Imaging device

Abstract

To realize an appropriate voice input in an imaging device loading a silent mode.SOLUTION: An imaging device according to the present invention includes: voice output means; selection means for selecting use of a silent mode for limiting a voice output from the voice output means; voice input means; and control means for controlling the imaging device on the basis of a voice to be input via the voice input means. When the silent mode is selected to be used, the control means controls to increase a voice detection level of the voice input means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device that allows input by voice. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices equipped with a voice input function have been proposed, such as technologies that recognize sounds emitted by the subject to assist in photography, and imaging devices that use voice recognition to decode the voice of the photographer and then perform photography.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for detecting the direction and volume of a person speaking, adjusting the shooting direction to the detected direction, and issuing a warning if the detected volume is low.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a technology for recognizing a voice input via an earphone microphone, understanding a recording instruction contained in the voice, and executing recording.

[0005] On the other hand, many conventional digital cameras are configured with built-in speakers that output electronic sounds such as electronic shutter sounds, warning sounds, and operation sounds so that the photographer or people nearby can know the digital camera's operating status. These electronic sounds emitted by digital cameras, or the opening and closing sounds of the mechanical shutter when taking pictures, can be a nuisance to the subject artist or people nearby when photographing concerts or sports scenes held in quiet environments. Therefore, cameras have been equipped with a silent mode that changes the shutter when taking pictures from a mechanical shutter to an electronic shutter and also suppresses all electronic sounds, including the electronic shutter sound, from the speaker, allowing the output of the image to be appropriately reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-034645 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-219243 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the silent mode of conventional imaging devices, no consideration has been given to the audio input function.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable more appropriate audio input in an imaging device equipped with a silent mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above object, an imaging device of the present invention is an imaging device comprising: an audio output means; a selection means for selecting use of a silent mode that limits audio output from the audio output means; an audio input means; A notification means; and a control unit that controls the imaging device based on the sound input via the sound input unit, and when the silent mode is selected, the control unit controls the imaging device to increase the sound detection level of the sound input unit. When the silent mode is selected, the notification means notifies the user that input will be accepted even if the voice is quieter than when the silent mode is not selected. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable more appropriate audio input in an imaging device equipped with a silent mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram and a block diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the imaging device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] The embodiment described below is an example of a means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. In addition, each embodiment may be appropriately combined.

[0014] [First embodiment] <Digital camera configuration> The imaging device according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0015] 1(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. A photographic optical system 100 includes an aperture 11, an image stabilization lens group 12, and a focus lens group 13, and is capable of directing an optical image to a camera body 200. The camera body 200 includes an image sensor 21 that photoelectrically converts the optical image of the photographic optical system 100, and a mechanical shutter 22 that adjusts the exposure time.

[0016] The camera body 200 is provided with a rear LCD 23 on the rear side, and a small LCD 24 and an optical system 25 in the finder section, and is capable of displaying an image captured by the image sensor 21.

[0017] Note that an image sensor with an electronic shutter function does not require a mechanical shutter, and even if a mechanical shutter is provided, the mechanical shutter remains fully open when adjusting the exposure time with the electronic shutter. When taking a photograph, the shutter button (not shown) is lightly pressed to the first position, or "half-pressed," to set the photographing conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value using the autofocus and autoexposure mechanisms. When the shutter button is further pressed from the halfway position to the second position, or "fully pressed," the mechanical shutter 22 or the electronic shutter function of the image sensor 21 is activated, and an image is taken.

[0018] The mechanical shutter or electronic shutter described above is an exposure means that performs exposure using an image sensor.

[0019] 1B is a block diagram of the image capturing device of the first embodiment. The camera body 200 is equipped with an electric circuit 20, which includes a CPU, an image processing circuit, a control circuit, a connection detection circuit, and the like.

[0020] The diaphragm 11, the image stabilization lens group 12, the focus lens group 13, and the mechanical shutter 22 are each controlled by a control circuit via a driving means (not shown).

[0021] The signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 21 can be converted into digital data via an image processing circuit and stored in a recording medium (not shown).

[0022] The finder section is provided with an eye sensor 26, which can detect whether the photographer has placed his eye close to the finder section.

[0023] The audio output unit 27 is a speaker mounted on the main body and can directly output audio.

[0024] The voice input unit 28 is a microphone mounted on the main body, which collects voice and enables control by voice input.

[0025] The external audio output connection unit 29 is a connection means to an external audio output means such as an earphone, and can output audio via the external audio output means. The connection to the external audio playback means may be wired or wireless.

[0026] The external audio input connection unit 30 is a connection means to an external audio input means such as a microphone, and is capable of collecting audio.

[0027] The external audio input connection unit 30 may be configured to connect the camera body 200 to an external audio input means using a physical connector or the like, or may be configured to implement a communication unit within the camera body 200 and electrically connect via wireless or other means.

[0028] The connection detection circuit implemented in the electric circuit 20 is a connection detection means that detects the connection between an external audio output means such as an earphone and the external audio output connection unit 29. The connection detection circuit implemented in the electric circuit 20 is also a connection detection means that detects the connection between an external audio input means such as an external microphone and the external audio input connection unit 30.

[0029] An audio detection level setting circuit (not shown) is implemented in the electrical circuit 20, and this circuit is for setting an audio detection level in the camera body 200 at which the various settings of the camera body 200 described above can be changed. If the audio detection level is set higher, it becomes possible to change the various settings of the camera body 200 with a quieter audio, and conversely, if the audio detection level is set lower, a louder audio is required to change the various settings of the camera body 200.

[0030] The CPU is a setting change means that changes settings in response to voice input from the voice input means, and can change various settings of the camera body 200 in response to voice input from the voice input unit 28 or the external voice input connection unit 30. The CPU is also a processing device that can electrically control the components of the camera body 200.

[0031] In FIG. 1, control signal lines are omitted, and only the flow of information between elements is shown by arrows.

[0032] 2A and 2B are external views of the imaging device 10, with FIG. 2A being an external view of the front side and FIG. 2B being an external view of the rear side.

[0033] The imaging device 10 is provided with a power switch 31, dial keys 32, a shutter button 33, a direct button 34, a selection button 35, and a MENU button 36 as operation sections operated by the photographer.

[0034] The photographer operates the power switch 31 to turn the power of the imaging device 10 on and off.

[0035] Furthermore, by operating the dial keys 32, the direct buttons 34, the selection button 35, and the MENU button 36, the user can perform setting operations for the imaging device 10, such as changing the shooting mode.

[0036] Furthermore, a focus command is issued by pressing the shutter button 33 halfway, and an image capture command is issued by pressing the shutter button 33 fully.

[0037] The imaging device 10 according to this embodiment has two shutter modes, and is provided with a shutter mode selection means for selecting the mode in response to a photographer's selection.

[0038] One shutter mode is a mechanical shutter mode, in which the CPU controls the mechanical shutter 22 to adjust the exposure time of the image sensor 21.

[0039] The other shutter mode is the electronic shutter mode, in which the mechanical shutter 22 is controlled by a mechanical shutter control means in a direction that does not block light entering the image sensor, and the CPU controls the start and end of charge accumulation to adjust the exposure time of the image sensor 21.

[0040] In addition, since no mechanical shutter sound is generated in the electronic shutter mode, a pseudo electronic shutter sound that simulates the mechanical shutter sound is generated by an audio playback circuit and can be output from the audio output unit 27.

[0041] The electronic shutter sound may be an electronic sound different from the mechanical shutter sound, and any sound may be used as long as it allows the user to recognize that exposure has started and ended.

[0042] Also, since some photographers may not want the electronic shutter sound to be output, the CPU's audio output selection means (not shown) can be used to select whether the electronic shutter sound output is on or off. When the electronic shutter sound output setting is set to on, the electronic shutter sound is output. When the electronic shutter sound output setting is set to off, the electronic shutter sound is not output.

[0043] Both mechanical and electronic shutter modes have their own advantages. For example, the advantages of a mechanical shutter include less rolling shutter distortion and less image noise, while the advantages of an electronic shutter include faster shutter speeds and less vibration.

[0044] The imaging device 10 according to this embodiment also has a silent mode as a photography mode, and is provided with photography mode selection means that allows the photographer to select ON or OFF.

[0045] The silent mode in this embodiment is a mode that limits the sound output from the imaging device. In silent mode, the imaging device operates in electronic shutter mode rather than mechanical shutter mode to avoid generating the mechanical shutter sound described above, and furthermore, the electronic shutter sound output is not turned on. This silent mode is necessary, for example, in shooting situations such as bird photography, which requires silence, or sports photography, which can be stressful.

[0046] In this specification, the rear LCD 23 or the small LCD 24 is referred to as a display means.

[0047] Moreover, the audio input unit 28 is referred to as a main body microphone.

[0048] Moreover, the external audio input means connected to the external audio input connection unit 30 is called an external microphone.

[0049] Also, detecting whether or not an external microphone is connected by the connection detection circuit is referred to as external microphone detection.

[0050] The eye sensor 26 is also referred to as an eye detection means, and the act of the eye sensor 26 detecting whether the photographer has placed his or her eye near the viewfinder is referred to as eye detection. The eye sensor 26 may be a sensor that uses capacitance or infrared light.

[0051] <Operation of the imaging device> Next, the operation of the imaging device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0052] 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of changing the sound detection levels of the built-in microphone and external microphone in response to silent mode, external microphone detection, and eye proximity detection. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU of electrical circuit 20 controlling each part of the imaging device in accordance with input signals and programs.

[0053] In step S301, the CPU accepts the photographer's selection of whether to turn on or off the silent mode.

[0054] In step S302, the CPU determines whether the silent mode is ON or OFF. If the silent mode is OFF, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0055] In step S303, the CPU does not change the settings of the voice detection levels of the built-in microphone and the external microphone, as will be described later, but maintains the settings and ends the process.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the silent mode is ON, the process proceeds to step S304, where it is determined whether an external microphone and an eye are detected.

[0057] First, in step S304, the CPU determines whether "external microphone detection: not present" and "eye proximity detection: present".

[0058] If the answer in step S304 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S305, where the CPU controls the voice detection level of the built-in microphone to be higher than when silent mode is OFF, so that the photographer can input voice even in a quieter voice via the built-in microphone.

[0059] After completing the process of step S305, the CPU proceeds to step S306, where it notifies the user that "the built-in microphone can recognize a voice at a lower volume than when silent mode is OFF." Here, the user is notified by, for example, displaying a message on the display means. An example of the message displayed on the display means in step S306 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0060] As described above, when silent mode is ON and "external microphone detection: no" and "eye detection: yes," the photographer's intention is to input voice quietly through the built-in microphone, so the voice detection level of the built-in microphone is increased as in step S305.

[0061] This makes it possible to be more considerate of the surroundings when silent mode is on.

[0062] If the answer in step S304 is No, the process proceeds to step S307, where the CPU determines whether "external microphone detection: yes" and "eye proximity detection: no" are true.

[0063] If the answer in step S307 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S308, where the CPU controls the voice detection level of the external microphone to be higher than when silent mode is OFF, so that the photographer can input voice via the external microphone in a quieter voice.

[0064] Then, after completing the process of step S308, the CPU proceeds to step S309, where it displays on the display means a message that "Silent mode: Recognition from the external microphone is possible at a lower volume than when the external microphone is in silent mode OFF." This notifies the user that "Silent mode: Recognition from the external microphone is possible at a lower volume than when the external microphone is in silent mode OFF."

[0065] An example of the message displayed on the display means in step S309 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0066] As described above, when silent mode is ON and "External microphone detection: Yes" and "Eye detection: No" are set, the photographer intends to input voice quietly through the external microphone, so the voice detection level of the external microphone is increased as in step S308.

[0067] This makes it possible to be more considerate of the surroundings when silent mode is on.

[0068] If the answer in step S307 is No, the process proceeds to step S310, where the CPU determines whether "external microphone detected: yes" and "eye proximity detected: yes" are true.

[0069] If the answer in step S310 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S311, where the CPU controls the audio detection level of either the main body or external microphone to be higher than when silent mode is OFF, so that the photographer can input audio even in a quieter voice using the main body or external microphone.

[0070] In step S311, the CPU determines whether the external microphone or the built-in microphone is closer to the photographer's mouth, and then increases the sound detection level of the microphone determined to be closer.

[0071] Then, after completing the process of step S311, the CPU proceeds to step S312, where it displays on the display means a message that "recognition is possible from the built-in microphone or external microphone at a quieter volume than when silent mode is OFF." This notifies the user that "recognition is possible from the built-in microphone or external microphone at a quieter volume than when silent mode is OFF."

[0072] An example of the message displayed on the display means in step S312 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0073] As described above, when silent mode is ON and "External microphone detection: Yes" and "Eye contact detection: Yes" are enabled, the photographer intends to input voice quietly from either the built-in microphone or the external microphone. Therefore, the voice detection level of either the built-in microphone or the external microphone is increased, as in step S311.

[0074] This makes it possible to be more considerate of the surroundings when silent mode is on.

[0075] If the answer is No in step S310, the CPU does not change the audio detection levels of the built-in microphone and the external microphone as described above, and ends the process.

[0076] FIG. 4 shows an example of a message display that informs the photographer whether the built-in microphone or the external microphone is capable of voice recognition in a low voice.

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, a message is displayed when silent mode is ON, so in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) a "SILENT" icon 400 is displayed to indicate that silent mode is ON.

[0078] Fig. 4(a) is an example of a message displayed on the display means in step S306 when it is determined that "external microphone detected: not present" and "eye proximity detected: not present" in step S304 of Fig. 3. Here, an example is shown in which an icon 401 with "Small" written next to the built-in microphone is displayed.

[0079] Fig. 4(b) is an example of a message displayed on the display means in step S309 when it is determined that "external microphone detected: yes" and "eye proximity detected: no" in step S307 of Fig. 3. Here, an example is shown in which an icon 402 with "Small" written next to the external microphone is displayed.

[0080] In step S312 of FIG. 3, either FIG. 4(a) or FIG. 4(b) is displayed depending on whether the audio detection level of the built-in microphone or the external microphone is increased, as described above.

[0081] FIG. 4(c) is an example of a message indicating that, when the silent mode is ON and the volume of the voice input exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to accept voice input even in a quieter voice.

[0082] FIG. 4(c) shows an example in which an icon 403 with "more small" written on it is displayed in addition to the display shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0083] This makes it possible to encourage the photographer to speak in a quieter voice.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, the sound detection level of the built-in microphone or the external microphone is automatically adjusted depending on the external microphone connection status and the eye position during silent mode shooting, allowing the photographer to input sound more quietly and reducing inconvenience to those around them.

[0085] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0086] The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage media storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging device, audio output means; a selection means for selecting use of a silent mode that limits audio output from the audio output means; A voice input means; A notification means; a control means for controlling the imaging device based on the sound input via the sound input means; Equipped with When the silent mode is selected, the control means controls the voice input means to increase a voice detection level, When the user selects to use the silent mode, the notification means notifies the user that input will be accepted even if the sound is quieter than when the user selects not to use the silent mode.

2. Finder and a detection means for detecting whether the viewfinder is placed close to the eye, The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that even when the silent mode is selected, the control means does not control the audio input means to increase the audio detection level when the viewfinder is not detected as being brought into contact with the viewfinder.

3. Finder and a detection means for detecting when an eye is placed near the finder; Further comprising a connection means for connecting to an external voice input device, When the silent mode is selected, the external audio input device is connected, and the control means detects that the viewfinder is being brought into close contact with the viewfinder, the control means controls the audio input means to increase the audio detection level.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein:

4. When the silent mode is selected, the external audio input device is connected, and the control means is configured to increase the audio detection level of the external audio input means when the camera is not detecting that an eye is placed on the viewfinder.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein:

5. When the silent mode is selected and the volume of the voice input to the voice input means exceeds a predetermined threshold, a warning is issued to the user based on the fact that the volume of the input voice exceeds the predetermined threshold.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device further comprises: a first lens;

6. an audio output means for generating an electronic shutter sound; an audio output selection means for accepting a selection as to whether or not to output an electronic shutter sound by the audio output means; Furthermore, The sound output selection means controls the camera so that the electronic shutter sound is not output when the silent mode is selected.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device comprises: a first lens;

7. a shutter mode selection means for selecting whether to use a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter for photography; Furthermore, the shutter mode selection means selects an electronic shutter mode when the silent mode is selected; 7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device further comprises: a first lens;

8. A method for controlling an imaging device having an audio output means and an audio input means, comprising: a selection step of selecting use of a silent mode that limits audio output from the audio output means; a notification step; a control step of controlling an imaging device based on the voice input via the voice input means; and When the silent mode is selected, the control step controls the voice input means to increase a voice detection level. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that when the use of the silent mode is selected, the notification process notifies the user that input will be accepted even if the volume is lower than when the use of the silent mode is not selected.

9. A computer-readable program for causing a computer having an audio output means and an audio input means to execute the control method described in claim 8.

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