JP2009300579A - Imaging apparatus and charge control method for stroboscopic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of achieving shortening of a release time lag without restricting a photographing condition when performing stroboscopic photography. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus starts charge of a stroboscope in advance by detecting an appropriate moving state of the imaging apparatus, a detecting state of a subject or a moving state of the subject, and predicting that a user is ready to perform photography in accordance with a selected photographing mode based on the detected states. Thus, processing for charging the stroboscope when performing release operation is eliminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that controls charging of a strobe device and a charging control method for the strobe device.

  The conventional camera compares the charging voltage of the main capacitor with a predetermined voltage when the flash is emitted. If the charging voltage is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the strobe is always supplementarily charged when the shutter is released. As described above, the camera has a configuration capable of photographing with a stable strobe emission amount.

  However, in such a camera, the release time lag is increased by the amount of time required for supplementary strobe charging, and this is a factor that reduces operability.

In Patent Document 1, when it is determined that the aperture value calculated from the strobe guide number corresponding to the strobe charging voltage, the ISO information, and the subject distance information is within the aperture correction possible range of the camera, the aperture correction is performed and the release is performed. An imaging device has been proposed. Thereby, operability is improved.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-140511

  However, the conventional imaging device has the following problems. In other words, this imaging device is adapted only when the aperture value calculated from the strobe guide number, ISO information, and subject distance information is within the camera's aperture correction range. Increased release time lag due to supplementary charging.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a charging control method for a flash device that can reduce a release time lag without limiting shooting conditions when performing flash photography.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus that takes an image using a strobe device, and includes a charge control unit that controls charging of the strobe device; And a command control unit that commands the charge control unit according to the determination result.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus that takes an image using a strobe device, and includes a charge control unit that controls charging of the strobe device, a motion detection unit that detects movement of the image pickup device, and the detection And an instruction control means for instructing the charging control means in accordance with the state of movement of the image pickup apparatus.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus that takes an image using a strobe device. The charge control unit controls charging of the strobe device, and the subject detection unit detects a subject from the image pickup signal of the image pickup device. And an instruction control means for instructing the charging control means in accordance with the detected state of the subject.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus that takes an image using a strobe device, and includes a charge control unit that controls charging of the strobe device, and a motion detection that detects a movement of a subject from an image pickup signal of the image pickup device. And an instruction control means for instructing the charging control means in accordance with the detected state of movement of the subject.

  The strobe device charging control method of the present invention is a strobe device charging control method used for photographing by an image pickup device, wherein the image pickup device determination means determines that the image pickup device is in a state before a shooting operation. A determination step for determining whether or not, an instruction control step for the instruction control means of the imaging device to give a charging instruction according to the determination result, and a charging control means for the imaging device according to the charging instruction, the strobe device And a charge control step for controlling the charging of the battery.

  The strobe device charging control method of the present invention is a strobe device charging control method used for photographing by an imaging device, wherein the motion detection means of the imaging device detects the motion of the imaging device. And an instruction control step in which the instruction control means of the image pickup apparatus gives a charge instruction according to the detected state of movement of the image pickup apparatus, and the charge control means of the image pickup apparatus follows the charge instruction in accordance with the charge instruction. And a charge control step for controlling the charging of the battery.

  The strobe device charging control method of the present invention is a strobe device charging control method used for photographing by an imaging device, wherein the subject detection means of the imaging device detects a subject from an imaging signal of the imaging device. A detection step, an instruction control step in which the instruction control unit of the imaging apparatus performs a charging instruction according to the detected state of the subject, and a charging control unit of the imaging apparatus in accordance with the charging instruction. And charging control step for controlling charging.

  The strobe device charging control method of the present invention is a strobe device charging control method used for photographing by an imaging device, wherein the motion detection means of the imaging device detects the movement of a subject from the imaging signal of the imaging device. A motion detection step to detect, an instruction control step in which the instruction control means of the imaging device gives a charging instruction according to the detected state of movement of the subject, and a charge control means of the imaging device in accordance with the charging instruction And a charging control step for controlling charging of the strobe device.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the imaging apparatus is in a state before the shooting operation, and an instruction is given to the charging control unit according to the determination result. The charging of the strobe device can be started in advance. As a result, the strobe charging process at the time of shooting operation (release operation) becomes unnecessary, and the release time lag can be shortened. For example, charging of the strobe device can be started in advance based on an appropriate movement state of the imaging device, detection state of the subject, or movement state of the subject. Thus, when performing strobe shooting, the release time lag can be shortened without limiting the shooting conditions. Therefore, the operability of the imaging device can be improved.

  According to the imaging device according to claims 2 and 6, it is possible to predict that the user has completed the framing operation and is about to enter the shooting posture because the imaging device is stationary, and before the shooting operation is performed. It becomes possible to start charging the strobe device.

  According to the imaging device according to claims 3 and 7, when the subject is detected for a certain period of time, it is determined that the user is able to capture the subject in the frame and is about to enter the shooting posture, and the strobe device is charged. Can be started in advance.

  According to the imaging device of the fourth and eighth aspects, in addition to the imaging device being stationary, it can be detected that the person who is the subject is stationary. As a result, it is possible to more accurately predict that the user has entered the shooting posture and to start charging the strobe device in advance.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the fifth aspect can be applied to various strobe devices.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of the ninth aspect, even when the subject is moving, shooting with a high-speed shutter can be realized by causing the strobe to emit light within the strobe range.

  An embodiment of a charging control method for an imaging apparatus and a strobe device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. The imaging apparatus (camera) of the present embodiment is mainly composed of an image processing apparatus 100, a strobe device 400, and recording media 200 and 210.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes a photographing lens 10, a shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, an image sensor 14 that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and an A / D converter 16 that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. Is provided.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus 100 is provided with a timing generation circuit 18 that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26. The timing generation circuit 18 is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data.

  The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing circuit 20, and performs TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing and EF (strobe pre-flash) processing are performed.

  Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and based on the obtained arithmetic result, the TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing, the entire image or the inter-frame of a specific area Output correlation data.

  The face detection processing circuit (unit) 21 can detect a plurality of human faces by pattern recognition or the like using an imaging signal (captured image data) of the imaging device 14. Furthermore, the face detection processing circuit 21 is equipped with an algorithm that automatically determines the face of a person as a main subject based on information such as the size of each detected face, and extracts the face of the main subject person. Can be processed.

  The memory control circuit 22 includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20, an image display memory 24, a D / A converter 26, a memory 30, a compression / decompression circuit 32, and a face detection processing circuit 21. Control. Data output from the A / D converter 16 is written to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or directly via the memory control circuit 22.

  The image display unit 28 includes a TFT_LCD or the like, and displays the display image data written in the image display memory 24 via the D / A converter 26. By sequentially displaying image data captured using the image display unit 28, an electronic viewfinder function can be realized.

  Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display of the image display unit 28 is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be greatly reduced.

  Further, the image display unit 28 is coupled to the image processing apparatus 100 by a rotatable hinge unit, and uses various display functions such as an electronic finder function and a reproduction display function by setting an angle in a free direction. It is possible.

  Further, it is possible to store the display portion of the image display unit 28 toward the image processing apparatus 100. In this case, the storage state of the image display unit 28 can be detected by the image display unit open / close detection unit 106, and the display operation of the image display unit 28 can be stopped.

  The memory 30 is for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Thereby, even when performing continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  The compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads the image data stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and writes the data that has undergone this processing to the memory 30.

  The exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and also has a strobe light control function in cooperation with the strobe 404. The distance measurement control unit 42 controls the focusing of the taking lens 10.

  The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method. The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20.

  The zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the taking lens 10. The barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the protection unit 102 that is a barrier.

  The system control circuit 50 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100. The memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for operating the system control circuit 50.

  The display unit 54 includes a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like that display an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program by the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is installed at a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100 so that the display unit 54 can be visually recognized.

  The display unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, remaining image number display, shutter There are speed display, aperture value display, and exposure compensation display. Also, strobe display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, display status of recording media 200 and 210, There are communication I / F operation display, date / time display, and the like.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes in-focus display, camera shake warning display, strobe charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory. As the nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like is used.

  A mode dial 60, a shutter switch (SW 1) 62, a shutter switch (SW 2) 64, an image display ON / OFF switch 66, a single / continuous shooting switch 68, and an operation unit 70 input various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50. It is an operation part for doing. These are composed of one or a plurality of combinations such as a switch, dial, touch panel, pointing by line-of-sight detection, and a voice recognition device.

  Here, these operation units will be specifically described. The mode dial 60 switches and sets each function mode such as power-off, automatic shooting mode, shooting mode, panoramic shooting mode, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, and PC connection mode.

  The shutter switch (SW1) 62 is turned on during operation of a shutter button (not shown), and AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (strobe pre-flash) Instructs the start of operations such as processing.

  The shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on upon completion of operation of a shutter button (not shown), and instructs to start a series of processing operations. As this series of processing, an exposure process in which a signal read from the image sensor 14 is written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, and the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 Development processing using computation is performed. Further, a recording process is performed in which the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and the image data is written to the recording medium 200 or 210.

  The image display ON / OFF switch 66 can set ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. With this function, when photographing using the optical viewfinder 104, power can be saved by cutting off the current supply to the image display unit 28 including a TFT_LCD or the like.

  When the shutter SW2 is pressed, the single-shot / continuous-shot switch 68 performs a single-shot mode in which one frame is shot and enters a standby state, and a continuous-shot mode in which shooting is continuously performed while the shutter SW2 is pressed. It can be set.

  The recording destination selection switch 115 can select the recording destination of the captured image from “external storage device”, “recording medium”, and “external storage device and recording medium”. The connection / disconnection switch 116 instructs establishment of communication with an external device or disconnection of communication.

  The operation unit 70 includes various buttons and a touch panel. The operation unit 70 includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a strobe setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, a menu movement + (plus) button, a menu movement − (minus). ) Button. Also, various functions are selected when shooting / playback such as playback image movement + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, panorama mode, etc. -There is a select / switch button to set the switch. In addition, there are a determination / execution button for setting determination / execution of various functions when shooting / playback in the panorama mode, and an image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. There is also a quick review ON / OFF switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data taken immediately after shooting. Also, a compression mode switch, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, which is a switch for selecting a compression rate for JPEG compression, or a CCD RAW mode for digitizing a signal from an image sensor and recording it on a recording medium. There is. Also, a playback mode switch capable of setting each function mode such as a PC connection mode, and the start of a playback operation for reading an image shot in the shooting mode state from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200, 210 and displaying the image on the image display unit 28. There are playback switches etc. to instruct.

  The power supply control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter according to the detection result and the instruction from the system control circuit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  A power supply unit 86 is connected to the power supply control unit 80 via connectors 82 and 84. The power supply unit 86 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  Recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card and a hard disk are connected to the interfaces 90 and 94 via connectors 92 and 96, respectively. The recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects whether or not the recording media 200 and 210 are attached to the connectors 92 and 96, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, two interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium are provided. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of systems, any number of systems. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard.

  As an interface and a connector, it can be set as the structure using the thing based on standards, such as a PCMCIA card and CF (compact flash (registered trademark)) card.

  Furthermore, when the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a standard conforming to a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, various communication cards can be connected. . Examples of the various communication cards include LAN cards, modem cards, USB cards, IEEE 1394 cards, P1284 cards, SCSI cards, PHS communication cards, and the like. By connecting various communication cards, the image processing apparatus 100 can transfer image data and management information attached to the image data to / from peripheral devices such as other computers and printers.

  The protection unit 102 is a barrier that prevents the imaging unit from being stained or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The optical viewfinder 104 is used for determining a shooting range and focusing when shooting. Then, it is possible to take an image using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28.

  In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, focus display, camera shake warning display, strobe charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like are installed.

  The image display unit open / close detection unit 106 detects whether or not the image display unit 28 is in a storage state in which the display portion is stored toward the image processing apparatus 100. Here, when it is detected that it is in the storage state, the display operation of the image display unit 28 can be stopped to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

  The communication units (communication control units) 111 and 113 have various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. The connector 112 connects the image processing apparatus 100 to other devices through a communication unit 111 via a wired line such as USB or IEEE1394.

  The antenna 114 is used by the communication unit 113 for wireless connection such as wireless LAN communication such as IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g, spread spectrum communication such as Bluetooth, and infrared communication such as IrDA.

  Although the case where both the wired connector and the wireless connection antenna are included in the system configuration is shown here, the system configuration may be a wired connection only or a wireless connection only.

  Various communication cards such as a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, and a communication card such as a PHS are connected to the connectors 92 and 96 connected to the interfaces 90 and 94, respectively. May be. Thus, a system configuration for communicating with an external device may be used.

  The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 206 that connects to the image processing apparatus 100. Is provided.

  The recording medium 210 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and includes a recording unit 212 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 214 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 216 that connects to the image processing apparatus 100. Is provided.

  The strobe device 400 is built in the imaging device, and includes a strobe 404 and a strobe control circuit 405. Note that the strobe device may be detachably provided to the imaging device via a connector instead of being built in the imaging device.

  The strobe 404 includes a main capacitor, a booster circuit for charging the main capacitor, and a flash discharge tube. The strobe 404 also has a strobe light control function. The strobe control circuit 405 performs charge control and light emission control on the main capacitor in the strobe 404 in accordance with instructions from the system control circuit 50. The strobe control circuit 405 acquires the charging voltage of the main capacitor in the strobe 404 by AD conversion, and notifies the system control circuit 50 of it.

  The motion detection (detection) unit 406 detects the attitude, displacement, speed, direction, and the like of the image processing apparatus. For example, as the motion detection unit 406, detection based on a motion sensor that detects acceleration and angular velocity, correlation data between frames of an image signal based on an input signal from the image sensor 14, and feature extraction data of the image signal Part. This detection unit is also equipped with an algorithm that eliminates the influence of periodic displacement due to camera shake from the detection result and can detect displacement due to a user's framing operation.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus having the above configuration will be described. 2, 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation procedure of the image processing apparatus 100. Here, the operation from the shooting to the power-off after the image processing apparatus 100 is activated is shown. This operation program is stored in the ROM in the system control circuit 50 and is executed by the CPU in the system control circuit 50.

  First, when the system control circuit 50 is activated by turning on the power, the system control circuit 50 performs initial setting of each peripheral device, and then refers to the strobe setting of the camera to determine whether or not the strobe setting is OFF. (Step S1). If the strobe setting is OFF, the system control circuit 50 proceeds directly to the process of step S3.

  On the other hand, if the strobe is not set to OFF, the system control circuit 50 instructs the strobe control circuit 405 to start charging the main capacitor of the strobe 404 (step S2). Thereafter, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the charging voltage of the main capacitor of the strobe 404 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage (threshold value) V1 (step S3).

  When the charging voltage of the main capacitor of the strobe 404 reaches the predetermined voltage V1, the system control circuit 50 instructs the strobe control circuit 405 to stop charging the main capacitor of the strobe 404 (step S4).

  After activation, the system control circuit 50 performs live image display while performing automatic exposure (AE), automatic focus adjustment (AF), and automatic white balance (AWB) according to the subject (steps S5, S6, and S6). S7, S8). In the AE / AF / AWB, the image signal from the image sensor 14 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 16 and then the information such as luminance, contrast, and color obtained by the calculation in the image processing circuit 20 is used as a source. Feedback control is performed. In live image display, data sequentially written in the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14, A / D converter 16, image processing circuit 20 and memory control circuit 22 are converted into the memory control circuit 22 and D / A converter. This is realized by sequentially displaying on the image display unit 28 via the H.26.

  The system control circuit 50 sequentially acquires the detection results of the motion detection unit 406 (step S9). Further, the system control circuit 50 sequentially acquires the face area of the main subject person as the detection result of the face detection processing circuit 21 (step S10). S10 corresponds to subject detection means.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the shooting mode selected by the mode dial 60 (step S11). Then, the system control circuit 50 performs strobe charge determination processing according to the shooting mode selected by the mode dial 60, based on the results sequentially obtained in steps S9 and S10.

  In step S11, when the full auto mode in which the camera automatically determines the scene and provides the user with recommended shooting conditions is selected, the system control circuit 50 captures the detection result in step S9, the past fixed time, It is determined whether or not the device is stationary (step S12). If the imaging device is not stationary, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the process of step S20.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the imaging device has been stationary for a certain period of time in the past, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the strobe setting is OFF (step S17). If the strobe setting is not OFF, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the charging voltage of the main capacitor of the strobe 404 is less than the predetermined voltage V1 (step S18).

  When the charging voltage of the main capacitor of the strobe 404 is less than the predetermined voltage V1, the system control circuit 50 instructs the strobe control circuit 405 to start charging the main capacitor of the strobe 404 (charging instruction) (step S19). . The process of S19 corresponds to an instruction control unit.

  If the strobe setting is OFF in step S17, or if the charging voltage is greater than or equal to the predetermined voltage V1 in step S18, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the process in step S20.

  As described above, when the imaging apparatus is stationary for a certain period, the system control circuit 50 predicts that the user has completed the framing operation and is about to enter a shooting state. That is, it is determined that the imaging device is in a state before the shooting operation. This makes it possible to start charging the strobe before the shooting operation is performed.

  In step S11, when the night snap mode that provides shooting conditions suitable for shooting a person at night is selected, the system control circuit 50 determines that the imaging device is stationary for a certain period of time in the past as a result of the detection in step S9. It is determined whether or not there is (step S15). If the imaging device is not stationary, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the process of step S20.

  On the other hand, if it is determined from the detection result of step S9 that the imaging apparatus has been stationary for a past fixed time, the system control circuit 50 determines that the face area of the main subject person has been stationary for a past fixed period of time. It is determined whether or not there is (step S16). If the face area of the main subject person has not been stationary for a certain period in the past, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the process of step S20.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the imaging apparatus has been stationary for a certain past time and the face area of the main subject person has been stationary for a certain past period, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the processing after step S17 described above. .

  As described above, in the shooting mode on the premise that the person is flashed, the system control circuit 50 detects that the main subject person is stationary in addition to the imaging apparatus being stationary. Thereby, it is determined that the imaging apparatus is in a state before the photographing operation. In this way, it is possible to more accurately predict that the user has entered a shooting posture and to start charging the strobe in advance.

  In Step S11, when a kids mode that provides shooting conditions suitable for shooting a moving child is selected, shooting with a high-speed shutter can be realized by causing the strobe to emit light within a flash range. is there.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the face area of the main subject person has been detected in the past fixed period in step S10 (step S13). When the face area of the main subject person has not been detected in the past certain period, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the process of step S20.

  On the other hand, when the face area of the main subject person has been detected for a certain period in the past, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the main subject distance is equal to or less than (within) the strobe range as a result of focusing in step S6. (Step S14). If the main subject distance is not within the flash range, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the process of step S20.

  On the other hand, if the face area of the main subject person has been detected for a certain period in the past and the main subject distance is within the strobe range, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the processing after step S17 described above.

  As described above, when the face of the main subject person is detected for a certain period of time, the system control circuit 50 determines that the user can capture the subject in the frame and is about to enter the shooting state. That is, it is determined that the imaging device is in a state before the shooting operation. This makes it possible to start charging the strobe in advance.

  The system control circuit 50 predicts that the user will enter a shooting state based on an appropriate determination algorithm corresponding to the selected shooting mode based on an appropriate movement state of the imaging device, a detection state of the subject, or a movement state of the subject. Then start charging the flash in advance. As a result, as will be described later, the strobe charging process at the time of the release operation becomes unnecessary, and the release time lag can be shortened.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the SW operation by the user has been detected (step S20). If the SW operation is not detected, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S3 and repeats the monitoring process so far.

  On the other hand, when the SW operation is detected, the system control circuit 50 detects the SW type (step S21). When the system control circuit 50 detects the operation of the strobe setting button, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S1 and performs strobe mode determination again.

  On the other hand, when the change of the mode dial is detected in step S21, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the mode dial has been changed to another shooting mode (step S22). When the mode dial is changed to another shooting mode, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S1 and performs strobe mode determination again.

  On the other hand, when the mode dial is changed to power OFF in step S22, the system control circuit 50 ends the processing by cutting off the power supply of the system after cutting off the power supply to each peripheral device.

  On the other hand, when the depression of the shutter SW1 is detected in step S21, the system control circuit 50 performs a photometry process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time (step S23), performs a distance measurement process, and focuses the photographing lens 10. Match to the subject (step S24).

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not strobe light is emitted (step S25). This determination is based on not only the photometric result in step S23 but also the movement state of the imaging device acquired in step S9, the main face detection state and main face movement state acquired in step S10, or the subject distance information in step S24. To be done. In the case of flash emission, the system control circuit 50 changes the aperture value and shutter time for flash emission in step S25.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not strobe light is emitted as a result of the determination in step S25 (step S26). If it is determined that there is no flash emission, the process proceeds to step S29 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the strobe light is emitted as a result of the determination in step S25, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the charging voltage of the main capacitor of the strobe 404 is equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage V1 (step S27).

  If the charging voltage of the main capacitor of the strobe 404 is less than the predetermined voltage V1, the system control circuit 50 instructs the strobe control circuit 405 to start charging the main capacitor of the strobe 404 (step S28). Thereafter, the system control circuit 50 returns to the process of step S27. Here, strobe charging is performed in step S19 by predicting that the user will enter a shooting posture by detecting the movement of the imaging device and the movement of the subject in advance. Therefore, in practice, the charging voltage of the main capacitor is less likely to fall below the predetermined voltage V1 in step S27, and it is not necessary to wait for strobe charging. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to an increase in the release time lag due to the strobe charging.

  On the other hand, if the strobe light is not emitted in step S26 or the strobe charging is completed in step S27, the system control circuit 50 stops charging (step S29).

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the shutter SW1 is ON (step S30). If the shutter SW1 is OFF at this time, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S3 and returns to the monitoring operation.

  On the other hand, when the shutter SW1 is ON in step S30, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the shutter SW2 is ON (step S31). When the shutter SW2 is OFF (off), the system control circuit 50 returns to the process of step S30.

  On the other hand, when the shutter SW2 is pressed and turned on, the system control circuit 50 starts exposure to the image sensor 14 (step S32). The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not strobe light is emitted (step S33). When the strobe light is emitted, the system control circuit 50 instructs the strobe control circuit 405 to emit the strobe light 404 (step S34). On the other hand, if the flash is not emitted in step S33, the system control circuit 50 proceeds directly to the process of step S35.

  The system control circuit 50 ends the exposure to the image sensor 14 when the shutter time determined in step S25 has elapsed from the start of exposure in step S32 (step S35). The system control circuit 50 reads the charge signal from the image sensor 14 after the exposure is completed (step S36). Then, the system control circuit 50 passes through the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 through the memory control circuit 22. Write captured image data to.

  The system control circuit 50 reads out part of the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22. Then, the system control circuit 50 performs WB (white balance) integration calculation processing and OB (optical black) integration calculation processing necessary for performing the development processing (step S37). The system control circuit 50 stores the calculation result in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.

  Further, the system control circuit 50 reads the photographed image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 through the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, using the image processing circuit 20, and performs various development processes ( Step S38). Specifically, the system control circuit 50 performs various development processes including an AWB (auto white balance) process, a gamma conversion process, and a color conversion process using the calculation result stored in the internal memory or the memory 52.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30, and the image compression process corresponding to the set mode is performed by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (step S39). Then, the system control circuit 50 writes image data that has been photographed and completed a series of processes in the empty image portion of the image storage buffer area of the memory 30.

  The system control circuit 50 writes image data for display from the developed image data to the image display memory 24 using the image processing circuit 20 and displays the image data via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. The REC review is displayed on the unit 28 (step S40).

  The system control circuit 50 performs a recording process of reading the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and writing to the recording medium 200 via the interface 90 and the connector 92 (step S41). Alternatively, the system control circuit 50 writes to the recording medium 210 via the interface 94 and the connector 96. As the recording medium, a memory card such as a compact flash (registered trademark) is used. In order to clearly indicate that the writing operation is being performed while the image data is being written to the recording medium 200 or 210, the system control circuit 50 causes the display unit 54 to record, for example, an LED blinking. Displays the write operation. Thereafter, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S3 and returns to the monitoring operation.

  The imaging device according to the present embodiment detects an appropriate imaging device movement state, subject detection state, or subject movement state, and based on these states, the user is in a shooting posture according to the selected shooting mode. Predict the entry and start charging the flash in advance. As a result, the strobe charging process during the release operation is not required, and the release time lag can be shortened. That is, when performing strobe shooting, the release time lag can be shortened without limiting the shooting conditions.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and any configuration can be used as long as the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configuration of the present embodiment can be achieved. Is also applicable.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the strobe device 400 is built in the imaging device (camera) and connected to the image processing device 100. The strobe device 400 may be provided separately from the image processing device 100 and may be detachably connected to the imaging device via a connector. Furthermore, a configuration in which a plurality of types of strobe devices can be individually connected to the image processing device 100 or a configuration in which they are fixed may be employed.

  In the present embodiment, the human face detected by the face detection processing circuit 21 has been described as a subject. However, this is merely an example, and the subject is not limited to a human face.

  In the present embodiment, the movement of the subject is detected based on the change in the face area of the person detected by the face detection processing circuit 21. However, the image processing circuit 20 obtains the captured image data. It is also possible to detect the movement of the subject based on the change in luminance data. Alternatively, it is possible to detect the movement of the subject based on the change in the distance measurement data. Here, the luminance data and the distance measurement data are not information obtained from the imaging data, but can also be obtained by mounting a photometric sensor or a distance measurement sensor.

  It is also possible to detect the movement of the subject based on the inter-frame correlation data of the specific area of the image output from the image processing circuit 20.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not to charge is determined by detecting the charge level, but is charging performed based on the elapsed time since reaching the predetermined charge level (predetermined voltage) V1 last time? It may be configured to determine whether or not. For example, the configuration may be such that it is determined that charging is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed based on the discharge characteristics of the main capacitor of the strobe device.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

 Furthermore, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing is also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

  Further, the recording media 200 and 210 may be configured not only with a memory card such as a PCMCIA card or a compact flash (registered trademark), a hard disk, but also with a micro DAT and a magneto-optical disk. Further, the recording media 200 and 210 may be configured by an optical disc such as a CD-R or CD-WR, a phase change optical disc such as a DVD, or the like. The recording media 200 and 210 may be a composite medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. Further, a part of the composite medium may be detachable.

  In the above embodiment, the recording medium is provided separately from the image processing apparatus, and is detachably connected to the image processing apparatus via a connector. However, any or all of the recording media are fixed to the image processing apparatus. It may be left as it is.

  Further, the recording medium may be configured to be connected to the image processing apparatus by one or a plurality, that is, any number.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a compact type digital camera, a digital SLR (single-lens reflex camera), and the like.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image processing apparatus 100. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image processing apparatus 100 continued from FIG. 2. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image processing apparatus 100 continued from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image processing apparatus 100 continued from FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

Explanation of symbols

14 Image Sensor 20 Image Processing Circuit 50 System Control Circuit 100 Image Processing Device 400 Strobe Device

Claims (13)

An imaging device for taking a picture using a strobe device,
Charging control means for controlling charging of the strobe device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the imaging device is in a state before a shooting operation;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: an instruction control unit that instructs the charge control unit according to a result of the determination. An imaging device for taking a picture using a strobe device,
Charging control means for controlling charging of the strobe device;
Motion detection means for detecting the motion of the imaging device;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an instruction control unit that instructs the charging control unit according to the detected movement state of the imaging apparatus. An imaging device for taking a picture using a strobe device,
Charging control means for controlling charging of the strobe device;
Subject detection means for detecting a subject from an imaging signal of the imaging device;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: an instruction control unit that instructs the charge control unit according to the detected state of the subject. An imaging device for taking a picture using a strobe device,
Charging control means for controlling charging of the strobe device;
Motion detection means for detecting the motion of the subject from the imaging signal of the imaging device;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: an instruction control unit that instructs the charge control unit according to the detected movement state of the subject.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the strobe device is built in the imaging device or is detachable from the imaging device via a connector.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined that the imaging apparatus is stationary, the instruction control unit instructs the charging control unit to start charging.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the subject is detected by the subject detection unit for a certain period, the instruction control unit instructs the charge control unit to start charging.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the detected subject is stationary, the instruction control unit instructs the charging control unit to start charging. A distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the subject;
When it is determined that the distance to the subject is equal to or less than the range of the strobe device and the subject is not stationary, the instruction control unit instructs the charging control unit to start charging. The imaging device according to claim 3 or 7. A charge control method for a strobe device used for photographing by an imaging device,
A determination step of determining whether the determination unit of the imaging apparatus is in a state before the imaging operation;
An instruction control step in which the instruction control means of the imaging apparatus gives a charging instruction according to the result of the determination;
A charge control method for a strobe device, wherein the charge control means of the imaging device includes a charge control step for controlling the charge of the strobe device in accordance with the charge instruction. A charge control method for a strobe device used for photographing by an imaging device,
A motion detection step in which the motion detection means of the imaging device detects the motion of the imaging device;
An instruction control step in which the instruction control means of the imaging device gives a charging instruction according to the detected movement state of the imaging device;
A charge control method for a strobe device, wherein the charge control means of the imaging device includes a charge control step for controlling the charge of the strobe device in accordance with the charge instruction. A charge control method for a strobe device used for photographing by an imaging device,
A detection step in which subject detection means of the imaging device detects a subject from an imaging signal of the imaging device;
An instruction control step in which the instruction control means of the imaging apparatus gives a charging instruction according to the detected state of the subject;
A charge control method for a strobe device, wherein the charge control means of the imaging device includes a charge control step for controlling the charge of the strobe device in accordance with the charge instruction. A charge control method for a strobe device used for photographing by an imaging device,
A motion detection step in which the motion detection means of the imaging device detects the motion of the subject from the imaging signal of the imaging device;
An instruction control step in which the instruction control means of the imaging device gives a charging instruction according to the detected state of movement of the subject;
A charge control method for a strobe device, wherein the charge control means of the imaging device includes a charge control step for controlling the charge of the strobe device in accordance with the charge instruction.

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