JP2011061476A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus whose operability can be improved. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus is equipped with: an imaging means for performing imaging under set imaging conditions; a detection means for detecting a photographing state; a frequency measurement means for measuring setting frequencies of the imaging conditions to the photographing state; and a determination means for determining the standard setting of the imaging conditions to the photographing state according to the setting frequencies. According to the present invention, the imaging apparatus whose operability can be improved is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that determines a standard setting of imaging conditions.

  A user (user) who performs shooting using the imaging apparatus may change the imaging condition to a desired setting according to his / her preference. The imaging conditions mean, for example, saturation, contrast, contour, hue, whiteout prevention, blackout prevention, exposure correction, and the like.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that can capture images under imaging conditions that are read out and frequently set by a user.

JP 2006-238023 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the imaging condition is determined by uniformly reflecting the setting frequency of the user. For this reason, the operability of the imaging apparatus may deteriorate. In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving operability.

  The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit (10) that performs imaging under set imaging conditions; a detection unit (30, 40, 42, 46, 50, 52, and 54) that detects a shooting situation; and frequency measuring means (34) for measuring the set frequency of the imaging condition, according to the setting frequency, comprising a, a determining means (38) for determining the standard settings for the image pickup condition with respect to the shooting conditions.

  In the above configuration, the imaging device can selectively attach a plurality of different types of lenses (110), and the frequency measurement unit sets the imaging conditions for the lenses attached to the imaging device. The frequency may be measured, and the determination unit may determine a standard setting of the imaging condition for the lens type according to the setting frequency.

  In the above configuration, the frequency measuring unit measures a setting frequency of the imaging condition for a user of the imaging device, and the determining unit determines the imaging condition for the user according to the setting frequency. It may be configured to determine the standard settings.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said determination means can be set as the structure which determines the standard setting of the said imaging condition with respect to the said imaging | photography condition, when the said setting frequency is larger than a reference value.

  In the above configuration, the imaging condition is multiple, the frequency measuring means, said measuring each setting frequency of the plurality of imaging conditions, the determination means, in response to each of a plurality of the set frequency, the shooting It can be set as the structure which determines the standard setting of at least 1 imaging condition among the several imaging conditions with respect to a condition.

  In the above configuration, the shooting situation may be at least one of the luminance of the subject, the time, the location, and the number of human faces in the subject.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device which can improve operativity can be provided.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective views illustrating an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6C are data tables illustrating the number of times of setting imaging conditions and reference values, and FIG. 6B is a table illustrating settings of imaging conditions in newly performed shooting. is there. FIGS. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (c) is a data table illustrating a set number and the reference value of exposure correction, FIG. 7 (b) is a table illustrating the setting of the exposure put the newly made photographing correction It is. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D are data tables illustrating measurement results and reference values of the number of times of setting imaging conditions stored in the user information directory. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating images displayed on the display unit.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment from the front side and the back side, respectively.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a strobe mounting unit 101, a shutter button 102, a lens mounting unit 103, and a storage medium mounting unit 104.

  A strobe 106 is attached to the strobe attachment unit 101. A lens 110 is attached to the lens attachment portion 103. The storage medium mounting unit 104 is mounted with a portable storage medium 112 such as an SD (Secure Digital) card. Further, the tripod 108 can be attached to the imaging apparatus 100.

  The lens mounting portion 103 is provided with a communication contact 105, and the communication contact 105 is electrically connected to a communication contact 107 provided on the lens 110. In addition, a lens accessory 114 such as a lens filter can be attached to the lens 110.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1B, an operation unit 116, a display unit 118, and a fingerprint detection unit 52 are provided on the back side of the imaging apparatus 100. Note that the operation unit 116 is, for example, a button or a dial, and the user can operate the operation unit 116 to set imaging conditions, organize files, and the like. The display unit 118 is a liquid crystal monitor, for example, and displays captured images. The fingerprint detection unit 52 detects the user's fingerprint.

  Next, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described using a block diagram. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a power switch 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a shutter switch 4, a shutter unit 6, a shutter curtain 8, an imaging element 10, an A / D converter 12, and a control circuit 14. , A D / A converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image display memory 20, memories 22 and 27, an image file generation circuit 24, an A / F (Auto Focus) unit 26, and an image processing circuit 28. The user activates the imaging device 100 by operating the power switch 1.

  The shutter switch 4 includes two types of switches SW1 and SW2. When the user presses the shutter button 102 to half the shutter stroke, for example, SW1 included in the shutter switch 4 is turned on. In response to the SW1 being turned on, the CPU 2 transmits a signal to the AF unit 26. The AF unit 26 that has received the signal operates the focus of the lens 110 via the communication contacts 105 and 107. The AF unit 26 includes, for example, a distance measuring sensor. When the user presses down all the shutter strokes, SW2 is turned on. In response to the SW2 being turned on, the CPU 2 transmits a signal to the shutter unit 6. The shutter unit 6 that has received the signal opens and closes the shutter curtain 8.

  Incident light enters the imaging device 100 via the lens 110 and reaches the shutter curtain 8. As described above, the shutter unit 6 opens and closes the shutter curtain 8. When the shutter curtain 8 is open, the incident light reaches the image sensor 10. That is, the exposure time to the image sensor 10 is determined by the opening / closing time of the shutter curtain 8. The imaging device 10 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, which captures incident light and converts it into an image signal. That is, the image sensor 10 captures an image of a subject to be imaged and outputs image information. As described above, the imaging apparatus 100 is a digital camera.

  The A / D converter 12 converts an analog signal that is image data output from the image sensor 10 into a digital signal. The image processing circuit 28 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, and the like on the image data output from the A / D converter 12. The control circuit 14 controls the A / D converter 12, the image processing circuit 28, the memory 22, and the image file generation circuit 24. The memory 22 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores image data captured by the image sensor 10. The memory 22 stores imaging condition setting frequency information, standard settings, fingerprint information, lens information, and the like, which will be described later. The imaging conditions are, for example, saturation, contrast, contour, hue, whiteout prevention, blackout prevention, exposure correction amount, and the like, which can be set by the user. The set frequency is a frequency at which each imaging condition is set to, for example, “AUTO”, “standard”, “strong”, “weak”, and the like.

  The image file generation circuit 24 converts image data from R, G, B (Red, Green, Blue) data to YC data, and compresses the image data into, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) format. Generate a file. The image display memory 20 stores image data displayed on the display unit 118. The D / A converter 16 converts a digital signal that is image data into an analog signal. The timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 10, the A / D converter 12, and the D / A converter 16. The display unit 118 displays the image data as an image. The memory 27 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), for example, and stores imaging condition setting frequency information, standard settings, fingerprint information, lens information, and the like.

  The imaging apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 2, the photometric sensor 30, the classification circuit 32, the measuring circuit 34, the frequency calculating circuit 36, the standard setting determination circuit 38, clock 40, lens information detection circuit 46, the face detection unit 50, fingerprint detection unit 52, a fingerprint detection circuit 54 comprises a storage medium mounting unit 104, an interface (I / F) 44,113 and 115, a strobe attachment portion 101, the lens mounting portion 103, communication contact 105.

  Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 is equipped with, for example, a position information detection unit 42, a strobe 106, a lens 110, and a storage medium 112 which are GPS (Global Positioning System) units. The imaging apparatus 100 can selectively mount a plurality of different types of lenses 110. Further, the position information detection unit 42 may be included in the imaging device 100.

  The photometric sensor 30 detects the amount of light reflected from the subject. Classification circuit 32 classifies the image pickup condition. The measurement circuit 34 measures the number of times that the imaging condition is set. The frequency calculation circuit 36 determines a reference value from the set number of times of the measured imaging conditions. The standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging conditions. The clock 40 is included in the CPU 2 and detects the time when the image was taken. The face detection unit 50 detects the number of human faces in the subject. The fingerprint detection unit 52 detects the fingerprint information of the user. The fingerprint detection circuit 54 receives the fingerprint information detected by the fingerprint detection unit 52 via the CPU 2 and identifies the user based on the fingerprint information.

  The lens 110 includes a memory 111. The memory 111 stores information on the lens 110, such as the shooting distance, focal length, aperture value, and open F value of the lens 110. The imaging device 100 and the lens 110 communicate with each other via a communication contact 105 provided on the lens mounting unit 103 and a communication contact 107 provided on the lens 110. The lens information detection circuit 46 detects information on the lens 110 attached to the imaging device 100. That is, the lens information detection circuit 46 detects the type of the mounted lens 110.

  The position information detection unit 42 detects a shooting position and communicates with the imaging apparatus 100 via the I / F 44. The strobe 106 is attached to the strobe attachment unit 101 of the imaging apparatus 100. The strobe mounting unit 101 includes a communication contact, and communicates with the communication contact provided in the strobe 106. The storage medium 112 communicates with the imaging device 100 via the I / Fs 113 and 115.

  Next, a description will be given of the control of the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 2 first sets the flag of each imaging condition to 0 (step S10). After step S10, the CPU 2 determines whether the flag of each imaging condition is 1 (step S11). In the case of Yes, it progresses to step S12. Step S12 will be described later.

  In No, the image pick-up element 10 images, and CPU2 reads the image data imaged by the image pick-up element 10 (step S13). After step S13, the CPU 2 detects each of a plurality of imaging conditions from, for example, image data in an Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) format (step S14).

  After step S14, the imaging apparatus 100 detects a shooting situation (step S15). More specifically, the imaging apparatus 100 detects a shooting situation and measures the set number of times for each of a plurality of imaging conditions in the shooting situation. After step S15, the imaging apparatus 100 controls the determination of the standard setting of the imaging condition for the detected shooting situation (step S16). Will be described later steps S15 and S16. After step S16, the CPU 2 determines whether the standard setting has been determined (step S17).

  If No in step S17, the process returns to step S11. In the case of Yes, the CPU 2 sets the flag of the imaging condition for which the standard setting has been determined to 1 (step S18). After step S17, the CPU 2 determines whether to continue shooting (step S19). If No, the control ends.

  If Yes, the flow returns to step S11. In this case, since the flag is 1, Yes is determined in step S11, and the process proceeds to step S12. The CPU 2 reads standard settings for each imaging condition. That is, the standard setting automatically becomes the imaging condition (step S12). After step S12, the image sensor 10 captures images under standard settings, and the CPU 2 reads image data captured by the image sensor 10 (step S13). Since the control after step S14 is the same as that already described, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, shooting state detection control when the shooting state is the amount of light reflected from the subject will be described. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment detects the luminance in the shooting state detection step of step S15 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the shooting state detection control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, after step S14 in FIG. 3, the photometric sensor 30 detects the amount of light reflected from the subject. That is, the photometric sensor 30 outputs a luminance signal among the image signals to the CPU 2. The CPU 2 performs logarithmic compression on the received luminance signal, and sets the result after logarithmic compression as luminance (BV: Brightness Value) (step S20). The photometric sensor 30 may detect the amount of light before the image sensor 10 captures an image, or may detect the amount of light from an image captured by the image sensor 10.

  After step S20, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the luminance is 2 or less (step S21). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions when BV = 2 (step S22).

  In the case of No in step S21, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the luminance is 4 or less (step S23). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set times of each of the plurality of imaging conditions for BV = 4 (step S24).

  In the case of No in step S23, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the detected luminance is 6 or less (step S25). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions for BV = 6 (step S26).

  In the case of No in step S25, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the detected luminance is 8 or less (step S27). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions for BV = 8 (step S28).

  In the case of No in step S27, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the detected luminance is 10 or less (step S29). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions for BV = 10 (step S30).

  In the case of No in step S29, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions for high luminance (step S31). After Steps S22, S24, S26, S28, S30, and S31, the shooting state detection control ends, and the process proceeds to Step S16 in FIG.

  Next, the standard setting determination control in step S16 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the standard setting determination control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the frequency calculation circuit 36 calculates a reference value from the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions (step S40). It will be described later example of calculation of the reference value.

  After step S40, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines whether the setting frequency of each imaging condition (indicated as “frequency” in the drawing) is greater than the reference value (step S41). In the case of Yes, the memory 27 stores the imaging condition whose setting frequency is greater than the reference value (step S42).

  After step S42, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging condition for the shooting situation (step S43). More specifically, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging condition for each imaging situation when the setting frequency is greater than the reference value. If No in step S41, the standard setting determining circuit 38 does not determine the standard setting (step S44). After step S43 or after step S44, the standard setting determination control ends.

  Next, the determination of the reference value and the determination of the standard condition exemplified in steps S40 to S43 in FIG. 5 will be described in more detail using a specific example. FIG. 6A is a data table exemplifying the measurement result of the number of times of setting the imaging condition before the start of control and the reference value. FIG. 6B is a table exemplifying setting of a plurality of imaging conditions detected in step S14 of FIG. FIG. 6C is a data table illustrating the set number of imaging conditions and the reference value after the reference value is calculated in step S40 of FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a data table illustrating the number of exposure correction settings and a reference value before the start of control. FIG. 7B is a table illustrating the exposure correction setting detected in step S14 of FIG. FIG. 7C is a data table illustrating the number of exposure correction settings and the reference value after the reference value is calculated in step S40 of FIG.

  In FIGS. 6A to 7C, only the case of BV = 2 is shown, but in reality, the classification circuit 32 has BV = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 10. Classification is also performed for each case of higher luminance (steps S22, S24, S26, S28, S30, and S31 in FIG. 5). A directory corresponding to each luminance is stored in the memory 27 which is a nonvolatile memory (see FIG. 2). In the directory corresponding to BV = 2 (hereinafter referred to as BV2 directory), the data tables shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A are stored. After the control is completed, the data table shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C is stored in the BV2 directory. Similarly, the data tables as shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6C, FIG. 7A, and FIG.

  FIG 6 (a) as shown in FIG. 6 (c), a plurality of imaging conditions (saturation, contrast, hue, overexposure prevention, and blackout prevention) set number of are measured. More specifically, each of “AUTO”, “standard”, “strong”, and “weak” is a plurality of imaging conditions such as saturation, contrast, hue, whiteout prevention, and blackout prevention. The set number of times set in is measured. “AUTO” is a state automatically set by the imaging apparatus 100. “Standard”, “strong”, and “weak” are states set by the user, respectively, and “standard” represents an intermediate state between “strong” and “weak”.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, under the imaging condition of BV = 2, the imaging condition used for 79 times of imaging is measured until step S22 in FIG. In this example, the frequency calculation circuit 36 determines a value corresponding to 60% of the total number of times as a reference value. That is, in Table 1, the reference value is 47. When the classification circuit 32 classifies BV = 2 (step S21 in FIG. 4), the CPU 2 extracts the BV2 directory.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in the newly performed imaging, the saturation is “high”, the contrast is “AUTO”, the hue is “weak”, the overexposure prevention is “weak”, and the black crush prevention is “ They are respectively set to the standard ".

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of imaging conditions for newly performed imaging to the set number of times until imaging is performed (step S22 in FIG. 4). In the data table of FIG. 6C, the part with double underline is added. The result of the addition, the total number is 80 times. The frequency calculation circuit 36 determines 48 corresponding to 60% of 80 which is the total number of times as a reference value (step S40 in FIG. 5).

  The standard setting determination circuit 38 determines whether each setting frequency of each imaging condition is larger than the reference value (step S41 in FIG. 5). As surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 6C, the frequency at which the contrast is set to “AUTO” is 50 times, and the frequency at which the black crush prevention is set to be strong is 50 times, which are larger than the reference values. Accordingly, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the contrast standard setting as “AUTO” and the standard setting for preventing black crushing as “strong” for the shooting situation of BV = 2 (step S43 in FIG. 5). That is, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of at least one imaging condition among the plurality of imaging conditions classified for each luminance, according to the number of times of setting the plurality of imaging conditions. Further, the data table after the addition is stored in the BV2 directory, and the BV2 directory is stored in the memory 27 (step S42 in FIG. 5).

  Next, FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, the number of times of setting the exposure correction to −3 to +3 is measured under the shooting condition of BV = 2. The frequency calculation circuit 36 determines a value corresponding to 60% of the total number of times as a reference value, as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the exposure correction is set to +1 in the newly performed imaging.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (c), the measuring circuit 34, the set number of exposure correction to the imaging is performed, adds the set number of exposure correction in the newly made the imaging (step S22 in FIG. 4) . The result of the addition, the total number is 80 times. The frequency calculation circuit 36 determines 48 corresponding to 60% of 80 which is the total number of times as a reference value (step S40 in FIG. 5). The standard setting determination circuit 38 sets −1, which is larger than the reference value at the setting frequency of 50 times, as the standard setting for exposure correction (step S43).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the frequency computing circuit 36 and standard setting determination circuit 38, the illustrated control in Table 1-6, as well as the case of BV = 2, BV = 4~10, and high brightness, In each case, the standard setting of the imaging condition for each shooting situation is determined. Note that the imaging conditions are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 6A to FIG. 7C, and may include, for example, contour, dimming correction amount, white balance, ISO sensitivity, and the like. Further, the imaging condition is not limited to a plurality and may be one.

  Regarding the setting of the imaging condition, there may be a setting other than “AUTO”, “standard”, “strong”, and “weak”. The exposure correction may have a setting other than −3 to +3. Further, the reference value is not limited to a value corresponding to 60% of the total frequency, and for example, a value corresponding to 50, 70, 80, or 90% may be used as the reference value. Although the standard setting is determined when the setting frequency is larger than the reference value, the standard setting may be determined when the setting frequency is equal to or higher than the reference value.

  As described above, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting in accordance with the imaging condition setting frequency. Further, in FIG. 7 (c) from FIG. 6 (a), the standard setting determination circuit 38 is set to define a standard set by using the reference value is not limited to this, the standard setting of imaging conditions frequently It can be set. For example, the standard setting determination circuit 38 can also determine the standard setting of the most frequent imaging condition. In other words, the standard setting determination circuit 38 can determine, for example, the standard setting of saturation in FIG. 6C to “standard” which is the most frequent setting.

  According to the first embodiment, for example, the user reflects the user's own preference without setting the imaging conditions according to shooting conditions such as nighttime when the amount of light is low, daytime when the amount of light is high, indoors, outdoors, and weather. Quick shooting is possible under the standard settings.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the classification circuit 32 performs classification for each luminance (BV) value, but the classification method is not limited to this. That is, the classification circuit 32 according to the luminance, for example, "clear sky", each weather "rain", etc., for example, "Day", may be classified for each "night", such as time.

  The second embodiment is an example in which the standard setting of the imaging condition is determined by classifying the time when shooting is performed. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment detects the time in the shooting state detection step of step S15 in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating imaging state detection control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the clock 40 included in the CPU 2 detects the time (step S50). After step S50, the classification circuit 32, the moon included in the detected time (in the figure "month" and claimed) Do before April, that determines whether belonging to any one of 1 to March (step S51). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions for “winter” (step S52).

  In the case of No in step S51, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the detected month is before June, that is, April or May (step S53). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions for “spring” (step S54).

  In the case of No in step S53, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the detected month is before September, that is, belongs to any of June to August (step S55). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions for “summer” (step S56).

  In the case of No in step S55, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions for “autumn” (step S57).

  After steps S52, S54, S56, and S57, the shooting state detection control ends, and the process proceeds to step S16 illustrated in FIG. Since the control after step S16 is the same as that already described in FIGS.

  In the second embodiment, the time is classified into the Japanese season according to the month, but the classification method is not limited to this. For example, the time may be classified into seasons in a country where the imaging apparatus 100 is used. Moreover, you may classify | categorize time, for example for every month, week, day, or hour and minute.

  The third embodiment is an example in which the standard setting of the imaging condition is determined by classifying the shooting location. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment detects the position in the shooting state detection step of step S15 in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating imaging state detection control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the position information detection unit 42 detects a position where imaging is performed (step S <b> 60). After step S60, the CPU 2 obtains position information via the I / F 44. The classification circuit 32 determines whether the acquired position information is new position information (step S61). For recognition of position information (latitude / longitude), for example, Geotag or the like loaded as a tag on image data can be used.

  In the case of No, the CPU 2 extracts a position information directory corresponding to the same or approximate position as the image data acquired in step S13 of FIG. 3 from the position information directory stored in the memory 27 (step S62). In the position information directory, data tables as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A are stored.

  In the case of Yes, the directory generation circuit 48 creates a new location information directory corresponding to the new location information, and the memory 27 stores the created location information directory (step S63). A data table corresponding to the new position information is created in the new position information directory.

  After step S62 or S63, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions to the detected position information (step S64). In other words, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions for each place. After step S64, the shooting state detection control ends, and the process proceeds to step S16 illustrated in FIG. Since the control after step S16 is the same as that already described in FIGS.

  Note that the position information may be latitude / longitude, or may be, for example, an area obtained by dividing latitude / longitude into a mesh shape within a predetermined range. It can also be a municipality or a prefecture. According to the third embodiment, even when the user visits the same place again on a trip or the like, the user can take a picture using the standard setting when the user visited previously.

  The fourth embodiment is an example in which the standard setting of the imaging condition is determined by classifying the type of lens used for photographing. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment detects the type of lens in the shooting state detection step of step S15 in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating imaging state detection control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the lens information detection circuit 46 detects the type of the lens 110 attached to the imaging device 100 via the communication contacts 105 and 107 (step S70). After step S70, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the detected lens information is new lens information (step S71).

  In No, CPU2 extracts the lens information directory which corresponds with the lens information acquired by step S74 from the lens information directory stored in the memory 27 (step S72). That, CPU 2 extracts lens information. In the lens information directory, a data table as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A is stored.

  In the case of Yes, the directory generation circuit 48 creates a new lens information directory corresponding to the new lens information, and the memory 27 stores the created lens information directory (step S73). That is, the directory generation circuit 48 registers a new lens. A data table corresponding to the new lens information is created in the new lens information directory.

  After step S72 or S73, the measurement circuit 34 adds each of the set times of the plurality of imaging conditions to the detected lens information (step S74). After step S74, the shooting state detection control ends, and the process proceeds to step S16 illustrated in FIG. Since the control after step S16 is the same as that already described in FIGS.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the imaging apparatus 100 is, for example, a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex camera) with many types of interchangeable lenses, or a camera capable of lens replacement, for example, using lenses with different open F values. Even in such a case, the user operability can be improved.

  The fifth embodiment is an example in which classification is performed for each subject to be photographed and the standard setting of imaging conditions is determined. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment detects the number of human faces in the subject in the shooting state detection step of step S15 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating imaging state detection control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the face detection unit 50 determines whether a human face exists in the subject (step S80). If No, the shooting conditions detection control ends.

  In the case of Yes in step S80, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the number of detected faces is 1 (indicated as “face = 1” in FIG. 11, the same applies hereinafter) (step S81). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions for the case where the number of faces is one (step S82).

  In the case of No in step S81, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the number of detected faces is two (step S83). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions when the number of faces is two (step S84).

  In the case of No in step S83, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the number of detected faces is three (step S85). In the case of Yes, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of the plurality of imaging conditions when the number of faces is three (step S86).

  In the case of No in step S85, the measurement circuit 34 adds the set number of times for each of a plurality of imaging conditions for a large number of people (step S87). After steps S82, S84, S86, and S87, the shooting state detection control ends, and the process proceeds to step S16 illustrated in FIG. Since the control after step S16 is the same as that already described in FIGS.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is improved, for example, by shooting a person or taking a commemorative photo, and the user can quickly take a picture. Although the classification is performed for each number of human faces in the subject, the classification method is not limited to this. For example, you may classify | categorize according to a person's age, an individual, a person and a person other than a person.

  Thus, according to Examples 1 to 5, the imaging device 100, a photometry sensor 30 for detecting a shooting situation, the position information detection unit 42, the lens information detection circuit 46, the face detection unit 50, the fingerprint detecting portion 52 and fingerprint A detection circuit 54. In addition, a measurement circuit 34 that measures the setting frequency of the imaging condition and a standard setting determination circuit 38 that determines the standard setting of the imaging condition for the shooting situation according to the setting frequency are provided. According to this configuration, the imaging apparatus 100 can determine a standard setting that reflects the user's preference for the shooting situation. Thereby, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is improved, and the user can quickly shoot.

  Further, when the setting frequency is larger than the reference value, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging condition for the shooting situation (see FIGS. 6C and 7C). According to this configuration, a setting with a high setting frequency can be set as a standard setting of the imaging condition. Therefore, the user's preference for the shooting situation can be more reliably reflected in the standard setting.

  The imaging conditions are more, the measuring circuit 34 measures the set frequency of each of the plurality of imaging conditions, a standard setting determination circuit 38, in response to each of a plurality of setting frequency, a plurality of image pickup for shooting conditions Among the conditions, the standard setting of at least one imaging condition is determined (see FIGS. 6A to 7C). According to this configuration, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is further improved.

  The sixth embodiment is an example in which for each user, the luminance is reflected from the subject and the standard setting of the imaging condition is determined. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment performs user identification processing in addition to the control illustrated in FIG. 3, and detects luminance in step S15. 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, the imaging apparatus 100 performs a user identification process (step S90). The user identification process will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the fingerprint detection unit 52 detects the fingerprint information of the user (step S91). Fingerprint detection circuit 54 via the CPU 2, receives the fingerprint information fingerprint detecting portion 52 has detected, the user of the imaging apparatus 100 based on the fingerprint information to determine whether new user (step S92). That is, the fingerprint detection circuit 54 determines whether or not the detected fingerprint information matches the pre-registered fingerprint information.

  In the case of No, that is, when the detected fingerprint information matches the registered fingerprint information, the CPU 2 searches the user information directory stored in the memory 27 for user information corresponding to the fingerprint information that matches the detected fingerprint information. to extract the directory (step S93). That, CPU 2 extracts the user information.

  If Yes, that is, if the detected fingerprint information does not match the registered fingerprint information, the directory generation circuit 48 creates a user information directory corresponding to the new user, and the memory 27 stores the created user information directory. (Step S94). That is, the directory generation circuit 48 registers a new user.

  After step S93 or S94, the display unit 118 displays that a new user has been registered or that user information has been extracted (step S95). After step S95, the user identification process ends, and the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. The imaging apparatus 100 performs control in steps S10 to S19 using the data table in the user information directory. Steps S10 to S19 are the same as those illustrated in FIG.

  Next, a description will be given of information in the user information directory. FIGS. 14 (a) and. 14 (b), the data to illustrate the directory corresponding to the user 1 ( "User 1 Directory", hereinafter the same) of the set number of stored imaging condition in the measurement result, and the reference value It is a table. FIG. 14A shows a data table when BV = 2. FIG. 14B is a data table when BV = 4. The user information directory is illustrated by a solid line surrounding the data table.

  FIG. 14C and FIG. 14D are data tables illustrating measurement results of the number of times of setting of imaging conditions stored in the user 2 directory and reference values. FIG. 14C shows a data table when BV = 2. FIG. 14D is a data table when BV = 4. Reference value is set to 60% of the total number, FIG. 14 (a) in 36, and FIG. 14 (b) in 48, FIG. 14 (c) In 60, FIG. 14 (d) 30 becomes the respective reference values.

  Although only the users 1 and 2 are illustrated, the same user information directory and data table are actually created for the user 3. The user information directory is stored in the memory 27.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, for user 1, when BV = 2, the standard setting for overexposure becomes “stronger” where the setting frequency is greater than the reference value (enclosed by a broken line in the figure). . For the imaging conditions other than whiteout prevention, the standard setting is not determined because the setting frequency is less than or equal to the reference value.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, for the user 1, when BV = 4, the contrast standard setting is “AUTO” where the setting frequency is larger than the reference value, and the black crush prevention standard setting is “strong”. become. With respect to the imaging conditions excluding contrast and blackout prevention, the standard setting is not determined because the setting frequency is lower than the reference value.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, for the user 2, for BV = 2, the standard setting of saturation is “standard” where the setting frequency is larger than the reference value, and the standard setting for overexposure is “AUTO”. "become. Regarding the imaging conditions excluding saturation and overexposure prevention, the standard setting is not determined because the setting frequency is lower than the reference value.

  As shown in FIG. 14D, for user 2, the standard setting of the hue becomes “stronger” than the reference value when BV = 4. As for the imaging conditions excluding the hue, since the setting frequency is less than the reference value, the standard setting is not determined.

  Thus, even when the brightness is the same as BV = 2 or BV = 4, different standard settings can be determined for each user. Similarly, not only BV = 2 and 4 but also BV = 6 to 10 and high luminance, different standard settings can be determined for each user.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the number of users is three in the sixth embodiment, but may be two or four or more. 14A to 14D, the reference value is set to 60% of the total number of times for any user, but the method for determining the reference value is not limited to this. For example, different reference values may be adopted for each user, such as 60% of the total number of times for user 1, 80% for user 2, and 90% for user 3. .

  In the sixth embodiment, the example in which the user is identified based on the fingerprint information has been described. However, the user identification method is not limited to this. Other examples of the user identification method include a user's pupil iris pattern and voice pattern. The detection of the glow pattern can be realized, for example, by providing a glow pattern detection unit in the finder of the imaging apparatus 100. The detection of the sound pattern can be realized by providing a sound collecting device such as a microphone in the imaging device 100.

  In the sixth embodiment, the standard setting for the luminance is determined, but the shooting situation is not limited to the luminance. For example, as described in each of Embodiments 2 to 5, the shooting situation may be time, position, the number of human faces of the subject, and the type of lens, or a shooting situation other than the above.

  Thus, according to the sixth embodiment, the measurement circuit 34 measures the setting frequency of the imaging condition for the user, and the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging condition for the user according to the setting frequency. . According to this configuration, the imaging apparatus 100 can determine a standard setting that reflects the preferences of each of a plurality of users with respect to the shooting situation. As a result, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is improved, and each user can quickly shoot.

  The seventh embodiment is an example in which the standard setting of the imaging condition is determined by classifying the luminance for each lens type. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment performs lens identification processing in addition to the control illustrated in FIG. 3, and detects luminance in step S15. 15 and 16 are flowcharts illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the imaging apparatus 100 first performs lens identification processing (step S100). The lens identification process will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, steps S70 to S73 of the lens identification process are the same as those illustrated in FIG. After step S72 or S73, the display unit 118 displays that a new lens has been registered or that lens information has been extracted (step S101). After step S101, the lens identification process ends, and the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. Steps S10 to S19 are the same as those illustrated in FIG.

  By the above control, the number of times of setting the imaging condition with respect to the luminance is measured in the lens information directory classified for each lens, and the reference value is determined, as in the case shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D. The number of lenses 110 may be two or more, and may be two or more.

  In the seventh embodiment, the standard setting for the luminance is determined, but the shooting situation is not limited to the luminance. For example, as described in each of Embodiments 2 to 5, the shooting situation may be the time, the position, the number of faces of the subject person, or a shooting situation other than the above.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, a plurality of different types of lenses 110 can be selectively attached to the imaging apparatus 100, and the measurement circuit 34 measures the setting frequency of imaging conditions for the lens 110. Then, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging condition for the type of the lens 110 according to the setting frequency. According to this configuration, the imaging apparatus 100 can determine a standard setting that reflects the preference of the user with respect to the types of the plurality of lenses 110 and the shooting situation. As a result, even when a plurality of different types of lenses 110 are used, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is improved, and the user can shoot quickly.

  Example 8 is an example in which the standard setting of imaging conditions for a plurality of imaging situations is determined. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, steps S10 to S14 are the same as those illustrated in FIG. After step S14, the imaging apparatus 100 detects the first shooting situation (step S110). After step S110, the imaging apparatus 100 detects a second shooting situation that is different from the first shooting situation detected in step S110 (step S111).

  After step S111, the process proceeds to step S16. Steps S16 to S19 are the same as those already described in FIG. That is, the imaging apparatus 100 determines the standard setting of the imaging conditions for each of the first shooting situation and the second shooting situation.

  Next, an example will be described in which the number of human faces of the subject is detected as the first shooting situation and the luminance is detected as the second shooting situation. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control for detecting the number of human faces of the subject in step S110.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the face detection unit 50 determines whether a human face exists in the subject (step S112). In No, 1st imaging condition detection control is complete | finished and it progresses to step S111 of FIG.

  If Yes in step S112, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the number of detected faces is one (step S113). In Yes, CPU2 extracts the face information directory with respect to the case where the number of faces is one among the face information directories stored in the memory 27 (step S114).

  In the case of No in step S113, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the number of detected faces is two (step S115). In the case of Yes, the CPU 2 extracts a face information directory for the case where the number of faces is two (step S116).

  In the case of No in step S115, the classification circuit 32 determines whether the number of detected faces is three (step S117). In the case of Yes, the CPU 2 extracts a face information directory for the case where the number of faces is three (step S118). In No, CPU2 extracts the face information directory with respect to many people (step S119).

  After steps S114, S116, S118, and S119, the first shooting situation detection control ends, and the process proceeds to step S111 in FIG. The imaging apparatus 100 detects luminance as the second shooting situation (step S111). The luminance detection control is the same as that illustrated in FIG. After step S111, the process proceeds to step S16. Steps S16 to S19 are the same as those illustrated in FIG.

  That is, the imaging apparatus 100 detects the number of human faces of the subject as the first shooting situation and the luminance as the second shooting situation (steps S110 and S111). Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 determines standard settings (step S16). The standard setting determination control is the same as that illustrated in FIG.

  According to the eighth embodiment, the number of faces of the subject person is detected, and the imaging condition setting frequency with respect to the luminance is measured. That is, the standard setting determination circuit 38 determines the standard setting of the imaging condition with respect to the number and luminance of human faces. Thereby, the preference of the user with respect to the number of human faces and the luminance can be reflected in the standard setting. Further, the user himself / herself may not store or record the setting of the imaging condition. Therefore, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is improved, and the user can quickly shoot.

  In the eighth embodiment, the standard setting is determined for each number of human faces and luminance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as the first and second shooting situations, any of the brightness, time, place, number of human faces of the subject, and lenses described in each of the first to fifth embodiments, or any other shooting situation is arbitrarily set. Even if combined, the present invention is applicable. Further, three or more shooting situations may be detected.

  As described above, the imaging device 100 detects a plurality of shooting situations, the measurement circuit 34 measures the setting frequency of imaging conditions for the plurality of shooting situations, and the standard setting determination circuit 38 sets a plurality of times according to the setting frequencies. The standard setting of the imaging condition for the shooting situation is determined. According to this configuration, the imaging apparatus 100 can determine standard settings that reflect user preferences for a plurality of shooting situations. Thereby, the standard setting in a more detailed photographing situation can be determined. Therefore, the operability of the imaging apparatus 100 is improved, and the user can take images quickly.

  Next, an example of an image displayed on the display unit 118 in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 118 in the first embodiment. FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 118 in the seventh embodiment.

  First, FIG. 19A will be described. When the user performs shooting using the imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 19A, the imaging apparatus 100 performs the control shown in the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the display unit 118 provided on the back surface of the imaging apparatus 100 indicates that the standard setting determination circuit 38 has determined the standard setting of the imaging condition for each luminance (see step S43 in FIG. 5). That is, in response to the standard setting being updated, the standard setting update can be displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 19A, the classification circuit 32 performs classification for each weather according to the luminance. Therefore, the display unit 118 represents the shooting situation as “scene”, and notifies the user that the standard setting when “scene” is “fine weather” has been updated. Thereby, the user can easily grasp that the standard setting has been updated.

  Next, FIG. 19B will be described. The imaging apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 19B performs user identification processing. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the fingerprint detection unit 52 and the fingerprint detection circuit 54 identify the user.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, the display unit 118 indicates that the user has been identified and the standard setting for the user has been extracted in response to the fingerprint detection unit 52 and the fingerprint detection circuit 54 identifying the user. This is displayed (see step S95 in Example 6, FIG. 13). For example, when “user A” is identified as the user, the display unit 118 notifies the user that “user A mode” which is a standard setting for the user A is set. Thereby, the user can easily grasp that the standard setting according to the user A has been extracted. The display unit 118 can also display that the type of the lens 110 has been identified (see Example 7, step S101 in FIG. 16).

  Although the luminance, time, position, number of human faces of the subject, and lens type have been described as the shooting situation, the present invention can also be applied to shooting situations other than those described above.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to digital cameras but also to devices such as imaging devices other than digital cameras, mobile phones having a photographing function, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), notebook computers, watches, and video cameras. is there.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be changed.

CPU 2
Image sensor 10
Photometric sensor 30
Classification circuit 32
Measurement circuit 34
Frequency calculation circuit 36
Standard setting decision circuit 38
Clock 40
Position information detection unit 42
Lens information detection circuit 46
Directory generation circuit 48
Face detection unit 50
Fingerprint detector 52
Fingerprint detection circuit 54
Imaging device 100
Communication contact 105, 107
Lens 110
Display unit 118

Claims (6)

Imaging means for imaging under set imaging conditions;
Detection means for detecting the shooting situation;
Frequency measuring means for measuring the setting frequency of the imaging condition for the shooting situation;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines a standard setting of the image pickup condition for the shooting state according to the setting frequency. The imaging device can selectively attach a plurality of different types of lenses,
The frequency measuring means measures the setting frequency of the imaging condition for a lens attached to the imaging device,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a standard setting of the imaging condition for the lens type according to the setting frequency. The frequency measuring means measures a setting frequency of the imaging condition for a user of the imaging device,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines a standard setting of the imaging condition for the user according to the setting frequency.   4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a standard setting of the imaging condition for the imaging situation when the setting frequency is greater than a reference value. 5. The imaging conditions are plural,
The frequency measuring means measures a set frequency of each of the plurality of imaging conditions;
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines a standard setting of at least one imaging condition among the plurality of imaging conditions for the imaging situation according to each of the plurality of setting frequencies. An imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing situation is at least one of luminance of the subject, time, location, and the number of human faces in the subject.

Images