Imaging apparatus, control method for the same, and program

Abstract

To allow photographing with high consecutive shooting speed, while reducing the influence of flicker on a photographed image.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus has: an image pick-up device; setting means that sets a photographing control value; control means that controls the drive of the image pick-up device; and flicker detection means that detects flicker on the basis of a signal output from the image pick-up device. When causing the image pick-up device to output a signal for flicker detection, the control means controls to drive the image pick-up device with n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) different frame rates. The control means executes, according to the photographing control value, first control of performing detection processing with the n different frame rates in a divided manner over a plurality of frames of imaging performed by the image pick-up device to acquire an image for recording, or second control of performing detection processing with the n different frame rates between frames of the imaging performed by the image pick-up device to acquire the image for recording.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method and program thereof, and more particularly to a technique for capturing an image while reducing the effects of periodic changes in the amount of light (called flicker) from a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the sensitivity of image sensors installed in imaging devices such as digital cameras and mobile phones has been increasing. As a result, it has become possible to capture bright images with reduced subject blur by setting the shutter speed high (shortening the exposure time) and capturing an image of the subject even in relatively dark environments such as indoors, as opposed to outdoors during the day.

[0003] In addition, fluorescent lamps, which are widely used as indoor light sources, are known to cause flicker, a phenomenon in which the illumination light periodically fluctuates, due to the influence of commercial power supply frequencies. When shooting with a high shutter speed under a light source that causes such flicker (hereinafter referred to as a flicker light source), there is a risk of uneven exposure and color occurring within a single image (screen). Alternatively, there is a risk of variations in exposure and color temperature occurring between multiple images obtained by continuous shooting.

[0004] In recent years, the number of light-emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) light sources has been increasing. LEDs use a different method of supplying current than fluorescent lamps, and the drive current is controlled by a rectifier circuit, so they flicker with a different cycle and waveform from the power supply frequency. LEDs are also light sources that flicker at a faster cycle than fluorescent lamps (hereinafter referred to as high-frequency flicker light sources). A method has been disclosed that can automatically detect the frequency of such high-frequency flicker and reduce its impact on images.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for capturing moving images with fewer dropped frames while suppressing flicker caused by fluorescent lights by detecting flicker by alternating between different shutter speeds for each specified line of the image sensor between captures of moving images.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a flicker detection method in which an image sensor is driven at n frame rates, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3, in order to automatically detect the blinking cycle of a high-frequency flicker light source. In this way, a method is disclosed that can automatically detect the frequency of flicker occurring in a subject and reduce its effect on an image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-98416 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-130277 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, since the frequency of a high-frequency flicker light source changes depending on the color of the light source, there are cases where the flicker frequency changes during shooting. In Patent Document 1, flicker detection is performed at two types of shutter speed, so the detectable flicker frequency is limited. Also, when performing flicker detection for each shot of continuous shooting as in Patent Document 2, the image sensor is driven at three or more frame rates, so processing between shots (hereinafter, between frames) takes time, and there is a risk that the speed of continuous shooting of still images will slow down.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an imaging device that enables high-speed continuous shooting while reducing the effect of flicker on still image capture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an imaging device according to the present invention has an imaging element, a setting means for setting shooting control values, a control means for controlling the driving of the imaging element, and a flicker detection means for detecting flicker based on a signal output from the imaging element, wherein the control means controls the imaging element to be driven at n different frame rates, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, when a signal for flicker detection is output from the imaging element, and the control means executes, in accordance with the shooting control values, a first control for dividing and performing detection processing at the n different frame rates across a plurality of frames of imaging in which the imaging element acquires an image for recording, or a second control for performing detection processing at the n different frame rates across a plurality of frames of imaging in which the imaging element acquires an image for recording, and the flicker detection means detects flicker based on the flicker detection signal acquired for each of the n frame rates. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, by changing the flicker detection method depending on the shooting interval in a flicker environment such as an LED, it is possible to provide an imaging device that enables high-speed continuous shooting while reducing the effects of flicker. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a digital mirrorless camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart of high frequency flicker-free photography in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 13 is a drive pattern decision table for detecting flicker between frames in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 shows a flicker detection sequence according to a frame speed in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart of flicker-free photography in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]11 is a flowchart of anti-flicker photography in a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is a drive pattern decision table for detecting flicker between frames in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is a sequence of flicker detection according to frame speed in the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0014] In this embodiment, a digital mirrorless camera will be described as an example, however, the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices that have a live view image display and a video shooting function, such as smartphones, camcorders, and camera-equipped game consoles.

[0015] <First embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a digital mirrorless camera in an embodiment of the present invention, and mainly includes a camera body 100 and a photographing lens 200. In the camera body 100, 101 is an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS including an infrared cut filter and a low-pass filter, and an image of a subject is formed on a light receiving surface by the photographing lens 200. The image sensor 101 photoelectrically converts the image of the subject that is received, and an image based on the obtained electrical signal is handled as various image signals such as a live view display or a photographed image for recording. Since the electrical signal obtained by the image sensor 101 is an analog value, it also has a function of converting it into a digital value. It is possible to detect an evaluation value (photometric value) regarding the brightness of the subject based on the image signal output from the image sensor 101. It is also possible to control the exposure time of the image sensor 101 according to a shutter speed that can be set as an exposure control value related to the image sensor 101.

[0016] The shutter 102 is a light-oblique device capable of traveling in a direction parallel to the signal scanning direction of the image sensor 101. The exposure time of the image sensor 101 can be controlled by adjusting an exposure opening formed by, for example, a plurality of shutter blades of a mechanical shutter in accordance with the above-mentioned shutter speed. The adjustment of the exposure time according to the present invention can be realized by utilizing or combining the shutter 102 with a so-called electronic shutter that adjusts the signal reset / readout timing of the image sensor 101.

[0017] The display unit 103 is composed of, for example, a TFT liquid crystal panel. During framing, an image acquired by the image sensor 101 and various shooting setting information are displayed in real time to realize a live view (LV). In addition, the image captured according to the user's operation is displayed so that the user can check it. The display unit 103 of this embodiment is equipped with a resistive film type or capacitive film type thin film element called a touch panel, and also serves as an operation unit that the user can touch. The touch panel detects the user's touch operation on an icon or the like displayed on the display unit 103, and a function linked to the display of the touch position can be operated. For example, icons related to shooting settings and modes can be displayed on the touch panel, and the user can set them by touch operation.

[0018] CPU 104 is a control means capable of comprehensively controlling each part of camera body 100 and accessories attached to camera body 100. A ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY) and a RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY) are connected to CPU 103. ROM (not shown) is a non-volatile storage element in which programs for operating CPU 104 and various adjustment parameters are recorded. Programs read from ROM are expanded in volatile RAM (not shown) and executed. Generally, a slower, lower-capacity element is used for RAM compared to frame memory (not shown).

[0019] Furthermore, the CPU 104 performs calculations relating to flicker detection based on the image captured by the image sensor 101. The calculations relating to flicker detection include determining whether or not flicker has occurred, and determining the frequency of the flicker light source and the peak timing of the light amount of the flicker.

[0020] The camera body 100 can operate in a drive mode (continuous shooting mode) in which shooting is performed continuously while an operating member (not shown) that instructs the start of shooting is pressed. The number of frames that can be continuously shot per unit time in the drive mode can be set by the user. The number of frames that can be continuously shot per unit time in the drive mode is called the frame speed or continuous shooting speed. For example, the frame speed is set for each mode setting, such as 3 fps (low-speed drive mode), 30 fps (high-speed drive mode), and 40 fps (high-speed + drive mode). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned modes are assumed to be selectable by the user. The continuous shooting speed can be assigned to each drive mode as 40 fps, 30 fps, 20 fps, 15 fps, 12 fps, 10 fps, 7.5 fps, 5 fps, 3 fps, 2 fps, and 1 fps. For example, the user can change the drive mode even during shooting by operating the display unit 102.

[0021] Next, the photographing lens 200 will be described.

[0022] Reference numeral 201 denotes a lens group including a focus lens, and focus can be adjusted by driving the focus lens. In FIG. 1, the lens group 201 is represented by a single lens, but in reality it is made up of multiple lenses. Reference numeral 202 denotes an aperture, which adjusts the amount of light taken into the camera. Reference numeral 203 denotes a CPU (hereinafter also referred to as "LPU") that controls each part of the photographing lens 200. In addition to controlling the lens group 201 and aperture 202, the LPU 203 can exchange information about the focus position, aperture, etc., and information during vibration reduction with the camera body 100 by communicating with the CPU 104 on the camera body 100 side.

[0023] Next, continuous shooting in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 2. In the following description, a method for acquiring a signal for detecting flicker (hereinafter referred to as a "flicker detection signal") and a flicker calculation method for detecting flicker from the flicker detection signal can be performed using known techniques, so description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the imaging cycle for flicker detection (hereinafter referred to as flicker detection drive) is three types, 159 fps, 200 fps, and 252 fps. In the flicker detection process in this embodiment, the CPU 104 changes the imaging cycle of the image sensor 101 to an imaging cycle (frame rate) for flicker detection, and causes the image sensor 101 to acquire a predetermined number of images for each flicker detection drive.

[0024] First, in S100, when the power supply of the camera body 100 is turned on, the CPU 104 uses the image sensor 101 to accumulate charges for flicker detection and obtain a flicker detection signal. The CPU 104 then performs a flicker calculation to detect flicker information using the obtained flicker detection signal. In the flicker calculation, it is determined whether or not flicker has occurred, and if flicker has occurred, the frequency of the flicker and the peak timing of the flicker are detected. When the above detection process is completed, the process proceeds to S101.

[0025] In S101, the CPU 104 checks whether a user has performed a shooting instruction operation, such as pressing a shutter release button. If a shooting instruction operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S102, and if a shooting instruction operation has not been performed, S101 is repeated. Note that if a shooting instruction operation has not been performed, the process may return to S100 and execute the flicker detection process again.

[0026] In S102, the CPU 104 performs flicker detection processing for capturing the first image. The details of the detection processing are the same as those in S100, and therefore will not be described. When the flicker detection processing is completed, the process proceeds to S103.

[0027] In S103, the CPU 104 changes (determines) the shooting control values ​​for shooting the first still image. The shooting control values ​​include the shutter speed, the aperture value, and the ISO sensitivity, and may be automatically set by the camera body 100, or the user may be able to set various control values ​​as desired. The CPU 104 changes the shooting control values ​​to the ones that can reduce the flicker the most based on the flicker frequency and shooting settings identified in S100 or S102. For example, if the identified flicker frequency is 540.0 Hz, the shutter speed is set to 1 / 540.0, the aperture value and the ISO sensitivity are changed to match the shutter speed, and the shooting control values ​​are changed so that the still image is shot with the appropriate exposure. Note that if the CPU 104 determines that there is no flicker as a result of the flicker detection process in S100 or S102, it does not change the shooting control values. When the change (determination) of the shooting control values ​​for shooting the first still image is completed, the process proceeds to S104.

[0028] In S104, the CPU 104 controls the image sensor 101 and the shutter 102 based on the shooting control values ​​determined in S103, and performs still image shooting (recording).

[0029] In S105, the CPU 104 checks whether the user is continuing the shooting operation. If the shooting operation is to be continued, the process proceeds to S106. If the shooting operation is not to be continued, the shooting is ended.

[0030] In S106, the CPU 104 acquires information on the frame rate for still image shooting as one of the shooting control values ​​from the current shooting settings, and proceeds to S107. Here, the shooting settings refer to information such as the shooting mode set in the camera body 100, and include information on the number of continuous shots (frame rate).

[0031] In S107, the CPU 104 acquires information on the number of images required for flicker detection drive between frames and the type of flicker detection drive by referring to the frame-to-frame flicker detection drive pattern determination table as shown in FIG. 3 according to the information on the frame speed acquired in S106. For example, when the frame speed is set to 30 fps as the high-speed drive mode, the number of images during flicker detection drive is three, and the type of flicker detection drive is one. Also, when the frame speed is set to 3 fps as the low-speed drive mode, the number of images during flicker detection drive is ten, and the type of flicker detection drive is three. Here, it is known that the more images during flicker detection drive, the higher the flicker detection performance. Therefore, when the set frame interval is long, the CPU 104 controls to increase the number of images during flicker detection drive in order to improve the flicker detection performance. For example, when three types of flicker detection drive are performed at once between frames, the flicker frequency is identified between frames, and the next still image is shot according to the flicker frequency. In addition, when one or two types of flicker detection drive are performed between frames, the flicker detection process is divided, so the flicker detection result from the previous frame or two frames before is also used to identify the flicker frequency, and the next still image is shot according to the flicker frequency.

[0032] The flow from S108 to S110 will be described with reference to the flicker detection sequence according to the frame speed in FIG.

[0033] In S108, the CPU 104 performs flicker detection processing based on the inter-frame detection drive pattern determined in S107.

[0034] For example, when the frame speed is 30 fps, there is only one type of flicker detection drive between frames, so a sequence is executed to detect flicker by dividing it between multiple frames as shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0035] The processing for each frame for shooting the Nth still image will be described with reference to (a) of Fig. 4. First, the CPU 104 acquires three images with a flicker detection drive of 159 fps after shooting the N-3th still image, and analyzes the flicker frequency. Next, after shooting the N-2th still image, it acquires three images with a flicker detection drive of 200 fps, and analyzes the flicker frequency. Next, after shooting the N-1th still image, it acquires three images with a flicker detection drive of 252 fps, and analyzes the flicker frequency. When the analysis results of the flicker frequency for the three types of flicker detection drives are obtained, the flicker frequency for shooting the Nth still image is determined.

[0036] In other words, different flicker detection driving is executed between the frame after the N-3th still image is shot and the frame after the N-2th still image is shot, between the frame after the N-2th still image is shot and the frame after the N-1th still image is shot, and between the frame after the N-1th still image is shot and the frame after the N-1th still image is shot and the Nth still image.

[0037] Furthermore, when the frame speed is set to 3 fps, there are three types of flicker detection drive between frames, resulting in a sequence in which flicker is detected continuously (all at once) between one frame as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0038] The processing for each frame for shooting the Nth still image will be described with reference to Fig. 4(b). First, after shooting the (N-1)th still image, 10 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 159 fps and the flicker frequency is analyzed. Next, 10 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 200 fps and the flicker frequency is analyzed. Next, 10 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 252 fps and the flicker frequency is analyzed. When the analysis results for the three types of flicker detection drive are available, the flicker frequency for shooting the Nth still image is determined.

[0039] That is, the three types of flicker detection driving required in this embodiment are performed continuously (all at once) between the frames after shooting the (N-1)th still image and the Nth still image.

[0040] In the above example where the frame rates are 30 fps and 3 fps, the flicker drive sequence is 159 fps, 200 fps, and 252 fps, but the sequence of the imaging cycles may be changed. Also, the frequencies used for the flicker detection drive are not limited to these.

[0041] In S109, the CPU 104 performs the same process as in S103, and changes the shooting control values ​​for shooting the second still image.

[0042] In S110, the CPU 104 controls the image sensor 101 and the shutter 102 in the same manner as in S104, and captures (records) a still image.

[0043] As described above, when the shooting setting is a frame speed faster than a predetermined value (above the predetermined value), the type of flicker detection drive and the number of images are limited, and shooting can be performed with reduced flicker even at a high frame speed, by using the flowchart shown in Fig. 2. Also, when the shooting setting is a frame speed slower than the predetermined value, the type of flicker detection drive and the number of images are increased, thereby improving the flicker detection accuracy while maintaining the frame speed set by the user.

[0044] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by changing the type of flicker detection drive performed between frames and the number of images used for flicker detection depending on the shooting settings, it is possible to maintain the frame speed and reduce flicker at the same time.

[0045] <Second embodiment> Next, high frequency flicker-free shooting in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. However, since the processes from S101 to S110 in Fig. 2 are the same as those in Fig. 2 of the first embodiment, their description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the processes from S201 to S202 are further added after S106.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the CPU 104 checks (acquires) information on the frame rate of still images from the current shooting settings (drive mode and continuous shooting speed) in S106 in Fig. 2. However, the actual frame rate may be slower than the frame rate set by the user due to factors such as the slower update rate of the live view caused by other shooting settings or external light, or the aperture moving to track the exposure.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, the process proceeds to S201 after S106, and the CPU 104 checks the shooting control time required when shooting at a shooting interval based on the frame rate acquired in S106. The shooting control time here refers to the integrated time of each control to be performed until the next shooting, such as the update time of the live view, the time required to detect the subject, and the driving time of the aperture and focus lens. Note that the elements that make up the shooting control time are not limited to the above items, and are acquired by the CPU 104 according to the shooting control required.

[0048] In S202, the CPU 104 compares the shooting interval time based on the shooting setting frame speed confirmed in S106 with the shooting control time confirmed in S201, and sets the longer time as the shooting frame speed.

[0049] In step S107, the CPU 104 refers to the inter-frame flicker detection drive pattern decision table in FIG. 3 to obtain the number of images and the type of flicker detection drive during inter-frame flicker detection drive according to the frame speed decided in step S202.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, when the actual frame speed becomes slower than the set frame speed, the flicker detection drive pattern is changed, thereby improving the flicker detection accuracy in a situation corresponding to the actual frame speed.

[0051] <Third embodiment> Next, anti-flicker shooting in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. However, since the processes from steps S101 to S110 in Fig. 2 are the same as those in Fig. 2 of the first embodiment, their description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the processes related to S301 and S302 after branching are further added after S108.

[0052] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, three types of flicker detection drive (drive corresponding to three frequencies) have been described in order to detect high-frequency flicker. Note that it is possible to increase the number of types of flicker detection drive beyond three depending on the range of frequencies to be detected. In this embodiment, a low-frequency flicker detection drive (600 fps) for detecting low-frequency flicker of 100 Hz or 120 Hz is added in addition to the high-frequency flicker, making a total of four types.

[0053] In step S107, the CPU 104 refers to the inter-frame flicker detection drive pattern decision table of FIG. 7 to obtain the number of images and the type of flicker detection drive during inter-frame flicker detection drive according to the frame speed.

[0054] Next, in step S108, the CPU 104 performs flicker detection processing based on the inter-frame detection drive pattern determined in step S107.

[0055] As shown in the sequences of FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the flicker detection drive for detecting high-frequency flicker and the flicker detection drive for detecting low-frequency flicker are performed during exposure of a still image.

[0056] For example, when the frame speed is 20 fps, since there are two types of flicker detection drive between frames, a sequence is executed to detect flicker by dividing it between multiple frames as shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0057] The processing for each frame for the Nth still image shooting will be described with reference to Fig. 8(a). First, the CPU 104 acquires three images at flicker detection drive 159 fps and six images at flicker detection drive 600 fps after the N-3th still image shooting, and analyzes the flicker frequency. Next, after the N-2th still image shooting, it acquires three images at flicker detection drive 200 fps and six images at flicker detection drive 600 fps, and analyzes the flicker frequency. Next, after the N-1th still image shooting, it acquires three images at flicker detection drive 252 fps and six images at flicker detection drive 600 fps, and analyzes the flicker frequency. When the analysis results of the flicker frequency for the four types of flicker detection drives are obtained, the flicker frequency for the Nth still image shooting is determined.

[0058] That is, one of the three types of high frequency flicker detection drive and low frequency flicker detection drive are executed between the frames after the N-3th still image is shot and the N-2th still image is shot. Then, between the frames after the N-2th still image is shot and the N-1st still image, one of the three types of high frequency flicker detection drive that have not yet been executed and low frequency flicker detection drive are executed. Then, between the frames after the N-1th still image is shot and the Nth still image, the remaining high frequency flicker detection drive and low frequency flicker detection drive are executed.

[0059] Furthermore, when the frame speed is set to 3 fps, there are four types of flicker detection drive between frames, resulting in a sequence in which flicker is continuously detected between one frame as shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0060] The processing for each frame for shooting the Nth still image will be described with reference to FIG. 8(b). First, after shooting the (N-1)th still image, 10 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 159 fps, and the flicker frequency is analyzed. Next, 10 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 200 fps, and the flicker frequency is analyzed. Next, 10 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 252 fps, and the flicker frequency is analyzed. Next, 6 images are acquired with a flicker detection drive of 600 fps, and the flicker frequency is analyzed. When the analysis results for the four types of flicker detection drives are available, the flicker frequency for shooting the Nth still image is determined.

[0061] That is, in the period from after shooting the (N-1)th still image to shooting the Nth still image, three types of high-frequency flicker detection driving and low-frequency flicker detection driving are performed continuously (all at once).

[0062] In the above example where the frame rates are 20 fps and 3 fps, the flicker drive sequence is 159 fps, 200 fps, and 252 fps, but the sequence of the imaging cycles may be changed. Also, the frequencies used for the flicker detection drive are not limited to these.

[0063] In step S301, the CPU 104 determines whether or not there is 100 Hz or 120 Hz flicker based on the result of the inter-frame flicker detection process in step S108. If there is no 100 Hz or 120 Hz flicker, the process proceeds to step S109. If there is 100 Hz or 120 Hz flicker, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0064] In step S302, the CPU 104 controls the image sensor 101 and the shutter 102 to perform still image exposure at a timing that coincides with the peak timing of the flicker. Then, still image shooting is performed in accordance with the peak of the flicker so that variations in exposure and color temperature do not occur among multiple images.

[0065] As described above, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, even if the detection range of the flicker frequency is wide, shooting with reduced flicker can be performed by increasing the number of types of flicker detection driving.

[0066] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the control during continuous shooting of still images has been described, but the control may be applied to control during video shooting. In that case, the continuous shooting speed is replaced with the frame rate for control, and the exposure of the still images becomes the exposure of the images of each frame of the video.

[0067] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0068] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100 Camera body 101 Image sensor 102 Display unit 103 CPU 200 Photographic Lenses 201 Focusing Lens 202 Aperture 203 LPU

Claims

1. An imaging element; A setting means for setting a shooting control value; A control means for controlling the driving of the imaging element; a flicker detection means for detecting flicker based on a signal output from the imaging element; having the control means controls the imaging element to be driven at n different frame rates, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 3, when a signal for detecting flicker is output from the imaging element; The control means performs a first control in which the detection process is divided and performed at the n different frame rates over a plurality of frames of imaging in which the imaging element acquires images for recording; or a second control for performing detection processing at the n different frame rates between frames of imaging in which the imaging element acquires images for recording, in accordance with the shooting control value; The imaging device, wherein the flicker detection means detects flicker based on a flicker detection signal obtained for each of the n frame rates.

2. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing control values ​​include information about a frame rate at which the image pickup element captures an image for recording.

3. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means controls said image pickup element in said first control mode when said frame speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

4. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means changes the shooting control value based on the detected flicker.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the n different frame rates is a frame rate used for detecting high frequency flicker.

6. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the n different frame rates is a frame rate set for detecting flicker of 100 Hz or 120 Hz.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the control means executes the first control, the image sensor is controlled so that a detection process at a frame rate set for detecting flicker of 100 Hz or 120 Hz among the n different frame rates is always performed between each of the multiple frames.

8. a setting step in which a setting means sets a shooting control value; a control step in which a control means controls driving of the imaging element; a flicker detection step in which a flicker detection means detects flicker based on a signal output from the imaging element; having In the control step, when a signal for detecting flicker is output from the image sensor, the control means controls the image sensor to be driven at n different frame rates, the n being a natural number equal to or greater than 3; In the control step, a first control is executed in which detection processing is divided and performed at the n different frame rates over a plurality of frames of imaging in which the imaging element acquires an image for recording, or a second control is executed in which detection processing is performed at the n different frame rates over a plurality of frames of imaging in which the imaging element acquires an image for recording, in accordance with the shooting control value; The method for controlling an imaging apparatus, wherein in the flicker detection step, the flicker detection means detects flicker based on a flicker detection signal acquired for each of the n frame rates.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.

Images