Electronic device, control method of electronic device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic device, a method for controlling the electronic device, and a storage medium. The electronic device allows a user to easily identify continuous shooting timing. The electronic device controls an item to be illuminated during exposure processing, accepts an instruction to perform continuous shooting, and controls the item not to be illuminated if exposure processing starts before a predetermined extinguishing time period has elapsed since the item was last extinguished during the acceptance of the instruction to perform continuous shooting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method of the electronic device, and a storage medium that enable easy recognition of continuous shooting timing. Background Art

[0002] Shooting with an electronic shutter does not produce a shutter sound because the mechanical shutter is not actuated, making it difficult to identify the shooting timing. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-88824 discloses a technique for displaying the continuous shooting speed by flashing a display indicating the continuous shooting mode at a cycle set according to the continuous shooting speed when shooting in continuous shooting mode.

[0003] However, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-88824 has a problem in that the user cannot recognize the continuous shooting timing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an electronic device, a control method of the electronic device, and a storage medium that enable a user to easily recognize continuous shooting timing.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the electronic device to perform the following operations: control to light up an item during exposure processing; accept an instruction for performing continuous shooting; and control to not start lighting up the item during the period of accepting the instruction for performing continuous shooting if the exposure processing starts before a predetermined extinguishing time period has passed since the item was last extinguished.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for an electronic device is provided, the control method comprising: controlling to light up an item during exposure processing; accepting an instruction for performing continuous shooting; and controlling not to start lighting up the item when the exposure processing starts before a predetermined extinguishing time period has passed since the item was last extinguished, during the period when the instruction for performing continuous shooting is accepted.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform operations including: controlling to light up an item during exposure processing; accepting an instruction for performing continuous shooting; and controlling not to start lighting up the item during the period of accepting the instruction for performing continuous shooting if the exposure processing starts before a predetermined extinguishing time period has passed since the item was last extinguished.

[0008] According to the present invention, the user can easily recognize the continuous shooting timing.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a diagram showing the appearance of a digital camera as an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a digital camera.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the shooting mode processing performed by the digital camera.

[0013] Figures 4A to 4F are diagrams each showing an example of a shooting live view displayed on the display section.

[0014] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of a menu setting screen displayed on the display unit.

[0015] Figure 6A This is a flowchart of the shooting process.

[0016] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Continuation of.

[0017] 7A to 7E It is a diagram for explaining the state of the white-frame item that is lit and extinguished by the shooting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described as being applied to a digital camera as an electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to digital cameras. For example, the present invention can be applied to a device equipped with a continuous shooting function for performing continuous shooting based on a shutter speed and frame rate selected from a plurality of options set by the user.

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B1 is a diagram of the appearance of a digital camera 100 as an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 100 is capable of operating in a drive mode (continuous shooting mode) for performing continuous shooting when an operating member for instructing the start of shooting is being pressed. The number of images to be continuously shot per unit time in the drive mode can be set by the user. The number of images to be continuously shot per unit time in the drive mode is referred to as a frame rate or a continuous shooting speed. In this embodiment, as the frame rate, one of 3 frames (low speed), 10 frames (normal speed) and 30 frames (high speed) can be selected. Note that the frame rate may be selectable from more candidates, or may be continuously settable by using a slider or the like.

[0020] Furthermore, in the digital camera 100, the exposure time can be set as a shooting parameter. The exposure time is represented by a shutter speed (Tv). As the shutter speed, one of a low speed setting (such as 1 / 5 second, 1 / 30 second, and 1 / 60 second), a high speed setting (such as 1 / 2000 second and 1 / 8000 second), and a long shutter speed (such as 10 seconds) can be set. Furthermore, the shutter speed can be automatically set (automatic exposure (AE) processing is performed) based on the brightness of the subject to be photographed, which is acquired in the shooting preparation state.

[0021] The digital camera 100 displays items for allowing the user to recognize the shooting timing when continuous shooting is being performed in the drive mode. In addition, the digital camera 100 has a characteristic structure in which the digital camera 100 displays the above items at the timing of shooting. This allows the user to easily recognize the timing of shooting during continuous shooting.

[0022] The digital camera 100 displays this item at the timing of executing shooting and for a period of time associated with the exposure time. This enables the user to easily recognize not only the timing of executing shooting during continuous shooting but also the length of the exposure time.

[0023] When the exposure time is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, the digital camera 100 displays the item for a predetermined lighting period (minimum lighting period) regardless of the exposure time. This allows the user to easily recognize the timing of shooting during continuous shooting even when the exposure time is set to a short time (the shutter speed is set to a high speed).

[0024] Furthermore, the digital camera 100 controls the display so that the next display of the item does not start until at least a predetermined blackout period (minimum blackout period) has elapsed after the display of the item has been completed. This prevents the user from mistakenly recognizing that the exposure time is longer than the set exposure time due to the short interval between displaying the item.

[0025] Control of the digital camera 100 will be described in detail below.

[0026] Figure 1A It is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100 . Figure 1B It is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100 .

[0027] The display unit 28 is provided on the back side of the digital camera 100 and displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations performed on the display surface of the display unit 28. The viewfinder external display unit 43 is provided on the upper side of the digital camera 100 and displays various settings of the digital camera 100, such as the shutter speed and aperture value. The shutter button 61 is an operating member for giving a shooting instruction (shooting instruction). The mode switch 60 is an operating member for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover for protecting a connector (not shown) for connecting the digital camera 100 to an external device.

[0028] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operating member, and by rotating it, settings such as the shutter speed and aperture value can be changed. The power switch 72 is an operating member for switching the power of the digital camera 100 on and off. The sub-electronic dial 73 is a rotary operating member, and by rotating it, operations including moving a selection frame (cursor) and feeding images can be performed. The four-way key 74 is configured so that its upper, lower, left, and right portions can be pushed in, thereby causing the processing associated with the pushed portion of the four-way key 74 to be executed. The set (SET) button 75 is a push button, and is mainly used, for example, to confirm the selection of an item. The multi-controller (hereinafter referred to as MC) 65 can receive direction indication operations in eight directions and operations pushed in its central portion.

[0029] The moving image button 76 is used to start and stop moving image capture (recording). The AE lock button 77 is a push button that can be pressed in the shooting standby state to fix the exposure. The zoom button 78 is an operation button for switching the zoom mode on and off on the live view display (LV display) in shooting mode. Operating the main electronic dial 71 after setting the zoom mode to on zooms in or out of the live view image (LV image). In playback mode, the zoom button 78 is used to zoom in or out of the playback image or increase the magnification of the image. The playback button 79 is an operation button for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. Pressing the playback button 79 during shooting mode switches the shooting mode to playback mode, and displays the latest image recorded on the recording medium 200 (described below) on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is a push button for displaying the menu screen. Pressing the menu button 81 displays the menu screen on the display unit 28, where various settings can be configured. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display section 28 by operating the four-way key 74, the setting button 75, or the MC 65. The line of sight determination button 82 is an operating member included in the operating section 70 (mentioned below), and is a push button for instructing selection or cancellation of the subject for shooting based on the position of the user's line of sight within the viewfinder screen detected by the line of sight detection sensor 164 mentioned below. The line of sight determination button 82 is arranged at a position that can be easily operated by the user even in a state where the user is looking at the viewfinder (a state where the user's eye is in contact with the eyepiece 16), and is a position that can be operated by the user with the thumb of the user's right hand that holds the grip section 90.

[0030] The digital camera 100 uses the communication terminal 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150 (described below and removable). The eyepiece 16 is part of the eyepiece viewfinder (a viewfinder), and the user can visually recognize the video displayed on the internal electronic viewfinder (EVF) 29 through the eyepiece 16. Note that the eyepiece viewfinder is composed of the eyepiece 16, the line of sight detection unit 160 described below, and the EVF 29. The eye contact detection unit 57 is an eye contact detection sensor for detecting whether the user (photographer)'s eye is in contact with the camera. The cover 202 is a cover for the slot that accommodates the recording medium 200 (described below). The grip 90 is shaped so that it can be easily grasped with the right hand when the user holds the digital camera 100. The shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are arranged at respective positions that can be operated with the right index finger when the digital camera 100 is held by grasping the grip 90 with the pinky, ring, and middle fingers of the right hand. Furthermore, the sub-electronic dial 73 and the sight line determination button 82 are arranged at respective positions operable with the right thumb in the same state.

[0031] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 is a lens unit to which an interchangeable photographic lens is mounted. Although the lens 103 is generally composed of a plurality of lenses, in Figure 2 , for simplicity, the lens 103 is illustrated as only one lens. The lens unit 150 uses a communication terminal 6 to communicate with the digital camera 100, and the communication terminal 10 is used by the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system controller 50 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. Furthermore, the lens unit 150 includes a lens system control circuit 4 that controls the diaphragm 1 via a diaphragm drive circuit. Furthermore, the lens system control circuit 4 of the lens unit 150 shifts the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3, thereby performing focusing.

[0032] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter capable of freely controlling the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 under the control of the system controller 50 .

[0033] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging device implemented by a CCD or CMOS device that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 22 may include an imaging plane phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system controller 50 .

[0034] The image processor 24 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as size reduction, color conversion, etc.) on the data output from the analog-to-digital converter 23 or the data output from the memory controller 15. Furthermore, the image processor 24 performs predetermined computational processing on the captured image data, and the system controller 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the results of the computations performed by the image processor 24. These controls perform through-the-lens (TTL) method autofocus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, electronic flash pre-emission (EF) processing, and the like. The image processor 24 also performs predetermined computational processing on the captured image data and, based on the obtained computational results, performs TTL method auto white balance (AWB) processing.

[0035] The memory controller 15 controls data transmission / reception between the analog-to-digital converter 23, the image processor 24, and the memory 32. The data output from the analog-to-digital converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processor 24 and the memory controller 15. Alternatively, the data output from the analog-to-digital converter 23 may be written to the memory 32 via the memory controller 15 without passing through the image processor 24. The memory 32 stores image data captured by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the analog-to-digital converter 23, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined duration of moving images and sound.

[0036] In addition, the memory 32 is also used as a memory (video memory) for image display. The image data for display written in the memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29 via the memory controller 15. The display unit 28 and the EVF 29 each display on a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL according to the signal delivered from the memory controller 15. The data converted from analog to digital by the analog-to-digital converter 23 and accumulated in the memory 32 is sequentially transmitted to the display unit 28 or the EVF 29 to be displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29, thereby performing live view display (LV). The image displayed by the live view display is hereinafter referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0037] The visual line detection section 160 detects the visual line of the user's eyes that are in contact with the eyepiece 16 and viewing the EVF 29. The visual line detection section 160 is composed of a dichroic mirror 162, an imaging lens 163, a visual line detection sensor 164, a visual line detection circuit 165, and an infrared light emitting diode 166.

[0038] The infrared light emitting diode 166 is a light emitting element for detecting the position of the user's line of sight within the viewfinder screen, and irradiates the user's eyeball (eye) 161 with infrared light. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 166 is reflected by the eyeball (eye) 161, and the reflected infrared light reaches the dichroic mirror 162. The dichroic mirror 162 reflects only infrared light and allows visible light to pass through. The reflected infrared light whose optical path has been changed is imaged on the imaging surface of the line of sight detection sensor 164 via the imaging lens 163. The imaging lens 163 is an optical component that is a component of the line of sight detection optical system. The line of sight detection sensor 164 is implemented by an imaging device such as a CCD image sensor.

[0039] The sight line detection sensor 164 photoelectrically converts incident reflected infrared light into electrical signals and outputs these electrical signals to the sight line detection circuit 165. The sight line detection circuit 165 detects the position of the user's sight line according to the movement of the user's eyeball (eye) 161 based on the signal output from the sight line detection sensor 164, and outputs the detection information to the system controller 50 and the gaze determination unit 170.

[0040] Based on the detection information received from the line of sight detection circuit 165, the gaze judgment unit 170 determines that the user is gazing at an area when the time period during which the user's line of sight is fixed on the area exceeds a predetermined threshold. Therefore, it can be said that the area is the gaze position (gaze area) that the user is gazing at. Note that the state of "the line of sight is fixed to an area" refers to, for example, a state in which the average position of the movement of the line of sight is within the area until a predetermined time period has passed, and the movement has a variation (dispersion) that is less than a predetermined value. Note that the predetermined threshold can be changed by the system controller 50 as needed. In addition, instead of setting the gaze judgment unit 170 as an independent block, the system controller 50 can perform the same function as the gaze judgment unit 170 based on the detection information received from the line of sight detection circuit 165.

[0041] In this embodiment, the line of sight detection unit 160 detects the line of sight by a method called corneal reflection method. The corneal reflection method is a method that detects the direction and position of the line of sight based on the positional relationship between the reflected light of the eyeball (eye) 161 (particularly the cornea) of the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 166 and reflected by the eyeball (eye) 161 (particularly the cornea) and the pupil of the eyeball (eye) 161. Note that the method of detecting the line of sight (the direction and position of the line of sight) is not particularly limited, but any other suitable method may be used. For example, a method called scleral reflection method that utilizes the difference in light reflectivity between the black part and the white part of the eye may be used.

[0042] The external viewfinder display section 43 displays various settings of the camera, such as the shutter speed and the aperture value, via the external viewfinder display section drive circuit 44 .

[0043] The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, and is implemented by, for example, a Flash ROM. The nonvolatile memory 56 records constants, programs, and the like used for the operation of the system controller 50. The programs mentioned here are programs for executing various processes described below in this embodiment.

[0044] The system controller 50 is a controller implemented by at least one processor or circuit, and controls the overall operation of the digital camera 100. The system controller 50 implements the processing of the present embodiment described below by executing the program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56 described above. The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system controller 50 loads constants and variables used for the operation of the system controller 50 and the program read from the nonvolatile memory 56 into the system memory 52. In addition, the system controller 50 performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the display section 28, and the like.

[0045] The system timer 53 is a time measuring unit for measuring time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0046] The power controller 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching the blocks to be energized, and the like, and detects whether a battery is attached, the type of battery, the remaining charge of the battery, and the like. Furthermore, the power controller 80 controls the DC-DC converter based on the results of the above detection and instructions from the system controller 50 to supply a required voltage to each component including the recording medium 200 for a required period of time. The power supply section 30 includes a primary battery (such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery), or a secondary battery (such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery), and an AC adapter.

[0047] The recording medium interface 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is implemented by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0048] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video and audio signals to and from external devices, either wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can connect to a wireless local area network (LAN) and the Internet. Furthermore, the communication unit 54 can communicate with external devices using Bluetooth (a registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images captured by the camera unit 22 (including LV images) and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and receive image data and various other information from external devices.

[0049] The posture detection unit 55 detects the posture of the digital camera 100 relative to the direction of gravity. Based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit 55, it can be determined whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system controller 50 can add directional information based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, and record the image after rotating it. As the posture detection unit 55, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used. Alternatively, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor as the posture detection unit 55 can be used to detect the movement of the digital camera 100 (whether the digital camera 100 is panning, tilting, lifting, or stationary).

[0050] The eye contact detection section 57 is an eye contact detection sensor that detects the approach (eye contact state) of the eyepiece 16 of the eyepiece finder (hereinafter referred to as the "viewfinder") to the eyepiece 16 (eye contact state) and the separation (eye removal state) of the eyepiece 16 from the eyepiece 16 (approach detection). The system controller 50 switches the display section 28 and the EVF 29 between display (display state) and non-display (non-display state) based on the state detected by the eye contact detection section 57. More specifically, when the digital camera 100 is at least in the shooting standby state and the switching of the display destination is set to automatic switching, when the user's eye is not in contact with the eyepiece 16, the display destination is set to the display section 28, the display of the display section 28 is turned on, and the EVF 29 is set to the non-display state. On the other hand, when the user's eye is in contact with the eyepiece 16, the display destination is set to the EVF 29, the display of the EVF 29 is turned on, and the display section 28 is set to the non-display state. The eye contact detection unit 57 can be, for example, an infrared proximity sensor, which can detect the approach of any object relative to the eyepiece 16 of the viewfinder incorporated with the EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from the light projection unit (not shown) of the eye contact detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by the light receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The distance from the approaching object to the eyepiece 16 (eye approach distance) can also be determined based on the amount of infrared light received. Thus, the eye contact detection unit 57 performs eye contact detection to detect the approach distance from the object to the eyepiece 16. Note that when an object approaching within a predetermined distance from the eyepiece 16 is detected from a non-eye contact state (non-approach state), the object is determined to be in contact with the eyepiece 16. When an object detected as an approaching object moves beyond the predetermined distance from the eye contact state (approach state), the object is determined to have moved away from the eye contact state (approach state). For example, by providing hysteresis, the threshold for detecting eye contact and the threshold for detecting eye removal can be made different. Furthermore, after eye contact is detected, the eye contact state is assumed to continue until the eye is detected to be away. After the eye is detected to be away, the non-eye contact state is assumed to continue until the eye contact is detected. Note that an infrared proximity sensor is described as an example, but any other suitable sensor can be used for the eye contact detection unit 57 as long as the sensor is a sensor that can detect the approach of an eye or an object that can be regarded as eye contact.

[0051] The system controller 50 can detect the following states of the line of sight relative to the EVF 29 by controlling the line of sight detection unit 160: a state in which the line of sight that was not directed toward the EVF 29 is newly directed toward the EVF 29 (i.e., the start of input of the line of sight); a state in which the line of sight is being input into the EVF 29; a state in which the user is looking at a position in the EVF 29; a state in which the line of sight directed toward the EVF 29 is moved away (i.e., the end of input of the line of sight); and a state in which no line of sight is being input into the EVF 29 (a state in which the user is not looking at the EVF 29).

[0052] These operations / statuses and the position (direction) of the line of sight directed to the EVF 29 are notified to the system controller 50 via the internal bus, and the system controller 50 determines how the line of sight is being input based on the notified information.

[0053] The operation section 70 is an input section that receives an operation from a user (user operation), and is used to input various operation instructions to the system controller 50. Figure 2 As shown, the operation unit 70 includes a mode switch 60, a shutter button 61, a power switch 72, and a touch panel 70a. Furthermore, the operation unit 70 includes a main electronic dial 71, a sub-electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a set button 75, a moving image button 76, an AE lock button 77, a zoom button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, and an MC 65.

[0054] The mode switching switch 60 is used to switch the operating mode of the system controller 50 to one of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, a playback mode, and the like. Examples of the modes included in the still image shooting mode include an automatic shooting mode, an automatic scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode). In addition, there are various scene modes, a custom mode, and the like that set different shooting settings for each shooting scene. The user can directly switch the mode to one of these modes by using the mode switching switch 60. Alternatively, after switching the screen to the screen showing the shooting mode list using the mode switching switch 60, the user can selectively switch the mode to one of the multiple modes displayed on the list by using another operating member. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode can include multiple modes.

[0055] The shutter button 61 includes a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned on by a half-operation of the shutter button 61 (i.e., a so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction)), generating a first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, the system controller 50 initiates shooting preparation operations, such as autofocus (AF), automatic exposure (AE), automatic white balance (AWB), and flash pre-emission (EF). The second shutter switch 64 is turned on by a full-operation of the shutter button 61 (i.e., a so-called full-press (shooting instruction)), generating a second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system controller 50 initiates a series of shooting processing operations, from reading a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image as an image file to the recording medium 200.

[0056] The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be integrally formed. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured so that its light transmittance does not obstruct the display on the display unit 28, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Furthermore, the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a and the display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 28 are associated with each other. This allows for a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user to perform operations as if the user were directly operating the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0057] The system controller 50 can detect the following operations performed on the touch panel 70a and the following states of the touch panel 70a: an operation of newly touching the touch panel 70a with a finger or a pen that is not touching the touch panel 70a, that is, the start of touch (hereinafter referred to as touch); a state in which the touch panel 70a is being touched by a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as touch continuation); a state in which the finger or the pen moves while touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as touch movement); an operation of removing (releasing) the finger or the pen touching the touch panel 70a, that is, the end of touch (hereinafter referred to as touch stop); and a state in which nothing is touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as no touch).

[0058] When a touch is detected, touch continuation is also detected. After the touch is detected, touch continuation is generally detected continuously until touch cessation is detected. When touch movement is detected, touch continuation is also detected simultaneously. Even if touch continuation is detected, touch movement is not detected unless the touch position moves. After all fingers or pens touching the touch panel 70a have stopped touching, the touch panel 70a is in an untouched state.

[0059] The system controller 50 is notified via the internal bus of the detected operations and states, as well as the coordinates of the location on the touch panel 70a where the finger or pen is touching. Based on the notified information, the system controller 50 then determines what operation (touch operation) has been performed on the touch panel 70a. If touch movement is detected, the direction of movement of the finger or pen on the touch panel 70a can also be determined based on the change in the position coordinates, for each of the vertical and horizontal components of the movement on the touch panel 70a. If touch movement of a predetermined distance or greater is detected, it is determined that a slide operation has been performed. The operation of rapidly moving the finger or pen over a certain distance while maintaining contact with the touch panel 70a and then directly removing the finger or pen from the touch panel 70a is called a flick. In other words, a flick is an operation of rapidly moving a finger or pen across the touch panel 70a as if flicking the touch panel 70a. If touch movement of a predetermined distance or greater at a predetermined speed or higher is detected and then the touch stops immediately, it can be determined that a flick has been performed (a flick can be determined to have been performed after a slide operation). In addition, a touch operation of touching multiple points (for example, two points) at the same time (multi-touch) and moving the touched positions closer to each other is called a "pinch-in", and a touch operation of moving the touched positions away from each other is called a "pinch-out". Pinch-in and pinch-out will be collectively referred to as a "pinch operation" (or simply "pinch"). As the touch panel 70a, any suitable type of touch panel can be adopted from among the following various types, including a resistive film type, a capacitive type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, and an optical sensor type. Although the touch panel type includes a type that detects a touch when contact with the touch panel is detected and a type that detects a touch when approach of a finger or a pen to the touch panel is detected, any type can be adopted.

[0060] Note that the digital camera 100 may be provided with an audio input section (not shown) that transmits an audio signal obtained from a built-in microphone or an audio input device connected via an audio input terminal to the system controller 50. In this case, the system controller 50 selects the input audio signal as needed, converts the selected input audio signal from analog to digital, and performs processing for making the signal level appropriate, processing for reducing specific frequencies, and the like.

[0061] In this embodiment, the user can set the method for specifying a position indicator (e.g., the position of the AF frame) when performing a touch-and-move operation in an eye-contact state to either an absolute position specification method or a relative position specification method. The absolute position specification method associates the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a with the display coordinates on the display surface of the EVF 29. With the absolute position specification method, when a touch on the touch panel 70a is detected, the AF frame is set to a position associated with the touched position (the position where the coordinates were input), even if no touch-and-move is detected (i.e., the AF frame moves from the position before the touch-and-move is detected). Regardless of the position set before the touch-and-move, the position set with the absolute position specification method is based on the touched position. Furthermore, if a touch-and-move is detected after the touch-and-move, the AF frame position also moves based on the touched position after the touch-and-move. The relative position specification method does not associate the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a with the display coordinates on the display surface of the EVF 29. With the relative position specification method, when only a touch on the touch panel 70a is detected but no touch-and-move is detected, the AF frame position does not move from the position before the touch-and-move. When a touch movement is detected thereafter, regardless of the touched position, the position of the AF frame moves from the currently set position of the AF frame (the position set before the touch) by a distance corresponding to the movement amount of the touch movement in the movement direction of the touch movement.

[0062] Note that the user can set one of multiple AF methods, including "Single-point AF" and "Whole-area AF," as the AF area setting (AF frame setting method). Furthermore, the user can set whether or not to perform subject detection (tracking). "Single-point AF" refers to a method in which the user specifies a single point as the location for AF using a single-point AF frame. "Whole-area AF" refers to a method in which, if the user does not specify a subject to track, the AF location is automatically set based on automatic selection conditions. Tracking settings are multiply-applied to each of these AF area settings. When the tracking setting is enabled, a mode is set such that, if a human face is detected from an LV image, that face is prioritized as the AF target subject. If multiple faces are detected, one of these faces is selected as the AF target subject based on the following priorities: a large face, a face located close to the digital camera 100 (extremely close), a face located near the center of the frame, and a pre-registered individual face. If a person's face is not detected, a subject other than the face is selected and set as the AF target subject based on the following priorities: a subject located close to the digital camera 100 (extremely close side), a subject with high contrast, a subject with high priority such as an animal or a vehicle, and a moving object. If the subject to be tracked is specified by the user, the subject to be tracked is set as the AF target subject. That is, the automatic selection condition is as follows: the score obtained by weighting using at least one of the factor conditions listed below as an example is not lower than a predetermined threshold or is the highest. The factor conditions are as follows: a detected person's face; a large face; a face located close to the digital camera 100 (near side); a face located near the center of the screen; a pre-registered individual's face; a subject located close to the digital camera 100 (extremely close side); a subject with high contrast; a subject with high priority such as an animal or a vehicle; and a moving object.

[0063] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a shooting mode process performed by the digital camera 100 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The shooting mode processing is realized by the system controller 50 loading the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the loaded program. When the digital camera 100 is started in the shooting mode and the flags, control variables, etc. are initialized, the shooting mode processing is started. Figure 3 Shooting mode processing.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 First, in step S301, the system controller 50 detects the signal from the camera unit 22. Figure 4AThe shooting live view 401 shown is displayed on the display unit 28. Then, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S302.

[0065] In step S302, the system controller 50 Figure 4A The shooting related information 402 that appears in the shooting live view 401 is displayed. The shooting related information 402 includes icons indicating the setting conditions of various settings of the digital camera 100 and shooting parameters such as shutter speed. In addition, on the shooting live view 401, GUI items such as Figure 4A The subject detection frame 403 that appears in the image processing unit 404 is displayed. When step S302 is completed, the shooting mode processing proceeds to step S303.

[0066] In step S303, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed an operation for switching the AF area setting on the operation unit 70. For example, the user can perform an operation for switching the screen displayed on the display unit 28 from the shooting live view 401 to the AF area setting. Figure 5 The user performs an operation on menu setting screen 500 shown in FIG304 , and performs an operation to switch the AF area setting from menu setting screen 500. On menu setting screen 500, not only the AF area setting but also the tracking setting, shutter method setting, drive mode setting, and shutter speed setting can be switched. If the user performs an operation to switch the AF area setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S304. If the user does not perform an operation to switch the AF area setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S305.

[0067] In step S304, the system controller 50 changes the AF area setting according to the user's operation. More specifically, the system controller 50 changes the AF area setting to the setting selected by the user from "Single-point AF" and "Whole-area AF" displayed on the menu setting screen 500. Then, the shooting mode processing proceeds to step S305.

[0068] In step S305, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed an operation to switch the tracking setting on the operation unit 70. If the user has performed an operation to switch the tracking setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S306. If the user has not performed an operation to switch the tracking setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S307.

[0069] In step S306, the system controller 50 changes the tracking setting according to the user's operation. More specifically, the system controller 50 changes the tracking setting to the setting selected by the user from "Set" and "Not Set" displayed on the menu setting screen 500. Then, the shooting mode processing proceeds to step S307.

[0070] In step S307, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed an operation to switch the shutter method setting on the operation unit 70. If the user has performed an operation to switch the shutter method setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S308. If the user has not performed an operation to switch the shutter method setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S309.

[0071] In step S308, the system controller 50 changes the shutter method setting based on the user's operation. More specifically, the system controller 50 changes the shutter method setting to the setting selected by the user from "Mechanical Shutter" and "Electronic Shutter" displayed on the menu setting screen 500. If "Mechanical Shutter" is selected, the mechanical shutter method, which uses a physical mechanism to control the shutter speed, is set as the shutter method. If "Electronic Shutter" is selected, the electronic shutter method, which electronically controls the imaging device to adjust the shutter speed, is set as the shutter method. In this embodiment, although the shutter method setting options include the mechanical shutter method and the electronic shutter method, any other suitable method may be provided as an option. For example, examples of other shutter method options include a method for electronically controlling only the front curtain (electronic front curtain). Upon completion of step S308, shooting mode processing proceeds to step S309.

[0072] In step S309, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed an operation to switch the drive mode setting on the operating unit 70. If the user has performed an operation to switch the drive mode setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S310. If the user has not performed an operation to switch the drive mode setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S311.

[0073] In step S310, the system controller 50 changes the drive mode settings based on the user's operation. The drive mode settings include setting the frame rate for continuous shooting. The frame rate is a parameter that indicates the number of images captured per unit time during continuous shooting. The frame rate is also referred to as the continuous shooting speed. More specifically, in step S310, the system controller 50 changes the drive mode settings to the setting selected by the user from among "High Speed (30 frames per second)", "Normal (10 frames per second)", and "Low Speed (3 frames per second)" displayed on the menu settings screen 500. Shooting mode processing then proceeds to step S311.

[0074] In step S311, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed an operation to switch the shutter speed setting on the operating unit 70. If the user has performed an operation to switch the shutter speed setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S312. If the user has not performed an operation to switch the shutter speed setting, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S313.

[0075] In step S312, the system controller 50 changes the shutter speed setting according to the user's operation. More specifically, the system controller 50 changes the shutter speed setting to the setting selected by the user on the menu setting screen 500. Then, the shooting mode processing proceeds to step S313.

[0076] In step S313, the system controller 50 performs the shooting process described below with reference to FIG. 6 . Then, in step S314, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed any other operations on the operating unit 70. Other operations refer to, for example, operations for changing various parameters associated with shooting (such as the aperture value). If the user has performed another operation, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S315. If the user has not performed any other operation, the shooting mode process proceeds to step S316.

[0077] In step S315, the system controller 50 performs other processing based on the user's operation. This other processing involves, for example, changing various parameters associated with shooting (such as the aperture value). Then, in step S316, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has performed a termination operation on the operating unit 70. If the user has not performed a termination operation, the shooting mode process returns to step S302. If the user has performed a termination operation, the shooting mode process is terminated.

[0078] Incidentally, in shooting using an electronic shutter, there is no shutter sound produced by driving a mechanical shutter, so the user cannot always recognize the shooting timing. To cope with this problem, the digital camera 100 displays a GUI item (such as the following reference 1) on the display section 28 for notifying the user of the shooting timing during the exposure processing execution period, which is the period in which the exposure processing is performed. Figure 4C Even in the absence of a shutter sound, the user can recognize the timing of continuous shooting based on the display state of the white frame item 405.

[0079] However, there are cases where the user may not be able to recognize the shooting timing even when white-frame item 405 is lit on display section 28. For example, when the shutter speed is high and the frame rate is low, the exposure processing execution period is shortened. Therefore, even when white-frame item 405 is lit during the exposure processing execution period, the lighting time of white-frame item 405 is too short, so there is a possibility that the user may not be able to recognize the shooting timing. Furthermore, when the frame rate is high, the interval between one exposure processing execution period and the next exposure processing execution period is short, so there is a possibility that the user may not be able to recognize the pause in the lighting of white-frame item 405.

[0080] To prevent this, in this embodiment, a minimum lighting period is set for which the lighting state (display state) of the white frame item 405 continues. Here, it is assumed that the minimum lighting period is 16 msec. When continuous shooting is performed at a certain frame rate and a second shutter speed that is higher than the first shutter speed, the digital camera 100 continues to light (display) the white frame item 405 for a minimum lighting period that is longer than the exposure processing execution period determined based on the second shutter speed.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a minimum off-time period is set during which the off-state (non-display state) of white frame item 405 continues. Here, it is assumed that the minimum off-time period is 30 msec. The minimum off-time period is longer than the minimum on-time period. When continuous shooting is performed at a certain shutter speed and a second frame rate higher than the first frame rate, the digital camera 100 turns on (displays) white frame item 405 again after the minimum off-time period (which is longer than the period from the end of lighting (display) of white frame item 405 until the start of the next exposure process determined based on the second frame rate) has elapsed.

[0082] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is Figure 3 Flowchart of the shooting process performed in step S313.

[0083] refer to Figure 6A In step S601, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has operated the first shutter switch 62. If the user has operated the first shutter switch 62, the photographing process proceeds to step S602. If the user has not operated the first shutter switch 62, the photographing process is terminated.

[0084] In step S602 , the system controller 50 performs shooting preparation operations such as light metering and distance measurement. Figure 4B An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 28 during a shooting preparation operation is shown. On this screen, shooting-related information 402, narrowed down to information required for shooting preparation, is displayed superimposed on a shooting live view 401. Furthermore, on this screen, an AF frame 404 indicating the metering results, rather than a subject detection frame 403, is displayed superimposed on the shooting live view 401. The shooting process then proceeds to step S603.

[0085] In step S603, the system controller 50 determines whether the user has operated the second shutter switch 64. If the user has not operated the second shutter switch 64, the photographing process returns to step S601. If the user has operated the second shutter switch 64, the photographing process proceeds to step S604.

[0086] In step S604, the system controller 50 starts shooting. The following describes the case of continuous shooting. Then, in step S605, the system controller 50 determines whether the second shutter switch 64 is being operated. If the second shutter switch 64 is being operated, the shooting process proceeds to step S607. If the second shutter switch 64 is not being operated, the shooting process proceeds to step S606.

[0087] In step S606, the system controller 50 terminates the shooting (continuous shooting). Then, the shooting process returns to step S603. At this time, the lighting flag and the extinguishing flag described below are all initialized.

[0088] In step S607, the system controller 50 determines whether to start exposure processing based on the shutter speed set on the menu setting screen 500. If it is determined in step S607 that exposure processing will not be started, that is, exposure processing is being executed, the shooting processing enters the following step. Figure 6B If it is determined in step S607 that exposure processing is to be started, the shooting processing proceeds to step S608.

[0089] In step S608, the system controller 50 instructs the start of exposure processing. Exposure processing is thereby started in the digital camera 100. The shooting process then proceeds to step S609. In step S609, the system controller 50 determines whether the white frame item 405 described below is lit on the shooting live view 401.

[0090] If it is determined in step S609 that the white frame item 405 is lighting up on the live view 401, the shooting process enters Figure 6B If it is determined in step S609 that the white frame item 405 is not lighting up on the shooting live view 401, the shooting process proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the system controller 50 determines whether it is during the minimum light-off period of the white frame item 405.

[0091] If it is determined in step S610 that it is not during the minimum light-off period of the white frame item 405 , the photographing process proceeds to step S611 .

[0092] In step S611, Figure 4C As shown, the system controller 50 displays the live view image together with the white frame item 405 on the shooting live view 401 . Figure 4C The following shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 28 when exposure processing is being executed during continuous shooting. On this screen, shooting-related information 402 narrowed down to information required for shooting, an AF frame 404 indicating the metering result, and a white frame item 405 indicating that exposure processing is being executed are displayed in a state superimposed on the shooting live view 401.

[0093] White frame item 405 is displayed so that it surrounds the periphery of the live view screen. This allows the user to easily confirm the state of the subject displayed on live view 401. Furthermore, the display of white frame item 405 provides a warning to the user regarding hand tremors. Furthermore, since white frame item 405 is framed in a bright and conspicuous white color, even if white frame item 405 is located on the periphery of the live view screen, the user can easily identify white frame item 405 at the periphery of the user's field of view.

[0094] Note that the form of white frame item 405 is not limited to this; for example, a different, more conspicuous color than white may be used as the frame color. Furthermore, the form of white frame item 405 can be dynamically changed depending on the camera's state. For example, if the user's line of sight is directed toward the periphery of the screen, the transmittance of white frame item 405 near the periphery of the screen can be controlled to be reduced, thereby enabling the user to more easily confirm the state of capturing the subject displayed on live view 401. Then, in step S612, the system controller 50 begins measuring a lighting timer for determining the expiration of the minimum lighting period of white frame item 405, and the capture process proceeds to step S614.

[0095] If it is determined in step S610 that the white frame item 405 is within the minimum light-off time period, the shooting process enters step S613. In step S613, the system controller 50 sets the lighting flag for controlling the white frame item 405 to light up while the white frame item 405 on the shooting live view 401 remains in the light-off state to be on. That is, even when the exposure process starts, if the white frame item 405 is within the minimum light-off time period, the light-off state of the white frame item 405 continues. In other words, even in the case where the exposure process of the next shooting starts before the minimum light-off time period has elapsed after the display of the item associated with the previous shooting is completed, the system controller 50 controls the display so as not to start the display of the item. Then, the shooting process enters Figure 6B Step S614.

[0096] In step S614 , the system controller 50 determines whether to terminate the exposure processing based on the shutter speed set on the menu setting screen 500 .

[0097] If it is determined in step S614 that the exposure process will not be terminated, the shooting process proceeds to step S623. If it is determined in step S614 that the exposure process will be terminated, the shooting process proceeds to step S615. In step S615, the system controller 50 instructs the termination of the exposure process. In response to this instruction, the digital camera 100 terminates the exposure process. Then, in step S616, the system controller 50 begins executing predetermined processing. Predetermined processing includes processing performed during the period from the end of one exposure process operation to the start of the next, such as processing for developing an image read from the sensor and processing for writing the developed image to a recording medium. The shooting process then proceeds to step S617. In step S617, the system controller 50 determines whether the white frame item 405 is off in the live view 401.

[0098] If it is determined in step S617 that the white frame item 405 is off, the photographing process proceeds to step S618. In step S618, the system controller 50 sets the lighting flag to off. Then, the photographing process proceeds to step S623.

[0099] If it is determined in step S617 that the white frame item 405 is not turned off, the shooting process proceeds to step S619. In step S619, the system controller 50 determines whether it is during the minimum lighting period of the white frame item 405.

[0100] If it is determined in step S619 that the minimum lighting period of the white frame item 405 is not in progress, the photographing process proceeds to step S620. Figure 4D As shown, the system controller 50 causes the white frame item 405 to light up on the shooting live view 401. When the display of the white frame item 405 is started when the exposure process is started, the period from the start of exposure to the end of exposure is the display period of the white frame item 405.

[0101] Figure 4D An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 28 after one exposure processing operation is terminated and until the next exposure processing operation is started during continuous shooting is shown. On this screen, shooting-related information 402, narrowed down to information required for shooting, and an AF frame 404 indicating the metering results are displayed superimposed on the shooting live view 401, but the white-frame item 405 is not displayed. The shooting process then proceeds to step S621. In step S621, the system controller 50 starts measuring the off-timer for determining the expiration of the minimum off-time period of the white-frame item 405. Furthermore, the system controller 50 stops measuring the on-timer. The shooting process then proceeds to step S623.

[0102] If it is determined in step S619 that the white frame item 405 is within the minimum lighting period, the capture process proceeds to step S622. In step S622, the system controller 50 sets the extinguishing flag, which controls the extinguishing of the white frame item 405, to on, while maintaining the white frame item 405 on the capture live view 401. In other words, in this embodiment, even when the exposure process terminates, if the white frame item 405 is within the minimum lighting period, the white frame item 405 remains illuminated. In other words, if the exposure time from the start to the end of the exposure is shorter than the minimum lighting period, the system controller 50 continues to display the white frame item even after the exposure time has elapsed. In other words, regardless of the exposure time, the system controller 50 continues to display the white frame item during the minimum lighting period.

[0103] Then, the photographing process proceeds to step S623. In step S623, the system controller 50 determines whether the minimum lighting time period has expired based on the result of the measurement performed by the lighting timer.

[0104] If it is determined in step S623 that the minimum lighting period has expired, the photographing process proceeds to step S624. In step S624, the system controller 50 determines whether the light-off flag is on.

[0105] If it is determined in step S624 that the extinguishing flag is on, the capture process proceeds to step S625. In step S625, the system controller 50 sets the extinguishing flag to off. Then, in step S626, the system controller 50 turns off the white frame item 405. Then, in step S627, the system controller 50 starts measuring the extinguishing timer. Furthermore, if the system controller 50 is measuring the lighting timer, the system controller 50 stops measuring the lighting timer. The capture process then proceeds to step S628.

[0106] If the minimum lighting period is not determined to have expired in step S623 or the blackout flag is not on in step S624, the capture process proceeds to step S628. In step S628, the system controller 50 determines whether the minimum blackout period has expired based on the measurement result of the blackout timer.

[0107] If it is determined in step S628 that the minimum light-off period has expired, the photographing process proceeds to step S629. In step S629, the system controller 50 determines whether the lighting flag is on.

[0108] If it is determined in step S629 that the lighting flag is on, the capture process proceeds to step S630. In step S630, the system controller 50 sets the lighting flag to off. Then, in step S631, the system controller 50 lights the white frame item 405. Then, in step S632, the system controller 50 starts measuring the lighting timer and stops measuring the lighting timer. The capture process then returns to step S605.

[0109] If it is determined in step S628 that the minimum light-off period has not expired, or if it is determined in step S629 that the lighting flag is not set to on, the photographing process returns to the Figure 6A Step S605.

[0110] Note that in the above Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the shooting process of the continuous shooting, if it is determined in step S605 that the operation of the second shutter switch 64 has been terminated, the shooting termination process of step S606 is immediately executed, but this is not restrictive. For example, the shooting termination process may be executed after the processing being executed is completed, or the shooting process may be continued until the minimum lighting time period or the minimum unlighting time period of the white frame item 405 expires.

[0111] In addition, in the above Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the photographing process, the minimum off-time period of white-frame item 405 is longer than the minimum on-time period. In order for the user to recognize that a bright color such as white has been turned off, the off state needs to continue for a relatively long period of time. By setting the minimum off-time period of white-frame item 405 longer than the minimum on-time period of white-frame item 405, a natural flicker that is recognizable to the user can be achieved.

[0112] 7A to 7E It is used to describe the shutter speed and frame rate combinations. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The photographing process causes the white frame item 405 to light up and go out.

[0113] Figure 7A Shown for illustration Figures 7B to 7E References Figure 7A , reference numeral 701 denotes a time period within the minimum lighting time period during which the white-framed item 405 is lit. Reference numeral 702 denotes a time period excluding the minimum lighting time period during which the white-framed item 405 is lit. Reference numeral 703 denotes a time period within the minimum lighting time period during which the white-framed item 405 is extinguished. Reference numeral 704 denotes a time period excluding the minimum lighting time period during which the white-framed item 405 is extinguished.

[0114] Figures 7B to 7EThe lighting and extinguishing states of the white frame item 405 are shown in association with changes in a waveform 712 representing an exposure processing execution period based on parameter settings 711 including shutter speed settings and frame rate settings. In waveform 712, a period of 1 indicates an exposure processing execution period, and a period of 0 indicates a period from the completion of one exposure processing operation until the start of the next exposure processing operation (hereinafter referred to as an "exposure processing non-execution period"). During the period of 0, exposure processing is not executed, but processing other than exposure processing is executed.

[0115] Figure 7B An example of a case where the shutter speed is relatively low and the frame rate is relatively low is shown. In the digital camera 100, as the shutter speed becomes lower, the exposure processing execution period becomes longer. For this reason, in the case where the shutter speed is relatively low, such as Figure 7B As shown, during each period of 1 in the waveform 712 (i.e., during the exposure processing execution period), the white frame item 405 is lit, whereby the user can easily recognize the lighting state of the white frame item 405. On the other hand, in the digital camera 100, as the frame rate becomes lower, the time that elapses until the execution of the next exposure processing starts becomes longer. For this reason, in the case where the frame rate is relatively low, as in the case where the frame rate is relatively low, Figure 7B As shown, during each period of 0 in the waveform 712 (ie, during an exposure process non-execution period), the white frame item 405 is turned off, whereby the user can easily recognize the turned-off state of the white frame item 405 .

[0116] Figure 7C An example of a case where the shutter speed is relatively low and the frame rate is relatively high is shown. In the digital camera 100, when the shutter speed is relatively low, as described above, Figure 7B As shown, the white frame item 405 is lit during the exposure processing execution period, whereby the user can easily recognize the lit state of the white frame item 405. On the other hand, in the digital camera 100, as the frame rate becomes higher, the time that elapses until the execution of the next exposure processing starts becomes shorter. For this reason, if the frame rate is set as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 7B As described above, if white-frame item 405 is turned off only during the exposure processing non-execution period, the interval between one exposure processing execution period and the next exposure processing execution period is so short that it is difficult for the user to recognize the pause in the lighting of white-frame item 405. To address this situation, in this embodiment, a minimum light-off period 721 is set, and the light-off state of white-frame item 405 continues at least during minimum light-off period 721. This makes it possible to sufficiently ensure the light-off time of white-frame item 405, which indicates the timing of continuous shooting, and allows the user to easily recognize the pause in the lighting of white-frame item 405. As a result, the user can easily recognize the timing of continuous shooting.

[0117] Figure 7D An example of a case where the shutter speed is relatively high and the frame rate is relatively low is shown. In the digital camera 100, as the shutter speed becomes higher, the exposure processing execution time period becomes shorter. For this reason, if Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown in FIG. 7 , if the white frame item 405 is lit only during the exposure processing execution time period, the lighting time of the white frame item 405 is so short that it is difficult for the user to recognize that the white frame item 405 is lit. In order to cope with this situation, in the present embodiment, a minimum lighting time period 722 is set, and the lighting state of the white frame item 405 continues at least during the minimum lighting time period 722. This makes it possible to sufficiently ensure the lighting time of the white frame item 405 indicating the timing of continuous shooting, and makes it possible for the user to easily recognize that the white frame item 405 is lit. As a result, the user can easily recognize the timing of continuous shooting. On the other hand, in the case where the frame rate is relatively low, by referring to, for example, Figure 7B By turning off the white frame item 405 during the exposure processing non-execution period, the user can easily recognize the turning off of the white frame item 405 .

[0118] Figure 7E An example is shown for a case where the shutter speed is relatively high and the frame rate is also relatively high. In this example, as described above, the lighting state of the white frame item 405 continues at least during the minimum lighting time period 723, so that the user can easily recognize that the white frame item 405 is lit. In addition, as described above, the extinguishing state of the white frame item 405 continues at least during the minimum extinguishing time period 724. Thus, the user can easily recognize the pause in the lighting of the white frame item 405. Note that Figure 7E In the embodiment, the number of times white-frame item 405 flashes does not necessarily correspond to the actual number of shots (number of frames). Here, when the shutter speed is relatively high and the frame rate is also relatively high, even when white-frame item 405 is lit and extinguished a number of times corresponding to the actual number of shots, the flashing of white-frame item 405 is so rapid that it is difficult for the user to grasp the actual number of shots from the flashing of white-frame item 405. In this case, it is sufficient to notify the user of the execution of high-speed continuous shooting rather than the exact number of shots. On the other hand, in this embodiment, based on the minimum lighting period and the minimum extinguishing period, white-frame item 405 flashes (lights up and extinguishes) at intervals substantially equivalent to the intervals of high-speed continuous shooting. Thus, the user can be notified that high-speed continuous shooting is being performed when the shutter speed is relatively high and the frame rate is also relatively high.

[0119] The present invention has been described so far based on the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a mechanism for generating an electronic shutter sound may be provided to notify the user of the shooting timing using the electronic shutter sound. Note that the electronic shutter sound is generated strictly in synchronization with the shooting timing, but the blinking of the white frame item 405 does not necessarily need to be as follows. Figure 7EThe display is consistent with the shooting timing.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the white frame item 405 can be displayed only during shooting using the electronic shutter. However, when shooting using the mechanical shutter, the shooting timing and exposure processing execution period can be notified by the shutter sound of the mechanical shutter, so there is no need to display the white frame item 405 around the shooting live view 401. Therefore, by limiting the display of the white frame item 405 to shooting using the electronic shutter, it is possible to easily confirm the shooting live view 401 during shooting using the mechanical shutter.

[0121] In the above embodiment, although the white frame item 405 is lit during the exposure process execution period and extinguished during the exposure process non-execution period, this is not restrictive. For example, the white frame item 405 may be extinguished during the exposure process execution period and lit during the exposure process non-execution period.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the GUI item for notifying the user of the shooting timing is not limited to the white frame displayed on the periphery of the screen such as the white frame item 405. For example, as a GUI item for notifying the user of the shooting timing, Figure 4E As shown, a frame 406 of an inconspicuous color such as gray may be displayed near the center of the screen.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as a GUI item for notifying the user of the shooting timing, Figure 4F The icon 407 appearing in the image may be displayed in a blinking state.

[0124] In the above embodiment, although the configuration in which the white frame item 405 is displayed on the display section 28 is described, this is not restrictive. For example, the white frame item 405 may be displayed on one of the display section 28 and the EVF 29, which is the one whose display setting is turned on (i.e., the shooting live view 401 is displayed).

[0125] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the display form of the white frame item 405 can be changed between the display section 28 and the EVF 29 .

[0126] In the above embodiment, although one shooting period is divided into an exposure processing execution period and an exposure processing non-execution period, this is not restrictive. For example, when continuous shooting is performed in a mode that automatically and continuously adjusts focus (SERVO AF), a GUI item for notifying the user of shooting timing may be lit during SERVO driving and extinguished during a period in which focus is achieved and SERVO driving is temporarily stopped.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the display of the white frame item 405 may be performed such that, in continuous shooting, the white frame item 405 is displayed not at the first shooting timing but at the second shooting timing and subsequent shooting timings.

[0128] Note that the various controls described above as being performed by the CPU may be performed by one hardware item or by a plurality of hardware items sharing processing operations to control the entire device.

[0129] Other embodiments

[0130] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0131] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

[0132] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-209347, filed on December 17, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. A camera device comprising: Camera Department; processor; as well as A memory for storing a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the imaging device to perform the following operations: Set the shutter speed; Set the continuous shooting speed; Setting a shutter method from among methods including at least a mechanical shutter method and an electronic shutter method; Controls for lighting items during exposure processing in continuous shooting; Accepting instructions for performing continuous shooting; performing control so as not to start lighting the item if the exposure processing starts before a predetermined lighting period has elapsed since the item was last turned off while the instruction for performing continuous shooting is accepted, when a high shutter speed is set or when a high continuous shooting speed is set; When the electronic shutter method is set for the shutter method, when images captured by the imaging unit are continuously displayed on a screen as live view images during continuous shooting, controlling to light up items on the screen while the live view images are displayed on the screen; as well as When the mechanical shutter method is set for the shutter method, the live view image is displayed on the screen in continuous shooting without controlling to light up items on the screen.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The program, when executed by the processor, further causes the imaging apparatus to perform control so that the item continues to be illuminated for more than a predetermined illumination period even after the exposure process ends, wherein the predetermined extinguishing time period is longer than the predetermined lighting time period, and Among them, the items are white items.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The program, when executed by the processor, further causes the imaging apparatus to perform control to start lighting the item after the predetermined lighting period has elapsed since the item was last lit. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein: The item is a frame surrounding the outer periphery of the live view image displayed on the screen. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein The item is not lit at the first shooting timing in the continuous shooting, and the item is lit at the second shooting timing and the subsequent shooting timings. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein: The time period for performing the exposure process is based on the shutter speed.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The exposure processing is performed at each timing of shooting during the continuous shooting.

8. A method for controlling an imaging device, the method comprising: Set the shutter speed; Set the continuous shooting speed; Setting a shutter method from among methods including at least a mechanical shutter method and an electronic shutter method; Controls for lighting items during exposure processing in continuous shooting; Accepting instructions for performing continuous shooting; performing control so as not to start lighting the item if the exposure processing starts before a predetermined lighting period has elapsed since the item was last turned off while the instruction for performing continuous shooting is accepted, when a high shutter speed is set or when a high continuous shooting speed is set; When the electronic shutter method is set for the shutter method, when the captured images are continuously displayed on a screen as live view images in continuous shooting, controlling to light up items on the screen while the live view images are displayed on the screen; as well as When the mechanical shutter method is set for the shutter method, the live view image is displayed on the screen in continuous shooting without controlling to light up items on the screen.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform operations comprising: Set the shutter speed; Set the continuous shooting speed; Setting a shutter method from among methods including at least a mechanical shutter method and an electronic shutter method; Controls for lighting items during exposure processing in continuous shooting; Accepting instructions for performing continuous shooting; performing control so as not to start lighting the item if the exposure processing starts before a predetermined lighting period has elapsed since the item was last turned off while the instruction for performing continuous shooting is accepted, when a high shutter speed is set or when a high continuous shooting speed is set; When the electronic shutter method is set for the shutter method, when the captured images are continuously displayed on a screen as live view images in continuous shooting, controlling to light up items on the screen while the live view images are displayed on the screen; as well as When the mechanical shutter method is set for the shutter method, the live view image is displayed on the screen in continuous shooting without controlling to light up items on the screen.

10. A computer program product comprising a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform operations comprising: Set the shutter speed; Set the continuous shooting speed; Setting a shutter method from among methods including at least a mechanical shutter method and an electronic shutter method; Controls for lighting items during exposure processing in continuous shooting; Accepting instructions for performing continuous shooting; performing control so as not to start lighting the item if the exposure processing starts before a predetermined lighting period has elapsed since the item was last turned off while the instruction for performing continuous shooting is accepted, when a high shutter speed is set or when a high continuous shooting speed is set; When the electronic shutter method is set for the shutter method, when the captured images are continuously displayed on a screen as live view images in continuous shooting, controlling to light up items on the screen while the live view images are displayed on the screen; as well as When the mechanical shutter method is set for the shutter method, the live view image is displayed on the screen in continuous shooting without controlling to light up items on the screen.

Images