JP4910584B2 - Imaging device, mobile phone, imaging control method, imaging control program, and program recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, a mobile phone, an imaging control method, an imaging control program, and a program recording medium, and in particular, it is possible to automatically select and set a shooting mode optimal for the current shooting environment conditions with a simple operation. The present invention relates to a possible imaging device, a mobile phone, an imaging control method, an imaging control program, and a program recording medium.

  Recent advances in digital technology are remarkable, and in the field of imaging devices, conventional silver salt cameras and video cameras are being replaced by digital cameras and digital video cameras. Here, an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera may be sold and used as a single device, or may be sold and used in a form incorporated in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a PC. is there. Recently, it is often incorporated in automobiles and front doorphones.

  Furthermore, imaging devices are now widely used in the world, but in order to further expand the sales channels of the imaging devices, further increases in functionality and functionality have been achieved. As an example of this high functionality, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-264738 “Digital Camera” in Patent Document 1, an imaging device such as a digital camera has an appropriate dynamic range according to the luminance state of the subject. Shooting that selects either the dynamic range expansion shooting mode that performs shooting using the dynamic range expansion means or the normal shooting mode that does not use the dynamic range expansion means based on the luminance difference. Some of them are equipped with mode selection means.

Alternatively, a digital camera having an automatic selection function for white balance setting has also been proposed. In other words, if the color temperature of the captured image at the time of starting up the digital camera is within the normal auto mode adjustment range, the operation shifts to the preview display operation in the auto mode, and if it is out of the auto mode adjustment range, the alternative adjustment By switching to the fixed value mode of the mode, the white balance is set to a fixed value that matches the color temperature of the subject.
JP 2003-264738 A (page 4-5)

  However, in the conventional imaging device, although the enhancement of the function is progressing, there are not so many users who sufficiently use the imaging function provided in the imaging device. The reason is the complexity and complexity of the imaging function provided in the imaging apparatus. For example, regarding the “shooting mode function” that is one of the imaging functions, in addition to the auto mode in which the imaging apparatus itself automatically determines the shooting conditions, a night mode for night shooting, a portrait mode for portrait shooting, Although there are shooting modes suitable for each shooting environment condition such as landscape mode for landscape shooting, it is possible to switch to any shooting mode and set it manually by the user However, many users cannot use various shooting mode functions according to such shooting environment conditions due to the complexity and complexity of the functions.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, improves the usability in the selection operation of the imaging mode of the imaging apparatus, and allows the user to take an image by setting the optimal imaging mode for each imaging environment condition. An object is to provide an apparatus, a mobile phone, an imaging control method, an imaging control program, and a program recording medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus, a mobile phone, an imaging control method, an imaging control program, and a program recording medium according to the present invention employ the following characteristic configuration.

(1) An imaging unit that acquires a captured image of a subject that is captured based on a set current shooting mode, an image display unit that displays the captured image on a display unit, and the imaging device. An imaging device including at least a memory for storing a plurality of shooting modes and a shooting environment condition detecting unit for detecting a shooting environment condition at the time of shooting the shot image. The optimum shooting mode for the shooting environment condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is searched from the memory, whether or not the current shooting mode needs to be changed is determined, and the change is determined to be required. In this case, the imaging apparatus includes confirmation message display means for displaying a confirmation message for confirming to the user whether or not the photographing mode is changed on the display unit.
(2) When the photographing environment condition detection unit monitors the photographing environment condition at the time of photographing and detects a change in the photographing environment condition, the confirmation message display unit displays the photographing environment condition in which the change is detected. (1) The imaging apparatus according to (1), wherein when the optimal shooting mode is searched from the memory in real time and it is determined that the current shooting mode needs to be changed, the confirmation message is displayed on the display unit.
(3) The photographing mode stored in the memory includes at least an auto mode in which the imaging apparatus itself automatically determines photographing conditions and a night mode used for photographing in a dark place, and the confirmation message display means includes The auto mode is based on the result of determining whether the shutter speed at the time of image shooting detected by the shooting environment condition is slower than a shutter speed threshold set in advance to determine whether it is a dark place or not. (1) or (1) displaying the confirmation message on the display unit when it is determined that the current shooting mode needs to be changed by determining which is the optimum shooting mode. (2) Imaging device.
(4) The shooting mode stored in the memory includes at least an auto mode in which the imaging apparatus itself automatically determines shooting conditions and a landscape mode used for shooting a landscape, and the confirmation message display means includes: By determining which of the auto mode and the landscape mode is the optimal shooting mode based on the result of determining whether or not the shooting environment condition detects human skin at the time of image shooting, the current mode The imaging apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein when it is determined that the shooting mode needs to be changed, the confirmation message is displayed on the display unit.
(5) An input unit for inputting an instruction from the user is further provided, and the current shooting mode is changed from the user via the input unit according to the confirmation message displayed on the display unit. (1) to (1) further comprising shooting mode switching means for switching the current shooting mode to a shooting mode optimum for the shooting environment condition detected by the shooting environment condition detecting means when receiving an instruction. 4) Any one of the imaging devices.
(6) A cellular phone having a photographing mechanism for photographing an image, wherein the photographing mechanism includes the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
(7) An imaging step for acquiring a photographed image of a subject photographed based on the set current photographing mode, an image display step for displaying the photographed image on a display unit, and an imaging device are provided. An imaging control method comprising at least a memory for storing a plurality of shooting modes and a shooting environment condition detecting step for detecting a shooting environment condition at the time of shooting the shot image, wherein the shooting environment is activated when the imaging device is activated. When the optimum shooting mode for the shooting environment condition detected by the condition detection step is searched from the memory, it is determined whether or not the current shooting mode needs to be changed, and it is determined that the change is required An imaging control method including a confirmation message display step for displaying a confirmation message for confirming to the user whether or not the photographing mode has been changed. .
(8) When the photographing environment condition detection step monitors the photographing environment condition at the time of photographing and detects a change in the photographing environment condition, the confirmation message display step includes the photographing environment condition in which the change is detected. (7) The imaging control method according to (7), wherein when the optimal shooting mode is searched from the memory in real time and it is determined that the current shooting mode needs to be changed, the confirmation message is displayed on the display unit.
(9) When receiving an instruction from the user to change the current shooting mode in response to the confirmation message displayed on the display unit, the current shooting mode is detected by the shooting environment condition detection step. The imaging control method according to (7) or (8), further including an imaging mode switching step for switching to and setting an imaging mode optimal for the set imaging environment condition.
(10) An imaging control program in which the imaging control method according to any one of (7) to (9) is implemented as a program executable by a computer.
(11) A program recording medium in which the imaging control program of (10) is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  According to the imaging apparatus, the mobile phone, the imaging control method, the imaging control program, and the program recording medium of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  First, automatically determine the optimal shooting mode according to changes in real-time shooting environment conditions, such as shooting environment conditions when the imaging device is started up or when moving while shooting, A confirmation message is displayed to confirm to the user whether or not the shooting mode has been changed, and when a change instruction is received from the user, the shooting mode is automatically changed and set to the optimal one for the shooting environment conditions. It is not necessary for the user to determine the current shooting environment conditions one by one, select a shooting mode suitable for the shooting environment condition, and switch to the selected shooting mode. In addition, it is possible to improve usability in setting.

  Second, even an imaging apparatus having a plurality of shooting modes can automatically select and set a shooting mode optimal for shooting environment conditions by a simple operation of a switching instruction from a user. It becomes possible.

  Thirdly, since it is possible to switch and set the shooting mode optimal for the shooting environment conditions with a simple operation, the auto mode setting range (frame rate, etc.) is not unnecessarily widened, and it is simple. With this additional function, it is possible to select a more appropriate shooting mode for each shooting environment condition.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging apparatus, a mobile phone, an imaging control method, an imaging control program, and a program recording medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Features of the present invention)
First, main features of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be briefly described. Conventionally, in the case of an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, as a “shooting mode selection operation”, the user himself / herself determines a shooting mode suitable for each shooting scene according to shooting environment conditions, that is, a shooting scene. Thus, the user has to manually set the shooting mode.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, when the imaging apparatus is started up or when a change in the shooting environment condition is detected, the shooting environment condition is automatically read on the imaging apparatus side, and an optimum shooting mode for the shooting environment condition is obtained. Is automatically selected, and based on this, it is automatically determined whether or not the shooting mode needs to be changed from the current mode. The main feature is that it has a function of displaying a confirmation message for confirming the presence or absence of the message. In addition, when the user inputs an instruction to change the shooting mode, it has a feature that it has a function of automatically switching to a shooting mode that is optimal for the current shooting environment conditions. Thus, by introducing the present invention, even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the imaging apparatus can easily shoot using the optimum shooting mode under each shooting environment condition.

  Here, the “photographing mode selection function” in the present invention can also be applied to the case of automatically selecting an optimal mode related to settings such as a shutter speed and a frame rate. This is characterized by having various functions such as

  First, it has a shutter speed detection function, which automatically detects the brightness of the shooting scene and automatically determines the shooting conditions by the imaging device itself, and for shooting in dark places such as at night. It is possible to switch the setting to one of the appropriate night modes and the optimal shooting mode, and a confirmation message for automatically confirming whether or not to switch is displayed according to the read shooting environment condition. In response to the displayed confirmation message, the user performs a switching instruction, so that it is possible to automatically set to night mode when shooting in a dark place as a shooting environment condition, It is possible to prevent the user from taking an image in the auto mode and take a completely dark image, and to take an image in the optimum shooting mode.

  In addition, it has a skin color detection function, and automatically determines whether or not a person is included as a subject, and sets to either the auto mode or the landscape mode suitable for landscape shooting. Switching is possible, and a confirmation message for confirming to the user whether or not switching has been performed is automatically displayed according to the read photographing environment conditions. When the user performs a switching instruction operation in response to the displayed confirmation message, for example, when the user is shooting a landscape, it is possible to automatically switch to the landscape mode and set the sky. Even in the case of a landscape including a bright part such as the above, it is possible to obtain an optimal image without shooting a whiteout image.

  In addition, when shooting while moving, it has a function to automatically determine shooting environment conditions that change in real time.If the shooting environment conditions change while the preview image is displayed, appropriate shooting immediately Searches the mode and automatically determines whether or not the set shooting mode needs to be changed. If it is determined that the change is necessary, a confirmation message is displayed to confirm to the user whether or not switching is required. The When the user performs a switching instruction operation in accordance with the displayed confirmation message, it is possible to switch and set the shooting mode in response to the shooting environment conditions that change in real time.

(Configuration of Example)
Next, an example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes at least a camera module 10, a display unit 20, an input unit 30, a memory 40, and a CPU 50. The camera module 10 includes a photographing lens 11a and an imaging unit 11b. Including a camera unit 11, an A / D converter 12, a DSP 13, and an image processing memory 14.

  Here, the photographing lens 11a of the camera unit 11 is a lens for condensing the reflected light from the subject on the imaging unit 11b, and the imaging unit 11b is configured by a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and from the photographing lens 11a. The present invention provides an imaging means for converting a light signal into an electrical signal based on a set photographing mode and acquiring a photographed image of a subject. The A / D converter 12 converts an analog signal input from the camera unit 11 into a digital signal and inputs the digital signal to the DSP 13.

  The DSP 13 is an arithmetic unit for performing signal processing relating to various input digital signals using various data stored in the image processing memory 14, and is based on a shooting mode set by a control signal from the CPU 50. Thus, there is provided an image correcting means for correcting a captured image input after being converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 12 to perform correction. The DSP 13 also provides shooting environment condition detection means for detecting the current shooting environment condition at the time of shooting the shot image in real time and notifying the CPU 50 based on the input shot image.

  Here, as an example of the calculation process of the shooting environment condition detection unit in the DSP 13, for example, in order to automatically select an optimal shooting mode related to the setting of the shutter speed and the frame rate, as described above, Depending on the scanned image, determine whether it is a dark shooting environment and determine whether it is necessary to switch to night mode, or determine whether a person's skin color has been detected and switch to landscape mode Determine the need for switching. Such arithmetic processing is merely an example, and the arithmetic processing in the DSP 13 is not limited to such a case.

  The display unit 20 includes an LCD or an organic EL, and is a display that displays a captured image corrected by the DSP 13, various messages, control icons, and the like. The input unit 30 includes buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, and the like, and is used by the user to input instructions for performing operations on the imaging apparatus 100.

  In addition, the memory 40 stores an imaging control program for operating the CPU 50 and a captured image, or a plurality of shooting modes provided in the imaging apparatus 100 and shooting environment conditions for selecting each shooting mode. This is a storage device for registering and storing data relating to data and data relating to various determination conditions. The memory 40 also stores various control data including display data such as a menu screen for selecting a shooting mode and a confirmation message to the user. Furthermore, for example, when the imaging apparatus 100 is built in a mobile phone as a photographing mechanism, data such as a telephone number and an e-mail address is also stored in the memory 40 so as to be shared with a mobile phone memory. Also good.

  The CPU 50 is a processor that controls the operation of the entire imaging apparatus 100 such as the camera module 10, the display unit 20, and the memory 40 based on an input from the input unit 30, and reads an imaging control program stored in the memory 40. When the instruction to change the currently set shooting mode is received from the user, the shooting mode is automatically switched to the optimum shooting mode for the current shooting environment condition, or the user In order to switch and set to the designated shooting mode, shooting mode switching means for controlling the shooting mode switching setting operation of the camera module 10 is provided.

  In addition, the CPU 50 provides an image display means for transmitting data related to a captured image to the display unit 20 to display on the screen by executing an imaging control program, and for confirming to the user whether or not the shooting mode has been changed. For example, a confirmation message display means for transmitting data related to the confirmation message to the display unit 20 and displaying the data on the screen is provided.

  Further, the CPU 50 provides various data display means for transmitting data related to various messages, shooting mode selection menus, control icons, and the like to the display unit 20 and executing screen display by executing an imaging control program. Various control data including image registration means for registering captured image data and shooting condition data at the time of image shooting in the memory 40, data used for determining shooting environment conditions, data related to shooting conditions, and the like. Is read / written from / to the memory 40, or data relating to instructions input from the user via the input unit 30 is controlled.

(Description of operation of this embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be further described. First, in order to facilitate understanding of the operation according to the present invention, the operation of the conventional imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 2 prior to the description of the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the conventional imaging apparatus. Here, in the conventional imaging apparatus, it is assumed that “auto mode” in which the imaging apparatus itself automatically determines the imaging condition is set as a default imaging mode that is set in advance at the time of activation.

  First, when the imaging apparatus is activated (step S101), an image captured in the auto mode by the camera module is displayed on the preview screen (step S102). The user confirms the preview image, determines whether or not to change the shooting mode, and if not changed (in the case of “no change” in step S102), the user performs shooting by pressing the shutter as it is. After that (step S103), the photographed image is confirmed and it is determined whether or not to register the image (step S104).

  If it is determined that re-shooting is desired at this time (in the case of “re-shooting” in step S104), the process returns to step S103 and the shutter is pressed again. On the other hand, when proceeding to the procedure of registering the captured image in the imaging apparatus (in the case of “registration” in step S104), an operation of registering and storing the captured image in the memory in the imaging apparatus is performed (step S105).

  In addition, in the preview image checking operation in step S102, when it is desired to change the shooting mode setting (in the case of “change” in step S102), the shooting mode that the user wants to change is selected from the menu screen displayed by the user's operation. A step of selecting (step S106), manually switching from the current shooting mode to the selected shooting mode, and then returning to step S102 to preview and check the image captured in the selected shooting mode. repeat.

  As described above, in the conventional imaging apparatus, it is necessary for the user to take a procedure of manually selecting and selecting the shooting mode that seems to be optimal from the menu screen while checking the preview display image. It has become. On the other hand, in the present invention, for example, when the imaging apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 showing the present embodiment is activated, the imaging environment condition is automatically confirmed on the imaging apparatus 100 side, and an optimum imaging mode is selected for the imaging environment condition. By automatically searching, it is automatically determined whether or not the current shooting mode needs to be changed. If it is determined that the shooting mode needs to be changed, whether or not the shooting mode has been changed is determined. It is configured to include a function for automatically displaying a confirmation message for confirmation to the user.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 taking the case of the configuration example of the image pickup apparatus 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. Here, also in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, “auto mode” in which the imaging apparatus 100 itself automatically determines imaging conditions is set as a default imaging mode that is set in advance at the time of activation. To do.

  First, when the user operates the input unit 30 to activate the imaging device 100 (step S201), the imaging control program stored in the memory 40 is activated, and an image captured by the camera module 10 in the auto mode is activated by the DSP 13. After the image correction is performed at step S202, the photographing environment condition that is captured by the CPU 50 and detected and notified in real time by the DSP 13 is checked (step S202). Next, based on the confirmed current shooting environment conditions, a plurality of shooting modes registered in the memory 40 as the shooting modes provided in the imaging apparatus 100 are searched, so that the optimum shooting mode can be substituted. It is searched whether or not the shooting mode exists (step S203).

  If it is determined that there is no alternative shooting mode or it is not necessary to change the current shooting mode (in the case of “None” in step S203), the conventional imaging described with reference to FIG. Similar to the case of the operation of the apparatus, an image captured by the camera module 10 in the current shooting mode is displayed on the preview screen of the display unit 20 (step S204). When the user confirms the preview image and does not need to change the shooting mode, determines that he / she wants to record and register as it is, and inputs an instruction to that effect from the input unit 30 (“change” in step S204) In the case of “None”, the process proceeds to step S205, the image is taken by pressing the shutter while keeping the currently set shooting mode (step S205), the shot image is confirmed, and the image is registered. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S206).

  If it is determined that re-shooting is desired at this time (in the case of “re-shooting” in step S206), the process returns to step S205 and the shutter is pressed again. On the other hand, when the procedure proceeds to a procedure for registering a captured image in the memory 40 in the imaging apparatus 100 (in the case of “registration” in step S206), an operation for registering and storing the captured image in the memory 40 in the imaging apparatus 100 is performed. This is performed (step S207).

  In the preview image confirmation operation in step S204, when the user confirms the preview image, determines that the user wants to shoot by changing the shooting mode setting, and inputs an instruction to that effect from the input unit 30. (In the case of “change” in step S204), as in the case of the operation of the conventional imaging apparatus described in FIG. 2, the user selects a shooting mode to be changed from the menu screen displayed by the user's operation. (Step S210) After manually setting the current shooting mode to the selected shooting mode, the procedure returns to Step S204 to repeat the procedure of previewing and checking the image captured in the selected shooting mode. . That is, also in this embodiment, assuming that the user wants to select an arbitrary shooting mode and set it manually, the manual selection function related to the shooting mode is the same as that of the conventional imaging device. It is provided as one.

  In step S203, when the CPU 50 (that is, the execution step of the confirmation message display means of the imaging control program) determines that there is an alternative shooting mode and the current shooting mode needs to be changed (step S203). In the case of “Yes”, a confirmation message for confirming whether or not the photographing mode has been changed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 20 (step S208). Here, the confirmation message is a message for confirming to the user that the searched photographing mode can be photographed in an optimum state that matches the actual photographing environment condition. This is an inquiry response format message that asks the user whether or not to change the shooting mode to an alternative shooting mode that is determined to be optimal for the shooting environment conditions. It is up to the user to decide whether or not to change the shooting mode. ing.

  When the user who has confirmed the confirmation message displayed on the display unit 20 inputs an instruction not to change the shooting mode from the input unit 30 (No in step S208), the process proceeds to step S204, The image captured by the camera module 10 is displayed on the preview screen of the display unit 20 with the set shooting mode. On the other hand, when the user inputs an instruction to change the shooting mode from the input unit 30 (Yes in step S208), the CPU 50 (that is, the execution step of the shooting mode switching means of the shooting control program) An alternative shooting mode searched based on the shooting environment condition, that is, a shooting mode optimum for the current shooting environment condition is automatically selected, and the shooting mode is switched and set (step S209). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204, and an image captured by the camera module 10 using the switched alternative shooting mode is displayed on the preview screen of the display unit 20.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, real-time changes in the shooting environment conditions are performed in accordance with the shooting environment conditions when the imaging apparatus 100 is started up or when shooting is performed while moving. Depending on the situation, the optimum shooting mode is automatically determined, a confirmation message is displayed to confirm whether the shooting mode has been changed, and the shooting mode is shot when a change instruction is received from the user. Since it is possible to automatically change and set to the optimal one for the environmental conditions, the user judges the current shooting environment conditions one by one, selects the shooting mode suitable for the shooting environment conditions, and selects it There is no need to perform an operation of switching to the shooting mode, and the usability in selecting and setting the shooting mode can be improved.

  In addition, even in the imaging apparatus 100 having a plurality of shooting modes, a shooting mode that is optimal for the current shooting environment conditions is automatically selected and set only by a very simple operation such as a shooting mode switching instruction from the user. Is possible.

  In addition, the user can automatically switch to and set the shooting mode that best suits the current shooting environment conditions with a simple operation, so the auto mode setting range (frame rate, etc.) is more than necessary. In addition, it is possible to select a more appropriate shooting mode for each shooting environment condition with a simple additional function.

  In the operation example illustrated in FIG. 3, assuming that the user has not previously selected a shooting mode when the imaging apparatus 100 is activated, the auto mode is set as the default setting mode at the time of activation. However, another imaging mode may be selected and set in advance by the user when the imaging apparatus 100 is activated.

  In the operation example shown in FIG. 3, once the alternative shooting mode is set, the shooting mode alternative search operation shown in step S <b> 203 is not executed unless the imaging apparatus 100 is restarted. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form.

  For example, if it is detected that the shooting environment condition has changed during the preview image display in step S204, or if the user instructs to search for the shooting mode most suitable for the current shooting environment condition, at that time. In order to investigate in real time whether there is an alternative shooting mode that should replace the selected shooting mode, the process returns from step S204 to step S203 to search for a more appropriate alternative shooting mode, and If the shooting mode exists, step S203 in FIG. 3 is displayed in the order of displaying a confirmation message for confirming to the user whether or not to switch to the alternative shooting mode, and changing to the alternative shooting mode. Processing similar to S208 and S209 may be performed.

  In this way, by performing the selection setting process of the optimal shooting mode in real time according to the change in the shooting environment condition, it changes in real time as when the user is shooting while carrying the imaging device 100. Even under the shooting environment conditions to be performed, the user can perform shooting while switching to and setting the optimum shooting mode corresponding to the changing shooting environment conditions.

(Search method for alternative shooting modes)
Next, when the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is started up or when a change in the main photographing environment condition is detected, the CPU 50 (that is, the execution step of the confirmation message display means of the image pickup control program) is registered in the memory 40. An example of a specific search method for searching for an alternative shooting mode from among a plurality of shooting modes will be described. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of specific search methods, and the following embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Judgment based on shutter speed)
First, a case will be described in which it is determined whether or not to search for an alternative shooting mode using the shutter speed, which is the speed at which the shutter is opened and closed. A shutter speed threshold value is set in advance as a threshold value for determining whether or not switching to an alternative shooting mode can be performed based on the shutter speed, and at the time of image capturing for preview when the imaging device is started or when a change in shooting environment condition is detected For example, when the shutter speed is higher than the shutter speed threshold value set in advance, it is determined that the current shutter speed may be used for shooting. On the other hand, if it is slower than the shutter speed threshold, it is assumed that the shooting environment condition is a shooting environment in a dark place, and the shooting mode is changed to a shooting mode for dark places such as “Night Mode” provided as an alternative. A confirmation message for confirming with the user whether or not to do so is displayed on the display unit 20.

(Judgment by skin color detection)
Next, a case will be described in which it is determined whether or not to search for an alternative shooting mode using information on whether or not a person's skin color is detected from a subject during preview shooting. When shooting an image for preview when starting the imaging device or detecting changes in shooting environment conditions, it is determined whether or not the skin color of the person has been detected from the subject. It is determined that shooting may be performed with the current shooting mode set to. On the other hand, if no skin color is detected, the subject does not contain a person and is presumed to be shooting a landscape. A confirmation message for confirming whether or not to change is displayed on the display unit 20.

  An advantage of changing the shooting mode to the landscape mode is that the photometry mode can be changed. In the auto mode that is normally used by the user, the “center metering” is often set as the metering mode. When a landscape including a bright sky is photographed using the “center metering” metering mode like this, there are many cases in which the photographed image such as the sky at the top of the screen causes whiteout. This is because, in the “center metering” metering mode, the AE (automatic exposure) weight is placed on the subject at the center of the screen, and the exposure is adjusted to the center subject. This is because the sky becomes overexposed and causes overexposure.

  On the other hand, in landscape mode, the average metering mode is usually set as the metering mode, so if no skin color is detected from the subject, change the shooting mode to landscape mode as described above. If this is done, it is possible to prevent the sky from flying out. If “Portrait Mode” is provided as a shooting mode for portrait shooting, if skin color is detected from the subject, “Portrait Mode” is selected as an alternative shooting mode for “Auto Mode”. You may make it display the confirmation message which confirms the presence or absence of a change on the display part 20. FIG.

(Effect in the present embodiment)
According to the imaging apparatus, the mobile phone, the imaging control method, the imaging control program, and the program recording medium of the above-described embodiments according to the present invention, the imaging environment condition when the imaging apparatus 100 is started up, and the shooting is performed while moving. As in the case of the real-time shooting environment conditions, the optimal shooting mode is automatically determined, and a confirmation message for confirming whether the shooting mode has been changed is displayed on the display unit 20. When a change instruction is received from the user via the input unit 30, it is possible to automatically change and set the shooting mode to the optimum one for the current shooting environment condition. The user selects the shooting mode that seems to be optimal under the shooting environment conditions, and manually switches to the selected shooting mode. It is not necessary to perform the work, it is possible to improve the usability of in selecting and setting of shooting mode.

  Further, according to the imaging apparatus, the mobile phone, the imaging control method, the imaging control program, and the program recording medium of the above-described embodiments according to the present invention, even if the imaging apparatus 100 has a plurality of imaging modes, the user can It is possible to automatically select and set a photographing mode that is optimal for the photographing environment condition by a simple operation of switching instruction via the input unit 30.

  Further, according to the imaging apparatus, the mobile phone, the imaging control method, the imaging control program, and the program recording medium of the above-described embodiments according to the present invention, only a simple operation such as a switching instruction from the user via the input unit 30 is performed. Since it is possible to switch to a shooting mode that is optimal for the current shooting environment conditions, the auto mode setting range (frame rate, etc.) will not be unnecessarily widened, and each individual shooting environment can be selected with a simple additional function. It is possible to select a more appropriate shooting mode for the condition.

  The configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, it should be noted that such examples are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and changes can be made according to a specific application without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a block configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the conventional imaging device. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Camera module 11 Camera part 11a Shooting lens 11b Imaging part 12 A / D converter 13 DSP
14 Image processing memory 20 Display unit 30 Input unit 40 Memory 50 CPU
100 Imaging device

Claims (9)

A storage means for storing a plurality of shooting modes suitable for an auto mode in which the imaging apparatus automatically determines shooting conditions and predetermined shooting environment conditions;
A shooting environment condition detection means for monitoring and detecting the current shooting environment condition in real time ;
When the shooting environment condition detection unit detects a change in the shooting environment condition , the current shooting environment condition is selected in real time from a plurality of shooting modes suitable for the predetermined shooting environment condition stored in the storage unit. Search means to search for the best shooting mode for
As a result of the search by the search means, if there is a shooting mode that is more suitable for the current shooting environment condition than the set current shooting mode, the set current shooting mode is found as a result of the search. Confirmation message display means for displaying on the display a confirmation message for confirming to the user whether to change to a photographing mode suitable for the current photographing environment condition;
Imaging means for acquiring a photographed image of a subject photographed based on a set current photographing mode;
When the current shooting mode is set to the auto mode, it is acquired by the imaging unit based on a shooting condition automatically determined based on the shooting environment condition detected by the shooting environment condition detection unit. If the current shooting mode is set to one of the shooting modes suitable for the predetermined shooting environment condition, the correction processing is performed on the shot image. Image correction means for performing correction processing on the captured image acquired by the imaging means based on the imaging conditions determined in the above;
Image display means for screen display the captured image after the correction process in the image correcting unit on the display unit,
An imaging apparatus comprising: As a shooting mode suitable for the predetermined shooting environment condition stored in the storage means, at least a night mode used for shooting in a dark place,
The search means determines whether or not the shutter speed at the time of image capturing detected by the shooting environment condition detection means is slower than a shutter speed threshold set in advance to determine whether or not it is a dark place. Based on whether the night mode is the optimal shooting mode,
The confirmation message display means, the determination result, if the it is determined that it is necessary to change the current shooting mode, according to claim 1, characterized in that displaying the confirmation message on the display unit Imaging device. As a shooting mode suitable for the predetermined shooting environment condition stored in the storage means, at least a landscape mode used for shooting a landscape,
The search unit determines whether the landscape mode is an optimal shooting mode based on a result of determining whether the shooting environment condition detection unit detects human skin at the time of image shooting,
The confirmation message display means, the determination result, if the it is determined that it is necessary to change the current shooting mode, according to claim 1, characterized in that displaying the confirmation message on the display unit Imaging device. It further comprises an input means for inputting an instruction from the user,
In response to the confirmation message displayed on the display unit, when an instruction to change the current shooting mode is received from the user via the input unit, the current shooting mode is set to the shooting environment. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a shooting mode switching unit configured to switch to and set a shooting mode optimal for the shooting environment condition detected by the condition detection unit. 5. A cellular phone having an imaging mechanism for capturing an image, wherein the imaging device according to claim 1 is incorporated as the imaging mechanism. An imaging control method used in an imaging apparatus having an auto mode in which the imaging apparatus automatically determines imaging conditions and a plurality of imaging modes suitable for predetermined imaging environment conditions,
The imaging control method includes:
A shooting environment condition detection step for monitoring and detecting the current shooting environment condition in real time ;
When a change in the shooting environment condition is detected in the shooting environment condition detection step, a shooting mode optimum for the current shooting environment condition is searched in real time from a plurality of shooting modes suitable for the predetermined shooting environment condition. A search step;
As a result of the search in the search step, if there is a shooting mode suitable for the current shooting environment condition rather than the set current shooting mode, the set current shooting mode is found as a result of the search. A confirmation message display step for displaying on the display a confirmation message for confirming to the user whether to change to a photographing mode suitable for the current photographing environment condition;
An imaging step of acquiring a captured image of a subject captured based on the current shooting mode;
When the current shooting mode is set to the auto mode, it is acquired in the imaging step based on the shooting condition automatically determined based on the shooting environment condition detected in the shooting environment condition detection step. If the current shooting mode is set to one of the shooting modes suitable for the predetermined shooting environment condition, the correction processing is performed on the shot image. An image correction step for performing a correction process on the captured image acquired in the imaging step based on the imaging conditions determined
An image displaying step of screen displaying a captured image after the correction process in the image correction step on said display unit,
An imaging control method comprising: When receiving an instruction from the user to change the current shooting mode in response to the confirmation message displayed on the display unit, the current shooting mode is detected by the shooting environment condition detecting step. The imaging control method according to claim 6 , further comprising an imaging mode switching step of switching to and setting an imaging mode optimal for the environmental condition. 8. An imaging control program, wherein the imaging control method according to claim 6 is implemented as a program executable by a computer.   9. A program recording medium, wherein the imaging control program according to claim 8 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

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