Imaging device, method for controlling imaging device, program, and storage medium

Abstract

The imaging device according to the present invention is characterized to have an imaging means and an AE means for performing automatic exposure processing, and is characterized in that the AE means stops the automatic exposure processing when an object that is proximate to the imaging device is imaged by the imaging means.

Description

Image capture device, image capture device control method, program, and storage medium

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

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of video sharing sites, there have been increasing opportunities to create video content using personally shot videos as material, with the aim of posting videos (so-called Vlogs) that express hobbies, daily events, etc., through video and audio. In video content consisting of multiple cuts, visual effects called transitions are sometimes used at the joins between the cuts. By using transitions, it is possible to create smooth or impressive cut changes. Transitions can be applied by manipulating the subject or camera during shooting, or by using video editing software after shooting.

[0003] A common transition used during filming is to cover the camera lens with an object such as a hand or a subject. By covering the camera lens with an object, the screen goes dark, and the previous and next cuts are connected with the darkened scenes, making the transition between cuts appear smooth. On the other hand, if the camera's automatic exposure adjustment mechanism is enabled, covering the camera lens with an object will adjust the exposure to match the state in which the camera lens is covered. As a result, the screen may not go dark enough even though the camera lens is covered, resulting in a video that differs from the photographer's intention.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-124222 discloses a method for controlling the start and stop of photography by determining whether or not the photographic lens is covered.

[0005] JP 2011-65012 A

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to start or stop video shooting when the shooting lens is completely covered, but does not take into account exposure control when the shooting lens is covered during shooting. As a result, if a photographer wants to darken the screen by covering the shooting lens, they may not be able to obtain the intended shooting results.

[0007] The present invention aims to enable a photographer to obtain a photographic result as intended when transition photography is desired in which the image is darkened by blocking the photographic lens.

[0008] The imaging device of the present invention comprises an imaging means and an AE means that performs automatic exposure processing, and the AE means stops the automatic exposure processing when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged by the imaging means.

[0009] According to the present invention, when transition shooting is desired in which the image is darkened by blocking the photographing lens, the photographing result as intended by the photographer can be obtained.

[0010] 1A and 1B are external views of a digital camera. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the digital camera. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a video shooting process. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an approach determination process.

[0011] 1A and 1B are external views of a digital camera 100 as an example of an image capturing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. Fig. 1A is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and Fig. 1B is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100.

[0012] The display unit 28 is a display unit provided on the back surface of the digital camera 100, and displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 28. The outside-finder display unit 43 is a display unit provided on the top surface of the digital camera 100, and displays various settings of the digital camera 100, including shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is an operation member for issuing shooting instructions. The mode selector switch 60 is an operation member for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover that protects a connector (not shown) for connecting a connection cable or the like that connects the digital camera 100 to an external device.

[0013] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operation member, and by turning the main electronic dial 71, settings such as shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The power switch 72 is an operation member that switches the power of the digital camera 100 on and off. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operation member, and by turning the sub electronic dial 73, the selection frame (cursor) can be moved, images can be forwarded, etc. The four-way key 74 is configured so that the up, down, left, and right parts can each be pressed, and processing corresponding to the part of the four-way key 74 that is pressed can be performed. The SET button 75 is a push button, and is mainly used to confirm a selection item, etc.

[0014] The video button 76 is used to start or stop video shooting (recording). The AE lock button 77 is a push button that can fix the exposure state by pressing the AE lock button 77 in shooting standby mode. The enlarge button 78 is an operation button for switching the enlargement mode ON and OFF in the live view display (LV display) of the shooting mode. By turning the enlargement mode ON and operating the main electronic dial 71, the live view image (LV image) can be enlarged or reduced. In playback mode, the enlargement button 78 functions as an operation button for enlarging the playback image or increasing its magnification ratio. The playback button 79 is an operation button for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. Pressing the playback button 79 in shooting mode switches to playback mode, and the most recent image recorded on the storage medium 200 (described below) can be displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is a push button used to issue an instruction to display a menu screen. When the menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen on the display unit 28 where various settings can be configured is displayed. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the four-way key 74, and the SET button 75. By changing the settings on the menu screen, the user can change (customize) the functions assigned to the operation members (buttons, rotary operation members, etc.).

[0015] The touch bar 82 is a line-shaped touch operation member (line touch sensor) capable of receiving touch operations. The touch bar 82 is positioned so that it can be touched (touched) by the thumb of the right hand when the grip portion 90 is held in the right hand (holding the grip portion 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand) so that the shutter button 61 can be pressed with the index finger of the right hand. In other words, the touch bar 82 is positioned so that it can be operated when the camera is placed near the eyepiece portion 16, looking through the eyepiece viewfinder 17, and in a position (shooting posture) ready to press the shutter button 61 at any time. The touch bar 82 is a receiving unit that can receive tap operations (touching and then releasing the touch position without moving it within a predetermined period of time) and left / right slide operations (touching and then moving the touch position while keeping the touch) on the touch bar 82. The touch bar 82 is a different operating member from the touch panel 70a and does not have a display function. The touch bar 82 functions, for example, as a multi-function bar (M-Fn bar) to which various functions can be assigned.

[0016] The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal through which the digital camera 100 communicates with the lens unit 150 (described below; detachable). The eyepiece 16 is the eyepiece of the eyepiece finder 17 (a peer-type finder), and the user can view an image displayed on the internal EVF 29 (described below; an electronic viewfinder) through the eyepiece 16. The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects whether the user (photographer) has placed their eye on the eyepiece 16. The cover 202 is a cover for a slot that stores a storage medium 200 (described below). The grip unit 90 is a holding unit shaped to be easily held in the user's right hand when holding the digital camera 100. The shutter button 61 and main electronic dial 71 are positioned so that they can be operated with the index finger of the right hand when the digital camera 100 is held by gripping the grip unit 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand. In the same state, the sub electronic dial 73 and touch bar 82 are also located at positions that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand. The thumb rest 91 (thumb standby position) is a grip section provided on the rear side of the digital camera 100 at a position where it is easy to place the thumb of the right hand that is holding the grip section 90 when none of the operation members are being operated. The thumb rest 91 is made of a rubber member or the like to enhance holding strength (grip feeling).

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographic lens. The lens 103 is usually composed of multiple lenses, but FIG. 2 shows only a single lens for simplicity's sake. The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal through which the lens unit 150 communicates with the digital camera 100, and the communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal through which the digital camera 100 communicates with the lens unit 150. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system controller 50 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens unit 150 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 using the internal lens system control circuit 4. The lens unit 150 also adjusts focus by displacing the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3 using the lens system control circuit 4.

[0018] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 under the control of the system control unit 50 .

[0019] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging element (image sensor) configured with a CCD, CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 22 may have an imaging surface phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0020] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, color conversion, etc.) on data from the A / D converter 23 or data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the arithmetic results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This allows for TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus control), AE (autoexposure) processing, EF (pre-flash) processing, etc. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the arithmetic results obtained.

[0021] The memory control unit 15 controls the transmission and reception of data between the A / D converter 23, the image processing unit 24, and the memory 32. The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15. Alternatively, the output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 and the EVF 29. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio.

[0022] The memory 32 also serves as a memory (video memory) for image display. The D / A converter 19 converts the display image data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28 or the EVF 29. The display image data written to the memory 32 is thus displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29 via the D / A converter 19. The display unit 28 and the EVF 29 are each a display such as an LCD or an organic EL, and perform display in accordance with the analog signal from the D / A converter 19. The digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 19, and the analog signal is sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29, thereby performing a live view display (LV). Hereinafter, an image displayed in the live view display will be referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0023] The system control unit 50 is a control unit that includes at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 is both a processor and a circuit. The system control unit 50 executes programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 to realize various processes, which will be described later. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 19, the display unit 28, the EVF 29, etc.

[0024] The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like into the system memory 52.

[0025] The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM, etc. Constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 50 are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The programs referred to here are programs for executing various flowcharts, which will be described later.

[0026] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0027] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video signals and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can also connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can also communicate with external devices via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark). The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including LV images) captured by the imaging unit 22 and images recorded on the storage medium 200, and can receive image data and various other information from external devices.

[0028] The orientation detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether an image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate and record the image. An acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used as the orientation detection unit 55. The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor of the orientation detection unit 55 can also be used to detect movement of the digital camera 100 (such as panning, tilting, lifting, and whether the digital camera 100 is stationary).

[0029] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects (approach detection) whether an eye (object) approaches (approach) or moves away (away) from the eyepiece 16 of the eyepiece viewfinder 17 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "viewfinder"). The system control unit 50 switches the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 between on (display state) and off (non-display state) depending on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. More specifically, at least in a shooting standby state and when the display destination switching setting is automatic switching, when the eye is not in contact with the camera, the display is turned on as the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 is hidden. When the eye is in contact with the camera, the display is turned on as the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 is hidden. The eyepiece detection unit 57 can be, for example, an infrared proximity sensor, and can detect the approach of an object to the eyepiece 16 of the eyepiece viewfinder 17, which incorporates the EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from a light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by a light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of received infrared light can also determine the distance the object is approaching the eyepiece 16 (eyepiece distance). In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 57 performs eyepiece detection, detecting the proximity of an object to the eyepiece 16. When an object approaching within a predetermined distance from the eyepiece 16 is detected from a non-eyepiece state (non-approach state), it is detected as being in eye contact. When an object detected as approaching moves away from the eyepiece state (approach state) by more than a predetermined distance, it is detected as being disengaged. The threshold for detecting eye contact and the threshold for detecting disengagement may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. Furthermore, after detecting eye contact, the eyepiece remains in the eyepiece state until disengagement is detected. After detecting disengagement, the eyepiece remains in the non-eyepiece state until disengagement is detected. The infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and other sensors may be used for the eye proximity detector 57 as long as they can detect a state that can be considered as eye proximity.

[0030] Various camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the outside viewfinder display section 43 via an outside viewfinder display section drive circuit 44 .

[0031] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between powered blocks, etc., and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery charge. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each unit, including the storage medium 200. The power supply unit 30 is composed of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries or lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, or Li batteries, an AC adapter, etc.

[0032] The storage medium I / F 18 is an interface with a storage medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The storage medium 200 is a storage medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is configured from a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0033] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that accepts operations from the user (user operations) and is used to input various operational instructions to the system control unit 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation unit 70 includes a mode selector switch 60, a shutter button 61, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, and other operation members 70b. The other operation members 70b include a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a SET button 75, a video button 76, an AE lock button 77, a magnification button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, a touch bar 82, and the like.

[0034] The mode selector switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of still image capture mode, video capture mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the still image capture mode include auto capture mode, auto scene determination mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide capture settings for specific capture scenes. The mode selector switch 60 allows the user to directly switch to one of these modes. Alternatively, after first switching to a list screen of capture modes with the mode selector switch 60, the user may selectively switch to one of the displayed modes using another operating member. Similarly, the video capture mode may also include multiple modes.

[0035] The shutter button 61 includes a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 is pressed halfway (a shooting preparation command) and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 initiates shooting preparation operations such as AF (autofocus control), AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1. The second shutter switch 64 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 is pressed fully (a shooting command) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 50 initiates a series of shooting processing operations in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, from reading a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image to the storage medium 200 as an image file.

[0036] The touch panel 70a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 28 (the operation surface of the touch panel 70a). The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured so that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (graphical user interface) that allows the user to directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0037] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel 70a: A finger or pen that has not been touching the touch panel 70a now touches the touch panel 70a, i.e., the start of touching (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down) A state in which the touch panel 70a is touched by a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-On) A finger or pen moving while still touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move) A finger or pen that has been touching the touch panel 70a is released from the touch panel 70a, i.e., the end of touching (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Up) A state in which nothing is touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Off)

[0038] When a touch down is detected, a touch on is also detected at the same time. After a touch down, a touch on is usually continued to be detected unless a touch up is detected. A touch on continues to be detected even if a touch move is detected. Even if a touch on is detected, a touch move is not detected unless the touch position moves. Once it is detected that all fingers or pens that were touching have touched up, a touch off occurs.

[0039] These operations and states, as well as the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel 70a, are notified to the system control unit 50 via the internal bus. The system control unit 50 then determines what type of operation (touch operation) was performed on the touch panel 70a based on the notified information. Regarding touch-move, the movement direction of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 70a can also be determined for each vertical and horizontal component on the touch panel 70a based on changes in the position coordinates. A slide operation is determined to have been performed when a touch-move of a predetermined distance or more is detected. An operation in which a finger is touched on the touch panel 70a, quickly moved a certain distance, and then released is called a flick. In other words, a flick is an operation in which a finger is quickly traced across the touch panel 70a as if flicking it. When a touch-move of a predetermined distance or more at a predetermined speed or faster is detected and a touch-up is then detected, a flick is determined to have been performed (a flick can be determined to have been performed following a slide operation). Furthermore, a touch operation in which multiple points (e.g., two points) are touched together (multi-touch) and the touch positions are brought closer together is called a pinch in, and a touch operation in which the touch positions are moved farther apart is called a pinch out. Pinch out and pinch in are collectively called a pinch operation (or simply a pinch). The touch panel 70a may be any of a variety of touch panel types, including resistive film type, capacitive type, surface acoustic wave type, infrared type, electromagnetic induction type, image recognition type, and optical sensor type. There are types that detect a touch by contact with the touch panel, and types that detect a touch by the approach of a finger or pen to the touch panel, and either type is acceptable.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the video capture mode process performed by the digital camera 100. The process in FIG. 3 is a series of steps performed by the digital camera 100 from the start of video capture until the video capture is completed. This process is realized by the system control unit 50 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. For example, the process in FIG. 3 begins when the digital camera 100 is started in video capture mode in response to operation of the power switch 72, or when the mode of the digital camera 100 is switched to video capture mode in response to operation of the mode selector switch 60. The process in FIG. 3 detects the approach of an object to the digital camera 100 (the surface (lens surface) on which the lens unit 150 is attached) during video capture and controls the automatic exposure process (AE process). Below, a description of processes unrelated to this process will be omitted. If an abnormal operation is performed during the process in FIG. 3, the process in FIG. 3 may be interrupted.

[0041] In S301, the system control unit 50 determines whether an operation to end the video shooting mode has been performed. The operation to end the video shooting mode is, for example, an operation to switch the mode of the digital camera 100 to another mode (operation of the mode selector switch 60) or an operation to turn off the power of the digital camera 100 (operation of the power switch 72). If an operation to end the video shooting mode has been performed, the process proceeds to S302; if not, the process proceeds to S304.

[0042] In S302, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a moving image is being captured. If a moving image is being captured, the process proceeds to S303, and if not, the moving image capture mode process ends.

[0043] In S303, the system control unit 50 ends the signal readout from the imaging unit 22 and performs a video shooting end process. In the video shooting end process, the system control unit 50 acquires the shot video data from the memory 32 and records it in the storage medium 200 via the storage medium I / F 18.

[0044] In S304, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the moving image button 76 has been pressed. If the moving image button 76 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S305; if not, the process proceeds to S308.

[0045] In S305, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a moving image is being captured. If a moving image is being captured, the process proceeds to S306, and if not, the process proceeds to S307.

[0046] In S306, the system control unit 50 ends the signal readout from the imaging unit 22 and performs a process to end video shooting.

[0047] In S307, the system control unit 50 starts reading signals from the imaging unit 22 and performs processing to start recording a moving image. In recording a moving image, the system control unit 50 converts data from the imaging unit 22 into digital data using the A / D converter 23, and records the converted data in the memory 32 as moving image data via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15.

[0048] In S308, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a moving image is being captured. If a moving image is being captured, the process proceeds to S310, and if not, the process proceeds to S309.

[0049] In S309, the system control unit 50 performs AE processing based on the calculation results of the image processing unit 24. For example, the system control unit 50 determines whether the exposure of the image obtained by the imaging unit 22 is appropriate based on the calculation results of the image processing unit 24. If the exposure of the image is not appropriate, the system control unit 50 controls at least one of the exposure time of the imaging unit 22, the sensitivity of the imaging unit 22, and the aperture diameter of the diaphragm 1 so as to obtain an image with appropriate exposure. An image with inappropriate exposure is one in which the brightness of the image is brighter or darker than the desired brightness, and an image with appropriate exposure is an image with the desired brightness.

[0050] In this embodiment, the system control unit 50 can switch between enabling and disabling the approach detection function, which detects the approach of an object to the digital camera 100, in response to a user operation. In this way, the system control unit 50 can set one of a number of modes, including a mode in which the approach detection function is enabled and a mode in which the approach detection function is disabled, in response to a user operation. In S310, the system control unit 50 determines whether the approach detection function is enabled. If the approach detection function is enabled, the process proceeds to S311; if not, the process proceeds to S309.

[0051] In S311, the system control unit 50 performs a proximity determination process to determine whether or not an object is approaching the digital camera 100 (the surface (lens surface) on which the lens unit 150 is attached). Details of the proximity determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0052] In S312, the system control unit 50 determines, based on the processing result of S311, whether or not there is an object approaching the digital camera 100. If there is an approaching object, the process proceeds to S301; otherwise, the process proceeds to S309.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the approach determination process performed by the digital camera 100 in S311 of Fig. 3. This process is realized by the system control unit 50 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it.

[0054] In this embodiment, the system control unit 50 uses the image processing unit 24 to perform processing to detect a specific subject (e.g., a human, a face, or an eye) from an image obtained by the imaging unit 22. Note that the method for detecting a specific subject is not particularly limited as long as the specific subject can be detected from at least a portion of the imaging range of the digital camera 100. In S401, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a specific subject has been detected. If a specific subject has been detected, the process proceeds to S402; if not, the process proceeds to S403.

[0055] In S402, the system control unit 50 determines that there is no object approaching the digital camera 100. If a specific subject (e.g., a human, a face, or an eye) is detected in S401, the system control unit 50 determines that there is no object approaching the digital camera 100 because the object is not so close as to cover the imaging range.

[0056] In S403, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the autofocus process (AF process) was successful based on the calculation result of the image processing unit 24. If the AF process was successful (if the subject is in focus), the process proceeds to S406; otherwise, the process proceeds to S404.

[0057] In this embodiment, the system control unit 50 uses the system timer 53 to measure the time during which the AF process has failed. In S404, the system control unit 50 determines whether the time during which the AF process has failed is longer than a threshold value t. The number of consecutive AF process failures may be used as the time during which the AF process has failed. If the time during which the AF process has failed is longer than the threshold value t, the process proceeds to S405; otherwise, the process proceeds to S402. The threshold value t may be a predetermined fixed value or a value that can be changed by the user.

[0058] In S405, the system control unit 50 determines that there is a subject approaching the digital camera 100. If the time during which AF processing has failed is longer than the threshold t, an object continues to be close to the imaging range, and therefore it is determined that there is a close subject. On the other hand, if the time during which AF processing has failed is shorter than the threshold t, it is determined that there is no close subject, because it is possible that AF is temporarily disabled rather than the screen being darkened by blocking the photographing lens.

[0059] In this embodiment, the system control unit 50 detects the distance between the subject (the object captured by the imaging unit 22) and the digital camera 100. The method for detecting the distance is not particularly limited, and various known techniques can be used to detect the distance. When detecting the distance, the position of the lens unit 150 may be used as the position of the digital camera 100. In S406, the system control unit 50 determines whether the distance between the subject and the digital camera 100 is shorter than a threshold value d1 based on the calculation result of the image processing unit 24. If the distance is shorter than the threshold value d1, the process proceeds to S410; otherwise, the process proceeds to S407. The threshold value d1 may be a predetermined fixed value or a value that can be changed by the user.

[0060] In S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether the distance between the subject and the digital camera 100 is less than a threshold value d2 (>threshold value d1) based on the calculation result of the image processing unit 24. If the distance is less than the threshold value d2, the process proceeds to S409; otherwise, the process proceeds to S408. The threshold value d2 may be a predetermined fixed value or may be a value that can be changed by the user.

[0061] In S408, the system control unit 50 determines that no object has approached the digital camera 100.

[0062] In S409, the system control unit 50 determines whether the current distance (current calculation result) between the subject detected in S407 and the digital camera 100 is shorter than the previous distance (previous calculation result) (whether the distance has decreased). If the current distance is shorter than the previous distance, the process proceeds to S410; if not, the process proceeds to S408.

[0063] In S410, the system control unit 50 determines that an object is approaching the digital camera 100.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, AE processing is stopped when an object approaching digital camera 100 is captured. Then, AE processing is resumed when an object that approached digital camera 100 and had been blocking the photographing lens no longer blocks the photographing lens (for example, when an object that had been approaching within the imaging range moves out of the imaging range and is no longer captured, or when the approaching object moves away from the photographing lens or digital camera 100). This makes it possible to obtain a suitable exposure during normal video recording, and also makes it possible to obtain photographic results with the exposure intended by the photographer when transition shooting is desired, in which the screen is darkened by bringing an object close and blocking the lens unit 150.

[0065] Note that, when the AE processing is stopped, the system control unit 50 may issue a predetermined notification to the user. The predetermined notification may be, for example, a notification that the AE processing has been stopped. The notification method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the predetermined notification may be the display of an icon or a character string, the output of a sound, or the lighting of a lamp.

[0066] Although the example in which AE processing is not stopped when video recording is not being performed has been described, AE processing may be switched between execution and suspension depending on the result of the approach determination processing, regardless of whether video recording is being performed. Even when an object approaching the digital camera 100 is captured by the imaging unit 22, AE processing may not be suspended if the object approaches the digital camera 100 outside a predetermined range that is part of the imaging range of the imaging unit 22. The predetermined range is, for example, a range targeted by AE processing (a range referenced in AE processing (performing brightness sampling) to achieve proper exposure). The predetermined range may be a range specified by the user. Only the inside of the predetermined range may be referenced in S401, S403, S406, and S407. For example, in S401, it may be determined whether a specific subject has been detected within the predetermined range. In S402, it may be determined whether the subject is in focus within the predetermined range. In S406 and S407, the distance between the subject present within the predetermined range and the digital camera 100 may be compared with thresholds d1 and d2.

[0067] The various controls described above as being performed by the system control unit 50 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing. The same applies to the various controls described above as being performed by the CPU 201.

[0068] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to a digital camera as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any imaging device capable of automatic exposure control. For example, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, portable image viewers, printers, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, etc. The present invention can also be applied to video players, display devices (including projection devices), tablet devices, smartphones, AI speakers, home appliances, in-vehicle devices, etc.

[0070] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0071] The disclosure of the present embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, programs, and media. (Configuration 1) An imaging device comprising: an imaging means; and an AE means that performs auto-exposure processing, wherein the AE means stops the auto-exposure processing when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged by the imaging means. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to Configuration 1, wherein the AE means stops the auto-exposure processing in response to an object approaching the imaging device within an imaging range of the imaging means, and resumes the auto-exposure processing in response to the object moving out of the imaging range or moving away from the imaging device after the auto-exposure processing has been stopped. (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the AE means stops the auto-exposure processing when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is shorter than a first threshold. (Structure 4) The imaging device according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the AE means stops the auto-exposure processing when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is shorter than a second threshold and the distance is decreasing. (Structure 5) The imaging device according to Structure 4, wherein the AE means does not stop the auto-exposure processing when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is shorter than the second threshold but the distance is not decreasing. (Structure 6) The imaging device according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the AE means executes the auto-exposure processing when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is longer than a second threshold. (Structure 7) The imaging device according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, further comprising AF means for performing autofocus processing, wherein the AE means stops the auto-exposure processing when the time during which the autofocus processing has failed is longer than a third threshold. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a detection means for detecting a specific subject from an imaging range of the imaging means, wherein the AE means does not stop the automatic exposure process when the detection means detects the specific subject.(Structure 9) The imaging device according to Structure 8, wherein the specific subject is a face. (Structure 10) The imaging device according to any one of Structures 1 to 9, further comprising a setting means for setting one of a plurality of modes including a first mode in which the auto exposure process is stopped when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged, and a second mode in which the auto exposure process is not stopped even when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged, in response to a user operation. (Structure 11) The imaging device according to any one of Structures 1 to 10, further comprising a control means for controlling the AE means to issue a predetermined notification when the AE means has stopped the auto exposure process. (Structure 12) The imaging device according to any one of Structures 1 to 11, wherein the AE means does not stop the auto exposure process when the imaging means is not shooting a moving image. (Configuration 13) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the AE means does not stop the auto-exposure processing if an object approaching the imaging device is imaged by the imaging means, when the object approaches the imaging device outside a predetermined range that is part of the imaging range of the imaging means. (Configuration 14) The imaging device according to configuration 12, wherein the predetermined range is a range that is subject to the auto-exposure processing. (Method) A control method for an imaging device, comprising: an imaging step of capturing an image; and an AE step of performing auto-exposure processing, wherein the AE step stops the auto-exposure processing if an object approaching the imaging device is imaged in the imaging step. (Program) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. (Medium) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0073] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-096364, filed on June 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] 100: Digital camera 22: Imaging unit 50: System control unit 24: Image processing unit

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: an imaging means; and an AE means that performs automatic exposure processing, wherein the AE means stops the automatic exposure processing when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged by the imaging means.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the AE means stops the automatic exposure processing in response to an object approaching the imaging device within the imaging range of the imaging means, and after stopping the automatic exposure processing, resumes the automatic exposure processing in response to the object moving out of the imaging range or the object moving away from the imaging device.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that said AE means stops said automatic exposure processing when the distance between said imaging device and an object imaged by said imaging means is shorter than a first threshold value.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the AE means stops the automatic exposure processing when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is shorter than a second threshold value and the distance is decreasing.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that the AE means does not stop the automatic exposure processing when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is shorter than the second threshold value but the distance has not decreased.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the AE means executes the automatic exposure process when the distance between the object imaged by the imaging means and the imaging device is longer than a second threshold value.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising an AF means for performing autofocus processing, wherein the AE means stops the automatic exposure processing when the time during which the autofocus processing has failed is longer than a third threshold value.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection means for detecting a specific subject within an imaging range of the imaging means, wherein the AE means does not stop the automatic exposure process when the specific subject is detected by the detection means.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the specific subject is a face.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting means for setting one of a plurality of modes, including a first mode in which the automatic exposure process is stopped when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged, and a second mode in which the automatic exposure process is not stopped even when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged, in response to a user operation.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the AE means to give a predetermined notification when the AE means has stopped the automatic exposure processing.

12. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the AE means does not stop the automatic exposure process when the imaging means is not taking a video.

13. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the AE means does not stop the automatic exposure processing when an object approaching the imaging device is imaged by the imaging means and the object is approaching the imaging device outside a predetermined range that is part of the imaging range of the imaging means.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, characterized in that the predetermined range is a range that is the target of the automatic exposure processing.

15. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: an imaging step of capturing an image; and an AE step of performing automatic exposure processing, wherein the AE step stops the automatic exposure processing when an object approaching the imaging device is captured in the imaging step.

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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