Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem in which, when an EVF display is temporarily turned off, the EVF display takes time to resume and the photographer may be unable to start shooting immediately.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes: a display unit arranged inside a viewfinder; proximity-detection means capable of detecting an approach of an object to the 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 subject; and control means for controlling the display unit so as not to turn on the display unit when the proximity-detection means does not detect the approach of the object. The control means, after controlling the display unit so as not to turn on the display unit, turns on the display unit when the second subject is imaged by the second imaging means.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] In recent years, imaging devices such as digital cameras have begun to display live view images (hereafter referred to as "LV images") on displays such as rear monitors and electronic viewfinders (EVFs) in the viewfinders, allowing users to check the subject while taking a photo.

[0003] However, displaying an LV image on a rear monitor or EVF during shooting increases power consumption, which is an issue. Patent Document 1 therefore discloses an imaging device that drives the EVF when the user is looking through it, and stops driving the EVF when the user is not looking through it.

[0004] However, once the EVF is stopped, it takes time to restart the EVF, which can result in the shutter opportunity being missed. Patent Document 2 therefore discloses an imaging device that continues to display an LV image on a small display panel even if it determines that the eyepiece is not in a non-eyepiece state, unless a predetermined time has elapsed. Patent Document 2 also discloses an imaging device that stops displaying an LV image on a small display panel if it determines that the eyepiece is not in a non-eyepiece state and a predetermined time has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-4509 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-209712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the imaging device disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 2 stops displaying the LV image on the small display panel once it determines that the eyepiece is in the non-eyepiece state and a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, when a cameraman is shooting a sporting event and intends to capture a sporting scene with two cameras, he or she may want to immediately start capturing a crucial scene with one of the two cameras that is temporarily not being used. In this case, even if the camera is held in position, it may take time to resume displaying the LV image on the small display panel, making it impossible to immediately start capturing the crucial scene while checking the subject, and this may prevent the cameraman from capturing the crucial scene.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to turn on the EVF display before the photographer places his or her eye on the viewfinder, even if the EVF display is turned off, so that the photographer can quickly check the subject and start shooting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device of the present invention comprises a display unit arranged in a viewfinder, an approach detection means capable of detecting the approach of an object to 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 the first subject, and a control means for controlling the display unit not to light up if the approach detection means does not detect the approach of the object, and is characterized in that the control means controls the display unit not to light up, and then controls the display unit to light up if the second subject is detected from an image captured by the second imaging means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the EVF display is turned off, the EVF display is turned on before the photographer focuses his or her eye on the viewfinder, so the photographer can quickly confirm the subject and start shooting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 100, which is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a menu / playback display control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a menu / playback display control process according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment <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.

[0012] 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 .

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 .

[0019] 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.

[0020] The playback button 79 is an operating member for displaying images stored in a recording medium inside or outside the digital camera 100 on the display unit 28. 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. The menu button 82 is an operating member for displaying various setting screens on the display unit 28.

[0021] The eye proximity detection unit 57 and the in-camera unit 170 will be described later.

[0022] <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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 .

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the in-camera 170 of a digital camera 100 which is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, when operating the digital camera 100 for shooting preparation, portions covered by fingers or hands are indicated by ellipses. As shown in FIG. 2, the in-camera 170 is arranged at the lower left as a position where it is difficult to be covered by fingers or hands and is not far from the center of the display unit 28 when operating the digital camera 100 for shooting preparation.

[0055] The imaging unit 174 constituting the in-camera 170 is an imaging device (image sensor) composed of a CCD, a CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 174 may have an imaging surface phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 175 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 174 into a digital signal.

[0056] <EVF display / non-display switching process> FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of lighting the EVF display before a photographer looks into the finder even if the EVF display is temporarily turned off in a digital camera 100 which is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the system control unit 50 by expanding a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. Also, this process is executed until the shooting mode ends or the power of the imaging apparatus is turned off.

[0057] 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; otherwise, the process of S401 is repeated.

[0058] In S402, the system control unit 50 controls the system timer 53 to start timer measurement.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In S404, the system control unit 50 sets the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor) to a driving state (ON).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In S414, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation members. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation members (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 members are operation members among the multiple operation members included in the operation unit 70 that are used when performing operations related to the menu / playback display, such as the playback button 79 and the menu button 82.

[0072] The menu / playback display control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In S445, the system control unit 50 turns on the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor), and then proceeds to S435.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] <Menu / playback display control processing> FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the menu / playback display control process according to this embodiment.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In S509, the system control unit 50 executes processing corresponding to the type of menu / playback operation member operated by the photographer.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] Then, in S528, the system control unit 50 stops driving the gaze detection unit 160 (OFF), in S529, it stops driving the eye proximity detection unit 57 (eye proximity detection sensor) (OFF), in S530, it drives the in-camera 170 (ON), and proceeds to S431.

[0127] 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, for example, when the photographer is wearing the digital camera 100 around their neck and is not touching or looking at the digital camera 100. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the digital camera 100.

[0128] <Second embodiment> 6 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the menu / playback display control process according to the present embodiment. Description of the components common to the flowchart in FIG. 5 will be omitted.

[0129] The system control unit 50 executes the above-mentioned processes of S501 to S506, and then proceeds to S607.

[0130] In S607, the system control unit 50 turns on the in-camera 170, and the process proceeds to S508. The system control unit 50 executes the processes of S508 to S510 described above, and the process proceeds to S611.

[0131] In S611, similarly to S431, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the face of the photographer has been detected from the image captured by the in-camera 170. If it is determined that the face of the photographer has been detected from the image captured by the in-camera 170 (Yes in S611), the process proceeds to S508; otherwise (No in S611), the process proceeds to S512.

[0132] The system control unit 50 executes the above-described processes of S512 and S513, and then proceeds to S431.

[0133] If it is not determined that the photographer has operated the menu / playback operation member (No in S508), the process proceeds to S514, the processes of S514 and S515 are executed, and the process proceeds to S616.

[0134] In S616, the system control unit 50 stops driving the in-camera 170 (turns it off).

[0135] As described above, in this embodiment, if the fourth predetermined time has elapsed without the photographer's face being detected from the image captured by in-camera 170 (No in S611), it is determined that the menu / playback related operations have ended, and the process proceeds to S513. This makes it possible to turn off display unit 28 and automatically end the menu / playback display control process, for example, when the photographer is wearing digital camera 100 around their neck and is not touching or looking at digital camera 100. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of digital camera 100.

[0136] <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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0140] (Configuration 1) a display disposed within the viewfinder; 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 subject; and control means for controlling the display unit not to light up when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means, The control means an imaging device, characterized in that after controlling the display unit not to be lit, when the second subject is detected from an image captured by the second imaging means, the imaging device controls the display unit to be lit.

[0141] (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the control means controls the display unit to light up when the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, even if the approach detection means does not detect the approach of the object.

[0142] (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls the display unit to display the image captured by the first imaging means when the display unit is turned on.

[0143] (Configuration 4) further comprising an operation means for receiving an operation from a user, The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means further controls the display unit not to light up when no operation is received from the operation means and a predetermined time has elapsed since the imaging device was powered on.

[0144] (Configuration 5) 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means.

[0145] (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to configuration 4, wherein the control means further controls the second imaging means to be in an operating state when no operation is received from the operating means and a predetermined time has elapsed since the imaging device was powered on.

[0146] (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to configuration 5 or 6, wherein the control means controls the approach detection means to stop driving when, after the second imaging means is driven, no operation is accepted by the operation means and a predetermined time has elapsed since the second imaging means was driven.

[0147] (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control means controls the second imaging means to stop driving the second imaging means when the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means.

[0148] (Configuration 9) 9. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the control means controls the display unit to light up and the approach detection means to be activated when the imaging device is powered on.

[0149] (Configuration 10) the imaging device has a line-of-sight detection means for detecting a line of sight of the second subject looking at the display unit, 10. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the control means controls the line-of-sight detection means to be driven when the imaging device is powered on.

[0150] (Configuration 11) 11. The imaging device according to configuration 10, wherein the control means controls the line-of-sight detection means to stop driving the line-of-sight detection means when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means.

[0151] (Configuration 12) 7. The imaging device according to configuration 4 or 6, wherein the operation means is a shutter button, an AE lock button, or a magnification button.

[0152] (Configuration 13) the second subject is a person's face, The control means When the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, the display unit is controlled to be turned on; 13. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein if the face is not detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, the display unit is controlled not to be lit.

[0153] (Configuration 14) the second subject is a person's face, The control means control the display unit to light up when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the size of the face is larger than a predetermined size; 13. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the size of the face is smaller than the predetermined size, the display unit is controlled not to be lit.

[0154] (Configuration 15) the second subject is a person's face, The control means control the display unit to light up when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the position of the face is not above or below a predetermined position; The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the position of the face is located above or below the predetermined position, the display unit is controlled not to be lit.

[0155] (Configuration 16) the second subject is a person's face, The control means when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and it is determined that the person is not looking at a predetermined position based on the person's line of sight estimated from the face, control is performed to light up the display unit; The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that when the face is detected from an image captured by the second imaging means and it is determined that the person is looking at the predetermined position based on the person's line of sight estimated from the face, the imaging device controls the display unit not to light up.

[0156] (Configuration 17) the imaging device has a second display unit that is different from the display unit and is disposed outside the viewfinder, The control means when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means and the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, control is performed so that the second display unit is not lit up; 17. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, characterized in that, when the approach detection means does not detect the approach of the object and the second subject is not detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, the second display unit is controlled to be turned on.

[0157] (Configuration 18) 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 object in a direction different from that of the first object; a control step of controlling a display unit disposed in the viewfinder not to light up when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection step, The control step a control method for an imaging device, characterized in that after controlling the display unit not to light up, when the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging step, the control method for controlling the display unit to light up.

[0158] (Configuration 19) 19. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging device according to claim 18.

[0159] (Configuration 20) 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 18.

Claims

1. a display disposed within the viewfinder; 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 subject; and control means for controlling the display unit not to light up when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means, The control means an imaging device, characterized in that, after controlling the display unit not to be lit, when the second subject is detected from an image captured by the second imaging means, the imaging device controls the display unit to be lit.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display unit to light up when the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, even if the approach detection means does not detect the approach of the object.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display section so that, when the display section is turned on, the image captured by the first imaging means is displayed on the display section.

4. further comprising an operation means for receiving an operation from a user, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means further controls the display unit not to light up when no operation is received from the operation means and a predetermined time has elapsed since the imaging device was powered on.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the second imaging means to be in a driving state when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means.

6. further comprising an operation means for receiving an operation from a user, 6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the control means further controls the second imaging means to be in an operating state when no operation is received from the operating means and a predetermined time has elapsed since the imaging device was powered on.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the control means controls the approach detection means to stop driving when, after the second imaging means is driven, no operation is accepted on the operation means and a predetermined time has elapsed since the second imaging means was driven.

8. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the second imaging means to stop driving the second imaging means when the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means.

9. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display unit to light up and the approach detection means to operate when the imaging device is powered on.

10. the imaging device has a line-of-sight detection means for detecting a line of sight of the second subject looking at the display unit, 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls said line-of-sight detection means to be driven when said image pickup apparatus is powered on.

11. 11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the control means controls the line-of-sight detection means to stop driving the line-of-sight detection means when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means.

12. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the operation means is a shutter button, an AE lock button, or a magnification button.

13. the second subject is a person's face, The control means When the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, the display unit is controlled to be turned on; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled not to light up if the face is not detected from the image captured by the second imaging unit.

14. the second subject is a person's face, The control means When the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the size of the face is larger than a predetermined size, the display unit is controlled to be turned on; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the size of the face is smaller than the predetermined size, the display unit is controlled not to be lit.

15. the second subject is a person's face, The control means control the display unit to light up when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the position of the face is not above or below a predetermined position; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and the position of the face is located above or below the predetermined position, the display unit is controlled not to be lit.

16. the second subject is a person's face, The control means when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and it is determined that the person is not looking at a predetermined position based on the person's line of sight estimated from the face, control is performed to light up the display unit; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the face is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means and it is determined that the person is looking at the predetermined position based on the person's line of sight estimated from the face, the display unit is controlled not to be lit.

17. the imaging device has a second display unit that is different from the display unit and is disposed outside the viewfinder, The control means When the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection means and the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, the second display unit is controlled not to be illuminated; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the approach detection means does not detect the approach of the object and the second subject is not detected from the image captured by the second imaging means, the second display unit is controlled to be turned on.

18. 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 object in a direction different from that of the first object; a control step of controlling a display unit disposed in the viewfinder not to light up when the approach of the object is not detected by the approach detection step, The control step a control method for an imaging device, characterized in that after controlling the display unit not to be lit, when the second subject is detected from the image captured by the second imaging step, the control method for controlling the display unit to be lit

19. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 18.

20. 20. 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 18.

Images