Electronic device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus that can make a transition to a power-saving state at an appropriate timing, and until the transition to the power-saving state, allows a user to quickly check display on a display (such as an electronic viewfinder) that can be visually recognized through a proximity part.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus of the present invention performs display on a display that can be visually recognized through a proximity part. When approach to the proximity part is detected, the electronic apparatus controls the state of the electronic apparatus to be in a predetermined state to reduce the power consumption of the electronic apparatus in response to the lapse of a first time with no operation for an operation member, and when approach to the proximity part is not detected, controls the state of the electronic apparatus to be in the predetermined state in response to the lapse of the first time with no operation for the operation member or the lapse of a second time shorter than the first time with no operation for the operation member and no approach to the proximity part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a power saving operation of the electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known technology for controlling equipment using a proximity sensor that detects the approach of a person or object. For example, in electronic devices such as cameras, a proximity sensor is sometimes used as an eye-contact sensor that detects the state of looking through the viewfinder, that is, the approach (eye contact) to the viewfinder. Depending on the detection status of the approach, the electronic viewfinder is switched on / off (display / non-display on the electronic viewfinder).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera that has an optical viewfinder and a proximity sensor, and that turns off (hides) the rear display panel to save power when it detects approach. This digital camera has an auto power off function that turns off the power of the digital camera if no operation is performed on the digital camera for a specified period of time. The auto power off function is disabled while approach is being detected so that the auto power off function is not executed while the optical viewfinder is being used. Even in the case of an electronic viewfinder, it is preferable to disable the auto power off function during periods when the electronic viewfinder is considered to be in use, such as periods when approach is being detected.

[0004] Here, a user may hang the electronic device from his / her neck using a strap or the like. In addition, the user may not bother to turn the power on / off, hoping that the auto power off function will be executed. In such a usage manner, the proximity sensor of the electronic device reacts to the user's abdomen or arms when the user has folded their arms, and the auto power off function is disabled in the same way as when the viewfinder is used. As a result, the power of the electronic device remains on against the user's intention, and the battery of the electronic device runs out quickly.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic device that has a proximity sensor timer in addition to a power saving timer whose count is reset when approach is detected. When this electronic device detects that a first time has elapsed without any operation using the proximity sensor timer, it disables the approach detection by the proximity sensor, but continues counting by the power saving timer. This makes it possible to solve the above-mentioned problem. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-165705 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-32373 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, with the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, even if the power of the electronic device is on, when approaching, the proximity sensor does not react and the electronic viewfinder does not light up (no display is made in the electronic viewfinder). For this reason, when there are multiple display units such as a rear display panel and an electronic viewfinder, if display is made in a display unit other than the electronic viewfinder, there is no significant inconvenience, but if this is not the case, inconvenience occurs.

[0008] For example, in the case of an electronic telescope (such as an electronic monocular or electronic binoculars) that has only an electronic viewfinder as a display unit, this causes inconvenience. Specifically, when approaching, the proximity sensor does not react and the electronic viewfinder does not light up, so the user cannot quickly check the display in the electronic viewfinder. For this reason, when using an electronic telescope for watching sports or bird watching, the user may miss a scene that he or she wants to see. Note that power saving is also important, and for example, when using an electronic telescope for watching sports, it is preferable to save power in the electronic telescope so that the electronic telescope can be battery-powered for at least the period equivalent to the duration of the game.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an electronic device that can transition to a power-saving state at an appropriate timing and that allows a user to quickly check the display on a display unit (such as an electronic viewfinder) that is visible through an access unit until the transition to the power-saving state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The electronic device of the present invention includes a proximity detection means for detecting proximity to a proximity portion, an operation detection means for detecting an operation on an operating member, and displays on a display unit visible through the proximity portion. When proximity to the proximity portion is detected, the electronic device is put into a predetermined state so as to reduce power consumption of the electronic device in response to a first time period having elapsed with no operation on the operating member, and when proximity to the proximity portion is not detected, ,before and a control means for controlling the state of the electronic device to the predetermined state in response to a second time period shorter than the first time period having elapsed in a state in which there is no operation on the operating member and no approach to the approach portion. The control means controls the display unit to display a predetermined image on the display unit. Do not change the state to the predetermined state It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can transition to a power saving state at an appropriate timing and that allows a user to quickly check the display on a display unit (such as an electronic viewfinder) that is visible through an access portion until the transition to the power saving state occurs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic telescope according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an electronic telescope according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the electronic telescope according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a time chart showing an example of a power saving operation of the electronic telescope according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the electronic telescope according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the electronic telescope according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] <Example 1> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Although an example in which the present invention is applied to an electronic monocular will be described, electronic devices to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to electronic monoculars. For example, the present invention can be applied to other electronic telescopes such as electronic binoculars, and the present invention can also be applied to cameras. The present invention can be applied to any electronic device that can control the display on a display unit visible through an approach unit.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic telescope 100 (electronic monocular) according to the first embodiment. The electronic telescope 100 includes a CPU 101, a memory 102, a non-volatile memory 103, an image processing unit 104, a finder 105, an operation unit 106, an external An I / F 107 and a communication I / F 108 are connected to the internal bus 150. Furthermore, a camera unit 110, a power connection unit 111, an eyepiece sensor 113, and a clock unit 114 are also connected to the internal bus 150. The units connected to the internal bus 150 are capable of exchanging data with each other via the internal bus 150.

[0015] The CPU 101 controls each part of the electronic telescope 100. For example, the CPU 101 controls each part of the electronic telescope 100 according to a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103, using the memory 102 as a work memory. The memory 102 is, for example, a RAM (a volatile memory using semiconductor elements, etc.). The non-volatile memory 103 is, for example, a hard disk (HD) or a ROM. The non-volatile memory 103 stores image data, audio data, other data, various programs for the operation of the CPU 101, etc.

[0016] The image processing unit 104 performs various image processing on image data stored in the non-volatile memory 103, a video signal acquired via the external I / F 107, image data acquired via the communication I / F 108, etc., based on the control of the CPU 101. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 104 includes A / D conversion processing, D / A conversion processing, encoding processing, compression processing, decoding processing, enlargement / reduction processing (resizing), noise reduction processing, color conversion processing, etc. The image processing unit 104 may be configured with a circuit block dedicated to performing a specific image processing. Depending on the type of image processing, it is also possible for the CPU 101 to perform image processing according to a program without using the image processing unit 104.

[0017] The finder 105 (electronic viewfinder) is a display unit that displays images and GUI screens that configure a GUI (Graphical User Interface) under the control of the CPU 101. The CPU 101 generates a display control signal according to a program, and controls each unit of the electronic telescope 100 to generate a video signal for display on the finder 105 and output it to the finder 105. The finder 105 displays an image based on the output video signal. A user can view (look into) the finder 105 by placing his / her eye on an eyepiece unit 201, which will be described later. In other words, the finder 105 can be viewed through the eyepiece unit 201.

[0018] The operation unit 106 is an input device (operation member) for receiving user operations, and includes a button, a dial, a joystick, etc. When an operation is performed on the operation unit 106, the operation unit 106 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the performed operation. The CPU 101 detects an operation on the operation unit 106 by monitoring the operation signal (operation detection).

[0019] 1, in the first embodiment, the operation unit 106 includes a power button 106a for switching on / off the power of the electronic telescope 100, as well as a menu button 106b, a zoom button 106c, a shutter button 106d, and a video button 106e. The user can use these buttons to switch various settings of the electronic telescope 100.

[0020] The menu button 106b is a button for displaying a menu screen on the viewfinder 105. The menu screen is used for changing the set time (time setting value) of the viewfinder off timer and the set time (time setting value) of the auto power off timer, etc. The viewfinder off timer and the auto power off timer will be described later.

[0021] The zoom button 106c functions as a button for changing the zoom magnification of the subject image (image of the subject captured by the camera unit 110; live view image) displayed on the viewfinder 105 in a shooting standby state. For example, every time the zoom button 106c is pressed, the focal length (corresponding to the zoom magnification) in 35 mm full size conversion changes from 100 mm to 4 It toggles in the order of 00 mm→800 mm→100 mm. On the menu screen, the zoom button 106c functions as a SET button that is used to enter an item selected on the menu screen.

[0022] The shutter button 106d is a button for issuing a shooting preparation instruction or a shooting instruction. By pressing the shutter button 106d halfway in a shooting standby state, a shooting preparation instruction is issued, and shooting preparation processing such as AF (autofocus) is started. By pressing the shutter button 106d fully in a shooting standby state, a shooting instruction is issued, and a series of shooting processing from capturing an image by the camera unit 110 to recording the obtained image is performed. On a menu screen, etc., the shutter button 106d functions as a LEFT button used to move a cursor for selecting an item one position to the left. When multiple items are lined up vertically, the cursor moves one position up in response to pressing the shutter button 106d.

[0023] The video button 106e functions as a button for instructing the start / stop of video shooting (video recording) in a shooting standby state. On a menu screen, etc., the video button 106e functions as a RIGHT button used to move the cursor one position to the right. When multiple items are lined up vertically, pressing the video button 106e moves the cursor one position down.

[0024] The set time of the viewfinder off timer and the set time of the auto power off timer may be fixed values. In the first embodiment, the set time of the viewfinder off timer and the set time of the auto power off timer are set in advance so that the auto power off timer expires in a shorter time than the viewfinder off timer. The set time of the timer is the time at which the timer expires (expiry time). For example, the set time of the viewfinder off timer is 3 minutes, and the set time of the auto power off timer is shorter than 3 minutes (10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). The set time of the viewfinder off timer and the set time of the auto power off timer are not particularly limited, and the set time of the auto power off timer may be 3 minutes, and the set time of the viewfinder off timer may be longer than 3 minutes.

[0025] The external I / F 107 is an interface for connecting to an external device by wire or wirelessly and inputting and outputting video signals and audio signals. The communication I / F 108 is an interface for communicating with an external device, the Internet 109, etc., and transmitting and receiving various data such as files and commands.

[0026] The camera unit 110 includes a group of lenses including a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like, and an imaging element configured by a CCD, CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and is capable of capturing an image of a subject and generating image data.

[0027] The power supply connection unit 111 receives power from a power supply 112 and supplies the necessary power to each unit via an internal bus 150. The power supply 112 is a supply source of power necessary for the operation of the electronic telescope 100, and is a secondary battery (such as a lithium ion battery) or an AC adapter.

[0028] The eye sensor 113 is disposed near the viewfinder 105 and is capable of determining whether the eye (object) is approaching (approaching) or leaving (moving away) the eye to the eyepiece unit 201 (approaching unit) (eye approach detection). Based on the result of this determination, the CPU 101 can control whether or not to output an image to the viewfinder 105 (turning the viewfinder 105 on / off; displaying / hiding on the viewfinder 105). In the first embodiment, the CPU 101 detects that the eye is approaching the eyepiece unit 201. do not have In this case, the CPU 101 does not display the image on the viewfinder 105, and when it detects that the eye is placed on the eyepiece unit 201, it controls the display on the viewfinder 105. Note that the CPU 101 controls the display on the viewfinder 105 regardless of whether it detects that the eye is placed on the eyepiece unit 201 or not. The display may be controlled to display:

[0029] The eye sensor 113 may be, for example, an infrared proximity sensor, and the eye sensor 113 can detect the approach of an object to the eyepiece 201 of the finder 105. When an object approaches, infrared light projected from a light projecting section (not shown) of the eye sensor 113 is reflected and received by a light receiving section (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of received infrared light can determine the distance the object is approaching the eyepiece 201 (eye distance). In this way, the eye sensor 113 performs eye proximity detection (approach detection) to detect the proximity of the object to the eyepiece 201. When an object approaching within a predetermined distance from the non-eyepiece state (non-approach state) is detected, the eye sensor 113 detects that the object has been placed near the eye. When an object that was detected as approaching from the eyepiece state (approach state) moves away from the eyepiece by a predetermined distance or more, the eye sensor 113 detects that the object has been removed from the eyepiece. The threshold value for detecting the eye approach and the threshold value for detecting the removal of the eye may be different, for example, by providing a hysteresis. In addition, after detecting eye contact, the eye sensor remains in the eye contact state until eye removal is detected. After detecting eye removal, the eye sensor remains in the non-eye contact state until eye contact is detected. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is only an example, and other sensors may be used for the eye sensor 113 as long as they can detect the approach or contact of an eye or object that can be regarded as eye contact.

[0030] The clock unit 114 measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock. For example, the clock unit 114 controls the timing of a finder-off timer and an auto power-off timer. Although details will be described later, the clock unit 114 controls the timing of the finder-off timer so that the finder-off timer counts (times) the time when there is no operation on the operation unit 106. Furthermore, the clock unit 114 controls the timing of the auto power-off timer so that the auto power-off timer counts the time when there is no operation on the operation unit 106 and no eyepiece 201 is placed on the eyepiece.

[0031] 2(A) to 2(D) are diagrams showing an example of the external appearance of the electronic telescope 100. Fig. 2(A) is a top view of the electronic telescope 100, Fig. 2(B) is a front view of the electronic telescope 100, Fig. 2(C) is a right side view of the electronic telescope 100, and Fig. 2(D) is a rear view of the electronic telescope 100. Figs. 2(A), 2(C), and 2(D) show a power button 106a, a menu button 106b, a zoom button 106c, a shutter button 106d, and a video button 106e. Fig. 2(D) also shows an eyepiece unit 201.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the electronic telescope 100. This processing flow is realized by the CPU 101 expanding a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 103 into the memory 102 and executing it. When the user operates the power button 106a included in the operation unit 106 while the power of the electronic telescope 100 is off, the CPU 101 detects the operation and the processing flow of Fig. 3 starts.

[0033] In S300, the CPU 101 starts up the electronic telescope 100 (each unit of the electronic telescope 100, including the eyepiece sensor 113 for detecting when a user places his / her eye on the eyepiece unit 201, and the timing unit 114 for controlling timing).

[0034] In S301, CPU 101 performs a reset process of the auto power off timer by controlling timing unit 114 (resetting the count by the auto power off timer). As a result, the count time of the auto power off timer is set to 0 seconds. Note that if the auto power off timer is currently counting, the reset process of the auto power off timer stops the count by the auto power off timer.

[0035] In S302, the CPU 101 controls the timing unit 114 to perform a reset process of the viewfinder-off timer (resetting the count by the viewfinder-off timer). As a result, the count time of the viewfinder-off timer is set to 0 seconds. Note that if the viewfinder-off timer is currently counting, the reset process of the viewfinder-off timer stops the count by the viewfinder-off timer.

[0036] In S303, the CPU 101 outputs a count start request for the finder-off timer to the timing unit 114, and in response to the request, the timing unit 114 starts counting by the finder-off timer.

[0037] In S304, CPU 101 determines whether or not the placement of the eye on eyepiece unit 201 (finder 105) has been detected by eyepiece sensor 113. If the placement of the eye has been detected, the process proceeds to S305, and if not, the process proceeds to S307.

[0038] In S305, the CPU 101 controls each part of the electronic telescope 100 to display the subject image obtained from the camera unit 110 on the viewfinder 105 (lighting up the viewfinder 105). In S306, similar to S301, the CPU 101 performs a reset process for the auto power off timer. The auto power off timer is stopped while the user has placed his eye on the eyepiece unit 201 (Yes in S304). This prevents the electronic telescope 100 from being auto powered off while the user is placing his eye on the eyepiece unit 201, i.e., while it is assumed that the user is viewing the live view image displayed in the viewfinder 105. Therefore, the electronic telescope 100 will not be suddenly powered off even though the user is viewing the live view image, which can avoid confusion for the user.

[0039] In S307, CPU 101 turns off (hides) finder 105 in order to reduce power consumption of electronic telescope 100. In S308, CPU 101 determines whether or not timing unit 114 is counting using the auto power off timer. If countdown is in progress, processing proceeds to S310; if not, processing proceeds to S309. In S309, CPU 101 outputs a request to timing unit 114 to start counting using the auto power off timer, and in response to this request, timing unit 114 starts counting using the auto power off timer. In other words, counting using the auto power off timer starts at the timing (time point) when placement of an eye on eyepiece unit 201 is no longer detected.

[0040] In S310, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an operation on the operation unit 106 has been detected. If an operation has been detected, the process proceeds to S301, and if not, the process proceeds to S311. Therefore, if an operation has been performed on the operation unit 106, the count by the auto power off timer and the count by the viewfinder off timer are reset (S301 and S302). Then, at the timing (point in time) when the operation on the operation unit 106 has been performed, the count by the viewfinder off timer is started (S303).

[0041] In S311, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the auto power off timer has expired. If the auto power off timer has expired, the process proceeds to S313, and if not, the process proceeds to S312.

[0042] In S312, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the viewfinder-off timer has expired. If the viewfinder-off timer has expired, the process proceeds to S313, and if not, the process proceeds to S304.

[0043] In S313, the CPU 101 puts the electronic telescope 100 into a predetermined power saving state so as to reduce the power consumption of the electronic telescope 100. The electronic telescope 100 performs a shutdown process and then turns off the power to the electronic telescope 100. Note that the power saving state is not limited to a power off state, and may be any state in which power consumption is lower than in the normal state.

[0044] 4(A) to 4(D) are time charts showing an example of the power saving operation of the electronic telescope 100. Here, for simplicity of explanation, the initial state is a state in which placing the eye on the eyepiece unit 201 (finder 105) is detected. In FIGS. 4(A) to 4(D), time t1 is the expiration time of the finder off timer, and time t2 is the expiration time of the auto power off timer. Timing 401 is the timing when an operation on the operation unit 106 is detected, and timing 402 is the timing when the power to the electronic telescope 100 is turned off. Timing 403 is the timing when removing the eye from the eyepiece unit 201 (finder 105) is detected (the timing when placing the eye on the eyepiece unit 201 is no longer detected), and timing 404 is the timing when placing the eye on the eyepiece unit 201 is detected.

[0045] 4A shows a case where the finder off timer expires while the eye is still in contact with the viewfinder. After an operation is detected at timing 401, the power to the electronic telescope 100 is turned off at timing 402 after a time t1 has elapsed with no operation and the eye in contact with the viewfinder.

[0046] FIG. 4B shows a case where the auto power off timer starts counting upon detection of moving away from the telescope, and the auto power off timer expires. After moving away from the telescope is detected at timing 403, the electronic telescope 100 is powered off at timing 402 (the timing when the auto power off timer expires) when time t2 has elapsed before the finder off timer expires, without any operation and with the telescope moving away from the telescope. Note that in FIG. 4B, an operation is detected at timing 401, which is before timing 403 when moving away from the telescope is detected, and the finder off timer starts counting. However, the auto power off timer expires (time t2 has elapsed since timing 403 when moving away from the telescope was detected) before the finder off timer expires (time t1 has elapsed since timing 401). Therefore, at timing 402 when time t2 has elapsed, the electronic telescope 100 is powered off without waiting for time t1 to elapse.

[0047] 4C shows a case where the finder off timer expires before the auto power off timer expires. When looking away is detected at timing 403, the auto power off timer starts counting. However, the finder off timer expires (time t1 has passed since timing 401 when the operation was detected) before the auto power off timer expires (time t2 has passed since timing 403). Therefore, at timing 402 when time t1 has passed, the electronic telescope 100 is powered off without waiting for time t2 to pass.

[0048] Fig. 4(D) shows a case where the eye is moved away and then brought closer to the object repeatedly in a short period of time. The auto power off timer does not expire because the action of moving away from the object and then bringing it closer to the object before time t2 has elapsed is repeated. However, as described above in Fig. 3, the count by the finder off timer is reset only when the operation unit 106 is operated (Yes in S310), and is not reset by bringing the eye closer to the object or moving away from the object. For this reason, the power to the electronic telescope 100 is turned off at timing 402 (when the finder off timer expires), which is the time t1 that has elapsed since timing 401 when the operation was detected.

[0049] Although not shown in Figures 4(A) to 4(D), if an operation is performed on the operation unit 106 during the counting of at least one of the times t1 and t2, the counts of both times t1 and t2 are reset. Therefore, in all of Figures 4(A) to 4(D), if an operation on the operation unit 106 is detected, the situation returns to the same situation as at timing 401, and timing control according to the conditions (timing control of times t1 and t2) is performed.

[0050] As described above, according to the first embodiment, not only the time when there is no operation on the operation unit 106, but also the time when there is no operation on the operation unit 106 and no eye contact with the eyepiece unit 201 is counted. Then, when one of these times reaches a predetermined time, the state of the electronic telescope 100 transitions to a power saving state. This allows the state of the electronic telescope 100 to transition to a power saving state at an appropriate timing. Furthermore, until the state of the electronic telescope 100 transitions to the power saving state, eye contact detection is not disabled, and display / non-display in the finder 105 is controlled depending on whether or not the eye is contacted, or the display in the finder 105 is continued. Therefore, until the state of the electronic telescope 100 transitions to the power saving state, the user can quickly check the display in the finder 105.

[0051] For example, the following effects are achieved. When the electronic telescope 100 detects a movement away from the telescope at timing 403 in Figs. 4(B) to 4(D), the finder 105 is turned off, thereby reducing the power consumption of the electronic telescope 100. In addition, since the eye sensor 113 always reacts when the electronic telescope 100 is powered on, the electronic telescope 100 can be quickly displayed on the finder 105 when the telescope is moved away from the telescope. Furthermore, since the only display unit is the finder 105, it is highly likely that the electronic telescope 100 is not being used by the user when the telescope is moved away from the telescope. For this reason, by setting the time t2 to a sufficiently short time, the transition to the power saving state can be accelerated, and the power consumption of the electronic telescope 100 can be further reduced. In addition, as described with reference to Fig. 4(D), the count of time t1 is not reset when the telescope is moved away from the telescope. Therefore, even if the eyepiece sensor 113 reacts to the abdomen or folded arms of a user against the user's will while the electronic telescope 100 is hanging from the user's neck using a strap or the like, the electronic telescope 100 can transition to a power-saving state as time t1 elapses. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary power consumption against the user's will.

[0052] <Example 2> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, in which the description of the same points (configuration, processing, etc.) as those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0053] As in the case of FIG. 4(A), if the eyepiece continues to be placed on the electronic telescope 100 without any operation, the user may still be using the electronic telescope 100. Therefore, if the power supply of the electronic telescope 100 is turned off without notifying the user, the user who wants to continue using the electronic telescope 100 must operate the power button 106a to turn the power back on, which may cause the electronic telescope 100 to become less user-friendly. The same problem occurs when the power saving state is not the power off state. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the CPU 101 issues a predetermined notification a predetermined time before the power supply of the electronic telescope 100 is turned off (a predetermined time before the state of the electronic telescope 100 is changed to the power saving state). The predetermined time is shorter than the expiration time of the auto power off timer, for example, 5 seconds.

[0054] Specifically, the CPU 101 displays guidance 501 in Fig. 5 on the finder 105 a predetermined time before the electronic telescope 100 is turned off. The guidance 501 indicates, for example, that a timer will turn off the power to the electronic telescope 100. The guidance 501 may further indicate that the timer count can be reset by operating the operation unit 106, thereby extending the time until the electronic telescope 100 is turned off.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the electronic telescope 100 according to the second embodiment. This processing flow is realized by the CPU 101 expanding a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 103 into the memory 102 and executing it. When the user operates the power button 106a included in the operation unit 106 while the power supply of the electronic telescope 100 is off, the CPU 101 detects the operation and the processing flow of Fig. 6 starts. In Fig. 6, the same processes as those in Fig. 3 (first embodiment) are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 3.

[0056] In S601, the CPU 101 checks the count time of the auto power off timer and the count time of the finder off timer, and determines whether the current timing is a predetermined time before the electronic telescope 100 is turned off. If the current timing is the predetermined time before the power is turned off, proceed to S602, and if not (if the current timing is earlier than the predetermined time before the power is turned off), proceed to S601. The current timing is a predetermined time before the power is turned off when at least one of the following two differential times is equal to the predetermined time. The current timing is not a predetermined time before the power is turned off when both of the following two differential times are longer than the predetermined time. The difference time obtained by subtracting the count time of the auto power off timer from the expiration time of the auto power off timer The difference time obtained by subtracting the count time of the finder off timer from the expiration time of the finder off timer

[0057] In S602, the CPU 101 displays guidance 501 in the viewfinder 105. When the user operates the operation unit 106 in response to the display of the guidance 501 (predetermined notification), the process proceeds from S310 to S301. Then, a reset process for the auto power off timer (S301) and a reset process for the viewfinder off timer (S302) are performed, and the time until the electronic telescope 100 is powered off is extended.

[0058] As described above, according to the second embodiment, a predetermined notification is given a predetermined time before the power of the electronic telescope 100 is turned off. This allows the user to know that the power of the electronic telescope 100 will be turned off. As a result, a user who wishes to continue using the electronic telescope 100 can suitably operate the operation unit 106 so as to extend the time until the power of the electronic telescope 100 is turned off, improving the usability of the electronic telescope 100. The same effect is achieved even when the power saving state is not the power off state.

[0059] It should be noted that while the eye is away from the object, there is a high possibility that the user is not looking at the viewfinder 105. For this reason, the CPU 101 may not issue a predetermined notification when it is not detected that the eye is placed on the eyepiece unit 201, and may issue a predetermined notification a predetermined time before the electronic telescope 100 is put into the power saving state when it is detected that the eye is placed on the eyepiece unit 201. In other words, the process of S602 may be performed only while the eye is placed on the object.

[0060] <Example 3> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the description of the same points (such as configuration and processing) as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate. In the second embodiment, a predetermined notification is given by displaying the viewfinder 105. In the third embodiment, a predetermined notification is given by another method.

[0061] For example, the electronic telescope 100 may have an audio sound unit (such as a speaker) not shown, and the CPU 101 may give a predetermined notification by audio output from the audio sound (audio output from the electronic telescope 100). The electronic telescope 100 may have a vibration unit not shown, and the CPU 101 may give a predetermined notification by vibration of the vibration unit (vibration of the electronic telescope 100).

[0062] Furthermore, the CPU 101 may perform a predetermined notification through an external device connected to the electronic telescope 100. For example, the CPU 101 performs data transmission to the external device connected via the external I / F 107 or the communication I / F 108, thereby notifying the user via the external device. The external device may be, for example, an earphone, a headphone, a headset, or a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet). The external device may be connected to the electronic telescope 100 via a wire, or may be connected to the electronic telescope 100 wirelessly. When the external device is connected to the electronic telescope 100 via a wire, data transmission to the external device is performed via wired communication, and when the external device is connected wirelessly, data transmission to the external device is performed via wired communication. When connected to the electronic telescope 100 by a line, data transmission to the external device is performed by wireless communication.

[0063] Specifically, an external device such as a wireless earphone or a wireless headphone is connected to the electronic telescope 100 using Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless communication standard. The CPU 101 transmits audio data to the connected external device, causing the external device to output audio. A predetermined notification may be given by other methods, such as vibration of the external device or a display on the external device.

[0064] As described above, according to the third embodiment, a predetermined notification is performed a predetermined time before the electronic telescope 100 is put into the power saving state, similarly to the second embodiment. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as the second embodiment.

[0065] <Example 4> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that descriptions of the same points (configuration, processing, etc.) as in the first to third embodiments will be omitted as appropriate. Depending on the situation, it may be preferable not to automatically turn off the power of the electronic telescope 100 even if the auto power off timer or the finder off timer expires. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the power of the electronic telescope 100 is not automatically turned off in such a situation.

[0066] For example, when connecting an external device to the electronic telescope 100, the user may operate the electronic telescope 100 (operation unit 106) so that the electronic telescope 100 is in a connection standby state, and then operate the external device so that the external device is connected to the electronic telescope 100. As described above, the external device is connected to the electronic telescope 100, for example, via the external I / F 107 or the communication I / F 108. The external device may be connected to the electronic telescope 100 by wire or wirelessly. However, such operations are often performed when the external device is connected to the electronic telescope 100 wirelessly.

[0067] In such a task, while the user is operating the external device, it is highly likely that the user will look away from the finder 105 of the electronic telescope 100. Then, in response to the user looking away, the auto power off timer starts counting. Therefore, while the user is operating the external device to connect the external device to the electronic telescope 100, the auto power off timer may expire, the power of the electronic telescope 100 may be turned off, and the external device may not be able to connect to the electronic telescope 100. The same problem occurs even when the power saving state is not the power off state. In addition, even during video shooting, if the power of the electronic telescope 100 is turned off due to the expiration of the auto power off or finder off timer, the video shooting may be interrupted against the user's intention, causing inconvenience to the user, such as a loss of a shooting opportunity. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the CPU 101 does not automatically turn off the power of the electronic telescope 100 (does not automatically set the state of the electronic telescope 100 to the power saving state) in at least one of the following cases. It should be noted that when video recording starts, the auto power off timer or the viewfinder off timer may not start counting (that is, the timer may be reset when video recording starts). When the viewfinder 105 is displaying a specific screen (displaying a menu screen or a screen related to connecting to an external device). - When waiting for connection to an external device - When connected to an external device When recording video

[0068] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the electronic telescope 100 according to the fourth embodiment. This process flow is executed by the CPU 101 in response to a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103. This is realized by expanding the above in the memory 102 and executing it. When the user operates the power button 106a included in the operation unit 106 while the power of the electronic telescope 100 is in the off state, the CPU 101 detects the operation and the processing flow of Fig. 7 starts. In Fig. 7, the same processes as those in Fig. 3 (Example 1) are assigned the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 3, and the same processes as those in Fig. 6 (Example 2) are assigned the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 6.

[0069] In S701, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the electronic telescope 100 is a state in which the power can be turned off. A state in which the power can be turned off is a state other than the states described above as states in which the power of the electronic telescope 100 is not automatically turned off. In other words, a state in which the power cannot be turned off is a state in which the power of the electronic telescope 100 is not automatically turned off as described above. If the state of the electronic telescope 100 is a state in which the power can be turned off, the process proceeds to S313, and the state of the electronic telescope 100 becomes a power-off state. If not (if the state of the electronic telescope 100 is a state in which the power cannot be turned off), the process proceeds to S301 so that the power of the electronic telescope 100 is not automatically turned off.

[0070] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the state of the electronic telescope 100 is not automatically switched to the power saving state in a specific situation (specific case), so that the state of the electronic telescope 100 can be transitioned to the power saving state at a more suitable timing.

[0071] <Example 5> A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that descriptions of the same points (such as configurations and processes) as those of the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted as appropriate. As described in the first embodiment, at least one of the expiration time of the viewfinder off timer and the expiration time of the auto power off timer may be changeable by the user. In the fifth embodiment, a specific example will be described in which the expiration time of the viewfinder off timer and the expiration time of the auto power off timer are changed in response to a user operation.

[0072] When the menu button 106b included in the operation unit 106 is pressed, the CPU 101 displays the menu screen 800 of FIG. 8A on the viewfinder 105. On the menu screen 800, an item 801 indicating the current expiration time of the auto power off timer and an item 802 indicating the current expiration time of the viewfinder off timer are displayed. The user can select the item 801 or the item 802 with the cursor by operating the operation unit 106 (the shutter button 106d (LEFT button) or the video button 106e (RIGHT button)). Then, the user can confirm the selected item with the zoom button 106c (SET button). Specifically, if the user wants to change the expiration time of the auto power off timer, the user confirms with the item 801, and if the user wants to change the expiration time of the viewfinder off timer, the user confirms with the item 802. Note that when the menu button 106b is pressed again, the state returns to the shooting standby state, and the display on the viewfinder 105 returns to the display of the subject image.

[0073] When an item 801 on a menu screen 800 shown in FIG. 8(A) is selected, the CPU 101 transitions the screen displayed on the finder 105 from the menu screen 800 in FIG. 8(A) to a setting screen 810 in FIG. 8(B). On the setting screen 810, four candidates 811 to 814 for the expiration time of the auto power off timer are displayed. In FIG. 8(B), the candidates 811 to 814 are displayed so that the candidate corresponding to the current setting of the auto power off timer is identifiable in italics (the method for making it identifiable is not particularly limited). The user can select one of the candidates 811 to 814 with the cursor by operating the operation unit 106 (the shutter button 106d (LEFT button) or the movie button 106e (RIGHT button)). Then, the user can select the selected candidate by the zoom button 106c (SET button).

[0074] When candidate 811 is selected, CPU 101 sets the expiration time of the auto power off timer to 10 seconds, and when candidate 812 is selected, CPU 101 sets the expiration time of the auto power off timer to 30 seconds. Similarly, when candidate 813 is selected, CPU 101 sets the expiration time of the auto power off timer to 1 minute, and when candidate 814 is selected, CPU 101 sets the expiration time of the auto power off timer to 3 minutes.

[0075] In addition, the number of candidates and the time are not particularly limited in the setting screen of the auto power off timer. In the setting screen of the auto power off timer, among the multiple candidates, candidates that are longer than the current expiration time of the finder off timer may be grayed out or hidden so that they cannot be selected. For example, if the current expiration time of the finder off timer is 3 minutes, the candidate 814 may be grayed out or hidden so that they cannot be selected. In the setting screen of the auto power off timer, the candidates may not be displayed and the user may be allowed to input a time that he or she has arbitrarily decided. In that case, the time input by the user is set as the expiration time of the auto power off timer. In the setting screen of the auto power off timer, the user may be allowed to input a time without an upper limit, or may be allowed to input a time with the expiration time of the finder off timer as the upper limit.

[0076] When an item 802 on a menu screen 800 shown in FIG. 8(A) is selected, the CPU 101 transitions the screen displayed on the viewfinder 105 from the menu screen 800 in FIG. 8(A) to a setting screen 820 in FIG. 8(C). On the setting screen 820, two setting candidates 821-822 for the viewfinder off timer are displayed. On FIG. 8(C), the candidates 821 and 822 are displayed so that the candidate corresponding to the current setting of the viewfinder off timer can be identified. The user can select the candidate 821 or the candidate 822 with the cursor by operating the operation unit 106 (the shutter button 106d (LEFT button) or the movie button 106e (RIGHT button)). Then, the user can select the selected candidate with the zoom button 106c (SET button).

[0077] When the candidate 821 is selected, the CPU 101 sets the expiration time of the finder off timer to 3 minutes If the viewfinder off timer is set to invalid, and is selected as candidate 822, the viewfinder off timer is disabled. If the viewfinder off timer is set to invalid, the power saving operation of the electronic telescope 100 will be performed using only the auto power off timer without using the viewfinder off timer.

[0078] In addition, similarly to the setting screen of the auto power off timer, the setting screen of the finder off timer may display a plurality of candidates for the expiration time of the finder off timer. In the setting screen of the finder off timer, the number of candidates, the time, etc. are not particularly limited. In the setting screen of the finder off timer, among the plurality of candidates, candidates that are equal to or shorter than the current expiration time of the auto power off timer may be grayed out or hidden so as not to be selectable. In the setting screen of the finder off timer, the candidates may not be displayed, and the user may be allowed to input a time that he or she has arbitrarily determined. In that case, the time input by the user is set as the expiration time of the finder off timer. In the setting screen of the finder off timer, the user may be allowed to input a time without an upper limit, or may be allowed to input a time with a predetermined upper limit.

[0079] Furthermore, when the shutter button 106d or the video button 106e is pressed in the shooting standby state, shooting preparation processing is performed and shooting (video recording) processing is performed regardless of the step. If the shutter button 106d or the video button 106e is pressed while the menu screen is displayed, the state transitions to the shooting standby state.

[0080] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the expiration time of the viewfinder off timer is Since the expiration time of the power-off timer is changed in response to a user operation, it is possible to realize a power-saving operation that meets the user's preferences.

[0081] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments (examples), 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-mentioned embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined.

[0082] Furthermore, the various controls described above as being performed by CPU 101 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0083] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the 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 a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100: Electronic telescope 101: CPU 105: Finder 106: Operation unit 113: Eyepiece sensor 114: Timer unit 201: Eyepiece unit

Claims

1. An electronic device, An approach detection means for detecting an approach to the approach portion; An operation detection means for detecting an operation on an operating member; A display is performed on a display unit that is visible through the approach unit, when approach to the approach portion is detected, a state of the electronic device is changed to a predetermined state in response to a first time period having elapsed while the operating member is not operated, so that power consumption of the electronic device is reduced; When approach to the approach portion is not detected, the state of the electronic device is changed to the predetermined state in response to a second time period that is shorter than the first time period having elapsed without an operation on the operating member or an approach to the approach portion. A control means for controlling the having The control means does not change the state of the electronic device to the predetermined state when the display unit is displaying a predetermined display.

1. An electronic device comprising:

2. The control means When the approach to the approach portion is not detected, no display is performed on the display portion, When approach to the approaching portion is detected, a display is performed on the display portion. Control so that 2. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. The control means when approach to the approach portion is detected, a first timer is configured to count a time during which the operation member is not operated and to expire at the first time, and in response to expiration of the first timer, the state of the electronic device is changed to the predetermined state; When the approach to the approach portion is not detected, the state of the electronic device is updated in response to expiration of one of the first timer and a second timer that counts a time in a state in which there is no operation on the operating member and no approach to the approach portion and expires at the second time. Set the specified state Control so that 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

4. The control means further controls the electronic device to perform a predetermined notification a third time period, the third time period being shorter than the second time period, before the electronic device is put into the predetermined state.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

5. The control means When the approach to the approach portion is not detected, the predetermined notification is not performed. When approach to the approach unit is detected, the predetermined notification is performed before the third time period before the state of the electronic device is changed to the predetermined state. Control so that 5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The control means controls the display unit to perform the predetermined notification by displaying the predetermined notification.

6. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The control means controls the electronic device to vibrate, to output a sound from the electronic device, or to give the predetermined notification through an external device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5.

8. The predetermined display is a menu screen display.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

9. The predetermined display is a screen display related to a connection with an external device.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

10. The control means does not set the state of the electronic device to the predetermined state while waiting for connection to an external device.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

11. The control means does not set the state of the electronic device to the predetermined state while the electronic device is connected to the external device.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1,

12. The first period of time is 3 minutes.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

13. The second time period is 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

14. The first time period is a time period that starts to be counted from the timing when the operating member is operated.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

15. The second time period is a time period that starts to be counted from the time when the approach to the approach portion is no longer detected.

15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

16. The control means further resets the count of the first time period and the count of the second time period when the operating member is operated.

16. The electronic device according to claim 1,

17. The control means further resets the count of the second time period when approach to the approach portion is detected.

17. The electronic device according to claim 1,

18. The predetermined state is a power-off state.

18. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

19. The electronic device is an electronic telescope.

19. The electronic device according to claim 1,

20. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: an approach detection step of detecting approach to an approach portion; an operation detection step of detecting an operation on an operating member; A display is performed on a display unit that is visible through the approach unit, when approach to the approach portion is detected, a state of the electronic device is changed to a predetermined state in response to a first time period having elapsed while the operating member is not operated, so that power consumption of the electronic device is reduced; When approach to the approach portion is not detected, the state of the electronic device is changed to the predetermined state in response to a second time period that is shorter than the first time period having elapsed without an operation on the operating member or an approach to the approach portion. The control step is to control the having In the control step, when the display unit is performing a predetermined display, the state of the electronic device is not changed to the predetermined state. A control method comprising:

21. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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