JP5228927B2 - Electronic device, operation control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device , an operation control method using the electronic device , and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an imaging device in which a touch panel is provided on a display screen, a holding state is determined from the position of a finger placed on the touch panel, and an operation mode is switched according to the holding state (for example, see Patent Document 1). . There is also known an imaging device that switches operation modes in accordance with the degree of collapse of a fingerprint shape detected by a touch panel (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-249928 A JP 2007-93967 A

However, when switching the operation mode based on the position of the finger as in Patent Document 1, if the finger detection accuracy is low, the operation mode may be set different from the desired mode. The detection area associated with each operation mode needs to be widened in advance. For this reason, there is a problem that the number of operation modes to be switched is limited.
Similarly, when the operation mode is switched based on the fingerprint shape collapse condition as in Patent Document 2, if the detection accuracy of the fingerprint shape collapse condition is low, an operation mode different from the desired mode is set. There is a fear.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can easily and reliably execute execution control of a predetermined operation, an operation control method using the electronic device , and a program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a fingerprint registration unit that registers a plurality of fingerprint data associated with fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in association with the type of the finger, Among the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration means, fingerprint detection means for generating fingerprint data by detecting the fingerprint of any finger of the user by a sensor provided at a predetermined position, Matching fingerprint data generated by fingerprint detection means to identify the type of user's finger located at a predetermined position on the device main body, and corresponding to each of a plurality of usage forms with different holding states of the device main body by a process corresponding to each usage mode, memory means for previously storing a type of fingers for holding the predetermined position corresponding to each holding state, in response to the type of the specified finger by the specifying means Stored in the storage means Operation being a specified, it is characterized by and a control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus body such that the process this specified.

The invention according to claim 2 further includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to generate an image frame, and the storage unit corresponds to each of a plurality of imaging modes having different holding states of the apparatus main body. The shooting process corresponding to each shooting mode and the type of finger holding the predetermined position according to each holding state are stored in advance, and the control unit corresponds to the finger type specified by the specifying unit. The photographing process stored in the storage means is specified, and the operation of the apparatus main body is controlled so as to execute the specified photographing process .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the storage means sets at least a normal shooting mode that is an operation mode corresponding to a normal shooting usage mode, and an operation mode corresponding to a self-portrait shooting usage mode. The first finger type that holds the predetermined position in the usage mode of the normal shooting and the predetermined position in the usage mode of the self-portrait shooting are associated with each of the processes for setting the self-portrait shooting mode. The second finger type to be stored is stored in advance, and the control unit sets the normal photographing mode when the finger type specified by the specifying unit is the first finger type. And when the finger type specified by the specifying means is the second finger type, control is performed to execute processing for setting the self-portrait shooting mode .

The invention according to claim 4 further includes a lens for photographing and an operation input unit for instructing photographing, and the sensor is a surface on the lens side in the apparatus main body, and the operation is performed. The first finger type is a middle finger, and the second finger type is a thumb .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the fingerprint detection means detects which of a plurality of predetermined positions determined in correspondence with the apparatus main body, and the control means According to the present invention, control is performed to change the position of a region to be subjected to a predetermined process within an image frame imaged by the imaging unit in accordance with the position of the finger detected by the fingerprint detection unit .

The invention described in claim 6 further includes a face detection unit that detects a face from the image frame of the subject generated by the imaging unit, and a region setting that sets a face detection region by the face detection unit in the image frame. And the control means performs control to change the position of the face detection area set by the area setting means according to the position of the finger detected by the fingerprint detection means. Yes.

The invention according to claim 7 further includes automatic photographing control means for automatically photographing the subject by the photographing means, and the automatic photographing control means is configured to detect the automatic photographing control means from within the detection region set by the region setting means. When the face is detected by the face detecting means, the subject is automatically imaged by the imaging means .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the sensor is a planar fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint detecting means detects a position where a user's finger is placed on the planar fingerprint sensor. It is a feature.

The invention described in claim 9 is further characterized in that the specifying means and the storage means specify and store the finger of the right hand and the finger of the left hand as different finger types.
  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the fingerprint detection means detects the orientation of the user's finger, and the control means detects the type of finger specified by the specification means and the fingerprint detection means. The operation is controlled according to the combination with the finger orientation.
  The invention described in claim 11 further includes specific fingerprint registration means for registering determination fingerprint data relating to a fingerprint of a finger for determination of a specific user, and determination by detecting the fingerprint of the finger for determination of the user A fingerprint detection unit for generating fingerprint data for determination, a fingerprint data for determination registered in the specific fingerprint registration unit and the fingerprint data for determination generated by the fingerprint detection unit for determination It is determined that the fingerprint of the finger for determination of the specific user is detected by the specific user determination unit that determines whether or not the fingerprint of the finger for determination of the user is detected, and the specific user determination unit. In the case of controlling the content of the predetermined operation of the apparatus main body according to the type of finger specified by the specifying means, and when it is determined that the fingerprint of the finger for determination of the specific user is not detected , Execution of a predetermined operation of the apparatus body It is characterized by further comprising, a operation content limitation unit for limiting.
  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation control method comprising: an electronic device including a fingerprint registration unit that registers a plurality of fingerprint data related to fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in association with a finger type; A process for detecting a fingerprint of any finger of a user by the sensor provided in the user to generate fingerprint data, and the generated fingerprint data among a plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration means A process for collating and identifying the type of user's finger located at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body, and a process corresponding to each of the plurality of usage forms having different holding states of the apparatus main body, By referring to the storage means that stores in advance the type of finger that holds the predetermined position according to each holding state, it is stored in the storage means corresponding to the type of finger specified by the specifying means. Identify the process that It is characterized in that to execute a process of controlling the operation of the apparatus body so as to perform a specified process.
  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for an electronic apparatus including a fingerprint registration unit that registers a plurality of fingerprint data related to fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in association with the type of the finger. A fingerprint detecting means for detecting a fingerprint of any finger of a user by means of a sensor provided on the user, and generating fingerprint data; among the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration means, the fingerprint detecting means The fingerprint data generated in accordance with the above, the identification means for identifying the type of user's finger located at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body, each corresponding to each of a plurality of usage forms with different holding states of the apparatus main body, The storage unit stores in advance processing corresponding to the usage form and the type of finger holding the predetermined position corresponding to each holding state, and stores the type in the storage unit corresponding to the type of finger specified by the specifying unit. Identify the process that is, it is characterized in that to function as a control means, for controlling the operation of the apparatus main body to perform the specified process.

  According to the present invention, execution control of a predetermined operation can be easily and reliably performed according to the type of finger.

It is a front view which shows the imaging device of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode table stored in a fingerprint registration DB of the imaging apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the sensor area | region and face detection area | region by a fingerprint sensor of the imaging device of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a registration process by the imaging apparatus in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an imaging process by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the self-shooting mode in the imaging | photography process of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user registration table memorize | stored in fingerprint registration DB of the imaging device of the modification 1.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging apparatus 100.

The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment registers a plurality of fingerprint data related to the fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in the fingerprint registration DB 8 and is detected and generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6 among the plurality of fingerprint data. The finger data of the user is collated to identify the type of the user's finger, and the operation of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 is controlled according to the specified type of finger.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an image processing unit 2, a recording medium 3, a display processing unit 4, a display unit 5, and a fingerprint detection unit. 6, a finger identification unit 7, a fingerprint registration DB 8, an operation control unit 9, an area setting unit 10, an operation input unit 11, a memory 12, and a CPU 13.

  The imaging unit 1 captures a subject and generates an image frame as an imaging unit. Specifically, the imaging unit 1 includes a lens unit 1a, an electronic imaging unit 1b, and an imaging processing unit 1c.

Although not shown, the lens unit 1a includes a plurality of lenses, and includes, for example, a zoom lens and a focus lens. Although not shown, the lens unit 1a includes a zoom drive unit that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction and a focus drive unit that moves the focus lens in the optical axis direction when imaging a subject. Yes.
A lens protective cover 1d is provided on the subject side of the lens unit 1a (see FIG. 1), and the lens unit 1a is exposed when the subject is imaged.

  The electronic imaging unit 1b is composed of, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and converts a subject image that has passed through various lenses of the lens unit 1a into a two-dimensional image signal.

Although not shown, the imaging processing unit 1c includes a timing generator, a driver, and the like. Then, the imaging processing unit 1c scans and drives the electronic imaging unit 1b with a timing generator and a driver, converts the subject image into a two-dimensional image signal with the electronic imaging unit 1b at a predetermined period, and the electronic imaging unit 1b. The image frames are read out from the imaging area for each screen and output to the image processing unit 2.
Further, the imaging processing unit 1c performs control of AE (automatic exposure processing), AF (automatic focusing processing), AWB (automatic white balance), and the like.

The image processing unit 2 performs image quality adjustment processing, resolution conversion processing, image encoding processing, and the like based on the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit 1c, and generates display image data and recording image data. Specifically, the image processing unit 2 appropriately adjusts the gain for each color component of RGB with respect to the analog value signal of the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit 1c, and then performs a sample with a sample hold circuit (not shown). Hold, convert to digital data by an A / D converter (not shown), and perform color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing in a color process circuit (not shown), and then the luminance of the digital value A signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr are generated.
The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit are DMA transferred to a memory 12 used as a buffer memory via a DMA controller (not shown).

In addition, the image processing unit 2 includes a face detection unit 2a that detects a face from an image frame generated by the imaging unit 1 using a predetermined face detection method.
The face detection unit 2a detects a face image area from the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit 1c, and detects a characteristic part (face part) corresponding to the eyes, nose, mouth, and the like from the detected areas. . Since this face detection process is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.
Here, the face detection unit 2 a constitutes a face detection unit that detects a face from the image frame generated by the imaging unit 1.

  The recording medium 3 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile memory (flash memory) or the like, and records still image recording image data encoded by a JPEG compression unit (not shown) of the image processing unit 2.

  The display processing unit 4 performs control to read display data temporarily stored in the memory 12 and display it on the display unit 5. Specifically, the display processing unit 4 includes a VRAM, a VRAM controller, a digital video encoder, and the like. The digital video encoder periodically reads the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr read from the memory 12 and stored in the VRAM (not shown) under the control of the CPU 13 from the VRAM via the VRAM controller. And a video signal is generated based on these data and output to the display unit 5.

  The display unit 5 is composed of a liquid crystal display device provided so as to expose the display screen on the back side of the main body of the imaging device 100 (see FIG. 4B). And the display part 5 displays the image etc. which were imaged by the electronic imaging part 1b based on the video signal from the display process part 4 on a display screen. Specifically, in the imaging mode, the display unit 5 displays a live view image based on a plurality of image frames generated by imaging the subject by the imaging unit 1, or a REC view captured as a main captured image. Display an image.

The fingerprint detection unit 6 detects the fingerprint of any finger of the user and generates fingerprint data under the control of the CPU 13. Specifically, the fingerprint detection unit 6 includes a fingerprint sensor 6a that generates fingerprint data of the user's finger.
The fingerprint sensor 6a is provided on the front side of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 and on the left side (predetermined position) toward the lens unit 1a. The fingerprint sensor 6a is formed in a substantially rectangular plane when viewed from the front, and generates fingerprint data by reading the fingerprint of the user's finger placed on the surface of the fingerprint sensor 6a by a predetermined detection method. . The fingerprint sensor 6a has, for example, a flat transmission film, a light source, an image sensor, etc., which are not shown, and irradiates the reference light from the light source to the lower surface of the film and touches the upper surface of the film. The light scattered by is picked up by an image pickup device, and the picked-up image is output as fingerprint data. The fingerprint detection unit 6 detects the position and orientation of the user's finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a based on the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint sensor 6a.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the fingerprint sensor 6a includes a central sensor area a1 provided substantially at the center, an upper left sensor area a2 provided at the upper left, and a lower left sensor area a3 provided at the lower left. The upper right sensor area a4 provided in the upper right part and the lower right sensor area a5 provided in the lower right part are set. Of the five sensor areas a1 to a5, the sensor area including the center coordinates of the user's finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a is specified as the sensor area where the user's finger is placed.
In addition, when detecting the orientation of the finger, the fingerprint angle θ relative to a reference line segment (for example, a line segment extending in the horizontal direction) is specified, and the finger orientation is detected from the angle θ. To do.
Here, the fingerprint detection unit 6 and the CPU 13 constitute a fingerprint detection unit that detects a fingerprint of any finger of the user and generates fingerprint data.

The finger specifying unit 7 selects the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6 from among a plurality of fingerprint data registered in the operation mode table T1 (see FIG. 3) of the fingerprint registration DB 8 under the control of the CPU 13. The type of user's finger is specified by collation. Fingerprint data of a plurality of human fingers is registered in the fingerprint registration DB 8 (details will be described later), and the finger specifying unit 7 compares each of the fingerprint data with the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6. The matching fingerprint data is specified. Then, the finger specifying unit 7 specifies the type of the user's finger associated with the specified fingerprint data.
Here, the finger identification unit 7 and the CPU 13 identify the type of the user's finger by collating the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6 among the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration DB 8. It constitutes the specific means to do.

The fingerprint registration DB 8 registers a plurality of fingerprint data related to fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person as a fingerprint registration means. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the fingerprint registration DB 8 is an operation mode in which a user name, fingerprint information of any finger, a finger position, a fingerprint angle, and an operation mode are associated with each other. A table T1 is stored.
The operation mode table T1 includes, for example, “Mr. A” as the user name, “fingerprint data of the middle finger on the right hand” as the fingerprint information, “center part” as the finger position, and “θ1” as the fingerprint angle. The operation mode (described later) switched by the control unit 9 is stored in association with “normal shooting mode (horizontal)” which is normal shooting of horizontal shooting. Similarly, “Mr. A” as the user name, “fingerprint data of the middle finger on the right hand” as the fingerprint information, “upper left” as the finger position, “θ2” as the fingerprint angle, and vertical shooting as the operation mode Is stored in association with “normal shooting mode (vertical)” which is normal shooting. Similarly, “Mr. A” as the user name, “Fingerprint data of the left thumb” as the fingerprint information, “Center” as the finger position, “θ3” as the fingerprint angle, and horizontal shooting as the operation mode Is stored in association with “selfie shooting mode (horizontal)” which is a self-portrait shooting. Similarly, “Mr. A” as the user name, “fingerprint data of the left thumb” as the fingerprint information, “upper left” as the finger position, “θ4” as the fingerprint angle, and vertical shooting as the operation mode Is stored in association with “selfie shooting mode (vertical)” which is a self-portrait shooting. Similarly, “Mr. A” as the user name, “fingerprint data of the right index finger” as the fingerprint information, “center part” as the finger position, “θ5” as the fingerprint angle, and “self” It is stored in association with “timer mode”.

Note that the components of the operation mode table T1 are examples and are not limited to those described above. That is, the operation mode table T1 only needs to register at least a plurality of fingerprint data related to the fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person, and whether or not to register other elements can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.
Further, instead of preparing only one operation mode table T1 in which the fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person are associated with each operation mode, a table in which the fingerprints of the fingers of a plurality of persons are associated with the types of fingers. And a table in which finger types and respective operation modes are associated with each other may be prepared separately. In this case, the table in which the finger types and the respective operation modes are associated with each other is fixedly set in the imaging apparatus 100 in advance. After the imaging apparatus 100 is purchased, the fingerprints and finger types of a plurality of human fingers are displayed. The associated table may be arbitrarily registered by the user.

The operation control unit 9 controls the operation of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the type of the finger specified by the finger specifying unit 7 under the control of the CPU 13. The operation control unit 9 controls the operation according to the position and orientation of the user's finger detected by the fingerprint detection unit 6.
Specifically, the operation control unit 9 includes a mode switching unit 9a that switches operation modes such as a normal shooting mode, a self-portrait shooting mode, and a self-timer mode according to the type of finger specified by the finger specifying unit 7. ing.
The mode switching unit 9a refers to the fingerprint registration DB 8 and is associated with the type of the user's finger specified by the finger specifying unit 7 and the position and orientation of the user's finger detected by the fingerprint detection unit 6. The operation mode such as the normal shooting mode, the self-portrait shooting mode, and the self-timer mode is specified, and the process is switched to the specified operation mode.
Here, the operation control unit 9 and the CPU 13 constitute a control unit that controls the operation of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the type of the finger specified by the finger specifying unit 7. The mode switching unit 9a constitutes an operation mode switching unit that switches between the normal shooting mode and the self-portrait shooting mode according to the type of finger specified by the finger specifying unit 7.

In addition, the operation control unit 9 includes an automatic shooting control unit 9b that automatically images a subject by the imaging unit 1 as an automatic shooting control unit.
In the state where the operation mode is set to the self-portrait shooting mode by the mode switching unit 9a, the automatic shooting control unit 9b detects the face from the face detection area (described later) set by the area setting unit 10 by the face detection unit 2a. In such a case, the image capturing unit 1 automatically captures the subject.

  Further, the operation control unit 9 is a sensor region where the finger of the user is placed among the five sensor regions a1 to a5 of the fingerprint sensor 6a in a state where the operation mode is set to the self-timer mode by the mode switching unit 9a. Set the time until shooting according to. For example, the operation control unit 9 sets the time until photographing to 5 seconds in the central sensor area a1, 10 seconds in the upper left sensor area a2, 15 seconds in the lower left sensor area a3, and upper right sensor area. In a4, it is set to 20 seconds, and in the lower right sensor area a5, it is set to 25 seconds.

The area setting unit 10 is associated with the sensor area of the fingerprint detection unit 6 including the finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6 a under the control of the CPU 13, and the face detection unit is detected in the image frame generated by the imaging unit 1. The face detection area by 2a is set.
In the image frame, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, five face detection areas f1 to f5 associated with five fingerprint sensors 6a are set. Specifically, the center face detection area f1 associated with the center sensor area a1 of the fingerprint sensor 6a, the upper left face detection area f2 associated with the upper left sensor area a2, and the lower left sensor area a3. A lower left face detection area f3, an upper right face detection area f4 associated with the upper right sensor area a4, and a lower right face detection area f5 associated with the lower right sensor area a5 are set. Then, the region setting unit 10 uses the face detection region associated with the sensor region on which the user's finger is placed detected by the fingerprint detection unit 6 as the face detection region by the face detection unit 2a in the image frame. Set. As a result, the automatic photographing control unit 9b can execute a process of automatically capturing an image of the subject by the image capturing unit 1 when a face is detected by the face detecting unit 2a from within the set face detection region.
Here, the area setting unit 10 and the CPU 13 constitute an area setting unit that is associated with the position of the finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a and sets a face detection area by the face detection unit 2a in the image frame.

  The operation input unit 11 is for performing a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 100. Specifically, the operation input unit 11 includes a shutter button 11a related to a subject shooting instruction, a menu button 11b related to a menu screen display instruction related to function selection, display setting, and the like (see FIG. 4B, etc.), operation A selection / decision button 11c (see FIG. 4B, etc.) for selecting a mode or the like, and a zoom button (see FIG. 4B, etc.) for adjusting the zoom amount are provided. And the operation input part 11 outputs a predetermined operation signal to CPU13 according to operation of these buttons.

  The CPU 13 controls each part of the imaging device 100. Specifically, the CPU 13 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 100.

  The memory 12 is composed of, for example, a flash memory and temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 13.

"
Next, registration processing by the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the registration process.

The registration process is a process executed when a registration mode is selected based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 5, when any one of the plurality of operation modes (for example, the normal shooting mode (horizontal)) is selected based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by the user, The operation input unit 11 outputs an instruction to set the operation mode and inputs it to the CPU 13 (step S1).

The CPU 13 causes the fingerprint detection unit 6 to wait for any finger (for example, the middle finger of the right hand) of the user to be placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a (step S2). When the user's finger is placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a (step S2; YES), the fingerprint detection unit 6 detects the fingerprint of the user's finger and causes the fingerprint sensor 6a to generate fingerprint data (step S2). S3).
Subsequently, the CPU 13 instructs the fingerprint detection unit 6 based on the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint sensor 6a to have the position (for example, the center) and the direction (for example, the angle) of the user's finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a. θ1) is detected (step S4).

  Thereafter, when a user name (for example, Mr. A) is input based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by the user (step S5), the CPU 13 detects the user name and the fingerprint detection unit 6. The fingerprint data, finger position and orientation are registered in the operation mode table T1 of the fingerprint registration DB 8 in association with the operation mode related to the setting instruction (step S6).

Next, the CPU 13 determines whether or not an instruction to end the registration mode is input based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by the user (step S7). If it is determined that the registration mode end instruction has not been input (step S7; NO), the CPU 13 issues an instruction to set the next operation mode based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by the user. It is determined whether or not an input has been made (step S8). The next operation mode includes a new operation mode that is different from the already set operation mode, as well as an operation mode that is already set and that the user desires to reset.
When it is determined that the next operation mode setting instruction has been input (step S8; YES), the CPU 13 shifts the process to step S2 and repeatedly executes the subsequent processes. In this way, the fingerprint is registered for all the operation modes desired by the user.

Thereafter, when it is determined in step S2 that the user's finger is not placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a (step S2; NO), the CPU 13 shifts the process to step S7. Even when it is determined in step S8 that the next operation mode setting instruction has not been input (step S8; NO), the CPU 13 shifts the process to step S7.
If it is determined in step S7 that an instruction to end the registration mode has been input (step S7; YES), the CPU 13 ends the registration process.

Next, imaging processing by the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the imaging process. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a self-portrait mode in the photographing process.

The imaging process is a process described as an example of an operation control method using the imaging apparatus 100, and is a process executed when an imaging mode is selected based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 6, first, the CPU 13 causes the display unit 5 to display a live view image based on a plurality of image frames generated by imaging a subject (step S21).
Subsequently, the CPU 13 causes the fingerprint detection unit 6 to wait for any of the user's fingers (for example, the left thumb) to be placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a (step S22). When the user's finger is placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a (step S22; YES), the fingerprint detection unit 6 detects the fingerprint of the user's finger and causes the fingerprint sensor 6a to generate fingerprint data (step S22). S23).

Thereafter, the CPU 13 causes the finger specifying unit 7 to compare each of the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the operation mode table T1 of the fingerprint registration DB 8 with the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6, and to obtain a matching fingerprint. Data (for example, fingerprint data of “left thumb” of the user name “Mr. A”) is specified (step S24).
Subsequently, the CPU 13 instructs the fingerprint detection unit 6 based on the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint sensor 6a to have the position (for example, the center) and the direction (for example, the angle) of the user's finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a. θ3) is detected (step S25).

Next, the CPU 13 refers to the operation mode table T 1 of the fingerprint registration DB 8 to the mode switching unit 9 a of the operation control unit 9, and uses the finger type specified by the finger specifying unit 7 and the fingerprint detection unit 6. An operation mode (for example, self-portrait shooting mode (horizontal); see FIG. 7) associated with the detected position and orientation of the user's finger is specified, and a process of switching to the operation mode is performed (step S26). ).
Subsequently, the CPU 13 causes the operation control unit 9 to control the operation of each unit such as the imaging unit 1 according to the specified operation mode (step S27).
Here, when a predetermined operation mode is specified, the CPU 13 may display a screen (not shown) indicating that on the display unit 5.

Thereafter, the CPU 13 determines whether or not the shutter button 11a of the operation input unit 11 has been operated by the user (step S28).
Here, when it is determined that the shutter button 11a has been operated in a predetermined manner (step S28; YES), the CPU 13 causes the imaging processing unit 1c to adjust the focusing condition, the exposure condition, and the white balance, and causes the electronic imaging unit 1b to perform the subject. A process of photographing is performed (step S29).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S22 that the user's finger is not placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a (step S22; NO), the CPU 13 performs a predetermined operation on the shutter button 11a of the operation input unit 11 by the user. It is determined whether or not (step S30).
Here, if it is determined that the shutter button 11a has been operated in a predetermined manner (step S30; YES), the CPU 13 shifts the processing to step S29, while it is determined that the shutter button 11a has not been operated in a predetermined manner (step S30; YES). Step S30; NO), the CPU 13 shifts the process to Step S22.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of fingerprint data related to the fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person are registered in the fingerprint registration DB 8, and fingerprint detection is performed among the plurality of fingerprint data. Since the fingerprint data of the finger detected and generated by the unit 6 is collated, the type of the user's finger is specified, and the operation of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 is controlled according to the specified type of the finger. By simply changing the type of the finger from which the fingerprint is detected according to 6, it is possible to cause the imaging apparatus 100 main body to execute the predetermined operation with certainty. In other words, considering that the types of fingers holding the imaging apparatus 100 main body are different between normal shooting and self-portrait shooting, the normal shooting mode and the self-portrait shooting mode are switched according to the type of finger of the user. The user does not have to set the normal shooting mode and the self-portrait shooting mode by operating the operation input unit 11, and can easily set the normal shooting mode and the self-portrait shooting mode. 100 convenience can be improved.
Therefore, execution control of a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 100 can be easily and reliably performed according to the type of finger.

  The fingerprint detection unit 6 detects the position and orientation of the user's finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a, and controls the operation according to the detected position and orientation of the user's finger. By simply changing the position and orientation of the user's finger placed on the imaging device 100, the main body of the imaging device 100 can be surely executed, and the convenience of the imaging device 100 can be improved.

  Further, the face detection area by the face detection unit 2a in the image frame is associated with the position of the finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a, and the user's finger is placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a in the self-portrait shooting mode. When a face is detected from within the set face detection area, the subject is automatically imaged by the imaging unit 1, so that it is desired to shoot a subject image having a composition in which the user's own face is placed at a desired position. In addition, the user does not need to set the face arrangement one by one by operating the operation input unit 11, and can easily shoot a subject image having a desired composition, thereby improving the convenience of the imaging apparatus 100. Can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, a fingerprint of a specific user's finger may be registered in advance, and user authentication may be performed using the fingerprint sensor 6a.
That is, the fingerprint registration DB 8 stores a user registration table T2 for registering determination fingerprint data related to a fingerprint of a specific user's determination finger (see FIG. 8).
The user registration table T2 stores a user name of a specific user and fingerprint information in association with each other as specific fingerprint registration means. For example, “Mr. A” is associated with the user name of the specific user and “Fingerprint A” is associated with the fingerprint information. Similarly, “Mr. B” is the user name of the specific user and “Fingerprint B” is the fingerprint information. Similarly, “Mr. C” is associated as the user name of the specific user, and “fingerprint C” is associated as the fingerprint information.
The fingerprint detection unit 6 uses a fingerprint sensor 6a as a determination fingerprint detection unit to detect a fingerprint of a user's determination finger and generate determination fingerprint data.
The finger identifying unit 7 collates the determination fingerprint data registered in the user registration table T2 with the determination fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6 as a specific user determination unit, thereby determining the specific user. A process is performed to determine whether or not a fingerprint of a finger is detected.
The operation control unit 9 restricts the operation content of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the determination result by the finger specifying unit 7 as an operation content limiting unit. Specifically, the motion control unit 9 determines that the determination fingerprint data registered in the user registration table T2 by the finger specifying unit 7 matches the determination fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6. In this case, as “user authentication OK”, imaging of the subject by the imaging apparatus 100 and reproduction of the recorded image are controlled according to a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 11 by a specific user. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 9 determines that the determination fingerprint data registered in the user registration table T2 by the finger specifying unit 7 does not match the determination fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection unit 6 In this case, as “user authentication NG”, even when the operation input unit 11 is operated by the user for a predetermined time, the photographing of the subject and the reproduction of the image are prohibited.
As described above, since user authentication is performed using the fingerprint of the user's finger, authentication by impersonation can be prevented by user authentication using biometric information, and the security of the imaging apparatus 100 can be ensured. In addition, since the fingerprint of the finger is used, it is not necessary to input a password, and user authentication can be performed reliably and simply.
Furthermore, by using the fingerprint sensor 6a related to the switching of the operation mode, the fingerprint sensor 6a can be used for both the switching of the operation mode and the user authentication, and a dedicated biometric information reader is mounted for user authentication. This eliminates the need to prevent the imaging apparatus 100 from increasing in cost.

  The fingerprint detection unit 6 detects the fingerprint of the user's determination finger and generates the determination fingerprint data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the generation of the determination fingerprint data is different. It may be performed by means.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although what provided the fingerprint sensor 6a provided in the front side of the imaging device 100 main body as the fingerprint detection part 6 was illustrated, it is not restricted to this, For example, a back side The fingerprint detection unit 6 may be incorporated in the display unit 5. That is, a photosensor may be built in each pixel of the liquid crystal display device of the display unit 5 to function as an input device such as a scanner or a touch panel.

  Further, the mode switching unit 9a shoots subjects such as a normal shooting mode (horizontal), a normal shooting mode (vertical), a self-portrait shooting mode (horizontal), a self-portrait shooting mode (vertical), and a self-timer mode as operation modes. Although the mode is set, a playback mode for playing back image data recorded on the recording medium 3 may be set according to the type of finger detected by the fingerprint detection unit 6, or A deletion mode for deleting the image data may be set.

In addition, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto.
In addition, in the above embodiment, functions as a fingerprint detection unit, a specification unit, a control unit, an operation mode switching unit, a face detection unit, a region setting unit, and an automatic shooting control unit are controlled under the control of the CPU 13. The fingerprint detection unit 6, the finger identification unit 7, the operation control unit 9, the mode switching unit 9a, the face detection unit 2a, the region setting unit 10, and the automatic shooting control unit 9b are driven. The configuration is not limited, and a configuration realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU 13 may be adopted.
That is, a program memory (not shown) that stores a program includes a fingerprint detection control processing routine, a specific processing routine, a control processing routine, an operation mode switching processing routine, a face detection processing routine, an area setting processing routine, and an automatic photographing processing routine. Memorize the program. Then, by the fingerprint detection control processing routine, the CPU 13 is caused to function as fingerprint detection means for causing the fingerprint sensor 6a to detect the fingerprint of any finger of the user and generating fingerprint data. Further, the CPU 13 serves as a specifying means for specifying the type of the user's finger by collating the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detecting means among the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration DB 8 by the specifying processing routine. To work. Further, the control processing routine causes the CPU 13 to function as a control unit that controls the operation of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the type of finger specified by the specifying unit. In addition, the CPU 13 functions as an operation mode switching unit that switches between the normal shooting mode and the self-portrait shooting mode in accordance with the finger type specified by the specifying unit by the operation mode switching processing routine. Further, the face detection processing routine functions as face detection means for detecting a face from the image frame of the subject generated by the imaging unit 1. Further, the CPU 13 is caused to function as an area setting means for setting the face detection area by the face detection unit 2a in the image frame in association with the position of the finger placed on the fingerprint sensor 6a by the area setting processing routine. In addition, the CPU 13 is caused to function as automatic photographing control means for automatically photographing the subject by the image pickup unit 1 by the automatic photographing processing routine.

100 Imaging Device 2 Image Processing Unit 2a Face Detection Unit 6 Fingerprint Detection Unit 6a Fingerprint Sensor 7 Finger Identification Unit 8 Fingerprint Registration DB
9 Operation Control Unit 9a Mode Switching Unit 9b Automatic Shooting Control Unit 10 Area Setting Unit 13 CPU

Claims (13)

Fingerprint registration means for registering a plurality of fingerprint data related to fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in association with the types of fingers;
Fingerprint detection means for generating fingerprint data by detecting the fingerprint of any finger of the user by means of a sensor provided at a predetermined position of the apparatus body;
A specification for identifying the type of user's finger located at a predetermined position of the apparatus body by collating the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection means among the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration means Means,
A storage unit that stores in advance processing corresponding to each usage mode and a kind of finger that holds the predetermined position corresponding to each holding mode in association with each of a plurality of usage modes having different holding states of the apparatus main body; ,
Control means for specifying the process stored in the storage means corresponding to the type of finger specified by the specifying means, and controlling the operation of the apparatus main body so as to execute the specified process ;
An electronic device comprising: It further comprises imaging means for imaging a subject and generating an image frame,
The storage means corresponds to each of a plurality of shooting modes having different holding states of the apparatus main body, and performs a shooting process according to each shooting mode and a kind of finger that holds the predetermined position according to each holding state. Remember in advance,
The control means specifies the photographing process stored in the storage means corresponding to the type of finger specified by the specifying means, and controls the operation of the apparatus main body so as to execute the specified photographing process. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage means includes at least processing for setting a normal shooting mode that is an operation mode corresponding to a usage mode for normal shooting and processing for setting a self-portrait shooting mode that is an operation mode corresponding to a usage mode for self-portrait shooting. Corresponding to each, a type of the first finger that holds the predetermined position in the usage mode of the normal shooting and a type of the second finger that holds the predetermined position in the usage mode of the self-portrait shooting in advance. Remember,
The control means executes processing for setting the normal photographing mode when the finger type specified by the specifying means is the first finger type, and the finger type specified by the specifying means 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the second finger type is, control for executing processing for setting the self-photographing mode is performed. 4. A shooting lens and an operation input unit for instructing shooting;
The sensor is a surface on the lens side in the apparatus main body, and is provided at a predetermined position on the side where the operation input unit is provided,
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first finger type is a middle finger, and the second finger type is a thumb. The fingerprint detection means detects which one of a plurality of predetermined positions determined by the user's finger corresponding to the apparatus body,
The control means performs control to change the position of a region to be subjected to predetermined processing within an image frame imaged by the imaging means in accordance with the position of the finger detected by the fingerprint detection means. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Face detection means for detecting a face from an image frame of a subject generated by the imaging means;
An area setting means for setting a detection area of the face by the face detection means in the image frame,
With
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit changes a position of a face detection region set by the region setting unit in accordance with a finger position detected by the fingerprint detection unit. . Automatic photographing control means for automatically photographing the subject by the imaging means;
The automatic photographing control unit causes the imaging unit to automatically image the subject when a face is detected by the face detection unit from within a detection region set by the region setting unit. Item 7. The electronic device according to Item 6. The sensor is a planar fingerprint sensor,
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the fingerprint detection unit detects a position where a user's finger is placed on a planar fingerprint sensor. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit and the storage unit specify and store a finger of a right hand and a finger of a left hand as different finger types. The fingerprint detection means detects the direction of the user's finger,
10. The control unit according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the operation in accordance with a combination of a finger type specified by the specifying unit and a finger direction detected by the fingerprint detection unit. the electronic device according to either. Specific fingerprint registration means for registering determination fingerprint data related to a fingerprint of a specific user's determination finger;
A determination fingerprint detecting means for detecting a fingerprint of a user's determination finger and generating determination fingerprint data;
Whether the fingerprint of the finger for determination of the specific user is detected by comparing the fingerprint data for determination registered in the specific fingerprint registration unit with the fingerprint data for determination generated by the fingerprint detection unit for determination Specific user determination means for determining whether or not,
When it is determined by the specific user determination unit that a fingerprint of the finger for determination of the specific user has been detected, the content of the predetermined operation of the apparatus main body according to the type of finger specified by the specification unit And when it is determined that the fingerprint of the finger for determination of the specific user is not detected, operation content limiting means for limiting execution of the predetermined operation of the apparatus main body,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: In an electronic device comprising fingerprint registration means for registering a plurality of fingerprint data related to fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in association with the type of finger,
A process of detecting a fingerprint of any finger of the user by a sensor provided at a predetermined position of the apparatus body and generating fingerprint data;
A process of collating the generated fingerprint data among a plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration means to identify the type of user's finger located at a predetermined position of the apparatus body;
Corresponding to each of a plurality of usage forms with different holding states of the apparatus main body, storage means for storing in advance processing according to each usage form and the kind of finger holding the predetermined position according to each holding state By referring to the process, the process stored in the storage unit corresponding to the type of the finger specified by the specifying unit is specified, and the operation of the apparatus main body is controlled so as to execute the specified process. When,
The operation control method characterized by performing this. A computer of an electronic device comprising fingerprint registration means for registering a plurality of fingerprint data relating to fingerprints of a plurality of fingers of a predetermined person in association with the type of finger,
Fingerprint detecting means for generating fingerprint data by detecting the fingerprint of any finger of the user by means of a sensor provided at a predetermined position of the apparatus body;
A specification for identifying the type of user's finger located at a predetermined position of the apparatus body by collating the fingerprint data generated by the fingerprint detection means among the plurality of fingerprint data registered in the fingerprint registration means means,
A storage unit that stores in advance processing corresponding to each usage mode and a kind of finger that holds the predetermined position corresponding to each holding mode in association with each of a plurality of usage modes having different holding states of the apparatus main body,
Control means for specifying the processing stored in the storage means corresponding to the type of finger specified by the specifying means, and controlling the operation of the apparatus main body so as to execute the specified processing ;
A program characterized by functioning as

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