Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can record a desired picked-up image while performing power saving control.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus of the present invention has a memory that can temporarily store images picked up during a first time, and control means that controls supply of power to a storage unit that stores the picked-up images. When a second time that is the start-up time of the storage unit is shorter than the first time, the control means performs control to stop the supply of power to the storage unit until a predetermined user operation is performed, and when the second time is longer than the first time, to start the supply of power to the storage unit before the predetermined user operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly to power saving control when an external recording device is connected. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, digital cameras have become increasingly sophisticated in terms of pixel count and frame rate, resulting in an increasing amount of data generated per unit time within the camera. If the media on which the data is recorded cannot handle this increased data volume, it may take a long time to write data, making it impossible to continue taking continuous shots or recording videos.

[0003] For this reason, media capable of high-speed processing, such as CFExpress cards, is sometimes used. However, heat generated inside the digital camera or by the CFExpress card can cause the CFExpress card to reach its upper operating temperature, significantly reducing the write speed and forcing you to stop shooting.

[0004] Therefore, by connecting a digital camera to an external SSD (Solid State Drive) via USB or other means and storing data on the SSD, heat generation inside the digital camera can be reduced. However, because SSDs consume a lot of standby power, it is recommended to turn off the power to the SSD when not in use.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for power saving in which power is supplied to a circuit including an imaging sensor and a storage medium when a shutter switch is pressed (a shooting operation that instructs the execution of shooting). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-049786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, power is supplied to the storage medium after the shooting operation, which causes a time lag between the shooting operation and writing data to the storage medium, depending on the startup time of the storage medium. This time lag can sometimes prevent the desired captured image from being recorded to the storage medium. For example, the captured image immediately after the shooting operation cannot be recorded, scenes in the middle of continuous shooting or video shooting cannot be recorded, or continuous shooting or video recording cannot be continued.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can record a desired captured image while performing power saving control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The imaging device of the present invention comprises a memory capable of temporarily storing captured images for a first hour, and a control means for controlling the supply of power to a storage unit that stores the captured images, wherein the control means controls the storage unit to stop supplying power until a specified user operation is performed when a second time, which is the startup time of the storage unit, is shorter than the first time, and to start supplying power to the storage unit before the specified user operation is performed when the second time is longer than the first time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can record a desired captured image while performing power saving control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of a power saving operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1(a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image capturing device 100 according to this embodiment. The image capturing device 100 is, for example, a digital camera, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0013] The system control unit 101 controls the entire image capturing apparatus 100. For example, the system control unit 101 calculates optimal values ​​for AF (autofocus) processing and AE (autoexposure) processing from imaging information acquired by the image capturing unit 103.

[0014] The lens control unit 102 controls the aperture and focus of the attached lens in accordance with the optimum values ​​for AF processing, AE processing, etc. calculated by the system control unit 101.

[0015] The imaging unit 103 is an imaging element (image sensor) that is configured with a CCD, CMOS element, or the like, that converts an optical image into an electrical signal.

[0016] The temperature detection unit 104 detects the temperature of each part using a temperature detection element disposed in each part of the imaging device 100. The system control unit 101 displays a warning on the display unit 107 in response to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 104. Furthermore, the system control unit 101 stops the imaging unit 103 in response to an increase in the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 104.

[0017] The memory unit 105 includes a non-volatile memory and a working memory. The non-volatile memory is composed of an electrically erasable and recordable read-only memory (ROM) or the like. The non-volatile memory stores programs (described below) executed by the system control unit 101. The working memory is composed of a random access memory (RAM) or the like. The working memory is used as a working area for the system control unit 101. For example, the working memory is used as a buffer memory for holding image data captured by the imaging unit 103 and as an image display memory for the display unit 107.

[0018] The operation unit 106 can accept various operations from the user. For example, the operation unit 106 includes various operation members such as a touch panel and buttons. The user can use the operation unit 106 to switch shooting modes, set various shooting conditions, and so on. The shooting modes include a still image shooting mode (still image recording mode) and a video shooting mode (video recording mode). For example, the still image shooting mode may include a single-shot shooting mode and a continuous-shot shooting mode. The still image shooting mode may include, for example, a plurality of still image shooting modes in which at least one of the resolution of the still images to be recorded and the frame rate of the continuous still image shooting differ. The video shooting mode may include, for example, a plurality of video shooting modes in which at least one of the resolution of the video to be recorded, such as FHD or 4K, and the frame rate of the video to be recorded, such as 30 fps, 60 fps, or 120 fps, differ. Using the operation unit 106, the user can perform operations related to AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, WB (white balance) processing, EF (flash light control) processing, etc., as well as give instructions to take still images, start video recording, and stop video recording.

[0019] The display unit 107 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display, and displays a viewfinder image during shooting, captured image data, and characters for interactive operation. Note that the display unit 107 does not necessarily have to be built into the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 only needs to be able to connect to an internal or external display unit 107 and have a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 107.

[0020] The first storage unit 108 is disposed within the imaging device 100 and can store image data output from the imaging unit 103. The first storage unit 108 is, for example, a storage medium such as an SD card or a CFExpress card. The system control unit 101 can read image data from the first storage unit 108 and display the image data on the display unit 107. In this embodiment, the first storage unit 108 is a card that is detachable from a card slot (not shown) provided in the imaging device 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the first storage unit 108 may be an internal storage that is not detachable from the imaging device 100.

[0021] The power supply unit 109 supplies power to the imaging device 100. When a battery or a DC coupler is connected to a power supply connection unit (not shown), the power supply unit 109 becomes able to supply power to the imaging device 100. Power may also be supplied to the imaging device 100 from an external power supply device connected via an external power supply port (not shown), such as a USB terminal.

[0022] The power supply unit 110 supplies the power supplied from the power supply unit 109 to each unit in the imaging device 100 via a DC / DC converter, a switch circuit that switches between blocks to be energized, etc. This enables the system control unit 101 to operate.

[0023] The power supply detection unit 111 checks the status of the power supply attached to the power supply unit 109. For example, when a battery is connected to the power supply unit 109, the power supply detection unit 111 acquires information about the remaining battery capacity by performing predetermined communication with the battery, or monitors the battery voltage and calculates the remaining battery capacity from the battery voltage. When the power supply detection unit 111 determines that power is being supplied via a DC coupler or a USB terminal, it determines that there is no restriction on the remaining battery capacity. The power supply detection unit 111 can also detect the amount of power and current being supplied by the power supply unit 109 to the imaging device 100. For example, it may use power information for each operation mode that is prepared in advance, or it may monitor the current using a current detection amplifier connected to a low resistance such as a shunt resistor.

[0024] The cooling unit 112 cools the imaging device 100. The cooling method of the cooling unit 112 is not particularly limited as long as it can cool the imaging device 100. For example, the cooling unit 112 may include a fan or a Peltier element. The system control unit 101 may control (change) the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 112 by controlling (changing) the amount of current supplied to the fan or the Peltier element. In this embodiment, the cooling unit 112 is built into the imaging device 100, but the cooling unit 112 may be an external device that is detachable from the imaging device 100. Power for driving the cooling unit 112 may be supplied from the power supply unit 110, or may be supplied from a power source (for example, an external power source such as an AC adapter) connected to the cooling unit 112 rather than the power supply unit 109 via a USB terminal (not shown) or the like.

[0025] The external recording device 115 includes a second storage unit 113 and a power supply unit 114. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the external recording device 115 is connected to the imaging device 100 via a USB terminal (not shown). This allows image data output from the imaging unit 103 to be recorded in the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113). Note that the connection between the imaging device 100 and the external recording device 115 is not limited to a USB connection.

[0026] The second storage unit 113 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like. The second memory unit 113 operates on the power supplied from the power supply unit 114.

[0027] 1(b), the second storage unit 113 may be provided inside the imaging device 100. For example, the second storage unit 113 may be a storage medium such as an SD card or a CF Express card. The second storage unit 113 may be detachable from a card slot (not shown) provided in the imaging device 100.

[0028] FIG. 2(a) is a flowchart showing the power saving operation (power saving control) of the imaging device 100. In FIG. 2(a), the basic operation of the imaging device 100 is omitted. The power saving operation of FIG. 2(a) is realized by the system control unit 101 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory of the memory unit 105 into the working memory of the memory unit 105 and executing the program. For example, when the imaging device 100 is started up, the system control unit 101 starts the power saving operation of FIG. 2(a). The power saving operation of FIG. 2(a) continues while the imaging device 100 is running.

[0029] In S201, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113) is attached to the imaging device 100. If the external recording device 115 is attached, the process proceeds to S202; if not, the process waits until the external recording device 115 is attached.

[0030] In S202, the system control unit 101 controls the power supply unit 110 to start supplying power to the external recording device 115. In the external recording device 115, the power supply unit 114 converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 110 into a voltage required for the operation of the second storage unit 113 and supplies the converted voltage to the second storage unit 113.

[0031] In S203, after the startup of the second storage unit 113 is completed (after the second storage unit 113 has reached a stable state), the system control unit 101 acquires information about the startup time of the second storage unit 113. In this embodiment, the system control unit 101 detects the type of the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113). Then, the system control unit 101 determines the startup time of the second storage unit 113 according to the detected type. For example, startup time information (information indicating the startup time) for each type of external recording device 115 is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the memory unit 105, and the system control unit 101 acquires the startup time information corresponding to the detected type from the nonvolatile memory.

[0032] Note that the method for acquiring information regarding the startup time is not particularly limited as long as the information can be acquired. For example, information regarding the type of external recording device 115 may be stored in advance in the external recording device 115, and the information may be acquired from the external recording device 115. The information regarding the startup time does not have to be information regarding the type of external recording device 115, and may be, for example, information indicating the startup time itself. For example, the system control unit 101 may measure the actual startup time of the external recording device 115. The startup time information of the external recording device 115 may be acquired from the product page of the external recording device 115 via the Internet, or the startup time information may be acquired from the external recording device 115. The information regarding the startup time may be acquired without starting the second storage unit 113. In that case, step S202 may be omitted. The definition of the startup time of the second storage unit 113 is also not particularly limited. For example, the startup time of the second storage unit 113 is the time from when power supply to the second storage unit 113 (or the external recording device 115) is started until the second storage unit 113 reaches a stable state.

[0033] In S204, the system control unit 101 determines for each operation mode whether the buffer will become full before the start-up of the second storage unit 113 is completed. This is the state in which the working area (buffer) of 05 is full with data. When the buffer becomes full, necessary image data in the buffer is discarded to make room for new image data, or writing of image data to the buffer stops until the image data is transferred to the memory unit. As a result, desired captured images cannot be recorded in the memory unit, for example, the captured image cannot be recorded immediately after the shooting operation, scenes in the middle of continuous still image shooting (continuous shooting) or video shooting cannot be recorded, or continuous still image shooting or video recording cannot be continued.

[0034] In this embodiment, the system control unit 101 determines whether the buffer full time is longer than the startup time of the second storage unit 113. The buffer full time is the longest time until the memory unit 105 becomes full, and the maximum amount of image data that can be temporarily stored in the buffer is the capacity for the buffer full time. In this embodiment, the buffer full time depends on the operation mode, so the system control unit 101 determines (determines) the buffer full time based on the set operation mode. Although there is no particular limitation on the method for determining the buffer full time, in this embodiment, the system control unit 101 determines the buffer full time using the following equation 1. Then, the system control unit 101 determines whether the buffer full time is longer than the startup time of the second storage unit 113 using the following equation 2. The buffer capacity is the capacity of the buffer, and the operation mode bit rate is the recording speed (writing speed) to the buffer. The operation mode bit rate may vary depending on the operation mode. Buffer full time = buffer capacity [MB] ÷ operating mode bitrate [MB / s] ···(1) Start-up time [s] of the second storage unit 113<buffer full time [s] (2)

[0035] An operation mode that satisfies formula 2 is an operation mode that does not cause the buffer to become full, and an operation mode that does not satisfy formula 2 is an operation mode that causes the buffer to become full. However, the buffer processing speed must be sufficiently faster than the operation mode bit rate.

[0036] Assume that the operating mode is FHD60P moving image recording mode, the startup time of the second storage unit 113 is 5 seconds, the operating mode bit rate is 60 MB / s, and the buffer capacity is 4000 MB. The FHD60P moving image recording mode is a mode in which moving images are recorded with an FHD resolution, a frame rate of 60 fps, and an operation method of the progressive method. In this case, the buffer full time is approximately 67 seconds, so Equation 2 is satisfied. Therefore, in the FHD60P moving image recording mode, image data for the period until the startup of the second storage unit 113 is completed can be temporarily stored in the buffer (the buffer does not become full). Therefore, even if power is supplied to the external recording device 115 and image data is recorded in the second storage unit 113 after a shooting operation (a predetermined user operation instructing the execution of shooting) is performed, the desired captured image can be recorded. Therefore, the power supply to the second storage unit 113 can be stopped until a shooting operation is performed. The shooting operation is, for example, fully pressing the release button or pressing the recording start button.

[0037] Assume that the operating mode is 4K60P video recording mode, the startup time of the second storage unit 113 is 5 seconds, the operating mode bit rate is 1000 MB / s, and the buffer capacity is 4000 MB. The 4K60P video recording mode is a mode for recording video with a resolution of 4K, a frame rate of 60 fps, and an operation method of the progressive method. In this case, the buffer full time is 4 seconds, so Equation 2 is not satisfied. Therefore, in the 4K60P video recording mode, it is not possible to temporarily store image data in the buffer for the period until the startup of the second storage unit 113 is complete (the buffer becomes full). Therefore, when power is supplied to the second storage unit 113 after a shooting operation is performed and image data is recorded in the second storage unit 113, If the buffer becomes full before the start-up of the second storage unit 113 is completed, the power supply to the second storage unit 113 is continued, or the power supply to the second storage unit 113 is started at the timing when a predetermined operation performed prior to the photographing operation is detected. In this way, the second storage unit 113 can be made ready to record image data at the time the photographing operation is performed.

[0038] The predetermined action is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is assumed to be a preparatory action for photographing. The preparatory action for photographing is an action for preparing for photographing that is performed before a photographing operation. The preparatory action for photographing is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an autofocus action performed by half-pressing the release button while pressing it. The preparatory action for photographing may be an action for detecting a subject within the angle of view captured by the imaging unit 103 (subject detection action). The preparatory action for photographing may be an action by the user holding the imaging device 100. The preparatory action for photographing may be an action for changing the position or orientation of the imaging device 100. The change in the position or orientation of the imaging device 100 can be detected, for example, using acceleration (motion information) of the imaging device 100 output from an acceleration sensor (not shown) provided inside the imaging device 100. The preparatory action for photographing may be an action for holding the imaging device 100. The action for holding the imaging device 100 can be detected, for example, using holding information of the imaging device 100 output from a pressure-sensitive sensor (not shown) provided in a grip portion of the imaging device 100. The preparatory action for shooting may be an action of looking at the imaging device 100 (for example, excluding the viewfinder of the imaging device 100). The action of looking at the imaging device 100 can be detected, for example, using information on the user's line of sight output from an imaging sensor (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the imaging device 100. The action of changing the position or attitude of the imaging device 100, the action of holding the imaging device 100, and the action of looking at the imaging device 100 may be interpreted as examples of the action of holding the imaging device 100.

[0039] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2(a), in S205, the system control unit 101 acquires information about the current operation mode.

[0040] In S206, system control unit 101 determines whether the current operation mode is an operation mode that will cause the buffer to become full during the period until the startup of second storage unit 113 is completed. If the operation mode is one that will cause the buffer to become full, proceed to S213; if not, proceed to S207.

[0041] In S207, the system control unit 101 controls the power supply unit 110 to stop the power supply to the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113).

[0042] In S208, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not a shooting operation has been performed, waits until a shooting operation has been performed, and proceeds to S209 when a shooting operation has been performed.

[0043] In S209, the system control unit 101 controls the power supply unit 110 to start (restart) the power supply to the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113).

[0044] In S210, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not writing of image data to the second storage unit 113 is complete. The system control unit 101 waits until writing is complete, and when writing is complete, the process proceeds to S211.

[0045] In S211, the system control unit 101 controls the power supply unit 110 to stop the power supply to the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113). After that, S208 to S211 are repeated until the operation mode is changed.

[0046] Whether the operation mode has been switched or not is determined by the mode determination operation of FIG. 2(b). In the mode determination operation of FIG. 2(b), the system control unit 101 checks the nonvolatile memory of the memory unit 105. This is realized by expanding the stored program into a working memory of the memory unit 105 and executing it. For example, when the imaging device 100 is started up, the system control unit 101 starts the mode determination operation of FIG. 2(b). While the imaging device 100 is running, the mode determination operation of FIG. 2(b) is repeated. In S212, the system control unit 101 determines whether the operation mode has been switched by a user operation or the like. The system control unit 101 waits until the operation mode is switched, and when the operation mode is switched, the system control unit 101 proceeds to S205 of FIG. 2(a).

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2(a), in S213, the system control unit 101 controls the power supply unit 110 to stop the power supply to the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113).

[0048] In S214, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the preparatory movement for photographing has been performed. The system control unit 101 waits for the preparatory movement for photographing to be performed, and when the preparatory movement for photographing has been performed, the process proceeds to S215.

[0049] In S215, the system control unit 101 controls the power supply unit 110 to start (restart) the power supply to the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113).

[0050] Note that S213 to S215 may be omitted and power supply to the external recording device 115 (second storage unit 113) may be continued. In that case, S217 and S218, which will be described later, may be omitted.

[0051] In S216, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not a shooting operation has been performed, waits until a shooting operation has been performed, and proceeds to S217 when a shooting operation has been performed.

[0052] In S217, the system control unit 101 determines whether the startup of the second storage unit 113 has been completed (whether the second storage unit 113 has reached a stable state). If the second storage unit 113 has reached a stable state, the process proceeds to S219; otherwise, the process proceeds to S218. Here, the method for determining whether the startup of the second storage unit 113 has been completed is not particularly limited. For example, the system control unit 101 may determine whether the startup time of the second storage unit 113 has elapsed since the timing of the preparatory operation for photographing.

[0053] In S218, the system control unit 101 writes image data to the first storage unit 108. The relationship between the first storage unit 108 and the second storage unit 113 is not particularly limited, but for example, the power consumption of the first storage unit 108 is less than the power consumption of the second storage unit 113, but the processing speed of the first storage unit 108 is slower than the processing speed of the second storage unit 113. Therefore, if the second storage unit 113 is in a stable state, recording to the second storage unit 113 is performed.

[0054] In S219, the system control unit 101 writes the image data to the second storage unit 113.

[0055] In S220, the system control unit 101 determines whether writing to the first storage unit 108 or the second storage unit 113 is complete. The system control unit 101 waits until writing is complete, and when writing is complete, the system control unit 101 proceeds to S213. After that, S213 to S220 are repeated until the operation mode is changed.

[0056] Furthermore, in steps S207 to S210 or steps S213 to S220, if the free space in the buffer becomes less than a predetermined capacity (threshold), the system control unit 101 may control the power supply unit 110 to start (restart) the power supply to the external recording device 115.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, the startup time of the storage unit (second storage unit 113) If the buffer full time is shorter than the buffer full time (if the buffer does not become full before the startup of the storage unit is completed), power supply to the storage unit is stopped until a predetermined user operation is performed. If the startup time of the storage unit is longer than the buffer full time (if the buffer becomes full before the startup of the storage unit is completed), power supply to the storage unit is started before the predetermined user operation is performed. In this way, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can record desired captured images while performing power saving control.

[0058] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0059] The above processor is a processor in the broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Dedicated processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, 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.

[0061] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit that realizes one or more functions.

[0062] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) a memory capable of temporarily storing captured images for a first hour; a control means for controlling the supply of power to a storage unit for storing the captured image; and The control means If a second time that is a startup time of the storage unit is shorter than the first time, stopping the supply of power to the storage unit until a predetermined user operation is performed; If the second time is longer than the first time, power supply to the storage unit is started before the predetermined user operation is performed. Control it so that An imaging device characterized by: (Configuration 2) The device further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the second time. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The acquisition means measures the second time. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) the information is information regarding the type of the storage unit, The control means uses a time according to the type of the storage unit as the second time. 3. The imaging device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 5) The control means determines the first time period based on a set operation mode among a plurality of operation modes. 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The control means determines the first time period in accordance with the recording speed to the memory in the set operation mode and the capacity of the memory. 6. The imaging device according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) The plurality of operation modes include a plurality of video recording modes in which at least one of the resolution and frame rate of the video to be recorded differs. 7. The imaging device according to configuration 5 or 6, (Configuration 8) The plurality of operation modes include a plurality of still image recording modes in which at least one of the resolution of the still images to be recorded and the frame rate of continuous still image shooting differs. 8. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 5 to 7, wherein: (Configuration 9) The control means controls the power supply to the storage unit to be started when the free space of the memory becomes less than a threshold value while power is not being supplied to the storage unit. 9. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein: (Configuration 10) When the second time period is longer than the first time period, the control means controls the power supply to the storage unit to be stopped until a predetermined operation is performed, and to start the power supply to the storage unit when the predetermined operation is performed. 10. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein: (Configuration 11) The predetermined action is a preparatory action for photographing. 11. The imaging device according to configuration 10. (Configuration 12) The preparatory operation for photographing is an autofocus operation. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, (Configuration 13) The preparatory operation for photographing is a subject detection operation. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11. (Configuration 14) The preparatory action for photographing is an action of the user holding the imaging device. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, (Configuration 15) When the second time period is longer than the first time period, if the predetermined user operation is performed before the second time period has elapsed since the predetermined action was performed, the control means controls the captured image to be stored in a second storage unit. 15. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 10 to 14. (Configuration 16) The power consumption of the second storage unit is less than the power consumption of the storage unit. 16. The imaging device according to configuration 15. (Configuration 17) The processing speed of the second storage unit is slower than the processing speed of the storage unit. 17. The imaging device according to configuration 16. (Configuration 18) After supplying power to the storage unit, if the second time is shorter than the first time, the control means stops supplying power to the storage unit until the predetermined user operation is performed, and if the second time is longer than the first time, continues supplying power to the storage unit. 10. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein: (Configuration 19) The predetermined user operation is a user operation to instruct the execution of photography. 19. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, wherein: (method) A method for controlling an imaging device having a memory capable of temporarily storing captured images for a first hour, comprising: a step of controlling the power supply to the storage unit to be stopped until a predetermined user operation is performed when a second time, which is a startup time of the storage unit that stores the captured image, is shorter than the first time; a step of controlling the power supply to the storage unit to start before the predetermined user operation is performed when the second time period is longer than the first time period; have A control method comprising: (program) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method. (medium) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100: Imaging device 101: System control unit 105: Memory section 113: Second storage section

Claims

1. a memory capable of temporarily storing captured images for a first time period; a control means for controlling the supply of power to a storage unit for storing the captured image; and The control means If a second time period that is a startup time period of the storage unit is shorter than the first time period, the power supply to the storage unit is stopped until a predetermined user operation is performed; If the second time is longer than the first time, power supply to the storage unit is started before the predetermined user operation is performed. Control it so that An imaging device characterized by:

2. The device further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the second time.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition means measures the second time.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2.

4. the information is information regarding the type of the storage unit, The control means uses a time according to the type of the storage unit as the second time.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2.

5. The control means determines the first time period based on a set operation mode among a plurality of operation modes.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

6. The control means determines the first time period in accordance with the recording speed to the memory in the set operation mode and the capacity of the memory.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5.

7. The plurality of operation modes include a plurality of video recording modes in which at least one of the resolution and frame rate of the video to be recorded differs.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5.

8. The plurality of operation modes include a plurality of still image recording modes in which at least one of the resolution of the still images to be recorded and the frame rate of continuous still image shooting differs.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5.

9. The control means controls the power supply to the storage unit to be started when the free space of the memory becomes less than a threshold value while power is not being supplied to the storage unit.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

10. When the second time period is longer than the first time period, the control means controls the power supply to the storage unit to be stopped until a predetermined operation is performed, and to start the power supply to the storage unit when the predetermined operation is performed.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

11. The predetermined action is a preparatory action for photographing.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10.

12. The preparatory operation for photographing is an autofocus operation.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11.

13. The preparatory operation for photographing is a subject detection operation.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11.

14. The preparatory action for photographing is an action of the user holding the imaging device.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11.

15. When the second time period is longer than the first time period, if the predetermined user operation is performed before the second time period has elapsed since the predetermined action was performed, the control means controls the captured image to be stored in a second storage unit.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10.

16. The power consumption of the second storage unit is less than the power consumption of the storage unit.

16. The imaging device according to claim 15.

17. The processing speed of the second storage unit is slower than the processing speed of the storage unit.

17. The imaging device according to claim 16.

18. After supplying power to the storage unit, if the second time is shorter than the first time, the control means stops supplying power to the storage unit until the predetermined user operation is performed, and if the second time is longer than the first time, continues supplying power to the storage unit.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

19. The predetermined user operation is a user operation to instruct the execution of photography.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

20. A method for controlling an imaging device having a memory capable of temporarily storing captured images for a first time period, comprising: a step of controlling the power supply to the storage unit to be stopped until a predetermined user operation is performed when a second time, which is a startup time of the storage unit that stores the captured image, is shorter than the first time; a step of controlling the power supply to the storage unit to start before the predetermined user operation is performed when the second time is longer than the first time; have A control method comprising:

21. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 20.

22. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 20.

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