KR20100012822A - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A photographing apparatus and a photographing method are provided to recognize a scene using the history of a scene recognition result, thereby obtaining a stable scene recognition result. CONSTITUTION: An analog photographing signal inputted from an image pickup device(58) is inputted to an analog signal processor(60). An auto gain controller of the analog signal processor controls the gain of an analog signal. An A/D converter(61) converts an analog image signal into digital image data. A control circuit(74) detects the brightness of an image signal.

Description

Imaging device and imaging method {IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGING METHOD}

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging method, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of recognizing a photographing scene with high accuracy.

Patent Document 1 discloses determining whether a set shooting mode is appropriate for a scene in a digital still camera based on a digital image signal or an EV value.

Patent Document 2 discloses a photographing mode automatic setting camera for setting a photographing mode of a camera based on output information of a face recognition means and a state detection means. The camera described in Patent Literature 2 automatically sets the camera shooting mode based on output information of a subject's movement, imaging magnification, or subject distance.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-244530

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-344891

Background Art Conventionally, in an imaging device, a scene is recognized based on an image signal or an EV value. The digital still camera described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to determine whether the setting of the shooting mode is appropriate using the image signal at the time of S1. Moreover, the camera described in patent document 2 is comprised so that setting of a photography mode may be performed using the image signal when the 1st stroke of a shutter button is turned on. That is, since the techniques described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 only perform the determination of the shooting mode once with the image signal at the time of S1, the scene recognition result is easily changed by the image signal and the EV value, resulting in a stable scene recognition result. It was difficult to output.

This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the imaging device and imaging method which can obtain the scene recognition result stably.

MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM In order to solve the said subject, the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is a photographing scene from the photography information acquisition means which acquires photography information which is the information of a photography scene, and the photography information acquired by the photography information acquisition means. To a single scene recognizing means for recognizing a single scene, a scene recognizing history registration means for registering a single scene recognition result by the single scene recognizing means as the latest predetermined number of scene recognizing histories, and the scene recognizing history registration means. A total scene recognizing device for performing total scene recognition for recognizing a shot scene based on a scene recognition history registered by the scene recognizing history, and according to the total scene recognizing result by the total scene recognizing means. And control means for performing at least one of display control, imaging control, signal processing control, and information recording control. The.

An imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention registers shooting information acquisition means for acquiring shooting information that is information of a shooting scene, and shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition means as the latest predetermined number of shooting information histories. A total scene recognition means for performing a total scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene based on shooting information history registration means, a shooting information history registration means registered in the shooting information history registration means, and the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means. And control means for performing at least one of display control, photographing control, signal processing control, and information recording control.

In the imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the first embodiment, the total scene recognition means has a maximum frequency in a range of all or part of the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means. Detects a photographing scene in which a single scene recognition result of the is detected, and sets the detected photographic scene as the total scene recognition result.

The imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is, in the third embodiment, when the total scene recognition means detects a plurality of photographing scenes in which the single scene recognition result of the maximum frequency is detected, the maximum of the latest side. The total scene recognition result may be a shooting scene in which a frequency-dependent scene recognition result is displayed.

In the imaging device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the first embodiment, the total scene recognition means includes:

Weighting setting means for performing a weighting of each single scene recognition result in the scene recognition history registration means registered in the scene recognition history registration means as much as the latest scene recognition result, and for each single scene recognition result after weighting by the weighting setting means. And a single scene recognition result in which the cumulative score calculated by the calculation means becomes the maximum as the total scene recognition result.

An image pickup apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes the calculation means in the second embodiment, wherein the total scene recognizing means calculates a representative value from the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means; And a recognizing means for recognizing the photographing scene based on the representative value calculated by the calculating means.

In the sixth embodiment, in the imaging device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, in the sixth embodiment, the latest calculation information is the latest value of the photographing information history registered in the photographing information history registration means, and the latest information. A weighted average value giving a weight to be increased, a median value of the shooting information history, and N (N: integer of 0 or more) on the maximum value side of the shooting information history, M (M: integer of 0 or more) on the minimum value side, N = M, N? M), wherein any one of the average values of the remaining information except for the photographing information is calculated as the representative value.

The imaging device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the photographing information acquisition means includes information indicating whether a face of a person is present in a photographing scene, information representing a subject distance, And at least one of the information indicating the brightness of the subject and the detection information of the auxiliary light.

The imaging device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is one of the eighth embodiments, wherein the photographing information acquisition means acquires the information on the focus position when the focusing is performed on the subject as the information representing the subject distance. It features.

In the first, third to fifth, eighth, or ninth embodiments, the imaging device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention instructs exposure and metering for the present exposure when the shutter is pressed halfway, and the shutter Further comprising a shutter button for instructing the present exposure at the time of full pressing, the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means includes the number of single scene recognition results before the half pressing of the shutter and the single scene after pressing the halfway of the shutter. The number of recognition results is set individually.

In the second or sixth to ninth embodiments, the imaging device according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention instructs exposure and metering for the present exposure when the shutter is pressed halfway, and the exposure when the shutter is fully pressed. And a shutter button for indicating, wherein the photographing information history registered in the photographing information history registration means is set to the number of photographing information before the shutter half pressing and the number of photographing information after the shutter pressing halfway. It is done.

The imaging device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention further includes photographing mode setting means for setting a photographing mode according to the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means in the first to eleventh embodiments. The means is for performing the shooting control based on the set shooting mode.

The imaging device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is the shutter according to the first to twelfth embodiments, which instructs photometry and metering for the present exposure when the shutter is pressed halfway, and instructs the present exposure when the shutter is fully pressed. And a button, wherein said photographing information acquiring means acquires only the information representing the distance of the subject for exposure and the information representing the brightness of the subject for exposure after pressing the shutter halfway.

An imaging method according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention includes a shooting information acquisition step of acquiring shooting information that is information of a shooting scene, and a single scene recognition step of recognizing a shooting scene from the shooting information acquired by the information acquisition step; And a scene recognition history registration step of registering a single scene recognition result recognized in the single scene recognition step as a latest predetermined number of scene recognition histories into a scene recognition history registration means, and the scene recognition registered in the scene recognition history registration means. A total scene recognition step of recognizing the shooting scene based on the history, and a control step of performing at least one of display control, shooting control, signal processing control, and information recording control according to the total scene recognition result of the total scene recognition step. Characterized in that provided.

The imaging method according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is a shooting information acquisition step of acquiring shooting information that is information of a shooting scene, and the shooting information acquired in the shooting information acquisition step as the latest predetermined number of shooting information histories. A shooting information history registration step of registering to shooting information history registration means, a total scene recognition step of recognizing a shooting scene based on the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means, and the total of the total scene recognition step And a control step of performing at least one of display control, imaging control, signal processing control, and information recording control according to the scene recognition result.

According to the present invention, the history of the shooting information including the result of the face detection, the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state and the metering value, or the history of the scene recognition result (alone scene recognition result) based on the shooting information. By performing scene recognition using this method, it is possible to obtain stable scene recognition results.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiment of the imaging device and imaging method which concerns on this invention is described according to an accompanying drawing.

[First embodiment]

The imaging device according to the present embodiment executes scene recognition for recognizing the situation of the subject (a shooting scene or simply a scene) at the time of shooting, and sets the shooting mode. As the recognized scene, for example, a person, a landscape, a night view, a macro, sports, fireworks, sunset, snow, beach, underwater or text are listed. More specifically, the image pickup apparatus executes scene recognition a plurality of times based on shooting information which is information of a shooting scene (single scene recognition described later), and registers the history of the scene recognition result every time scene recognition is performed. In consideration of the history of the scene recognition result, recognition of the scene at the time of shooting (total scene recognition described later) and setting of the shooting mode are performed.

1 is a block diagram showing an imaging device (digital camera) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The image capturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the digital camera 1) according to the present embodiment converts the image data obtained by shooting into an image file in Exif format to a recording unit 70 such as an external recording medium detachable to the main body. To record.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 has the operation part 11 and the control circuit 74 which analyzes the operation content to the operation part 11 by a user, and controls each part.

The operation unit 11 switches the operation mode between the shooting mode for shooting an image and the reproduction mode for reading an image recorded in the recording unit 70 and displaying it on the display unit 71, a menu / OK button, and a zoom. Includes up / down arrow lever, left and right arrow buttons, Back button, display switching button, shutter button, and power switch.

The control circuit 74 includes a CPU 75 for performing information processing, a ROM 68 for recording a program, firmware defining a process for processing information, firmware, a threshold value used for various determinations in a program, and the like, and a variable necessary for information processing. RAM 69 for storing data and the like is provided.

The CPU 75 controls each unit of the main body of the digital camera 1 in accordance with signals from various processing units such as the operation unit 11 and the AF processing unit 62. The ROM 68 stores various constants set in the digital camera 1, programs executed by the CPU 75, and the like. The RAM 69 temporarily stores data necessary for the CPU 75 to execute a program.

The lens 20 has a focus lens and a zoom lens. The lens 20 is movable in the optical axis direction by the lens driver 51. The lens driver 51 controls the position of the focus lens based on the focus drive amount data output from the CPU 75. In addition, the lens drive unit 51 controls the position of the zoom lens based on the manipulation amount data of the zoom / up and down arrow levers of the operation unit 11.

In addition, the diaphragm 54 is driven by the diaphragm drive part 55 which consists of a motor and a motor driver. The aperture drive unit 55 adjusts the aperture diameter based on the aperture value data output from the CPU 75.

An imaging element (CCD) 58 is disposed behind the imaging optical system including the lens 20 and the aperture 54. In addition, a CMOS image sensor may be used as the imaging element 58 instead of a CCD.

The imaging element 58 has a photoelectric surface in which a plurality of light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged. The subject light that has passed through the imaging optical system forms an image on the photoelectric surface and is photoelectrically converted. In front of the photoelectric surface, a microlens array for condensing light on each pixel, and a color filter array in which filters of R, G, and B colors are regularly arranged are arranged. The imaging device 58 outputs the charge accumulated for each pixel in synchronism with the vertical transfer clock and the horizontal transfer clock supplied from the imaging element control unit 59 as serial analog photographing signals. The time for accumulating electric charge in each pixel, that is, the exposure time, is determined by the electronic shutter drive signal provided from the imaging element control unit 59. In addition, the gain is adjusted by the imaging element control part 59 so that the imaging element 58 may acquire the analog imaging signal of a predetermined magnitude | size.

The analog photographing signal introduced from the imaging element 58 is input to the analog signal processing unit 60. The analog signal processor 60 includes a correlated double sampling circuit CDS for removing noise of an analog signal, and an auto gain controller AGC for adjusting gain of an analog signal. The amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog signal processing unit 60 corresponds to the shooting sensitivity (ISO sensitivity). The CPU 75 sets the shooting sensitivity by adjusting this amplification gain.

The A / D converter 61 converts the analog image signal processed by the analog signal processor 60 into digital image data. The image data converted into this digital signal is CCD-RAW data having density values of R, G, and B for each pixel.

The control circuit 74 multiplies or divides an oscillation signal supplied from an oscillator (not shown) to generate a timing signal and inputs the timing signal to the imaging element controller 59 to operate the imaging element at the time of operating the shutter button of the operation unit 11. The timing of the introduction of charges from 58 and the processing of the analog signal processing unit 60 are adjusted.

The control circuit 74 performs photometry by detecting the luminance of the image signal generated by the imaging element 58. The control circuit 74 instructs the auxiliary light control unit 25 at the time of auto focus adjustment (AF) (when the shutter button is pressed halfway) (S1-on) when the depth of field brightness is low, and the auxiliary light emitting unit 26 (for example, LED). The auxiliary light is irradiated.

Each image data (CCD-RAW data) of R, G, and B output from the A / D converter 61 is subjected to white balance (WB) adjustment, gamma correction, and YC processing by the digital signal processor 65. do. The image data after the processing is recorded in the memory 66.

The memory 66 is a working memory used for performing various digital image processing (signal processing) described later on image data. For example, the SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) performs data transfer in synchronization with a bus lock signal of a predetermined period. This is used.

The display unit 71 includes, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and uses liquid crystal image data as a live view image (through image), which is sequentially stored in the memory 66 from after the shooting mode setting until the main shooting instruction. The image data stored in the recording unit 70 or displayed on the monitor or displayed in the reproduction mode is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. The through image is displayed on the display unit based on an image signal representing a subject captured by the imaging device 58 at predetermined time intervals while the shooting mode is selected so that the user can confirm the shooting angle of view, the situation, and the like in real time. 71).

When the operation mode is set to a shooting mode, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment starts imaging of an image, and a live view image (through image) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display part 71. In displaying the through image, the CPU 75 executes the continuous AE (CAE) and the continuous AF (CAF) based on the calculation result by the AF processing unit 62 and the AE / AWB processing unit 63 described later. Here, the continuous AE is a function of repeatedly calculating the exposure value during the continuation of the through image shooting to continuously control the electronic shutter function and / or aperture 54 of the imaging element (CCD) 58. The continuous AF is a function of continuously calculating the AF evaluation value and continuously controlling the focus lens position while the through image shooting is continued. If the shutter button is pressed halfway in the shooting mode (S1 on), the digital camera 1 executes AE processing (S1 AE) and AF processing (S1 AF), and performs AE lock and AF lock.

Hereinafter, the AE processing and the AF processing will be described. The image signal output from the imaging element 58 is input to the AF processing unit 62 and the AE / AWB processing unit 63 through a buffer memory (not shown) after A / D conversion.

The AE / AWB processing section 63 divides one screen into a plurality of divided areas (e.g., 8x8 or 16x16), integrates R, G, and B signals for each of the divided areas, and integrates the integrated values into the CPU ( 75). The CPU 75 detects the brightness (subject brightness) of the subject based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB processing section 63 and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for photographing. The CPU 75 determines the aperture value and the shutter speed in accordance with the exposure value and the predetermined program diagram, thereby controlling the electronic shutter function and the aperture 54 of the imaging device 58 to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

Further, the CPU 75 operates by sending a command to the flash control section 73 when the flash light emission mode is set to on. The flash control unit 73 includes a main capacitor for supplying a current for causing the flash light emitting unit (discharge tube) 24 to emit light, and charging control and flash emission of the main capacitor in accordance with a flash emission command from the CPU 75. The timing of the discharge (light emission) to the unit 24, control of the discharge time, and the like are performed. It is also possible to use a light emitting diode (LED) instead of a discharge tube as the flash light emitting means.

In addition, the AE / AWB processing unit 63 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the R, G, and B signals for each divided area at the time of automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the CPU 75 with the calculation result. do. The CPU 75 obtains the integrated value of R, the integrated value of B, and the integrated value of G to find the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and calculates the ratios of these R / G and B / G values. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of the B / G axis coordinates, and the gain value (white balance gain) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is controlled according to the determined light source type. Then, correct the signal of each color channel.

In the AF control in the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, contrast AF for moving the focus lens to maximize the high frequency component of the G signal of the image signal is applied. That is, the AF processing unit 62 includes a high pass filter absolute value processing unit which passes only the high frequency components of the G signal, an AF area extraction unit which extracts a signal in a focus target area preset in the screen (e.g., the screen center), and AF. It is comprised by the integration part which integrates the absolute value data in an area.

The data of the integrated value obtained by the AF processing unit 62 is notified to the CPU 75. The CPU 75 controls the lens driver 51 to move the focus lens, calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points, and focuses on the lens position at which the calculated focus evaluation value becomes the maximum. Determine as location. The CPU 75 controls the lens driver 51 to move the focus lens to the focusing position. Further, in the continuous AF (CAF), the search range of the focusing position (movement range of the focus lens in the AF search) is narrower and the number of AF detection points is smaller than in the S1 AF. In addition, calculation of AF evaluation value is not limited to the embodiment which uses a G signal, You may use a luminance signal (Y signal).

In addition, the exposure and the white balance can be set by the user of the digital camera 1 by manual operation when the shooting mode is set to the manual mode. In addition, even when the exposure and the white balance are set automatically, it is possible to manually adjust the exposure and the white balance by giving an instruction from the operation unit 11 such as the menu / OK button.

When the shutter button is pressed halfway (S1 on) and then completely pressed (S2on), the main image data for recording is introduced from the imaging element 58. This image data is introduced from the image pickup device 58 at the time of the main shooting, which is executed by pressing the shutter button completely, and passes through the analog signal processing unit 60, the A / D conversion unit 61, and the digital signal processing unit 65. And image data stored in the memory 66. The digital signal processing unit 65 performs image quality correction processing such as gamma correction, sharpness correction, contrast correction, CCD-RAW data on the Y-image data as the luminance signal, Cb data on the blue color difference signal, and red on the image data. A YC conversion process of converting YC data composed of Cr data as color difference signals is performed. The upper limit of the number of pixels of the present image is determined by the number of pixels of the imaging device 58, but the number of recording pixels can be changed by setting, for example, fine or normal. On the other hand, the number of images of the image displayed when the through image and the shutter button are pressed halfway is introduced, for example, with a smaller number of pixels than the present image, for example, about 1/16 of the present image.

In addition, the digital signal processing unit 65 obtains the luminance of the face area in the present image when the light emission amount of the flash light emitting unit 24 becomes smaller than during normal shooting, and when the luminance is smaller than the predetermined threshold Th1. A process of adjusting the luminance of the face area to the threshold Th1 is performed.

The compression decompression processing section 67 performs compression processing, for example, in a predetermined compression format, on the image data of the present image subjected to the correction / conversion processing to generate an image file. This image file is recorded in the recording unit 70. A tag in which incidental information such as a photographing date and time is stored is added to the image file based on, for example, Exif format. Further, the compression decompression processing section 67 performs decompression processing on the image file read out from the recording section 70 in the case of the reproduction mode. The image data after decompression is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display portion 71.

The face detection processing unit 80 detects the face of the person from the through image, the image displayed when the shutter button is pressed halfway, or the present image. Specifically, an area having a facial feature included in the face (for example, a skin color area having a black area (eye) in the skin color area having a skin color area has the shape of the face, etc.) is detected as the face area.

[Scene recognition processing]

The digital camera 1 (CPU 75) according to the present embodiment uses the shooting information (information of the shooting scene) including the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state and the metering value as a result of face detection. A single scene recognition result such as "AUTO", "Portrait", "Landscape", "Night View", or "Close-Up" that performs recognition (hereinafter, referred to as single scene recognition) is recorded in the RAM 69. This single scene recognition is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing in the shooting mode, and the result of the latest single scene recognition is recorded as the scene recognition history for a predetermined number of times. In addition, the scene recognition history is, for example, when the digital camera 1 is turned off or when the operation mode is switched, and as a result of face detection, the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state, and the metering value fluctuate by a predetermined value or more. When the CPU 75 determines that it has changed, it may be deleted.

Further, the digital camera 1 (CPU 75) determines (recognizes) the current scene SR based on the history (scene recognition history) of the scene recognition result recorded in the RAM 69, and identifies each scene. The shooting mode suitable for shooting is set. Hereinafter, the determination of the scene based on the scene recognition history is called total scene recognition.

In the total scene recognition, the digital camera 1 judges the scene SR currently being photographed based on the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the novelness of the recognition result. 2 and 3 are diagrams schematically showing a total scene recognition process.

As shown in Fig. 2 (a), the storage areas A [0], A [1], A [2], for storing single scene recognition results in sequence on the RAM 69 of the digital camera 1; Is provided. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each scene is represented by a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as a scene ID). For scene "AUTO", "0", "Portrait" "1", "Landscape" "2", "Night view" "3", "Close-up" "4" Is recorded in the storage area A [i] (i = 0, 1, 2, ...) of the RAM 69. The single scene recognition result is the latest in the storage area A [0], and A [1], A [2],... Will be oldest.

As shown in Fig. 2B, when single scene recognition is executed, the storage areas A [0], A [1], A [2], ... of the scene recognition history on the RAM 69 slide. A [0] → A [1], A [1] → A [2], A [2] → A [3],. Then, the storage area A [0] of the latest single scene recognition result becomes an unused area. As shown in Fig. 2C, the latest single scene recognition result is recorded in the unused area A [0].

Next, when performing total scene recognition, a scene recognition history is input to the CPU 75, and the number of times of recognition (frequency) for each scene is counted (Fig. 2 (d)). Then, the scene having the maximum number of times of recognition is determined as the scene SR currently being shot. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the "night view" of "3" which appears three times in the scene recognition history becomes the maximum frequency. The CPU 75 sets the shooting mode to the night view mode with SR = 3 as the total scene recognition result. As a result, the image capturing and recording can be performed in accordance with the shooting condition of the night view mode and the condition of the image processing.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 3, "landscape" of "2" and "night view" of "3" appear twice in the scene recognition history (it becomes the maximum frequency). In this case, total scene recognition is performed based on the novelty of the single scene recognition result. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the value "2" is stored in the storage area on the newer side, the CPU 75 sets the shooting mode to the landscape mode with SR = 2 as the total scene recognition result.

When the total scene recognition process is finished, as shown in Fig. 4A, the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71 displays the symbol C10 indicating the total scene recognition result SR (for example, "AUTO", "person", Characters, icons such as "landscape", "night view", and "close-up" are displayed superimposed on the through image or the image for recording after the shutter button is fully pressed. As shown in Fig. 4 (a1), when the scene determined by the total scene recognition matches the scene predefined in the digital camera 1, the symbol C10 indicating the scene is displayed on the display unit 71. Is displayed on the LCD monitor. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4 (a2), when the scene determined by total scene recognition does not match the scene defined in the digital camera 1, "AUTO" is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71. Is displayed. Also, a symbol C10 representing the total scene recognition result SR is generated by an OSD circuit not shown. Thereby, the user can recognize which scene the image is going to be taken or which scene is taken, and which mode the shooting mode is set.

In addition, when the digital camera 1 is provided with a voice processing circuit or a speaker, the CPU 75 may be controlled to output a report sound corresponding to the total scene recognition result SR.

As shown in Fig. 4B, when " auto scene recognition off " is set, the symbol indicating the total scene recognition result is not displayed.

The digital camera 1 records the appropriate aperture value, the shutter speed, the shooting conditions such as the focus lens position and the zoom lens position, and the setting of the image processing for each of the shooting modes, and shoots according to the total scene recognition result SR. When the mode is set, image capturing and recording are performed according to the shooting condition and the image processing setting.

Specifically, the shooting mode includes, for example, a portrait mode for photographing a person, a landscape mode for photographing a far-away landscape in a day, a night view mode for photographing a far-field landscape in the night, and macro photography. A macro mode for performing, a sports mode for photographing a moving subject, and a text mode for photographing characters. The digital camera 1 sets the shooting mode to the night view mode when the total scene recognition result SR is a night view. In the night view mode, the focusing position is set on the tele-end side (e.g., infinity) to allow a long time exposure (e.g., ISO sensitivity is set from 400 to 800 or more, shutter speed is set to 1 / 1.6 seconds or more). Alternatively, if the total scene recognition result SR is a macro, the digital camera 1 sets the photographing mode to a macro mode to open the aperture diameter and prohibits light emission of the flash light emitting unit 24. In the macro mode, the focusing position may be searched for the near position (Near side) toward the far position (INF side) as a starting point. Alternatively, if the total scene recognition result SR is a landscape, the digital camera 1 sets the photographing mode to the landscape mode, performs "average metering" as the metering mode, and performs divided metering. In addition, in the landscape mode, the digital camera 1 sets the focusing position on the tele-end side (e.g., infinite circle) to perform image processing for emphasizing the color or the edge portion. Or, if the total scene recognition result SR is a person, the digital camera 1 sets the shooting mode to the person mode, and the AF processing unit 62 detects the face of the face detection processing unit 80 that calculates the AF evaluation value. Area. In addition, in the portrait mode, the digital camera 1 performs image processing of increasing the brightness by smoothing the skin color portion. If the total scene recognition result SR is AUTO, the settings of AF, AE and AWB become default settings, and shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value are automatically set. In the sport mode, the digital camera 1 speeds up the shutter speed to increase the sensitivity in order to avoid subject blur. In the text mode, the digital camera 1 performs image processing for monotonizing a photographed image.

The setting of the shooting mode is recorded as additional information (for example, Exif tag information) of the image file. When the recording unit 70 is set in the printer, the printer reads an image file from the recording unit 70 and acquires the setting of the shooting mode from the image file. As a result, it is possible to print out the image under print conditions suitable for the setting of the shooting mode at the time of shooting.

5 is a flowchart showing a scene recognition process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, as a result of face detection by the CPU 75, photographing information such as a focus lens position, a zoom lens position, a focusing state, and a metering value is acquired, and scene recognition (alone scene recognition) is performed using the above information ( Step S10).

Next, the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) is slid, and an empty area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result is provided (step S12). The latest scene recognition result in step S10 is recorded in this latest value storage area (step S14).

Next, in total scene recognition, a scene recognition history is input (step S16), and the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history (step S18). Then, the shooting mode is set in accordance with the determination result of the scene SR. In step S18, the scene SR currently being photographed is determined based on, for example, the number of recognition (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the freshness of the recognition result.

6 is a flowchart showing a single scene recognition process. This processing is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. The program defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

In S71, it is determined whether or not the flag (E_AUT0SR_SEARCH_TYPE) for executing the scene dependent search (process after Step S80) stored in the RAM 69 is zero. If YES, S80, NO, S72. In addition, the value of E_AUT0SR_SEARCH_TYPE shall be set arbitrarily from the operation part 11. As shown in FIG.

In S72, AUTO is set in the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69.

In S73, E_AUT0SR_M0DULE1 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUT0SR_M0DULE1 is an integer of 0-4. Then, a scene determination (recognition) subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed. module [O] does nothing. module [1] performs person determination described later. module [2] performs landscape determination described later. module [3] performs night view determination described later. module [4] performs the macro determination described later.

In S74, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of executing module [i] in S73. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S75. In the case of No, the process returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S75, E_AUT0SR_M0DULE2 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUT0SR_M0DULE2 is an integer of any one of 0 to 4, and is different from E_AUTOSR_MODULE1. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

In S76, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of executing module [i] in S75. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S77. In the case of No, the process returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S77, E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 is an integer of any one of 0 to 4, and is different from E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 and E_AUTOSR_MODULE2. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

In S78, as a result of the implementation of module [i] in S77, it is determined whether the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO. In the case of "Yes", the processing proceeds to S79, in which case of "No", the processing returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S79, E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 is an integer of any one of 0 to 4, and is different from E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 and E_AUTOSR_MODULE2 and E_AUTOSR_MODULE3. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed. Although the values of E_AUTOSR_MODULEl, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2, E_AUTOSR_MODULE3, and E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 may be set, an earlier number may be given first to the type for which scene determination is to be performed first. For example, when it is desired to perform scene determination in the order of person determination> landscape determination> night view determination> macro determination, E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 = 1, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2 = 2, E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 = 3, and E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 = 4. These values may be arbitrarily set from the operation unit 11.

In S80, it is determined whether the scene recognition result SR of the current RAM 69 is AUTO. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S72, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S81.

In S81, the scene recognition result SR of the current RAM 69 is set by the parameter SR_old of the RAM 69. That is, SR_old = 0 if the scene recognition result SR of the current RAM 69 is AUTO, SR_old = 1 if the scene recognition result SR of the current RAM 69 is a person, the scene of the current RAM 69; SR_old = 2 if the recognition result SR is a landscape, SR_old = 3 if the scene recognition result SR of the current RAM 69 is night, SR_old = if the scene recognition result SR of the current RAM 69 is a macro. It is 4.

In S82, SR_old is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

In S83, it is determined whether the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of the implementation of module [i] in S82. In the case of "Yes", the flow proceeds to S84, and in the case of "No", the flow returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S84, it is determined whether or not SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE1. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S87 and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S85.

In S85, E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

In S86, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of executing module [i] in S85. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S87. In the case of No, the process returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S87, it is determined whether SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE2. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S90, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S88.

In S88, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

In S89, it is determined whether the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of the implementation of module [i] in S88. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S90. In the case of "No", the process returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S90, it is determined whether SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE3. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S93 and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S91.

In S91, E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

In S92, as a result of the implementation of module [i] in S91, it is determined whether the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S93. In the case of No, the process returns to S10 of the main processing.

In S93, it is determined whether or not SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE4. In the case of "Yes", the process returns to S10 of the main processing, and in the case of "No", the process proceeds to S94.

In S94, E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted into the parameter i of the RAM 69. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to S10 of the main processing.

Hereinafter, the single scene recognition processing will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 11.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the scene determination subroutine (personal determination, module [1]). This processing is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. The program defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

In S101, it is determined whether the face detection processing unit 80 detects a face. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S102, in the case of No, the process proceeds to S105.

In S102, it is determined whether or not the face restriction flag of the RAM 69 is on. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S103, and in the case of No, the process proceeds to S104.

In S103, the size of the face is within a predetermined range, the inclination of the face is within a predetermined range, the direction of the face is within a predetermined range, the score of confirmation of the face is within the predetermined range, and the face of the face is set in the calculation area of the AF evaluation value. It is determined whether the position is within a predetermined range. In the case of "no", the process proceeds to S103, and in the case of "yes", the process proceeds to S104.

In S104, scene recognition result (SR) is set to portrait. Subsequently, the processing subsequent to module [1] proceeds to the next processing of any one of S73, S75, S77, and S79, or the next processing of any of S85, S88, S91, and S94.

In S105, scene recognition result (SR) is set to AUTO.

8 is a flowchart showing the details of the scene determination subroutine (landscape determination, module [2]). This processing is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. The program defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

In S111, it is determined whether the half-press S1 of the shutter button is locked. In the case of Yes, the process proceeds to S124, and in the case of No, the process proceeds to S112.

In S112, it is determined whether or not execution of continuous AF (hereinafter referred to as "CAF") is set in advance through the setting menu or the operation unit 11. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S113, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S129.

In S113, it is determined whether the AF evaluation value calculated by the pre-imaging AF processing unit 81 is higher than the predetermined threshold value stored in the ROM 68. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S114, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S119. In addition, this step S113 may be omitted. In this case, in the case of "Yes" in S112, the process proceeds to S114, and the following processing (S119, S120, S121, S122, S123) that is determined when "NO" is determined in S113 is also omitted.

In S114, it is determined whether or not E_AUT0SR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 0 stored in the ROM 68. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S115, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S116.

In S115, it is determined whether the focusing position determined as a result of the CAF is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the focusing subject is dust than the predetermined distance. If YES, S125, NO, S129.

In S116, it is determined whether E_AUT0SR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 1. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S117, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S118.

In S117, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold value stored in the ROM 68, that is, It is determined whether the dust is larger than the predetermined distance. If YES, S125, NO, S129.

In S118, as a result of CAF, whether the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or whether the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, in the step of "fine adjustment" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426 by Applicant) If present), it is further determined whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance. If YES, S125, NO, S129.

In S119, it is determined whether or not E_AUT0SR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_L0W = 0 stored in the ROM 68. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S120, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S121.

In S120, it is determined whether the focusing position determined as a result of the CAF is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance. If YES, S125, NO, S129.

In S121, it is determined whether E_AUT0SR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_L0W = 1. If YES, S122, NO, S123.

In S122, as a result of the CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold value stored in the ROM 68, that is, It is determined whether the dust is larger than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", S125 and in case of "No", S129.

In S123, as a result of the CAF, whether the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or whether the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, in the step of "fine adjustment" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426 by the present applicant) Also, it is determined whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance. If YES, S125, NO, S129.

In S124, the focusing position is determined by the AF processing of the AF processing unit 62, and the focal length corresponding to the focusing position is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, i.e. It is determined whether the dust is larger than the predetermined distance. If YES, S125, NO, S129.

In S125, it is determined whether or not the metered field luminance of the control circuit 74 is lower than the predetermined threshold value stored in the ROM 68. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S126, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S129.

In S126, it is determined whether or not the landscape zoom information flag is set to on in advance as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S126, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S129.

In S127, it is determined whether the zoom lens position is wider than the predetermined position, for example. If YES, S128. If NO, S129. In addition, the zoom position is not within a predetermined range, for example, when the zoom lens position is at or near the tele end. In this case, the photographing scene is determined to be AUTO because the foreground cannot be taken into the field of view and is not suitable for landscape photography.

In S128, SR = landscape is set. Then, the process proceeds after module [2].

In S129, SR = AUTO is set. Then, the process proceeds after module [2].

9 is a flowchart showing the details of the scene determination subroutine (night view determination, module [3]). This processing is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. The program defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

In S131, it is determined whether or not the metered field luminance of the control circuit 74 is lower than the predetermined threshold value stored in the ROM 68. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S132 and in the case of "No", S152.

In S132, it is determined whether the half-press S1 of the shutter button is locked. In case of "Yes", S147 and in case of "No", S133.

In S133, it is determined whether the night view determination flag before half-pressing S1 stored in the RAM 69 is set to on. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S134, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S152.

In S134, it is determined whether either the distance information is used for night view determination by the input from the operation unit 11 or the parameter stored in the ROM 68 is set. If the setting using the distance information is made in the night view determination, the process proceeds to S135;

In S135, it is determined whether or not execution of CAF is set in advance through the setting menu or the operation unit 11. In the case of "Yes," S136 and in the case of "No", S152.

In S136, it is determined whether the AF evaluation value calculated by the pre-imaging AF processing unit 81 is higher than the predetermined threshold value stored in the ROM 68. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S137, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S142. In addition, this step S136 may be omitted. In this case, in the case of "Yes" in S135, the process goes to S137, and the following processing when it is determined in "No" in S136 is also omitted.

In S137, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 0. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S138, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S139.

In S138, it is determined whether the focusing position determined as a result of the CAF is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S139, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 1. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S140, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S141.

In S140, the maximum point of the result AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected, and whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, the predetermined point Determine whether there is dust more than distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S141, whether the maximum point of the AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected or whether the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (e.g., in the step of "fine adjustment" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426-Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426). If the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum is at the infinity circle INF side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance is judged. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S142, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = O. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S143, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S144.

In S143, it is determined whether the focusing position determined as a result of the CAF is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S144, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 1. In case of "Yes", S145 and in case of "No", S146.

In S145, the maximum point of the resultant AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected, and whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, the predetermined point. Determine whether there is dust more than distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S146, whether the maximum point of the AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, in the step of "fine adjustment" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426 by Applicant) If the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum is at the infinity circle INF side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the dust is greater than the predetermined distance is judged. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S147, it is determined whether either the distance information is used for night view determination by the input from the operation unit 11 or the parameter stored in the ROM 68 is set. If the setting using the distance information is made in the night view determination, the process proceeds to S148;

In S148, the focusing position is determined by the AF processing of the AF processing unit 62, and the focal length corresponding to the focusing position is on the infinity circle (INF) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, i.e. It is determined whether the dust is larger than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S149 and in case of "No", S152.

In S149, it is determined whether or not the night view zoom information flag is set to on as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11 in advance. In case of "Yes", S150 and in case of "No", S151.

In S150, it is determined whether the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range, for example, wider than the predetermined position. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S151 and in the case of "No", S152. In addition, the zoom position is not within a predetermined range, for example, when the zoom lens position is at or near the tele end. In this case, it is determined as AUTO because it cannot accept the white far-field mirror having a low amount of incident light as an angle of view and is not suitable for night scene photography.

In S151, SR = night view is set. Then, the process proceeds after module [3].

In S152, SR = AUTO is set. Then, the process proceeds after module [3].

10 is a flowchart showing another example of a scene determination subroutine (night view determination, module [3]). This processing is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. The program defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68. It is sufficient for night view determination to employ either of FIG. 11 or FIG. 12. Either one may be selectively executed.

In S161, it is determined whether the metered field luminance of the control circuit 74 is lower than the predetermined threshold value stored in the ROM 68. In the case of "Yes", the processing proceeds to S162, in the case of "No", the processing proceeds to S168. This threshold may be the same as or different from the threshold for discriminating whether or not the auxiliary light control unit 25 emits light.

In S162, it is determined whether the half-press S1 of the shutter button is locked. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S163 and in case of "No", S168.

In S 163, it is determined whether the auxiliary light control unit 25 instructs light emission of the auxiliary light 26. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S164 and in the case of "No", S168.

In S164, whether the difference in the metered depth of field measured by the control circuit 74 exceeds the predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68, respectively, immediately before and after the auxiliary light control unit 25 emits the auxiliary light emitting unit 26. Judge. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S168, and in case of "No", S165. In addition, if the difference does not exceed the threshold and is minute, it can be said that there is little contribution of the increase in the brightness of the subject by the auxiliary light irradiation, and the subject is not close.

In S165, it is determined whether or not the night view zoom information flag is set to on as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11 in advance. In the case of YES, the flow proceeds to S166, and in the case of NO, the flow goes to S167.

In S166, it is determined whether the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range, for example, wider than the predetermined position. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S167, and in the case of "no", the process proceeds to S168. In addition, the zoom position is not within a predetermined range, for example, when the zoom lens position is at or near the tele end. In this case, the white far field cannot be taken as the angle of view and is not suitable for night scene photography.

In S167, SR = night view. Then, the process proceeds after module [3].

In S168, set to SR-AUTO. Then, the process proceeds after module [3].

11 is a flowchart showing the details of the scene determination subroutine (macro judgment, module [4]). This processing is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. The program defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

In S171, it is determined whether the half-press S1 of the shutter button is locked. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S184, and in the case of "No", S172.

In S172, it is determined whether execution of CAF is set in advance through the setting menu or the operation unit 11. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S173 and in the case of "No", S188.

In S173, it is determined whether the AF evaluation value calculated by the pre-image pickup AF processing unit 81 is higher than the predetermined threshold value stored in the ROM 68. In the case of "Yes", S174 and in the case of "No", S179. In addition, this step S173 may be omitted. In this case, the case of "Yes" in S172 goes to S174, and the following process, when it is determined "No" in S173, is also omitted.

In S174, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 0. In case of "YES", the process proceeds to S175, and in case of "NO", S176.

In S175, it is determined whether the focusing position determined as a result of the CAF is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, closer than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S176, it is determined whether or not E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 1. If YES, S177, NO, S178.

In S177, the maximum point of the result AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected, and whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, the predetermined distance. It is determined whether it is closer than. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S178, whether the maximum point of the AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (e.g., in the stage of "microscopic adjustment" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426; Case), it is also determined whether or not the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, closer than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S179, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_L0W = 0. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S180, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S181.

In S180, it is determined whether or not the focusing position determined as a result of the CAF is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, closer than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S181, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_L0W = 1. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S182, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S183.

In S182, the maximum point of the result AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected, and whether the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, the predetermined distance. It is determined whether it is closer than. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S183, whether the maximum point of the AF evaluation value of the CAF is detected or whether the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (e.g., in the step of "fine adjustment" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-348426, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-348426). Case), it is also determined whether or not the focal length corresponding to the focusing position determined at the maximum point is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, closer than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S184, the focusing position is determined by the AF processing of the AF processing unit 62, and the focal length corresponding to the focusing position is closer to the NEAR side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, i.e. It is determined whether it is closer than the predetermined distance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S185, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188.

In S185, it is determined whether or not the macro zoom information flag is set to on as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11 in advance. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S186, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S187.

In S186, it is determined whether the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range stored in the ROM 68, for example, wider than the predetermined position. In case of "Yes", the process proceeds to S187, and in case of "No", the process proceeds to S188. Note that the zoom position is not within the predetermined range except when the zoom lens position is at or near the wide end, for example. In this case, focusing of a near subject cannot be achieved and is not suitable for close-up photography.

In S187, SR = macro is set. Then, the process proceeds after the module [4].

In S188, SR = AUTO is set. Then, the process proceeds after the module [4].

According to the present embodiment, not only the scene recognition result (alone scene recognition result) but also scene recognition history information is used based on the information of the face detection, the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state and the metering value. By performing scene recognition (total scene recognition), a stable scene recognition result can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure similar to the said 1st Embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the total number of single scene recognition results used for the determination of the scene SR in the total scene recognition at S1 on is made smaller than before S1 (at the time of S1 off and through image display).

12 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, as a result of face detection by the CPU 75, shooting information including a focus lens position, a zoom lens position, a focusing state, and a metering value is acquired, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the shooting information. It is lost (step S20).

Next, the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) is slid, and an empty area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result is provided (step S22). The latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is recorded in this latest value storage area (step S24).

Next, a scene recognition history including a predetermined number (referring to the S1 dedicated reference) is inputted as a single scene recognition result used for determination of the scene SR in the total scene recognition before S1 (at the time of through image display). (Step S26), the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history (Step S28). For example, when the number (a) of single scene recognition results (a reference number dedicated for S1) is set to a = 5 before performing total scene recognition before S1, five single scene recognition results are input. In step S28, similarly to step S18, in the total scene recognition, the scene SR currently being photographed is determined on the basis of the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the freshness of the recognition result. Then, the shooting mode is set in accordance with the determination result of the scene SR.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the scene recognition processing (at S1 on) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, as a result of face detection by the CPU 75, information of the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state and the metering value is acquired, and a scene recognition (alone scene recognition) is performed using the information (step S30). ).

Next, it is determined whether to refer to the scene recognition history (step S32). When the scene recognition at the time of S1 is set without referring to the scene recognition history (NO in step S32), the result of the independent scene recognition in step S30 is set in the current scene SR (step S34). .

Next, when the scene recognition at the time of S1 is set to refer to the scene recognition history (to perform total scene recognition) (YES in step S32), the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory [RAM 69] is set. A free area is provided that is slid and stores the latest value of the single scene recognition result (step S36). The latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is recorded in this latest value storage area (step S38).

Next, a scene recognition history including a single scene recognition result of the S1 later reference number smaller than the S1 dedicated reference number is input (step S40), and the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history (step S42). . For example, when the number of the single scene recognition results (a) (the number of S1 dedicated references) to be referred to when performing the total scene recognition before S1 is set to a = 5, the single scene recognition result to be referred to when the total scene recognition is performed after S1. The number b of numbers (the reference number used after S1) may be set to b = 4. In this case, four single scene recognition results are input. In step S42, similarly to step S18 or the like, in the total scene recognition, the scene SR currently being photographed is determined based on the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the freshness of the recognition result. Then, the shooting mode is set in accordance with the determination result of the scene SR.

In general, the photographing information obtained by S1AE and S1AF (hereinafter referred to as S1AUT0) is higher in accuracy than the photographing information obtained by CAE and CAF (hereinafter referred to as CAUTO). For this reason, it is thought that the single scene recognition result based on the shooting information at S1AUTO is higher in accuracy than the single scene recognition result based on CAUTO. In the present embodiment, the total scene recognition at S1 on is performed by reducing the number of single scene recognition results used for the determination of the scene SR in the total scene recognition at S1 on than S1 (at the time of through image display). The number of single scene recognition results before S1 in the scene recognition history to be referred to is reduced, and the influence is reduced.

According to the present embodiment, the total scene before S1 is reduced by making the number of history of the single scene recognition result used for the determination of the scene SR in the total scene recognition at S1 on less than before S1 (at the time of through image display). It is possible to balance the stability of the recognition result with the accuracy of the total scene recognition result at S1 on.

In the case where the emphasis is placed on accuracy, it is also possible not to refer to the history information of the single scene recognition result before S1 in the total scene recognition at S1 on.

[Third Embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure similar to the said 1st Embodiment.

In the total scene recognition, the present embodiment is designed to give a weight when the scene recognition history is counted, and the weight is increased as much as the new single scene recognition result.

14 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Similarly to the first and second embodiments, when displaying the through image before S1, the single storage before S1 is stored in the predetermined storage areas A [0], A [1], A [2], ... in the RAM 69. The scene recognition result is stored in sequence as the scene recognition history.

When the scene recognition history is updated, the CPU 75 reads and aggregates the single scene recognition result from the scene recognition history, and performs total scene recognition. As shown in FIG. 14, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment multiplies the weight w (i) [i] (i = 0, 1, 2, ...) to be multiplied by the individual single scene recognition result in the scene recognition history. It is stored in RAM 69 beforehand. The value of this weight w [i] is made as small as the old side of the scene recognition result. The CPU 75 multiplies the weight w [i] at the time of counting the single scene recognition results, calculates a score for each scene, and determines that the maximum score is the current scene SR.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the score of each scene is as follows.

Score (ID = 1) = 1 × w [1] + 1 × w [2] + 1 × w [3] + 1Xw [4]

            = 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 7

Score (ID = 3) = 1 × w [0]

            = 5

Therefore, the scene ID indicating the total scene recognition result is SR = 1, and the shooting mode is set to the "portrait" mode.

It is a figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (at S1 time) which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the weight regarding the single scene recognition result after S1 is maximum, and the score of each scene is as follows.

Score (ID = 0) = 1 × w [2] + 1 × w [3] + 1 × w [4]

            = 2 + 1 + 1 = 4

Score (ID = 1) = 1 × w [1]

            = 5

Score (ID = 3) = 1 × w [0]

            = 10

Therefore, the scene ID indicating the total scene recognition result is SR = 3, and the shooting mode is set to the "night view" mode.

It is also possible to use only the result after S1 by setting the weight multiplied by the single scene recognition result at the time of S1 to be greater than 0 and all weights before S1 to 0.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the weight value differs before S1 and S1 time (after S1 temperature), you may use the same value.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (before S1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

First, as a result of face detection by the CPU 75, information of the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state and the metering value is acquired, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the information (step S50). ).

Next, the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) is slid, and an empty area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result is provided (step S52). The latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is recorded in this latest value storage area (step S54).

Next, a scene recognition history of several minutes (a number of reference history dedicated for S1) of the history of the single scene recognition result used for the determination of the scene SR in the total scene recognition before S1 (at the time of the through image display). Is input (step S56), and a weight grant operation is performed (step S58). Then, the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history after weighting (step S60). In step S60, similarly to step S18 and the like, in the total scene recognition, the scene SR currently being photographed is determined based on the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the freshness of the recognition result. Then, the shooting mode is set in accordance with the determination result of the scene SR.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (at S1 on) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

First, as a result of face detection by the CPU 75, information of the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focusing state, and the metering value is obtained, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the information (step S70). ).

Next, it is determined whether or not to refer to the scene recognition history (step S72). When the scene recognition at the time of S1 is set without referring to the scene recognition history (NO in step S72), the single scene recognition result in step S70 is set in the current scene SR (step S74).

Next, when the scene recognition at the time of S1 is set to refer to the scene recognition history (to perform total scene recognition) (YES in step S72), the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory [RAM 69] Is slid, and an unused area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result is provided (step S76). The latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is recorded in this latest value storage area (step S78).

Next, a scene recognition history including a single scene recognition result of the S1 later reference number which is smaller than the S1 dedicated reference number is input (step S80), and a weight assigning operation is executed (step S82). Then, the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history (step S84). In Step S84, similarly to Step S18 and the like, in the total scene recognition, the scene SR currently being photographed is determined based on the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the novelness of the recognition result. Then, the shooting mode is set in accordance with the determination result of the scene SR.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the responsiveness when there is a scene variation by increasing the weight by the new single scene recognition result when counting the scene recognition histories, so that the stability and responsiveness of the total scene recognition result can be achieved. It becomes possible. Further, since the single scene recognition result has high precision based on the shooting information at S1 AUTO, the scene recognition accuracy can be improved by increasing the weight related to the single scene recognition result at S1 ON.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure similar to the said 1st Embodiment.

The present embodiment stores in the RAM 69 a history of shooting information (e.g., at least one of a focus lens position, a zoom lens position, a focusing state, and a metering value) used for single scene recognition. The representative value of each shooting information is obtained from the shooting information history, and the independent scene recognition is performed based on the representative value.

18 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment performs the continuous AE (CAE) and the continuous AF (CAF) in the shooting mode similarly to the first embodiment. When the shutter button is pressed halfway (S1 on), S1AE and S1AF are performed. As shown in FIG. 18, the imaging information obtained by CAE and CAF, S1AE, and S1AF is stored in RAM 69 sequentially.

In the example shown in Fig. 18, brightness (EV) [i] (metering value, EV value) and subject distance POS (i) (for example, focus lens position) are shown as examples of shooting information. Information (for example, the result of face detection (the presence or absence of a face, the number), the zoom lens position and the metering value) may be stored.

Next, the CPU 75 each time a predetermined time interval (e.g., whenever new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information in the RAM 69 is updated, or the shooting history is a predetermined number). Each time storing, the representative photographing information of each photographing information is calculated by reading the photographing information history. Then, scene recognition is performed based on this representative value. Here, as the representative value of the shooting information, for example, an average value or median value can be used. As representative values, for example, when values of photographing information are arranged in order of magnitude, except N on the maximum value side and M on the minimum value side (any one of N = M and N ≠ M is good). Then, the average value calculated for the remaining photographing information may be used. In this case, since it is possible to exclude values that are far from other shooting information and extremes, it is difficult to be affected by scene fluctuations or noise.

19 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 19 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the shooting mode. As the timing of the processing, for example, each time new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information of the RAM 69 is updated, or each time a predetermined number of shooting information histories are stored, the enumeration is enumerated. do.

First, the shooting information history (e.g., brightness and object distance) is read from the RAM 69 (step S90), and the representative values EV _a and POS _a are calculated (step S92).

Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values EV _a and POS _a (step S94), and the shooting mode is set in accordance with the total scene recognition result.

According to the present embodiment, stable scene recognition results can be obtained by storing shot information for scene recognition obtained in AE and AF in time series, and performing total scene recognition using the history of the shot information. .

[Fifth Embodiment]

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure similar to the said 1st Embodiment.

20 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the total scene recognition process (at S1 on) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown as an enemy. As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, in this embodiment, the number of shooting information included in the history of the shooting information used for total scene recognition at S1 on is smaller than before S1 (at the time of through image display). .

Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (before S1) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the process of FIG. 22 is performed every predetermined time interval in the imaging mode. The processing may be performed every time, for example, new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF, and the shooting information of the RAM 69 is updated, or every time a predetermined number of shooting histories are stored.

First, a shooting information history (e.g., brightness and object distance) including a predetermined number of pieces of shooting information is read from the RAM 69 (for example, S1 dedicated reference water) (step S100) and the representative values EV _a and POS _a are read. It is calculated (step S102).

Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values EV _a and POS _a (step S104), and the shooting mode is set according to the total scene recognition result.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process (at S1 on) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 23 is executed at predetermined time intervals after the S1 is turned on. The processing may be performed whenever, for example, new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information in the RAM 69 is updated, or whenever a predetermined number of shooting histories are stored.

First, the shooting information history including the shooting information (e.g., brightness and subject distance) of the lesser S1 reference number than the S1 dedicated reference is read from the RAM 69 (step S110), and the representative values EV _a and POS _a are read. It calculates (step S112).

Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values EV _a and POS _a (step S114), and the shooting mode is set in accordance with the total scene recognition result.

In general, the shooting information obtained by the S1AUTO city is higher in accuracy than the shooting information obtained by the CAUTO. In this embodiment, the number of shooting information in the history used for scene recognition at S1 on is less than the number used for total scene recognition before S1 (at the time of displaying the through image) so that the shooting information referred to at the total scene recognition at S1 on The number of photographing information before S1 in the history is reduced, and the influence is reduced. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the stability of the total scene recognition result before S1 and the accuracy of the total scene recognition result at the time of S1 ON compatible.

[Sixth Embodiment]

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure similar to the said 1st Embodiment.

In this embodiment, the weight is calculated when the representative value of the shooting information is calculated, and the weight of the new shooting information is increased.

24 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically showing the total scene recognition process (at S1 on) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown as an enemy.

As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment preambles the weight w [i] (i = 0, 1, 2, ...) related to counting the shooting information. Remember at (69). The value of this weight w [i] is as small as the old shooting information in the shooting information history. In addition, the value of this weight (w) [i] may differ and may be same before S1 and S1 temperature.

Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (before S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the process of FIG. 26 is performed every predetermined time interval in the imaging mode. The processing may be performed whenever, for example, new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information of the RAM 69 is updated, or whenever a predetermined number of shooting histories are stored.

First, the photographing information history (e.g., brightness and subject distance) is read from the RAM 69 for a predetermined number of minutes (S1 dedicated reference history number) (step S120), and the photographing information is given a weight (step S122) to represent the representative value (weight). The provision average value (EV _a and POS _a ) is calculated (step S124).

Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values EV _a and POS _a (step S126), and the shooting mode is set in accordance with the total scene recognition result.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (at S1 on) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the process of FIG. 27 is performed every predetermined time interval after S1 is turned on. The processing may be performed whenever, for example, new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information in the RAM 69 is updated, or whenever a predetermined number of shooting histories are stored.

First, the shooting information history including the number of S1 later reference histories in which the shooting information history (e.g., brightness and object distance) is smaller than the S1 dedicated reference history number is read (step S130), and the shooting information is weighted. (Step S132) and the representative values (weighting average value) (EV _a and POS _a ) are calculated (step S134).

Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values EV _a and POS _a (step S136), and the shooting mode is set in accordance with the total scene recognition result.

According to the present embodiment, when calculating the representative value of the shooting information, weighting is provided for each shooting history, thereby making it possible to improve the responsiveness when there is a scene change, and to achieve both stability and responsiveness of the scene recognition result. Become. In addition, since the photographing information obtained at S1AUTO has high precision, it is possible to improve the recognition accuracy of the scene by increasing the weight related to the photographing information at S1ON.

1 is a block diagram showing an imaging device (digital camera) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process.

3 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process.

4 is an example of display of a scene recognition result.

5 is a flowchart showing a scene recognition process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart showing a single scene recognition process.

7 is a flowchart showing a scene recognition process.

8 is a flowchart showing scene recognition processing.

9 is a flowchart showing scene recognition processing.

10 is a flowchart showing scene recognition processing.

11 is a flowchart showing a scene recognition process.

12 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process (at S1 on) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (at S1 time) which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (before S1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (at S1 on) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the total scene recognition processing (at S1 on) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (before S1) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process (at S1 on) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

24 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (at S1 on) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (before S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition processing (at S1 on) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of the code]

1: digital camera 11: control panel

20: lens 24: flash emitting portion

25: auxiliary light control unit 26: auxiliary light emitting unit

51: lens drive unit 54: aperture

55: aperture driver 58: imaging device (CCD)

59: imaging device controller 60: analog signal processor

61: A / D conversion unit 62: AF processing unit

63: AE / AWB processor 65: digital signal processor

66: memory 67: compression decompression processing unit

68: ROM 69: RAM

70: recording unit 71: display unit

73: flash control unit 74: control circuit

75: CPU 80: face detection processing unit

Claims (15)

Photographing information obtaining means for obtaining photographing information which is information of a photographing scene; Single scene recognition means for performing a single scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene from the shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition means; Scene recognition history registration means for registering a single scene recognition result by the single scene recognition means as the latest predetermined number of scene recognition history; Total scene recognition means for performing a total scene recognition for recognizing a shot scene based on a scene recognition history registered by the scene recognition history registration means; And And control means for performing at least one of display control, photographing control, signal processing control, and information recording control in accordance with the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means. Photographing information obtaining means for obtaining photographing information which is information of a photographing scene; Photographing information history registering means for registering photographing information acquired by the photographing information obtaining means as the latest predetermined number of photographing information histories; A total scene recognizing means for performing a total scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene on the basis of the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means; And And control means for performing at least one of display control, photographing control, signal processing control, and information recording control in accordance with the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means. The method of claim 1, The total scene recognizing means detects a photographing scene in which a single scene recognition result of the maximum frequency is displayed in all or a part of the scene recognizing history registration means registered in the scene recognizing history registration means, and the detected scene is detected. An imaging device characterized by a total scene recognition result. The method of claim 3, wherein The total scene recognizing means uses the total scene recognizing result as the total scene recognizing result when the plurality of photographing scenes showing the single scene recognition result of the maximum frequency is detected. An imaging device. The method of claim 1, The total scene recognition means, Weighting setting means for performing a weight that increases as much as a latest scene recognition result with respect to each single scene recognition result in the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means; And Calculating means for calculating a cumulative score for each individual scene recognition result after the weighting by said weighting setting means; And the total scene recognition result is a single scene recognition result in which the cumulative score calculated by the calculation means becomes the maximum. The method of claim 2, The total scene recognition means, Calculating means for calculating a representative value from the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means; And And recognizing means for recognizing a photographing scene based on the representative value calculated by said calculating means. The method of claim 6, The calculating means includes an average value of the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means, a weighted average value giving a weight that becomes larger as the latest information of the shooting information history, a median value of the shooting information history, and the shooting information history. Either the average value of the remaining information except for N (N: integer greater than or equal to 0) on the maximum value side and M (M: integer greater than or equal to 0, including N = M, N ≠ M) on the minimum value side It calculates as said representative value, The imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The photographing information obtaining means acquires at least one of information indicating whether a face of a person is present in the photographing scene, information indicating a distance of a subject, information indicating brightness of a subject, and detection information of an auxiliary light. Device. The method of claim 8, And the photographing information acquiring means acquires information of a focus position at the time of focusing on the subject as information representing the subject distance. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, 8, or 9, Further comprising a shutter button for instructing metering and metering for the main exposure when the shutter is pressed halfway and for instructing the main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed; And the number of single scene recognition results before the half pressing of the shutter and the number of single scene recognition results after the half pressing of the shutter are individually set in the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registering means. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 6 to 9, A shutter button for instructing photometry and metering for the main exposure when the shutter is pressed halfway and for instructing the main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed; The photographing information history registered in the photographing information history registering means is characterized in that the number of photographing information before the shutter half press and the number of photographing information after the shutter half press are individually set. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Further comprising photographing mode setting means for setting a photographing mode according to a result of the total scene recognition by the total scene recognizing means; And the control means performs the shooting control on the basis of the set shooting mode. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Further comprising a shutter button for instructing metering and metering for the main exposure when the shutter is pressed halfway and for instructing the main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed; And the photographing information acquiring means acquires only the information representing the distance of the subject for exposure and the information representing the brightness of the subject for exposure after pressing the shutter halfway. A shooting information acquisition step of acquiring shooting information that is shooting information that is information of a shooting scene; A single scene recognition step of recognizing a shooting scene from the shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition step; A scene recognition history registration step of registering a single scene recognition result recognized in the single scene recognition step as the latest predetermined number of scene recognition histories in a scene recognition history registration means; A total scene recognition step of recognizing a photographing scene based on the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means; And And a control step of performing at least one of display control, photographing control, signal processing control, and information recording control in accordance with the total scene recognition result of the total scene recognition step. A shooting information acquisition step of acquiring shooting information that is information of a shooting scene; A shooting information history registration step of registering the shooting information acquired in the shooting information acquisition step with shooting information history registration means as the latest predetermined number of shooting information history; A total scene recognition step of recognizing a shooting scene on the basis of the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means; And And a control step of performing at least one of display control, photographing control, signal processing control, and information recording control in accordance with the total scene recognition result of the total scene recognition step.

Images