Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem in which, in an imaging apparatus having a camera for imaging a subject and a camera for imaging a photographer, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus increases when image information captured not only by the camera for imaging the subject but also by the camera for imaging the photographer is used.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes: proximity-detection means capable of detecting an approach of an object to a viewfinder; first imaging means for imaging a first subject; second imaging means for imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means; and control means for controlling the second imaging means to be in a driven state when the proximity-detection means does not detect the approach of the object. The control means controls driving of the second imaging means to stop when an operation is performed on an operation means by a photographer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some imaging devices such as digital cameras are provided with an imaging unit that captures an image of the photographer in addition to an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an image processing device that includes a camera (outer camera) on the subject side and a camera (inner camera) on the photographer side that can be pointed in a direction different from the outer camera. Patent Document 1 also describes an image processing device that uses brightness information and color information of an image captured by the inner camera when calculating the reliability of the scene in the image determined from the image captured by the outer camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-122942 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When using information on images captured by an in-camera as well as information on images captured by an out-camera, as in the image processing device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, both the out-camera and the in-camera are used, which may result in increased power consumption of the image processing device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to reduce the power consumption of an imaging device having a camera that captures an image of a subject and a camera that captures an image of a photographer, even when using information on images captured not only by the camera that captures an image of the subject but also by the camera that captures an image of the photographer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device of the present invention comprises an approach detection means capable of detecting the approach of an object to a viewfinder, a first imaging means for imaging a first subject, a second imaging means for imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means, and a control means for controlling the second imaging means to be in an operating state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means, and is characterized in that the control means controls the second imaging means to stop operating when the photographer operates the operating means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in an imaging device having a camera that captures an image of a subject and a camera that captures an image of a photographer, the power consumption of the imaging device can be reduced even when using not only information about images captured by the camera that captures an image of the subject but also information about images captured by the camera that captures an image of the photographer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of an in-camera unit 170 of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a menu / playback display control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <External view of digital camera 100> Fig. 1 is an external view of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment. Fig. 1(a) is a view showing the external shape of the digital camera 100 from the front, and Fig. 1(b) is a view showing the external shape of the digital camera 100 from the back.

[0011] Display unit is a display unit provided on the rear surface of digital camera 100, and displays images and various information. Touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of display unit .

[0012] The outside viewfinder display unit 43 is a display unit provided on the top surface of the digital camera 100, and displays various settings of the digital camera 100, including the shutter speed and aperture.

[0013] The shutter button 61 is an operating member for issuing instructions to prepare for photography and instructions to take a photograph. By pressing the shutter button 61 halfway, the brightness of the subject is measured and the camera is focused. By pressing the shutter button 61 all the way, the shutter is released and an image is taken.

[0014] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operation member that the photographer turns to set settings such as shutter speed and aperture, and to fine-tune the magnification in magnification mode. The power switch 72 is an operation member for switching the power supply from the power supply circuit on and off. When the power switch 72 is on, power is supplied to the digital camera 100.

[0015] The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operation member, and the photographer turns this sub electronic dial 73 to set settings such as aperture and exposure compensation, or to advance one image at a time while the image is displayed.

[0016] The multi-controller 74 is an operating member that can be operated in multiple directions, for example, to move the cursor between menu items, set the focus point that is the starting point for autofocus, and move the enlargement frame (enlarged area) when an enlarged image is displayed. The SET button 75 is a push button that is mainly used to confirm a selection.

[0017] The protect button 76 is an operating member for carrying out processes such as protection and rating on images stored on recording media inside or outside the digital camera 100 .

[0018] The delete button 77 is an operating member for issuing an instruction to delete an image stored in a recording medium inside or outside the digital camera 100. The enlarge button 78 is an operating member for receiving an operation to issue an instruction to transition to enlargement mode (an instruction to start enlargement mode) and an instruction to exit enlargement mode (an instruction to end enlargement mode) in the playback state.

[0019] The playback button 79 is an operating member for displaying on the display unit 28 images stored on a recording medium inside or outside the digital camera 100. The video button 80 is used to start or stop video shooting (recording). The AE lock button 81 is a push button, and pressing the AE lock button 81 in the shooting standby state can fix the exposure state.

[0020] The menu button 82 is an operating member for displaying various setting screens on the display unit 28. When the menu button 82 is pressed, a menu screen on which various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the multi-controller 74, and the SET button 75.

[0021] Grip section 90 is a holding section shaped to be easily gripped with the right hand when the photographer holds digital camera 100. With grip section 90 held between the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand to hold digital camera 100, shutter button 61 and main electronic dial 71 are positioned so that they can be operated with the index finger of the right hand.

[0022] Furthermore, the sub electronic dial 73 is located in a position that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand when the digital camera 100 is held by gripping the grip portion 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand. The shutter button 61, main electronic dial 71, multi-controller 74, AE lock button 81, and grip 90 are each located in duplicate so that the photographer can use them depending on the orientation of the digital camera 100. When holding the digital camera 100 horizontally to take a picture (horizontal orientation shooting), the photographer uses 171 (the area surrounded by a solid line frame), and when holding the digital camera 100 vertically to take a picture (vertical orientation shooting), the photographer uses 172 (the area surrounded by a dotted line frame). This allows the photographer to select an operating member that is easy to operate depending on how the digital camera 100 is held.

[0023] The eye proximity detection unit 57 and the in-camera unit 170 will be described later.

[0024] <Block diagram of digital camera 100> FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0025] Lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographic lens. Lens 103 is usually composed of multiple lenses, but for simplicity's sake, only one lens is shown in Figure 3. Communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal that enables lens unit 150 to communicate with digital camera 100, and communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal that enables digital camera 100 to communicate with lens unit 150.

[0026] The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens unit 150 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 by the internal lens system control circuit 4. The lens unit 150 also adjusts the focus by displacing the position of the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3 by the lens system control circuit 4.

[0027] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 under the control of the system control unit 50.

[0028] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging element (image sensor) configured with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 22 may have an imaging surface phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0029] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, color conversion, etc.) on data from the A / D converter 23 or data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the arithmetic results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This allows for TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, etc. to be performed. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL type AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the arithmetic results obtained.

[0030] The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15. Alternatively, the output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 and the EVF 29. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio.

[0031] The memory 32 also serves as a memory (video memory) for image display. The D / A converter 19 converts the image display data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28 or the EVF 29. The display image data written to the memory 32 in this way is displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29 via the D / A converter 19. The display unit 28 and the EVF 29 are each a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and perform display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 19. The digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 19, and the analog signal is sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29, thereby displaying the LV image.

[0032] The system control unit 50 is a control unit configured with at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 is both a processor and a circuit. The system control unit 50 executes programs recorded in nonvolatile memory 56 to realize each process of this embodiment, which will be described later. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, D / A converter 19, display unit 28, EVF 29, etc.

[0033] The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like into the system memory 52.

[0034] The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. Constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 50 are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The programs referred to here are programs for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0035] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0036] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video signals and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can also be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can also communicate with external devices via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including LV images) captured by the imaging unit 22 and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and various other information from external devices.

[0037] The orientation detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether an image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate and record the image. An acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used as the orientation detection unit 55. The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor of the orientation detection unit 55 can also be used to detect movement of the digital camera 100 (panning, tilting, lifting, whether the digital camera 100 is stationary, etc.).

[0038] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is a proximity detection sensor that detects an object approaching the eyepiece unit 16 of the eyepiece finder (hereinafter simply referred to as "finder"). When an object is detected approaching within a predetermined distance from the eyepiece unit 16 from a non-eyepiece state (non-approaching state), it is detected as having been placed in eye contact. When an object whose proximity was detected moves away from the eyepiece state (approaching state) by a predetermined distance or more, it is detected as having been taken away. The threshold for detecting eye contact and the threshold for detecting eye separation may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. Furthermore, after eye contact is detected, the eye is considered to remain in the eye contact state until eye separation is detected. After eye separation is detected, the eye is considered to remain in the non-eye contact state until eye contact is detected.

[0039] The eyepiece detection unit 57 can be, for example, an infrared proximity sensor, which can detect the approach of an object to the eyepiece 16 of the viewfinder that incorporates the EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light is emitted from a light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57, reflected by the object, and received by a light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of received infrared light can also be used to determine the distance the object has approached from the eyepiece 16 (eyepiece distance). Note that the infrared proximity sensor is one example of the eyepiece detection unit 57, and other sensors may be used for the eyepiece detection unit 57 as long as they can detect a state that can be considered as eye proximity.

[0040] The system control unit 50 switches between display (display state) and non-display (non-display state) on the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 depending on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. In this way, by displaying information on only one of the display unit 28 or the EVF 29, power consumption can be reduced compared to when information is always displayed on both the display unit 28 and the EVF 29. Details will be described later.

[0041] Various camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the outside viewfinder display 43 via an outside viewfinder display drive circuit 44 .

[0042] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between powered blocks, etc., and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each unit, including the recording medium 200. The power supply unit 30 is composed of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries or lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, or Li batteries, an AC adapter, etc.

[0043] The recording medium I / F 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 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0044] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that accepts operations from the photographer and is used to input various operational instructions to the system control unit 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 70 includes a shutter button 61, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, and other operation members 70b. The other operation members 70b include a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a multi-controller 74, a SET button 75, a protect button 76, and the like. The other operation members 70b further include an AE lock button 77, a magnification button 78, a playback button 79, a movie button 80, an AE lock button 81, a menu button 82, and the like.

[0045] The shutter button 61 includes a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is pressed halfway (a shooting preparation command) during operation, generating a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0046] The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (photographing instruction) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The second shutter switch signal SW2 causes the system control unit 50 to start a series of photographing processing operations, from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image to the recording medium 200 as an image file.

[0047] A mode selector switch (not shown) included in the operation unit 70 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 between still image capture mode, video capture mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the still image capture mode include auto capture mode, auto scene determination mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide capture settings for specific capture scenes. The mode selector switch allows the photographer to directly switch to one of these modes. Alternatively, after first switching to a list screen of capture modes with the mode selector switch, another operation member may be used to selectively switch to one of the displayed modes. Similarly, the video capture mode may also include multiple modes.

[0048] The touch panel 70a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 28 (the operation surface of the touch panel 70a). The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured so that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display on the display unit 28, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Input coordinates on the touch panel 70a correspond to display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the photographer to directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0049] The line-of-sight detection unit 160 is a block for detecting the line of sight of the photographer who has placed his / her eyepiece through the eyepiece unit 16 and, if so, at what position the photographer is looking. The line-of-sight detection unit 160 includes a dichroic mirror 162, an imaging lens 163, a line-of-sight detection sensor 164, an infrared light-emitting diode 166, and a line-of-sight detection circuit 165.

[0050] The infrared light emitting diode 166 is a light emitting element that irradiates the eyeball (eye) 161 of the photographer placed in the eyepiece 16 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 the infrared light and transmits visible light. The reflected infrared light, whose optical path has been changed, forms an image on the imaging surface of the line of sight detection sensor 164 via the imaging lens 163.

[0051] The imaging lens 163 is an optical component that constitutes the line-of-sight detection optical system. The line-of-sight detection sensor 164 is composed of an imaging device such as a CCD image sensor. The line-of-sight detection sensor 164 photoelectrically converts the incident reflected infrared light into an electrical signal and outputs it to the line-of-sight detection circuit 165. The line-of-sight detection circuit 165 includes at least one processor, and detects the line-of-sight position of the photographer from the image or movement of the photographer's eyeball (eye) 161 based on the output signal of the line-of-sight detection sensor 164, and outputs the detection information to the system control unit 50.

[0052] In this embodiment, the gaze detection unit 160 detects the gaze using a method called the corneal reflex method. The corneal reflex method detects the gaze direction and position based on the positional relationship between the pupil of the eyeball (eye) 161 and the light reflected from the infrared light emitted from the infrared light-emitting diode 166 and reflected by the cornea of ​​the eyeball (eye). There are various other methods for detecting the gaze direction and position, such as a method called the scleral reflex method, which utilizes the difference in light reflectance between the black and white of the eye. Note that other gaze detection methods may be used as long as they can detect the gaze direction and position. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit of the eyepiece detection unit 57 are described as being separate devices from the infrared light-emitting diode 166 and the gaze detection sensor 164. However, this is not limited to this. The infrared light-emitting diode 166 may also serve as the light-emitting unit of the eyepiece detection unit 57, and the gaze detection sensor 164 may also serve as the light-receiving unit.

[0053] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states based on the output from the line-of-sight detection unit 160. The line of sight of the photographer who has placed his / her eye on the eyepiece unit 16 is newly input (detected), i.e., the start of line of sight input. The photographer must have their eye placed in the eyepiece 16 and be receiving line-of-sight input. The photographer is gazing intently at the eyepiece 16. A state in which the gaze is not input (detected) because the photographer who has placed the eyepiece 16 closes their eyes, etc. In other words, the gaze input has ended.

[0054] The term "gazing" as used herein means that the photographer continues to look at approximately the same position for a certain period of time. For example, gazing is determined to be present when the photographer's gaze position does not exceed a predetermined amount of movement for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 0.5 seconds). The predetermined period of time may be set by the photographer, a fixed period of time, or may vary depending on the distance between the previous and current gaze positions. For example, the system control unit 50 determines that the photographer is gazing when the duration of the state in which the photographer's gaze is detected at approximately the same position (no gaze movement state) exceeds a predetermined period of time (threshold period) based on the detection information received from the gaze detection circuit 165. Furthermore, the system control unit 50 determines that the gaze is not moving when, for example, the average position of the gaze detection position over a short period of time (≦the aforementioned threshold period) including the most recent detection timing falls within a predetermined range and the variation (variance) is less than a predetermined value.

[0055] In-camera unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "in-camera") 170 is a camera unit arranged on the back surface of digital camera 100. In-camera 170 can capture an image of a subject through lens 173 arranged on the back surface of digital camera 100 and acquire the image data, and in this embodiment, is used to capture an image of the photographer. That is, imaging section 174 of in-camera 170 captures an image of a subject that is located in a different direction from imaging section 22 that captures an image through lens 103 arranged on the front surface of digital camera 100. Note that in this embodiment, it is not necessary to record the image captured by imaging section 174 of in-camera 170 on recording medium 200. It is also not necessary to display the image captured by imaging section 174 of in-camera 170 on display section 28 or EVF 29.

[0056] 2 is a diagram illustrating the placement of in-camera 170 of digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, an oval indicates the portion that will be covered by a finger or hand when operating digital camera 100 to prepare for shooting. As shown in FIG. 2, in-camera 170 is located at the bottom left, not far from the center of display unit 28, so that it is difficult to cover with a finger or hand when operating digital camera 100 to prepare for shooting.

[0057] Imaging unit 174 constituting in-camera 170 is an imaging element (image sensor) constituted by a CCD, CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. Imaging unit 174 may have an imaging surface phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to system control unit 50. A / D converter 175 converts the analog signal output from imaging unit 174 into a digital signal.

[0058] <Process to turn off the power of the in-camera> 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of turning off the power of the in-camera in the digital camera 100, which is an example of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. This process is realized by the system control unit 50 loading a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. This process is executed until the shooting mode is ended or the imaging device is powered off.

[0059] In S401, the system control unit 50 determines whether the power of the digital camera 100 is ON. If it is determined that the power of the digital camera 100 is ON, the process proceeds to S402; if not, the process of S401 is repeated.

[0060] In S402, the system control unit 50 controls the system timer 53 to start timer measurement.

[0061] In S403, the system control unit 50 turns on the EVF 29 and sets it to a display state (ON). First, it is assumed that the camera is in at least a shooting standby state, and information (such as an LV image) is displayed on the EVF 29, while the display unit 28 is in a non-display state and does not display any information.

[0062] In S404, the system control unit 50 sets the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor) to the driving state (ON).

[0063] In S405, the system control unit 50 turns on the line-of-sight detection unit 160 (line-of-sight detection sensor 164) and starts the process of detecting the line-of-sight position of the photographer whose eye is placed close to the finder.

[0064] In S406, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer's eye has been placed in the viewfinder. If it is determined that the photographer's eye has been placed in the viewfinder (Yes in S406), the process proceeds to S407; otherwise (No in S406), the process proceeds to S421. In this flowchart, the eye contact detection unit 57 (eye contact detection sensor) detects the eye contact with the viewfinder. However, the gaze detection unit 160 (gaze detection sensor 164) may also be used in addition to the eye contact detection unit 57 (eye contact detection sensor) to determine whether or not the eye contact with the viewfinder has been detected.

[0065] In S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether the photographer has operated the shooting operation members. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the shooting operation members (Yes in S407), the process proceeds to S408; otherwise (No in S407), the process proceeds to S414. Here, the shooting operation members are the operation members used when performing operations related to shooting, such as the shutter button 61, the AE lock button 77, and the magnification button 78, among the multiple operation members included in the operation unit 70.

[0066] In S408, the system control unit 50 executes a process corresponding to the shooting operation member whose operation has been detected. For example, if it is determined that the photographer has pressed the shutter button 61, the system control unit 50 executes a shooting process.

[0067] Alternatively, for example, if it is determined that the photographer has pressed the AE lock button 77, the exposure is fixed, and if it is determined that the photographer has pressed the enlarge button 78, the LV image is enlarged and displayed.

[0068] In S409, since the shooting operation member has been operated (Yes in S407), the system control unit 50 resets the timer measurement and controls the system timer 53 to start measuring the timer, thereby making it possible to measure the time during which no operation has been performed on the operation unit 70 (no-operation time).

[0069] In S410, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not placing the eye on the viewfinder has been detected. If it is determined that placing the eye on the viewfinder has been detected (Yes in S410), the process proceeds to S407; otherwise (No in S410), the process proceeds to S411.

[0070] In S411, the system control unit 50 determines whether a second predetermined time (for example, about one minute) has elapsed since the timer started counting in S402. If it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S411), the process proceeds to S412; otherwise (No in S411), the process proceeds to S407. Note that the timer starts counting in S402 when the power of the digital camera 100 is turned on, or the EVF is in an operational state (ON), or the eyepiece detection sensor is in an operational state (ON), or the gaze detection sensor is in an operational state (ON), or the last operation on the operation unit 70 is detected.

[0071] In S412, the system control unit 50 turns off the EVF 29, setting it to a non-display state (OFF). If a second predetermined time has elapsed without detecting the photographer placing his or her eye on the viewfinder or performing any operation on the operation unit 70, it is determined that the photographer is not using the EVF 29, and the EVF 29 is set to a non-display state (OFF). The display unit 28 also remains turned off, setting it to a non-display state (OFF). This allows the power consumption of the digital camera 100 to be reduced.

[0072] In S413, the system control unit 50 turns on the in-camera 170, starts image capturing processing using the in-camera 170, and proceeds to S431.

[0073] In S414, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member (Yes in S414), the system control unit 50 executes menu / playback display control processing; if not (No in S414), the system control unit 50 proceeds to S410. Here, the menu / playback operation member is an operation member that is used to perform operations related to menu / playback display, such as the playback button 79 and menu button 82, among the multiple operation members included in the operation unit 70. The menu / playback display control processing will be described later using the flowchart in FIG. 5.

[0074] In S421, the system control unit 50 stops (OFF) driving the gaze detection unit 160 (gaze detection sensor 164) and ends the gaze position detection process. If the system control unit 50 does not determine that the eye has been placed near the viewfinder, it determines that the photographer is not using the EVF 29 and stops driving the gaze detection unit 160, which detects the photographer's gaze at the EVF 29. This reduces the power consumption of the digital camera 100. After executing the process of S421, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S422.

[0075] In S422, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the operation unit 70. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the operation unit 70 (Yes in S422), the process proceeds to S424; otherwise (No in S422), the process proceeds to S423.

[0076] In S423, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has placed his / her eye on the viewfinder. If it is determined that the photographer has placed his / her eye on the viewfinder (Yes in S423), the process proceeds to S424; otherwise (No in S423), the process proceeds to S425.

[0077] In S425, the system control unit 50 determines whether the timer has measured a first predetermined time (e.g., about 7 seconds) or not. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S425), the process proceeds to S426; otherwise (No in S425), the process proceeds to S422.

[0078] In S426, the system control unit 50 turns off the EVF 29 and sets it to a non-display state (OFF). If a first predetermined time has passed without detecting that the photographer has placed his eye on the viewfinder or without operating the operation unit 70, it is determined that the photographer is not using the EVF 29, and the EVF 29 is set to a non-display state (OFF).

[0079] In S427, the system control unit 50 turns on the in-camera 170, starts image capturing processing using the in-camera 170, and proceeds to S431.

[0080] In S431, the system control unit 50 executes subject recognition processing on the image captured by the in-camera 170, and determines whether or not the face of the photographer has been detected from the captured image. If it is determined that the face of the photographer has been detected from the image captured by the in-camera 170 (Yes in S431), the process proceeds to S432; otherwise (No in S431), the process proceeds to S434.

[0081] In S431, system control unit 50 determines whether a person's face is present in the image captured by in-camera 170. The person captured by in-camera 170 is considered to be the photographer, and it is estimated whether the photographer is about to start capturing images. However, it may be determined whether the photographer's face has been detected based not only on the presence or absence of a person's face, but also on the position, orientation, and size of the face. For example, if a person's face is detected in the image captured by in-camera 170 and the position of the face is not higher or lower than the position of the face when looking at display unit 28, it is estimated that the person is about to start capturing images, and it is determined that the photographer has been detected (Yes in S431). On the other hand, even if a person's face is detected in the image captured by in-camera 170, if the position of the face is higher or lower than the position of the face when looking at display unit 28, it is estimated that the person is not about to start capturing images (No in S431).

[0082] Also, for example, if the face of the photographer is detected from an image captured by in-camera 170 and the size of the face is larger than the size of the face when looking at display unit 28, it is presumed that the person is about to start shooting and it is determined that the photographer has been detected (Yes in S431).On the other hand, if the size of the face is smaller than the size of the face when looking at display unit 28, it is presumed that the photographer is not about to start shooting and it is determined that the photographer has not been detected (No in S431).

[0083] Furthermore, for example, even if the face of the photographer is detected from an image captured by in-camera 170, if it is determined that the photographer is not looking at display unit 28 based on the photographer's line of sight estimated from the face, it is presumed that the photographer is about to start shooting (Yes in S431). On the other hand, if it is determined that the photographer is looking at display unit 28 based on the photographer's line of sight estimated from the face, it is presumed that the photographer is not about to start shooting, and it is determined that the photographer has not been detected (No in S431).

[0084] Also, for example, an image of the photographer's face is registered in advance, and the image is compared with the face of the person detected from the image captured by the in-camera 170. If the face is recognized as the same person, it is determined that the photographer has been detected (Yes in S431).

[0085] In this way, the position, size, and direction of the face (eye direction) of a person detected from an image captured by the in-camera 170 can improve the accuracy of estimating whether the photographer is about to start taking pictures.

[0086] In S432, the system control unit 50 stops driving the in-camera 170 (sets it to a non-driving state (OFF)) and stops the image capturing process by the in-camera 170. If the face of the photographer is detected (Yes in S431), the system control unit 50 sets the in-camera 170 to a non-driving state (OFF) because there is no need to continue the process for estimating whether the photographer is about to start capturing an image. This allows the power consumption of the digital camera 100 to be reduced.

[0087] In S433, the system control unit 50 turns on the EVF 29, sets it to a display state (ON), and proceeds to S422. Even when the eyepiece is not in contact with the camera, if a face is detected, information (such as an LV image) is displayed on the EVF 29, and information is not displayed on the display unit 28.

[0088] In this way, system control unit 50 estimates that the photographer is about to start shooting by detecting a face from the image captured by in-camera 170. When the photographer approaches the viewfinder to start shooting, that is, before the photographer places his or her eye on the viewfinder, EVF 29 is in a driven state (ON). Therefore, when the photographer places his or her eye on the viewfinder and looks at EVF 29, the LV image is already displayed, so the photographer will not miss a shutter opportunity.

[0089] In S434, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the operation members of group 1. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the operation members of group 1 (Yes in S434), the process proceeds to S435; otherwise (No in S434), the process proceeds to S441.

[0090] Here, the operation members of group 1 are the magnify button 78, playback button 79, etc., which are expected to be operated by the photographer without looking into the EVF 29. In other words, the operation members of group 1 refer to operation members that are located in positions that make it difficult for the photographer to operate them with their fingers when the photographer is holding the digital camera 100 and has their eye positioned near the viewfinder.

[0091] In S435, the system control unit 50 determines whether the photographer has operated any of the operation members of group 2. If it is determined that the photographer has operated any of the operation members of group 2 (Yes in S435), the process proceeds to S432; otherwise (No in S435), the process proceeds to S436.

[0092] Here, the operation members of group 2 are the shutter button 61 and the like that are expected to be operated by the photographer while looking through the EVF 29. In other words, the operation means of group 2 refer to operation members that are located in positions that are easily reachable by the photographer's fingers when the photographer is holding the digital camera 100 and has their eye positioned close to the viewfinder.

[0093] The following describes a case where the photographer operates an operation member of group 1 (Yes in S434) and then operates an operation member of group 2 (Yes in S435). For example, in manual focus (MF) mode, if the photographer operates magnify button 78 when manually focusing, the live view image (LV image) is enlarged and the photographer can accurately determine the position where he or she wants to focus. In this case, even if the LV image is being enlarged by operating magnify button 78, if the photographer operates shutter button 61, an image is taken. In this way, a case is assumed in MF mode where the photographer operates magnify button 78 and then operates shutter button 61.

[0094] In S436, the system control unit 50 stops driving the in-camera 170 (sets it to a non-driving state (OFF)).

[0095] In S437, the system control unit 50 determines whether a fifth predetermined time has elapsed since the in-camera 170 was put into a non-operating state in S436. If it is determined that the fifth predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S437), the process proceeds to S438; otherwise (No in S437), the process proceeds to S437. After the fifth predetermined time has elapsed, the in-camera 170 is put into an operating state (ON) to estimate the timing at which the photographer will start shooting. This makes it possible to turn on the EVF 29 before the photographer places his or her eye on the viewfinder. The fifth predetermined time can be changed by the photographer; for example, the predetermined time can be changed arbitrarily on a menu screen that is displayed by pressing the menu button 82.

[0096] In this flowchart, the timing for turning on the inner camera 170 is set when the fifth predetermined time has elapsed, but this is not limiting.

[0097] For example, this can be the case when an accessory is connected via communication unit 54 or when display unit 28 is in a hidden state. Display unit 28 is in a hidden state when the display destination is fixed to EVF 29 or when display unit 28 is in a closed position. Here, the closed position of display unit 28 refers to a state in which display unit 28 is folded so that the display surface does not face the rear side, as opposed to the state in which display unit 28 is folded so that the display surface faces the rear side of digital camera 100, which is opposite the subject side, as shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0098] In S438, the system control unit 50 turns on the in-camera 170, and the process proceeds to S431.

[0099] In S441, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not placing the eye on the viewfinder has been detected. If it is determined that placing the eye on the viewfinder has been detected (Yes in S441), the process proceeds to S435; otherwise (No in S441), the process proceeds to S442.

[0100] In S442, the system control unit 50 determines whether the time measured by the timer has passed a second predetermined time (for example, about 1 minute), and if so (Yes in S442), proceeds to S443; if not (No in S442), proceeds to S431.

[0101] In S443, the system controller 50 deactivates (turns off) the eye proximity detector 57 (eye proximity detection sensor). If the second predetermined time has elapsed without the system controller 50 determining that the photographer has placed his or her eye on the viewfinder, the system controller 50 determines that the photographer is not using the EVF 29, and deactivates (turns off) the eye proximity detection sensor. This allows the power consumption of the digital camera 100 to be further reduced.

[0102] In S444, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the operation unit 70. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the operation unit 70 (Yes in S444), the process proceeds to S445; otherwise (No in S444), the process proceeds to S451.

[0103] In S445, the system control unit 50 turns on the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor), and then proceeds to S435.

[0104] In S451, the system control unit 50 determines whether the time measured by the timer has passed a third predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes). If it is determined that the third predetermined time has passed (Yes in S451), the process proceeds to S452; otherwise (No in S451), the process proceeds to S431. Here, the value of the third predetermined time is greater than the values ​​of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time.

[0105] In S452, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the digital camera 100 is set to the auto power off mode. If it is determined that the digital camera 100 is set to the auto power off mode (Yes in S452), the process proceeds to S456; otherwise (No in S452), the process proceeds to S453.

[0106] In S453, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has pressed the power button. If the system control unit 50 determines that the photographer has pressed the power button (Yes in S453), the process proceeds to S456; otherwise (No in S453), the process proceeds to S454.

[0107] In S454, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the operation unit 70. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the operation unit 70 (Yes in S454), the process proceeds to S435; otherwise (No in S454), the process proceeds to S455.

[0108] In S455, similarly to S431, system control unit 50 executes subject recognition processing on the image captured by in-camera 170, and determines whether the photographer's face has been detected from the captured image. If it is determined that the photographer's face has been detected from the image captured by in-camera 170 (Yes in S455), the process proceeds to S435; otherwise (No in S455), the process proceeds to S453.

[0109] In S456, the system control unit 50 executes control to turn off the power of the digital camera 100, such as deactivating the in-camera 170, deactivating the eye proximity detection sensor, and controlling the system timer 53 to reset the timer measurement, and then ends this process.

[0110] In this way, if an operation member that is expected to be operated without looking into the EVF 29 is operated, it is conceivable that the photographer will continue to perform the operation without looking into the EVF 29. During this time, there is no need to estimate the timing when the photographer will start shooting, so in-camera 170 is put into a non-driven state (OFF), and power consumption of digital camera 100 is reduced.

[0111] However, after the fifth predetermined time has elapsed since the inner camera 170 was put into the non-operating state, the inner camera 170 is put into the operating state (ON) to estimate the timing when the photographer will start shooting. This makes it possible to turn on the EVF 29 before the photographer places his / her eye on the viewfinder.

[0112] If it is determined in S434 that the photographer has operated the operation members of group 1 (Yes in S434), the driving of in-camera 170 may be immediately stopped (set to a non-driven state (OFF)) and the image capturing process by in-camera 170 may be stopped. For example, if playback button 79 is operated, it is estimated that the photographer will not start capturing images for a while, so in-camera 170 may be set to a non-driven state (OFF), and the power consumption of digital camera 100 may be reduced.

[0113] <Menu / playback display control processing> FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the menu / playback display control process according to this embodiment.

[0114] In S501, since the menu / playback operation member has been operated (Yes in S418), the system control unit 50 resets the timer measurement and controls the system timer 53 to start measuring the timer. This makes it possible to measure the time during which no operation is performed on the operation unit 70 (no-operation time).

[0115] In S502, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not placing the eye on the viewfinder has been detected. If it is determined that placing the eye on the viewfinder has been detected (Yes in S502), the process proceeds to S521; otherwise (No in S502), the process proceeds to S503.

[0116] In S503, the system control unit 50 turns off the EVF 29 to set it in a non-display state (OFF), and the process proceeds to S504.

[0117] In S504, the system control unit 50 stops (turns off) driving of the line-of-sight detection unit 160 (line-of-sight detection sensor 164), and proceeds to S505.

[0118] In S505, the system control unit 50 turns on the display unit 28 (denoted as "TFT" in the flowchart of FIG. 5) to bring it into a display state (ON), and the process proceeds to S506.

[0119] In S506, the system control unit 50 executes a display control process to display the menu / playback screen on the display unit 28, and then the process proceeds to S508.

[0120] In S508, the system control unit 50 determines whether the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member (Yes in S508), the process proceeds to S509; otherwise (No in S508), the process proceeds to S514. Here, the menu / playback operation member is an operation member, among the multiple operation members included in the operation unit 70, that is used when performing operations related to the menu / playback, such as the multi-controller 74 or the touch panel 70a.

[0121] In S509, the system control unit 50 executes processing corresponding to the type of menu / playback operation member operated by the photographer.

[0122] For example, if the system control unit 50 determines that the multi-controller 74 or an operation means equivalent to an independent up, down, left, or right button has been pressed, it moves the cursor to the menu item to be selected on the menu / playback screen. If the system control unit 50 determines that the SET button 75 has been pressed to confirm the selection of a menu item by the photographer, it confirms the selected menu item.

[0123] In S510, since the menu / playback operation member has been operated (Yes in S508), the system control unit 50 resets the timer measurement and controls the system timer 53 to start measuring the timer. This makes it possible to measure the time during which no operation is performed on the operation unit 70 (no-operation time).

[0124] In S512, the system control unit 50 determines whether a fourth predetermined time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed since the timer started counting. If it is determined that the fourth predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S512), the process proceeds to S513; otherwise (No in S512), the process proceeds to S508.

[0125] In S513, the system control unit 50 turns off the display unit 28 to bring it into a display state (OFF), and proceeds to S431.

[0126] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the fourth predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the menu / playback related operations have ended, and the process proceeds to S513. This makes it possible to turn off the display unit 28 and automatically end the menu / playback display control process, thereby reducing the power consumption of the digital camera 100.

[0127] In S514, the system control unit 50 determines whether an operation has been performed to instruct the end of the menu / playback display control process. Specifically, it determines whether the photographer has pressed the menu button 82. If it is determined that the menu button 82 has been pressed (Yes in S514), the process proceeds to S515; otherwise (No in S514), the process proceeds to S511.

[0128] In S515, the system control unit 50 turns off the display unit 28 to put it in a non-display state (OFF), and ends the menu / playback display control process. Then, in S517, the system control unit 50 turns on the EVF 29 to put it in a display state (ON), and in S518, puts the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor) in a driving state (ON), and proceeds to S407.

[0129] In S521, the system control unit 50 executes a display control process to display a menu / playback screen on the EVF 29, and then the process proceeds to S522.

[0130] In S522, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member (Yes in S522), the process proceeds to S523; otherwise (No in S522), the process proceeds to S531.

[0131] In S523, the system control unit 50 executes the process corresponding to the type of menu / playback operation member operated by the photographer, similar to S509.

[0132] In S524, since the menu / playback operation member has been operated (Yes in S522), the system control unit 50 controls the system timer 53 to reset the timer measurement and start the timer measurement, similarly to S510.

[0133] In S525, the system control unit 50 determines whether the gaze position has been detected. If it is determined that the gaze position has been detected (Yes in S525), the process proceeds to S522, and if not (No in S525), the process proceeds to S526.

[0134] In S526, the system control unit 50 determines whether a fourth predetermined time (e.g., about 30 seconds) has elapsed since the timer started measuring, as in S512. If it is determined that the fourth predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S526), ​​the process proceeds to S527; otherwise (No in S526), ​​the process proceeds to S522.

[0135] In S527, the system control unit 50 turns off the EVF 29 to set it in a non-display state (OFF), ends the menu / playback display control process, and proceeds to S528.

[0136] Then, in S528, the system control unit 50 stops driving (OFF) the line-of-sight detection unit 160 (line-of-sight detection sensor 164), and in S529, it stops driving (OFF) the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor). Then, in S530, it turns on the in-camera 170, and proceeds to S431.

[0137] As described above, in this embodiment, if the fourth predetermined time has elapsed without detecting the gaze position, it is determined that the menu / playback operations have ended, and the process proceeds to S527. This makes it possible to automatically end the menu / playback display control process and turn off the EVF 29 when, for example, the photographer is wearing digital camera 100 around their neck and is not touching or looking at digital camera 100. This also makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of digital camera 100.

[0138] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, even if the in-camera 170 is set to an operating state in order to estimate the timing when the photographer will start taking pictures before the photographer places his / her eye on the viewfinder, if the photographer operates an operating member that is operated without looking into the EVF, the in-camera 170 is set to a non-operating state.

[0139] In the second embodiment, the condition for putting in-camera 170 into the non-driven state is not only that an operation means that can be operated without looking into the EVF is operated, but also that in-camera 170 is put into the non-driven state even if an operation means that can be operated without looking into the EVF is not operated and an operation member that matches the photographer's operating posture of the camera is not operated.

[0140] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 100, which is an example of an image capturing apparatus. The processes other than S439 and S440 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0141] In S439, if no operation is performed on the operation members of group 1 (operation members that are operated without looking into the EVF) in S434, the system control unit 50 acquires the operating posture of the digital camera 100 of the photographer.

[0142] In S440, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the photographing operation member that matches the photographer's operating posture of the digital camera 100.

[0143] Specifically, first, the system control unit 50 determines whether the digital camera 100 is in a landscape or portrait orientation when taking a photograph, based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55. Fig. 1 shows the digital camera 100 in a normal orientation (landscape orientation). When the digital camera 100 is rotated 90 degrees from the landscape orientation in Fig. 1, it becomes a portrait orientation (portrait orientation).

[0144] Next, it is determined whether or not an operation member is being operated that matches the operating orientation of digital camera 100. When digital camera 100 is being used for photographing in the landscape orientation, if operation member 171 for landscape orientation photographing is being operated, the process proceeds to S441; otherwise, the process proceeds to S435.

[0145] Also, when digital camera 100 is operated in the portrait orientation, if operation member 172 for portrait orientation photography is operated, the process proceeds to S441, and if not, the process proceeds to S435.

[0146] Here, the operation members 171 for horizontal position shooting include the shutter button 61, main electronic dial 71, grip 90, multi-controller 74, and AE lock button 81. The operation members 172 for vertical position shooting include the shutter button 61, main electronic dial 71, grip 90, multi-controller 74, and AE lock button 81.

[0147] In this way, for example, when digital camera 100 is held in the horizontal position (or the vertical position), if an operation member for shooting in the vertical position (or the horizontal position) is operated, it is conceivable that the photographer is continuing an operation that is not related to shooting. During this time, there is little need for the photographer to estimate the timing to start shooting, so by putting in-camera 170 in a non-driving state, the power consumption of digital camera 100 is reduced.

[0148] Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment can put the in-camera 170 into a non-operating state in more cases, and therefore can reduce the power consumption of the digital camera 100.

[0149] [Embodiment 3] In the first embodiment, even if the in-camera 170 is set to an operating state in order to estimate the timing when the photographer will start taking pictures before the photographer places his / her eye on the viewfinder, if the photographer operates an operating member that is operated without looking into the EVF, the in-camera 170 is set to a non-operating state.

[0150] In the third embodiment, the condition for putting the in-camera 170 into the non-driving state is that an operation is performed on the operation means.

[0151] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 100, which is an example of an image capturing apparatus. The processes other than S434 to S437 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0152] In S434, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the operation unit 70. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the operation unit 70 (Yes in S434), the process proceeds to S435; otherwise (No in S434), the process proceeds to S441.

[0153] In S435, the system control unit 50 stops driving (OFF) the in-camera 170, then in S436, turns on the EVF 29 and sets it to a display state (ON), and in S437, sets the gaze detection unit 160 to a driving state (ON), and proceeds to S407.

[0154] In S436, the system control unit 50 turns on the EVF 29 and sets it to the display state (ON), which allows the EVF 29 to resume displaying information, allowing the photographer to quickly start shooting.

[0155] Then, in S437, the system control unit 50 sets the line-of-sight detection unit 160 (line-of-sight detection sensor 164) to a driving state (ON), and the process proceeds to S407.

[0156] In comparison with the first embodiment, the third embodiment allows the in-camera 170 to be in a non-operating state in more cases, and therefore the power consumption of the digital camera 100 can be reduced.

[0157] <Other embodiments> The various controls described above as being performed by the system control unit 50 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0158] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0159] The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage media storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0160] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0161] (Configuration 1) an approach detection means capable of detecting an object approaching the viewfinder; a first imaging means for imaging a first subject; a second imaging means for imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means; a control means for controlling the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means, The control means An imaging device characterized in that, when the photographer operates the operating means, the driving of the second imaging means is stopped.

[0162] (Configuration 2) The imaging device described in configuration 1, wherein the control means controls the second imaging means to be in an operating state after a predetermined time has elapsed after stopping the operation of the second imaging means due to the photographer operating the operating means.

[0163] (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the operation means is a first operation member that is assumed to be operated without looking through the viewfinder.

[0164] (Configuration 4) 4. The imaging device according to configuration 3, wherein the first operating member is a magnification button or a playback button.

[0165] (Configuration 5) the imaging device further includes a display unit that displays an image in the viewfinder; The imaging device according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the control means stops driving the second imaging means and controls the display unit to light up when the photographer operates the first operating member and also operates a second operating member that is expected to be operated while looking through the viewfinder.

[0166] (Configuration 6) 6. The imaging device according to configuration 5, wherein the second operation member is a shutter button.

[0167] (Configuration 7) The imaging device further includes a determination unit for determining an attitude of the imaging device, The imaging device described in any one of configurations 3 to 6, characterized in that the control means controls to stop driving the second operation means when the photographer does not operate the first operation member and when an operation member is operated that is expected to be operated in a posture different from the posture of the imaging device determined by the determination means.

[0168] (Configuration 8) an approach detection means capable of detecting an object approaching the viewfinder; a first imaging means for imaging a first subject; a second imaging means for imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means; a control means for controlling the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means; a determination means for determining whether the photographer has operated an operation member for photography that is suited to the posture of the imaging device; and The control means An imaging device characterized in that, when the determination means does not determine that the shooting operation member is being operated in accordance with the attitude of the imaging device, the driving of the second imaging means is controlled to be stopped.

[0169] (Configuration 9) an approach detection step capable of detecting an object approaching the finder; a first imaging step of imaging a first subject by a first imaging means; a second imaging step of imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means by a second imaging means; a control step of controlling the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection step, The control step A control method for an imaging apparatus, comprising the steps of: when the photographer operates an operation means, controlling the second imaging means to stop driving the second imaging means.

[0170] (Configuration 10) A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging device according to aspect 9.

[0171] (Configuration 11) A computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging device according to aspect 9.

Claims

1. an approach detection means capable of detecting an object approaching the viewfinder; a first imaging means for imaging a first subject; a second imaging means for imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means; a control means for controlling the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means, The control means 10. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging device configured to control the second imaging means so as to stop driving the second imaging means when the photographer operates the operating means.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the second imaging means to be in an operating state after a predetermined time has elapsed after stopping the operation of the second imaging means in response to an operation of the operating means by the photographer.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation means is a first operation member that is assumed to be operated without looking through the viewfinder.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first operation member is a magnification button or a playback button.

5. the imaging device further includes a display unit that displays an image in the viewfinder; 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control means stops driving the second imaging means and controls the display unit to light up when the photographer operates the first operating member and also operates a second operating member that is expected to be operated while looking through the viewfinder.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the second operation member is a shutter button.

7. The imaging device further includes a determination unit for determining an attitude of the imaging device, The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls to stop driving the second imaging means when the photographer does not operate the first operating member and when an operation is performed on an operating member that is expected to be operated in a posture different from the posture of the imaging device determined by the determination means.

8. an approach detection means capable of detecting an object approaching the viewfinder; a first imaging means for imaging a first subject; a second imaging means for imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means; a control means for controlling the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means; a determination means for determining whether the photographer has operated an operation member for photography that is suited to the posture of the imaging device; and The control means An imaging device characterized in that, when the determination means does not determine that the shooting operation member is being operated in accordance with the attitude of the imaging device, the driving of the second imaging means is controlled to be stopped.

9. an approach detection step capable of detecting an object approaching the finder; a first imaging step of imaging a first subject by a first imaging means; a second imaging step of imaging a second subject in a direction different from that of the first imaging means by a second imaging means; a control step of controlling the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection step, The control step A control method for an imaging apparatus, comprising the steps of: controlling the second imaging means to stop driving the second imaging means when the photographer operates the operating means.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 9.

11. 10. A computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 9.

Images