JP2014132708A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of facilitating the imaging at a moment when water splashes.SOLUTION: An image data acquisition unit 11c acquires image data being contrast information, for example, in each part of an image captured by an imaging unit 12. A periodicity determination unit 11e identifies a part with a periodic change among the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11c. A water level determination unit 11d identifies the position of a water level included in the image on the basis of the image data with a periodic change. An average value calculation unit 11f calculates the average value of the image data with a periodic change. A water splash detection unit 11g detects a dynamic body appearing upward from a water level and identifies the dynamic body as a water splash by performing comparison with the average value.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  In recent years, due to the advancement of computerization, integration, and component technology of devices, a large number of robust and watertight imaging devices have been put on the market. Such an imaging device with excellent water tightness expands the scenes in which photographing can be performed, and makes it easy for the photographer to record various leisure scenes and fun moments of daily life.

  In addition, a method for shooting a decisive moment in various shooting scenes has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an imaging apparatus that detects and captures an impact moment in a golf shooting scene.

JP 2010-239169 A

  When shooting is performed in a waterside shooting scene with the above-described imaging device having excellent water tightness, it is preferable to take a picture at the moment when the splashes rise as a photograph with a special effect. However, experience is necessary for the photographer to succeed in photographing at the moment when the splashes rise.

  According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, the imaging device can capture a moment of golf impact. This is performed by predicting the moment of impact based on the shape of the head of the golf club recorded in advance. It is difficult to apply this technique to the shooting of splashes because water is fluid and does not have a predetermined shape.

  An object of this invention is to provide the imaging device which can image | photograph the moment when the water which is fluid bounces easily.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus captures an image of a subject and acquires an image, and an image that acquires a temporal change in image data at a predetermined detection position in the image. A data acquisition unit; and a water surface determination unit that determines a water surface in the image based on the periodicity of the temporal change of the image data.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device which can image | photograph the moment when the water which is fluid bounces can be provided easily.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera according to an embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the scene where the digital camera which concerns on one Embodiment is used. The figure which shows an example of the coordinate system in the image which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image which concerns on one Embodiment, and the coordinate in the said image. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between Y coordinate and image data according to time passage concerning one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between Y coordinate and image data according to time passage concerning one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between Y coordinate and image data according to time passage concerning one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the elapsed time and image data in one detection position concerning one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the elapsed time and image data in one detection position concerning one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the elapsed time and image data in one detection position concerning one Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the elapsed time and image data in one detection position concerning one Embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the water surface determination process which concerns on one Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a playback mode process according to an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the scene where the digital camera which concerns on one Embodiment is used.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An outline of a digital camera 1 as an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The digital camera 1 is, for example, a lens interchangeable camera. However, the present invention is not limited to the interchangeable lens type, and the technology according to the present embodiment can be applied to a camera in which a lens is fixed.

  The interchangeable lens digital camera 1 includes a camera body 10 and a lens 20. The user shoots with the favorite lens 20 attached to the camera body 10. The lens 20 guides the subject image to an image sensor 12b provided in the camera body 10 described later. Here, description will be made assuming that the lens 20 is a zoom lens. The lens 20 has an optical path portion 26. The optical path portion 26 is provided with a lens portion 26a and a diaphragm mechanism 26b. The lens unit 26a realizes a zoom function and a focus adjustment function by moving the positions of a plurality of lens elements. The diaphragm mechanism 26b adjusts the amount of light guided to the image sensor 12b by opening and closing the diaphragm.

  The lens 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls the operation of the optical path unit 26 and the like. The lens 20 also includes a lens control unit 24 that controls the operation of the lens unit 26 a under the control of the control unit 21, and an aperture control unit 25 that controls the operation of the aperture mechanism 26 b under the control of the control unit 21. The lens 20 includes a storage unit 27 that stores lens characteristics, control data, programs, and the like. Further, the lens 20 includes a main body communication unit 22 for communicating with the camera main body 10. The control unit 21 outputs commands to the lens control unit 24 and the aperture control unit 25 based on control data and programs recorded in the storage unit 27 and various control parameters acquired via the main body communication unit 22.

  The lens 20 has a ring portion 23a. The rotation operation and the like of the ring unit 23a are determined by the ring determination unit 23b. For example, the ring portion 23a, which is a zoom ring, is not mechanically linked with the lens portion 26a using a gear or a cam. In the lens 20 of the present embodiment, the ring determination unit 23b acquires the displacement of the ring unit 23a and outputs information related to the displacement of the ring unit 23a to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 outputs a command related to the operation of the lens unit 26 a to the lens control unit 24 based on the input information. The lens control unit 24 drives the lens of the lens unit 26a by a driving mechanism using, for example, a small actuator or mechatronics technology.

  On the other hand, the camera body 10 includes a signal processing control unit 11 that processes various signals and controls each part of the camera body 10. The signal processing control unit 11 includes, for example, an integrated circuit. The camera body 10 includes an image sensor 12b. The imaging element 12b performs an imaging operation. That is, the image sensor 12b converts the subject image incident from the lens 20 into an electrical signal, and generates an image signal. The image sensor 12 b outputs the generated image signal to the signal processing control unit 11. In this manner, a portion that functions as the imaging unit 12 that captures a subject image and acquires an image is formed by the portion including the optical path unit 26 and the imaging element 12b. As will be described later, the signal processing control unit 11 includes an imaging control unit 11a and an image processing unit 11b. The imaging control unit 11 a controls the operation of the imaging unit 12. The image processing unit 11b processes the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 12, and performs image processing necessary for displaying and recording an image, for example.

  The camera body 10 is provided with an operation unit 16 that receives input by various operations of the user, such as a switch. The operation unit 16 includes a release switch provided at a position where the index finger of the user's right hand is arranged. The operation unit 16 includes a switch, a dial, a cross key, and the like for inputting changes in shooting parameters such as shutter speed, aperture, exposure correction, sensitivity setting, and focus position.

  The camera body 10 has a display unit 18 on the back surface, for example. The display unit 18 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. Another display device such as an organic EL panel may be used for the display unit 18. A touch panel 18 b is provided on the display unit 18. The touch panel 18b receives a user instruction input. For example, the user can operate the digital camera 1 by touching a position corresponding to the icon displayed on the display unit 18. For example, the touch panel 18b can be used for inputting an object of interest, inputting a zoom operation, and inputting exposure adjustment. A signal generated by the touch panel 18b when touched by the user is output to the signal processing control unit 11.

  The camera body 10 is provided with a recording unit 14 for recording image data generated by photographing. The recording unit 14 is detachably connected to the camera body 10 as a general recording medium.

  The camera body 10 has a face detection unit 13. The face detection unit 13 specifies the position of the face in the image acquired by the image sensor 12b. The face detection unit 13 outputs the detected face position to the signal processing control unit 11. The camera body 10 also has an acceleration sensor 17 as an attitude sensor. The acceleration sensor 17 outputs information on the attitude of the digital camera 1, that is, for example, whether the digital camera 1 is held in a horizontal position or a vertical position to the signal processing control unit 11.

  Further, the camera body 10 includes a lens communication unit 15 for communicating with the body communication unit 22 of the lens 20. Instructions for the operation of the lens 20 from the camera body 10 to the lens 20, transfer of information related to the state of the lens 20 from the lens 20 to the camera body 10, etc. are performed via the lens communication unit 15 and the body communication unit 22. Is called. The camera body 10 also includes a clock 19 for adding shooting date / time data to the shot image.

  The signal processing control unit 11 includes an imaging control unit 11a, an image processing unit 11b, an image data acquisition unit 11c, a water surface determination unit 11d, an average value calculation unit 11f, a splash detection unit 11g, and a frame rate change unit 11h. And a storage unit 11i. The imaging control unit 11a controls the operation of the imaging unit 12 as described above. The imaging control unit 11a causes the imaging unit 12 to perform an imaging operation when, for example, a splash detection unit 11g described later detects the splashing. The image processing unit 11 b processes the image acquired by the imaging unit 12 and creates a preview image to be displayed on the display unit 18. In addition, the image processing unit 11b creates an image to be recorded in the recording unit 14, for example. In addition, the image processing unit 11b performs image processing for enhancing the contrast or enhancing the blue color on the image related to the splashing.

  The image data acquisition unit 11c acquires image data including information about an image such as contrast and brightness at the detection position of the image captured by the imaging unit 12. The image data acquisition unit 11c can acquire a change with time of the image data. The water surface determination unit 11d includes a periodicity determination unit 11e. The periodicity determination unit 11e identifies a portion that periodically changes in the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11c. The water surface determination unit 11d determines whether or not a water surface is included in the image and includes the water surface based on the information related to the periodically changing image data specified by the periodicity determination unit 11e and the image data. If so, specify its location.

  The average value calculation unit 11f calculates the average value of the image data for the periodically changing image data specified by the periodicity determination unit 11e. The splash detection unit 11g detects a moving object that appears upward from the water surface, and identifies the moving object as a splash. The frame rate changing unit 11h changes the frame rate of the preview image when it is specified that there is a water surface in the image.

  The storage unit 11i includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. The ROM stores, for example, a program used for control by the signal processing control unit 11. A RAM, for example, temporarily stores a processing result by the signal processing control unit 11.

  The operation of the digital camera 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment can capture a scene where the splash is rising by specifying when the splash is rising on the waterside. The digital camera 1 has a splash continuous shooting mode in which continuous shooting is performed during a period in which the splash is rising, and a splash shooting mode in which a moment when the splash is raised is shot. These modes can be selected by the user. Also, when these modes are selected, shooting can be performed according to the user's intention.

  Camera control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In step S101, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not the shooting mode is set. When it is determined that the shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the signal processing control unit 11 communicates with the lens 20, and acquires a command for driving the lens 20 and information related to the lens 20. In step S103, the signal processing control unit 11 displays a through image display. That is, the signal processing control unit 11 performs image processing on the image acquired by the imaging unit 12 and causes the display unit 18 to display the image. Note that the frame rate of the through image at this time is, for example, 30 fps.

  In step S104, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a water surface determination process. The water surface determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment is used in a scene in which splashes rise. The digital camera 1 can be used, for example, in a scene where a child is talking in a bathroom as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the X axis is defined in the horizontal direction and the Y axis is defined in the vertical direction in the image. In the present embodiment, three locations X1, X2, and X3 are defined in the horizontal direction, and three locations Y1, Y2, and Y3 are defined in the vertical direction. That is, in the image as shown in FIG. 3, the coordinates are defined as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, this figure will be described as an example.

  FIG. 6A shows the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data on the vertical line where the X coordinate is X1. Here, for example, contrast or brightness can be used as the image data. In FIG. 6A, Y11 indicates the position of (X1, Y1), Y12 indicates the position of (X1, Y2), and Y13 indicates the position of (X1, Y3). In FIG. 6A, a solid line L11 indicates the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data at time T1, a broken line L12 indicates the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data at time T2, and an alternate long and short dash line L13 indicates the relationship at time T3. The relationship between Y coordinate and image data is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, in the image, the vicinity of (X1, Y1) represents the water surface. Therefore, the image data in the vicinity of Y11 changes periodically as shown in FIG. 6A due to the fluctuation of the water surface. . That is, the relationship between the time at Y11 and the image data is as shown in FIG. 7A, for example.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the vicinity of (X1, Y2) in the image represents the child's body, so that the image data in the vicinity of Y12 does not change much as shown in FIG. 6A. That is, the relationship between the time at Y12 and the image data is as shown in FIG. 7B, for example. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the neighborhood of (X1, Y3) in the image represents the child's face, so that the image data in the vicinity of Y13 is shown in FIG. 6A according to the movement of the child's face. Change randomly. That is, the relationship between the time at Y13 and the image data is as shown in FIG. 7C, for example.

  FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data on the vertical line where the X coordinate is X2. In FIG. 6B, Y21 indicates the position of (X2, Y1), Y22 indicates the position of (X2, Y2), and Y23 indicates the position of (X2, Y3). In FIG. 6B, a solid line L21 indicates the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data at time T1, a broken line L22 indicates the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data at time T2, and an alternate long and short dash line L23 indicates the relationship at time T3. The relationship between Y coordinate and image data is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, since the vicinity of (X2, Y1) in the image represents the water surface, the image data in the vicinity of Y21 changes periodically as shown in FIG. 6B due to the fluctuation of the water surface. . The relationship between the time at Y21 and the image data is the same as in FIG. 7A, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, since the vicinity of (X2, Y2) in the image represents the water surface, as shown in FIG. 6B, the image data in the vicinity of Y22 changes periodically due to the fluctuation of the water surface. . As shown in FIG. 5, the spray is rising at (X2, Y2). When the splashes rise in this way, as shown in FIG. 6B, image data representing a moving body that moves upward from the water surface is detected. If attention is paid to the temporal change of the image data at one point, the image data changes irregularly in response to the splashing. That is, the relationship between the time at Y22 and the image data is as shown in FIG. 7D, for example. In the present embodiment, it is detected that the splash has risen based on such a change in the image data representing the moving object that is upward from the water surface.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the vicinity of (X2, Y3) in the image represents a wall, so that the image data in the vicinity of Y23 does not change as shown in FIG. 6B. The relationship between the time in Y23 and the image data is the same as in FIG. 7B, for example.

  FIG. 6C shows the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data on the vertical line where the X coordinate is X3. In FIG. 6C, Y31 indicates the position of (X3, Y1), Y32 indicates the position of (X3, Y2), and Y33 indicates the position of (X3, Y3). In FIG. 6C, a solid line L31 indicates the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data at time T1, a broken line L32 indicates the relationship between the Y coordinate and the image data at time T2, and an alternate long and short dash line L33 indicates the relationship at time T3. The relationship between Y coordinate and image data is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, since the vicinity of (X3, Y1) in the image represents the water surface, the image data in the vicinity of Y31 changes periodically as shown in FIG. 6C due to the fluctuation of the water surface. . The relationship between the time at Y31 and the image data is the same as in FIG. 7A, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the neighborhood of (X3, Y2) in the image represents a bathtub, and the neighborhood of (X3, Y3) represents a wall. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, an image in the vicinity of Y32 and Y33. Data does not change. The relationship between time and image data at Y32 and Y33 is the same as that shown in FIG. 7B, for example.

  For example, in the above example, the position where the Y coordinate is Y1 ((X1, Y1) (X2) because the change in the image data with respect to the coordinates and time in the image as described above and the water surface spread in the horizontal direction. , Y1) (X3, Y1)) can be identified as having a water surface. In addition, from the data as shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 7D, it is possible to specify when and where the splash has occurred. In the present embodiment, as described above, the water surface is specified based on the temporal change of the image data.

  The water surface determination process according to the present embodiment performed in step S104 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The water surface determination process is performed on an image acquired as a preview image, for example. In step S <b> 201, the signal processing control unit 11 obtains temporal changes in the image data relating to detection positions Y11, Y12, Y13, Y21, Y22, Y23, Y31, Y32, and Y33. To do. Here, for example, a contrast value is used as the image data. In step S202, the signal processing control unit 11 detects a position where the change in the image data is large among Y11, Y12, Y13, Y21, Y22, Y23, Y31, Y32, and Y33. . The position where the change in the image data is large includes the water surface, and may include a portion where a person is moving, for example, Y13 in the above example.

  In step S203, the signal processing control unit 11 periodically changes the image data of any of Y11, Y12, Y13, Y21, Y22, Y23, Y31, Y32, and Y33. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the period is changing periodically, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the signal processing control unit 11 periodically changes the image data based on Y11, Y12, Y13, Y21, Y22, Y23, Y31, Y32, and Y33. Specify the coordinates. The position where the image data changes periodically is considered to be the position where the water surface is fluctuating, that is, the position of the water surface. Therefore, the signal processing control unit 11 specifies the water surface position based on coordinates at which the specified image data is periodically changing. At this time, the fact that the water surface spreads in the horizontal direction is also used. In step S <b> 205, the signal processing control unit 11 calculates an average value of the image data related to the periodically changing coordinates. Thereafter, the water surface determination process ends, and the process returns to the main flow described with reference to FIG.

  When it is determined in step S203 that none of them has changed periodically, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the signal processing control unit 11 determines that the water surface has not been specified. Thereafter, the water surface determination process ends, and the process returns to the main flow described with reference to FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. Following the water surface determination process, in step S105, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not it is specified that there is a water surface in the image. When it is determined that there is a water surface, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the signal processing control unit 11 increases the frame rate. The reason for increasing the frame rate is to capture the movement of water at high speed. The frame rate is set to 240 fps, for example.

  In step S112, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not the splash continuous shooting mode is selected. When the splash continuous shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the signal processing control unit 11 acquires image data for each position in the vertical direction passing through the position specified as having a water surface as time elapses. That is, the signal processing control unit 11 acquires information as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, for example. Based on the acquired information, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not a moving object moving upward from the water surface is detected. When no upward moving object is detected, the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, when an upward moving body is detected, the process proceeds to step S114. Here, it is estimated that the moving body moving upward from the water surface is splashing water. In step S114, the signal processing control unit 11 starts continuous shooting. This continuous shooting is continued for, for example, 2 seconds from when water jumps up to when it falls, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115. Note that the “splashing continuous shooting mode” may be selected at all times, may be selected by half-pressing the release button, or the like, and it is determined by the image, sound, shooting position, etc. that it is a waterside. May be selected automatically.

  In step S115, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not a shooting operation such as pressing the release button of the operation unit 16 has been performed. When it is determined that the shooting operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S131, and the signal processing control unit 11 performs image quality adjustment and recording to be described later for the continuously shot images. On the other hand, when it is determined that a shooting operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a photographing operation. That is, even during continuous shooting, the shooting operation is performed with priority given to the shooting operation of the photographer. In the shooting operation, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the imaging unit 12 to acquire an image. The signal processing control unit 11 acquires captured image data from the imaging unit 12. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S131, and the signal processing control unit 11 performs image quality adjustment and recording, which will be described later, on the continuously shot images and the images shot by the shooting operation of the photographer.

  When it is determined in step S112 that the spray continuous shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S121. In step S121, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not the splashing shooting mode is selected. If it is determined that the splashing shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, when it is determined that the splash photography mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether a moving object has been detected upward from the water surface. When no upward moving object is detected, the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, when an upward moving body is detected, the process proceeds to step S123. Here, the moving body in the upward direction is presumed to be splashing.

  In step S123, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not the change of the moving body from the water surface to the upward direction is larger than the average value of the periodic change by a predetermined amount or more. When it is determined that it is not greater than the average value by a predetermined amount or more, the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is larger than the average value by a predetermined amount or more, the process proceeds to step S124. When the digital camera 1 is larger than the periodic change by a predetermined amount or more, the digital camera 1 determines a photo opportunity. By using the average value of the periodic change, it is possible to discriminate between a state where the splash is not raised and a state where the splash is raised.

  In step S124, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a photographing operation. That is, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the imaging unit 12 to acquire an image. The signal processing control unit 11 acquires captured image data from the imaging unit 12. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S131, and image quality adjustment and recording described later are performed on the captured image.

  In step S125, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not a shooting operation has been performed. When it is determined that a shooting operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S124. That is, regardless of whether or not it is in the splashing shooting mode, when the photographer performs a shooting operation, the shooting operation is preferentially performed according to the shooting operation. On the other hand, when it is determined that the shooting operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S131, the signal processing control unit 11 performs image quality adjustment on the captured image in addition to general image processing. Since it is a photograph related to water, for example, a predetermined process for making an image that well represents the atmosphere of water, such as increasing the contrast and enhancing the blue color, is performed. These image quality adjustments may be defined in advance or may be defined by the photographer's settings. In step S132, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the recording unit 14 to record the image that has undergone image quality adjustment. In step S <b> 133, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display the image recorded in the recording unit 14 on a rec view. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  When it is determined in step S105 that there is no water surface, the process proceeds to step S141. That is, the process proceeds to step S141 when it is determined that the shooting scene is not a scene related to water. In step S141, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not a photographing operation has been performed. If it is determined that no shooting operation has been performed, the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, when it is determined that a photographing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a shooting operation. That is, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the imaging unit 12 to acquire an image. The signal processing control unit 11 acquires captured image data from the imaging unit 12. In step S143, the signal processing control unit 11 performs general image processing on the acquired image, and causes the recording unit 14 to record the processed image. In step S144, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display the image recorded in the recording unit 14 on a rec view. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  When it is determined in step S101 that the shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S151. In step S151, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not the playback mode is set. If it is determined that the playback mode is not selected, the process returns to step S101. Before returning to step S101, a process for the photographer to perform mode setting and other settings may be performed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S151 that the playback mode is set, the process proceeds to step S152. In step S152, the signal processing control unit 11 performs playback mode processing. The reproduction mode process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S301, the signal processing control unit 11 causes the display unit 18 to display a list of files. In step S302, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether a file is selected. If it is determined that a file has been selected, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the signal processing control unit 11 reproduces the selected file and displays it on the display unit 18. In step S304, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not a reproduction end input has been made. The end of reproduction may be input by the photographer or may be made when a predetermined time has elapsed. When the end of reproduction is input, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, when the end of reproduction has not been input, the process returns to step S303.

  If it is determined in step S302 that no file has been selected, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, the signal processing control unit 11 determines whether or not an input to end the reproduction mode has been made. When it is determined that the end of the playback mode has not been input, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, when it is determined that the end of the playback mode has been input, the playback mode process ends, and the process returns to the main flow described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the digital camera 1 can specify the water surface in the image based on a change in image data such as contrast and brightness of the preview image. Furthermore, the digital camera 1 can detect a scene in which splashes rise from the specified water surface. The digital camera 1 determines the shooting timing based on the detected scene where the splashes rise and performs a shooting operation. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily photograph a special moment, i.e., the moment when the splashing is raised, even if the photographer does not have any special technique or experience.

  Naturally, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment can also be used outdoors such as the sea or river as shown in FIG. In the outdoors, the image quality adjustment in step S131 may be more waterside, and the image quality adjustment may be performed so that, for example, the contrast is more emphasized. The moment when the splash is raised is photographed, and the image quality is appropriately adjusted, so that an image with a waterside atmosphere can be easily photographed.

  The digital camera 1 includes an acceleration sensor 17. In the water surface determination process, the output of the acceleration sensor 17 is used. That is, the water surface spreads in the horizontal direction (parallel to the X axis). Based on the output of the acceleration sensor 17, the signal processing control unit 11 determines the attitude of the digital camera 1, for example, whether the digital camera 1 is held in the horizontal position or the vertical position. The signal processing control unit 11 sets the directions of the X axis and the Y axis in the acquired image according to the attitude of the digital camera 1. Thus, by using the output of the acceleration sensor 17, the signal processing control unit 11 can specify the position of the water surface regardless of how the digital camera 1 is held.

  Further, the digital camera 1 may include a face detection unit 13 and the face detection result may be used for water surface detection. That is, since the subject's face is considered to be above the water surface, the water surface related to the subject is generally below the detected face. Therefore, in the water surface determination process, the image data may be analyzed only for the detection position below the detected face. In this manner, the amount of calculation is reduced and the processing speed is improved by reducing the number of points at which image data is analyzed.

  In the present embodiment, in the water surface determination process, the case where the water surface is specified by acquiring a total of nine points of image data in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction has been described as an example. Any number of detection positions may be used, and any number of detection positions may operate in the same manner as the above example and function in the same manner. As the number of detection positions increases, the accuracy of detecting splashing is improved, but the calculation amount increases. In order to specify the spread of the water surface, a plurality of points are necessary.

  The processing and the order described with reference to FIG. 2 and other drawings are not limited to the above description, and can be changed as appropriate within a consistent range, such as increasing or decreasing the number of processes, changing the order of the processes, and the like. . In the above-described embodiment, a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the technique shown here can be applied to various imaging devices such as a smartphone with a camera function.

  In the present embodiment, the case of taking a still image has been described as an example. However, the present embodiment may be used to extract a scene in which splashing occurs from a moving image. That is, a frame in which a water surface position in a moving image is specified and a moving body that rises from the water surface is detected may be extracted as the moment when the splashes rise. In this case, for example, the operation according to the present embodiment is not limited to the imaging apparatus, and may be performed by an image processing apparatus to which moving image data is input. The present invention includes a program constituting such an image processing apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 10 ... Camera body, 11 ... Signal processing control part, 11a ... Imaging control part, 11b ... Image processing part, 11c ... Image data acquisition part, 11d ... Water surface determination part, 11e ... Periodicity determination part, 11f ... average value calculation unit, 11g ... detection unit, 11h ... frame rate change unit, 11i ... storage unit, 12 ... imaging unit, 12b ... imaging element, 13 ... face detection unit, 14 ... recording unit, 15 ... lens communication unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Operation part, 17 ... Acceleration sensor, 18 ... Display part, 18b ... Touch panel, 20 ... Lens, 21 ... Control part, 22 ... Main body communication part, 23a ... Ring part, 23b ... Ring determination part, 24 ... Lens control part , 25 ... Aperture control unit, 26 ... Optical path unit, 26a ... Lens unit, 26b ... Aperture mechanism, 27 ... Storage unit.

Claims (6)

An imaging unit that captures a subject image and obtains the image;
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring a temporal change of image data at a predetermined detection position in the image;
A water surface determination unit that determines a water surface in the image based on the periodicity of the temporal change of the image data;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a splash detection unit that detects occurrence of splashing based on a change in the image data that appears upward from the water surface.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an imaging control unit that causes the imaging unit to perform an imaging operation when the splashing is detected. A face detection unit for detecting a face in the image;
The water surface determination unit determines the water surface based on the image data of the detection position below the detected face;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An average value calculating unit that calculates an average value of the image data that periodically changes;
The splash detection unit detects the occurrence of the splash based on a change from the average value.
The imaging device according to claim 2 or 3. A posture sensor for detecting the posture of the imaging unit;
The splash detection unit identifies the upward direction based on the output of the attitude sensor.
The imaging device according to claim 2 or 3.

Images