Imaging device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To easily recognize the state of shutter speed adjustment by slider operation and reduce the labor required for adjustment.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes imaging means for capturing an image, detection means for detecting flicker from the image, display means for displaying information, setting means for setting an exposure time of the imaging means, calculation means for calculating an exposure time that suppresses flicker, and control means for causing the display means to display an operation object that displays at least a partial range of exposure times that can be set by the setting means, and when the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is within the display range of the operation object, the control means displays an indicator related to the calculated exposure time on the display means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a technique for exposure control against periodic changes in the amount of light (called flicker). [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting and LED displays for on-site photography has become more common. LEDs blink repeatedly at regular intervals, which can cause flicker in captured images. For this reason, it is important to match the shutter speed of the imaging device to the blinking cycle of the LED light source in order to reduce flicker.

[0003] Some imaging devices have a GUI (graphical user interface) that displays a range of available shutter speeds as a slider (slide bar) along with the captured image as a means of setting the shutter speed. The user can adjust the shutter speed by manipulating this GUI while checking for the presence or absence of flicker.

[0004] On the other hand, some imaging devices are equipped with a so-called automatic flicker detection function to reduce flicker by detecting flicker occurring in captured images and automatically calculating a shutter speed that can suppress the flicker.

[0005] However, even if you set the shutter speed detected by the automatic flicker detection function mentioned above, flicker may still appear in the captured image due to the shooting environment or detection accuracy issues. In such cases, the user will need to adjust the setting to a more appropriate shutter speed.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses that the set value and fixed value of the shutter speed are displayed on a slider, and information on the difference between the set value and the fixed value is also displayed on the slider. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP Patent Publication No. Hei 10-301745 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, because the shutter speed at which flicker detected from a captured image can be suppressed varies depending on the shooting environment, the method described in Patent Document 1 makes it difficult to appropriately display the shutter speed at which flicker can be suppressed on the slider. Furthermore, the method does not take into consideration a slider that displays a partial range of settable shutter speeds. Therefore, while a user operates the slider to adjust the shutter speed to an appropriate value, it can be difficult to recognize in which direction and by how much, which can result in time-consuming adjustments.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to easily recognize the state of shutter speed adjustment by slider operation and to reduce the effort required for adjustment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device of the present invention comprises an imaging means for capturing an image, a detection means for detecting flicker from the image, a display means for displaying information, a setting means for setting an exposure time of the imaging means, a calculation means for calculating an exposure time that suppresses flicker, and a control means for causing the display means to display an operation object that displays at least a partial range of exposure times that can be set by the setting means, and is characterized in that when the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is within the display range of the operation object, the control means displays an indicator related to the calculated exposure time on the display means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the state of shutter speed adjustment by slider operation can be easily recognized, and the effort required for adjustment can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device; [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a shutter speed setting screen. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a table of shutter speeds that can be set when the fine adjustment button is operated. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a table of shutter speeds that can be set when the coarse adjustment button is operated. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for displaying an index of a shutter speed that reduces the effect of flicker on a slider. [Figure 6] An example of a screen displaying the currently set shutter speed indicator and the shutter speed indicator for reducing the effects of flicker on the slider. [Figure 7] An example of a screen displaying an indicator at the end of the slider to indicate that the shutter speed that reduces the effects of detected flicker is outside the display range. [Figure 8] A graph showing the relationship between the currently set shutter speed and the shutter speed that reduces the effects of detected flicker [Figure 9] An example of a screen displaying prioritized metrics on a slider [Figure 10] Flowchart showing shutter speed setting processing [Figure 11] Flowchart showing coarse adjustment button display update processing [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a shutter speed setting screen on which coarse adjustment button display update processing has been performed. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the shutter speed setting screen. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart for changing the shutter speed depending on the member operated by the user and the state of the member according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0014] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a camera 10, which is a digital video camera (camera) according to the first embodiment.

[0016] 1, the configurations represented as blocks can be realized by integrated circuits (ICs) such as ASICs or FPGAs, by discrete circuits, or by a combination of a memory and a processor that executes a program stored in the memory. Also, one block may be realized by multiple integrated circuit packages, or multiple blocks may be realized by a single integrated circuit package. Furthermore, the same block may be implemented in different configurations depending on the operating environment, required capabilities, etc.

[0017] In the following embodiments, the present invention will be described as being implemented in an imaging device such as a digital video camera, but the present invention can also be implemented in any electronic device having an imaging function. Such electronic devices include imaging devices as well as computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), mobile phones, smartphones, etc. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other electronic devices.

[0018] The barrier 101 is a protective member that covers the imaging system including the photographing lens 106 of the camera 10 to prevent the imaging system from becoming dirty or damaged.

[0019] The photographing lens 106 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The zoom lens changes the zoom magnification by changing the focal length. The zoom lens is controlled by the zoom control unit 102. The focus lens is a lens that adjusts the focus. The focus lens is controlled by the distance measurement control unit 103.

[0020] The image capturing unit 104 is an image capturing element that is configured with a CCD, CMOS element, etc. that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The exposure time of the image capturing unit 104 can be controlled according to a shutter speed that can be set as an exposure control value for the image capturing unit 104.

[0021] The A / D conversion unit 105 performs sampling, gain adjustment, A / D conversion, etc. on the analog image signal output from the imaging unit 104, and outputs the resulting digital image signal.

[0022] The image processing unit 107 performs various image processing on the digital image signal output from the A / D conversion unit 105 and outputs the processed digital image signal (image data). For example, the image processing unit 107 may perform predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the digital image signal output from the A / D conversion unit 105. The image processing unit 107 can also perform similar processing on image data from the memory control unit 108. The image processing unit 107 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data. Based on the arithmetic results obtained by the image processing unit 107, the system control unit 50 can perform flicker detection, exposure control, and distance measurement control. This allows TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing to be performed.

[0023] The image data output by the A / D conversion unit 105 is written into a memory 109 via an image processing unit 107 and a memory control unit 108.

[0024] The memory 109 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 104 and converted into digital data by the A / D conversion unit 105, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 110 (described later). The memory 109 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio. The memory 109 also serves as a memory (video memory) for displaying image data read from the recording medium 20 and OSD (On Screen Display) data on the display unit 110.

[0025] The D / A conversion unit 123 converts the digital image signal (image data) for image display stored in the memory 109 into an analog image signal and supplies it to the display unit 110. Therefore, the image data for display written in the memory 109 is displayed by the display unit 110 via the D / A conversion unit 123.

[0026] The display unit 110 is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and performs display in accordance with the analog image signal supplied from the D / A conversion unit 123. For example, the analog image signal supplied from the D / A conversion unit 123 is sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 110, thereby realizing a function as an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and displaying a live view image. The display unit 110 may be a display of another type, such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. Furthermore, although the display unit 110 is an electronic viewfinder, it may also be a small (e.g., 3.5-inch) LCD monitor, or an external output such as HDMI (registered trademark) or SDI. Furthermore, the display unit 110 may be provided with a plurality of these display outputs.

[0027] The nonvolatile memory 111 is a memory serving as an electrically erasable and recordable recording medium, such as an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory 111 stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 50. These programs include programs for executing various flowcharts, which will be described later.

[0028] For example, a RAM is used for the system memory 113. The system memory 113 stores constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 111, and the like.

[0029] The system control unit 50 controls the entire camera 10. The system control unit 50 reads out programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, expands them in the system memory 113, and executes them to realize various processes described below. The system control unit 50 also controls the memory 109, the D / A conversion unit 123, the display unit 110, etc., thereby performing display control.

[0030] The system timer 114 measures the time used for various controls and the time of an internal clock.

[0031] The operation unit 115 is an operation unit for inputting various operational instructions to the system control unit 50. The operation unit 115 includes buttons such as a SET key and a cross key (up arrow key, down arrow key, left arrow key, right arrow key), as well as a menu button, a cancel button, and AF / MF. For example, when the menu button is pressed, a menu screen in which various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 110. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 110, the cross key, the SET key, and the like. Furthermore, the operation unit 115 is not limited to buttons and may include dials such as a main dial and a sub-dial. For example, the shutter speed can be set using the dials.

[0032] The touch panel 116 is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 110 (the operation surface of the touch panel 116). The touch panel 116 and the display unit 110 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 116 is configured so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 110, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 110. Then, input coordinates on the touch panel 116 correspond to display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 110. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the user to operate the screen displayed on the display unit 110 as if directly.

[0033] The mode changeover switch 117 is, for example, a switch that changes the operation mode of the camera 10. By operating the mode changeover switch 117, the operation mode of the system control unit 50 can be changed to one of a moving image recording mode, a playback mode, etc.

[0034] The power switch 118 is a button for switching the power on and off.

[0035] The power supply control unit 119 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between powered blocks, etc., and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 119 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage to each unit, including the recording medium 20, for the required period of time.

[0036] The power supply unit 120 is made up of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as an NiCd battery, an NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like, and supplies power to the power supply control unit 119 .

[0037] The recording medium I / F 121 is an interface with a recording medium 20 such as a memory card or a hard disk.

[0038] The recording medium 20 is a recording medium for recording captured image data, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0039] The above is an example of the basic configuration of the camera 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the shutter speed in the camera 10. The shutter speed can be set by the user via, for example, the operation unit 115 or the touch panel 116. The system control unit 50 controls the display unit 110 to display a user shutter speed setting screen (shutter speed setting screen) 200. The shutter speed setting screen 200 is a screen for the user to set the shutter speed that controls the exposure time when shooting in the imaging unit 104.

[0041] The shutter speed setting screen 200 displays available recording time 201a, recording status 201b, recording time code 201c, shutter speed setting menu 202, image data 203, etc. The available recording time 201a, recording status 201b, recording time code 201c, and shutter speed setting menu 202 are OSD (On Screen Display) data, and are displayed superimposed on image data 203. The image data 203 displayed on the display unit 110 is, for example, a live view image.

[0042] The shutter speed setting menu 202 includes a menu exit button 204, a current shutter speed display 205, a slider 206, fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b, coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b, and a flickerless automatic detection button 209. The menu exit button 204 is a button for ending the display of the shutter speed setting menu 202. The current shutter speed display 205 displays the value of the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10. In FIG. 2, 120.0 Hz is set as an example.

[0043] The slider 206 is displayed as a slider-shaped operation object. In the display of the slider 206, the central portion represents the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10, and on both sides of it, a partial range of shutter speeds that can be set in the camera 10 is displayed. In addition, an index 210 is displayed in the center of the slider 206 so that the currently set shutter speed can be seen. In this embodiment, a range of ±5.5 Hz from the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10 is displayed on the slider 206. In this embodiment, the index 210 is displayed at the position of 120.0 Hz, which is the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10, and sub-indicators 211 are displayed at positions of 115.0 Hz and 125.0 Hz, which are ±5.0 Hz positions. In addition, sub-indicators 212 are displayed at predetermined intervals as even finer indices.

[0044] The user can set the shutter speed by flicking the slider 206 displayed on the display unit 110. Fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b are buttons for finely adjusting the shutter speed, and can be operated by the user by touching them, etc. In this embodiment, by operating the fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b, the shutter speed that can be set in the camera 10 can be adjusted.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows an example of a table (fine-adjustment table) of shutter speeds that can be set when the fine-adjustment button is operated. In this embodiment, the shutter speed can be set in 0.5 Hz increments from 23.0 Hz to 250.0 Hz. For example, operating the fine-adjustment button 207a once changes the shutter speed from the current value to the value to the left of the table. If the current setting is 120.0 Hz, touching the fine-adjustment button 207a once changes the shutter speed to 119.5 Hz. Operating the fine-adjustment button 207b once changes the shutter speed from the current value to the value to the right of the table. If the current setting is 120.0 Hz, touching the fine-adjustment button 207b once changes the shutter speed to 120.5 Hz. The shutter speed is also set within this table when the slider 206 is flicked.

[0046] The coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b are buttons for adjusting the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker at coarser intervals than the fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b. In this embodiment, by operating the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b, it is possible to set the shutter speed to N times or 1 / N times (N is a natural number) the shutter speed calculated by flicker-free automatic detection, which will be described later. Due to the characteristics of flicker, the effects of flicker can be reduced not only by the shutter speed calculated by flicker-free automatic detection, but also by a shutter speed that is 1 / N times that speed. Therefore, shutter speeds other than the shutter speed calculated by flicker-free automatic detection can be set as candidate shutter speeds (recommended values) that reduce the effects of flicker.

[0047] In this embodiment, for the convenience of user operation, not only the shutter speed calculated by the flicker-less automatic detection but also shutter speeds N times that speed can be selected as candidates for adjustment.

[0048] Figure 4 shows an example of a table of shutter speeds that can be set when the coarse adjustment button is operated (coarse adjustment table). Figures 4(a) and (b) show examples of tables of shutter speeds that can be set when the coarse adjustment button is operated when 60.0 Hz and 50.0 Hz have been calculated by flickerless automatic detection. Figures 4(a) and (b) show values ​​that are 60.0 Hz and 50.0 Hz multiplied by N and 1 / N (N is a natural number), respectively.

[0049] Operating the coarse adjustment button 208a once changes the shutter speed to the shutter speed shown in Fig. 4 that is slower than the currently set shutter speed and closest to it. For example, if the current setting in Fig. 4(a) is 60.0 Hz, one touch of the coarse adjustment button 208a will change the shutter speed to 30.0 Hz.

[0050] On the other hand, when the coarse adjustment button 208b is operated once, the shutter speed is changed to the closest shutter speed that is faster than the currently set shutter speed among the shutter speeds shown in Fig. 4. For example, if the current setting is 60.0 Hz in Fig. 4(a), one touch of the coarse adjustment button 208b will change the shutter speed to 120.0 Hz.

[0051] The flickerless auto-detect button 209 is a button for automatically detecting a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker. In this embodiment, the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is calculated by detecting the difference in light amount (brightness) between multiple images obtained by continuous imaging, but the method of calculating the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is not limited to this. In this embodiment, when the flickerless auto-detect button 209 is pressed, the calculated shutter speed is automatically set. In addition, the flickerless auto-detect button 209 may not only be displayed on the touch panel 116, but may also be provided as a separate button or the like on the camera 10.

[0052] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for displaying an index of a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker on a slider. The process of each step in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 reading out a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, expanding it in the system memory 113, and executing it. First, the display unit 110, which is the display surface of the touch panel 116, starts displaying the slider in response to a predetermined operation, such as a user operation based on a menu displayed on the display unit 110.

[0053] First, in S501, the system control unit 50 displays a range of shutter speeds from the currently set shutter speed on the slider, and then proceeds to step S502.

[0054] Next, in S502, the system control unit 50 displays an indicator indicating the currently set shutter speed on the slider, and then proceeds to step S503.

[0055] Next, in S503, the system control unit 50 determines whether automatic flicker detection has been performed. Specifically, it determines whether the flickerless automatic detection button 209 has been operated and automatic flicker detection has been performed. If it is determined that automatic flicker detection has been performed, the process proceeds to S504. If it is determined that automatic flicker detection has not been performed, the process proceeds to S506.

[0056] Next, in S504, the system control unit 50 determines whether the shutter speed that reduces the effects of the detected flicker is included in the shutter speeds displayed on the slider in S501. If it is determined that the detected shutter speed is within the current display range, the process proceeds to S505. On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic detection of flicker is outside the display range, the process proceeds to S506. In FIG. 6, which will be described later, it will be described that the shutter speed is determined to be within the display range if it is within the range of ±5.5 Hz from the currently set shutter speed of 120.0 Hz. Separately, if the shutter speed that reduces the effects of the detected flicker is outside the display range, an indicator indicating that it is outside the display range may be displayed at the end of the slider.

[0057] 7(a) is an example of a screen displaying an indicator at the end of a slider indicating that the shutter speed that reduces the effects of the detected flicker is out of the display range. Indicator 701 is an indicator indicating that the shutter speed that reduces the effects of the detected flicker is out of the display range.

[0058] Area 702a indicates an area where indicator 701 is displayed when the shutter speed that reduces the effect of detected flicker is smaller than the currently set shutter speed and is outside the display range of the slider. Area 702b indicates an area where indicator 701 is displayed when the shutter speed that reduces the effect of detected flicker is larger than the currently set shutter speed and is outside the display range of the slider.

[0059] The position where the indicator 701 is displayed may be changed within the range of areas 702a and 702b in accordance with the graph showing the relationship between the currently set shutter speed and the shutter speed that reduces the effects of detected flicker, as shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 7(b) is an example of how the indicator 701 is displayed on the screen when the shutter speed that reduces the effects of detected flicker is smaller than the currently set shutter speed and the difference is larger than in Fig. 7(a). Here, the indicator 701 is displayed further out (to the left) than in Fig. 7(a) to indicate that the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is further away from the currently set shutter speed than in Fig. 7(a).

[0060] Next, in step S505, the system control unit 50 displays, on the slider, an indicator of the shutter speed that reduces the effect of the detected flicker, and then proceeds to step S506.

[0061] 6 shows an example of a shutter speed setting screen in which an indicator for a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is displayed on a slider. The shutter speed setting screen 600a in FIG. 6(a) is an example in which an indicator is displayed when the currently set shutter speed is 120.0 Hz and the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is 115.0 Hz. In this case, since a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is present within the display range of the slider 206, an indicator 602 is displayed as a dotted line at the 115.0 Hz position on the slider.

[0062] The shutter speed setting screen 600b in Figure 6(b) is an example in which an indicator is displayed when the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is 230.0 Hz. When the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is 230.0 Hz, one of the shutter speeds that transitions when the coarse adjustment button is operated is 115.0 Hz. Therefore, an indicator 603 is displayed at the 115.0 Hz position on the slider to correspond to the current display range of the slider.

[0063] The above has described the index 210, index 602, and index 603, but if each indicates the same shutter speed, any one of the indexes may be displayed with priority. Fig. 9(a) is an example of a screen in which index 210 is displayed with priority. Fig. 9(b) is an example of a screen in which index 602 is displayed with priority. Fig. 9(c) is an example of a screen in which index 603 is displayed with priority.

[0064] Next, in step S506, the system control unit 50 determines whether an operation to end the slider display processing has been performed in response to a predetermined operation, such as a manual operation by the user based on a menu displayed on the display unit 110. If it is determined that an operation to end has been performed, the system control unit 50 ends the slider display processing. If it is determined that an operation to end has not been performed, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S501.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, an indicator indicating a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is displayed on the slider, allowing the user to easily recognize in which direction and how far the detected shutter speed is when adjusting the shutter speed by operating the slider.

[0066] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is displayed as an indicator on a slider, the display method is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a numerical value indicating the shutter speed may be displayed on the slider, and the color of the text may be changed to serve as an indicator. Alternatively, an icon may be displayed to indicate in which direction and how far the shutter speed detected by the user is from the currently set shutter speed.

[0067] Furthermore, when the user operates the slider in accordance with the flowchart, if the slider is operated at a speed slower than a certain level, the slider operation may be stopped when the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker is reached. This allows the user to adjust the shutter speed to reduce the effects of flicker using the slider without exceeding the desired shutter speed.

[0068] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a display of the shutter speed that is changed when the coarse adjustment button is operated will be described. Note that the functional configuration of the camera 10 in the second embodiment will be described as being the same as that in FIG.

[0069] 10 is a flowchart showing the shutter speed setting process in the second embodiment. This process is realized by the system control unit 50 reading out a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, loading it into the system memory 113, and executing it.

[0070] In S1001, the system control unit 50 controls the display unit 110 to display the shutter speed setting screen 200 of FIG.

[0071] In S1002, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has operated the flickerless auto-detection button 209 via the touch panel 116. Note that the camera 10 may be configured to have a separate operating member equivalent to the flickerless auto-detection button 209. In this case, the system control unit 50 may determine whether or not an operation has been performed on that operating member. If the system control unit 50 determines that the flickerless auto-detection button 209 has been operated, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1003, and if not, to transition to S1006.

[0072] In S1003, the system control unit 50 automatically detects a shutter speed that reduces the effect of flicker.

[0073] In S1004, the system control unit 50 performs control to create a table of shutter speeds that change based on the shutter speed detected in S1003 and that change in response to the coarse adjustment button, as shown in FIG. 4(b) in the first embodiment.

[0074] In S1005, the system control unit 50 controls the shutter speed to be changed to the shutter speed detected in S1003.

[0075] In S1006, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has operated the fine adjustment button 207 via the touch panel 116 or the like. If it is determined that the fine adjustment button 207 has been operated, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1007, and if not, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1008.

[0076] In S1007, the system control unit 50 controls to change the shutter speed based on the fine adjustment table of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

[0077] In S1008, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has operated the coarse adjustment button 208 or the coarse adjustment button 1201 described below via the touch panel 116. If the system control unit 50 determines that the user has operated the coarse adjustment button 208 or the coarse adjustment button 1201, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1009, and otherwise to transition to S1015.

[0078] In S1009, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the automatic detection of a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker in S1003 has been executed at least once while the shutter speed menu 202 is displayed. If the system control unit 50 determines that the automatic detection of a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker has been executed, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S510, and if not, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1015.

[0079] In S1010, the system control unit 50 controls the camera 10 to change the shutter speed based on the table in Fig. 3. Specifically, the shutter speed is set to the coarse adjustment values ​​1201a and 1201b in Fig. 12, which are determined in the coarse adjustment button display update process described later.

[0080] In S1011, the system control unit 50 performs control to update the display of the slider 206. In this embodiment, the slider 206 displays the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10 in the center, and a range of ±5.5 Hz.

[0081] In S1012, the system control unit 50 controls the camera 10 to display the value of the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10 as the current shutter speed display 205.

[0082] In S1013, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the automatic detection of a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker in S1003 has been executed at least once while the shutter speed menu 202 is displayed. If the system control unit 50 determines that the automatic detection of a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker has been executed, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1014, and if not, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1015.

[0083] In S1014, the system control unit 50 performs control to perform processing to update the display of the coarse adjustment button (display update processing). Details of the display update processing of the coarse adjustment button will be described later.

[0084] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a shutter speed setting screen after display update processing of the coarse adjustment button displayed on the display unit 116. A shutter speed setting screen 1200 displays a shutter speed setting menu 1202. The shutter speed setting menu 1202 displays coarse adjustment values ​​1201a and 1201b.

[0085] The coarse adjustment values ​​1201a and 1201b indicate the shutter speed to be changed when the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b are operated, respectively. In FIG. 12, 60.0 Hz was detected in advance by flickerless automatic detection, and the table in FIG. 4(a) was created. Furthermore, the shutter speed currently set in the camera 10 is 120.0 Hz. Operating the coarse adjustment button 208a in this state changes the shutter speed of the camera 10 to 60.0 Hz, so the coarse adjustment value 1201a displays 60.0. Similarly, operating the coarse adjustment button 208b changes the shutter speed of the camera 10 to 180.0 Hz, so the coarse adjustment value 1201b displays 180.0.

[0086] In S1015, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has operated the menu end button 204 via the touch panel 116. If the system control unit 50 determines that the menu end button 204 has been operated, it transitions to S1016, and if not, it controls to return to S1002.

[0087] In S1016, the system control unit 50 clears the coarse adjustment table created in S1004 and performs control to terminate the shutter speed setting screen 1200. The above is an overview of the flow of displaying the shutter speed that is changed when the coarse adjustment button is operated in the second embodiment.

[0088] 11 is a flowchart showing the display update process of the coarse adjustment button in the second embodiment. This process is realized by the system control unit 50 reading out a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, loading it into the system memory 113, and executing it.

[0089] In S1101, the system control unit 50 executes initialization processing of table number i, which refers to the coarse adjustment value from the coarse adjustment table created in S1004 of Fig. 10, and controls so that i = 1. Here, as the value of i increases, a higher shutter speed in the table is referenced. For example, in the coarse adjustment table of Fig. 4(a), when i = 1, 30.0 Hz is referenced, and when i = 5, which is the maximum value in this table number, 240.0 Hz is referenced.

[0090] In S1102, the system control unit 50 determines whether the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is slower (lower) than the shutter speed in the coarse adjustment table [i]. If the system control unit 50 determines that the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is slower than the shutter speed in the coarse adjustment table [i], it controls the process to transition to S1103, and if not, it controls the process to transition to S1104.

[0091] In S1103, the system control unit 50 controls the coarse adjustment table [i] to set a higher coarse adjustment value, which is a shutter speed higher (faster) than the current shutter speed of the camera 10, that is changed when the coarse adjustment button 208b is executed.

[0092] In S1104, the system control unit 50 determines whether the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is higher (faster) than the shutter speed corresponding to the coarse adjustment table [i]. If the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is higher than the shutter speed in the coarse adjustment table [i], the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1105, and if not, to transition to S1106.

[0093] In S1105, the system control unit 50 controls the coarse adjustment table [i] to set a lower coarse adjustment value, which is a shutter speed lower than the current shutter speed of the camera 10, that is changed when the coarse adjustment button 208a is executed.

[0094] In S1106, the system control unit 50 controls the table number i to be incremented.

[0095] In S1107, the system control unit 50 determines whether the table number i is greater than the maximum table number. If it is determined that the table number i is greater than the maximum table number, the system control unit 50 controls the process to transition to S1108, and if not, to return to S1102.

[0096] In S1108, the system control unit 50 controls so that the higher-speed coarse adjustment value set in S1103 is displayed in the coarse adjustment value 1201b on the shutter speed setting screen 1200 of Fig. 12. For example, when the coarse adjustment table is that of Fig. 4(a), if the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is 120.0 Hz, 180.0 Hz is displayed. Also, if the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is 241.0 Hz, the higher-speed coarse adjustment value is not set, and therefore the coarse adjustment value 1201b is not displayed.

[0097] In S1109, the system control unit 50 displays the low-speed coarse adjustment value set in S1105 in the coarse adjustment value 1201a on the shutter speed setting screen 1200 of Fig. 12, and performs control to end the display update process for the coarse adjustment button. For example, when the coarse adjustment table is that of Fig. 4(a), if the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is 120.0 Hz, 60.0 Hz is displayed. Also, if the current shutter speed of the camera 10 is 29.0 Hz, no low-speed coarse adjustment value is set, and therefore the coarse adjustment value 1201a is not displayed.

[0098] As explained above, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the display of the coarse adjustment value can be updated when the current shutter speed of the camera 10 becomes the same as the value set in the coarse adjustment table, or when it is different from the value set in the coarse adjustment table.

[0099] In this way, by displaying the shutter speed that will be changed when the coarse adjustment button is operated, the user can visually see in advance how the shutter speed will be changed by operating the coarse adjustment button when setting a shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker.

[0100] In this embodiment, the shutter speed changed when the coarse adjustment button is operated is always displayed as a coarse adjustment value, but it may be displayed only when the shutter speed changed when the coarse adjustment button is operated is outside the display range of the slider. This is because, like the fine adjustment button, if the shutter speed changed when operated is within the display range of the slider, the user can imagine the changed value. This specification has the advantage that the display area for OSD (On Screen Display) data on the shutter speed setting screen 1200 is reduced, while the display area for image data is increased, making it easier for the user to take photos.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if automatic detection of the shutter speed that reduces the effects of flicker has not been performed, the shutter speed will not be changed even if the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b are operated. However, this is not limiting, and even if automatic detection has not been performed, the shutter speed may be changed to 1 / 2 and 2 times the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 when the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b are operated.

[0102] Furthermore, if automatic detection has not been performed, or if automatic detection has been performed but the coarse adjustment value 1101 is not displayed, the shutter speed will not change even if the coarse adjustment button 208 is operated, but the display of the coarse adjustment button 208 may be changed. Furthermore, the coarse adjustment button 208 may be operated to change the current shutter speed to twice or half the current shutter speed.

[0103] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the shutter speed setting screen in which the display of the coarse adjustment button has been changed.

[0104] Fig. 13(a) is an example in which the buttons are hidden. A shutter speed setting menu 1301a is displayed on a shutter speed setting screen 1300a. In the shutter speed setting menu 1301a, the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b and the coarse adjustment values ​​1201a and 1201b are hidden, as compared to the shutter speed setting menu 1202 in Fig. 12.

[0105] FIG. 13(b) shows an example in which the slow-speed coarse adjustment button is grayed out. A shutter speed setting menu 1301b is displayed on a shutter speed setting screen 1300b. The shutter speed setting menu 1301b displays a current shutter speed 1302, a slider 1303, a coarse adjustment button 1304, and a coarse adjustment value 1305. In FIG. 13(b), the coarse adjustment table of FIG. 4(a) has been created, and the current shutter speed is 25.0 Hz. In this case, because the displayed shutter speed does not change even if the coarse adjustment button 1304 is pressed, the coarse adjustment button 1304 is grayed out, and the corresponding coarse adjustment value is not displayed.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 is lower or higher than the minimum or maximum shutter speed in the coarse adjustment table, the shutter speed will not be changed even if the coarse adjustment button 208 is pressed. In such cases, the table of settable shutter speeds may be looped in response to the operation of the coarse adjustment button 208. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4(a), if the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 is 250.0 Hz, which is faster than the maximum shutter speed of 240.0 Hz in the table, the shutter speed may be set to 30.0 Hz, which is the minimum shutter speed in the table. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 4(a), if the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 is 25.0 Hz, which is lower than the minimum shutter speed of 30.0 Hz in the table, the shutter speed may be set to 240.0 Hz, which is the maximum shutter speed in the table.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation on the shutter speed setting screen is performed using a touch panel, but this is not limiting and similar operations may also be performed using buttons or dials provided on the operation unit 115.

[0108] 13(c) shows an example of how the coarse adjustment value is displayed on a screen that allows fine and coarse adjustment by operating two dials. A shutter speed setting screen 1300c displays available recording time 201a, recording status 201b, recording time code 201c, image data 203, and a shutter speed setting menu 1301c. The shutter speed setting menu 1301c displays a menu exit button 204, a current shutter speed display 205, a fine adjustment dial icon 1306, a coarse adjustment dial icon 1308, coarse adjustment values ​​1307a and 1307b, and a flickerless auto-detection button 209.

[0109] On shutter speed setting screen 1300c, when the dial provided on operation unit 115 corresponding to fine adjustment dial icon 1306 is operated clockwise, the shutter speed is changed from the current value to the value on the right side of the table shown in Fig. 3. Similarly, when the dial is operated counterclockwise, the shutter speed is changed from the current value to the value on the left side of the table shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, when the dial provided on operation unit 115 corresponding to coarse adjustment dial icon 1308 is operated clockwise, the shutter speed is changed to the value of coarse adjustment value 1307a. Similarly, when the dial is operated counterclockwise, the shutter speed is changed to the value of coarse adjustment value 1307b.

[0110] 13(c), the fine adjustment dial icon 1306 and the coarse adjustment dial icon 1308 have the same display format (dial-shaped icons), but this is not limiting. For example, the fine adjustment dial icon 1306 and the coarse adjustment dial icon 1308 may be displayed in different formats to make them easier to distinguish.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coarse adjustment value is displayed adjacent to the coarse adjustment button, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the coarse adjustment value may be displayed above the coarse adjustment button, for example.

[0112] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a modified example when changing the shutter speed will be described. Note that the functional configuration of the camera 10 in the third embodiment will be described as being the same as that in FIG. 1.

[0113] The third embodiment is a modified example of the operation performed when the user selects a shutter speed setting via the operation unit 115 or touch panel 116 while the system control unit 50 is displaying the shutter speed setting screen 200 of Fig. 2 on the display unit 110. In the third embodiment, usability is improved by changing the rate at which the shutter speed is changed depending on the member operated by the user and the operating state of the member.

[0114] Some imaging devices, such as the camera 10, are equipped with a function for sequentially changing shooting parameters, such as shutter speed, depending on the operation method used when changing shooting parameters through user operation. For example, if the shutter speed can be changed by pressing a button on the imaging device, the shutter speed may be sequentially changed by holding down the button for a certain period of time. Other imaging devices may be equipped with a dial on the imaging device that can automatically sequentially change the shutter speed by turning the dial several times. Still other imaging devices may be capable of gradually speeding up parameter changes depending on the duration of a button press or other such operation. Such a function allows the user to sequentially change shooting parameters without having to repeatedly press a button or turn a dial multiple times, and allows for quick changes to desired shooting parameters.

[0115] With the above-described functions, for example, when the fine adjustment button 207 is pressed and held, the shutter speed value is continuously changed based on the fine adjustment table shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the time it takes for the shutter speed to change to the next value in the fine adjustment table is gradually shortened depending on the duration of the press and hold. This allows the user to quickly change the shutter speed to a desired value without having to operate the fine adjustment button 207 multiple times. Furthermore, the fine adjustment table shown in FIG. 3 has a fixed interval between adjacent shutter speeds (the minimum resolution of the settable shutter speed). Therefore, the shutter speed can be changed by pressing and holding the fine adjustment button 207 until it approaches the desired shutter speed, and then the fine adjustment button 207 can be operated to match the desired shutter speed.

[0116] On the other hand, if the coarse adjustment button 208 has a similar function, the shutter speed is continuously changed based on a coarse adjustment table such as that shown in Fig. 4. Basically, the intervals between adjacent shutter speeds in the coarse adjustment table are not constant compared to the fine adjustment table, and the differences are large. In other words, when the coarse adjustment button 208 is pressed and held, if the shutter speed is changed using the same control as when the fine adjustment button 207 is pressed and held, the value may change suddenly, resulting in a change to a shutter speed not intended by the user.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, the camera 10 is controlled so that the speed at which the shutter speed is changed is different depending on whether the fine adjustment button 207 is operated or the coarse adjustment button 208 is operated. Specifically, when the coarse adjustment button 208 is pressed and held on the camera 10, the shutter speed is changed more slowly than when the fine adjustment button 207 is pressed and held, or the shutter speed is not changed from the currently set shutter speed.

[0118] 14 is a flowchart of an operation for changing the shutter speed depending on the pressing time when the user touches either the fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b or the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b to change the shutter speed. This flowchart starts from a state in which the camera 10 is started up and the system control unit 50 is operated to display the shutter speed setting screen 200. Note that in this embodiment, a case in which the fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b and the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b are operated by touch operation will be described, but this is not limited to touch operation and may also be performed by operation of a button or dial included in the operation unit 115.

[0119] This processing is realized by the system control unit 50 reading out a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 111, expanding it into the system memory 113, and executing it. Note that all of the processing in the flowchart of Fig. 14 may be realized by a hardware configuration. Alternatively, some of the processing may be performed by a hardware configuration, and the remaining processing may be performed by a software configuration using a program.

[0120] In S1401, in response to a user operation, the system control unit 50 displays the shutter speed setting screen 200 on the display unit 110. Note that the shutter speed setting screen 200 displayed here is an example. Once the shutter speed setting screen 200 is displayed on the display unit 110, the process proceeds to S1402.

[0121] In S1402, the system control unit 50 determines whether the touch panel 116 has been operated. If operation can be performed using an operation member other than the touch panel 116, the system control unit 50 may make this determination based on whether or not the operation member has been operated. For example, the system control unit 50 may determine whether or not the operation unit 115 has been operated.

[0122] If the system control unit 50 determines that the touch panel 116 has been touched, the process proceeds to S1403; if it determines that the touch panel 116 has not been touched, the system control unit 50 executes the determination process of S1402 again after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0123] In S1403, the system control unit 50 determines whether the fine adjustment button (fine adjustment button 207a or fine adjustment button 207b) on the touch panel 116 has been touched. If the fine adjustment button can be operated by an operation member other than the touch panel 116, the system control unit 50 may make this determination based on whether or not the operation member has been operated. For example, it is possible to assign the function of the fine adjustment button to the operation unit 115. If the system control unit 50 determines that the fine adjustment button has been operated, the process proceeds to S1404, and if it determines that the fine adjustment button has not been operated, the process proceeds to S1408.

[0124] In S1404, the system control unit 50 determines whether the fine adjustment button 207b for increasing the shutter speed has been operated. If the system control unit 50 determines that the fine adjustment button 207b has been operated, the process proceeds to S1405. If the system control unit 50 determines that the fine adjustment button 207b has not been operated, the process proceeds to S1406.

[0125] In S1405, the system control unit 50 changes the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 to the next largest selectable value. In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the shutter speed can be changed in 0.5 Hz increments by operating the fine adjustment button provided on the camera 10. Therefore, in this step, the amount of change in the shutter speed is set to x, and it is increased by 0.5 Hz each time this step is executed. After the amount of change x is increased, the amount of change x is added to the current shutter speed, and the shutter speed is changed to that value. After the change, S1407 is executed.

[0126] In S1406, the system control unit 50 changes the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 to the next smaller selectable value. As with S1405, the shutter speed can be set in increments of 0.5 Hz, so in this step the amount of change in the shutter speed is set to x, and it is reduced by 0.5 Hz each time this step is executed. After reducing the amount of change x, the amount of change x is added to the current shutter speed, and the shutter speed is changed to that value. After the change, S1407 is executed.

[0127] In S1407, the system control unit 50 starts measuring time using the system timer 114. In this embodiment, in conjunction with the start of time measurement, the waiting time n to be used in a later step is set to 100 msec and saved in the system memory 113. Then, the process proceeds to S1413.

[0128] In S1408, the system control unit 50 determines whether the coarse adjustment button (coarse adjustment button 208a or coarse adjustment button 208b) on the touch panel 116 has been operated. Note that if the coarse adjustment button can be operated by an operation member other than the touch panel 116, the system control unit 50 may make this determination based on whether or not that operation member has been operated. For example, it is possible to assign the function of the coarse adjustment button to the operation unit 115. If the system control unit 50 determines that the coarse adjustment button has been operated, the process proceeds to S1409, and if it determines that the coarse adjustment button has not been operated, the process proceeds to S1416.

[0129] In S1409, the system control unit 50 determines whether the coarse adjustment button 208b, which increases the shutter speed, has been operated. If the system control unit 50 determines that the coarse adjustment button 208b has been operated, the process proceeds to S1409. If the system control unit 50 determines that the coarse adjustment button 208b has not been operated, the process proceeds to S1411.

[0130] In S1410, the system control unit 50 changes the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 to the next larger value among the selectable values. In this embodiment, by operating the coarse adjustment button provided on the camera 10, the shutter speed can be set to a value that is N times or 1 / N times (N is a natural number) the shutter speed calculated by the above-mentioned flickerless automatic detection. Therefore, in this step, the change amount x is set to a value that makes the current shutter speed N times the shutter speed calculated by flickerless automatic detection. The variable N is set to a value that makes the post-change shutter speed the shutter speed closest to the current value among the shutter speeds shown in FIG. 4 that are higher than the current value. After determining the change amount x, the change amount x is added to the shutter speed, and the shutter speed is changed to that value. After the change, S1412 is executed.

[0131] In S1411, the system control unit 50 changes the current shutter speed set in the camera 10 to the next smaller selectable value. As in S1410, the shutter speed can be set to N times or 1 / N times (N is a natural number) the shutter speed calculated by the above-mentioned flickerless automatic detection. Therefore, in this step, the change amount x is set to a value that makes the current shutter speed N times the shutter speed calculated by flickerless automatic detection. The variable N is set to a value that makes the post-change shutter speed the shutter speed closest to the current value among the shutter speeds shown in FIG. 4 that are lower than the current value. After determining the change amount x, the change amount x is added to the shutter speed, and the shutter speed is changed to that value. After the change, S1412 is executed.

[0132] In S1412, the system control unit 50 starts measuring time using the system timer 114. In this embodiment, in conjunction with the start of time measurement, the waiting time n to be used in a later step is set to 300 msec and saved in the system memory 113. After saving, S1413 is executed.

[0133] In S1413, the system control unit 50 determines whether the waiting time n has elapsed in the system timer 114 and whether the fine adjustment button or the coarse adjustment button on the touch panel 116 has been touched continuously during that time. Note that if the fine adjustment button and the coarse adjustment button are assigned to different operating members, the system control unit 50 may determine whether the operation of that operating member has continued. Specifically, this corresponds to whether the operating member (button) has been continuously pressed for a predetermined period of time, or whether the operating member (button) has been pressed for a certain period of time.

[0134] Furthermore, when the fine adjustment button and the coarse adjustment button are operated by an operation other than pressing an operation member such as a dial, the system control unit 50 may determine whether the operation to change the shutter speed has been performed continuously during the waiting time n. If the system control unit 50 determines that the touch state is continuing, the process proceeds to S1414, and if it determines that the touch state is not continuing, the process transitions to S1402.

[0135] In S1414, the amount of change x determined in S1405, 1406, 1410, and 1411 is added to the current shutter speed, and the shutter speed is changed to that value. After the change, S1415 is executed. Note that if this step is executed after S1410 and 1411 are executed, the amount of change x may be set to 0, and the shutter speed may not be changed. In that case, S1415 is executed after setting the amount of change x to 0. Also, if this step is executed after S1410 and 1411 are executed, the system control unit 50 may display the amount of change x on the display unit 110. This allows the user to understand at a glance how much the shutter speed will change by operating the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b, and allows for more comfortable shutter speed change.

[0136] In S1415, the system control unit 50 restarts the system timer 114 that was started in S1407 and S1412. At this time, the waiting time n is not changed. After the restart, S1413 is executed again.

[0137] In S1416, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to close the shutter speed setting screen 200. In this embodiment, the operation of touching the menu end button 204 in FIG. 2 is the operation to close the shutter speed setting screen 200. Note that the shutter speed setting screen 200 may also be closed by an operation other than a touch operation using the operation unit 115. If it is determined that a closing operation has been performed, S1417 is executed. If it is determined that a closing operation has not been performed, S1402 is executed again.

[0138] In S1417, the system control unit 50 hides the shutter speed setting screen 200 displayed on the display unit 110. After hiding the screen, the flow chart ends.

[0139] According to the above configuration, when the fine adjustment buttons 207a and 207b are pressed and held on the shutter speed setting screen 200, the user can change the shutter speed one after another, easily and quickly setting the desired shutter speed. On the other hand, when the coarse adjustment buttons 208a and 208b are pressed and held, the user can change the shutter speed more slowly. This allows the user to more comfortably change the desired shutter speed value when operating the coarse adjustment buttons.

[0140] <Other embodiments> The present invention also includes cases where a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device having a computer that can execute the program directly from a recording medium or via wired / wireless communication, and the program is executed.

[0141] Therefore, the program code itself that is supplied to and installed on a computer to realize the functional processing of the present invention also realizes the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention.

[0142] In this case, as long as it has the functionality of a program, the form of the program does not matter, such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS.

[0143] The recording medium for supplying the program may be, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

[0144] Another method of supplying the program is to store the computer program forming the present invention in a server on a computer network, and have connected client computers download and program the computer program.

[0145] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Therefore, the following claims are appended to clarify the scope of the invention.

[0146] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and storage medium.

[0147] (Configuration 1) an imaging device comprising: an imaging means for capturing an image; a detection means for detecting flicker from the image; a display means for displaying information; a setting means for setting an exposure time of the imaging means; a calculation means for calculating an exposure time that suppresses flicker; and a control means for causing the display means to display an operation object that displays at least a partial range of exposure times that can be set by the setting means, wherein when the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is within the display range of the operation object, the control means displays an indicator related to the calculated exposure time on the display means.

[0148] (Configuration 2) 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the operation object is a slider-shaped operation object.

[0149] (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means further displays an index relating to the exposure time of the imaging means set by the setting means.

[0150] (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to configuration 3, wherein the control means causes the display means to display only the indicator related to the exposure time set by the setting means when the indicator related to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is displayed in the same position as the exposure time set by the setting means.

[0151] (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to configuration 3, wherein the control means causes the display means to display only the indicator related to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means when the indicator related to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is displayed at the same position as the exposure time set by the setting means.

[0152] (Configuration 6) The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the calculation means further calculates, based on the calculated exposure time, a candidate exposure time that suppresses flicker in the image captured by the imaging means, separate from the exposure time, and the control means controls display of the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and an indicator related to the candidate exposure time.

[0153] (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to configuration 6, wherein the control means causes the display means to display the indicators relating to the candidates in a form different from the indicators relating to the exposure time set by the setting means and the indicators relating to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means.

[0154] (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to configuration 6, wherein, when the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and the candidate are outside the display range of the operation object, the control means displays an indicator at an end of the operation object indicating that the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and the candidate are outside the display range of the operation object.

[0155] (Configuration 9) The imaging device according to configuration 8, wherein the control means changes the position of the display of the indicator indicating that the operation object is out of the display range, depending on the difference between the exposure time set by the setting means, the exposure time calculated by the calculation means, and the candidate.

[0156] (Configuration 10) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 6 to 9, wherein the control means stops updating the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and an index related to the exposure time when the operation on the operation object is performed at a speed equal to or slower than a predetermined speed.

[0157] (Configuration 11) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 6 to 10, wherein the setting means comprises a first operation means for changing the exposure time of the imaging means by a first change amount, and a second operation means for changing the exposure time of the imaging means by a second change amount different from the first change amount, and the second operation means is used when changing the exposure time of the imaging means to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and to the candidate.

[0158] (Configuration 12) 12. The imaging device according to configuration 11, wherein the second amount of change is greater than the first amount of change.

[0159] (Configuration 13) The imaging device according to configuration 11 or 12, further comprising a determination means for determining whether the first operation means or the second operation means is in a first state, and an adjustment means for adjusting the first change amount and the second change amount, wherein the adjustment means changes the first change amount to a third change amount when the determination means determines that the first operation means is in the first state, and stops changing the exposure time of the imaging means or changes the second change amount by a fourth change amount when the determination means determines that the second operation means is in the first state.

[0160] (Configuration 14) 14. The imaging device according to configuration 13, wherein the first state is a state in which the first operating means or the second operating means continues to be operated.

[0161] (Configuration 15) 15. The imaging device according to configuration 13 or 14, wherein the third amount of change and the fourth amount of change increase in accordance with the duration of the first state.

[0162] (Configuration 16) The imaging device described in any one of configurations 11 to 15, characterized in that the control means controls the display of the setting means on the display means, and displays the first operating means and the second operating means in different display forms.

[0163] (Method 1) a setting step for setting an exposure time; a calculation step for calculating an exposure time that suppresses flicker; and a control step for displaying an operation object that displays at least a partial range of exposure times that can be set in the setting step, wherein in the control step, if the exposure time calculated in the calculation step is within a display range of the operation object, an indicator related to the calculated exposure time is displayed on the display means.

[0164] (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 16.

[0165] (Storage medium 1) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 10 Camera 50 System control section 104 Imaging unit 106 Photographic Lens 107 Image processing section 115 Operation section 116 Touch Panel

Claims

1. an imaging means for capturing an image; a detection means for detecting flicker from the image; a display means for displaying information; a setting means for setting an exposure time of the imaging means; a calculation means for calculating an exposure time for suppressing flicker; a control means for causing the display means to display an operation object indicating at least a part of a range of exposure times that can be set by the setting means, The imaging device is characterized in that the control means displays an indicator related to the calculated exposure time on the display means when the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is within a display range of the operation object.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation object is a slider-shaped operation object.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means further displays an index relating to the exposure time of the imaging means set by the setting means.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control means causes the display means to display only the indicator related to the exposure time set by the setting means when the indicator related to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is displayed in the same position as the exposure time set by the setting means.

5. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control means causes the display means to display only the indicator related to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means when the indicator related to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means is displayed in the same position as the exposure time set by the setting means.

6. the calculation means further calculates, based on the calculated exposure time, a candidate exposure time for suppressing flicker in the image captured by the image capture means, separate from the exposure time; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls display of the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and an index related to the candidate.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the control means causes the display means to display the indicator relating to the candidate in a form different from the indicator relating to the exposure time set by the setting means and the indicator relating to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means.

8. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein, when the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and the candidate are outside a display range of the operation object, the control means displays an indicator at an end of the operation object indicating that the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and the candidate are outside a display range of the operation object.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the control means changes a display position of an indicator indicating that the operation object is out of a display range in accordance with a difference between the exposure time set by the setting means, the exposure time calculated by the calculation means, and the candidate.

10. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the control means stops updating the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and the index related to the exposure time when the operation on the operation object is performed at a speed equal to or slower than a predetermined speed.

11. The setting means a first operation means for changing the exposure time of the imaging means by a first change amount; a second operation means for changing the exposure time of the imaging means by a second change amount different from the first change amount, 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second operation means is used when changing the exposure time of the imaging means to the exposure time calculated by the calculation means and the candidate.

12. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the second amount of change is greater than the first amount of change.

13. a determination means for determining whether the first operating means or the second operating means is in a first state; an adjusting unit that adjusts the first change amount and the second change amount, the adjusting means changes the first amount of change to a third amount of change when the determining means determines that the first operating means is in the first state; 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein, when the determination means determines that the second operation means is in the first state, the change in exposure time of the imaging means is stopped or the second change amount is changed by a fourth change amount.

14. 14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein the first state is a state in which the first operating means or the second operating means is continuously operated.

15. 14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein the third amount of change and the fourth amount of change increase in accordance with the duration of the first state.

16. the control means controls the display of the setting means on the display means, 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the first operation means and the second operation means are displayed in different display formats.

17. an imaging step of capturing an image; a detection step of detecting flicker from the image; a display step for displaying the information; a setting step for setting an exposure time; a calculation step of calculating an exposure time for suppressing flicker; a control step of displaying an operation object that displays at least a part of the range of exposure times that can be set in the setting step, a display unit that displays an indicator relating to the calculated exposure time on the display means when the exposure time calculated in the calculation step is within a display range of the operation object;

18. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images