Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a technology for temporarily turning off the display unit of an imaging device using an appropriate method depending on the cause of the power outage. [Solution] An imaging device comprising detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to a display unit, and control means for controlling the display unit based on the detection result of the detection means, wherein the control means turns off the display unit using a first off process which results in a first power consumption after turning off and requires a first time to turn on again, when the proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected, and if no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period of time, the control means turns off the display unit using a second off process which results in a second power consumption which is less than the first power consumption after turning off and requires a second time longer than the first time to turn on again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method of the imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a digital camera which is an example of an imaging device, when switching the display destination from an electronic view finder (EVF) displayed through an eyepiece to a liquid crystal display unit by leaving the eye, the EVF may be temporarily turned off to suppress power consumption. Also, when the user does not perform an operation for a predetermined time or more, the EVF may be temporarily turned off to suppress power consumption. In both cases, generally, the EVF cuts off the power supply to turn off the power and enters a complete end state. Note that EVF is an abbreviation for Electronic View Finder and is an electronic view finder.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device having two display units, command signal lines of each display unit for transmitting commands to the display units, and a common display data line for transmitting display data to the two display units. Patent Document 1 discloses that when one display unit is in a display state, the other display unit is set to a black image display state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When temporarily turning off the EVF, it may do so if there is a reason for it to be turned on immediately (for example, if it is turned off when the eyes are taken away, there is a possibility that the eyes will be looked at again soon). On the other hand, it may also be turned off if there is no need to turn it on immediately and reducing power consumption should be prioritized (for example, no user operation for a certain period of time).

[0006] However, in situations where the EVF is temporarily turned off as described above, if the EVF is uniformly set to a complete shutdown state, the EVF startup process must be performed from the beginning when the EVF is turned on again, which takes time. On the other hand, if the EVF is uniformly set to a black image display state as in Patent Document 1, the power consumption will always be high.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a technology for turning off the display unit of an imaging device using an appropriate method corresponding to the cause of the temporary blackout. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention, which achieves the above objective, An imaging device, A detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to the display unit, The system comprises control means for controlling the display unit based on the detection result of the detection means, The control means is When proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected, the display unit is turned off using a first off process which results in a first power consumption after turning off and requires a first time to turn on again. If no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period, the display unit is turned off using a second off process, which involves a second power consumption that is lower than the first power consumption after the lights are turned off, and a second time longer than the first time required to turn the lights back on. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when the display unit of an imaging device is temporarily turned off, it is possible to turn it off using an appropriate method depending on the cause of the power outage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example configuration of a digital camera, which is an imaging device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an external view of a digital camera, which is an imaging device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the process of lighting up the display unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the flow of the EVF lighting process according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the flow of the display destination switching process according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the process of turning off the display unit by a power-saving timer according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) In the embodiments described below, the case where the imaging device is a digital camera will be used as an example.

[0013] <Digital Camera Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a digital camera 100, which is an imaging device according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an external view of the digital camera 100, which is an imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0014] In Figure 1, the digital camera 100 includes a system control unit 101, an image processing unit 102, a barrier 103, a lens 104, a shutter 105, an imaging unit 106, an A / D converter 107, a memory control unit 108, a display control unit 109, a memory 110, and a liquid crystal display unit 111. The digital camera 100 also includes a system memory 112, a system timer 113, a non-volatile memory 114, a shutter button 115, a first shutter switch 116, a second shutter switch 117, and a mode switching dial 118. Furthermore, the digital camera 100 includes a power button 119, an operation unit 120, a power control unit 121, a power supply unit 122, a recording medium interface 123, a recording medium 124, an EVF 125, a proximity detection unit 126, an eyepiece unit 127, and a display unit 128.

[0015] The liquid crystal display unit 111 is, for example, a rear monitor installed on the body of the digital camera 100. The EVF 125 is an electronic viewfinder provided in the eyepiece unit 127. The photographic lens 104 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 105 is a shutter with an aperture function. The imaging unit 106 is an image sensor composed of a CCD or CMOS element, etc., which converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The barrier 103 covers the imaging system including the photographic lens 104 of the digital camera 100, thereby preventing dirt and damage to the imaging system including the photographic lens 104, shutter 105, and imaging unit 106.

[0016] The image processing unit 102 performs resizing processes such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processes on the data acquired from the A / D converter 107 or the data acquired from the memory control unit 108. Also, the image processing unit 102 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and based on the arithmetic result, the system control unit 101 performs exposure control and distance measurement control. As a result, AF (Auto Focus) processing, AE (Automatic Exposure) processing, and EF (Flash Pre-Firing) processing in the TTL (Through-The-Lens) method are performed. The image processing unit 102 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs AWB (Auto White Balance) processing in the TTL method based on the arithmetic result.

[0017] The output data from the A / D converter 107 is directly written into the memory 110 via the image processing unit 102 and the memory control unit 108, or via the memory control unit 108. The memory 110 stores the image data obtained by the imaging unit 106 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 107, and the image data for display on the liquid crystal display unit 111 and the EVF 125. The memory 110 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a moving image for a predetermined time, and audio.

[0018] Also, the memory 110 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory), and the display control unit 109 converts the image display data stored in the memory 110 into an analog signal and supplies it to the liquid crystal display unit 111 and the EVF 125. Each of the liquid crystal display unit 111 and the EVF 125 is a display such as an LCD or an organic EL, and performs display according to the analog signal from the display control unit 109. By converting the digital signal A / D-converted by the A / D converter 107 and stored in the memory 110 into an analog signal in the display control unit 109 and sequentially transferring it to the liquid crystal display unit 111 or the EVF 125 for display, live view (LV) display can be performed. Hereinafter, the image displayed in the live view display is referred to as a live view image (LV image). Also, the liquid crystal display unit 111 and the EVF 125 are collectively referred to as the display unit 128.

[0019] Display signal communication between the display control unit 109 and the liquid crystal display unit 111 and EVF 125 is performed using a high-speed serial interface such as MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface). This display signal communication can transfer not only digital signals stored in the memory 110, but also black image signals generated by the display control unit 109.

[0020] The proximity detection unit 126 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects the approach (eye-to-eye contact) and retraction (eye-away) of an eye (object) to the eyepiece 127. The system control unit 101 switches the display (display state) / non-display (non-display state) of the liquid crystal display unit 111 and the EVF 125 according to the state detected by the proximity detection unit 126. More specifically, at least in the shooting standby state and when the display destination switching setting is set to automatic switching, when not using an eyepiece, the display control unit 109 lights up (displays) the liquid crystal display unit 111 as the display destination and turns off (non-displays) the EVF 125. When using an eyepiece, the display destination is set to the EVF 125, lights up (displays) the EVF 125 and turns off (non-displays) the liquid crystal display unit 111.

[0021] For the proximity detection unit 126, for example, an infrared proximity sensor can be used to detect the approach of any object to the eyepiece unit 127 which houses the EVF 125. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit (not shown) of the proximity detection unit 126 is reflected by the object and received by the light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of infrared light received can be used to determine how close the object is to the eyepiece unit 127 (eyepiece distance).

[0022] In this way, the proximity detection unit 126 performs eye-contact detection to detect the proximity distance of an object to the eyepiece 127 (EVF 125 inside the eyepiece). When an object is detected approaching the eyepiece 127 (EVF 125 inside the eyepiece) within a predetermined distance from the non-eye-contact state (non-proximity state), it is detected that the user has been eye-contacted. When the object that was detected approaching moves beyond the predetermined distance from the eye-contact state (proximity state), it is detected that the user has been moved away from the eye. The threshold for detecting eye-contact and the threshold for detecting eye-movement may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. After eye-contact is detected, the user is considered to be in the eye-contact state until eye-movement is detected. After eye-movement is detected, the user is considered to be in the non-eye-contact state until eye-contact is detected again. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and the proximity detection unit 126 may use any other sensor that can detect a state that can be considered as eye-contact.

[0023] Furthermore, while the liquid crystal display unit 111 or EVF 125 is displaying, the system timer 113 detects if no user operations have been performed on the shutter button 115, mode switching dial 118, power button 119, or operation unit 120 (described later) within a predetermined period specified by the user. If it is detected that no user operations have been performed, the display control unit 109 turns off the currently displayed liquid crystal display unit 111 or EVF 125. If a user operation such as the shutter button 115, mode switching dial 118, power button 119, or operation unit 120 is performed while the liquid crystal display unit 111 or EVF 125 is off, the system control unit 101 detects the user operation. The system control unit 101 instructs the display control unit 109 to turn on the liquid crystal display unit 111 or EVF 125 again. The display can be returned to the display state by having the display control unit 109 perform the process of turning on the liquid crystal display unit 111 or EVF 125 again.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 114 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 114 stores constants for the operation of the system control unit 101, programs, etc. The program referred to here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0025] The system control unit 101 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 100. It reads and executes the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 114, as described above, to realize each of the processes of this embodiment, which will be described later. RAM is used for the system memory 112. The system memory 112 stores constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 101, as well as the program read from the non-volatile memory 114. The system timer 113 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0026] The shutter button 115, mode selection dial 118, power button 119, and operation unit 120 input various operation instructions to the system control unit 101.

[0027] The mode switching dial 118 is used to switch the operating mode of the system control unit 101 to various operating modes such as still image recording mode and video recording mode.

[0028] The first shutter switch 116 turns ON during the operation of the shutter button 115 on the digital camera 100, specifically when it is half-pressed (indicating preparation for shooting), and generates the first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 101 starts operations such as AF (autofocus), AE (automatic exposure), AWB (auto white balance), and EF (flash pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0029] The second shutter switch 117 turns ON when the shutter button 115 is fully pressed (shooting instruction), generating the second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 101 starts a series of shooting processes, from reading the signal from the imaging unit 106 to writing the image data to the recording medium 124, in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2.

[0030] The power control unit 121 consists of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching which blocks are energized, and detects the status of the power button 119, whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 121 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 101, supplying the necessary voltage to each part, including the recording medium 124, for the required period of time.

[0031] The power supply unit 122 consists of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries and Li batteries, and an AC adapter. In this embodiment, the case in which secondary batteries are used for the power supply unit 122 (hereinafter referred to as batteries) will be described. The batteries 122 and the recording medium 124 can be inserted from the bottom of the digital camera 100 and can be covered with an openable and closable cover (not shown).

[0032] The recording medium I / F 123 is an interface to a recording medium 124, such as a memory card or hard disk. The recording medium 124 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, etc.

[0033] The operation unit 120 consists of one or more operating members for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 101. As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 120 includes a menu button 201, a cross button 202, a SET button 203, a play button 204, and the like.

[0034] For example, when the menu button 201 is pressed, various configurable menu screens are displayed on the LCD display 111 or EVF 125. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the LCD display 111 or EVF 125, as well as the cross button 202 with buttons in the four directions (up, down, left, and right) and the SET button 203.

[0035] The playback button 204 is an operation button that switches between shooting mode and playback mode. By pressing the playback button 204 while in shooting mode, the camera switches to playback mode, and the most recent image recorded on the recording medium 124 can be displayed on the LCD display 111 or EVF 125.

[0036] Even if the display destination is switched by the eye-to-eye / eye-away detection of the proximity detection unit 126 while the menu is displayed or the playback mode is displayed, the menu display and playback mode display will continue, respectively.

[0037] Next, with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 3 to 6, the processing flow when the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment temporarily turns off the EVF 125 will be explained. The function that uses the system timer 113 to detect when the user has not operated the shutter button 115, mode switching dial 118, power button 119, or operation unit 120 of the digital camera 100 for a predetermined period of time specified by the user is called the power saving timer function.

[0038] <Display unit illumination process> First, using the flowchart in Figure 3, we will explain the process flow when the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment lights up the display unit 128 in response to the user's operation of an operating component such as the power button 119 while the digital camera 100 is in a power-off state or auto power-off state. Each step in the flowchart according to this embodiment is realized by the digital camera 100, which operates as a computer (CPU), reading and executing a program stored in memory.

[0039] In S301, the system control unit 101 determines whether the lighting process is a recovery process from the off state of the display unit 128 due to the power saving timer function. If it is determined that the lighting process is a recovery process, the process proceeds to S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lighting process is not a recovery process, the process proceeds to S302. Specific patterns of proceeding to S303 without proceeding to S302 will be described later in Embodiment 4.

[0040] In S302, the system control unit 101 executes the initialization process of the digital camera 100. Along with the startup of each control unit and device, the system timer 113 starts measuring and the proximity detection unit 126 starts monitoring the proximity state of the eyepiece 127. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

[0041] In S303, the system control unit 101 determines whether the proximity detection unit 126 is in a proximity detection state based on the detection result of the proximity detection unit 126. If it is determined that the proximity detection unit 126 is in a proximity detection state, the process proceeds to S304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the proximity detection unit 126 is not in a proximity detection state, the process proceeds to S305.

[0042] In S304, the display control unit 109 executes the lighting process of the EVF 125. Thereby, the lighting process of the display unit 128 (EVF 125) is completed. The details of the lighting process of the EVF 125 in S304 will be described later using FIG. 4. Note that the liquid crystal display unit 111 is turned off. At that time, instead of setting it to a black display state, the power supply to the liquid crystal display unit 111 is stopped to completely turn off the display. For example, since it is less likely to intentionally look away from looking through the EVF 125 and switch to the display of the liquid crystal display unit 111 for shooting, a process that prioritizes suppressing power consumption is performed.

[0043] In S305, the display control unit 109 executes the lighting process of the liquid crystal display unit 111. Thereby, the lighting process of the display unit 128 (liquid crystal display unit 111) is completed. The above is the series of processes in FIG. 3.

[0044] <EVF Lighting Process> Subsequently, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the details of the lighting process of the EVF 125 in S​​​In S401, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not power is being supplied to the EVF 125. If it is determined that power is being supplied to the EVF 125, the process proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that power is not being supplied to the EVF 125, the process proceeds to S404. For example, if the digital camera 100 is powered off or in auto power-off mode, and the user starts the digital camera 100 by operating an operating component such as the power button 119, power is not supplied to the EVF 125. Therefore, it is determined that there is no power supply to the EVF 125.

[0046] In S402, the display control unit 109 determines whether the EVF 125 is in a black display state. Here, a black display state may include a state in which a black image is displayed by receiving a black image signal or a state in which the supply of the display video signal has stopped. If it is determined that the EVF 125 is in a black display state, the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if it is determined that the EVF 125 is not in a black display state, the process proceeds to S407.

[0047] In S403, the display control unit 109 switches the black image signal supplied from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125 to a display video signal. This completes the re-illumination of the EVF 125. In S404, the system control unit 101 starts supplying power to the EVF 125.

[0048] In S405, the display control unit 109 performs initialization processing for the communication interface (IF) between the display control unit 109 and the EVF 125. The display control unit 109 also starts supplying the communication clock to the communication interface between the display control unit 109 and the EVF 125, and sets the communication interface to low power (LP) mode (command transmission mode).

[0049] In S406, the display control unit 109 performs device initialization processing for the EVF125. Specifically, it performs device initialization of the EVF125 by sending an initialization command to the EVF125 using the communication IF initialized in S405.

[0050] In S407, the display control unit 109 sets the communication interface between the display control unit 109 and the EVF 125 to high-speed transmission (HS) mode. This makes it possible for the display control unit 109 to send display video signals to the EVF 125.

[0051] In S408, the display control unit 109 sends a display video signal to the EVF 125. This completes the lighting process of the EVF 125, and the EVF 125 enters the display state. This is the series of processes shown in Figure 4.

[0052] <Display destination switching process> Next, using the flowchart in Figure 5, we will explain the display destination switching process (including the temporary turning off of the EVF125) that occurs when the proximity detection unit 126 detects a change in proximity state while the display unit 128 (EVF125) is lit, after the process in Figure 3 has been executed. When the proximity detection unit 126 detects a change in proximity state, the process in Figure 5 begins.

[0053] In S501, the system control unit 101 determines whether the proximity detection unit 126 has detected proximity (eyes have been placed). If it is determined that the proximity detection unit 126 has detected proximity, the process proceeds to S502 in order to switch the display destination from the liquid crystal display unit 111 to the EVF 125. On the other hand, if it is determined that the proximity detection unit 126 has not detected proximity (eyes have been moved away), the process proceeds to S504 in order to switch the display destination from the EVF 125 to the liquid crystal display unit 111. Note that switching the display destination is a process in which the EVF 125 is turned off and the content displayed on the EVF 125 before it was turned off is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 111, or a process in which the liquid crystal display unit 111 is turned off and the content displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 111 before it was turned off is displayed on the EVF 125.

[0054] In S502, the display control unit 109 turns off the liquid crystal display unit 111. In S503, the display control unit 109 performs the process of turning on the EVF 125. The content of the process in S503 varies depending on whether the EVF turning off process in S504 was performed once before the execution of the process in S503 due to eye separation. The process in S503 when it was performed will be described later in conjunction with the details of the process in S504 in Embodiments 2 and 3. If it was not performed (the EVF 125 was never turned off due to eye separation), the process in S503 is the same as the process performed in S304 (S404 to S408). Note that in Figure 5, the process in S503 is performed after the process in S502, but these two may be processed in parallel.

[0055] In S504, the display control unit 109 executes an EVF (Electronic Focusing Display) dimming process, which consumes a lot of power but requires a short time to re-illuminate the EVF 125. The reason for executing the S504 process as the EVF 125 dimming process is explained below. When the EVF 125 is dimmed due to the user taking their eyes off it, and then the user puts their eyes back on it, the proximity detection unit 126 detects the proximity, and the display control unit 109 switches the display destination back to the EVF 125. In this case, it is recommended that the EVF 125 be re-illuminated quickly so that the user does not miss an opportunity to take a picture. Therefore, the S504 process is executed to speed up the re-illumination of the EVF 125. Details of the S504 process will be described later in Embodiments 2 and 3, along with the EVF 125 re-illumination process.

[0056] In S505, the display control unit 109 performs the process of lighting up the liquid crystal display unit 111. This completes the series of processes shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the process of S505 is performed after the process of S504, but these two processes may be performed in parallel.

[0057] <Display unit light-off process using power-saving timer function> Next, using the flowchart in Figure 6, we will explain the process when the display unit 128 is temporarily turned off by the power saving timer function after the process in Figure 3 has been executed.

[0058] In S601, the display control unit 109 determines whether the liquid crystal display unit 111 is in a display state. If it is determined that the liquid crystal display unit 111 is in a display state, the process proceeds to S602. On the other hand, if it is determined that the liquid crystal display unit 111 is not in a display state, the process proceeds to S603.

[0059] In S602, the display control unit 109 performs a process to turn off the liquid crystal display unit 111. In S603, the display control unit 109 performs an EVF (electronic viewfinder) turn-off process, which takes a long time to relight the EVF 125 but consumes little power. Details of the process in S603 will be described later in Embodiment 4, along with the process of relighting the EVF 125.

[0060] When the EVF125 is turned off by the power-saving timer function, it is possible to turn on the EVF125 again by performing user operations such as pressing the shutter button 115, mode dial 118, power button 119, or control panel 120 after the proximity detection unit 126 detects proximity. On the other hand, since it is unlikely that the user will take a picture immediately after turning on the EVF125, processing S603 is performed to reduce power consumption.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, when the EVF125 is temporarily turned off, the EVF125 off process is switched according to the cause of the off. Specifically, when the EVF125 is turned off due to the eyes moving away from the viewfinder, an EVF off process that prioritizes fast re-illumination is executed, and when the EVF is turned off due to the power saving timer function, an EVF off process that prioritizes power saving is executed.

[0062] In other words, when proximity detection ceases after being detected, the EVF125 is turned off using a power-off process that consumes a relatively large amount of power after turning off and takes a relatively short time to turn back on. Also, if no user operation is performed on the digital camera 100 for a predetermined period of time, the EVF125 is turned off using a power-off process that consumes a relatively small amount of power after turning off and takes a relatively long time to turn back on.

[0063] This allows for faster re-illumination of the EVF125 when it is recommended, and reduces power consumption when it is not. Therefore, when the display unit (EVF125) of the imaging device (digital camera 100) needs to be temporarily turned off, it is possible to turn it off using an appropriate method depending on the reason for the turn-off.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the details of the blackout process at S504 in Figure 5 will be explained. At S504, the display control unit 109 switches the display video signal supplied from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125 to a black image signal generated by the display control unit 109. As a result, a black image is displayed on the EVF 125, so to the user it looks the same as when the EVF 125 is completely turned off. At this time, power is supplied to the EVF 125, and the display control unit 109 continues to supply the black image signal to the EVF 125, so the power consumption of the digital camera 100 increases.

[0065] The EVF125, which was previously temporarily turned off in S504, turns back on when the process in Figure 5 is executed again, proximity is detected in S501, and the process in S503 is executed. This process will be explained using Figure 4.

[0066] In this case, in S401, the system control unit 101 determines that power is being supplied to the EVF 125, so the process proceeds to S402. Then, in S402, the display control unit 109 determines that the display is in a black state, so the process proceeds to S403. In S403, the display control unit 109 switches the black image signal supplied from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125 to a display video signal. This completes the re-illumination of the EVF 125. In this case, although the power consumption is high, the time required to re-illuminate the EVF 125 is shorter compared to the process in S603 described later in Embodiment 4.

[0067] Furthermore, in the EVF125 blackout process described in this embodiment, if the EVF125 is a display element having a backlight, such as an LCD, rather than an organic EL display, the backlight may also be turned off.

[0068] As explained above, when the EVF125 is turned off by the S504 process described in this embodiment, the power consumption is greater than when the EVF125 is turned off by the S603 process described later in Embodiment 4. On the other hand, the time required to turn the EVF125 back on is shorter than when the EVF125 is turned off by the S603 process described later in Embodiment 4.

[0069] (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 2, an example was described in which the display video signal supplied from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125 is switched to a black image signal generated by the display control unit 109 for the processing in S504. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and the following processing according to this embodiment may also be performed.

[0070] In S504, first, the display control unit 109 stops supplying the display video signal from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125. As a result, the display video signal is no longer output to the EVF 125, resulting in a black display state, and the power-off process in S504 can be executed. The display control unit 109 also sets the communication interface between the display control unit 109 and the EVF 125 from high-speed transmission (HS) mode to low-power (LP) mode. Furthermore, it sets it from low-power mode to ultra-low-power (ULPS) mode.

[0071] At this time, power is supplied to the EVF125, but no display video signal is supplied from the display control unit 109 to the EVF125, and the communication IF is also in a low power consumption state (ULPS). Therefore, the power consumption of the digital camera 100 is lower than that of the S503 process described in Embodiment 2.

[0072] When the process described in S504 above is executed, the trigger (factor) for the EVF125 to turn on again after being temporarily turned off is the same as in Embodiment 1. The details of the process shown in Figure 4 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0073] In this case, in S401, the system control unit 101 determines that power is being supplied to the EVF 125, so the process proceeds to S402. Then, in S402, the display control unit 109 determines that it is not in a black display state, so the process proceeds to S407. In S407, the display control unit 109 sets the communication IF between the display control unit 109 and the EVF 125 from ultra-low power (ULPS) mode to low power (LP) mode, and then from low power (LP) mode to high-speed transmission (HS) mode. This makes it possible for the display control unit 109 to send a display video signal to the EVF 125. After that, the process proceeds to S408. In S408, the display control unit 109 sends a display video signal from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125. As a result, the EVF 125 lighting process is completed, and the EVF 125 enters a display state.

[0074] As explained above, when the EVF125 is turned off by the S504 process described in this embodiment, the time required to turn the EVF125 back on is longer than when the EVF125 is turned off by the S504 process described in Embodiment 2. On the other hand, the power consumption is lower than when the EVF125 is turned off by the S504 process described in Embodiment 2.

[0075] (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, the details of the process in S603 in Figure 6 will be explained. In S603, first, the display control unit 109 stops supplying the display video signal from the display control unit 109 to the EVF 125. Next, the display control unit 109 sets the communication IF between the display control unit 109 and the EVF 125 from high-speed transmission (HS) mode to low-power (LP) mode, stops supplying the communication clock, and performs the termination process for the communication IF. Finally, it stops supplying power to the EVF 125. This completes the process in S603. As a result of the process in S603, the EVF 125 is not supplied with power, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the digital camera 100.

[0076] Furthermore, the EVF125 in the S603 relights after being temporarily turned off when the user operates the shutter button 115, mode selection dial 118, power button 119, or control panel 120 while using the eyepiece. The process at this time will be explained using Figures 3 and 4.

[0077] First, in S301, the system control unit 101 determines that the lighting process is a recovery process from the off state of the display unit 128 due to the power saving timer function, so the process proceeds to S303. In S303, the system control unit 101 determines that the proximity detection unit 126 is in a proximity detection state, so the process proceeds to S304. In S304, the display control unit 109 performs the lighting process for the EVF 125. Here, the process shown in Figure 4 is performed as a detailed process of S304. Since the power supply to the EVF 125 was stopped in the process of S603 described above, in S401, the system control unit 101 determines that no power is being supplied to the EVF 125, and the process proceeds to S404. From here on, the processes from S404 to S408 are performed in the same way as when the digital camera 100 is started up as described in Embodiment 1.

[0078] As explained above, when the EVF125 is turned off by the S603 process described in this embodiment, the time required to turn the EVF125 back on is longer than when the EVF125 is turned off by the S504 process described in Embodiments 2 and 3. On the other hand, the power consumption is lower than when the EVF125 is turned off by the S504 process described in Embodiments 2 and 3.

[0079] (Embodiment 5) When the EVF125 displays a screen that prevents the user from taking an immediate photograph, the low-power S603 process may be executed even when the EVF125 is temporarily turned off by taking the eyes off the screen. Here, the case where the EVF125 displays a screen that prevents the user from taking an immediate photograph includes the case where the menu screen is displayed on the EVF125 in response to the user pressing the menu button 201. Alternatively, the case where the EVF125 displays a screen that prevents the user from taking an immediate photograph includes the case where the playback screen is displayed on the EVF125 in response to the user pressing the playback button 204.

[0080] In this type of screen display, the menu screen and playback screen will continue to be displayed even when the EVF125 is turned on again, and the user will not be able to take a picture immediately. Therefore, it may be acceptable to prioritize reducing power consumption and execute the S603 processing.

[0081] Furthermore, when the EVF125 is displaying a menu screen or playback screen, the system may be configured to allow the user to choose whether to execute process S504 or process S603 as the process for turning off the EVF125. For example, a selection menu may be displayed, and a confirmation screen may be shown to receive the user's selection in advance. After confirmation is complete, the system is configured to execute the process selected by the user.

[0082] As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the EVF125 is temporarily turned off by taking the eyes off it while a menu screen or the like is displayed on it, executing S603 will result in a longer time required for the EVF125 to relight than executing S504. On the other hand, executing S603 will result in lower power consumption than executing S504.

[0083] The disclosures herein include the following imaging devices, methods for controlling the imaging devices, and programs.

[0084] (Item 1) An imaging device, A detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to the display unit, The system comprises control means for controlling the display unit based on the detection result of the detection means, The control means is When proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected, the display unit is turned off using a first off process which results in a first power consumption after turning off and requires a first time to turn on again. An imaging device characterized in that, if no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period of time, the display unit is turned off using a second off process which, after being turned off, has a second power consumption that is less than the first power consumption and requires a second time longer than the first time to turn on the lights again.

[0085] (Item 2) The imaging device according to item 1, characterized in that the control means further controls a second display unit different from the display unit based on the detection result of the detection means.

[0086] (Item 3) The imaging device according to item 2, characterized in that the control means turns off the second display unit and turns on the display unit when proximity is detected.

[0087] (Item 4) The imaging device according to item 3, characterized in that the control means displays the content of the second display unit before it is turned off on the display unit.

[0088] (Item 5) The imaging device according to any one of items 2 to 4, characterized in that the control means further turns off the second display unit if no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period of time.

[0089] (Item 6) The imaging device according to any one of items 2 to 5, characterized in that the control means, when proximity is no longer detected after a state in which proximity has been detected, uses the first light-off process to turn off the display unit and turn on the second display unit.

[0090] (Item 7) The imaging device according to item 6, characterized in that the control means displays the content of the display unit before the lights were turned off on the second display unit.

[0091] (Item 8) The display unit is an EVF (Electronic View Finder) located in the eyepiece of the imaging device. The imaging device according to any one of items 2 to 7, characterized in that the second display unit is a rear monitor installed on the main body of the imaging device.

[0092] (Item 9) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the first light-off process is a light-off process that causes the display unit to display in a black state without stopping the power supply to the display unit.

[0093] (Item 10) The imaging apparatus according to item 9, characterized in that the first light-off process involves switching the display video signal supplied from the control means to the display unit to a black image signal generated by the control means, thereby putting the display unit into a black display state.

[0094] (Item 11) The imaging apparatus according to item 9, characterized in that the first light-off process involves stopping the supply of a display video signal from the control means to the display unit, thereby causing the display unit to display black.

[0095] (Item 12) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the second light-off process includes a process of stopping the power supply to the display unit.

[0096] (Item 13) The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the control means turns off the display unit using the second light-off process when the proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected.

[0097] (Item 14) The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising a receiving means for receiving a selection from the user whether to use the first off-process or the second off-process to turn off the display unit when the display unit is displaying a menu screen or a playback screen after the state in which proximity has been detected has ceased to be detected.

[0098] (Item 15) A method for controlling an imaging device, A detection process for detecting the proximity of an object to the display unit, The system includes a control step that controls the display unit based on the detection result in the detection step, In the control process described above, When proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected, the display unit is turned off using a first off process which results in a first power consumption after turning off and requires a first time to turn on again. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, if no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period of time, the display unit is turned off using a second off process which, after being turned off, has a second power consumption that is less than the first power consumption and requires a second time longer than the first time to turn on the lights again.

[0099] (Item 16) A program to cause a computer to execute the control method for the imaging device described in item 15.

[0100] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0101] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 100: Digital camera, 101: System control unit, 109: Display control unit, 111: Liquid crystal display unit, 125: EVF, 126: Proximity detection unit

Claims

1. An imaging device, A detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to the display unit, The system comprises control means for controlling the display unit based on the detection result of the detection means, The control means is When proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected, the display unit is turned off using a first off process which results in a first power consumption after turning off and requires a first time to turn on again. An imaging device characterized in that, if no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period of time, the display unit is turned off using a second off process which, after being turned off, has a second power consumption that is less than the first power consumption and requires a second time longer than the first time to turn on the lights again.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means further controls a second display unit different from the display unit based on the detection result of the detection means.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means turns off the second display unit and turns on the display unit when proximity is detected.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means displays the content of the second display unit before it is turned off on the display unit.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means further turns off the second display unit if no user operation is performed on the imaging apparatus for a predetermined period of time.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means, when proximity is no longer detected after a state in which proximity has been detected, uses the first light-off process to turn off the display unit and turn on the second display unit.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means displays the content of the display unit before the lights were turned off on the second display unit.

8. The display unit is an EVF (Electronic View Finder) located in the eyepiece of the imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second display unit is a rear monitor installed on the main body of the imaging device.

9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first power-off process is a power-off process that causes the display unit to display in a black state without stopping the power supply to the display unit.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the first light-off process is performed by switching the display video signal supplied from the control means to the display unit to a black image signal generated by the control means, thereby putting the display unit into a black display state.

11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the first light-off process involves stopping the supply of a display video signal from the control means to the display unit, thereby causing the display unit to display black.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second light-off process includes a process of stopping the power supply to the display unit.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means turns off the display unit using the second light-off process when the proximity detection ceases to occur after the proximity detection state has been changed.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving means for receiving a selection from the user whether to use the first or second off-process to turn off the display unit when the display unit is displaying a menu screen or a playback screen after the proximity detection state has ended and the proximity detection state has ended.

15. A method for controlling an imaging device, A detection process for detecting the proximity of an object to the display unit, The system includes a control step that controls the display unit based on the detection result in the detection step, In the control process described above, When proximity is no longer detected after the proximity has been detected, the display unit is turned off using a first off process which results in a first power consumption after turning off and requires a first time to turn on again. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, if no user operation is performed on the imaging device for a predetermined period of time, the display unit is turned off using a second off process which, after being turned off, has a second power consumption that is less than the first power consumption and requires a second time longer than the first time to turn on the lights again.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the imaging apparatus described in claim 15.

Images