JP2011075831A - Image pickup device, control method therefor and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device capable of improving the operability, without increasing the cost, when photographing the person photographing himself as a subject image. <P>SOLUTION: A system control section 50 detects an attitude state with a predetermined sampling period by an attitude detection section 82, and determines whether or not the attitude of the pickup device 1 is in an upside-down state (S1). When it is detected that the attitude of the pickup device 1 is in an upside-down state, the system control section 50 automatically sets the pickup device 1 to a self-photographing mode (S2). An acceleration sensor 83 converts tapping vibration into an electrical signal. The system control section 50 determines by a vibration detecting section 81 whether the vibration is of a predetermined vibration waveform by the tapping of the bottom face of a camera from the vibration waveform for each axis of the acceleration sensor (S3). When the vibration is determined as being a predetermined vibration waveform, the system control section 50 starts photographing (S4). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a photographing mode for photographing a photographer himself as a subject, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Usually, when taking a picture with a camera, the photographer performs a release by viewing the subject with a camera finder or monitor. For this reason, the shutter button of the camera is arranged at a position where it can be easily pushed with the index finger when the photographer firmly holds the camera. Thereby, it is possible to perform shooting with reduced camera shake.

  On the other hand, when a photographer takes a picture of himself / herself, it has been common so far to set a camera on a tripod and take a picture using a self-timer mode function provided in the camera.

  However, in recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras, it is possible to easily check and retake the captured image even if shooting fails, so the photographer holds the camera with his left hand toward him and extends his hand. There are a lot of shootings.

  In general, there are many right-handed people, and holding the camera with the left hand when shooting yourself causes camera shake. For this reason, Patent Literature 1 discloses a camera provided with a shutter button for holding a camera with the right hand during shooting as a method for solving this problem.

  Further, for example, the camera described in Patent Document 2 includes a shutter release delay unit that starts photographing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter button was pressed when photographing itself. That is, Patent Document 2 discloses a photographing method in which even if the camera moves immediately after the shutter release, the photographing is started after a while after the shutter is released, so that the influence of blur after the release is less likely to occur. .

JP-A-11-305293 JP 2001-249379 A

  However, the conventional imaging apparatus has the following problems. That is, in the case of the former camera provided with a shutter button for holding the camera with the right hand at the time of shooting, the operability when shooting itself is improved, but it is necessary to prepare a new operating member. There is a cost increase.

  Further, in the case of the latter camera using the shutter release delay means, it is impossible to detect whether or not the blur at the time of pressing the release switch is settled, so that a shutter release delay time is required more than necessary. Furthermore, the camera must be held with the left hand extended until shooting is started, which may be affected by camera shake.

  Thus, in the past, when the photographer photographed himself, the camera was held with the left hand, or the camera was turned upside down and the release switch was pushed with the thumb, so it was unstable. It was. For this reason, there has been a problem that the number of camera shake photographs is larger than that during normal shooting.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an imaging apparatus capable of improving operability without increasing the cost when photographing a photographer himself as a subject image, a control method therefor, and a program therefor The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention also provides an image pickup apparatus capable of suppressing the influence of camera shake by minimizing the delay time, and its control method and program, since the camera starts shooting by determining the shake state during the release operation. To do other purposes.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus that captures a subject, and vibration detection means that detects vibration of the imaging apparatus, and whether or not the imaging apparatus is in a predetermined posture. A posture determination unit for determining whether or not the posture determination unit determines that the posture is the predetermined posture, and a shooting mode setting unit for setting a self-portrait shooting mode for shooting a photographer himself as the subject. When the self-portrait photographing mode is set by the photographing mode setting means, vibration determining means for determining whether or not the vibration detected by the vibration detecting means is a predetermined vibration, and the predetermined vibration by the vibration determining means. When it is determined that the vibration is, a photographing processing means for performing a photographing process is provided.

  When it is determined that the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is in a predetermined posture, the imaging apparatus is set to a self-portrait shooting mode for shooting the photographer himself, and the detected vibration is the predetermined vibration. If it is determined, the image capturing process is performed. Thereby, when photographing the photographer himself as a subject image, the operability can be improved without causing an increase in cost. As described above, when taking a picture of the photographer himself / herself as a subject, it is possible to take a picture while firmly grasping the camera with the right hand without preparing a new operation member, and at the same time, the influence of camera shake can be suppressed.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the second aspect, when the preparation for shooting is completed and the camera is in a stationary state, the shooting process is performed, so that a shot image without camera shake can be obtained. As described above, since the shooting is started by determining the state of blurring during the release operation, the delay time can be minimized and the influence of camera shake can be suppressed.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, since it is notified that the preparation for photographing is completed and the camera is not in a stationary state, the photographer can grasp the state immediately before photographing.

  According to the imaging device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to detect a short-time vibration waveform such as tapping.

  According to the imaging device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operating member on the back surface of the finger with the finger gripping the imaging device.

  According to the imaging device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent photographing that causes a blurring effect on the photographed image.

  According to the imaging device of the seventh aspect, since the posture is determined from the vibration detected by the posture detection means, the posture can be determined easily and without increasing the number of parts.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the basic process sequence of self-portrait photography mode. It is a flowchart which shows the specific process sequence of self-portrait photography mode. It is a flowchart which shows the vibration detection process sequence in step S14. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography preparation processing procedure in step S16. 6 is a graph showing changes in the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 in a normal posture with the bottom surface of the imaging apparatus 1 facing down. It is a graph which shows the change of the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 in the state of the attitude | position which turned the imaging device 1 upside down. It is a graph which shows the change of the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 when tapping the bottom face in the state which made the imaging device 1 the upside down posture. It is a graph which shows the change of the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 when tapping at a different tapping position.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The imaging apparatus of this embodiment is applied to a digital camera.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. In the imaging apparatus 1, the optical system 10 includes a zoom lens 11a, a focus adjustment lens 11b, a shutter 12, a diaphragm unit 13, and the like. The optical axis 14 of the optical system 10 is provided with an image sensor 21 that converts an optical image into an electrical signal.

  The A / D converter 22 converts the analog signal output of the image sensor 21 into a digital signal. The timing generation unit 24 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 21, the A / D converter 22 and the D / A converter 27, and is controlled by the memory control unit 25 and the system control unit 50.

  The image processing unit 23 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, and gamma processing on the data from the A / D converter 22 or the data from the memory control unit 25. The image processing unit 23 performs predetermined processing using the captured image data. Based on the result obtained by this processing, the system control unit 50 controls the exposure control unit 41 and the focus control unit 42. That is, the system control unit 50 performs contrast AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and the like.

  Furthermore, the image processing unit 23 can perform predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and can perform AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the arithmetic result obtained by this processing.

  Further, specific calculation processing of the exposure control unit 41 will be described in detail later. The memory control unit 25 controls the A / D converter 22, the image processing unit 23, the timing generation unit 24, the image display memory 26, the D / A converter 27, the compression / decompression unit 28, and the internal memory 29.

  The data of the A / D converter 22 is sent to the image display memory 26 or the internal memory 29 via the image processing unit 23 and the memory control unit 25, or the data of the A / D converter 22 is sent directly to the memory control unit 25. Is written to.

  The image display unit 7 includes a TFT, an LCD, and the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 26 is displayed by the image display unit 7 via the D / A converter 27. In addition, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying the image data captured using the image display unit 7.

  The image display unit 7 not only displays an image but also displays various menu items related to various settings of the imaging apparatus 1 together with or without displaying an image. The user can change the setting of the designated item by appropriately selecting the menu item displayed on the image display unit 7 while operating the operation switch 5.

  The compression / decompression unit 28 compresses / decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads the image data stored in the internal memory 29, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and finishes the processing. The image data is written into the internal memory 29.

  The internal memory 29 stores captured still images and moving image data, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving image data for a predetermined time. As a result, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the internal memory 29 at high speed. The internal memory 29 can also be used as a work area for the system control unit 50.

  The exposure control unit 41 controls the shutter 12 and the aperture unit 13, and supports flash photography by cooperating with the strobe 9 controlled via the strobe control unit 8. The focus control unit 42 controls the focus adjustment lens 11b. The zoom control unit 43 controls the zooming operation with the zoom lens 11a. The barrier control unit 44 controls the operation of the barrier 2 that is a protective member disposed on the front surface of the lens.

  The strobe 9 is controlled by the strobe controller 8 and corresponds to the AF auxiliary light projecting function and the strobe dimming function. The system control unit 50 controls the entire imaging apparatus 1. The volatile memory 45 temporarily stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control unit 50.

  The nonvolatile memory 46 is an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory. As the nonvolatile memory 46, for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. The non-volatile memory 46 records constants, variables, programs, and the like necessary when the image pickup apparatus 1 is operating so that they are not lost even when the image pickup apparatus 1 is not operating. During the operation of the imaging apparatus 1, constants, variables, programs, and the like recorded in the nonvolatile memory 46 are sent to the system control unit 50 in response to a call instruction from the system control unit 50. The system control unit expands the called constants, variables, programs, and the like in the memory 45 so that they can be used as needed.

  The acceleration sensor 83 is an X-Y or XY-Z axis vibration detection sensor. In the case of a sensor capable of detecting vibration or posture, such as a gyro sensor or a posture sensor, one or a plurality of sensors may be combined and used as an acceleration sensor.

  The vibration detection sensor control unit 80 includes a vibration detection unit 81 and a posture detection unit 82 (posture determination means). The vibration detection sensor control unit 80 detects a posture state of the imaging apparatus 1 by detecting a signal from the acceleration sensor 83, determines a predetermined vibration by the vibration detection unit 81, or determines a stationary state. Further, when the posture detection unit 82 detects that the posture is a predetermined posture, the system control unit 50 invalidates operation inputs from operation members such as the operation switch 5, the release switch 3, and the mode dial 4. Then, the system control unit 50 controls the detection cycle of the acceleration sensor 83 with respect to the detection cycle control unit 84.

  The display unit 47 is a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program by the system control unit 50. The display unit 47 is installed at a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the imaging apparatus 1 where it can be easily seen, and is configured by, for example, a combination of LCD and LED. In addition, the display unit 47 may have a part of the function installed in the optical viewfinder 6. The display unit 47 displays, for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, strobe light emission setting, and the like. Furthermore, one or more display units 47 are installed on the front surface (optical lens side) of the imaging device 1 in order to notify the user of completion of shooting preparation and the stationary state of the imaging device 1.

  As the operation unit, the release switch 3, the mode dial 4 and the operation switch 5 are for inputting various operation instructions of the system control unit 50, and include one or a plurality of switches, dials, touch panels, voice recognition devices, and the like. Composed of a combination. The release switch 3 is specifically configured to be pushed in two stages. The user gives a shooting preparation instruction by a half-press operation (SW1 on) that is a push operation up to the first stage, and gives a shooting instruction by a full press (SW2 on) operation that is a push operation up to the second stage. Can do.

  When the photographing preparation instruction SW1 is turned on, the system control unit 50 controls to perform photographing preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing and AE (automatic exposure) processing. Further, when SW2, which is a shooting instruction, is turned on, the system control unit 50 drives the shutter 12 and the aperture unit 13 via the exposure control unit 41, and performs control for capturing the subject image by the image sensor 21. Specifically, the system control unit 50 exposes the subject image by putting the image sensor 21 in the accumulation state and driving the shutter 12 to open and close. After the shutter 12 returns to the closed state and the charge accumulation of the image sensor 21 is completed, the system control unit 50 reads the accumulated charge as a signal.

  The system control unit 50 and the memory control unit 25 use the A / D converter 22, the image processing unit 23, the compression / decompression unit 28, and the internal memory 29 for the signal read from the image sensor 21, Image processing is performed to generate image data. The generated image data is recorded as an image file in the recording unit 63 of the recording medium 60 via the interface 51 and the connector 52 on the imaging device 1 side, and the connector 61 and the interface 62 on the removable recording medium 60 side. Is done.

  As the recording medium 60, a medium having a sufficient capacity for recording a plurality of pieces of image data, such as a hard disk or a flash memory, is suitable. The recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 53 detects whether or not the recording medium 60 is attached to the imaging apparatus 1.

  The mode dial 4 can be set by switching each function mode such as power-off, shooting mode, playback mode, PC connection mode and the like. The operation switch 5 includes various buttons and a touch panel. The operation switch 5 is provided with a menu button, a set button, a strobe setting button, and the like.

  When the posture detection unit 82 detects that the imaging apparatus 1 is upside down, the shooting mode is automatically set to the self-portrait shooting mode. At this time, the system control unit 50 invalidates operations from the operation members such as the operation switch 5, the release switch 3, and the mode dial 4, and accepts only predetermined vibration detected by the vibration detection unit 81 as an operation input.

  The optical viewfinder 6 can directly check the subject. In this case, shooting can be performed using only the optical viewfinder 6 without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 7. Further, a part of the display unit 47 may be arranged in the optical viewfinder 6 so that the shutter speed, the aperture value, etc. can be confirmed.

  The power control unit 48 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC / DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 48 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, and sends the detection results to the system control unit 50. In addition, necessary power is appropriately supplied to each unit of the imaging apparatus 1 in accordance with an instruction from the system control unit 50.

  The power supply 70 supplies the power of the power supply unit 72 to the imaging device 1 side via the connector 71 and the connector 49 on the imaging device 1 side. The power supply unit 72 is configured by a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like, or a combination thereof.

  The communication control unit 54 supports various communication functions such as USB, IEEE 1394, LAN, and wireless communication. The communication unit 55 includes a connector for connecting the imaging device 1 to another device by the communication control unit 54 or an antenna for performing wireless communication.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus having the above configuration will be described. The self-portrait shooting mode and the self-portrait shooting sequence will be described with reference to FIGS. The self-portrait shooting mode is a mode in which the photographer extends his hand and points the camera at the photographer himself.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a basic processing procedure in the self-portrait shooting mode. This processing program is stored in the memory 45 and is executed by the system control unit 50. When the imaging device 1 is in the shooting mode, the system control unit 50 detects the posture state at a predetermined sampling cycle by the posture detection unit 82 and determines whether the posture of the imaging device 1 is upside down. (Step S1).

  At this time, when it is detected that the posture of the imaging device 1 is upside down, the system control unit 50 automatically sets the imaging device 1 to the self-portrait shooting mode (step S2, shooting mode setting means). ). A specific method for detecting the posture state of the imaging apparatus 1 by the posture detection unit 82 will be described later.

  Here, when the image pickup apparatus 1 is held with the right hand toward the user, the operation of hitting the position where the shutter button is originally located (the bottom surface of the image pickup apparatus 1) with a finger is referred to as tapping in the present embodiment. The acceleration sensor 83 converts this tapping vibration into an electric signal.

  The system control unit 50 determines whether the vibration detection unit 81 has a predetermined vibration waveform by a tap on the bottom surface of the camera from the vibration waveform of each axis of the acceleration sensor (step S3, vibration determination unit). When it is determined that the vibration waveform is a predetermined vibration waveform, the system control unit 50 starts an imaging process (step S4). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the vibration waveform is not the predetermined vibration waveform, the system control unit 50 repeats the process of step S3, and the imaging device 1 does nothing until a predetermined vibration waveform is detected. A specific method for detecting a predetermined vibration waveform by the vibration detector 81 will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the posture detection unit 82 determines in step S1 that the posture of the imaging device 1 is in a state other than upside down, the system control unit 50 sets the imaging device 1 to the normal shooting mode (step S5). In this case, the system control unit 50 waits until the shutter button is pressed (step S6), and when the shutter button is pressed, starts the shooting process in step S4.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure in the self-portrait shooting mode. This processing program is stored in the memory 45 and is executed by the system control unit 50.

  As in FIG. 2, when the imaging device 1 is in the shooting mode, the system control unit 50 detects the posture state at a predetermined sampling cycle by the posture detection unit 82, and whether the posture of the imaging device 1 is upside down. It is determined whether or not (step S11).

  At this time, when it is detected that the posture of the imaging device 1 is upside down, the system control unit 50 automatically sets the imaging device 1 to the self-portrait shooting mode (step S12).

  When the imaging device 1 is held with the right hand toward the user, it is easy to make an erroneous operation with a finger holding the operation switches on the back of the imaging device 1. Accordingly, when the self-portrait shooting mode is set, the system control unit 50 does not accept an operation input from the operation switch 5 (step S13).

  The system control unit 50 performs vibration detection processing of the imaging device 1 in the self-portrait shooting mode (step S14). An operation is input by detecting a predetermined vibration such as tapping. Here, in order to detect a short-time vibration waveform such as tapping, it is necessary to speed up the sampling period of the acceleration sensor.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the vibration detection processing procedure in step S14. When the self-portrait shooting mode is set, the system control unit 50 changes the setting to a sampling cycle that is earlier than the sampling cycle for detecting the posture state by the detection cycle control unit 84 (step S31, cycle changing means). . Note that the sampling period for detecting the posture state may be sampled in advance at the same period as the tapping detection. In addition, after changing the setting to an early sampling period in step S31, processing for changing the detection sensitivity of the vibration waveform may be added. Thereby, it is possible to detect a vibration waveform suitable for the strength of tapping.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 50 detects a predetermined vibration waveform (step S32) and returns to the original process.

  After the vibration detection process in step S14, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined vibration waveform has been detected (step S15). When a predetermined vibration waveform is detected, the system control unit 50 starts a shooting preparation process (step S16).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the photographing preparation processing procedure in step S16. First, the system control unit 50 performs photometry, and the exposure control unit 41 determines exposure conditions (exposure time, aperture, sensitivity, presence / absence of flash photography, etc.) at the time of shooting (step S41). Next, the system control unit 50 performs autofocus processing by the focus control unit 42 and determines the focus lens position (step S42).

  At this time, when determining the exposure condition and the focus lens position, the system control unit 50 may perform the shooting preparation process under a condition determined by the photographer himself or a predetermined condition.

  When the shooting preparation process is completed, the system control unit 50 performs a process of notifying the photographer of the completion of shooting preparation (step S43, first notification unit). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 returns to the original process. As a means for notifying completion of shooting preparation, the system control unit 50 uses a display unit 47 to notify the photographer by voice or LED.

  When the preparation for photographing is completed, the system control unit 50 determines whether the vibration detection unit 81 is in a stationary state from the vibration state of the imaging device 1 (step S17, stationary state determination unit).

  When not in the stationary state, the system control unit 50 performs processing for notifying the photographer that the camera is not in the stationary state by using a voice or LED that is different from the means for notifying completion of photographing using the display unit 47 (step S18). , Second notification means). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S17.

  On the other hand, when preparation for photographing is completed and it is determined in step S17 that the imaging apparatus 1 is in a stationary state, the system control unit 50 starts photographing processing (step S19). When it is determined in step S17 that the imaging device 1 is in a stationary state, a process for notifying the photographer that the imaging apparatus 1 is in a stationary state may be added before performing the imaging process in step S19. As a result, the photographer can know that shooting is started in a stationary state.

  On the other hand, when the posture detection unit 82 determines in step S11 that the posture of the imaging device 1 is in a state other than upside down, the system control unit 50 sets the imaging device 1 to the normal shooting mode (step S22). When the normal shooting mode is set, a process of invalidating the process of detecting a predetermined vibration waveform as shown in step S15 may be added. Thereby, the system control unit 50 does not have to perform an operation of detecting an unnecessary vibration waveform.

  In this case, the system control unit 50 waits until the shutter button is pressed (step S23). When the shutter button is pressed, the system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation processing, and determines an exposure condition and a focus lens position (step S24).

  When the shooting preparation process is completed, the system control unit 50 starts the shooting process in step S19.

  Note that the shooting preparation process in step S24 may be the same process as the shooting preparation process in step S16, or may be a process in which the shooting preparation completion notification process in step S43 is not performed in the shooting preparation process in FIG.

  In step S43, when the shooting preparation process is completed, the photographer is informed of the completion of shooting preparation. However, when the posture detection unit 82 detects the horizontal state of the imaging apparatus 1 and the horizontal state is detected, shooting is performed. Notification processing may be performed on the person that the photographing preparation processing is completed. Alternatively, after performing the imaging preparation process completion notification process, the horizontal state of the imaging apparatus 1 may be detected, and when the horizontal state is detected, the imaging preparation process may be terminated. Thereby, stable photographing can be performed.

  Furthermore, when the vibration detection unit 81 determines whether the imaging apparatus 1 is in a stationary state from the vibration state, the shutter speed determined by the shooting preparation process and the vibration isolation state of the vibration isolation device (not shown) are set. Accordingly, the determination condition for the stationary state may be changed.

  When the image capturing process is started, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not vibration greater than a predetermined threshold is detected by the vibration detecting unit 81 during the image capturing process (step S20). If no vibration greater than the predetermined threshold is detected during the photographing process, the system control unit 50 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when vibration of a predetermined threshold value or more is detected during shooting, the system control unit 50 performs vibration notification processing for notifying the photographer that vibration has been detected during shooting (step S21, third). Informing means). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 ends this process.

  Here, the predetermined threshold value is a vibration level that causes a blurring effect on a photographed image, and may be changed according to photographing conditions such as a shutter speed and flash photography.

  In addition, vibration notification during shooting is performed by voice, LED, or the like that is different from the means for notifying completion of shooting preparation using the display unit 47. At this time, vibration notification during photographing may be performed by the same voice or LED as the means for notifying that the display unit 47 is not in a stationary state.

  Next, a specific method for detecting the posture state of the imaging apparatus 1 by the posture detection unit 82 will be described. FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 in a normal posture with the bottom surface of the imaging device 1 facing down. FIG. 1A shows the posture of the imaging apparatus 1. FIG. 4B shows vibration waveforms in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. FIG. 4C shows a vibration waveform in the Y-axis direction.

  Here, the acceleration sensor 83 that performs vibration detection is mounted on the circuit board of the imaging apparatus 1. Further, the positional relationship between the imaging device 1 and the detection axis of the acceleration sensor 83 is as shown in FIG.

  Assuming that the upward direction of the imaging apparatus 1 is the positive direction of the Y axis, the Z axis is parallel to the optical axis of the optical system 10, and the subject direction is the positive direction. The X axis has an axis relationship perpendicular to both the Y axis and the Z axis, and the direction of the optical system 10 is the positive direction when viewed from the grip side.

  Here, the influence of gravity will be described as a characteristic of the acceleration sensor. Since the acceleration sensor 83 is always affected by the gravity of the earth, it detects a constant acceleration signal in the direction of gravity. When the imaging device 1 is in the posture shown in FIG. 4A, the X-axis and the Z-axis are not affected by gravity, so the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 is as shown in FIG. It is 0g level. On the other hand, since the Y axis is affected by gravity in the negative direction, the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 is detected as 1 g level in the negative direction, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change in the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 in a posture in which the imaging apparatus 1 is turned upside down. FIG. 1A shows the posture of the imaging apparatus 1. FIG. 4B shows a vibration waveform in the Y-axis direction.

  Even when the imaging device 1 is in the upside down posture, the X axis and the Z axis are not affected by gravity, so that the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 is set to 0 g level as in FIG. It has become.

  However, since the Y axis is affected by gravity in the positive direction, the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 is detected as 1 g level in the positive direction as shown in FIG. 7B.

  Similarly, if the optical axis direction of the image pickup apparatus 1 is directed to the gravitational direction, the X-axis and Y-axis are not affected by gravity, so that the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 is the same as in FIG. 6B. Becomes 0g level. Therefore, the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 in the Z-axis direction is detected as the signal level shown in FIG. 6C or FIG.

  Using such characteristics of the acceleration sensor 83, the imaging apparatus 1 can detect the posture state.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change in the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 when the bottom surface of the imaging apparatus 1 is tapped in a state where the imaging apparatus 1 is turned upside down. FIG. 8A shows a posture state similar to that in FIG. In FIG. 8A, a downward arrow f is shown so as to point to the bottom surface of the imaging device 1. FIG. 8B shows a vibration waveform in the Y-axis direction when the finger is struck (tapped) in the direction of arrow f.

  8B, similarly to FIG. 7B, since it is affected by gravitational acceleration in the Y-axis direction, the output signal level of the acceleration sensor 83 is 1 g in the steady state.

  From this state, in order to detect the vibration at the time of tapping described above, the threshold a for the signal level and the threshold b for the time when the signal level exceeds the threshold a are set. First, the threshold value a is set to the Y-axis output signal level and is set to a value equal to or higher than the level obtained by adding 1 g in the positive direction. Here, when a signal greater than or equal to the threshold value a is detected, the time until the next time immediately before the signal less than the threshold value a is detected is measured. Waveform can be detected.

  Similarly, by setting a threshold value a and a threshold value b in consideration of gravitational acceleration for each axis, a predetermined different vibration waveform corresponding to the posture, vibration direction, and magnitude of vibration of the imaging device 1 is detected. Is possible. In addition, although this method was demonstrated as an example of the method of detecting a predetermined vibration waveform, you may make it detect a predetermined vibration waveform using the combination of a threshold value, or a composite signal of 3 axes | shafts.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment detects that the camera is turned upside down by the acceleration sensor, and automatically sets the shooting mode to the self-portrait shooting mode. By detecting the tap on the bottom of the camera, it is possible to hold the camera firmly with the right hand without worrying about the position of the release switch. Furthermore, by detecting the camera still state at the same time, it is possible to take a self-portrait with reduced camera shake during shooting.

  Therefore, when photographing the photographer himself as a subject image, the operability can be improved without increasing the cost. In addition, since shooting is started by determining the state of blurring during the release operation, it is possible to minimize the delay time and suppress the effects of camera shake.

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

  For example, when tapping the bottom surface of the camera, the vibration waveform differs between the camera housing and the battery lid. FIG. 9 is a graph showing changes in the signal of the acceleration sensor 83 when tapping is performed at different tapping positions. The symbol h indicates the case where the camera casing is tapped, and the symbol i indicates the case where the battery cover is tapped. As described above, when detecting different vibration waveforms depending on the tapping position, the above-described sampling period, detection sensitivity, threshold value a, and threshold value b may be appropriately changed.

  In the above embodiment, a CCD element, a CMOS element, or the like is used as the imaging element.

  The display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and an organic EL display, a surface electric field display (SED), a plasma display, or the like may be used. Further, although a backlight type LCD panel is used as the display means, self-luminous display means such as an organic EL display may be used.

  In the above embodiment, a compact digital camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a digital video camera, a digital SLR (single-lens reflex camera), and the like.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 5 Operation switch 50 System control part 81 Vibration detection part 82 Posture detection part 83 Acceleration sensor 84 Detection period control part

Claims (9)

An imaging device for photographing a subject,
Vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the imaging device;
Attitude determination means for determining whether or not the imaging device is in a predetermined attitude;
A shooting mode setting unit that sets a self-portrait shooting mode for shooting a photographer himself as the subject when the posture determination unit determines that the predetermined posture is set;
Vibration determination means for determining whether or not the vibration detected by the vibration detection means is a predetermined vibration when the self-portrait shooting mode is set by the shooting mode setting means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging processing unit configured to perform an imaging process when the vibration determining unit determines that the predetermined vibration has occurred. The photographing processing means includes
An imaging preparation unit that prepares for imaging when the vibration determination unit determines that the predetermined vibration is present; and a stationary state determination unit that determines whether the vibration detection unit is stationary as a result of detection by the vibration detection unit; With
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging process is performed when the imaging preparation unit completes the imaging preparation and the stationary state determination unit determines that the camera is stationary. First notification means for notifying completion of shooting preparation when the shooting preparation is completed by the shooting preparation means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second notification unit that notifies that the vehicle is not in the stationary state when the stationary state determination unit determines that the vehicle is not in the stationary state.   2. The vibration detecting unit includes a period changing unit configured to change a cycle for detecting the predetermined vibration when the posture determining unit determines that the predetermined posture is set. 4. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 3. An operation member for inputting an operation is provided.
5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the posture determination unit determines that the posture is the predetermined posture, the input from the operation member is invalidated.   4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising third notification means for notifying that vibration has been detected during photographing when vibration exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected by the vibration detection means during photographing processing. Imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attitude determination unit determines whether the imaging apparatus is in a predetermined attitude based on vibration detected by the vibration detection unit. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus for photographing a subject,
A vibration detecting step for detecting vibration of the imaging device;
A posture determination step for determining whether or not the imaging device is in a predetermined posture;
A shooting mode setting step for setting a self-portrait shooting mode for shooting a photographer himself as the subject when it is determined in the posture determination step that the camera is in the predetermined posture;
A vibration determination step for determining whether the vibration detected in the vibration detection step is a predetermined vibration when the self-portrait shooting mode is set in the shooting mode setting step;
An imaging apparatus control method comprising: an imaging process step for performing an imaging process when it is determined in the vibration determination step that the vibration is the predetermined vibration. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method of an imaging apparatus that captures a subject,
The control method is:
A vibration detecting step for detecting vibration of the imaging device;
A posture determination step for determining whether or not the imaging device is in a predetermined posture;
A shooting mode setting step for setting a self-portrait shooting mode for shooting a photographer himself as the subject when it is determined in the posture determination step that the camera is in the predetermined posture;
A vibration determination step for determining whether the vibration detected in the vibration detection step is a predetermined vibration when the self-portrait shooting mode is set in the shooting mode setting step;
A program having a photographing process step of performing a photographing process when it is determined in the vibration determining step that the vibration is the predetermined vibration.