JP2006221103A - Imaging apparatus and imaging apparatus control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of setting a self-timer without being provided with a self-timer button. <P>SOLUTION: A first photodetecting sensor 31 is provided to the front of the body part 20 in the imaging apparatus 10. Further, a second photodetecting sensor 32 is provided to the the opposite side of the first photodetecting sensor 31 via an imaging lens 14 in the main body part 20. On the basis of the detected results from the first photodetecting sensor 31 and the second photodetecting sensor 32, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112 provided to the inside of the body part 20 sets a photographing mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup apparatus control program, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup apparatus control program capable of setting a self-timer without providing a button dedicated to the self-timer.

There is an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera that can set a self-timer mode in which a main shooting is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the release button is fully pressed. Patent Document 1 discloses a camera provided with a release button and a self-timer button. In this camera, when the self-timer button is released after a lapse of time shorter than a predetermined time after the self-timer button is pressed, a single self mode in which shooting is performed once after the self-timer is activated is selected. Further, when the self-timer button is released after a lapse of a time longer than a predetermined time after the self-timer button is pressed, a double self-mode in which shooting is performed twice is selected.
JP-A-6-294987

  In digital cameras, there is a tendency to save space in appearance in order to cope with an increase in the size of a liquid crystal display unit.

  However, since the camera of Patent Document 1 includes a button dedicated to the self-timer in addition to the release button, a space for the self-timer button is required, which is contrary to the above-described tendency to save space.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging apparatus control program capable of setting an imaging mode while saving the appearance of the imaging apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body having a photographing lens and a photographing button, and a first for detecting that the vicinity of the photographing button in the main body is gripped. A sensor, a second sensor for detecting that the vicinity of the position opposite to the position where the first sensor is attached centered on the photographing lens in the main body, the first sensor, and the second sensor Mode setting means for setting a shooting mode based on the detection result of the sensor.

  According to the present invention, the first sensor and the second sensor can detect which position in the main body is gripped, and can set the photographing mode based on the detection result. Therefore, the operator of the imaging apparatus can set the shooting mode simply by grasping the main body, and does not need to perform a special operation for setting the self-timer. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a button for setting the self-timer mode, it is possible to save the space of the appearance of the main body.

  Further, the first sensor and the second sensor may be constituted by a light detection sensor that detects light.

  As a result, the portion of the main body that is gripped by the operator is hidden behind the operator's hand and the amount of light detected by the first sensor and the second sensor is reduced. can do.

  Further, the apparatus further comprises a third sensor consisting of a light detection sensor for measuring the amount of light, wherein the mode setting means includes a difference between the amount of light measured by the third sensor and the amount of light measured by the first sensor, and the third sensor. The self-timer mode may be selected and set based on the difference between the light quantity measured by the second sensor and the light quantity measured by the second sensor.

  Accordingly, the photographing mode can be set based on the difference between the light amounts detected by the first sensor and the second sensor when the light amount detected by the third sensor is used as a reference even in a place where the light amount is small.

  Further, the first sensor and the second sensor may be configured by a pressure sensor that detects a pressure applied to the main body.

  Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the main body is gripped even in a dark place, and the shooting mode can be set according to the gripping posture of the main body.

  Further, when the first sensor does not detect that the main body is being gripped, or when the difference in light quantity between the third sensor and the first sensor is less than a predetermined threshold, the mode setting means Sets a first self-timer mode in which the time from the shooting button operation time to the shooting time is long, the first sensor detects that the main body portion is gripped, and the main body portion grips Or when the second sensor detects that the difference between the third sensor and the first sensor is not less than a predetermined threshold, and the difference between the third sensor and the second sensor is a predetermined difference. When the value is less than the threshold value, the mode setting means may set a second self-timer mode in which the time from the operation time point of the shooting button to the shooting time point is short.

  Thereby, a different self-timer mode can be set according to the gripping posture of the operator. That is, when the vicinity of the shooting button is not gripped, the first self-timer mode, for example, a 10-second self-timer mode is set, and when only the vicinity of the shooting button is gripped, the second self-timer mode, for example, 2 seconds. Self-timer mode can be set.

  In addition, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body provided with a photographing lens, a button for inputting a photographing start preparation instruction, and the operation of the button after the button is released after the button is operated. A time measuring means for measuring elapsed time and a mode setting means for setting a self-timer mode, wherein the mode setting means is configured so that the button is turned on again before a predetermined time elapses after the time measuring means starts measuring time. Mode setting means for setting a self-timer mode when operated.

  As a result, if the button for inputting the shooting preparation instruction is operated once and then released, the button is pressed again within a predetermined time, that is, if the button for inputting the shooting preparation instruction is operated twice continuously, the self-timer mode Therefore, the self-timer mode can be set without providing a button for the self-timer mode, and space saving of the appearance of the main body can be achieved.

  In addition, an imaging apparatus control program according to the present invention is provided in a main body, and acquires a detection result of a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting that the main body is gripped, and the first Based on the detection results of the one sensor and the second sensor, the computer is caused to execute a mode setting step for setting a photographing mode.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus control program according to the present invention includes a time measuring process for measuring an elapsed time from when the operation is canceled after a button for inputting a shooting start preparation instruction is operated, and a time measurement in the time measuring process. When the button is operated again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation, the computer is caused to execute a mode setting step for setting the self-timer mode.

  According to the present invention, the self-timer mode can be set by setting the shooting mode according to the posture of gripping the main body or by continuously operating the shooting preparation button. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a button for the self-timer mode, and the space of the appearance of the main body can be saved.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a digital camera 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 10 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 20 and an imaging lens 14 at the front center of the main body 20. A release button 22 is provided on the upper right side of the main body 20. A light detection sensor 31 for detecting that the main body 20 is gripped is provided on the front right of the main body 20, that is, in the vicinity of the release button 22. The main body unit 20 is provided with a light detection sensor 32 at the left front corner for detecting that the main body unit 20 is being held. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a display unit 110 made up of a liquid crystal monitor is provided on the back surface of the main body unit 20. The digital camera 10 automatically activates a self-timer when the light detection sensors 31 and 32 detect a light amount equal to or greater than a threshold value.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment. First, in the digital camera 10 shown in the figure, the central processing unit (main CPU) 112 is input from various buttons and keys of the operation unit 113 including the release button 22, the mode dial 150, the cross key 81, the power switch 82, and the like. Based on the above, each circuit in the digital camera 10 is comprehensively controlled. A program executed by the CPU 112 is stored in the EEPEOM 119.

  Now, when the still image shooting mode is set by the mode dial 150, the CPU 112 displays a moving image (through image) on the display unit 110 so that the shooting angle of view can be confirmed. That is, the light that has passed through the imaging lens 14 enters the solid-state imaging device 102a. Photosensors are arranged in a plane on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 102a, and the subject image formed on the light receiving surface is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photosensor. . The signal charges accumulated in this way are sequentially read out as voltage signals (image signals) corresponding to the signal charges based on pulse signals given from a driver circuit (not shown), and are respectively added to the imaging circuit 102b.

  The imaging circuit 102b includes a gain adjustment circuit, and image data obtained from the imaging circuit 102b is sent to an image processing circuit 108 and a high-pass filter (HPF) 125, respectively. The image processing circuit 108 includes a white balance correction circuit 108b, a gamma correction circuit 108c, a YC processing circuit 108d, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, a sharpness correction circuit, a contrast correction circuit, and contour processing for performing image processing including contour correction for a captured image. Image processing means including a noise reduction processing unit that performs image noise reduction processing, and processes an image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 112.

  The image data input to the image processing circuit 108 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cl signal) and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the VRAM 132. The

  On the other hand, only the G pixel component is extracted by the high pass filter (HPF) 125 from the image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 108 a of the image processing circuit 108. The G pixel component extracted by the integration processing circuit 126 is integrated and sent to the CPU 112. The CPU 112 uses the integrated value of the image data sent from the integration processing circuit 126 as an autofocus (AF) evaluation value to determine in-focus.

  When the captured image is output to the display unit 110 as a monitor, the YC signal is read from the VRAM 132 and sent to the video encoder 134. The video encoder 134 converts the input YC signal into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs the converted signal to the display unit 110. The display unit 110 is driven via the driver 111.

  The YC signal of each frame processed at a predetermined frame rate is alternately written in the A area and B area of the VRAM 132, and the Y area other than the area where the YC signal is written out of the A area and B area of the VRAM 132. The YC signal that has been written is read out from this area. In this way, the YC signal in the VRAM 132 is periodically rewritten, and the video signal generated from the YC signal is supplied to the display unit 110, whereby the image being captured is displayed on the display unit 110 in real time. . The user can check the shooting angle of view from the video (through) displayed on the display unit 110.

  Here, when the release button 22 is half-pressed (hereinafter referred to as “S1 switch”), the AE and AF processes are started as preparation for shooting start. The AE / AF process is performed, and the release button 22 is fully pressed (hereinafter referred to as “S2 switch”), whereby the recording photographing operation is started. The image data acquired in response to the full press of the release button 22 (S2 switch) is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the image processing circuit 108 and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction. Thereafter, it is stored in the VRAM 132.

  The Y / C signal stored in the VRAM 132 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and then recorded as an Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) file on the recording medium 40 via the media controller 146. The image is recorded in the data part of the Exif file. The CPU 112 records shooting date / time information and the like in a predetermined tag (such as an image description tag) in the header portion of the Exif file.

  The CPU 112 is also connected to a strobe control circuit 115 that controls the light emission of the strobe 18 made of a xenon tube. When still light shooting is detected as having low illuminance, or the light emission is instructed by the strobe button. In this case or when the forced light emission mode is set, the strobe 18 is controlled to emit light for a short time (for example, for a short time of 1 second or more) at a timing synchronized with the timing signal generated by the timing generator (TG) 120.

  When the moving image shooting mode is set by the mode dial 150, the moving image recording operation starts in conjunction with the full press (S2) operation of the release button 22, and when the release button 22 is pressed again, the moving image recording operation is stopped. The recording operation may be performed while the release button 22 is continuously pressed, and the recording may be stopped by releasing the press. The moving image data is recorded on the recording medium 40 in, for example, a motion JPEG (MPEG) format.

  When the playback mode is selected by the mode dial 150, the compressed data of the last image file (last recorded file) recorded on the recording medium 40 is read. When the file related to the last recording is a still image file, the read image compressed data is decompressed into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and stored in the VRAM 132. The YC signal stored in the VRAM 132 is added to the video encoder 134. The video encoder 134 creates an NTSC RGB color composite video signal from the input YC signal and outputs it to the display unit 110. Thereby, the frame image of the last frame recorded on the recording medium 40 is displayed on the display unit 110.

  Thereafter, when the right key of the cross key 81 is pressed, the frame is advanced in the forward direction, and when the left key of the cross key 81 is pressed, the frame is advanced in the reverse direction. Then, the frame-positioned image file at the frame position is read from the recording medium 40, and the frame image is reproduced on the display unit 110 in the same manner as described above. If the last frame image is displayed and the frame is advanced in the forward direction, the first frame image file recorded on the recording medium 40 is read and the first frame image is displayed. Played back to the unit 110.

  The display unit 110 corresponds to an external display device connected to an LCD 114, a finder, a video output terminal, or the like built in the camera 10. The CPU 112 includes an OSD signal generation circuit, and the OSD signal generation circuit generates a signal for displaying characters such as a shutter speed, an aperture value, the number of shootable images, a shooting date / time, a warning message, and a symbol such as an icon. A signal output from the OSD signal generation circuit is mixed with an image signal as necessary and supplied to the LCD 114. As a result, a composite image in which characters, icons, and the like are combined with the through image and the playback image is displayed.

  The recording medium 40 is means for holding image data obtained by shooting, and for example, a memory card called smart media is used. The form of the recording medium is not limited to this, and it may be a PC card, a compact flash (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick, etc., electronic, magnetic, optical, or a combination thereof A readable / writable medium can be used in accordance with the above-described method. A configuration in which a plurality of media can be mounted regardless of different types or the same type of recording media may be adopted. The means for storing the image file is not limited to a removable medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, but may be a recording medium (built-in memory) built in the camera.

  The CPU 112 is a control circuit that comprehensively controls each circuit of the camera 10, and includes an operation unit including a release button 22, a cross key 81, a power switch 82, a mode dial 150, or a strobe button, a zoom key, a menu / execution button, and the like (not shown). Based on the signal received from 113, the operation of the corresponding circuit is controlled, and display control, strobe light emission control, autofocus (AF) control, automatic exposure (AE) control, and the like on the display unit 110 are performed. The CPU 112 is connected to the light detection sensors 31 and 32 and the timer 40. When the release button 22 is half-pressed (S1 switch is turned on), the CPU 112 receives input signals from the light detection sensors 31 and 32, and in accordance with the input signals, a plurality of shooting modes (normal mode, Select one of the shooting modes from (including self-timer mode). When the release button 22 is fully pressed (S2 switch is turned on), the CPU 112 instructs the timer 40 to start timing. Then, the CPU 112 performs actual photographing after the time corresponding to the set self-timer mode has elapsed.

  Each time the power supply of the camera 10 is turned on by the power switch 82, power is supplied to each circuit of the digital camera 10 from the main power supply 164 formed of a battery mounted inside the camera body.

  Image data from the image processing circuit 108 is also sent to the photometric processing unit 157. The photometric processing unit 157 is an example of a unit that measures the amount of external light. The photometric processing unit 157 calculates a photometric value (EV value) of subject brightness based on each input image data and the charge accumulation time of the solid-state imaging device 102a, that is, the shutter time of the electronic shutter. Can be configured. Thereby, the drive of the solid-state image sensor 102a is adjusted. The aperture value may be changed with the shutter time of the electronic shutter. When changing the aperture value, the photometric value corresponding to the subject brightness is calculated with the aperture value taken into account. As described above, the photometry processing unit 157 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) by TTL (Through The Lens) photometry using the solid-state imaging device 102a as a light receiving sensor. The photometric processing unit 157 may be a photometric sensor composed of a phototransistor, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a means capable of photometry.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a program executed by the CPU 112. The CPU 112 executes an S1 switch detection unit 112a, a sensor 1 detection unit 112b, a sensor 2 detection unit 112c, a mode setting 112d, an S2 switch detection unit 112e, a timing unit 112f, and a main photographing instruction unit 112g, which are programs. These programs are stored in the EEPROM 119, and are appropriately read by the CPU 112 to the memory 127 and executed.

  First, the S1 switch detection unit 112a detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed. The sensor 1 detection unit 112b acquires an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light input to the light detection sensor 31. Similarly, the sensor 2 detection unit 112c acquires an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light input to the light detection sensor 32. The sensor 1 detection unit 112b and the sensor 2 detection unit 112c output detection results to the mode setting unit 112d based on the acquired electrical signal. The mode setting unit 112d selects and sets a shooting mode based on the detection result. When the cell timer mode is set, the self-timer mode information is output to the time measuring unit 112f. When the S2 switch detection unit 112e detects that the release button 22 has been fully pressed, when the self-timer mode is set, the timer unit 112f instructs the start of timing. The timer 112f causes the timer 50 to measure the time corresponding to the self-timer mode acquired from the mode setting unit 112d. When information indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed from the timer 50 is acquired, the main photographing instruction unit 112g instructs the respective components of the digital camera 10 to perform main photographing, and performs photographing.

  Next, based on FIG.4 and FIG.5, the imaging | photography mode setting operation using the digital camera 10 concerning this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the shooting mode setting process executed by the CPU 112, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the ON / OFF states of the light detection sensor 31 and the light detection sensor 32. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flowchart of FIG.

  In S401, the operator of the digital camera 10 presses the release button 22 halfway. The S1 switch detection unit 112a of the CPU 112 detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed, and performs processing such as focusing operation.

  In S402, the sensor 1 detection unit 112b obtains a measurement value N1 as a light amount measurement result of the light detection sensor 31. Similarly, the sensor 2 detection unit 112c obtains a measurement value N2 as a light amount measurement result of the light detection sensor 32.

  In S403, the mode setting unit 112d compares N1 with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether N1 is smaller than the threshold value. If N1 is less than the threshold value, “Yes” is determined and the process proceeds to S404. If N1 is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined as “No”, and the process proceeds to S405.

  In S404, the mode setting unit 112d compares N2 with a predetermined threshold value and determines whether N2 is smaller than the threshold value. If N2 is less than the threshold value, “Yes” is determined and the process proceeds to S406. If N2 is greater than or equal to the threshold, it is determined as “No” and the process proceeds to S407.

  S405 is a case where N1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, a case where the part provided with the light detection sensor 31 in the main body 20 is not grasped, and shows the state of FIG. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the 10-second self-timer mode. As a result, the 10-second self-timer can be automatically set simply by placing the digital camera 10 on a tripod or a fixed object and pressing the release button 22 halfway without grasping the main body 20.

  S406 is a case where N1 is less than the threshold value and N2 is less than the threshold value, that is, a case where the part provided with the light detection sensor 31 and the light detection sensor 32 in the main body 20 is gripped, and FIG. Shows the state. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets a normal shooting mode (a mode in which shooting is performed immediately after the release button 22 is fully pressed without using the self-timer) without setting the self-timer mode.

  S407 is a case where N1 is less than the threshold value and N2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, a part where the light detection sensor 31 is provided in the main body 20 and a part where the light detection sensor 32 is provided is not held. And shows the state of FIG. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the 2-second self-timer mode. This prevents camera shake when performing close-up photography or astronomical photography using a tripod simply by operating the release button while gripping only the right side of the main body 20 (part close to the release button 22). The self-timer mode can be easily set for a short time.

  In S408, the operator fully presses the release button 22, and the S2 switch detection unit 112e detects that the release button 22 is fully pressed.

  In S409, shooting is performed in each shooting mode. When the 10-second self-timer mode or the 2-second self-timer mode is selected in S405 and S407, the timer unit 112f causes the timer 50 to measure 10 seconds or 2 seconds. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the time measuring unit 112f instructs the main photographing instruction unit 112g to perform main photographing, and photographing is performed. When the normal mode is selected in S406, the timer 112f does not perform the measurement by the timer 50, but immediately after the release button 22 is fully pressed, the main photographing instruction unit 112g gives an instruction to perform the main photographing. Repeat for each of the ten components.

[Second Embodiment]
The digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment includes a light detection sensor 33 in addition to the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment. In the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment, the self-timer automatically operates when the light detection sensors 31 and 32 detect a light amount that is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The amount of light that is less than the threshold value cannot be detected. Therefore, automatic setting of the self-timer cannot be performed. In the present embodiment, in addition to the digital camera according to the first embodiment, a light detection sensor 33 is provided, and the self-timer is automatically set based on the difference in light quantity between the light detection sensors 31 and 21 and the light detection sensor 33. Do.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment. The digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes a light detection sensor 33 in addition to the components of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment. The light detection sensor 33 is provided on the photographing lens 14 in front of the main body 20.

  Next, a self-timer automatic setting process using the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of shooting mode setting processing of the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment.

  In S701, the operator half-presses the release button 22, and the S1 switch detection unit 112a of the CPU 112 detects the half-press of the release button 22.

  In step S702, the light amount detected by the light detection sensor 31 is detected as the measurement value N1. Similarly, the light amounts detected by the light detection sensors 32 and 33 are detected as measured values N2 and N3.

  In S703, the mode setting unit 112d of the CPU 112 calculates the difference between the measured value N3 and the measured value N1, and if the result is less than the predetermined threshold value, determines “Yes” and proceeds to S704. If the difference between the measured value N3 and the measured value N1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the determination is “No” and the process proceeds to S705.

  In S705, the mode setting unit 112d of the CPU 112 calculates the difference between the measured value N3 and the measured value N2, and if the result is less than the predetermined threshold value, determines “Yes” and proceeds to S706. If the difference between the measured value N3 and the measured value N2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the determination is “No” and the process proceeds to S707.

In S704, the mode setting unit 112d of the CPU 112 selects and sets the 10-second self-timer mode.
In S706, the mode setting unit 112d of the CPU 112 selects and sets the 2-second self-timer mode.

  In S707, the mode setting unit 112d of the CPU 112 sets a normal shooting mode.

  In S708, the operator fully presses the release button 22, and the S2 switch detection unit 112e of the CPU 112 detects full press of the release button 22.

  In S709, as in S409 in the first embodiment, shooting is performed according to each shooting mode.

  According to the present embodiment, since the self-timer is automatically set based on the difference in light amount between the light detection sensor 33 and the light detection sensors 31, 32, the self-timer can be automatically set even in a dark place where the light amount is small.

[Third embodiment]
The digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment includes pressure sensors 35 and 36 instead of the light detection sensors 31 and 21 of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment. The digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment cannot automatically set the shooting mode because the amount of light cannot be detected in a dark place where there is no light. The digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment can set the shooting mode regardless of the amount of light at the shooting location by automatically setting the shooting mode based on the detection results of the pressure sensors 35 and 36.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment. The digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes pressure sensors 35 and 36 that detect pressure applied when the main body 20 is gripped, instead of the light detection sensors 31 and 32 of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment. . Specifically, a pressure sensor 35 is provided on the right side of the front face of the main body unit 20 and held by the operator with the right hand. In addition, the pressure sensor 36 is provided on the left side of the front face of the main body 20 and the portion that comes into contact with the left hand when the operator holds it with the left hand. Other components are the same as those of the digital camera according to the first embodiment.

  Next, a self-timer automatic setting process using the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of shooting mode setting processing of the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment. The CPU 112 of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment executes the program shown in FIG. 3, but the sensor 1 detection unit 112b displays the detection result of the pressure sensor 35, and the sensor 2 detection unit 112c displays the detection result of the pressure sensor 36. It is different from the first embodiment in that it is detected.

  In step S <b> 901, the operator of the digital camera 10 presses the release button 22 halfway. The S1 switch detection unit 112a of the CPU 112 detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed, and performs processing such as focusing operation.

  In S902, the sensor 1 detection unit 112b determines whether or not the pressure detection sensor 35 is pressed. When the sensor 1 detection unit 112b determines that the pressure detection sensor 35 is pressed, the process proceeds to S903 as “Yes”, and when it is determined that the pressure detection sensor 35 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S904.

  In S903, the sensor 2 detection unit 112c determines whether or not the pressure detection sensor 36 is pressed. When the sensor 2 detection unit 112c determines that the pressure sensor 36 is pressed, the process proceeds to S905 as “Yes”, and when it is determined that the pressure sensor 36 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S906.

  In S904, it is a case where the pressure sensor 35 is not pressed, that is, a case where a portion of the main body 20 provided with the pressure sensor 35 is not gripped, and the state of FIG. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the 10-second self-timer mode.

  In S905, the pressure sensors 35 and 36 are pressed together, that is, the operator is holding the portion of the main body 20 where the pressure sensor 35 and the pressure sensor 36 are provided, and FIG. ) State. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets a normal shooting mode.

  In S906, when it is detected that only the pressure sensor 35 is pressed and the pressure sensor 36 does not detect that it is pressed, that is, the part of the main body 20 where the pressure sensor 35 is provided is gripped and the pressure is detected. This is a case where the part provided with the sensor 36 is not grasped, and shows the state of FIG. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the 2-second self-timer mode.

  In S907, the operator fully presses the release button 22, and the S2 switch detection unit 112e detects that the release button 22 is fully pressed.

  In S908, as in S409, shooting is performed in each shooting mode.

  According to this embodiment, the shooting mode can be automatically set even in a dark place where there is no light.

[Fourth embodiment]
Similar to the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment, the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment includes pressure sensors 35 and 36. Then, select one of four types of self-timer modes (including normal shooting mode) consisting of mode A, mode B, mode C, and mode D by combining ON and OFF of the pressure sensors 35 and 36. And set. The flow of the self-timer setting process of the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In S1001, the operator of the digital camera 10 presses the release button 22 halfway. The S1 switch detection unit 112a of the CPU 112 detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed, and performs processing such as focusing operation.

  In S1002, the sensor 1 detection unit 112b determines whether or not the pressure detection sensor 35 is pressed. When the sensor 1 detection unit 112b determines that the pressure detection sensor 35 is pressed, the process proceeds to S1003 as “Yes”, and when it is determined that the pressure detection sensor 35 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1004.

  In S1003, the sensor 2 detection unit 112c determines whether or not the pressure detection sensor 36 is pressed. When the sensor 2 detection unit 112c determines that the pressure detection sensor 36 is pressed, the process proceeds to 1005 as “Yes”, and when it is determined that the pressure detection sensor 36 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1006.

  In S1004, as in S1003, the sensor 2 detection unit 112c determines whether or not the pressure detection sensor 36 is pressed. When the sensor 2 detection unit 112c determines that the pressure detection sensor 36 is pressed, the process proceeds to S1007 as “Yes”, and when it is determined that the pressure detection sensor 36 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1008.

  In S1005, it is a case where the pressure sensors 35 and 36 are pressed, that is, a case where a part of the main body 20 where the pressure sensors 35 and 36 are provided is shown, and the state of FIG. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the mode A (for example, the normal shooting mode).

  In S1006, the pressure sensor 35 is pressed and the pressure sensor 36 is not pressed, and the state of FIG. 5C is shown. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the mode B (for example, 2 seconds self-timer mode).

  In S1007, it is detected that only the pressure sensor 36 is pressed and the pressure sensor 35 does not detect that it is pressed, that is, only the left corner of the main body 20 is gripped. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets the mode C.

  In S1008, the case where both the pressure sensors 35 and 36 are not pressed, that is, the state of FIG. In this case, the mode setting unit 112d sets a mode D (for example, a 10-second self-timer mode).

  In S1009, the operator fully presses the release button 22, and the S2 switch detection unit 112e detects that the release button 22 is fully pressed.

  In S1010, as in S409, shooting is performed in each shooting mode.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to select and set any one of the four types of self-timer modes based on the detection results of the pressure sensors 35 and 36.

  In the present embodiment, four types of imaging modes are selected and set depending on the combination of ON and OFF of the pressure sensors 35 and 36, but four types of imaging are selected depending on the combination of ON and OFF of the light detection sensors 31 and 32. A mode may be selected and set.

[Fifth embodiment]
The fifth embodiment is a digital camera 10 that sets a self-timer mode by double-clicking the release button 22 halfway (S1). The digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 20 and a release button 22 on the upper right side of the main body 20 as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a program executed by the CPU 112 provided in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment. The CPU 112 executes an S1 switch detection unit 112a, a mode setting 112d, an S2 switch detection unit 112e, a timing unit 112f, and a main photographing instruction unit 112g, which are programs. These programs are stored in the EEPROM 119, and are appropriately read by the CPU 112 to the memory 127 and executed.
The S1 switch detection unit 112a detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed and that the half-pressed release button 22 is released (released). The timer unit 112f measures an elapsed time after the release button 22 is released once after being half pressed. In addition, the elapsed time from the full pressing of the release button 22 when the self-timer is set is measured. The mode setting unit 112d selects and sets one of the self-timer mode and the normal shooting mode. The S2 switch detection unit 112e detects that the release button 22 is fully pressed. The main photographing instruction unit 112g instructs the main components of the digital camera 10 to perform main photographing according to the set mode.

  Hereinafter, based on FIG. 13, the flow of the setting process of the self-timer mode by the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In step S1301, the operator of the digital camera 10 presses the release button 22 halfway. The S1 switch detection unit 112a of the CPU 112 detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed, and performs a process such as a focusing operation as preparation for starting shooting.

  In S1302, the S1 switch detection unit 112a detects whether or not the release button 22 is half-pressed. When the half-press of the release button 22 is released, the time measuring unit 112f starts time measurement by the timer 50, and the process proceeds to S1303. If the half-press of the release button 22 is not released, the process proceeds to 1304.

  In S1303, the S1 switch detection unit 112a determines whether or not the operator has pressed the release button 22 halfway again within a predetermined time T. If the S1 switch detection unit 112a detects that the release button 22 is half-pressed again within the predetermined time T, the process proceeds to S1305. If the S1 switch detection unit 112a does not detect that the release button 22 is half-pressed again within the predetermined time T, the process returns to S1301.

  In S1304, the mode setting unit 112d sets the normal shooting mode. In S1305, the mode setting unit 112d sets the self-timer mode. In S1306, the operator fully presses the release button 22, and the S2 switch detection unit 112e detects full press (S2) of the release button 112. In step S1307, actual shooting is performed in each shooting mode. That is, when the normal shooting mode is set in S1304, the main shooting is performed in response to the full press of the release button 112. If the self-timer mode is set in S1305, the time measuring unit 112f starts time counting after the release button 22 is fully pressed in S1306, and the main shooting is performed after the time corresponding to the self-timer has elapsed.

  According to the present embodiment, the self-timer mode can be set only by the release button 22 without providing the self-timer button, the light detection sensor, and the pressure sensor, thereby reducing the cost and saving the appearance of the main body 20. Can be planned.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 1st embodiment. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 1st embodiment. The block diagram which shows the program which CPU112 which concerns on 1st embodiment performs The flowchart which shows the flow of the self-timer setting process of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 1st embodiment. Schematic diagram showing the ON / OFF state of the light detection sensor 31 and the light detection sensor 32 according to the first embodiment. The perspective view which shows the digital camera 10 which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography mode setting process of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The perspective view which shows the digital camera 10 which concerns on 3rd embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography mode setting process of the digital camera 10 concerning 3rd embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography mode setting process of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 4th embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 5th embodiment. The block diagram which shows the program which CPU112 which concerns on 5th embodiment performs The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography mode setting process of the digital camera 10 which concerns on 5th embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 20 ... Main part, 22 ... Release button, 31 ... Light detection sensor, 32 ... Light detection sensor, 33 ... Light detection sensor, 35 ... Pressure sensor, 36 ... Pressure sensor, 112 ... CPU

Claims (8)

A main body having a photographing lens and a photographing button;
A first sensor for detecting that the vicinity of the photographing button in the main body is gripped;
A second sensor for detecting that the vicinity of the opposite side of the position where the first sensor is attached centered on the photographing lens in the main body, and
Mode setting means for setting a photographing mode based on detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured by a light detection sensor that measures a light amount. A third sensor composed of a light detection sensor for measuring the amount of light;
The mode setting means includes a difference between a light amount measured by the third sensor and a light amount measured by the first sensor, a difference between a light amount measured by the third sensor and a light amount measured by the second sensor, The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging mode is set based on the parameter.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first sensor and the second sensor includes a pressure sensor that detects a pressure applied to the main body. When the first sensor does not detect that the main body is being gripped, or when the difference in light quantity between the third sensor and the first sensor is less than a predetermined threshold, the mode setting means Set the first self-timer mode for a long time from the time of operation of the shooting button to the time of shooting,
When the first sensor detects that the main body is gripped and the second sensor detects that the main body is not gripped, or between the third sensor and the first sensor When the light amount difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and the difference in light amount between the third sensor and the second sensor is less than the predetermined threshold value, the mode setting means is configured to perform the shooting button operation from the shooting time point to the shooting time point. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second self-timer mode with a short time is set. A main body with a taking lens;
A button for inputting a shooting start preparation instruction;
Time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from when the button operation is released after the button is operated;
A mode setting means for setting a self-timer mode, wherein the mode setting means sets the self-timer mode when the button is operated again before a predetermined time elapses after the timing means starts timing. Mode setting means to
An imaging apparatus comprising: A step of obtaining a detection result of a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting that the main body is gripped by the main body, and
A mode setting step for setting a shooting mode based on the detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor;
An imaging apparatus control program for causing a computer to execute the above. After a button for inputting a shooting start preparation instruction is operated, a time measuring process for measuring an elapsed time from when the operation is canceled,
A mode setting step of setting a self-timer mode when the button is operated again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing in the timing step,
An imaging apparatus control program for causing a computer to execute the above.

Images