Imaging device, control method, and program

Abstract

In an imaging device that allows the user to select one of two display units, a first display unit and a second display unit, which are mounted in a manner that allows the user to change their relative position to the imaging device body, as the display destination, the present invention provides a technology for making a selection intended to further improve the user experience. [Solution] The invention is characterized by comprising a first display unit mounted so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the imaging device body, a second display unit, a first determination means for determining whether or not an object is close to the second display unit, a second determination means for determining whether or not the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, a selection means for selecting one of the first display unit and the second display unit as a display destination, wherein the first selection condition is met, such that an object is not close to the second display unit and the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, and the first selection means selects the first display unit, and the second display unit is selected if the first selection condition is not met, and a display control means for displaying an image at the selected display destination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A digital camera, which is an example of an imaging device, may have a plurality of display units (for example, a vari-angle monitor outside the finder and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) inside the finder).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selecting a display destination of an image from a plurality of display units according to a selection criterion corresponding to a display destination setting selected by a user. For example, when the display destination setting is "Auto 2", regardless of whether the vari-angle monitor is in the open position or the closed position, if the user is looking through the EVF, the EVF is selected, and if the user is not looking through the EVF, the vari-angle monitor is selected. Also, when the display destination setting is "Finder Fixed", regardless of whether the vari-angle monitor is in the open position or the closed position, and regardless of whether the user is looking through the EVF or not, the EVF is selected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The "fixed viewfinder" described in Patent Document 1 is considered useful for users who prefer to use an EVF. However, even for users who prefer to use an EVF, there may be situations in which it is difficult to look through the EVF. For example, when photographing a subject at one's feet, a user may lower the camera to the subject's position, resulting in a so-called low-position camera. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to look through the EVF. Similarly, if a user holds the camera in a so-called high position, it may also be difficult for the user to look through the EVF. Therefore, even if a user prefers to use an EVF, unconditionally selecting the EVF as the display source does not always lead to an improved user experience.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The present invention provides a technology for selecting one of a first display unit and a second display unit, which are attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change their positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, as the display destination, with the aim of further improving the user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides An imaging device, A first display unit is attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, A second display unit, A first determination means for determining whether or not an object is in close proximity to the second display unit, A second determination means for determining whether the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, A selection means for selecting one of the first display unit and the second display unit as a display destination, wherein if a first selection condition is met, such that the object is not close to the second display unit and the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions, the first display unit is selected; otherwise, the second display unit is selected. A display control means that controls the display of an image to the selected display destination, The present invention provides an imaging device characterized by comprising the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in an imaging device in which one of a first display unit and a second display unit, which are attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change their positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, is selected as the display destination, it becomes possible to make a selection intended to further improve the user experience.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the accompanying drawings and the description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] External view of the Digital Camera 100. [Figure 2] (a) A top view of Figure 1(a). (b) A top view of Figure 1(c). [Figure 3] (a) A side view of Figure 1(b). (b) A side view of Figure 1(c). (c)(d) A side view of the vari-angle monitor 101a in Figure 1(b) rotated by Θr degrees relative to the camera body 100. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the internal configuration of digital camera 100. [Figure 5] (a) A diagram showing an example of the display destination setting screen displayed by the digital camera 100. (b) A diagram showing the selection criteria for the display destination corresponding to each display destination setting. [Figure 6] A flowchart of the display destination selection process performed by digital camera 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] [First Embodiment] The functions and appearance of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are rear views of the digital camera 100. In Figure 1(a), the digital camera 100 is positioned with the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a facing the photographer. In Figure 1(b), the digital camera 100 is positioned with the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a facing the subject. Figure 1(c) is a front view of the digital camera 100. In Figure 1(c), the digital camera 100 is positioned with the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a facing the subject.

[0013] The display unit 101 includes a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) for displaying images and various information. The display unit 101 includes a vari-angle monitor 101a, which is a display unit located outside the viewfinder, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF 101b), which is a display unit located inside the viewfinder.

[0014] The vari-angle monitor 101a is a monitor including an organic EL, a liquid crystal panel, etc., provided on the back surface of the camera body 100a (opposite side to the photographing lens 203). The vari-angle monitor 101a is supported by the support portion 112 on the camera body 100a in a manner capable of changing the positional relationship with the camera body 100a. The user, who is the photographer, can freely change or rotate the direction and angle of the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a with respect to the camera body 100a. As the position of the vari-angle monitor 101a, as will be described later, there are a closed position stored on the back surface of the camera body 100a and an open position not stored. Also, in the open position, there are a state where the display surface is facing the photographer side and a state where the display surface is facing the subject side. When the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the open position, the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a is located beside the camera body 100a.

[0015] The EVF 101b can be used for the user to view the imaging screen through the eyepiece portion of the viewfinder of the peep-through type.

[0016] The shutter button 102 is an operation unit for giving a photographing instruction. The mode switching button 103 is an operation unit for switching various modes. The operation unit 104 is an operation unit including operation members such as various switches, buttons, and touch panels for receiving various operations from the user. The power switch 105 is an operation unit for switching on and off the power. The controller wheel 106 is a rotatable electronic dial included in the operation unit 104. The connector 107 is an interface for connecting the connection cable 108 and the digital camera 100. The recording medium 109 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium slot 110 is a slot for storing the recording medium 109. The recording medium 109 stored in the recording medium slot 110 can communicate with the digital camera 100. The lid 111 is a lid of the recording medium slot 110. FIGS. 1(a) to (b) show a state where the lid 111 is opened and a part of the recording medium 109 is taken out from the recording medium slot 110 and exposed.

[0017] The light emitting unit 120 consists of a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. The light emitting unit 120 notifies the operating state of the digital camera 100 (for example, during the countdown of the self - timer or the start of shooting, etc.) to the subject existing on the front side of the camera body unit 100a according to a predetermined light emission / non - light emission pattern. The light emitting unit 120 is arranged on the front (subject side, imaging surface side) of the camera body unit 100a so as to be visible from the subject side.

[0018] The video recording button 121 is used for instructing the start / stop of video shooting (recording). The speaker 122 notifies the operating state of the digital camera 100 (for example, during the countdown of the self - timer or the start of shooting, etc.) to the subject by emitting a buzzer sound or the like.

[0019] The vari - angle monitor 101a can be changed to states as shown in FIGS. 1(a) to (c), for example.

[0020] FIG. 1(a) shows a state (closed position) where the back surface (opposite side to the display surface) of the vari - angle monitor 101a is stored so as to face the back surface of the camera body unit 100a. In this state, the photographer can view the display surface of the vari - angle monitor 101a from the back surface of the camera body unit 100a. The position of the vari - angle monitor 101a in this state is called the "inverted closed position".

[0021] FIG. 1(b) shows a state where the vari - angle monitor 101a is rotated so that the display surface of the vari - angle monitor 101a faces the back side (photographer side) of the camera body unit 100a in a state where the vari - angle monitor 101a is not stored in the back surface of the camera body unit 100a (open position). In this state, the photographer can view the display surface of the vari - angle monitor 101a from the back side of the camera body unit 100a. The position of the vari - angle monitor 101a in this state is called the "non - inverted open position".

[0022] Figure 1(c) shows the state in which the vari-angle monitor 101a is rotated so that its display surface faces the front side (subject side) of the camera body 100a, when the vari-angle monitor 101a is not stored on the back of the camera body 100a (open position). In this state, the photographer cannot see the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a from the back side of the camera body 100a. This position of the vari-angle monitor 101a is called the "inverted open position".

[0023] The attitude and position detection unit 218 (Figure 4) is a sensor that detects the attitude and position (rotation angle and position) of the vari-angle monitor 101a, and a magnetic sensor, for example, is used. By installing the attitude and position detection unit 218 in multiple locations, at least the states shown in Figures 1(a) to (c) can be detected. Note that the attitude (position) of the vari-angle monitor 101a is not limited to the three states shown in Figures 1(a) to (c), but also includes intermediate states leading up to Figures 1(a) to (c). These intermediate states will also be treated as the same state as any of the states shown in Figures 1(a) to (c). Typical examples of "intermediate states" will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0024] Figure 2(a) is a top view of Figure 1(a).

[0025] Figure 2(b) is a top view of Figure 1(c), where the vari-angle monitor 101a is open to Θtft degrees (180 degrees in this case). When Θtft is greater than 0 and less than 180, the vari-angle monitor 101a corresponds to the "intermediate state" described above.

[0026] Figure 3(a) is a side view of Figure 1(b).

[0027] Figure 3(b) is a side view of Figure 1(c).

[0028] Figures 3(c) and 3(d) are side views of the vari-angle monitor 101a in Figure 1(b) rotated by Θr degrees relative to the camera body 100. The value of Θr is different in the state shown in Figure 3(c) and the state shown in Figure 3(d). Both of these states correspond to the "intermediate states" mentioned above.

[0029] The rotation angle Θr is the tilt angle of the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a relative to the camera body 100a. In Figures 3(c) and 3(d), Θr is shown as an angle where the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a is facing the front side of the camera body 100a (0 degrees), and the positive direction is clockwise when viewed from the left side of the camera body 100a. However, the reference position of Θr (the position corresponding to 0 degrees) is not particularly limited.

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera 100. The photographic lens 203 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 204 has an aperture function. The imaging unit 205 is an image sensor composed of a CCD or CMOS, etc., which converts the optical image of a subject into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 206 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A / D converter 206 is used to convert the analog signal output from the imaging unit 205 into a digital signal. The barrier 202 covers the imaging system of the digital camera 100, including the photographic lens 203, the shutter 204, and the imaging unit 205, thereby preventing dirt and damage to the imaging system.

[0031] The image processing unit 207 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing (e.g., reduction), resizing, and color conversion on data from the A / D converter 206 or data from the memory control unit 209. The image processing unit 207 also performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data. The system control unit 201 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 207. This enables through-the-lens (TTL) autofocus (AF), automatic exposure (AE), and flash pre-flash (EF) processing. The image processing unit 207 further performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data and also performs TTL auto white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained calculation results. The image data processed by the image processing unit 207 is written to the memory 210 via the memory control unit 209.

[0032] The memory 210 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 205 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 206, as well as image data for display on the display unit 101. The memory 210 has sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of video, and audio.

[0033] Furthermore, memory 210 also serves as memory for image display (video memory). The D / A converter 208 converts the image display data stored in memory 210 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 101. In this way, the display image data written to memory 210 is displayed by the display unit 101 via the D / A converter 208. The display unit 101 displays on a display device such as an LCD according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 208. The digital signal, which has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 206 and stored in memory 210, is converted to analog by the D / A converter 208 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 101 for display, thereby enabling the display of a live view image. In addition, an eyepiece detection unit 219 is located near the EVF 101b. The system control unit 201 can switch the display destination of the live view image between the vari-angle monitor 101a and the EVF 101b by detecting the eyepiece state using the eyepiece detection unit 219.

[0034] The non-volatile memory 213 is an electrically erasable and restorable memory, such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 213 stores constants for the operation of the system control unit 201, programs, etc. The program referred to here is a program for executing the various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0035] The system control unit 201 controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 201 implements each of the processes of this embodiment, which will be described later, by executing the program stored in the non-volatile memory 213 mentioned above. The system memory 212 is a memory configured as RAM. The system memory 212 stores constants, variables for the operation of the system control unit 201, the program read from the non-volatile memory 213, and so on. The system control unit 201 also performs display control by controlling the memory 210, the D / A converter 208, the display unit 101, etc.

[0036] The system timer 211 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0037] The mode switching button 103, the first shutter switch 102a, the second shutter switch 102b, and the operation unit 104 are operation units for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 201 in response to user operation.

[0038] The mode switching button 103 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 201 to one of the following: still image shooting mode, video recording mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the still image shooting mode include auto mode, auto scene detection mode, manual mode, various scene modes for scene-specific shooting settings, program AE mode, custom mode, etc. The mode switching button 103 can be used to switch directly to any of these modes. Alternatively, the shooting mode can be switched to the shooting mode selection screen using the mode switching button 103, and then the mode can be switched by selecting one of the options corresponding to each shooting mode displayed on the shooting mode selection screen using another operating element. Similarly, the video recording mode may also include multiple modes.

[0039] The first shutter switch 102a turns on during the operation of the shutter button 102 on the digital camera 100, specifically when it is half-pressed (instruction to prepare for shooting), and generates the first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, the system control unit 201 starts shooting preparation processing such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing.

[0040] The second shutter switch 102b turns on when the shutter button 102 is fully pressed (a shooting instruction), generating the second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 201 starts a series of shooting processes, from reading the signal from the imaging unit 205 to writing the image data to the recording medium 109.

[0041] Each operating element of the control unit 104 is assigned a function as appropriate for each scene by selecting various function icons displayed on the display unit 101, and acts as various function buttons. Examples of function buttons include an exit button, back button, image advance button, jump button, filter button, and attribute change button. For example, when the menu button is pressed, various configurable menu screens are displayed on the display unit 101. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 101 and the four directional buttons (up, down, left, and right) and the SET button.

[0042] The controller wheel 106 is a rotatable operating element included in the operating unit 104 and is used in conjunction with the directional buttons to indicate selection items. When the controller wheel 106 is rotated, an electrical pulse signal is generated according to the amount of rotation, and the system control unit 201 controls various parts of the digital camera 100 based on this pulse signal. This pulse signal allows the system control unit 201 to determine the angle by which the controller wheel 106 has been rotated and how many rotations it has made. The controller wheel 106 can be any operating element that can detect rotation. For example, it could be a dial operating element in which the controller wheel 106 itself rotates in response to the user's rotation and generates a pulse signal. Alternatively, it could be an operating element consisting of a touch sensor, in which the controller wheel 106 itself does not rotate, but detects the rotational movement of the user's finger on the controller wheel 106 (a so-called touch wheel).

[0043] The digital camera 100 also has a touch panel as one of its operating units 104, which can detect contact with the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a. The touch panel and the vari-angle monitor 101a can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the light transmittance of the touch panel can be configured so as not to obstruct the display of the vari-angle monitor 101a, and the touch panel can be mounted on top of the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel can be associated with the display coordinates on the vari-angle monitor 101a. This makes it possible to configure a GUI that makes it appear as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the vari-angle monitor 101a. The system control unit 201 detects when the user touches the touch panel and executes processing according to the touch position. Any type of touch panel can be used, including resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, and optical sensor types.

[0044] The system control unit 201 can detect the following operations on the touch panel: Touching the touch panel with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as "touch down"); Touching the touch panel with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as "touch on"); Moving the touch panel while touching it with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as "slide"); Lifting the finger or pen that was touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as "touch up"); and Not touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as "touch off"). These operations, as well as the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel, are notified to the system control unit 201. Based on the notified information, the system control unit 201 determines what operation was performed on the touch panel.

[0045] The power control unit 214 consists of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching which blocks are energized, and the power control unit 214 detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 214 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 201, supplying the necessary voltage to each part, including the recording medium 109, for the required period of time.

[0046] The power supply unit 215 consists of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a lithium-ion battery, or an AC adapter. The recording medium I / F 216 is an interface with the recording medium 109, such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 109 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk.

[0047] The communication unit 217 connects to external devices via a wireless antenna or wired cable to enable communication and transmit / receive video and audio. The communication unit 217 can also connect to a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet. The communication unit 217 can transmit image data (including live view images) captured by the imaging unit 205 and image files recorded on the recording medium 109 to external devices, and can also receive image data and other various information from external devices.

[0048] The attitude position detection unit 218 detects the attitude of the digital camera 100 relative to the direction of gravity. Based on the attitude detected by the attitude position detection unit 218, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 205 was taken with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. Furthermore, it is possible to detect whether the digital camera 100 has moved upward or downward. The system control unit 201 can add the attitude information detected by the attitude position detection unit 218 to the image data captured by the imaging unit 205, or rotate the image data and store it. An acceleration sensor or gyro sensor can be used as the attitude position detection unit, and it is possible to detect the movement of the digital camera 100 (pan, tilt, lift, stationary, etc.).

[0049] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the attitude and position detection unit 218 (Figure 4) also includes a sensor (for example, a magnetic sensor) that detects the attitude and position (rotation angle and position) of the vari-angle monitor 101a.

[0050] The eyepiece detection unit 219 detects the approach (eye-in) and retraction (eye-out) of an eye (object) to the eyepiece of the viewfinder (proximity detection). The system control unit 201 switches the display (display state) / hidden (hidden state) of the vari-angle monitor 101a and EVF 101b according to the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 219. The eyepiece detection unit 219 can use, for example, an infrared proximity sensor to detect the approach of any object to the eyepiece of the viewfinder which has a built-in EVF 101b. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 219 is reflected and received by the light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of infrared light received can also be used to determine how close the object is to the eyepiece (eyepiece distance). In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 219 performs eyepiece detection to detect the proximity distance of an object to the eyepiece.

[0051] The system is configured to detect that the user has made eye contact with the viewfinder when an object approaches within a predetermined distance from the non-eye-contact state (non-approach state). The system is configured to detect that the user has moved away from the eye-contact state (approach state) when the object that was detected approaching moves beyond a predetermined distance. The threshold for detecting eye contact and the threshold for detecting eye separation may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. After detecting eye contact, the system is configured to remain in eye-contact state until eye separation is detected. After detecting eye separation, the system is configured to remain in non-eye-contact state until eye contact is detected again. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and the eye-contact detection unit 219 may use any other sensor that can detect the approach of an eye or object that can be considered as making eye contact.

[0052] Figure 5(a) shows an example of the display destination setting screen displayed by the digital camera 100. The system control unit 201 displays the display destination setting screen on, for example, the vari-angle monitor 101a or EVF 101b in response to user instructions. On the display destination setting screen, the user can make settings (display destination settings) related to the selection of the display destination of the image (for example, live view image) from the digital camera 100.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 5(a), the display destination setting screen includes "Auto" (third mode), "Finder Fixed" (fourth mode), "Finder Priority" (first mode), and "Monitor Fixed" (second mode) as options for display destination setting (display destination selection mode). The system control unit 201 sets the display destination setting (selection mode) to the display destination setting selected on the display destination setting screen. The system control unit 201 selects one of the vari-angle monitor 101a and EVF 101b as the display destination according to the selection criteria corresponding to the selected display destination setting.

[0054] Figure 5(b) shows the selection criteria for the display destination corresponding to each display destination setting. In Figure 5(b), "Monitor" refers to the vari-angle monitor 101a, and "EVF" refers to the EVF 101b. For example, if the display destination setting is set to auto, the system control unit 201 selects the vari-angle monitor 101a if the eyes are separated, and the EVF 101b if the eyes are in the eye-focused position, regardless of the position of the vari-angle monitor 101a. See Figure 6 for further details.

[0055] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the display destination selection process performed by the digital camera 100. Unless otherwise specified, each step in this flowchart is performed by the system control unit 201 executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 213. In this flowchart, it is assumed that the digital camera 100 is in a shooting standby state (a state in which a live view image is displayed), and the image displayed at the selected display destination is the live view image. While the digital camera 100 is in a shooting standby state, the system control unit 201 repeatedly executes the display destination selection process in this flowchart.

[0056] In this embodiment, the state of the digital camera 100 is not limited to the shooting standby state. For example, the display destination selection process of this embodiment may be applied when the digital camera 100 is in the playback state of a captured image. In this case, the image displayed at the selected display destination is the captured image selected as the playback target.

[0057] In S601, the system control unit 201 performs conditional branching according to the display destination setting. If the display destination setting is "Finder Priority", the process proceeds to S602; if the display destination setting is "Auto", the process proceeds to S607; if the display destination setting is "Monitor Fixed", the process proceeds to S610; and if the display destination setting is "Finder Fixed", the process proceeds to S611.

[0058] In S602, the system control unit 201 determines whether an object is close to the EVF 101b (whether the detected state is eye-contact or eye-detached) based on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 219. If it is eye-contact, the process proceeds to S606; otherwise, the process proceeds to S603.

[0059] In S603, the system control unit 201 uses the attitude position detection unit 218 to acquire the opening / closing angle Θtft and rotation angle Θr of the vari-angle monitor 101a.

[0060] In S604, the system control unit 201 determines whether the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the "high position or low position" based on the opening / closing angle Θtft and the rotation angle Θr. For example, if the opening / closing angle Θtft and the rotation angle Θr satisfy the following high position conditions, the system control unit 201 determines that the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the high position. Also, if the opening / closing angle Θtft and the rotation angle Θr satisfy the following high position conditions, the system control unit 201 determines that the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the low position. High position conditions: 135 degrees ≤ Θtft and 220 degrees ≤ Θr ≤ 270 degrees Low position conditions: 135 degrees ≤ Θtft and 90 degrees ≤ Θr ≤ 140 degrees

[0061] Therefore, if the opening / closing angle Θtft and the rotation angle Θr satisfy the high position or low position conditions described below, the system control unit 201 determines that the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the "high position or low position". If the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the "high position or low position", the process proceeds to S605; otherwise, the process proceeds to S606.

[0062] The angle ranges described above for the high-position and low-position conditions are examples of angle ranges that can be used in cameras with a monitor such as the vari-angle monitor 101a, but this embodiment is not limited to specific angle ranges.

[0063] In S605, the system control unit 201 selects the vari-angle monitor 101a as the display destination. Depending on the selected display destination, the system control unit 201 controls the display to show the image on the selected display destination (in this case, the vari-angle monitor 101a).

[0064] In S606, the system control unit 201 selects EVF101b as the display destination. It then controls the system to display the image on the selected display destination (in this case, EVF101b). Therefore, when the display destination setting is set to viewfinder priority, the EVF101b is preferentially selected as the display destination. However, when the user is in an "eye-away" state and in a "high or low position," the vari-angle monitor 101a is selected as the display destination.

[0065] In S607, the system control unit 201, similar to S602, determines whether an object is close to the EVF 101b (whether the detected state is eye-contact or eye-detached) based on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 219. If it is eye-contact, the process proceeds to S609; otherwise, the process proceeds to S608.

[0066] In S608, the system control unit 201 selects the vari-angle monitor 101a as the display destination.

[0067] In S609, the system control unit 201 selects EVF101b as the display destination.

[0068] Therefore, when the display destination setting is set to auto, the display destination is switched depending on whether the user is looking through their eyes or not, regardless of the position of the vari-angle monitor 101a.

[0069] In S610, the system control unit 201 selects the vari-angle monitor 101a as the display destination.

[0070] Therefore, if the display destination setting is fixed to the monitor, the vari-angle monitor 101a is selected as the display destination regardless of the position of the vari-angle monitor 101a and regardless of the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 219.

[0071] In S611, the system control unit 201 selects EVF101b as the display destination.

[0072] Therefore, when the display destination setting is fixed to the viewfinder, the EVF 101b is selected as the display destination regardless of the position of the vari-angle monitor 101a and regardless of the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 219.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 6, with the "Viewfinder Priority" setting, the vari-angle monitor 101a is selected as the display destination when the EVF 101b is in the eye-away position and the vari-angle monitor 101a is in the "high position or low position". However, the position of the vari-angle monitor 101a (its positional relationship with the camera body 100a) in this selection criterion (selection condition) is not limited to the "high position or low position". Therefore, with the "Viewfinder Priority" setting in this embodiment, the system control unit 201 can select the vari-angle monitor 101a as the display destination when the selection conditions are met, namely when the EVF 101b is in the eye-away position and the positional relationship of the vari-angle monitor 101a with respect to the camera body 100a satisfies predetermined positional conditions.

[0074] The fact that the vari-angle monitor 101a is in a "high position or low position" is an example of a predetermined position condition. In the explanation in S604, the high position condition and the low position condition include conditions relating to both the opening / closing angle Θtft and the rotation angle Θr. Therefore, the predetermined position condition includes conditions relating to both the opening / closing angle Θtft and the rotation angle Θr. However, if the vari-angle monitor 101a is configured to be rotatable in the tilt direction behind the camera body 100a without being unfolded to the side of the camera body 100a as shown in Figure 1(b), then the predetermined position condition does not need to include a condition relating to the opening / closing angle Θtft. In this case, the predetermined position condition may include a condition relating to the rotation angle Θr, and the condition relating to the rotation angle Θr may be a condition that the tilt angle of the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a relative to the camera body 100a is within a predetermined angular range. In this case, the predetermined position condition is satisfied when the tilt angle of the display surface of the vari-angle monitor 101a relative to the camera body 100a is within a predetermined angular range.

[0075] The predetermined angle range may not include, for example, the range from D1 degree (D1 < 180) to D2 degree (D2 > 180). Alternatively, the predetermined angle range may not include the range from 0 degrees to D3 degrees (D3 < 90), and the range from D4 degrees (D4 > 270) to 360 degrees. D1 may be 140 or less, and D2 may be 220 or more. Also, D1 may be greater than 90, and D2 may be less than 270. When D1 = 140, D2 = 220, D3 = 90, and D4 = 270, the predetermined angle range includes the range from 220 degrees to 270 degrees, and the range from 90 degrees to 140 degrees. That is, in this case, the predetermined angle range is the same range as the rotation angle Θr range in the high position and low position conditions described in S604.

[0076] Furthermore, the predetermined positional conditions may include conditions relating to the opening / closing angle Θtft, without including conditions relating to the rotation angle Θr.

[0077] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the digital camera 100 includes a vari-angle monitor 101a attached to the camera body 100a so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the camera body 100a, and an EVF 101b. The digital camera 100 can be operated with a "finder priority" display destination setting. In this case, the digital camera 100 determines whether or not an object is close to the EVF 101b and determines whether or not the positional relationship of the vari-angle monitor 101a satisfies a predetermined positional condition (for example, "high position or low position"). If the condition (first selection condition) is met, that no object is close to the EVF 101b and the positional relationship of the vari-angle monitor 101a satisfies the predetermined positional condition, the digital camera 100 selects the vari-angle monitor 101a as the display destination. If the first selection condition is not met, the digital camera 100 selects the EVF 101b as the display destination. The digital camera 100 controls itself to display the image at the selected display destination.

[0078] If the EVF 101b is in an eye-away position, and the user changes the positional relationship of the vari-angle monitor 101a so that the positional relationship of the vari-angle monitor 101a satisfies predetermined positional conditions, it is possible that the user may have difficulty looking through the EVF 101b for some reason. In the "Finder Priority" setting of this embodiment, the EVF 101b is selected preferentially, but if it is possible that the user may have difficulty looking through the EVF 101b, the vari-angle monitor 101a is selected. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to select the display destination with the intention of further improving the user experience.

[0079] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0080] [summary] The embodiments described above disclose, but are not limited to, the inventions shown in at least the following items. (Item 1) An imaging device, A first display unit is attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, A second display unit, A first determination means for determining whether or not an object is in close proximity to the second display unit, A second determination means for determining whether the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, A selection means for selecting one of the first display unit and the second display unit as a display destination, wherein if a first selection condition is met, such that the object is not close to the second display unit and the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions, the first display unit is selected; otherwise, the second display unit is selected. A display control means that controls the display of an image to the selected display destination, An imaging device characterized by comprising: (Item 2) The predetermined positional condition is met when the tilt angle of the display surface of the first display unit relative to the main body is within a predetermined angular range. The imaging device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The predetermined positional condition is met when the tilt angle of the display surface is within the predetermined angle range and the display surface is located next to the main body. The imaging device described in item 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 4) When the display surface is facing the front side of the main body, it is defined as 0 degrees, and when viewed from the left side of the main body, the clockwise direction is defined as the positive direction. In this case, the predetermined angle range does not include the range from D1 degrees (D1 < 180) to D2 degrees (D2 > 180). The imaging device according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that it is an imaging device. (Item 5) D1 is 140 or less, and D2 is 220 or more. The imaging device described in item 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 6) D1 is greater than 90, and D2 is less than 270. The imaging device described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 7) The system further includes setting means for setting the selection mode of the display destination, If the selection mode is the first mode, the selection means selects the first display unit if the first selection condition is met, and selects the second display unit if the first selection condition is not met. When the selection mode is the second mode, the selection means selects the second display unit regardless of whether the object is close to the second display unit and regardless of whether the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions. An imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that it is an imaging device. (Item 8) The display control means controls the display on the first display unit or the second display unit to display a setting screen on the first display unit or the second display unit, in response to a user instruction, which includes a plurality of modes, including the first mode and the second mode, as options. The setting means sets the selection mode to the mode selected on the setting screen. The imaging device according to item 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 9) The second display unit is located within the viewfinder of the imaging device. An imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that it is an imaging device. (Item 10) A control method performed by an imaging device, The imaging device is A first display unit is attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, A second display unit, Equipped with, The control method described above is A first determination step of determining whether or not an object is in close proximity to the second display unit, A second determination step of determining whether the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, A selection step for selecting one of the first display unit and the second display unit as the display destination, wherein if the first selection condition is met, such that the object is not close to the second display unit and the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions, the first display unit is selected; otherwise, the second display unit is selected. A display control step that controls the display of an image to be shown at the selected display destination, A control method characterized by comprising: (Item 11) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus described in any one of items 1 through 9.

[0081] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100…Digital camera, 100a…Camera body, 101…Display unit, 101a…Vari-angle monitor, 101b…EVF, 201…System control unit, 218…Attitude and position detection unit, 219…Eyepiece detection unit

Claims

1. An imaging device, A first display unit is attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, The second display unit, A first determination means for determining whether or not an object is in close proximity to the second display unit, A second determination means for determining whether the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, A selection means for selecting one of the first display unit and the second display unit as a display destination, wherein if a first selection condition is met, such that the object is not close to the second display unit and the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions, the first display unit is selected; otherwise, the second display unit is selected. A display control means that controls the display of an image to the selected display destination, An imaging device characterized by comprising:

2. The predetermined positional condition is met when the tilt angle of the display surface of the first display unit relative to the main body is within a predetermined angular range. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The predetermined positional condition is met when the tilt angle of the display surface is within the predetermined angle range and the display surface is located next to the main body. The imaging device according to feature 2.

4. When the display surface is facing the front side of the main body, it is defined as 0 degrees, and when viewed from the left side of the main body, the clockwise direction is defined as the positive direction. The predetermined angle range is D １ degree (D １ <180) to D ２ degree (D ２ > Does not include the range up to 180) The imaging apparatus according to feature 2.

5. D １ It is 140 or less, D ２ It is 220 or more. The imaging apparatus according to feature 4.

6. D １ It is greater than 90, D ２ It is less than 270. The imaging apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The system further includes setting means for setting the selection mode of the display destination, If the selection mode is the first mode, the selection means selects the first display unit if the first selection condition is met, and selects the second display unit if the first selection condition is not met. When the selection mode is the second mode, the selection means selects the second display unit regardless of whether the object is close to the second display unit and regardless of whether the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The display control means controls the display on the first display unit or the second display unit to display a setting screen on the first display unit or the second display unit, in response to a user instruction, which includes a plurality of modes, including the first mode and the second mode, as options. The setting means sets the selection mode to the mode selected on the setting screen. The imaging apparatus according to feature 7.

9. The second display unit is located within the viewfinder of the imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

10. A control method performed by an imaging device, The imaging device is A first display unit is attached to the main body of the imaging device so as to be able to change its positional relationship with the main body of the imaging device, The second display unit, Equipped with, The control method described above is A first determination step of determining whether or not an object is in close proximity to the second display unit, A second determination step of determining whether the positional relationship satisfies predetermined positional conditions, A selection step of selecting one of the first display unit and the second display unit as the display destination, wherein if the first selection condition is met, such that the object is not close to the second display unit and the positional relationship satisfies the predetermined positional conditions, the first display unit is selected; otherwise, the second display unit is selected. A display control step that controls the display of an image to be shown at the selected display destination, A control method characterized by comprising:

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

Images