Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To shorten a display switching time between a plurality of display devices, while reducing power consumption.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes imaging means for photographing an image, first display means, second display means, control means for performing display control to the first display means and the second display means, and detection means for detecting the approach of an object to the second display means. The control means displays the image photographed by the imaging means on the second display means and performs power saving control of the first display means by at least one of display of a black image and drive in a sleep mode, while the approach of the object to the second display means is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium, and more particularly to control of display switching among a plurality of display devices mounted in the imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the advancement of digital cameras, optical viewfinders are increasingly being replaced by electronic viewfinders, and as a result, it is becoming common for a single camera to be equipped with multiple display devices, such as a rear monitor and an electronic viewfinder.

[0003] In such imaging devices, the rear monitor and the electronic viewfinder are switched to display an image on one of them. However, when switching between multiple display devices, there is a problem that it takes time to complete the display switching due to the time constraints of powering up the display devices and the start-up sequence.

[0004] In response to the above-mentioned problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for shortening the display switching time by powering on a display device in advance when a predetermined movement of an imaging device is detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-12349 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 only reduces the power-on time out of the time it takes to switch displays, and does not reduce the time it takes for the start-up sequence, such as the initial settings of the display control unit and the display device. However, having multiple devices turned on all the time increases power consumption.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to reduce the time required for switching displays between a plurality of display devices while reducing power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the imaging device of the present invention has an imaging means for capturing an image, a first display means, a second display means, a control means for controlling display on the first display means and the second display means, and a detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to the second display means, and the control means displays an image captured by the imaging means on the second display means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is detected, and controls the first display means to save power by at least one of displaying a black image and operating in a sleep mode. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for switching displays between a plurality of display devices while reducing power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 5 is a flowchart showing display control according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a timing chart showing timing of display control according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing display control according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10 is a flowchart showing display control according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5B] 10 is a flowchart showing display control according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing display control according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image capturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 101 is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the imaging device 100, and is configured with at least one processor. The control unit 101 reads out a program for controlling the imaging device 100 from a memory unit 106 (described later), and loads a part of the program into a system memory unit 108 (described later), thereby controlling the entire imaging device 100. The control unit 101 also has a counter (not shown) and is capable of measuring time.

[0013] The power supply control unit 102 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a protection circuit, a DC-DC converter, an LDO regulator, etc. The power supply control unit 102 converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 103 into a required voltage and supplies it to each electronic device used in the imaging device 100. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 102 has a function of detecting whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, and a function of protecting a load circuit connected to the power supply control unit 102 by cutting off the power supply when an overcurrent is detected. Also, the power supply control unit 102 has a power detection circuit capable of detecting the amount of power supplied to each unit in the imaging device 100.

[0014] The power supply unit 103 is composed of secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, Li batteries, etc., an AC adapter, etc. Furthermore, it has a function of acquiring the remaining battery power, and is capable of communicating with the control unit 101 and notifying the acquired remaining battery power.

[0015] The operation unit 104 has operation members for inputting various operation instructions to the control unit 101. These operation units 104 are configured with any one of a switch, a dial, a touch panel, a voice recognition device, etc., or a combination of these. A release button, which is one of the operation units 104, is configured with a two-stage switch of a first release switch and a second release switch. When the first release switch is pressed by a first-stage pressing operation, a first operation instruction is output to the control unit 101, and when the second release switch is pressed by a second-stage pressing operation, a second operation instruction is output to the control unit 101.

[0016] The imaging unit 105 is configured with an imaging element such as a CMOS, a CCD, etc. The imaging unit 105 executes imaging processing based on an instruction from the control unit 101, and transmits acquired captured image information to the control unit 101.

[0017] The memory unit 106 includes an electrically erasable and storeable non-volatile memory, is composed of a ROM, etc., and stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the control unit 101. The programs referred to here include programs for executing the processes of various flowcharts described later. The external recording unit 107 is a removable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, and records image data obtained by pre-capture shooting and main shooting. The system memory unit 108 is configured with a RAM and the like, and is used to expand the programs read from the memory unit 106 and constants, variables, and the like for the operation of the control unit 101. In addition, the system memory unit 108 temporarily holds images acquired by the imaging unit 105.

[0018] The rear monitor 109 is a display device made of an LCD, an organic EL device, or the like, and has a screen larger than the electronic viewfinder (EVF) 110. For example, there are monitors in which the monitor screen forms the outer surface of the imaging device 100, and monitors in which the monitor screen can be opened and closed. The rear monitor 109 can display a menu screen stored in an image display data area of ​​the system memory unit 108, image data recorded in the external recording unit 107, and the like, in response to an instruction from the control unit 101. Also, by sequentially displaying images captured by the imaging unit 105 as through images in real time, so-called live view (LV) display can be performed.

[0019] The EVF 110 is a display device made of an organic EL or the like, and is capable of displaying a menu screen stored in an image display data area of ​​the system memory unit 108, image data recorded in the external recording unit 107, and the like, in response to instructions from the control unit 101. Also, by sequentially displaying images captured by the imaging unit 105 as through images in real time, viewfinder shooting can also be performed in a mirrorless single-lens reflex camera.

[0020] The eye-contact detection unit 111 is a detection unit for detecting whether the photographer is looking through the viewfinder or has taken his / her face away from the viewfinder. For example, a proximity sensor such as an infrared sensor is used, and when it detects that there is an object within a predetermined distance, it notifies the control unit 101 of a detection signal. While the control unit 101 receives a detection signal from the eye-contact detection unit 111, it determines that the photographer is looking through the viewfinder, i.e., in an "eye-contact" state, and while it does not receive a detection signal, it determines that the photographer has taken his / her face away from the viewfinder, i.e., in an "eye-away" state.

[0021] The lens connection unit 112 is composed of a mechanism for attaching and detaching the lens unit 113, a communication terminal for controlling the driving of the focus lens and the aperture included in the lens unit 113, and the like.

[0022] The replaceable lens unit 113 is composed of an imaging lens (not shown) made up of a plurality of lenses, an aperture, a lens drive for focus adjustment, a control unit for driving the aperture, and the like.

[0023] <First embodiment> Next, display control of the imaging device 100 having the above-described configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. 2 is a flowchart showing display control according to the first embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 101 to be realized.

[0024] When the power of the imaging device 100 is turned on by the photographer in S200, processing is performed in S201 to turn on the rear monitor 109. The lighting processing includes starting the power supply to the rear monitor 109, communicating register initial settings, and the like. In S202, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. This allows the photographer to check the image captured by the imaging unit 105 in real time.

[0025] In S203, processing is performed to turn on the EVF 110. The processing includes starting the power supply to the EVF 110, communicating register initial settings, and the like. In S204, a black image is displayed (power saving control) on the EVF 110. An example of the display of a black image is shown below. A state in which an image signal that makes the entire display area black is sent to the display device. If the display device is a backlit device, the backlight is turned off. The entire area is displayed in black as an internal process of the display device.

[0026] By displaying a black image in this way, the lighting sequence of the EVF 110 can be completed while reducing the pixel power in the case of an organic EL display or the backlight power in the case of a backlit LCD panel.

[0027] The control unit 101 executes the process of S201 to S202 and the process of S203 to S204 in parallel.

[0028] Next, in S205, it is determined whether or not the eye is in contact with the eye, based on a detection signal from the eye contact detection unit 111. If the eye is in contact with the eye, the process proceeds to S206, and if the eye is not in contact with the eye (i.e., the eye is not in contact with the eye), the process proceeds to S213. In S213, it is determined whether or not the power of the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer. If the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S212. If the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S205 and the determination of whether or not the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state is repeated. On the other hand, in S206, a black image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. Then, in S207, a live view image is displayed on the EVF 110.

[0029] The control unit 101 executes the process of S206 and the process of S207 in parallel. As a result, the display destination of the live view image is changed from the rear monitor 109 to the EVF 110.

[0030] In S208, it is determined whether or not the eye is away from the camera based on a detection signal from the eye proximity detection unit 111. If the eye is away from the camera, the process proceeds to S209, and if the eye is not away from the camera (i.e., the eye proximity state continues), the process proceeds to S214. In S214, it is determined whether the power of the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer. If the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S212. If the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S208 and the determination of whether the eyes are away from the subject is repeated. Meanwhile, in S209, similar to S202, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. Then, in S210, similar to S204, a black image is displayed on the EVF 110.

[0031] The control unit 101 executes the process of S209 and the process of S210 in parallel, whereby the display destination of the live view image is changed from the EVF 110 to the rear monitor 109.

[0032] In S211, it is determined whether or not the power of the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer. If the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S212. If the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S205 and the determination of whether or not the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state is repeated.

[0033] In S212, processing is performed to turn off the rear monitor 109 and the EVF 110. The turn-off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the rear monitor 109 and the EVF 110, turning off the power, etc. This ends the display control of the imaging device 100.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the timing of display control according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3(a) shows a timing chart when conventional display control is performed for comparison with the control in this embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) shows a timing chart when display control based on the first embodiment is performed.

[0035] 3A, reference numeral 301 denotes a lighting sequence for the rear monitor 109. When the photographer turns on the power of the imaging device, the control unit 101 performs lighting processing for the rear monitor 109. 3A, an arrow 302 indicates the timing when the photographer brings the eye close to the EVF 110. In conventional display control, starting from the arrow 302, processing 303 for turning off the rear monitor 109 and processing 304 for turning on the EVF 110 are executed in parallel. An arrow 305 indicates the timing at which the lighting process 304 of the EVF 110 is completed. At this stage, the photographer can view a live view image through the EVF 110.

[0036] On the other hand, in Fig. 3(b), process 311 represents a lighting sequence for the rear monitor 109, and corresponds to the processes performed in S201 and S202 in Fig. 2. Also, process 312 represents a lighting sequence for the EVF 110, and corresponds to the processes performed in S203 and S204 in Fig. 2. Thus, in the display control of this embodiment, starting from the photographer turning on the power of the imaging device, the control unit 101 executes processes 311 and 322 in parallel.

[0037] An arrow 313 indicates the timing when the photographer brings the eye of the EVF 110 in the timing chart of Fig. 3(b). Starting from the timing of the arrow 313, the control unit 101 simultaneously performs process 314 of displaying a black image on the rear monitor 109 and process 315 of displaying an LV image on the EVF 110. Process 314 corresponds to the process performed in S206 in Fig. 2, and process 315 corresponds to the process performed in S207. Also, process 314 is sufficiently shorter than the light-off process 303 shown in Fig. 3(a), and process 315 is sufficiently shorter than the light-on process 304.

[0038] An arrow 316 indicates the timing at which process 315 for displaying an LV image on the EVF 110 is completed. At this stage, the photographer becomes able to view a live view image through the EVF 110. In this case, the timing at which process 315 for displaying an LV image on the EVF 110 by the control process of this embodiment is completed (arrow 316) is earlier than the timing at which process 304 for turning on the EVF 110 by the conventional control process is completed (arrow 305) by the time Tdiff.

[0039] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time required for display switching while reducing power consumption.

[0040] <Second embodiment> Next, a display control of the imaging device 100 having the above-described configuration according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing display control according to the second embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by being executed by the control unit 101. In addition, in the process shown in Fig. 4, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in Fig. 2, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] When it is determined in S208 that the eye is away from the subject, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109 in S209, and a black image is displayed on the EVF 110 in S210, the control unit 101 starts timing in S411.

[0042] In S412, the control unit 101 judges whether a predetermined time has passed since the photographer took his / her eye away. As an example, assuming a case where the photographer takes his / her eye away from the EVF 110, visually checks the subject, and then looks into the EVF 110 again, the predetermined time is set to, for example, about 3 seconds. If the predetermined time has not passed, the process transitions to S413 to judge whether the camera is in an eye-closed state, and if the camera is not in an eye-closed state, the process returns to S412 and repeats the above process. On the other hand, if the camera is judged to be in an eye-closed state in S413, the process transitions to S206 to display a black image on the rear monitor 109, and furthermore, in S207, a live view image is displayed on the EVF 110.

[0043] This keeps the EVF 110 driven to display a black image for a predetermined period of time after the photographer moves their eye away, allowing a live view image to be displayed on the EVF 110 without delay even if the photographer moves their eye away from the EVF 110 to check the composition with their naked eyes and then looks back into the EVF 110.

[0044] On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed in S412, the process transitions to S414, where processing to turn off the EVF 110 is performed, and the process proceeds to S415. The processing to turn off the EVF 110 includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the rear monitor 109, and stopping the power supply to the rear monitor 109. In S415, it is determined whether the camera is in an eye-closed state, and the determination in S415 is repeated until the camera is in an eye-closed state. If the camera is in an eye-closed state, the process transitions to S416, where processing to turn on the EVF 110 is performed, and the process transitions to S206.

[0045] In this way, by turning off the EVF 110 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the eye-away state, it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0046] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption and shorten the display switching time in a scene where the photographer repeatedly moves the eye closer and further away in a short period of time.

[0047] <Third embodiment> Next, a display control of the imaging device 100 having the above-described configuration according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing display control according to the third embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 101 to be realized.

[0048] In S500, when the power of the imaging device 100 is turned on by the photographer, in S501, it is determined whether or not the imaging device 100 is set to a live view (LV) mode for capturing still images. If it is set to the live view mode, the process transitions to S502, and if it is set to another mode (for example, MENU or playback mode), the process transitions to S520. In the live view mode, it is considered that the photographer wants to take a picture as soon as he or she looks into the EVF 110, so the display switching is speeded up. In other modes, since there is no intention to take a picture, the rear monitor 109 and the EVF 110 that are not being used are turned off, and reduction in power consumption is prioritized.

[0049] ● Control in Live View mode In S502, processing is performed to turn on the rear monitor 109. The turning on processing includes starting the power supply to the rear monitor 109, communicating register initial settings, and the like. In S503, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. This allows the photographer to check the imaging data obtained from the imaging unit 105 in real time.

[0050] In S504, processing is performed to turn on the EVF 110. The processing includes starting the power supply to the EVF 110, communicating register initial settings, and the like. In S505, a black image is displayed on the EVF 110. By displaying a black image, the lighting sequence of the EVF 110 can be completed while reducing pixel power in the case of an organic EL display or backlight power in the case of a backlight type LCD panel.

[0051] The control unit 101 executes the processes of S502 to S503 and S504 to S505 in parallel.

[0052] Next, in S506, it is determined again whether the imaging device 100 is set to the live view mode. If the mode has not been changed from the live view mode, the process transitions to S507, and if the setting has been changed to another mode (for example, MENU or playback mode), the process transitions to S516. In S516, a process of turning off the EVF 110 is performed. The turn-off process includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the EVF 110, stopping the supply of power to the EVF 110, etc. Then, the process transitions to S525.

[0053] On the other hand, in S507, it is determined whether or not the eye is in contact with the eye, based on the detection signal from the eye contact detection unit 111. If the eye is in contact with the eye, the process proceeds to S508, and if the eye is not in contact with the eye (i.e., the eye is not in contact with the eye), the process proceeds to S518. In S518, it is determined whether the power of the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer, and if the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S515, and if the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S506 and repeats the determination of whether the live view mode has been set. In S508, a black image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. Then, in S509, a live view image is displayed on the EVF 110.

[0054] Note that the control unit 101 executes the process of S508 and the process of S509 in parallel. As a result, the display destination of the live view image is changed from the rear monitor 109 to the EVF 110.

[0055] In S510, it is determined again whether the imaging device 100 is set to the live view mode. If the mode has not been changed from the live view mode, the process proceeds to S511, and if the mode has been changed to another mode (for example, MENU or playback mode), the process proceeds to S517.

[0056] In S517, processing is performed to turn off the rear monitor 109. The turn-off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the rear monitor 109, stopping the power supply to the rear monitor 109, etc. Then, the process proceeds to S532.

[0057] On the other hand, in S511, it is determined whether or not the eye is away from the camera based on the detection signal from the eye proximity detection unit 111. If the eye is away from the camera, the process proceeds to S512, and if the eye is not away from the camera (i.e., if the eye proximity state continues), the process proceeds to S519. In S519, it is determined whether the power of the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer. If the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S515. If the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S511 and the determination of whether the eyes are away from the subject is repeated. In S512, similar to S503, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. Then, in S513, similar to S505, a black image is displayed on the EVF 110.

[0058] Note that the control unit 101 executes the process of S512 and the process of S513 in parallel. As a result, the display destination of the live view image is changed from the EVF 110 to the rear monitor 109.

[0059] In S514, it is determined whether or not the power to the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer. If the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S515. If the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S506 and the determination of whether or not the live view mode has been set is repeated.

[0060] In S515, processing is performed to turn off the rear monitor 109 and the EVF 110. The turn-off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the rear monitor 109 and the EVF 110, turning off the power, etc. This ends the display control of the imaging device 100.

[0061] ● Control in modes other than Live View mode If it is determined in S501 that a mode other than the live view mode is set, then in S520 of Fig. 5B, lighting processing for the rear monitor 109 is performed in the same manner as in S502. The lighting processing includes starting the power supply to the rear monitor 109, communicating register initial settings, and the like. In S521, display is performed on the rear monitor 109. At this time, an image according to the set mode, such as MENU or playback, is displayed.

[0062] In S522, the mode of the imaging device 100 is determined again. If the mode has been changed to the live view mode, the process proceeds to S523, and if not, the process proceeds to S525. In S523, similar to S504, processing is performed to turn on the EVF 110. Subsequently, in S524, similar to S505, a black image is displayed on the EVF 110, and the process transitions to S507.

[0063] On the other hand, in S525, similarly to S507, it is detected whether or not the eye is in contact with the eye, based on the detection signal from the eye contact detection unit 111. If the eye is in contact with the eye, the process proceeds to S526, and if the eye is not in contact with the eye (i.e., the eye is not in contact with the eye), the process proceeds to S538. In S538, similarly to S518, it is determined whether or not the power has been turned off by the photographer, and if the power has been turned off, the process transitions to S537, and if the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S522 and repeats the determination of whether or not the live view mode has been set.

[0064] On the other hand, in S526, processing is performed to turn off the rear monitor 109. The turn-off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the rear monitor 109, stopping the power supply to the rear monitor 109, and the like.

[0065] In S527, similarly to S504, processing is performed to turn on the EVF 110. The processing includes starting the power supply to the EVF 110, communicating the register initial settings, and the like. Then, in S528, display is performed on the EVF 110. At this time, an image according to the set mode, such as MENU or playback, is displayed.

[0066] It should be noted that the control unit 101 executes the process of S526 and the processes of S527 and S528 in parallel.

[0067] In S529, the mode of the imaging apparatus 100 is determined again. If the mode has been changed to the live view mode, the process proceeds to S530, and if the setting has not been changed, the process proceeds to S532.

[0068] In S530, similarly to S502, the lighting process is performed for the rear monitor 109. The lighting process includes starting the power supply to the rear monitor 109, communicating the register initial settings, and the like. Then, in S531, a black image is displayed on the rear monitor 109 in the same manner as in S508.

[0069] In S532, similarly to S511, it is determined again whether or not the eye is away from the camera based on the detection signal from the eye proximity detection unit 111. If the eye is away from the camera, the process proceeds to S533, and if the eye is not away from the camera (i.e., if the camera is in an eye proximity state), the process proceeds to S539.

[0070] In S533, processing is performed to turn off the EVF 110. The turn-off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the EVF 110, stopping the supply of power to the EVF 110, and the like.

[0071] In S534, similarly to S502, the control unit 101 performs processing for turning on the rear monitor 109. The turning on processing includes starting the power supply to the rear monitor 109, communicating register initial settings, and the like. In S535, display is performed on the rear monitor 109. At this time, an image according to the set mode, such as MENU or playback, is displayed.

[0072] It should be noted that the control unit 101 executes the process of S533 and the processes of S534 and S535 in parallel.

[0073] In S539, similarly to S518, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the power of the imaging device 100 has been turned off by the photographer. If the power has been turned off, the process proceeds to S540. If the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S532.

[0074] In S536, similarly to S518, it is determined whether or not the photographer has turned off the power to the imaging device 100. If the power has been turned off, the process proceeds to S537, and if the power has not been turned off, the process returns to S522.

[0075] In S537, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the rear monitor 109. The turning off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the rear monitor 109, turning off the power, and the like. In S540, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the EVF 110. The turning off processing includes stopping the output of image signals, resetting the EVF 110, turning off the power, and the like.

[0076] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the imaging device 100 is in the live view mode, the display switching time can be shortened, and when in the other modes, priority can be given to reducing power consumption.

[0077] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a display control of the imaging device 100 having the above-described configuration according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing display control according to the fourth embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by being executed by the control unit 101. In the process shown in Fig. 6, the same processes as those in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] In S202, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109. In the next step S603, the EVF 110 is set to a sleep mode (power saving control). The sleep mode is a mode in which the EVF 110 is operated in a state where its power consumption is reduced compared to when it is normally turned on. Here, examples of the sleep mode include: - State where the clock for image signal input is reduced -Display brightness set to minimum Any combination of the above two states and the black display state described in the first embodiment In this way, by setting the EVF 110 to the sleep mode without turning it off, the EVF 110 can be turned on immediately when the photographer looks into it, making it possible to reduce the time it takes to switch displays.

[0080] The control unit 101 executes the process of S201 to S202 and the process of S603 in parallel.

[0081] In S205, if it is determined that the eye is in contact based on the detection signal from the eye contact detection unit 111, the process proceeds to S605, and if the eye is not in contact (that is, the eye is not in contact), the process proceeds to S213.

[0082] In S605, the rear monitor 109 is set to sleep mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which the rear monitor 109 is operated in a state in which its power consumption is reduced compared to when it is normally turned on. An example of the sleep mode is the same as the state of the EVF 110 described in the explanation of S603. Then, in S207, a live view image is displayed on the EVF 110.

[0083] Note that the control unit 101 executes steps S605 and S207 in parallel. As a result, the display destination of the live view image is changed from the rear monitor 109 to the EVF 110.

[0084] In S208, it is determined again whether the eye is away from the subject based on a detection signal from the eye proximity detection unit 111. If the eye is away from the subject, the process transitions to S608, and if the eye is not away from the subject (i.e., the eye proximity state continues), the process transitions to S214. In S608, the EVF 110 is set to sleep mode, as in S603. Then, in S209, a live view image is displayed on the rear monitor 109.

[0085] Note that the control unit 101 executes the process of S608 and the process of S209 in parallel. As a result, the display destination of the live view image is changed from the EVF 110 to the rear monitor 109.

[0086] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time required for display switching while limiting power consumption.

[0087] <Other embodiments> The present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device.

[0088] 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0089] <Summary> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0090] (Item 1) An imaging means for capturing an image; A first display means; A second display means; A control means for performing display control on the first display means and the second display means; a detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to the second display means, wherein the control means displays an image captured by the imaging means on the second display means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is detected, and controls the first display means to save power by at least one of displaying a black image and operating in a sleep mode. (Item 2) The imaging device described in item 1, characterized in that the control means displays an image captured by the imaging means on the first display means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is not detected, and performs the power saving control on the second display means. (Item 3) The imaging device described in item 1, characterized in that when proximity to the second display means is no longer detected after proximity to the second display means is detected, the control means performs the power saving control of the second display means for a predetermined time from when proximity to the second display means is no longer detected, and if proximity to the second display means is not detected by the predetermined time, the control means stops the supply of power to the second display means. (Item 4) a determination means for determining whether the display mode is set to one of a plurality of different modes including a first mode in which an image captured by the imaging means is displayed on the first display means or the second display means, The imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that when the imaging device is set to a mode other than the first mode, when proximity to the second display means is detected, the control means starts supplying power to the second display means to display a display and stops supplying power to the first display means, and when proximity to the second display means is no longer detected, starts supplying power to the first display means to display a display and stops supplying power to the second display means. (Item 5) The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the display of the black image is at least one of control of supplying an image signal indicating black to a display device, control of turning off a backlight of the display device, and control of displaying black as an internal process of the display device. (Item 6) The imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that in the sleep mode, at least one of control to reduce the clock for inputting an image signal and control to minimize the brightness of the display device is performed. (Item 7) 7. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the second display means is an electronic viewfinder, and the first display means has a larger screen size than the second display means. (Item 8) A method for controlling an imaging device having an imaging means for capturing an image, a first display means, and a second display means, comprising the steps of: a detection step in which a detection means detects proximity of an object to the second display means; a control step of controlling the second display means to display an image captured by the imaging means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is detected, and controlling the first display means to at least one of displaying a black image and being driven in a sleep mode by a control means; 13. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising: (Item 9) A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit of the imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 10) 10. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to item 9.

[0091] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100: imaging device, 101: control unit, 102: power supply control unit, 103: power supply unit, 104: operation unit, 106: memory unit, 108: system memory unit, 109: rear monitor, 110: electronic viewfinder, 111: eyepiece detection unit

Claims

1. An imaging means for capturing an image; A first display means; A second display means; a control means for controlling display of the first display means and the second display means; a detection means for detecting the proximity of an object to the second display means, an imaging device characterized in that the control means displays an image captured by the imaging means on the second display means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is detected, and controls the first display means to save power by at least one of displaying a black image and operating in a sleep mode.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays an image captured by the imaging means on the first display means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is not detected, and performs the power saving control on the second display means.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when proximity to the second display means is no longer detected after proximity to the second display means is detected, the control means performs the power saving control of the second display means for a predetermined time from when proximity to the second display means is no longer detected, and if proximity to the second display means is not detected by the predetermined time, the control means stops the supply of power to the second display means.

4. a determination unit that determines whether the display unit is set to one of a plurality of different modes including a first mode in which an image captured by the imaging unit is displayed on the first display unit or the second display unit, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when set to a mode other than the first mode, the control means, when proximity to the second display means is detected, starts supplying power to the second display means to display a picture and stops supplying power to the first display means, and, when proximity to the second display means is no longer detected, starts supplying power to the first display means to display a picture and stops supplying power to the second display means.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the display of the black image is at least one of control of supplying an image signal indicating black to a display device, control of turning off a backlight of the display device, and control of performing black display as an internal process of the display device.

6. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the sleep mode, at least one of control for reducing a clock for inputting an image signal and control for minimizing the luminance of a display device is performed.

7. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second display means is an electronic viewfinder, and the first display means has a screen size larger than that of the second display means.

8. A method for controlling an imaging device having an imaging unit for capturing an image, a first display unit, and a second display unit, comprising the steps of: a detection step in which a detection means detects proximity of an object to the second display means; a control step of controlling the second display means to display an image captured by the imaging means while the proximity of an object to the second display means is detected, and controlling the first display means to at least one of displaying a black image and being driven in a sleep mode by a control means; 13. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising:

9. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit 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