Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus and the like which can reduce the power consumption of the imaging apparatus by determining the state of a user in the time of subject imaging.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: a first imaging unit 101 for imaging a subject; a second imaging unit 103 for imaging the rear direction; an operation unit 102 which receives an operation by a user; an imaging intention determination unit 104 which determines whether or not there is the imaging intention of the user on the basis of the photographed image of the rear direction when the operation to the operation unit 102 is not performed after execution of subject imaging by the first imaging unit 101; and a control unit 105 which brings the operation of the first imaging unit 101 into a power-saving imaging operation state being such a state in which it can perform imaging at low power consumption when it is determined that there is no imaging intention.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an imaging device having a plurality of imaging units has been known. "Patent Document 1" discloses a power-saving composite camera device. The disclosed camera device includes a stereo camera pair including a first camera and a second camera. The disclosed camera device includes a system control unit capable of separately turning on and off the first camera and the second camera. In addition, this camera device includes a processing unit that receives a first image via the first camera and detects a scene type related to the first image. Further, this camera device determines whether the scene type is suitable for stereo capture and performs parallax difference detection to detect whether the first image can be accurately resolved.

[0003] Also, as a response to the determination that the first image can be accurately resolved, this camera device can perform stereo capture of the first image and the second image via the stereo camera pair. And in a scene where it is difficult to obtain a stereo effect, the power consumption of the digital camera is reduced by preventing imaging by the second camera.

[0004] Also, "Patent Document 2" discloses an imaging device including a first imaging unit that captures a subject to generate image data and a second imaging unit that captures a user over a predetermined period before and after imaging the subject. In this imaging device, the state of the user before and after imaging captured by the second imaging unit is analyzed in detail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, the technology disclosed in "Patent Document 1" is unrelated to the technology for imaging the user themselves, and therefore could not ascertain the user's state during imaging. Furthermore, the technology disclosed in "Patent Document 2" did not consider the power consumption of the second imaging means used to image the user at all.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device, a control method for the imaging device, and a program that can reduce the power consumption of the imaging device by determining the user's state when imaging a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention imaging device The imaging device comprises a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the rear direction, and an operation unit for receiving user operations, wherein, after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging, if no operation is performed on the operation unit, the imaging intent determination unit determines whether or not the user intends to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit, and, if it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control unit sets the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states: a first operating state in which imaging is possible and a second operating state in which power consumption is greater than that of the first operating state. The control unit, after the first imaging unit has captured an image of a subject, has set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and after the first imaging unit has captured an image of a subject, has set a period of time to indicate that the imaging intention determination unit will perform determination processing, and has set the control unit to set the first imaging unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and has set the control unit to set the first imaging unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and has set the control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and has set the control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and has set the control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and has set a period of no operation time to indicate that the imaging intention determination unit will perform determination processing, and has set the control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, and has set a after the first imaging unit has captured an image of a subject, and has set a control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, after the first imaging unit has captured an image of a subject, and has set a control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, after the first imaging unit has captured an image of a subject, and has set a control unit to set a period of no operation time to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit, after the It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device, a control method for the imaging device, and a program that can reduce the power consumption of the imaging device by determining the user's state when imaging a subject. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the external appearance of an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging device 100. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the "first embodiment." [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the "second embodiment." [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the "third embodiment." [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] <First Embodiment> The imaging device according to the "first embodiment" will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3.

[0013] <Overview of Imaging System> Figure 1 is an external view of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1(a) is a rear view of the imaging device 100, and Figure 1(b) is a front perspective view of the imaging device 100. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the imaging device 100 includes a first imaging unit 101, an operation unit 102, and a second imaging unit 103.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1(b), the first imaging unit 101 is provided on the front surface of the imaging device 100. The first imaging unit 101 has an imaging lens. An image of the subject is formed on an imaging element (not shown) through the imaging lens. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the second imaging unit 103 is provided on the back surface of the imaging device 100. The second imaging unit 103 captures an image in the direction of the back surface of the imaging device 100, such as the user himself / herself. Further, a display unit 107 is provided on the back surface of the imaging device 100. The display unit 107 displays various information such as the captured image and the state of the imaging device 100. This captured image may or may not include the imaging information of the user himself / herself.

[0015] The operation unit 102 receives various operations of the user. The operation unit 102 includes a shutter button or the like for the user to instruct the first imaging unit 101 to capture an image of the subject. Examples of the operation unit 102 include various switches, buttons, touch panels, and other various operators.

[0016] <Functional Configuration> Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 includes a first imaging unit 101 for capturing an image of the subject, an operation unit 102, a second imaging unit 103 for capturing an image in the direction of the back surface of the imaging device 100, an imaging intention determination unit 104, a system timer unit 106, and a control unit 105 for controlling these units. Note that the first imaging unit 101, the second imaging unit 103, and the operation unit 102 shown in Fig. 2 have the same functions as the first imaging unit 101, the second imaging unit 103, and the operation unit 102 described with reference to Fig. 1, and thus the description will not be repeated.

[0017] The imaging intention determination unit 104 determines the imaging intention of the user based on the captured image captured by the second imaging unit 103. When the captured image captured by the second imaging unit 103 has the user's face, the imaging intention determination unit 104 determines that the user "has an imaging intention". On the other hand, when the captured image captured by the second imaging unit 103 does not include the user's face, the imaging intention determination unit 104 determines that the user "has no imaging intention".

[0018] Further, the control unit 105 controls the entire imaging device 100. The control unit 105 has various functions necessary for controlling the imaging device 100. The system timer unit 106 measures the elapsed time starting from a predetermined timing according to an instruction from the control unit 105. When a predetermined time set from the starting point has elapsed, the system timer unit 106 notifies the control unit 105.

[0019] The first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 103 are controlled by the control unit 105 to be in any one of the "normal imaging operation state", "power-saving imaging operation state", and "imaging operation stop state". Also, the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 103 are in a lower power consumption state in the "power-saving imaging operation state (first operation state)" than in the "normal imaging operation state (second operation state)". The "power-saving imaging operation state" is a state in which imaging is possible with low power consumption. Also, the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 103 are in a lower power consumption state in the "imaging operation stop state" than in the "power-saving imaging operation state". That is, in terms of power consumption, the "imaging operation stop state (third operation state)" has the least power consumption, but the "imaging operation stop state" is a state in which imaging cannot be performed because power supply to the imaging element is also suppressed. Next, the "power-saving imaging operation state" has less power consumption, and the "normal imaging operation state" has the largest power consumption.

[0020] Also, in the "subject-through image display operation state" (state in which a subject is displayed) by the imaging device 100, by setting it to the "power-saving imaging operation state", the subject image readout cycle from the imaging element and the pixel resolution of the image to be read are reduced compared to the "normal imaging operation state". Thereby, the power consumption of the imaging element can be reduced compared to the "normal imaging operation state", and further power consumption reduction can be achieved. Also, by changing to the "imaging operation stop state" in the "power-saving imaging operation state", further power consumption reduction can be achieved.

[0021] <Operation Example 1> Next, the operation of the imaging device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. The process in this flowchart starts from the state where the user's imaging instruction has been received by the operation unit 102 and the imaging of the subject has been completed by the first imaging unit 101. At this time, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to enter the "normal imaging operation state" and the second imaging unit 103 to enter the "imaging operation stopped state".

[0022] First, in step S301, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the user has performed any operations on the control unit 102. If the control unit 105 determines that the user has performed an operation on the control unit 102, such as adjusting the exposure using the "exposure compensation button" (Yes in S301), it returns to step S301. In other words, in S301, the control unit 105 repeatedly determines whether or not the user has performed any operations on the control unit 102. On the other hand, if the control unit 105 determines that there has been no operation on the user's control unit 102 (No in S301), it proceeds to step S302.

[0023] Next, in step S302, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to change to the "normal imaging operation state". Next, in step S303, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to perform imaging in the direction of the back of the imaging device 100. Next, in step S304, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to change to the "imaging operation stopped state".

[0024] Next, in step S305, the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user has an "imaging intent". Specifically, the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 in step S303. If the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 (Yes in S305), the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that the user has an "imaging intent" and returns to step S301. In step S301, the control unit 105 again determines whether or not the user has performed various operations on the operation unit 102.

[0025] On the other hand, if the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 does not include the user's face (No in step S305), the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that there is "no intent to capture" and proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to change from "normal imaging operation state" to "power-saving imaging operation state," and the process shown in Figure 3 is terminated.

[0026] As explained above, in Embodiment 1, the second imaging unit 103 performs imaging immediately after the first imaging unit 101 has performed imaging, provided that no user operations have been performed on the user's operation unit 102. The control unit 105 then changes the first imaging unit 101 to the "power-saving imaging operation state" if the user's face is not detected in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103. Conversely, if the user's face is detected in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103, the control unit 105 sets the first imaging unit 101 to the "normal imaging operation state" and does not perform power-saving operation.

[0027] In other words, if the user has no intention to take further images after the imaging device 100 has captured an image of a subject, the imaging device 100 can be put into a "power-saving imaging operation state" to reduce power consumption. Specifically, when the user is operating the control unit 102 of the imaging device 100, the second imaging unit 103 can be controlled to not continue in the "normal imaging operation state," thereby preventing an increase in the power consumption of the imaging device 100.

[0028] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configuration of the imaging device 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the imaging device 100 described in Figure 2. When the user is not operating the operation unit 102, and the user is within the imaging field of view of the second imaging unit 103, the user's face is captured by imaging by the second imaging unit 103 (S303 in Figure 3). As a result, even if the user has no "intention to be photographed," imaging by the second imaging unit 103 and "image intent determination processing" by the image intent determination unit 104 are repeated.

[0029] In the second embodiment, we will describe a control method to further reduce the power consumption of the imaging device 100 in a case where the user's face is captured by the second imaging unit 103 and it is determined that there was an "intention to capture," even though there was no "intention to capture."

[0030] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment. As described in the first embodiment, the process in this flowchart starts from the state where the user's imaging instruction is received by the operation unit 102 and the imaging of the subject is completed by the first imaging unit 101. At this time, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to enter the "normal imaging operation state" and the second imaging unit 103 to enter the "imaging operation stopped state".

[0031] <Example of operation 2> In the flowchart shown in Figure 4, the same processes as those shown in Figure 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals within the flowchart boxes (including the judgment boxes). First, in step S401, the control unit 105 controls the system timer unit 106 to measure the "duration of inactivity" starting from the moment when the user stops operating on the operation unit 102. At the same time, the control unit 105 controls the system timer unit 106 to send a notification when the time measured reaches the "duration of inactivity". This starts the measurement (counting) of the "duration of inactivity". For example, "5 seconds" is set as the "duration of inactivity".

[0032] Next, in step S402, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the user has performed any operations on the operation unit 102. If the control unit 105 determines that the user has performed an operation on the operation unit 102, such as adjusting the exposure using the "exposure compensation button" (Yes in S402), it proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the control unit 105 clears the "duration of inactivity" count value of the system timer unit 106 and returns to step S402. In other words, in step S402, the determination of whether or not the user has performed any operations on the operation unit 102 is repeated. On the other hand, if the control unit 105 determines that there has been no operation on the operation unit 102 by the user (No in step S402), it proceeds to step S403.

[0033] Next, in step S403, the control unit 105 determines whether it has received a notification from the system timer unit 106 indicating that the count value of "duration of inactivity" has continued for a predetermined time (for example, "5" seconds). If the control unit 105 determines that there is "no notification" from the system timer unit 106 (No in step S403), it proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the control unit 105 determines that there is "a notification" from the system timer unit 106 (Yes in step S403), it proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to change from "normal imaging operation state" to "power-saving imaging operation state" and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0034] Next, in step S405, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to change to the "normal imaging operation state". Next, in step S406, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to perform imaging in the direction of the back of the imaging device 100. Next, in step S407, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to change to the "imaging operation stopped state".

[0035] Next, in step S408, the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user has an "imaging intent". Specifically, in step S408, the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103. If the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 (Yes in S408), the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that the user has an "imaging intent", and the process returns to step S402. In step S402, the control unit 105 again determines whether or not the user has performed various operations on the operation unit 102.

[0036] On the other hand, if the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 does not include the user's face (No in step S408), the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that there is no "imaging intent," and the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to change from "normal imaging operation state" to "power-saving imaging operation state," thereby ending the process shown in Figure 4.

[0037] As described above, in the second embodiment, the system timer unit 106 is used to measure the "duration of inactivity," which is the period of time during which there is no operation on the operation unit 102. When the "duration of inactivity" has elapsed, the control unit 105, which has received notification from the system timer unit 106, controls the first imaging unit 101 to change to the "power-saving imaging operation state."

[0038] Therefore, according to Embodiment 2, when the user takes an image using the second imaging unit 103 while the operation unit 102 is not being operated, the imaging operation by the second imaging unit 103 and the determination process by the imaging intention determination unit 104 are prevented from being repeated for a predetermined time or longer. This predetermined time is the "duration of inactivity."

[0039] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 5. The configuration of the imaging device 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the imaging device 100 shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the second embodiment had the following features when the user was photographed by the second imaging unit 103 while the user was not operating the operation unit 102. In other words, the second embodiment was characterized in that the imaging operation by the second imaging unit 103 and the determination process by the imaging intention determination unit 104 were not repeated for a predetermined time (duration of inactivity).

[0040] In the third embodiment, further power consumption reduction is achieved by limiting the period during which the imaging operation by the second imaging unit 103 and the imaging intention determination process by the imaging intention determination unit 104 are performed. The control operation of the imaging device 100 will be described below.

[0041] <Example of operation 3> Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment. As explained in Figures 3 and 4, the process in this flowchart begins with the imaging device 100 receiving an imaging instruction from the user via the operation unit 102 and the first imaging unit 101 completing subject imaging. At this time, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to enter a "normal imaging operation state" and the second imaging unit 103 to enter an "imaging operation stopped state".

[0042] In Figure 5, processes identical to those shown in Figures 3 and 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals within the flowchart boxes (including the determination boxes). In Embodiment 3, the imaging intent determination unit 104 also determines whether or not the user has an imaging intent. Similar to Embodiment 1, this determination is made based on whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103. The imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that the user has an imaging intent if the user's face is detected, while determining that the user does not have an imaging intent if the user's face is not detected.

[0043] First, in step S501, the control unit 105 controls the system timer unit 106 to measure the "duration of inactivity" starting from the moment when the user stops operating on the operation unit 102. At the same time, the control unit 105 controls the system timer unit 106 to notify the control unit 105 when the time measured by the system timer unit 106 reaches the "duration of inactivity". This starts the measurement (counting) of the "duration of inactivity". For example, "5 seconds" is set as the "duration of inactivity".

[0044] Next, in step S502, the control unit 105 instructs the system timer unit 106 to measure the "imaging intent determination duration" starting from the timing when the second imaging unit 103 starts the imaging operation and the imaging intent determination unit 104 starts the determination process. At the same time, the control unit 105 controls the system timer unit 106 to send a notification when the time measured by the system timer unit 106 becomes the "imaging intent determination measurement time". This starts the time measurement (counting) of the "imaging intent determination duration". At this time, the control unit 105 sets the time from when the "imaging intent determination duration" has elapsed until the notification is sent to be shorter than the time from when the "inactivity duration" has elapsed until the notification is sent (for example, "2" seconds).

[0045] Next, in step S503, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the user has performed any operations on the operation unit 102. If the control unit 105 determines that the user has performed an operation on the operation unit 102, such as adjusting the exposure using the "exposure compensation button" (Yes in S503), it proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the control unit 105 clears the "duration of inactivity" count value of the system timer unit 106 and returns to step S503. In other words, in step S503, the determination of whether or not the user has performed any operations on the operation unit 102 is repeated. On the other hand, if the control unit 105 determines that there has been no operation on the operation unit 102 by the user (No in step S503), it proceeds to step S504.

[0046] Next, in step S504, the control unit 105 determines whether it has received a notification from the system timer unit 106 indicating that the count value of the "duration of inactivity" has continued for a predetermined time (for example, "5" seconds). If the control unit 105 determines that there is "no notification" from the system timer unit 106 (No in step S504), it proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the control unit 105 determines that there is "a notification" from the system timer unit 106 (Yes in step S504), it proceeds to step S511. In step S511, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to change from "normal imaging operation state" to "power-saving imaging operation state" and terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0047] Next, in S506, the control unit 105 determines whether it has received a notification indicating that the count value of the "imaging intent determination duration" in the system timer unit 106 has continued for a predetermined time (for example, "2" seconds). If the control unit 105 determines that there is a "notification" from the system timer unit 106 (Yes in step S506), it proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the user has performed any operations on the operation unit 102. From this point onward, the imaging operation of the second imaging unit 103 and the imaging intent determination processing by the imaging intent determination unit 104 are no longer performed. On the other hand, if the control unit 105 determines that there is "no notification" from the system timer unit 106 (No in step S506), it proceeds to step S507.

[0048] Next, in step S507, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to change to the "normal imaging operation state". Next, in step S508, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to perform imaging in the direction of the back of the imaging device 100. Next, in step S509, the control unit 105 controls the second imaging unit 103 to change to the "imaging operation stopped state".

[0049] Next, in step S510, the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user has an "imaging intent". Specifically, in step S508, the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103. If the user's face is included in the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 (Yes in S510), the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that the user has an "imaging intent", and the process returns to step S503. In step S503, the control unit 105 again determines whether or not the user has performed various operations on the operation unit 102.

[0050] On the other hand, if the image captured by the second imaging unit 103 does not include the user's face (No. in step S510), the imaging intent determination unit 104 determines that there is "no intent to capture," and the process proceeds to step S511. In step S511, the control unit 105 controls the first imaging unit 101 to change from "normal imaging operation state" to "power-saving imaging operation state," and the process shown in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0051] As explained above, according to Embodiment 3, in addition to measuring the "duration of inactivity," a "duration of image acquisition intention determination," which is shorter than the "duration of inactivity," is set, and the image acquisition intention determination process is limited to a predetermined period immediately after image acquisition is performed by the imaging device 100. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the imaging device 100 more quickly compared to control that only sets the "duration of inactivity," especially in cases where imaging operations and interruptions are repeated. For example, even when the user moves from an imaging state where they are holding the imaging device and taking pictures of a subject to a carrying state where they are not taking pictures and are carrying the imaging device, it is possible to reduce power consumption more quickly compared to control that only sets the "duration of inactivity."

[0052] In the first to third embodiments described above, we have described examples of operation control that reduce the power consumption of the imaging device 100 by performing an "imaging intent determination process" by the imaging intent determination unit 104. On the other hand, applications such as capturing the user's state before and after imaging using the second imaging unit 103 are envisioned. In such cases, an operation unit (not shown) may be provided to set whether or not it is necessary to execute the "imaging intent determination process" by the "imaging intent determination unit 104". The control unit 105 can also be configured to perform the control in the first to third embodiments in response to the operation of this operation unit (not shown).

[0053] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, the present invention can be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or recording medium. Then, one or more processors in the computer of that system or device can read and execute the program. Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 100 Imaging device 101 First Imaging Unit 102 Operation section 103 Second Imaging Unit 104 Imaging Intent Determination Unit 105 Control Unit 106 System Timer Section 107 Display section

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the rear direction, and an operating unit for receiving user operations, If no operation is performed on the operation unit after the subject has been captured by the first imaging unit, the imaging intent determination unit determines whether or not the user has an intention to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. If it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control unit sets the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states: a first operating state in which imaging is possible and a second operating state in which power consumption is greater than that of the first operating state. The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the control unit sets the first imaging unit to the first operating state when a set period of no operation time, which is the time that indicates no further operation will be performed on the operation unit after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging, has elapsed, and does not perform the determination process when a set period of determination time, which is the time that indicates the determination process will be performed by the imaging intention determination unit, has elapsed after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging intent determination unit determines that the user has an intention to take an image if the image captured by the second imaging unit includes the user's face.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control unit determines that there is no intention to take an image, it changes the first imaging unit from the second operating state to the first operating state.

4. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the duration of the determination of the intent to take the image is set to be shorter than the duration of the no-operation period.

5. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit sets the second imaging unit to the second operating state after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit, after the second imaging unit has performed imaging in the rear direction, sets the second imaging unit to a third operating state that consumes less power than the first operating state.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the third operating state is a state in which imaging is not possible.

8. An imaging device comprising a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the rear direction, and an operating unit for receiving operations from a user, If no operation is performed on the operation unit after the subject has been captured by the first imaging unit, the imaging intent determination unit determines whether or not the user has an intention to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. If it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control unit sets the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states: a first operating state in which imaging is possible and a second operating state in which power consumption is greater than that of the first operating state. The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the control unit sets the second imaging unit to the second operating state after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging.

9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit, after the second imaging unit has performed imaging in the rear direction, sets the second imaging unit to a third operating state which consumes less power than the first operating state.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, characterized in that the third operating state is a state in which imaging is not possible.

11. A first imaging unit including a first image sensor that images a subject in a first direction, A second imaging unit including a second image sensor that images a subject in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A control unit sets the state of the first imaging unit to a first state or a second state with higher power consumption than the first state, according to the image captured by the second imaging unit. It includes an operating unit that accepts user input, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the control unit changes the state of the second imaging unit, which is in an imaging-stopped state, to an imaging-operating state in response to the operation of the operation unit not being operated.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the second direction is the direction of the back of the imaging apparatus.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, characterized in that a display unit is provided on the back of the imaging device.

14. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the control unit changes the state of the second imaging unit, which is in the imaging stop state, to the imaging operation state in accordance with the fact that the operation unit is not operated during a period of time during which the operation unit is not operated.

15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit sets the state of the first imaging unit to the first state when the image does not include a person's face.

16. A control method for an imaging device comprising a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the rear direction, and an operation unit for receiving user operations, If no operation is performed on the operation unit after the subject has been captured by the first imaging unit, the imaging intention determination step determines whether or not the user has an intention to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. If it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control step includes setting the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states, the first operating state and the second operating state which consumes more power than the first operating state, respectively. The control step is characterized in that, if a period of no operation has elapsed, which is set to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging, the first imaging unit is set to the first operating state, and if a period of time has elapsed, which is set to indicate that the determination process by the imaging intention determination step will be performed after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging, the determination process is not performed.

17. A control method for an imaging device comprising a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the back direction, and an operating unit for receiving operations from a user, If no operation is performed on the operation unit after the subject has been captured by the first imaging unit, the imaging intention determination step determines whether or not the user has an intention to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. If it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control step includes setting the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states, the first operating state and the second operating state which consumes more power than the first operating state, respectively. The control step is characterized in that, after the first imaging unit performs subject imaging, the second imaging unit is set to the second operating state.

18. A control method for an imaging device comprising: a first imaging unit including a first image sensor for imaging a subject in a first direction; a second imaging unit including a second image sensor for imaging a subject in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and an operation unit for receiving user operations, A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, in accordance with the image captured by the second imaging unit, the state of the first imaging unit is set to a first state or a second state with higher power consumption than the first state, and in accordance with the fact that the operation unit is not operated, the state of the second imaging unit, which is in an imaging stop state, is changed to an imaging operation state.

19. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device comprising a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the back direction, and an operation unit for receiving user operations, The control method described above is If no operation is performed on the operation unit after the subject has been captured by the first imaging unit, the imaging intention determination step determines whether or not the user has an intention to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. If it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control step includes setting the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states, the first operating state and the second operating state which consumes more power than the first operating state, respectively. The control step is characterized in that, if a period of no operation has elapsed, which is set to indicate that no further operations will be performed on the operation unit after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging, the first imaging unit is set to the first operating state, and if a period of imaging intent determination has elapsed, which is set to indicate that the determination process by the imaging intent determination step will be performed after the first imaging unit has performed subject imaging, the program is configured not to perform the determination process.

20. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device comprising a first imaging unit for imaging a subject, a second imaging unit for imaging the back direction, and an operation unit for receiving operations from a user, The control method described above is If no operation is performed on the operation unit after the subject has been captured by the first imaging unit, the imaging intention determination step determines whether or not the user has an intention to take an image based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. If it is determined that there is no intention to take an image, the control step includes setting the first imaging unit to the first operating state, which is one of two operating states, the first operating state and the second operating state which consumes more power than the first operating state, respectively. The control step is characterized in that, after the first imaging unit performs subject imaging, the second imaging unit is set to the second operating state.

21. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device comprising: a first imaging unit including a first image sensor that images a subject in a first direction; a second imaging unit including a second image sensor that images a subject in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and an operation unit that accepts user operations, The control method described above is A program characterized by setting the state of the first imaging unit to a first state or a second state with higher power consumption than the first state, depending on the image captured by the second imaging unit, and changing the state of the second imaging unit from an imaging-stopped state to an imaging-operating state when the operation unit is not operated.

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