JP2010057168A - Photographic apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic apparatus and method which can stably obtain recognition result of a scene. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 determines a presently being photographed scene SR, based on the number of recognition times (recognition frequency) in a scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result. As shown in Fig.3(a), storage regions A[0], A[1], A[2], ..., for storing the recognition results of individual scenes, in turn, are provided in a RAM 69 of the digital camera 1. When the scene recognition history is to be updated, the recognition history is read in a CPU 75, and the number of recognition times (recognition frequency) for each scene is totaled (Fig.3(d)). Then, the scene with the maximum number of recognition times is determined as the presently photographing scene SR. In the example shown in Fig.3, a "scenery" of "2" and a "night view" of "3" appear in the scene recognition history two times (these become the scenes of the maximum frequency), and the total scene recognition result becomes SR=2, since the value of "2" is stored in the storage region of the newer side; and further, a photographic mode is set to a scenery mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Patent Document 1 discloses that in a digital still camera, whether or not a set shooting mode is appropriate for a scene is determined based on a digital image signal or an EV value.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses an imaging mode automatic setting camera that sets the imaging mode of the camera based on output information from the face recognition unit and the state detection unit. The camera described in Patent Document 2 automatically sets a camera shooting mode based on output information of subject movement, imaging magnification, or subject distance.

JP 2003-244530 A JP 2003-344891 A

  Conventionally, in an imaging apparatus, a scene is recognized based on an image signal or an EV value. The digital still camera described in Patent Document 1 is configured to determine whether or not the shooting mode setting is appropriate using an image signal when S1 is on (when the shutter button is half-pressed). In addition, the camera described in Patent Document 2 is configured to set the shooting mode using an image signal when the first stroke of the shutter button is turned on. In other words, since the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both determine the shooting mode once with the image signal when S1 is on, the scene recognition result is likely to change depending on the image signal and the EV value. Thus, it is difficult to output a stable scene recognition result.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of stably obtaining a scene recognition result.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a shooting information acquisition unit that acquires shooting information that is information of a shooting scene, and a shooting from the shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition unit. A single scene recognition unit for performing single scene recognition for recognizing a scene, a scene recognition history registration unit for registering a single predetermined scene recognition result by the single scene recognition unit as the latest predetermined number of scene recognition histories, and the scene recognition history registration unit Total scene recognition means for performing a total scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene based on the scene recognition history registered by the control unit, and display control, shooting control, and signal processing control according to the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means And control means for performing at least one of information recording control.

  An imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a shooting information acquisition unit that acquires shooting information that is information of a shooting scene, and shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition unit as the latest predetermined number of shooting information histories. Shooting information history registration means for registration, total scene recognition means for performing total scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene based on the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means, and the total scene by the total scene recognition means And a control unit that performs at least one of display control, imaging control, signal processing control, and information recording control according to the recognition result.

  The imaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the total scene recognition means is a maximum in a range of all or a part of the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means. A photographic scene indicated by a frequency single scene recognition result is detected, and the detected photographic scene is used as the total scene recognition result.

  The imaging device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the third aspect, wherein the total scene recognizing means detects the latest side when a plurality of shooting scenes indicated by the maximum frequency single scene recognition result are detected. The photographic scene indicated by the maximum frequency single scene recognition result is used as the total scene recognition result.

  In the imaging device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the total scene recognizing unit is configured so that each single scene recognition result in the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration unit is A weight setting unit that performs weighting such that the weight of the latest single scene recognition result increases, and a calculation unit that calculates a cumulative score for each single scene recognition result after weighting by the weight setting unit. The single scene recognition result having the maximum accumulated score is set as the total scene recognition result.

  The imaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the total scene recognizing means calculates a representative value from the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means; Recognizing means for recognizing a photographic scene based on the representative value calculated by the calculating means.

  The imaging device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the calculating means is the latest value of the average value of the photographing information histories registered in the photographing information history registering means and the photographing information history. The weighted average value weighted as the information becomes larger, the median value of the shooting information history, and the maximum value side N (N is an integer of 0 or more) of the shooting information history, the minimum value side M Calculating any one of the average values of the remaining information excluding the number of pieces of shooting information (M is an integer equal to or greater than 0 and includes N = M and N ≠ M) as the representative value. Features.

  The imaging device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the photographing information acquisition means includes information indicating whether or not a person's face is present in a photographing scene, and information indicating a subject distance. And at least one of information indicating the brightness of the subject and detection information of the auxiliary light.

  The imaging device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the photographing information acquisition means acquires information on a focus position when the subject is in focus as information indicating the subject distance. It is characterized by doing.

  The imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first, third, fourth, fifth, eighth and ninth aspects, instructs photometry and distance measurement for main exposure when the shutter is half-pressed, and main when the shutter is fully pressed. A shutter button for instructing exposure, and the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration unit includes the number of single scene recognition results before the shutter half-press and the single scene recognition after the shutter half-press The number of results is set individually.

  The imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the second, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth aspects, instructs photometry and distance measurement for main exposure when the shutter is half-pressed, and performs main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed. In the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means, the number of shooting information before half-pressing the shutter and the number of shooting information after half-pressing the shutter are individually set. It is characterized by being.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention further includes shooting mode setting means for setting a shooting mode in accordance with a total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means in the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the control The means is characterized in that the photographing control is performed based on the set photographing mode.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to twelfth aspects, the shutter button for instructing photometry and distance measurement for main exposure when the shutter is half-pressed and for main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed. The photographing information acquisition means further includes only information indicating the subject distance for main exposure and information indicating the brightness of the subject for main exposure after the shutter is half-pressed.

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

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

  According to the present invention, as a result of face detection, a history of shooting information including a focus lens position, a zoom lens position, an in-focus state, and a photometric value, or a history of scene recognition results (single scene recognition results) based on the shooting information. It is possible to obtain a stable scene recognition result by using and performing scene recognition.

1 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus (digital camera) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing total scene recognition processing Diagram showing total scene recognition processing Example of scene recognition result display The flowchart which shows the scene recognition process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Flow chart showing single scene recognition processing Flow chart showing scene recognition processing Flow chart showing scene recognition processing Flow chart showing scene recognition processing Flow chart showing scene recognition processing Flow chart showing scene recognition processing The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows typically the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (before S1) which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the total scene recognition process (at the time of S1 ON) which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging apparatus and an imaging method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment executes scene recognition for recognizing a situation of a subject (a shooting scene or simply a scene) at the time of shooting, and sets a shooting mode. Examples of recognized scenes include a person, landscape, night view, close-up, sports, fireworks, sunset, snow, beach, underwater or characters. More specifically, the imaging apparatus executes scene recognition a plurality of times (single scene recognition described later) based on shooting information that is information of a shooting scene, and records the scene recognition result history each time scene recognition is executed. . Then, in consideration of the history of the scene recognition result, scene recognition during shooting (total scene recognition described later) and shooting mode setting are performed.

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

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the digital camera 1) converts image data acquired by shooting into an Exif format image file and transfers it to a recording unit 70 such as an external recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the main body. To record.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 includes an operation unit 11 and a control circuit 74 that interprets the operation content of the user on the operation unit 11 and controls each unit.

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

  The control circuit 74 includes a CPU 75 that performs information processing, a program that defines information processing, firmware, a ROM 68 that records threshold values and other constants used for various determinations in the program, and a RAM 69 that stores variables and data necessary for information processing. It has.

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

  The lens 20 has a focus lens and a zoom lens. The lens 20 can be moved in the optical axis direction by the lens driving unit 51. The lens driving unit 51 controls the position of the focus lens based on the focus drive amount data output from the CPU 75. Further, the lens driving unit 51 controls the position of the zoom lens based on the operation amount data of the zoom / up / down arrow lever of the operation unit 11.

  The diaphragm 54 is driven by a diaphragm driving unit 55 including a motor and a motor driver. The aperture driver 55 adjusts the aperture diameter based on aperture value data output from the CPU 75.

  An imaging element (CCD) 58 is disposed behind the imaging optical system including the lens 20 and the diaphragm 54. As the image pickup device 58, a CMOS image sensor can be used instead of the CCD.

  The image sensor 58 has a photocathode on which a large number of light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged. The subject light that has passed through the imaging optical system forms an image on this photocathode and undergoes photoelectric conversion. In front of the photocathode, a microlens array for condensing light on each pixel and a color filter array in which filters of R, G, and B colors are regularly arranged are arranged. The image sensor 58 outputs the charge accumulated for each pixel as a serial analog image signal for each line in synchronization with the vertical transfer clock and the horizontal transfer clock supplied from the image sensor control unit 59. The time for accumulating charges in each pixel, that is, the exposure time is determined by an electronic shutter drive signal provided from the image sensor control unit 59. Further, the gain of the image sensor 58 is adjusted by the image sensor control unit 59 so that an analog image signal having a predetermined size can be obtained.

  The analog photographing signal captured from the image sensor 58 is input to the analog signal processing unit 60. The analog signal processing unit 60 includes a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) that removes noise from the analog signal, and an auto gain controller (AGC) that adjusts the gain of the analog signal. The amplification gains of the R, G, and B signals in the analog signal processing unit 60 correspond to shooting sensitivity (ISO sensitivity). The CPU 75 sets the photographing sensitivity by adjusting the amplification gain.

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

  The control circuit 74 multiplies or divides an oscillation signal supplied from an oscillator (not shown) to generate a timing signal and input it to the image sensor control unit 59, thereby operating the shutter button of the operation unit 11. The timing of taking in the charge from the image sensor 58 and the processing of the analog signal processing unit 60 is adjusted.

  The control circuit 74 performs photometry by detecting the luminance of the image signal generated by the image sensor 58. When the field brightness is low, the control circuit 74 instructs the auxiliary light control unit 25 during automatic focus adjustment (AF) (when the shutter button is half-pressed (S1 on)), and the auxiliary light emitting unit 26 (for example, LED ) To assist light.

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

  The memory 66 is a working memory used when various digital image processing (signal processing) described later is performed on the image data. For example, an SDRAM (Synchronous) that performs data transfer in synchronization with a bus clock signal having a fixed period. Dynamic Random Access Memory) is used.

  The display unit 71 includes, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and displays the image data sequentially stored in the memory 66 from the setting of the shooting mode until the main shooting instruction is given on the liquid crystal monitor as a live view image (through image). Or the image data stored in the recording unit 70 in the playback mode is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. Note that the through image indicates a subject imaged by the image sensor 58 at a predetermined time interval while the shooting mode is selected so that the user can check the shooting angle of view and the situation in real time. An image displayed on the display unit 71 based on the image signal.

  When the operation mode is set to the shooting mode, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment starts image capturing, and a live view image (through image) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71. At the time of displaying a through image, the CPU 75 executes continuous AE (CAE) and continuous AF (CAF) based on calculation results by an AF processing unit 62 and an AE / AWB processing unit 63 described later. Here, the continuous AE is a function of repeatedly calculating an exposure value while continuing through image shooting and continuously controlling the electronic shutter function and / or the aperture 54 of the image sensor (CCD) 58. . Continuous AF is a function for continuously controlling the focus lens position by repeatedly calculating an AF evaluation value while continuing through image shooting. When the shutter button is half-pressed in the shooting mode (S1 on), the digital camera 1 executes AE processing (S1AE) and AF processing (S1AF), and executes AE lock and AF lock.

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

  The AE / AWB processing unit 63 divides one screen into a plurality of divided areas (for example, 8 × 8 or 16 × 16), integrates R, G, and B signals for each divided area, and calculates the integrated value as a CPU 75. To provide. The CPU 75 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB processing unit 63, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. The CPU 75 determines an aperture value and a shutter speed according to the exposure value and a predetermined program diagram, and controls the electronic shutter function and the aperture 54 of the image sensor 58 according to this to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

  Further, the CPU 75 sends a command to the flash control unit 73 to operate when the flash emission mode is set to ON. The flash control unit 73 includes a main capacitor for supplying a current for causing the flash light emitting unit (discharge tube) 24 to emit light. In accordance with a flash light emission command from the CPU 75, charging control of the main capacitor and the flash light emitting unit 24 are performed. The discharge (light emission) timing and discharge time are controlled. As the flash light emitting means, a light emitting diode (LED) can be used instead of the discharge tube.

  Further, the AE / AWB processing unit 63 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the R, G, and B signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the CPU 75. The CPU 75 obtains an integrated value of R, an integrated value of B, and an integrated value of G, obtains a ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and calculates R / G and R / G of the values of B / G. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of the G and B / G axis coordinates, and the gain value (white balance gain) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is determined according to the determined light source type. Control and correct the signal of each color channel.

  For the AF control in the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, contrast AF that moves the focus lens so that the high-frequency component of the G signal of the image signal is maximized is applied. That is, the AF processing unit 62 cuts out a signal in a focus target area set in advance in a high-pass filter that passes only high-frequency components of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, and a screen (for example, the center of the screen). An area extraction unit and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the AF area are configured.

  The accumulated value data obtained by the AF processing unit 62 is notified to the CPU 75. The CPU 75 calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points while controlling the lens driving unit 51 to move the focus lens, and focuses the lens position where the calculated focus evaluation value is maximized. Determine as position. Then, the CPU 75 controls the lens driving unit 51 to move the focus lens to the in-focus position. In continuous AF (CAF), the focus range search range (focus lens movement range during AF search) is narrower and the number of AF detection points is smaller than in S1AF. Further, the calculation of the AF evaluation value is not limited to the mode using the G signal, and a luminance signal (Y signal) may be used.

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

  When the shutter button is pressed halfway (S1 on) and then fully pressed (S2 on), the main image data for recording is captured from the image sensor 58. This main image data is captured from the image sensor 58 during the main photographing executed when the shutter button is fully pressed, and is stored in the memory 66 via the analog signal processing unit 60, the A / D conversion unit 61, and the digital signal processing unit 65. Is stored in the image data. The digital signal processing unit 65 performs image quality correction processing such as gamma correction, sharpness correction, and contrast correction on the image data of the main image, CCD-RAW data as Y data that is a luminance signal, and Cb data that is a blue color difference signal. Then, YC conversion processing for converting into YC data composed of Cr data which is a red color difference signal is performed. The upper limit of the number of pixels of the main image is determined by the number of pixels of the image sensor 58. For example, the number of recorded pixels can be changed by setting fine, normal, and the like. On the other hand, the number of images of the through image and the image displayed when the shutter button is half-pressed is captured, for example, with a smaller number of pixels than the main image, for example, about 1/16 of the main image.

  The digital signal processing unit 65 obtains the luminance of the face area in the main image when the light emission amount of the flash light emitting unit 24 is smaller than that during normal photographing, and the luminance is higher than a predetermined threshold Th1. If it is smaller, a process of adjusting the brightness of the face area to the threshold value Th1 is performed.

  The compression / decompression processor 67 performs a compression process on the image data of the main image that has been subjected to the correction / conversion process, for example, in a predetermined compression format to generate an image file. This image file is recorded in the recording unit 70. For example, based on the Exif format or the like, a tag that stores additional information such as the shooting date and time is added to the image file. The compression / decompression processing unit 67 performs expansion processing on the image file read from the recording unit 70 in the reproduction mode. The expanded image data is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71.

  The face detection processing unit 80 detects a human face from a through image, an image displayed when the shutter button is half-pressed, or a main image. Specifically, an area having a facial feature included in the face (for example, a skin color area, a black color area (eyes) in the skin color area, a skin color area having a face shape, etc.) Detect as.

[Scene recognition processing]
The digital camera 1 (CPU 75) according to the present embodiment uses the shooting information (shooting scene information) including the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the in-focus state, and the photometric value as a result of the face detection to recognize the scene (hereinafter, referred to as a scene detection). Single scene recognition) is performed, and single scene recognition results such as “AUTO”, “person”, “landscape”, “night view” or “close-up” are recorded in the RAM 69. This single scene recognition is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing in the shooting mode. For example, the latest single scene recognition result is recorded as a scene recognition history a predetermined number of times. The scene recognition history includes, for example, a scene in which the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, the focus state, and the photometric value fluctuate by a predetermined value or more when the digital camera 1 is turned off or the operation mode is switched. May be deleted when the CPU 75 determines that has changed.

  Furthermore, the digital camera 1 (CPU 75) determines (recognizes) the current scene SR based on the history of the single scene recognition result (scene recognition history) recorded in the RAM 69, and is suitable for shooting each scene. Set the mode. Hereinafter, scene determination based on the scene recognition history is referred to as total scene recognition.

  In the total scene recognition, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment determines the scene SR currently being shot based on the number of times of recognition (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result. 2 and 3 are diagrams schematically showing the total scene recognition process.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the RAM 69 of the digital camera 1 is provided with storage areas A [0], A [1], A [2],... For storing single scene recognition results in order. It is done. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each scene is represented by a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as a scene ID). “0” for the scene “AUTO”, “1” for the “person”, “2” for the “landscape”, “3” for the “night view”, “close-up” “4” is written in the storage area A [i] (i = 0, 1, 2,...) Of the RAM 69. The single scene recognition result is the latest in the storage area A [0], and becomes older in the order of A [1], A [2],.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the single scene recognition is executed, the storage areas A [0], A [1], A [2],. 0] → A [1], A [1] → A [2], A [2] → A [3],..., And the storage area A [0] of the latest single scene recognition result becomes an empty area. Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, the latest single scene recognition result is written in the empty area A [0].

  Next, when performing total scene recognition, the scene recognition history is read into the CPU 75, and the number of recognition times (frequency) for each scene is tabulated (FIG. 2 (d)). Then, the scene with the largest number of recognitions is determined to be the scene SR currently being shot. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “night view” of “3” appearing three times in the scene recognition history is the maximum frequency. The CPU 75 sets the total scene recognition result as SR = 3 and sets the shooting mode to the night view mode. As a result, it becomes possible to execute image capturing and recording in accordance with the night view mode shooting conditions and image processing conditions.

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

  When the total scene recognition processing is completed, as shown in FIG. 4A, a symbol C10 (for example, “AUTO”, “person”, “landscape”) indicating the total scene recognition result SR is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71. , “Night view” and “close-up” characters and icons) are displayed superimposed on the through image or the recording image after the shutter button is fully pressed. As shown in FIG. 4 (a1), when a scene determined by total scene recognition matches a predefined scene in the digital camera 1, a symbol C10 representing the scene is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71. The On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (a2), when the scene determined by the total scene recognition does not match the scene defined in advance in the digital camera 1, “AUTO” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the display unit 71. . The symbol C10 indicating the total scene recognition result SR is generated by an OSD circuit (not shown). Thereby, the user can recognize what kind of scene the photographed or photographed scene is and what shooting mode is set.

  In the case where the digital camera 1 includes an audio processing circuit or a speaker, the CPU 75 may control to output a notification sound corresponding to the total scene recognition result SR.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, when “automatic scene recognition OFF” is set, the symbol indicating the total scene recognition result is not displayed.

  The digital camera 1 records suitable aperture values, shutter speeds, photographing conditions such as a focus lens position and a zoom lens position, and image processing settings for each photographing mode, and according to the total scene recognition result SR. When the shooting mode is set, an image is shot and recorded in accordance with the shooting conditions and image processing settings.

  Specifically, the shooting mode includes, for example, a person mode for shooting a person, a landscape mode for shooting a distant landscape in the daytime, a night view mode for shooting a distant landscape at night, and close-up photography. A close-up mode for photographing, a sports mode for photographing a moving subject, and a text mode for photographing characters. If the total scene recognition result SR is a night view, the digital camera 1 sets the shooting mode to the night view mode. In the night view mode, the in-focus position is set to the tele end side (for example, infinity) and long exposure is permitted (for example, ISO sensitivity is 400 to 800 or more, shutter speed is 1 / 1.6 seconds) And so on). Alternatively, if the total scene recognition result SR is close-up, the digital camera 1 sets the photographing mode to the close-up mode, opens the aperture diameter, and prohibits the flash light emitting unit 24 from emitting light. In the close-up mode, the in-focus position may be searched toward the far position (INF side) starting from the near position (Near side). Alternatively, if the total scene recognition result SR is landscape, the digital camera 1 sets the shooting mode to landscape mode, performs “average metering” as the metering mode, and performs divided metering. In the landscape mode, the digital camera 1 performs image processing that sets the in-focus position to the tele end side (for example, infinity) and emphasizes saturation and edge portions. Alternatively, if the total scene recognition result SR is a person, the digital camera 1 sets the shooting mode to the person mode, and the AF processing unit 62 detects the AF evaluation value calculation area detected by the face detection processing unit 80. Let it be a face area. In the portrait mode, the digital camera 1 performs image processing for smoothing the skin color portion and increasing the brightness. If the total scene recognition result SR is AUTO, AF, AE, and AWB are set as default settings, and shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value are automatically set. In the sport mode, the digital camera 1 increases the sensitivity by increasing the shutter speed in order to avoid subject blur. In the text mode, the digital camera 1 performs image processing for converting a captured image into a monotone.

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

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

  First, the CPU 75 acquires photographing information such as a focus lens position, a zoom lens position, an in-focus state, and a photometric value as a result of face detection, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the above information ( Step S10).

  Next, the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) slides to provide a free area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result (step S12). Then, the latest scene recognition result in step S10 is written in this latest value storage area (step S14).

  Next, in total scene recognition, a scene recognition history is read (step S16), and the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history (step S18). Then, the shooting mode is set according to the determination result of the scene SR. In step S18, for example, the currently captured scene SR is determined based on the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result.

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

  In S71, it is determined whether or not the flag (E_AUTOSR_SEARCH_TYPE) for executing the scene-dependent search (the process after Step S80) stored in the RAM 69 is 0. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 80. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 72. Note that the value of E_AUTOSR_SEARCH_TYPE can be arbitrarily set from the operation unit 11.

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

  In S73, E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted for the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 is an integer from 0 to 4. Then, a scene determination (recognition) subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed. module [0] does nothing. module [1] performs person determination described later. module [2] performs the landscape determination described later. module [3] performs night view judgment described later. module [4] performs the close-up judgment described later.

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

  In S75, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted for the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUTOSR_MODULE2 is an integer from 0 to 4, and is different from E_AUTOSR_MODULE1. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed.

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

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

  In S78, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of the execution of module [i] in S77. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S79. If “No”, the process returns to S10 of the main process.

  In S79, E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 stored in advance in the ROM 68 is substituted for the parameter i of the RAM 69. E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 is an integer from 0 to 4, and is different from E_AUTOSR_MODULE1, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2, and E_AUTOSR_MODULE3. Then, a scene determination subroutine corresponding to module [i] is executed. The values of E_AUTOSR_MODULE1, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2, E_AUTOSR_MODULE3, and E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 may be set in any way, but it is better to assign a young number to the type for which scene determination is to be performed preferentially. For example, if it is desired to perform scene determination in the order of person determination> landscape determination> night scene determination> close-up determination, E_AUTOSR_MODULE1 = 1, E_AUTOSR_MODULE2 = 2, E_AUTOSR_MODULE3 = 3, E_AUTOSR_MODULE4 = 4. These values may be arbitrarily set from the operation unit 11.

  In S80, it is determined whether or not the current scene recognition result SR in the RAM 69 is AUTO. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 72. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 81.

  In S81, the current scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is set in the parameter SR_old of the RAM 69. That is, SR_old = 0 if the current scene recognition result SR in the RAM 69 is AUTO, SR_old = 1 if the scene recognition result SR in the current RAM 69 is a person, and SR_old if the scene recognition result SR in the current RAM 69 is a landscape. = 2, SR_old = 3 if the current scene recognition result SR in the RAM 69 is a night view, and SR_old = 4 if the current scene recognition result SR in the RAM 69 is a close-up.

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

  In S83, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR of the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of the execution of module [i] in S82. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S84. If “No”, the process returns to S10 of the main process.

  In S84, it is determined whether SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE1. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S87. If “No”, the process proceeds to S85.

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

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

  In S87, it is determined whether SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE2. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S90, and if “No”, the process proceeds to S88.

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

  In S89, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR in the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of the execution of module [i] in S88. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S90, and if “No”, the process returns to S10 of the main process.

  In S90, it is determined whether SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE3. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S93. If “No”, the process proceeds to S91.

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

  In S92, it is determined whether or not the scene recognition result SR in the RAM 69 is AUTO as a result of the execution of module [i] in S91. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S93. If “No”, the process returns to S10 of the main process.

  In S93, it is determined whether SR_old = E_AUTOSR_MODULE4. If “Yes”, the process returns to S10 of the main process, and if “No”, the process proceeds to S94.

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

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

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the scene determination subroutine (person determination, module [1]). The execution of this process is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. A program for defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

  In S101, the face detection processing unit 80 determines whether a face is detected. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S102. If “No”, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S102, it is determined whether or not the face restriction flag in the RAM 69 is on. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 103. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 104.

  In S103, for the face area set as the AF evaluation value calculation area, the face size is within a predetermined range, the face inclination is within the predetermined range, the face orientation is within the predetermined range, and the face probability score Is determined within a predetermined range and whether the face position is within the predetermined range. If “No”, the process proceeds to S103, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to S104.

  In S104, the scene recognition result SR = person is set. Then, the process proceeds after module [1], that is, the next process of any one of S73, S75, S77, and S79, or the next process of any one of S85, S88, S91, and S94.

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

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

  In S111, it is determined whether or not the half-press (S1) of the shutter button is locked. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 124. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 112.

  In S <b> 112, it is determined whether execution of continuous AF (hereinafter referred to as “CAF”) is set in advance via the setting menu or the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S113. If “No”, the process proceeds to S129.

  In S113, it is determined whether the AF evaluation value calculated by the pre-imaging AF processing unit 81 is higher than a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S114. If “No”, the process proceeds to S119. Note that step S113 may be omitted. In this case, if “Yes” in S112, the process proceeds to S114, and the processes (S119, S120, S121, S122, and S123) that follow when “No” is determined in S113 are also omitted.

  In S114, it is determined whether or not E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 0 stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 115. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 116.

  In S115, it is determined whether the in-focus position determined as a result of the CAF is on the infinity side (INF) side from the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether the in-focus subject is farther than the predetermined distance. To do. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S116, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 1. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S117, and if “No”, the operation proceeds to S118.

  In S117, as a result of the CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the maximum point is infinity (INF) than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68. ) Side, that is, whether it is farther than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S118, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, “fine adjustment” in paragraph 0041 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-348426 by the present applicant). And the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined at the local maximum point is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, from the predetermined distance. Judge whether the distance is too far. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S119, it is determined whether or not E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 0 stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S120. If “No”, the process proceeds to S121.

  In S120, it is determined whether the in-focus position determined as a result of CAF is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether it is farther than the predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S121, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 1. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S122. If “No”, the process proceeds to S123.

  In S122, as a result of the CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the maximum point is infinity (INF) than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68. ) Side, that is, whether it is farther than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S123, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, “fine adjustment” in paragraph 0041 of JP-A-2003-348426 by the present applicant). And the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined at the local maximum point is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, from the predetermined distance. Judge whether the distance is too far. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S124, the in-focus position is determined by the AF processing of the AF processing unit 62, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position is on the infinity (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68. That is, it is determined whether or not the distance is longer than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 125. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 129.

  In S125, it is determined whether or not the field luminance measured by the control circuit 74 is lower than a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 126. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 129.

  In S126, it is determined whether or not the landscape zoom information flag is set in advance as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 126. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 129.

  In S127, it is determined whether or not the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range, for example, on the wide side of the predetermined position. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S128. If “No”, the process proceeds to S129. The zoom position is not within the predetermined range when, for example, the zoom lens position is at or near the tele end. In this case, since the entire view cannot be included in the angle of view and is not suitable for landscape photography, the photographing scene is determined to be AUTO.

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

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

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

  In S 131, it is determined whether or not the field luminance measured by the control circuit 74 is lower than a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 132. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 152.

  In S132, it is determined whether or not half-pressing of the shutter button (S1) is locked. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 147. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 133.

  In S133, it is determined whether or not the night scene determination flag stored in the RAM 69 before half-pressing (S1) is set to ON. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 134. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S134, it is determined whether the distance information is to be used in the night scene determination based on the input from the operation unit 11 or the parameter stored in the ROM 68. If the setting for using distance information is set for night scene determination, the process proceeds to S135, and if the setting for using distance information is not set for night scene determination, the process proceeds to S149.

  In S135, it is determined whether or not CAF execution is set in advance via the setting menu or the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S136. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S152.

  In S 136, it is determined whether or not the AF evaluation value calculated by the pre-imaging AF processing unit 81 is higher than a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 137. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 142. Note that step S136 may be omitted. In this case, if “Yes” in S135, the process proceeds to S137, and various processes subsequent to “No” in S136 are also omitted.

  In S137, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 0. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 138. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 139.

  In S138, it is determined whether the in-focus position determined as a result of CAF is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether it is farther than the predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S139, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 1. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S140. If “No”, the process proceeds to S141.

  In S140, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the maximum point is infinity (INF) than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68. ) Side, that is, whether it is farther than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S141, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, “fine adjustment” in paragraph 0041 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-348426 by the present applicant). And the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined at the local maximum point is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, from the predetermined distance. Judge whether the distance is too far. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S142, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 0. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S143. If “No”, the process proceeds to S144.

  In S143, it is determined whether the in-focus position determined as a result of the CAF is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether it is farther than the predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S144, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 1. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S145. If “No”, the process proceeds to S146.

  In S145, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the maximum point is infinity (INF) than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68. ) Side, that is, whether it is farther than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S146, as a result of CAF, a maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, “fine adjustment” in paragraph 0041 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-348426 by the present applicant). And the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined at the local maximum point is on the infinity side (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, from the predetermined distance. Judge whether the distance is too far. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S147, it is determined whether the distance information is to be used in the night scene determination based on an input from the operation unit 11 or a parameter stored in the ROM 68. If the setting for using distance information is set for night scene determination, the process proceeds to S148, and if the setting for using distance information is not set for night scene determination, the process proceeds to S149.

  In S148, the in-focus position is determined by the AF processing of the AF processing unit 62, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position is on the infinity (INF) side of the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68. That is, it is determined whether or not the distance is longer than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 149. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152.

  In S149, it is determined whether the night view zoom information flag is set to ON in advance as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S150. If “No”, the process proceeds to S151.

  In S150, it is determined whether or not the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range, for example, on the wide side of the predetermined position. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 151. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 152. The zoom position is not within the predetermined range when, for example, the zoom lens position is at or near the tele end. In this case, the back distant view with a small amount of incident light cannot be included in the angle of view, and is not suitable for night view photography, so it is determined as AUTO.

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

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

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the scene determination subroutine (night scene determination, module [3]). The execution of this process is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. A program for defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68. For night view determination, either of FIGS. 11 and 12 is sufficient. Either one may be selectively executed.

  In S 161, it is determined whether or not the field luminance measured by the control circuit 74 is lower than a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the operation proceeds to S 162. If “No”, the operation proceeds to S 168. This threshold value may be the same as or different from the threshold value for determining whether to instruct the auxiliary light control unit 25 to emit light.

  In S162, it is determined whether or not half-pressing of the shutter button (S1) is locked. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 163. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 168.

  In S163, it is determined whether or not the auxiliary light control unit 25 is instructed to emit light from the auxiliary light emitting unit 26. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 164. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 168.

  In S164, whether or not the difference in the field luminance measured by the control circuit 74 immediately before and after the auxiliary light control unit 25 causes the auxiliary light emitting unit 26 to emit light exceeds a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. Judging. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S168. If “No”, the process proceeds to S165. Note that if the difference does not exceed the threshold and is very small, it can be said that there is almost no contribution to the increase in subject brightness due to irradiation of auxiliary light, and the subject is not close.

  In S165, it is determined whether the night view zoom information flag is set to ON in advance as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 166. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 167.

  In S166, it is determined whether or not the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range, for example, on the wide side of the predetermined position. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 167. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 168. The zoom position is not within the predetermined range when, for example, the zoom lens position is at or near the tele end. In this case, the back distant view cannot be included in the angle of view and is not suitable for night view photography.

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

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

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the scene determination subroutine (close-up determination, module [4]). The execution of this process is controlled by the CPU 75 of the camera 1. A program for defining this processing is stored in the ROM 68.

  In S171, it is determined whether or not half-pressing of the shutter button (S1) is locked. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 184. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 172.

  In S172, it is determined whether or not CAF execution is set in advance via the setting menu or the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 173. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S 173, it is determined whether or not the AF evaluation value calculated by the pre-imaging AF processing unit 81 is higher than a predetermined threshold stored in the ROM 68. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 174. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 179. Note that step S173 may be omitted. In this case, if “Yes” in S 172, the process proceeds to S 174, and various processes subsequent to “No” in S 173 are also omitted.

  In S174, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 0. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S175. If “No”, the process proceeds to S176.

  In S175, it is determined whether the in-focus position determined as a result of CAF is closer to the near (NEAR) side than the predetermined focal distance threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether it is closer than the predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S176, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_HIGH = 1. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 177. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 178.

  In S177, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the maximum point is closer than the predetermined focal length threshold value stored in the ROM 68 (NEAR). It is determined whether it is on the side, that is, whether it is closer than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S178, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, “fine adjustment” in paragraph 0041 of JP-A-2003-348426 by the present applicant). And the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the local maximum point is closer to the near (NEAR) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, more than the predetermined distance. Judge whether it is close or not. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S179, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 0. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S180. If “No”, the process proceeds to S181.

  In S180, it is determined whether the in-focus position determined as a result of CAF is closer to the nearer (NEAR) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, whether it is closer than the predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S181, it is determined whether E_AUTOSR_CHECK_CAFSTATUS_LOW = 1. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 182. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 183.

  In S182, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected, and the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the maximum point is closer than the predetermined focal length threshold value stored in the ROM 68 (NEAR). It is determined whether it is on the side, that is, whether it is closer than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S183, as a result of CAF, the maximum point of the AF evaluation value is detected or the AF evaluation value is in the vicinity of the maximum point (for example, “fine adjustment” in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-348426, paragraph 0041 by the present applicant). And the focal length corresponding to the in-focus position determined by the local maximum point is closer to the near (NEAR) side than the predetermined focal length threshold stored in the ROM 68, that is, more than the predetermined distance. Judge whether it is close or not. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S184, the focus position is determined by the AF process of the AF processing unit 62, and the focal length corresponding to the focus position is closer to the near (NEAR) side than the predetermined focal distance threshold stored in the ROM 68. That is, it is determined whether or not it is closer than a predetermined distance. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 185. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188.

  In S185, it is determined whether the close-up zoom information flag is set to ON in advance as a setting parameter of the ROM 68 or from the operation unit 11. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S186. If “No”, the process proceeds to S187.

  In S186, it is determined whether or not the zoom lens position is within a predetermined range stored in the ROM 68, for example, on the wide side of the predetermined position. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to S 187. If “No”, the process proceeds to S 188. Note that the zoom position is not within the predetermined range, for example, except when the zoom lens position is at or near the wide end. In this case, the close subject cannot be focused and is not suitable for close-up photography.

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

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

  According to the present embodiment, not only a single scene recognition result (single scene recognition result) but also scene recognition based on face detection results, focus lens position, zoom lens position, focus state, and photometric value information. By performing scene recognition (total scene recognition) using the history, it is possible to acquire a stable scene recognition result.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the number of single scene recognition results used for determining the scene SR in total scene recognition when S1 is on is smaller than that before S1 (when S1 is off and when a live view is displayed).

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

  First, the CPU 75 acquires shooting information including a focus lens position, a zoom lens position, an in-focus state, and a photometric value as a result of face detection, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the above shooting information ( Step S20).

  Next, the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) slides to provide a free area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result (step S22). Then, the latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is written in this latest value storage area (step S24).

  Next, a scene recognition history including a predetermined number (single reference number for S1) of single scene recognition results used for determination of the scene SR in total scene recognition before S1 (during live view display) is read (step S26). Based on the scene recognition history, the current scene SR is determined (step S28). For example, when the number a of single scene recognition results to be referred to when total scene recognition is performed before S1 (reference number for S1 before) is set to a = 5, five single scene recognition results are read. In step S28, as in step S18, in the total scene recognition, the currently captured scene SR is determined based on, for example, the number of times of recognition (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result. Then, the shooting mode is set according to the determination result of the scene SR.

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

  First, the CPU 75 acquires information on the focus lens position, zoom lens position, focus state, and photometric value as a result of face detection, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the above information (step S30). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not to refer to the scene recognition history (step S32). If the scene recognition history is set so as not to refer to the scene recognition when S1 is on (No in step S32), the single scene recognition result in step S30 is set to the current scene (SR) (step S34). .

  Next, when the scene recognition history is set to refer to the scene recognition history when S1 is on (total scene recognition is performed) (Yes in step S32), the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) is stored. Slides to provide a free space for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result (step S36). Then, the latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is written in this latest value storage area (step S38).

  Next, a scene recognition history including single scene recognition results corresponding to the S1 post-reference number that is smaller than the S1 pre-reference number is read (step S40), and the current scene SR is determined based on the scene recognition history. (Step S42). For example, when the number a of single scene recognition results to be referred to when performing total scene recognition before S1 (reference number before S1) is set to a = 5, reference is made when performing total scene recognition after S1. The number b of single scene recognition results to be performed (the reference number for S1 after) may be set to b = 4. In this case, four single scene recognition results are read. In step S42, as in step S18 and the like, in the total scene recognition, for example, the currently captured scene SR is determined based on the number of times of recognition (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result. . Then, the shooting mode is set according to the determination result of the scene SR.

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

  According to the present embodiment, the total scene recognition before S1 is performed by reducing the number of single scene recognition results used for determining the scene SR in total scene recognition when S1 is on than before S1 (during live view display). It is possible to achieve both the stability of the result and the accuracy of the total scene recognition result when S1 is on.

  When accuracy is important, the total scene recognition when S1 is on may not refer to the history of the single scene recognition result before S1.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in total scene recognition, weighting is performed when scene recognition histories are aggregated, and the weight is increased as the new single scene recognition result is obtained.

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

  As in the first and second embodiments, when a through image before S1 is displayed, a single scene recognition result before S1 is stored in a predetermined storage area A [0], A [1], A [2],. Are sequentially stored as a scene recognition history.

  When the scene recognition history is updated, the CPU 75 reads out and sums up the single scene recognition results from the scene recognition history and performs total scene recognition. As shown in FIG. 14, the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment stores the weight w [i] (i = 0, 1, 2,...) Applied to each individual scene recognition result in the scene recognition history in the RAM 69 in advance. is doing. The value of this weight w [i] is smaller as the scene recognition result is older. The CPU 75 calculates the score for each scene by multiplying the weight w [i] at the time of counting the single scene recognition results, and determines the one having the largest score as the current scene (SR).

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

Score (ID = 1) = 1 × w [1] + 1 × w [2] + 1 × w [3] + 1 × w [4]
= 3 + 2 + 1 + 1
= 7
Score (ID = 3) = 1 × w [0]
= 5
Accordingly, the scene ID indicating the total scene recognition result is SR = 1, and the shooting mode is set to the “person” mode.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing total scene recognition processing (when S1 is on) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

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

Score (ID = 0) = 1 × w [2] + 1 × w [3] + 1 × w [4]
= 2 + 1 + 1
= 4
Score (ID = 1) = 1 × w [1]
= 5
Score (ID = 3) = 1 × w [0]
= 10
Accordingly, the scene ID indicating the total scene recognition result is SR = 3, and the photographing mode is set to the “night view” mode.

  It is also possible to use only the result after S1 by setting the weight for the single scene recognition result when S1 is ON to a value greater than 0 and setting all the weights before S1 to 0.

  In the present embodiment, the weight value is different before S1 and when S1 is on (after S1 is on), but the same value may be used.

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

  First, the CPU 75 acquires information on the focus lens position, zoom lens position, focus state, and photometric value as a result of face detection, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the above information (step S50). .

  Next, the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) slides to provide a free area for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result (step S52). Then, the latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is written in this latest value storage area (step S54).

  Next, scene recognition histories corresponding to the number of single scene recognition results (for the number of references for S1 before) used for determining the scene SR in total scene recognition before S1 (during live view display) are read (step S56). A weighting operation is executed (step S58). Then, based on the weighted scene recognition history, the current scene SR is determined (step S60). In step S60, as in step S18 and the like, in the total scene recognition, for example, the currently captured scene SR is determined based on the number of recognitions (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result. . Then, the shooting mode is set according to the determination result of the scene SR.

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

  First, the CPU 75 obtains information on the focus lens position, zoom lens position, focus state, and photometric value as a result of face detection, and scene recognition (single scene recognition) is performed using the above information (step S70). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not to refer to the scene recognition history (step S72). If the scene recognition history is set so as not to refer to the scene recognition when S1 is on (No in step S72), the single scene recognition result in step S70 is set to the current scene (SR) (step S74). .

  Next, when the scene recognition history is set to refer to the scene recognition history when S1 is turned on (total scene recognition is performed) (Yes in step S72), the storage area of the scene recognition history on the memory (RAM 69) is set. Slides to provide a free space for storing the latest value of the single scene recognition result (step S76). Then, the latest single scene recognition result in step S10 is written in this latest value storage area (step S78).

  Next, a scene recognition history including single scene recognition results corresponding to the number of references after S1 that is smaller than the number of references before S1 is read (step S80), and a weighting operation is executed (step S82). Then, based on the scene recognition history, the current scene SR is determined (step S84). In step S84, as in step S18 and the like, in the total scene recognition, for example, the currently captured scene SR is determined based on the number of times of recognition (recognition frequency) in the scene recognition history and the newness of the recognition result. . Then, the shooting mode is set according to the determination result of the scene SR.

  According to the present embodiment, when the scene recognition history is totaled, it is possible to improve the responsiveness when there is a scene change by increasing the weight as the new single scene recognition result, and the total scene recognition result It is possible to achieve both stability and responsiveness. In addition, since the single scene recognition result based on the shooting information at the time of S1 AUTO has high accuracy, it is possible to improve the scene recognition accuracy by increasing the weight applied to the single scene recognition result when S1 is on.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In this embodiment, a history of shooting information (for example, at least one of face detection result, focus lens position, zoom lens position, in-focus state, and photometric value) used for single scene recognition is stored in the RAM 69 in advance. The representative value of each piece of photographing information is obtained from the photographing information history, and single scene recognition is performed based on this representative value.

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

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, brightness EV [i] (photometric value, EV value) and subject distance POS [i] (for example, focus lens position) are shown as examples of shooting information. Other information (for example, face detection results (face presence / absence, number), zoom lens position, and photometric value) may be stored.

  Next, the CPU 75 stores a predetermined number of shooting histories at every predetermined time interval (for example, whenever new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information in the RAM 69 is updated). Each time, the photographing information history is read out, and a representative value of each photographing information is calculated. Then, scene recognition is performed based on this representative value. Here, as the representative value of the shooting information, for example, an average value or a median value can be used. Further, as representative values, for example, when the values of shooting information are arranged in order of size, N values on the maximum value side and M values on the minimum value side (N = M or N ≠ M may be used). It is also possible to use an average value calculated for the remaining shooting information after removing. In this case, since values that are extremely different from other shooting information can be excluded, it is less susceptible to scene fluctuations and noise.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a total scene recognition process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing in FIG. 19 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the photographing mode. The timing for performing the process includes, for example, every time new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information in the RAM 69 is updated, or every time a predetermined number of shooting information histories are stored.

  First, the shooting information history (for example, brightness and subject distance) is read from the RAM 69 (step S90), and the representative values (EVa, POSa) are calculated (step S92).

  Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values (EVa, POSa) (step S94), and a shooting mode is set according to the result of the total scene recognition.

  According to this embodiment, shooting information for scene recognition obtained at the time of AE and AF is stored in time series, and a total scene recognition is performed using a history of shooting information, so that a stable scene recognition result can be obtained. It becomes possible to acquire.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a total scene recognition process (before the S1) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically (at the time of S1 ON). As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in this embodiment, the number of pieces of shooting information included in the history of shooting information used for total scene recognition when S1 is on is less than that before S1 (during live view display). It is.

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

  First, a shooting information history including shooting information (for example, brightness and subject distance) for a predetermined number (for reference number before S1) is read from the RAM 69 (step S100), and the representative values (EVa, POSa). Is calculated (step S102).

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

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

  First, shooting information history including shooting information (for example, brightness and subject distance) corresponding to the number after S1 reference that is smaller than the number before S1 reference is read from the RAM 69 (step S110), and the representative value (EVa) is read. , POSa) is calculated (step S112).

  Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values (EVa, POSa) (step S114), and a shooting mode is set according to the total scene recognition result.

  In general, the shooting information obtained at S1 AUTO time is more accurate than the shooting information obtained at CAUTO time. In the present embodiment, the total number of shooting information in the history used for scene recognition when S1 is on is less than the number used for total scene recognition before S1 (when displaying a through image), so that the total scene when S1 is on The number of shooting information before S1 in the shooting information history to be referred to by recognition is reduced, and the influence is reduced. This makes it possible to achieve both the stability of the total scene recognition result before S1 and the accuracy of the total scene recognition result when S1 is on.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In this embodiment, weighting is performed when calculating a representative value of shooting information, and a value of weight applied to new shooting information is increased.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing a total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a total scene recognition process (before the S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically (at the time of S1 ON).

  As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment stores weights w [i] (i = 0, 1, 2,. Yes. The value of this weight w [i] is smaller for older shooting information in the shooting information history. The value of the weight w [i] may be different before S1 and when S1 is on, or may be the same.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the total scene recognition process (before S1) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The process of FIG. 26 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the shooting mode. The above process may be performed every time new shooting information is stored in the RAM 69 by CAE and CAF and the shooting information in the RAM 69 is updated, or every time a predetermined number of shooting histories are stored. .

  First, the shooting information history (for example, brightness and subject distance) is read from the RAM 69 by a predetermined number (for the reference number before S1) (step S120), and the shooting information is weighted (step S122). Representative values (weighted average values) EVa and POSa are calculated (step S124).

  Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values (EVa, POSa) (step S126), and a shooting mode is set according to the result of the total scene recognition.

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

  First, a shooting information history including shooting information (for example, brightness and subject distance) corresponding to the number of references for S1 smaller than the number of references for S1 before is read from the RAM 69 (step S130), and the shooting information is weighted. Then, the representative values (weighted average values) EVa and POSa are calculated (step S134).

  Next, total scene recognition is performed based on the representative values (EVa, POSa) (step S136), and a shooting mode is set according to the result of the total scene recognition.

  According to the present embodiment, when calculating a representative value of shooting information, weighting is performed for each shooting history, whereby it is possible to improve responsiveness when there is a scene change, and stable scene recognition results. And responsiveness can both be achieved. Also, since the shooting information obtained at the time of S1 AUTO has high accuracy, it is possible to improve the recognition accuracy of the scene by increasing the weight applied to the shooting information when S1 is on.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Operation part, 20 ... Lens, 24 ... Flash light emission part, 25 ... Auxiliary light control part, 26 ... Auxiliary light emission part, 51 ... Lens drive part, 54 ... Aperture, 55 ... Aperture drive part, 58 ... Image sensor (CCD), 59 ... Image sensor controller, 60 ... Analog signal processor, 61 ... A / D converter, 62 ... AF processor, 63 ... AE / AWB processor, 65 ... Digital signal processor , 66 ... Memory, 67 ... Compression / decompression processing unit, 68 ... ROM, 69 ... RAM, 70 ... Recording unit, 71 ... Display unit, 73 ... Flash control unit, 74 ... Control circuit, 75 ... CPU, 80 ... Face detection processing Part

Claims (15)

Shooting information acquisition means for acquiring shooting information which is information of a shooting scene;
Single scene recognition means for performing single scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene from the shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition means;
Scene recognition history registration means for registering a single scene recognition result by the single scene recognition means as the latest predetermined number of scene recognition histories;
Total scene recognition means for performing total scene recognition for recognizing a photographic scene based on the scene recognition history registered by the scene recognition history registration means;
Control means for performing at least one of display control, shooting control, signal processing control and information recording control according to the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Shooting information acquisition means for acquiring shooting information which is information of a shooting scene;
Shooting information history registration means for registering shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition means as the latest predetermined number of shooting information history;
Total scene recognition means for performing total scene recognition for recognizing a shooting scene based on the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means;
Control means for performing at least one of display control, shooting control, signal processing control and information recording control according to the total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The total scene recognition unit detects a shooting scene indicated by the single scene recognition result with the highest frequency in the whole or a part of the range of the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration unit, and the detected shooting scene The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the total scene recognition result is defined as   When a plurality of shooting scenes indicated by the maximum frequency single scene recognition result are detected, the total scene recognition means sets the shooting scene indicated by the latest single frequency recognition result of the highest frequency as the total scene recognition result. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3. The total scene recognition means
Weight setting means for performing weighting that increases the weight of the latest single scene recognition result for each single scene recognition result in the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means;
Calculating means for calculating a cumulative score for each single scene recognition result after weighting by the weight setting means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the single scene recognition result that maximizes the cumulative score calculated by the calculation unit is the total scene recognition result. The total scene recognition means
Calculating means for calculating a representative value from the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means;
Recognizing means for recognizing a photographic scene based on the representative value calculated by the calculating means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:   The calculating means includes an average value of the photographing information history registered in the photographing information history registering means, a weighted average value with a larger weight as the latest information of the photographing information history, and a median of the photographing information history. Value and N (N is an integer greater than or equal to N) of the maximum value side of the shooting information history, and M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 0) on the minimum value side, where N = M and N ≠ M The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein any one of the average values of the remaining information excluding the number of pieces of shooting information is calculated as the representative value.   The shooting information acquisition means includes at least one of information indicating whether or not a person's face is present in the shooting scene, information indicating a subject distance, information indicating the brightness of the subject, and auxiliary light detection information. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is acquired.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the photographing information acquisition unit acquires information on a focus position when the subject is focused as information indicating the subject distance. A shutter button for instructing photometry and distance measurement for main exposure when the shutter is half-pressed, and for instructing main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed;
In the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration unit, the number of single scene recognition results before the shutter half-press and the number of single scene recognition results after the shutter half-press are individually set. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9. A shutter button is provided to instruct photometry and distance measurement for main exposure when the shutter is half-pressed, and to instruct main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed.
In the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means, the number of shooting information before half-pressing the shutter and the number of shooting information after half-pressing the shutter are individually set. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9. A shooting mode setting means for setting a shooting mode according to a total scene recognition result by the total scene recognition means;
12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the shooting control based on the set shooting mode. A shutter button for instructing photometry and distance measurement for main exposure when the shutter is half-pressed, and for instructing main exposure when the shutter is fully pressed;
13. The photographing information acquisition unit acquires only information indicating a subject distance for main exposure and information indicating brightness of a subject for main exposure after the shutter is half-pressed. The imaging device according to any one of the above. A shooting information acquisition step of acquiring shooting information that is information of a shooting scene;
A single scene recognition step for recognizing a shooting scene from the shooting information acquired by the shooting information acquisition step;
A scene recognition history registration step of registering a single scene recognition result recognized in the single scene recognition step as a latest predetermined number of scene recognition histories in a scene recognition history registration unit;
A total scene recognition step for recognizing a photographic scene based on the scene recognition history registered in the scene recognition history registration means;
A control step of performing at least one of display control, shooting control, signal processing control and information recording control according to the total scene recognition result of the total scene recognition step;
An imaging method comprising: A shooting information acquisition step of acquiring shooting information that is information of a shooting scene;
A shooting information history registration step of registering the shooting information acquired in the shooting information acquisition step in a shooting information history registration unit as the latest predetermined number of shooting information histories;
A total scene recognition step for recognizing a shooting scene based on the shooting information history registered in the shooting information history registration means;
A control step of performing at least one of display control, shooting control, signal processing control and information recording control according to the total scene recognition result of the total scene recognition step;
An imaging method comprising:

Images