through the lens unit into an electrical signal, and an image processing unit for generating still image data or video data from the electrical signal generated by the imaging element. The imaging element is generally a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD). In the first embodiment and other embodiments, a series of processes for generating still image data or video data in the imaging unit 102 and outputting it from the imaging unit 102 is called "shooting". The still image data and video data generated by the imaging unit 102 are recorded on the recording medium 110 in accordance with the DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard.

The memory 103 is a non-volatile memory in which programs executed by the control unit 101 and the like are recorded. The memory 103 also records electronic sound data. The electronic sound data recorded in the memory 103 includes electronic sound data corresponding to a focusing sound that is output when the subject is focused on, an electronic shutter sound that is output when an instruction is given to shoot a still image or video, and an operation sound that is output when the imaging device 100 is operated.

The memory 104 is a volatile memory used as a buffer memory for temporarily recording still image data and video data generated by the imaging unit 102, as a memory for displaying images on the display unit 106, as a working area for the control unit 101, etc. The memory 104 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily recording audio data generated by the microphone 107 and audio data generated by the communication unit 111 or the connection unit 112.

The operation unit 105 is a user interface for receiving instructions from the user for the imaging device 100. The operation unit 105 includes a power switch for turning the imaging device 100 on or off, and a release switch for instructing still image capture or video capture. The operation unit 105 also includes a playback button for instructing playback of still image data or video data, and a button for selecting the operation mode of the imaging device 100. The operation modes of the imaging device 100 include, for example, a still image capture mode and a video capture mode. The operation unit 105 can also include a touch panel formed on the display unit 106.

When the release switch is pressed, the first shutter switch signal SW1 or the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. When the release switch is pressed halfway, the first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. In response to the generation of the first shutter switch signal SW1, the control unit 101 executes image capture preparation processes such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. In addition, when the release switch is pressed fully, the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. In response to the generation of the second shutter switch signal SW2, the control unit 101 executes image capture processing.

The operation unit 105 also includes an operation member (e.g., a button) that can adjust the volume of sound output from the speaker 108 (described later) and the speaker of an external device connected via the communication unit 111 or the connection unit 112 (described later). The control unit 101 executes a process of adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker of the external device by accepting a user operation via this button. The operation unit 105 also includes an operation member (e.g., a button) that can instruct the wireless communication function via the communication unit 111 to be turned on and off.

The display unit 106 displays still image data or video data generated by the imaging unit 102, displays text for interactive operation, and the like. The control unit 101 can also cause the display unit 106 to function as an electronic viewfinder by sequentially displaying image data output from the imaging unit 102 on the display unit 106. This allows the imaging device 100 to provide a live view function to the user. Hereinafter, an image displayed on the display unit 106 in live view is referred to as an LV image. The display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be built into the imaging device 100, and may be configured to be externally connected to the imaging device 100. In any case, the imaging device 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 106.

The microphone 107 is a microphone device that collects sound waves such as voice and generates audio data. When the imaging device 100 is in video shooting mode, the control unit 101 generates video data with audio from video data generated by the imaging unit 102 and audio data generated by the microphone 107 or an external device, and records the video data with audio on the recording medium 110. When the imaging device 100 is in still image shooting mode, the control unit 101 records the still image data generated by the imaging unit 102 on the recording medium 110. When the imaging device 100 is in still image shooting mode, the control unit 101 can also record the still image data generated by the imaging unit 102 and the audio data generated by the microphone 107 in association with each other on the recording medium 110. In the first embodiment, the microphone 107 is a microphone included in the imaging device 100. Note that the process of generating audio data from sound waves by the microphone 107 may be performed by other hardware (e.g., the control unit 101) sharing part of the process.

The speaker 108 is an electroacoustic transducer capable of outputting electronic sound data. The electronic sound data may be any of music, warning sounds, focusing sounds, electronic shutter sounds, and audio data indicating operation sounds. These electronic sound data are recorded in the memory 103. The speaker 108 can output electronic sound data selected by the control unit 101. By hearing the sound output from the speaker 108, the user can, for example, become aware that the subject has been focused on, or that an error has occurred in the imaging device 100.

The power supply unit 109 is controlled by the control unit 101 to supply power to each element of the imaging device 100. The power supply unit 109 includes, for example, a lithium ion battery, an alkaline manganese dry battery, etc.

The recording medium 110 can record, for example, still image data or video data output from the imaging unit 102 together with audio data. The recording medium 110 is, for example, a memory card (SD card, CF card, etc.) or an auxiliary recording device (hard disk drive, solid state drive, etc.). The recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device 100, or may be built into the imaging device 100. In other words, the imaging device 100 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 110.

The communication unit 111 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to an external device. The control unit 101 can transmit and receive data to and from the external device via the communication unit 111. For example, the control unit 101 can transmit still image data, video data, or audio data recorded in the recording medium 110 to the external device via the communication unit 111. For example, the control unit 101 can also receive audio data generated by the external device via the communication unit 111. This audio data generated by the external device is input from the external device to the communication unit 111 and input to the control unit 101 via the communication unit 111. Here, the external device connected to the communication unit 111 or the connection unit 112 is a device having a microphone. The external device is, for example, an information processing device (smartphone, PC, etc.), an external microphone device, or a device having a speaker and a microphone (earphone microphone, headset, etc.). In the first embodiment, the communication unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with the external device according to the Bluetooth standard. Hereinafter, communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard will be referred to as Bluetooth communication. The control unit 101 performs wireless communication with an external device by controlling the communication unit 111. Note that the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 111 is not limited to a wireless communication method conforming to the Bluetooth standard, and may be, for example, a wireless communication method (wireless LAN, etc.) conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard.

Now, Bluetooth communication will be described. The connection form of communication devices in Bluetooth communication is a star-type network of a master-slave system. Hereinafter, a communication device that operates as a master will be called a master device, and a communication device that operates as a slave will be called a slave device. The master device, for example, manages the participation of slave devices in the network and sets various parameters for wireless connection with slave devices. A master device can be connected to multiple slave devices simultaneously. On the other hand, a slave device connects to only one master device. In the first embodiment, for example, the imaging device 100 is the master device, and an external device connected to the imaging device 100 is the slave device.

In Bluetooth communication, the master device must be paired with the slave device before wireless communication can be performed. Pairing is a process in which the master device and the slave device mutually register (record in a specified area) each other's identification information. In the first embodiment, when the imaging device 100 pairs with an external device, the identification information of the paired external device is recorded in the memory 103. In the first embodiment, when the imaging device 100 pairs with headphones, for example, the imaging device 100 records the identification information of the headphones and then determines that pairing is complete by establishing a wireless connection between the headphones and the imaging device 100.

In the first embodiment, when wirelessly connecting the imaging device 100 and an external device via Bluetooth, for example, the user operates the external device so that it is detectable by the imaging device 100, and then operates the imaging device 100 to detect the external device. After the imaging device 100 detects the external device, the user operates the imaging device 100 and the external device to wirelessly connect the imaging device 100 and the external device. Through this procedure, the imaging device 100 can establish a wireless connection between the external device and the imaging device 100.

The connection unit 112 is an interface for wired connection with an external device. The control unit 101 can transmit and receive data to and from the external device via the connection unit 112. For example, the control unit 101 can transmit still image data, video data, or audio data recorded in the recording medium 110 to the external device via the connection unit 112. For example, the control unit 101 can also receive audio data generated by the external device via the connection unit 112. This audio data generated by the external device is input from the external device to the connection unit 112 and input to the control unit 101 via the connection unit 112. The connection unit 112 is composed of, for example, a phone connector (for example, a microphone terminal, a headphone terminal, etc.), a USB terminal, or an accessory shoe (hot shoe). The imaging device 100 can be wired to an external microphone device, a device having a speaker and a microphone (earphone microphone, headset, etc.), or an information processing device (smartphone, PC, etc.) via the connection unit 112. In addition, the connection unit 112 has a detection unit that detects whether or not an external device is connected. Through this detection unit, the control unit 101 can detect when an external device and the imaging device 100 are connected or disconnected, when an external device and the imaging device 100 are currently connected, when an external device and the imaging device 100 are not connected, etc.

After establishing a connection between the external device and the imaging device 100, the control unit 101 can detect the type (device type) of the external device. For example, in Bluetooth communication, the control unit 101 can detect whether the external device has headphones, a microphone, or a headset by using the Service Discovery Protocol (SDP). Also, for example, when a wireless LAN is used for communication via the communication unit 111, the control unit 101 can detect the type (device type) of the external device by receiving the type (device type) of the external device from the external device.

For example, in wired communication via the connection unit 112, if the connection unit 112 is a USB terminal, the control unit 101 receives a device descriptor from the external device with which the wired connection has been established. By referring to this device descriptor, the control unit 101 can detect whether the external device has a microphone and can determine whether the external device has a speaker. Also, if the connection unit 112 is a phone connector, the control unit 101 can determine whether the external device has, for example, a speaker, microphone, or headset by receiving identification information from the external device with which the wired connection has been established.

Next, an example of the appearance of the imaging device 100 will be described. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the front of the imaging device 100. FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the rear of the imaging device 100. The release switch 105a, the play button 105b, the directional keys 105c, and the touch panel 105d are operation members included in the above-mentioned operation unit 105. The release switch 105a, the play button 105b, the directional keys 105c, and the touch panel 105d are operation members for inputting various operation instructions to the control unit 101. The display unit 106 displays still images or videos captured by the imaging unit 102. Examples of the connection unit 112 include an accessory shoe, a phone connector, and a USB terminal.

An example of the configuration of the imaging device 100 has been described above.

<Silent shooting function>
Here, the silent shooting function will be described. When the operation mode of the imaging device 100 is the still image shooting mode, the user can use the silent shooting function. When the silent shooting function is enabled, the imaging device 100 is controlled so that electronic sounds are not output from the speaker 108. The still image shooting mode in which the silent shooting function is enabled is suitable for when the user wants to shoot quietly and concentrate. In addition, the still image shooting mode in which the silent shooting function is enabled is also suitable for shooting in places where quietness is required, such as sports match venues and museums. The user can turn the silent shooting function on and off by operating the imaging device 100 via the operation unit 105. In this embodiment, the silent shooting function is not enabled in the video shooting mode. Even if the silent shooting function is set, it is ignored in the video shooting mode. Therefore, in the video shooting mode, the speaker is controlled to output sound regardless of whether the silent shooting function is set or not.

<Image capture processing>
First, an imaging process of the imaging device 100 will be described. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the imaging process of the imaging device 100. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the control unit 101 executing a program recorded in the memory 103. For example, this process is started in response to a transition of the imaging device 100 to a shooting mode.

In step S200, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a user operation has been detected. For example, the control unit 101 detects whether or not an input signal has been input from the operation unit 105. If the control unit 101 determines that a user operation has been detected, the process of step S201 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that a user operation has not been detected, the process of step S203 is executed.

In step S201, the control unit 101 performs audio output control. The audio output control will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. When outputting audio in this step, for example, the control unit 101 outputs electronic sound data of a touch sound in response to receiving a touch operation on a specific item via a touch panel included in the operation unit 105. Alternatively, if the remaining battery level is low or the number of shots that can be taken is low due to a state determination process of the imaging device 100 executed in parallel with this flowchart, audio data of a warning sound to notify this fact is output.

In step S202, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the first shutter switch signal SW1 has been detected. That is, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the user has half-pressed the release switch. If the control unit 101 determines that the first shutter switch signal SW1 has been detected, the process of step S203 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the first shutter switch signal SW1 has not been detected, the process of step S201 is repeated.

In step S203, the control unit 101 performs audio output control. The audio output control will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. When audio is output in this step, for example, the control unit 101 outputs electronic sound data such as a focusing sound or a warning sound.

In step S204, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the second shutter switch signal SW2 has been detected. That is, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the user has fully pressed the release switch. If the control unit 101 determines that the second shutter switch signal SW2 has been detected, the process of step S205 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the second shutter switch signal SW2 has not been detected, the process of step S202 is executed. In this case, in step S202, the control unit 101 determines whether or not SW1 is still being pressed.

In step S205, the control unit 101 executes a shooting process. For example, in a still image shooting mode, the control unit 101 controls the imaging unit 102 to generate still image data. Also, for example, in a video shooting mode, the control unit 101 controls the imaging unit 102 to generate video data.

In step S206, the control unit 101 performs audio output control. The audio output control will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. When audio is output in this step, for example, the control unit 101 outputs electronic sound data such as an electronic shutter sound or an alarm sound.

In step S207, the control unit 101 records the captured data. For example, in the case of a still image recording mode, the control unit 101 records the still image data on the recording medium 110. Also, for example, in the case of a video recording mode, the control unit 101 records the video data on the recording medium 110. Note that in the video recording mode, the control unit 101 executes the process of this step in response to determining that video recording is to end.

In step S208, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to end the shooting process. For example, if a user operates the operation unit 105 to switch to playback mode, the control unit 101 determines that the shooting process is to be ended. Also, for example, if the control unit 101 determines that the shooting mode is set, it determines that the shooting process is not to be ended. If the control unit 101 determines that the shooting process is to be ended, the processing of this flowchart is ended. If the control unit 101 determines that the shooting process is not to be ended, the processing of step S201 is repeated.

The above describes the shooting process of the imaging device 100.

<Audio output control>
Next, the sound output control will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. The process of this flowchart corresponds to, for example, the process of step S201, the process of step S203, and the process of step S206 in Fig. 2. The process of this flowchart is also executed in response to the control unit 101 determining that the output of electronic sound is required by a user operation.

In step S300, the control unit 101 determines the electronic sound to be output. The electronic sound to be output varies depending on the user operation or the processing performed by the user operation. For example, the electronic sound to be output is any one of the electronic sounds of music, warning sounds, focusing sounds, electronic shutter sounds, and electronic sounds indicating operation sounds. For example, when the processing of this flowchart is executed in step S203, a process for focusing on a subject is executed in parallel with the processing of Figures 2 and 3 by pressing SW1. Then, when it is determined that the subject is focused by the imaging unit 102, a trigger is generated for outputting the focusing sound, and the control unit 101 determines in step S300 that the electronic sound to be output is the focusing sound. Also, for example, when the processing of this flowchart is executed in step S206, an imaging process is executed in parallel with the processing of Figures 2 and 3 by pressing SW2. Then, at a timing corresponding to the timing of receiving light in the imaging process, a trigger is generated for outputting a shutter sound, and the control unit 101 determines in step S300 that the electronic sound to be output is the shutter sound. Also, for example, when the process of this flowchart is executed in step S201, a trigger for outputting a touch sound occurs in response to, for example, a user operation such as a touch operation on a specific operation item being accepted via a touch panel included in the operation unit 105. With this trigger, in step S300, the control unit 101 determines that the electronic sound to be output is a touch sound.

In step S301, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the camera is in still image shooting mode. If the control unit 101 determines that the camera is in still image shooting mode, the process of step S310 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the camera is not in still image shooting mode, the process of step S308 is executed.

In step S302, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the silent shooting function is enabled. If the control unit 101 determines that the silent shooting function is enabled, the process of step S303 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the silent shooting function is not enabled, the process of step S308 is executed.

In step S303, the control unit 101 determines whether or not headphones are connected to the imaging device 100. For example, the control unit 101 determines whether or not headphones are connected to the communication unit 111 or the connection unit 112. If the control unit 101 determines that headphones are connected to the imaging device 100, the process of step S304 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that headphones are not connected, the process of step S309 is executed.

In step S304, the control unit 101 determines whether the electronic sound output setting is "on" or "off." If the control unit 101 determines that the electronic sound output setting is "on," the process proceeds to step S305. If the control unit 101 determines that the electronic sound output setting is "off," the process proceeds to step S309.

Here, the output setting of the electronic sound will be described. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the user can switch whether or not to output the electronic sound by operating the menu. In this embodiment, the user can switch the electronic sound setting between "on" and "off" by operating the menu. When the user sets it to "on," the user can output the electronic sound from the speaker 108 of the imaging device or the headphones connected to the imaging device 100. When the user sets it to "off," the user can prevent the imaging device 100 from outputting the electronic sound from either the speaker or the headphones.

In step S305, the control unit 101 determines whether the type of electronic sound determined in step S300 is either an "electronic shutter sound" or a "focus sound." If the control unit 101 determines that the type of electronic sound determined in step S300 is either an "electronic shutter sound" or a "focus sound," the process proceeds to step S306. If the control unit 101 determines that the type of electronic sound determined in step S300 is neither of these electronic sounds, the process proceeds to step S309.

In step S306, the control unit 101 determines whether the volume setting of the electronic sound determined in step S300 is 1 or greater, or 0. When setting the volume of the electronic sound, the volume can be set for each type of electronic sound, as shown in FIG. 5(b). Details of the volume setting of the electronic sound will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume setting of the electronic sound is 1 or greater, the process of step S307 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume setting of the electronic sound is 0, the process of step S309 is executed.

In step S307, the control unit 101 controls the headphones connected to the imaging device 100 to output an electronic sound. Here, the electronic sound output is the electronic sound determined in step S300. In this case, the control unit 101 does not output the electronic sound from the speaker 108. That is, when the silent shooting function is enabled in the still image shooting mode, the control unit 101 controls the headphones to output an electronic sound when an electronic shutter sound or focusing sound is output. On the other hand, when the silent shooting function is enabled in the still image shooting mode, electronic sounds other than the electronic shutter sound or focusing sound (for example, "touch sound" and "self-timer sound") are not output. This allows the user to hear only the sounds necessary for shooting from the headphones, which allows the user to concentrate more on shooting.

In step S308, the control unit 101 controls the speaker 108 to output the electronic sound determined in step S300. Here, the electronic sound output is the electronic sound determined in step S300. In this case, even if headphones are connected to the imaging device 100, the control unit 101 does not output the electronic sound from the headphones.

In step S309, the control unit 101 decides not to output the electronic sound determined in step S300. In this case, the electronic sound is not output from either the speaker 108 or the headphones.

In step S310, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the mode is video recording mode. If the control unit 101 determines that the mode is video recording mode, the process of step S311 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the mode is not video recording mode, the process of step S308 is executed. In this case, the mode is, for example, playback mode.

In step S311, the control unit 101 controls the speaker 108 to output the electronic sound determined in step S300. Here, the electronic sound output is the electronic sound determined in step S300. The control unit 101 also controls the headphones connected to the imaging device 100 to output the audio to be recorded in the video data. Note that if headphones are not connected to the imaging device 100, the audio to be recorded in the video is not output. Here, the audio to be recorded in the video is, for example, audio recorded by the microphone 107 and recorded in the video, and does not include operation sounds or shutter sounds.

The above describes the audio output control of the imaging device 100.

<Beep volume setting>
Next, the process of setting the volume of the electronic sound will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. The process of this flowchart is started in response to a user's operation to display a screen for changing the volume of the electronic sound. For example, the process is started in response to the user selecting and deciding the "Volume" item using the operation unit 105 while the screen shown in Fig. 5(a) is displayed.

In step S401, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the camera is in still image shooting mode. If the control unit 101 determines that the camera is in still image shooting mode, the process of step S402 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the camera is not in still image shooting mode, the process of step S409 is executed.

In step S402, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the silent shooting function is enabled. If the control unit 101 determines that the silent shooting function is enabled, the process of step S403 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the silent shooting function is not enabled, the process of step S409 is executed.

First, a case will be described in which the control unit 101 determines in step S401 that the still image shooting mode is selected, and the control unit 101 determines in step S402 that the silent shooting function is enabled.

In step S403, the control unit 101 displays a menu screen for changing the volume of a predetermined electronic sound output when the still image shooting mode and the silent shooting function are enabled. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the control unit 101 displays a screen indicating that only the volumes of the electronic shutter sound and the focusing sound can be changed. In this manner, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 restricts the volume of only some of the audio data output when the silent shooting function is enabled to be changed. In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 prohibits changing the volume of electronic sounds that are not output when the silent shooting function is enabled in the still image shooting mode, but also displays the volume settings of the electronic sounds. Note that in this embodiment, the electronic sounds that are not output when the silent shooting function is enabled in the still image shooting mode are the touch sound, the self-timer sound, and the electronic sound during shooting. However, the control unit 101 indicates that the volume setting cannot be changed by, for example, displaying the name of the electronic sound in a lighter color. This allows the user to set the electronic sounds while considering the balance of the volume of the electronic sounds after disabling the silent shooting function.

In step S404, the control unit 101 notifies the user that the electronic sounds will be output only to the external device. For example, the control unit 101 notifies the user that the electronic sounds will be output only to the headphones by displaying a guidance message saying "Output to headphones only" at the bottom of FIG. 5(c). This allows the user to know that the electronic sounds output to the headphones are only the electronic shutter sound and the focusing sound.

In step S405, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the volume of a predetermined electronic sound that is output when the silent shooting function is enabled in still image shooting mode has been changed by the user. For example, if the user uses a touch panel included in the operation unit 105 to set the volume of the electronic sound to an arbitrary value, the control unit 101 determines that the volume of the electronic sound has been changed. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume of the predetermined electronic sound has been changed, the process of step S406 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume of the predetermined electronic sound has not been changed, the process of step S413 is executed.

In step S406, the control unit 101 records the volume setting of the specified electronic sound changed in step S405 in the non-volatile memory 103. When the electronic sound is output after this step, the sound is output at a volume according to the volume setting recorded in this step.

In step S407, the control unit 101 determines whether or not headphones are connected to the imaging device 100. If the control unit 101 determines that headphones are connected, the control unit 101 executes the process of step S408. In this case, the control unit 101 does not output an electronic sound to the speaker 108. If the control unit 101 determines that headphones are not connected, the process of step S405 is repeated. In this step, if it is determined that headphones are not connected, an electronic sound is not output from either the speaker 108 or the headphones.

In step S408, the control unit 101 outputs the electronic sound, the volume of which has been changed, to the headphones according to the volume changed in step S405. This allows the user to set the volume while checking the volume of the electronic sound, even if the silent shooting function of the imaging device 100 is enabled.

Next, a case where the control unit 101 determines in step S401 that the still image shooting mode is not active, or a case where the control unit 101 determines in step S402 that the silent shooting function is not active will be described.

In step S409, the control unit 101 displays a menu screen for changing the volume of all electronic sounds. For example, the control unit 101 displays a screen for changing the volume of all electronic sounds, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

In step S410, the control unit 101 determines whether the volume of any electronic sound has been changed. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume of any electronic sound has been changed, the process of step S406 is executed. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume of any electronic sound has not been changed, the process of step S413 is executed.

In step S411, the control unit 101 records the changed volume value for the electronic sound whose volume was changed in step S410 in the non-volatile memory 103.

In step S412, the control unit 101 outputs the electronic sound whose volume setting has been changed through the speaker 108 at the changed volume. Note that in this step, the control unit 101 does not output the electronic sound to the headphones.

In step S413, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to end the volume setting of the electronic sound. For example, if the user selects and confirms the "Back" button shown in FIG. 4(b) or 4(c) by the operation unit 105, the control unit 101 determines that the volume setting of the electronic sound is to be ended. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume setting of the electronic sound is to be ended, the processing of this flowchart ends. If the control unit 101 determines that the volume setting of the electronic sound is not to be ended, the processing of step S401 is repeated.

The above explains how to set the volume of the electronic sound of the imaging device 100.

As described above, in this embodiment, the imaging device 100 outputs appropriate electronic sounds to an external device. In particular, when the silent shooting function is enabled in the still image shooting mode, the imaging device 100 outputs only the electronic shutter sound and the focusing sound to the headphones. This allows the user to concentrate on shooting, as the imaging device 100 does not output unnecessary electronic sounds when the silent shooting function is enabled. Furthermore, since the imaging device 100 does not output unnecessary electronic sounds when the silent shooting function is enabled, the user does not need to go through the trouble of changing the volume settings, etc., so that unnecessary electronic sounds are not output in the silent shooting mode.

Claims (13)

An imaging means for imaging a subject;
an output means for outputting audio data to an external device;
A speaker and
A recording means for recording a plurality of pieces of voice data;
When a function for not outputting the plurality of pieces of audio data from the speaker is enabled,
When the device is in a first state, the device controls the output means so that a part of the plurality of pieces of audio data can be output to the external device;
and a control means for controlling the output means so that, when the imaging device is in a second state different from the first state, none of the plurality of audio data are output to the external device. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first state and the second state, the volume of the multiple audio data is greater than 0. The audio data output device further includes a setting unit for setting the volume of the audio data to be output for each type of audio data.
3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit restricts, in the first state, the volume of the output of the part of the audio data to be changed only. When the volume of the audio data to be output is changed by the setting means, the control means
In the first state, the output means is controlled so as to output audio data whose volume setting has been changed to the external device;
4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the second state, the output means is controlled so as to output, to the speaker, audio data whose volume setting has been changed. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the part of the audio data is audio data relating to an electronic shutter sound or a focusing sound. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means controls the output means so as not to output the part of the audio data to the external device even in the first state when an external device is not connected. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the function for not outputting the plurality of audio data from the speaker is a silent shooting function. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the external device has a speaker. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the function for not outputting the plurality of audio data from the speaker is enabled when in a still image shooting mode. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means controls the speaker to output the multiple audio data even in a video shooting mode in which the control means controls the speaker not to output the multiple audio data. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a notification means for notifying the external device that audio data will be output when the function for not outputting the multiple audio data from the speaker is active. An imaging means for imaging a subject;
an output means for outputting audio data to an external device;
A speaker and
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having a recording means for recording a plurality of pieces of audio data, comprising the steps of:
A control method characterized by comprising the steps of: when a function for not outputting the multiple audio data from the speaker is active, controlling the output means so that some of the multiple audio data can be output to the external device when the state is a first state; and when the state is a second state different from the first state, controlling the output means so that none of the multiple audio data are output to the external device. A computer-readable program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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