JP2016208145A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately suppress power consumption during operation of an imaging device.SOLUTION: In a digital camera 10 including an imaging part 62 that can capture an operator of the camera on the back side of the camera, when self-timer photography is set and the face of the operator of the camera is not detected during time counting before an imaging operation, an LCD 60 is turned off. When the face of the operator of the camera is not detected after the imaging operation, the LCD 60 is turned off and display of a recording image in a short time performed after imaging is not performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a camera, and more particularly to power saving settings.

  A digital camera or the like has a display unit (for example, LCD) on the back of the camera, and the display unit is frequently used, such as displaying a through image, a recorded image, and a menu screen during shooting, playback, and menu operation. For example, in the case of an LCD, since the power consumption is relatively large, the battery life is shortened and the battery charging / replacement time is advanced.

  In order to avoid this, for example, when there is no input operation with respect to the release button or the like, switching to a power saving mode such as a decrease in the brightness level of the LCD or power OFF (for example, see Patent Document 1). If there is no movement for a certain time with respect to the captured image, it is determined that the user has not performed subject tracking or composition determination, and the mode is switched to the power saving mode (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2000-59675 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-23476

  When switching to the power-saving mode after a certain period of time, even if the display does not need to be displayed immediately after the count starts, normal operation will continue for a certain period of time, affecting the battery life. .

  Therefore, it is required to be able to quickly shift to an operation that suppresses power consumption in accordance with the usage status of the imaging device.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a display unit on which an image obtained by a main imaging unit is displayed, a sub imaging unit capable of imaging a subject in a direction in which the screen of the display unit faces, and an image obtained by the sub imaging unit (here Then, a detection unit that detects a person for a monitoring image) and a control unit that switches to a power saving mode for at least the display unit according to human detection information from the detection unit.

  The detection unit detects whether or not a person is shown in the person detection information, that is, the monitoring image by the sub imaging unit. And a control part switches to a power saving mode, when a person is not detected. Here, the “power saving mode” means a control mode in which power consumption is controlled by controlling power supplied to the device / circuit and / or driving control, and a mode (eco mode, sleep mode, etc.) that suppresses power consumption for the entire device. ), Control for turning off the power or suppressing power consumption for only the display unit or other devices.

  For example, when self-timer shooting is performed, the control unit can perform switching control of the power saving mode based on human information. For example, the detection unit can detect a human face.

  The control unit can perform display / non-display switching control for at least one image display before and after shooting in the shooting mode. For example, the control unit performs display / non-display switching of the through image based on the person detection information during the display of the through image before photographing. Alternatively, the control unit performs display / non-display switching of the through image based on the person detection information regarding the display of the recorded image after photographing.

  On the other hand, the control unit can make the standby time until shifting to the power saving mode shorter than a predetermined standby time.

  The program according to the present invention detects a person with respect to a monitoring image obtained by a sub imaging unit capable of imaging a subject in a direction in which a screen of a display unit on which an image obtained by a main imaging unit is displayed is directed. In accordance with the detection means and the human detection information from the detection unit, it is made to function as a control unit that switches to the power saving mode for at least the display unit.

  According to the present invention, power consumption can be appropriately suppressed during operation of the imaging apparatus.

It is a schematic perspective view of the digital camera which is this embodiment. It is a block diagram of a digital camera. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation control process in self-timer shooting. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation control process in self-timer shooting.

  Below, the digital camera which is this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a digital camera according to the present embodiment.

  Here, the digital camera 10 is configured as a compact digital camera, and according to input operations to the mode dial 13, the release button 15, the cross button 17, the execution button 19, and the like, shooting, playback of recorded images, mode setting, and the like are performed. Done. On the front side of the camera, a lens barrel 11 that houses a photographing optical system (not shown here) is provided, and on the camera rear surface 10R, an LCD 60 that displays a photographed image and the like is provided. Further, an imaging module 62 described later is provided on the camera back surface 10R.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the digital camera.

  A controller 30 including a CPU, a RAM, and the like outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 35, the LCD drive circuit 39, and the like, and controls exposure according to the release button and other button operations detected by the release switch 37 and the button switch 45. Performs overall camera operation control such as recording and playback display. Further, the controller 30 has a timer 34 and counts a set time. The camera operation control program is stored in a recording medium such as a ROM (not shown). A power supply circuit 35 connected to a battery (not shown) supplies power to each circuit.

  When the shooting mode is set with the power on, a through image is displayed on the LCD 60. When the light from the subject is incident, the photographing optical system 12 forms an image on the image sensor 14, thereby forming a subject image on the image sensor 14. The image sensor 14 is constituted by a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and a color filter array (not shown) such as R, G, and B is disposed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 14.

  A pixel signal for one field or one frame is read from the image sensor 14 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1/60 second or 1/30 second), and the read pixel signal is an AFE circuit (not shown). ) To the image signal processing circuit 20.

  In the image signal processing circuit 20, gain processing, color conversion processing, white balance adjustment, and the like are performed on the pixel signal. As a result, R, G, and B color image signals are generated. The generated R, G, B color image signals are temporarily stored in an image memory (not shown) of the controller 30 and then sent to the LCD drive circuit 39. The LCD drive circuit 39 drives the LCD 60 based on the image data, whereby a real-time moving image is displayed on the LCD 60.

  When the release button 15 is pressed halfway, a contrast AF process is executed based on the pixel signal read from the image sensor 14. The controller 30 controls the lens driving unit 36 to drive the photographing optical system 12 and detects a focus position where the contrast value reaches a peak. In addition to the contrast AF process, the brightness of the subject image is detected based on the pixel signal read from the image sensor 14, and the exposure value is calculated.

  When the release button 15 is fully pressed, the exposure control unit 32 controls the exposure by driving a shutter, a diaphragm, etc. (not shown) based on the exposure value. Thereby, a pixel signal for one frame is read from the image sensor 14. Since the image signal is not input along with the exposure control, the image display on the LCD 60 is erased.

  The image signal processing circuit 20 generates still image data based on the read pixel signal for one frame. The recording processing unit 49 compresses the received still image data or records it on the memory card 48 without being compressed. The LCD drive circuit 39 displays a recorded image on the LCD 60 for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) based on the generated still image data. So-called quick view after shooting.

  The user can set the self-timer mode by operating the mode dial 13, the cross button 17, the execution button 19, and the like. When the self-timer mode is set, self-timer shooting is executed. That is, the photographing operation is waited until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after detecting the full pressing operation of the release button 15. When a predetermined time elapses, exposure control is performed and a photographed image is recorded.

  Further, the user can set an eco mode that suppresses power consumption of the entire camera by operating the cross button 17 and the execution button 19 on the mode setting screen. In the eco mode, when an input operation to the release button 15 or the like is not performed for a certain period of time, power supply other than the minimum necessary circuit such as the controller 30 is stopped. The setting can be changed by a user input operation for a certain period of time.

  The imaging unit 62 provided on the camera back surface 10R captures a direction opposite to the imaging optical system 12 and the image sensor (main imaging unit) facing the front side of the camera. That is, the rear side of the camera, that is, the direction in which the screen 60S of the LCD 60 faces is photographed. The imaging unit 62 includes an objective lens 72 and an image sensor 74, and a subject image on the back side of the camera is formed on the image sensor 74. Pixel signals for one field / frame are read from the image sensor 74 at a predetermined time interval and sent to the image processing circuit 64.

  The image processing circuit 64 generates image data based on pixel signals sent at predetermined time intervals, and executes face detection processing in response to a command from the controller 30. That is, it is determined whether or not an image corresponding to a human face is included in one field / frame of captured images that are sequentially generated. As the face detection processing method, a conventionally known method can be applied, and a face is detected based on features such as contour and skin color. When a plurality of faces are detected, the face with the largest size or the face projected in the center of the image is specified.

  In the present embodiment, when a specific shooting mode is set, the controller 30 controls the power of the LCD 60 based on the face information sent from the image processing circuit 64. Specifically, when the self-timer shooting is set, if the face is not detected, the LCD 60 is turned off. This will be described in detail below.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing operation control processing in self-timer shooting. The power consumption suppression control for the LCD 60 during self-timer shooting will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the release button 15 is fully pressed in a state where the self-timer mode is set, counting is started and a command signal is sent to the image processing circuit 64 to start face detection (S11). When receiving a detection start command, the image processing circuit 64 determines whether or not an image corresponding to a face is included in the captured image (monitoring image), and transmits the detection result to the controller 30 as face information. .

  When a face is detected simultaneously with the detection start, face information is stored in a memory (not shown) (S12, S13). Then, it is determined whether the face information sent thereafter from the image processing circuit 64 is the same as the stored face information, that is, the same person as the person detected at the start of detection (S14). While the same face continues to be detected, the time is counted until a predetermined set time is reached, and when the set time is reached, a shooting operation is performed (S14, S16, S17).

  On the other hand, if the face is not detected or the same face is not detected even if it is detected, the power supply circuit 35 is controlled to turn off the LCD 60 (S14, S15). When the camera operator moves by placing the camera 10 because he / she is also photographed, the state shifts from the state in which the face is detected in the captured image to the state in which it is not detected. Further, when another person is present on the back side of the camera when the camera operator moves, even if a face is detected, it is different from the stored face. In such a case, the power supply to the LCD 60 is temporarily stopped in order to suppress the power consumption of the LCD 60.

  If no face is included in the captured image when the face detection is started, the LCD 60 is similarly set to OFF (S12, S14, S15). Then, the LCD 60 is kept in the OFF state until the photographing operation is executed.

  When the photographing operation (image recording process) is executed, it is determined whether or not a face is detected in the photographed image obtained by the imaging unit 62 after the photographing operation (S21). If no face is detected, it is determined that the camera operator is away from the camera 10, and the LCD 60 is switched off (S22). When the LCD 60 is set to OFF before shooting, the OFF setting is maintained as it is. When the release button 15 is fully pressed and self-timer shooting is performed again (S29), the process returns to step S11.

  If it is determined in step S21 that a face has been detected, it is determined whether or not the detected face is the same as the face stored in step S13 (S23). If the same face is detected, a quick view is performed. That is, the recorded image is displayed on the LCD 60 for a short time (several seconds) (S24).

  When the quick view is performed, it is determined whether or not the same face is detected again (S25). When the same face is detected, the same camera operator may further perform input operations, etc., so after a certain period of time has passed, the camera shifts to an eco mode that reduces the overall power consumption of the camera. (S27, S28).

  On the other hand, if the same face is not detected, it is estimated that the camera operator is away from the camera 10, so that the time is shorter than the predetermined time set in advance and is the minimum time required for the transition to the eco mode. When the minimum time elapses, the eco mode is entered (S25, S26, S28). The minimum time set here is stored in advance in a memory or the like.

  The determination of the release operation in step S29 may be continued for a predetermined time. If the release button is not operated, the process returns to step S21, and steps S21 to S29 can be repeatedly executed. The predetermined time in this case is shorter than the minimum time in step S26.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the self-timer shooting is set in the digital camera 10 including the imaging module 62 on the back side of the camera, the face of the camera operator is not detected during the count before the shooting operation. Then, the LCD 60 is turned off. Also, when the camera operator's face is no longer detected after the shooting operation, the LCD 60 is turned off and the recorded image is not displayed. Further, when the face of the camera operator is not detected after the recorded image is displayed, the waiting period until the shift to the eco mode for reducing power consumption is shortened.

  By providing the imaging module 62 so that the face of the camera operator can be captured and detecting the face, it is possible to switch between image display / non-display at the same time that the operator disappears from the back side, and to detect an input operation by the user. Compared with switching between image display / non-display after waiting for a certain period of time or after a certain period of time, power consumption can be effectively suppressed.

  Regarding human detection, the camera operator can be reliably detected by detecting the face of the person most likely to be captured in the captured image. In particular, by storing the face detected at the same time as the start of detection and repeating the same determination as that face, it is possible to reliably identify the camera operator being imaged.

  As for image display / non-display, when the camera operator is not detected, the through image display before the shooting operation is stopped, and the recorded image display after the shooting operation is not executed. This eliminates unnecessary image display when the camera operator is not on the back side of the camera, and can effectively reduce power consumption for the LCD.

  Further, when the camera operator is not detected after shooting, it is predicted that the camera will not be operated after that, and the waiting time until shifting to the eco mode is shortened. As a result, the power consumption of the entire camera can be further suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, display / non-display switching control is performed in self-timer shooting, but the present invention is not limited to self-timer shooting. For example, a through image and / or recorded image display may not be executed in multiple exposure shooting, interval shooting, or the like in the shooting mode. Similarly, power control may be performed in a playback mode other than the shooting mode, a menu setting mode, and the like.

  Furthermore, it is possible to suppress power consumption with a configuration other than display / non-display switching by power control, and power consumption can be suppressed by controlling the LCD drive circuit, such as reducing the luminance level of the display image. Also good. The same applies to the case where the display unit is configured other than the LCD.

  On the other hand, the shift to the eco mode for reducing the power consumption of the entire camera is not limited to the self-timer shooting mode, and can be executed in other shooting modes or other modes. In this case, the eco mode may be shifted to a partial device / circuit such as an LCD or an imaging unit.

  Regarding the detection of the camera operator, it is possible to detect features (such as fingers) other than the face. In addition, a configuration in which the person projected at the start of detection is not stored is possible, and it is only necessary to detect the face so that it can be determined that the face is no longer detected. For example, a specific face or a part known to be another person may be registered in advance, and it may be detected whether or not it is the same as the registered face or other part.

  The photographing module only needs to be able to catch the camera operator, and may be provided at a place other than the rear end, such as the center of the rear of the camera. Further, it may be installed at a place other than the back of the camera as long as it can be installed at a place having a field of view in the direction of the display screen.

  Although the present embodiment is directed to a digital camera, the present invention can be applied to mobile devices such as mobile phones and smartphones and other imaging devices with a camera function.

10 Digital camera (photographing device)
30 controller (control unit)
35 Power supply circuit 39 LCD drive circuit 60 LCD (display unit)
62 Imaging unit (sub-imaging unit)
64 Image processing circuit (detector)

Claims (10)

A display unit for displaying an image obtained by the main imaging unit;
A sub imaging unit capable of imaging a subject in a direction in which the screen of the display unit faces;
A detection unit for detecting a person with respect to the monitoring image obtained by the sub imaging unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that switches to a power saving mode for at least the display unit according to human detection information from the detection unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores information on a person detected at the start of detection, and switches to the power saving mode when the stored person is no longer detected.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs display / non-display switching control for at least one of image display before and after shooting in the shooting mode.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs display / non-display switching of a through image based on person detection information during display of a through image before photographing.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs display / non-display switching of a through image based on person detection information regarding display of a recorded image after shooting.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shortens a standby time until shifting to the power saving mode to a predetermined standby time.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the self-timer shooting is performed, the control unit performs switching control of a power saving mode based on human information.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a human face.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the display unit to OFF when shifting to a power saving mode. The imaging device
Detecting means for detecting a person with respect to a monitoring image obtained by a sub imaging unit capable of imaging a subject in a direction in which a screen of a display unit on which an image obtained by a main imaging unit is displayed is oriented;
A program that functions as a control unit that switches at least the display unit to a power saving mode according to human detection information from the detection unit.