JP5015058B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having a user interface that can be operated by applying vibrations such as shaking or hitting the imaging apparatus body.

  In general, operations such as camera mode switching are performed by a user operating an operation button provided on the camera. However, as the camera is further downsized, the above-described operation button space may become insufficient. In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a camera that can detect a vibration applied to the camera and output a command signal similar to that when an operation button is operated based on the detected vibration. Yes.

In addition, a small electronic device such as a camera that operates using a battery as a power source is configured to shift to a power saving operation state when it is detected that the operation has not been performed for a certain period of time for the purpose of suppressing battery consumption. There is something that is. This power saving operation state is referred to as a standby state (standby mode), a hibernation state (hibernation mode), or the like. The electronic device in the power saving operation state reduces the power consumption by stopping the other functions while leaving the function of detecting that the operation member has been operated. And when it detects that the operation member was operated, it is comprised so that it can reset to a normal operating state immediately. With this configuration, even if the user forgets to turn off the power after using the electronic device, it detects that the operation has not been performed for a certain period of time and automatically shifts to the power saving operation state. Battery consumption can be suppressed.
JP 2000-125184 A

  In addition to detecting that the operation member has been operated, it is also effective to detect vibration applied to the electronic device as a trigger for returning from the power saving operation state described above to the normal operation state. That is, if the user can return the electronic device in the power saving operation state to the normal operation state by operating the operation member of the electronic device or applying vibration to the electronic device, the operability is improved.

  By the way, as an electronic device that can be used underwater, there is a camera having a waterproof function that can perform a photographing operation underwater alone without using a waterproof housing or the like. However, a camera having a waterproof function is designed with operation members such as a dial, a push button, and a slide lever in consideration of use on land (in the air). Underwater, the operability is deteriorated when the user wears an underwater mask or gloves or buoyancy, water pressure, or water flow acts on the photographer (user). It is possible to improve operability by configuring such a camera that can perform an underwater photographing operation so that the user can operate the camera by vibrating the camera.

  Further, when a camera that does not have a waterproof function is housed in a waterproof housing and a photographing operation is performed underwater, the operation member provided in the camera is provided on the waterproof housing in order to be operable from the outside of the waterproof housing. A link member for transmitting the movement of the operation member to the operation member of the camera housed in the waterproof housing is required. At this time, in order to be able to operate all the operation members provided in the camera from the outside of the waterproof housing, it is necessary to provide many operation members and link members in the waterproof housing. If it does so, the structure of a waterproof housing will become complicated and waterproof housing itself will also become large. In addition, the operability may be reduced due to the presence of the link member. On the other hand, by configuring the camera to be operable by applying vibration to the camera, the number of operation members necessary for camera operation can be reduced, and the structure of the waterproof housing can be simplified.

  However, when vibrations applied to the electronic device are detected to return from the power saving operation state to the normal operation state, a problem may occur. For example, it is assumed that the user forgets to turn off the power when the electronic device is stored in a case or a bag. When the electronic device is carried in this state, vibration may be applied to the electronic device. When this vibration is detected by the electronic device in the power saving operation mode, the normal operation mode is restored. If vibration is intermittently applied to the electronic device, the power saving state cannot be stably maintained, and useless consumption of the battery cannot be suppressed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to achieve improvement in camera operability and reduction in power consumption.

(1) The first aspect of the present invention includes a normal operation state and a standby state in which the standby operation is performed with less power consumption than the power consumption in the normal operation state and the operation by the user is waited for. It is applied to a photographing apparatus having And this photographic device
A switch operation detection unit that detects a switch operation that is an operation of the user operating an operation switch provided in the photographing apparatus;
A vibration detection unit that detects vibration generated by an excitation operation that is an operation in which the user applies vibration to the imaging device;
An interrupt control unit for outputting an interrupt signal;
The imaging device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch operation or the vibration operation was last performed, and when the imaging device is in the standby state, A system control unit that switches the imaging device from the standby state to the normal operation state when detecting an interrupt signal ;
The system controller is
When switching the imaging device from the normal operation state to the standby state, an interrupt signal is allowed to be output from the interrupt control unit based on the output of the switch operation detection unit, while the vibration is transmitted from the interrupt control unit. The problem described above is solved by selecting whether to prohibit or permit the output of an interrupt signal based on the output of the detection unit .
(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, either the normal operation state or the standby state in which the standby operation is performed with less power consumption than the normal operation state and the operation by the user is waited for. It is an imaging device that can be operated in a manner capable of detecting a vibration operation that is an operation in which the user vibrates the imaging device and a switch operation that is an operation in which the user operates a switch provided in the imaging device. A method of controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising:
Detecting the vibration operation or the switch operation when the photographing apparatus is in the normal operation state;
Switching the operation state of the imaging device from the normal operation state to the standby state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of the vibration operation or the switch operation;
When switching the imaging apparatus from the normal operation state to the standby state, an interrupt signal is output based on the detection of the switch operation, while an interrupt signal is output based on the detection of the vibration operation. Choosing whether to prohibit or allow
Switching the imaging device from the standby state to the normal operation state when detecting the interrupt signal when the imaging device is in the standby state;
By solving this problem, the above-described problem is solved.

(1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, when the shooting device is in a standby state, does not respond to user photographing device to a pressurized is an operation of applying vibration damping operation, provided in the imaging apparatus In response to a switch operation that is an operation of the operation switch by the user, the photographing device is carried in a state in which the main power supply is forgotten to be turned off by switching the operation state of the photographing device from the standby state to the normal operation state. In such a situation, it is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of electric power due to the imaging apparatus returning from the standby state to the normal operating state due to the vibrations that are waiting.
(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the photographing apparatus is in the normal state, the vibration operation or the switch operation is detected, while the vibration operation or the switch operation is detected after the last detection. When the photographic device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state after the elapse of the time, the detection of vibration caused by the vibration operation is prohibited and the vibration operation is not responded. By switching the operating state of the camera from the standby state to the normal operating state, the camera can be moved from the standby state to the normal operation due to vibration during standby in the situation where the camera device is carried with the main power turned off. It is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of electric power after returning to the state.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera 100 to which the present invention is applied, and shows a state seen from the front side of the digital camera 100 (side directed to a subject during photographing). FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 100, and is a view showing a state viewed from the back side of the digital camera 100 (side facing the user of the digital camera 100 at the time of shooting). The digital camera 100 has a so-called waterproof specification in which an exterior member is configured to be watertight and has a configuration capable of normal operation in water. 1 and 2 show X, Y, and Z coordinate axes orthogonal to each other. With these coordinate axes, the user holds the digital camera 100 in a horizontal position (a composition in which the long side of the shooting screen is substantially parallel to the horizontal line on the assumption that the shooting screen has a general horizontal aspect ratio). The direction of the X axis in the direction parallel to the horizontal line, the direction of the Y axis in the direction parallel to the vertical line, and the direction of the Z axis in a direction perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis. It shall be. In the following description, for example, a direction along the X axis is referred to as an “X axis direction”.

  The normal operation means that the digital camera 100 can execute at least a shooting operation based on a shooting operation by a user. In other words, even underwater, even if the digital camera has a function that is limited in water and cannot be used for playback operations that display captured images or change the field of view (zoom operation), It shall be in the category of operable digital cameras.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 100 includes a photographing lens 102, a flash light emitting device 104, a power switch 106, a release switch 108, a pressure sensor 112, and an acceleration sensor (vibration sensor) 114. A water detection sensor 116, a regeneration switch 120, a menu switch 122, a tap operation permission switch 124, zoom instruction switches 126 and 128, a cross key switch 130, and a display device 132.

  In order to improve the water tightness of the digital camera 100, it is desirable to use the photographic lens 102 having a configuration in which the lens element does not protrude from the main body of the digital camera 100 during the zooming operation. The flash light emitting device 104 is for emitting light as needed to irradiate a subject at the time of shooting, and may be configured to include a high-pressure discharge circuit and a xenon tube, It may have a light emitting part such as a high brightness LED.

  Here, various switches among the above-described elements of the digital camera 100 will be described first. Various switches described below are configured to be able to accept operations by the user of the digital camera 100.

  The power switch 106 is a switch for instructing activation and shutdown of the digital camera 100. The release switch 108 is a switch for instructing start of a photographing operation. The zoom instruction switches 126 and 128 are switches for instructing the zooming operation of the photographing lens 102 when the digital camera 100 is set to the photographing mode. The zoom instruction switches 126 and 128 are also used to perform an operation for enlarging and displaying an image displayed on the display device 132 when the digital camera 100 is set to the playback mode. Used as a thing.

  The playback switch 120 is a switch for instructing an operation for switching the digital camera 100 in the image recording mode to the playback mode or an operation for switching the digital camera 100 in the playback mode to the image recording mode. The menu switch 122 is a switch for instructing to call a menu screen for instructing to change various settings of the digital camera 100 in the image recording mode or the reproduction mode. The menu switch 122 is also used when instructing the display device 132 to stop displaying the menu screen.

  The cross key switch 130 is a switch for operating when the menu switch 122 is operated and the menu screen is displayed on the display device 132 to instruct change of various settings of the digital camera 100. When the digital camera 100 is set to the image recording mode, the cross key switch 130 switches the light emission mode (e.g., light emission prohibition, automatic light emission, forced light emission) of the flash light emitting device 104, the distant view shooting mode, and the macro shooting. It is also used as a switch for instructing setting change such as a mode and a self-timer photographing mode. Furthermore, when the digital camera 100 is set to the playback mode, the cross key switch 130 performs an operation for the user to select an image to be displayed from the thumbnail images and an operation for advancing or returning the display image by one frame. Also used when.

  The tap operation permission switch 124 is used to perform a switching operation between a mode that allows a user to accept a tap operation (tap operation permission mode) and a mode that prohibits the acceptance of a tap operation (tap operation prohibition mode). Switch. The tap operation will be described in detail later. In this specification, a user's operation of the various operation switches provided in the digital camera 100 is referred to as a “user operation”. In the following description, when it is not necessary to individually specify a switch, the above-described switch is referred to as an “operation switch”. That is, “user operation” means that the user operates one of the operation switches provided in the digital camera 100. This operation switch is denoted by reference numeral 332 in FIG.

  Next, other components included in the digital camera 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 112 is a so-called semiconductor pressure sensor using a silicon diaphragm. The diaphragm 110 of the pressure sensor 112 is disposed at a position where the pressure applied to the digital camera 100 can be detected. Since the configuration of the semiconductor pressure sensor is well known, detailed description will be omitted, and a schematic configuration will be described. The diaphragm 110 of the pressure sensor 112 is formed with a bridge resistance circuit, and the deformation amount of the diaphragm 110 generated by receiving pressure can be detected by the amount of voltage change in the bridge resistance circuit. Note that the pressure sensor 112 is not limited to a semiconductor type, and may use another type such as a capacitance type.

  The water detection sensor 116 is for detecting whether or not the digital camera 100 exists in an environment in contact with water, such as underwater or near the water. In the present embodiment, the water detection sensor 116 has electrodes 118A and 118B, and these electrodes 118A and 118B are disposed at locations where the digital camera 100 is immersed in water when the digital camera 100 is in an environment in contact with water. As the resistance value between these electrodes 118A and 118B changes, it is possible to determine whether or not the digital camera 100 is in an environment in contact with water. For example, when the digital camera 100 is in the air, the resistance value between these electrodes 118A and 118B is substantially infinite. On the other hand, in a state where these electrodes 118A and 118B are submerged in water, the resistance value is smaller than when the electrodes 118A and 118B are in the air. Thus, based on the detection result of the resistance value between the electrodes 118A and 118B, it is possible to detect whether or not the digital camera 100 exists in an environment in contact with water.

  When the user operates the digital camera 100, the diaphragm 110 of the pressure sensor 112 and the electrodes 118A and 118B of the water detection sensor 116 are arranged at positions that do not interfere with the detection of the pressure and the detection of water. It is desirable to install. For example, it is desirable that the digital camera 100 be provided at a position where the finger is not caught when the digital camera 100 is held. Alternatively, the diaphragm 110 and the electrodes 118A and 118B may be covered with a cover having a slit, a mesh, or the like so that the detection is not affected even if a user's finger is applied.

  The acceleration sensor 114 is configured to be able to detect vibration applied to the digital camera 100. The acceleration sensor 114 is configured to be able to detect vibration generated by an excitation operation given to the digital camera 100 by a user. In this specification, the vibration operation means an operation in which the user taps the digital camera 100 with a fingertip, a pen, or the like, an operation in which the user touches the palm, a shaking operation, a shaking operation, a rotating operation, or the like.

  As the acceleration sensor 114, a sensor using MEMES (micro electro mechanical systems) has already been put into practical use. In an acceleration sensor using MEMS, a sensor configured to be able to detect acceleration generated in the X, Y, and Z axis directions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed on a single silicon substrate. Further, sensors that can detect not only the acceleration generated in the X, Y, and Z axis directions but also the movements generated around the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis have been put into practical use. The acceleration sensor 114 is disposed in the digital camera 100 so that the vibration operation by the user can be detected.

  By the way, vibration (camera shake) applied to the camera is detected by a gyroscope, and a part of the photographing optical system or an image sensor is moved in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing optical system to reduce camera shake caused by camera shake. The correction system has already been commercialized. When the digital camera 100 has such a camera shake correction system, instead of providing the above-described dedicated acceleration sensor for detecting the shaking operation, the digital camera 100 uses a gyroscope incorporated for the camera shake correction system. An operation may be detected.

  The digital camera 100 is configured to detect a vibration generated by the above-described vibration operation by the user and accept a user operation based on the detected vibration. For example, instead of directly pressing the cross key switch 130, the user shakes the digital camera 100 up and down (Y-axis direction) left and right (X-axis direction), or the X-axis rotation, Y-axis rotation shown in FIG. It is possible to change the various settings of the digital camera 100 by swinging around the Z axis. At the same time or in another example, instead of directly pressing the zoom instruction switches 126 and 128, for example, when the digital camera 100 is tapped twice continuously, a zoom-up operation is performed, and when tapped only once, a zoom-down operation is performed. It is also possible to perform operations such as to be performed.

  As described above, there are various types of vibration operations that can be performed by the user. In the following, for the purpose of simplifying the description, the digital camera 100 uses the digital camera 100 as the vibration operation performed by the user. The operation will be described assuming that it is configured to accept a tapping operation, that is, a tap operation. When the user operates the tap operation permission switch 124 to place the digital camera 100 in the tap operation permission mode, the user can operate the digital camera 100 by a tap operation in addition to the operations of the various switches described above.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the side and bottom of the digital camera 100, a battery storage chamber for storing a battery as a power source of the digital camera 100, and image data obtained by photographing are recorded. A memory card storage chamber for storing a memory card for communication, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal for mounting a cable for communicating with an external device such as a personal computer, an image data storage device, and a printer. .

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the digital camera 100. A system controller 300 that functions as a control unit for controlling the operation of the digital camera 100 includes a CPU 303 and a plurality of functional blocks described below. The plurality of functional blocks include a power control unit 302, an image processing unit 304, an image compression / decompression unit 306, an external memory interface unit 308, an input / output unit (I / O) 310, and an interrupt control unit 312. A timer counter 314, an A / D converter 316, a D / A converter 318, and a clock unit 320. The CPU 303 and the functional block are connected to each other via a control line and a bus line. In FIG. 3, these functional blocks are drawn separately from the CPU 303, but may be provided inside the CPU 303.

  The system controller 300 includes an image sensor 335 via an image sensor interface circuit 336, a water detection sensor 116 via a resistance value detection circuit 352, a battery 324 via a power circuit 322, and a display controller 326. A display device 132 is connected. The system controller 300 is also connected with a clock circuit 338, a memory card 340, a DRAM 342, a flash memory 344, a pressure sensor 112, a USB controller 328, an operation switch 332, an oscillator 334, a vibration detector 400, and the like.

  The image sensor 335 is configured by a CCD, a C-MOS, or the like, and generates an image signal by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens 102. The image sensor interface circuit 336 drives the image sensor 335 and converts an image signal output from the image sensor 335 into image data.

  The internal configuration of the system controller 300 will be described. The power control unit 302 controls the power required for the CPU 303 and each functional block in the system controller 300 based on a command from the CPU 303.

  The CPU 303 forms the core of the system controller 300 and controls the functional blocks described below in an integrated manner. The image processing unit 304 performs processing such as γ correction, color conversion, and demosaicing on the image data output from the image sensor interface circuit 336 and outputs the processed data to the image compression / decompression unit 306. The image processing unit 304 also starts from the image sensor interface circuit 336 when the digital camera 100 is in a shooting preparation state (the digital camera 100 is set to the image recording mode and the user points the digital camera 100 toward the subject). The input image data for display is processed at a frame rate such as 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second, and is output to the display control unit 326. The display control unit 326 performs processing for displaying an image based on the image output from the image processing unit 304 on the display device 132. At this time, the image displayed on the display device 132 is referred to as a through image or a live view image.

  The image compression / decompression unit 306 compresses the image data output from the image processing unit 304 and records it on the memory card 340 via the external memory interface unit 308. The image compression / decompression unit 306 also decompresses the compressed image data read from the memory card 340 via the external memory interface unit 308 and outputs the compressed image data to the display control unit 326 when the digital camera 100 is set to the image playback mode. To do. The display control unit 326 displays an image based on the image data input from the image compression / decompression unit 306 on the display device 132.

  The external memory interface unit 308 has an interface function between the bus in the system controller 300 and the memory card 340, and also has an interface function between the bus, the DRAM 342, and the flash memory 344.

  The DRAM 342 is used as a work area when the image processing unit 304 and the image compression / decompression unit 306 perform the above-described processing. A control program 346 recorded in the flash memory 344 is read onto the DRAM 342 and executed by the CPU 303.

  The input / output unit 310 is performed between the clock circuit 338, the resistance value detection circuit 352, the pressure sensor 112, the USB controller 328, the operation switch 332, the vibration detection unit 400, and the CPU 303 that are electrically connected to the system controller 300. It is for exchanging data and control signals.

  The interrupt control unit 312 is configured to be able to issue an interrupt signal to the CPU 303 when an event such as the operation of the operation switch 332 by the user, the tap operation by the user, or the completion of timing by the timer counter 314 occurs. The timer counter 314 counts the clock signal output from the clock unit 320 and generates a timing signal necessary for system control by the system controller 300.

  The clock unit 320 generates a clock having a frequency necessary for the operation of the system controller 300 based on a signal output from the oscillator 334 electrically connected to the system controller 300. The clock signal generated by the clock unit 320 is output to a functional block that requires input of the clock signal.

  The A / D converter 316 inputs analog signals output from the resistance value detection circuit 352, the pressure sensor 112, the vibration detection unit 400, and the like that are electrically connected to the system controller 300, and converts them into digital signals. The D / A converter 318 converts the digital signal output from the CPU 303 into an analog signal. In this embodiment, an analog output signal from the D / A converter 318 is output to the vibration detection unit 400 as described later with reference to FIG.

  The system controller 300 configured as described above comprehensively controls the operation of the digital camera 100 by the CPU 303 interpreting and executing the control program 346 recorded in the flash memory 344.

  Next, components connected to the system controller 300 will be described. The power circuit 322 includes a DC / DC converter, and distributes (supplies) power to the CPU 303 and functional blocks that require power supply. At this time, the power circuit 322 increases or decreases the voltage required for each of the system controller 300 and the functional block to which power is supplied. Distribution of power by the power circuit 322 is controlled based on a command signal output from the system controller 300. The battery 324 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery.

  The display device 132 includes a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL display panel, or the like, and is configured to be able to display color images, icons, characters, and the like. The display control unit 326 drives the display device 132 to display the above-described image, icon, character, and the like.

  The USB controller 328 controls transmission / reception of data performed between the digital camera 100 and an external device electrically connected via a USB cable, such as a personal computer, an image data storage device, and a printer. Is.

  As described above, the operation switch 332 is a general term for the various switches shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, and includes a tact switch, a dial switch, a touch sensor type switch, or a slide switch. The The oscillator 334 is configured by a crystal oscillator, a ceramic oscillator, or the like, and outputs a signal generated by the oscillation to the clock unit 320 in the system controller 300.

  The clock circuit 338 generates time data of year / month / day / hour / minute / second and outputs the time data to the system controller 300. The memory card 340 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a small hard disk drive, and the like, and is detachably attached to the digital camera 100.

  The flash memory 344 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory built in the digital camera 100. In the flash memory 344, a control program 346 executed by the CPU 303, log data 348 which is data recording a history of pressure (water pressure) measured by the pressure sensor 112, photographing parameters set by the digital camera 100, digital data Control including parameters adjusted according to individual differences of the camera 100, the total number of shots, the serial number included in the file name given to the image data, information specifying the name of the folder in which the image data is recorded, etc. Parameters 350 and the like are recorded.

  The resistance value detection circuit 352 outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value between the electrodes 118 </ b> A and 118 </ b> B of the water detection sensor 116 to the system controller 300. When water is present between the electrodes 118A and 118B, the resistance value decreases. At this time, the resistance value detection circuit 352 can be configured to output a Lo signal to the system controller 300, for example. In this case, when there is no water between the electrodes 118A and 118B, the resistance value increases, and the resistance value detection circuit 352 outputs a Hi signal to the system controller 300. Thus, the water detection unit 116 and the resistance value detection circuit 352 constitute a water detection unit. With this water detection unit, the CPU 303 can determine whether or not the digital camera 100 is in water.

  In addition, as said water detection sensor 116, it may replace with what has electrode 118A, 118B, and may use an optical sensor. The configuration of the optical sensor may include a light emitting unit that emits infrared light and the like, and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. Then, the digital camera 100 is in water by detecting that the refractive index changes depending on whether air or water exists between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and the amount of light incident on the light receiving unit changes. Or it may be configured to be able to determine whether it is in the air.

  The pressure sensor 112 includes a diaphragm 110 in which a bridge resistor 358 as a strain gauge is formed, an amplifier circuit 354, and a constant current circuit 356. As shown in FIG. 3, the bridge resistor 358 forms a closed circuit (bridge circuit) in which four resistors are connected at four connection points, but one of the two sets of connection points facing each other. The amplifier circuit 354 is connected to the connection point of the set, and the constant current circuit 356 is connected to the connection point of the other set. As the diaphragm 110 is deformed under pressure, the resistance values of the four resistors constituting the bridge resistor 358 change. As a result, the balance in the bridge circuit is lost, and a potential difference is generated between a pair of connection points to which the amplifier circuit is connected. The amplifier circuit 354 amplifies this potential difference and outputs it to the A / D converter 316. Thus, the diaphragm 110 (bridge resistor 358), the amplifier circuit 354, and the constant current circuit 356 that constitute the pressure sensor 112 constitute a pressure measurement unit. With this pressure measurement unit, the CPU 303 can determine whether or not the digital camera 100 is in water.

  The example in which the digital camera 100 includes the water detection sensor 116 and the pressure sensor 112 has been described above. Since the digital camera 100 includes the water detection sensor 116 and the pressure sensor 112, when photographing in the rain, it is possible to distinguish between photographing on land or photographing in water. Further, even if the digital camera 100 is located at a very shallow depth and it is difficult to determine whether or not the digital camera 100 is underwater from the pressure detection result by the pressure sensor 112, the detection result by the water detection sensor 116. This makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the digital camera 100 is underwater. The digital camera 100 may have only one of the water detection sensor 116 and the pressure sensor 112 described above.

  In the present embodiment, the digital camera 100 is described as being capable of photographing in water alone without using a waterproof housing or the like. However, the digital camera 100 is housed in a waterproof housing and can be photographed in water. It may be possible. In that case, the CPU 303 may be configured to be able to detect that the digital camera 100 is used in water so that a protrusion provided in the waterproof housing presses a switch provided in the digital camera 100.

  The vibration detection unit 400 includes the acceleration sensor 114 described above, and a processing unit that processes a signal output from the acceleration sensor 114 and outputs the signal to the system controller 300.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the vibration detection unit 400. The vibration detection unit 400 includes a power control unit 402, an acceleration sensor 114, an X-axis acceleration processing unit 410, a Y-axis acceleration processing unit 420, and a Z-axis acceleration processing unit 430.

  The power control unit 402 supplies the power supplied from the power circuit 322 (FIG. 3) to each component in the vibration detection unit 400. A control signal is output from the CPU 303 to the power control unit 402 via the input / output unit 310. The CPU 303 is configured to be able to control whether or not the power control unit 402 supplies power to each component in the vibration detection unit 400 by this control signal. Thereby, the CPU 303 can control the operation permission and the operation prohibition (stop) of the vibration detection unit 400.

  The acceleration sensor 114 includes an X-axis acceleration sensor 404 that can detect acceleration (vibration) in the X-axis direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a Y-axis acceleration sensor 406 that can detect acceleration (vibration) in the Y-axis direction. And a Z-axis acceleration sensor 408 capable of detecting acceleration (vibration) in the Z-axis direction.

  Output signals from the X-axis acceleration sensor 404, the Y-axis acceleration sensor 406, and the Z-axis acceleration sensor 408 are input to the corresponding X-axis acceleration processing unit 410, Y-axis acceleration processing unit 420, and Z-axis acceleration processing unit 430. The Since the internal configurations of the X-axis acceleration processing unit 410, the Y-axis acceleration processing unit 420, and the Z-axis acceleration processing unit 430 are basically the same, only the internal configuration of the X-axis acceleration processing unit 410 will be described below.

  The X-axis acceleration processing unit 410 includes an amplifier 412 and a waveform shaping unit 418. The waveform shaping unit 418 includes a comparator 414 and a filter 416. The amplifier 412 amplifies the signal output from the X-axis acceleration sensor 404 to a level that can be processed by the A / D converter 316 in the system controller 300, and inputs the amplified signal to the A / D converter 316. The output signal of the amplifier 412 is also input to the filter 416 constituting the waveform shaping unit, and unnecessary signal components are removed by the filter 416 and input to the non-inverting input unit of the comparator 414. The CPU 303 outputs digital data corresponding to the reference voltage (Vref) to be input to the inverting input unit of the comparator 414 to the D / A converter 318. The D / A converter 318 converts this digital data into an analog signal having a voltage of Vref, and inputs the analog signal to the inverting input unit of the comparator 414. A signal output from the comparator 414 is output to the input / output unit 310 and the interrupt control unit 312.

  With the configuration described above, the acceleration signal output from the X-axis acceleration sensor 404 is amplified by the amplifier 412, filtered by the filter 416, and then input by the comparator 414 to the input / output unit 310 and the interrupt control unit 312 in the system controller 300. Converted to a possible binary signal. The CPU 303 can detect a tap operation performed by the user based on the state of the binary signal. At this time, by changing the value of the digital data output from the CPU 303 to the D / A converter 318, the value of the reference voltage (Vref) input to the inverting input unit of the comparator 414 can be changed. The acceleration detection sensitivity can be arbitrarily changed.

  Further, the tap signal by the user can also be detected by converting the acceleration signal output from the amplifier 412 into digital data by the A / D converter 316 and processing the data by the CPU 303. In this case, as will be described later, the user performs a strong tap operation for the first time and then a weak second tap operation so that vibration is applied to the digital camera 100 with a predetermined vibration pattern. The CPU 303 can detect the shaking operation. At this time, the waveform shaping function of the waveform shaping unit 418 can be realized by software executed by the CPU 303.

  Similarly to the output signal from the X-axis acceleration processing unit 410, the output signals from the Y-axis acceleration processing unit 420 and the Z-axis acceleration processing unit 430 are also A / D converter 316, D / A converter 318, and input / output unit 310. Is input to the interrupt control unit 312.

  The example in which the vibration detection unit 400 is configured to be able to detect vibrations in the three axes of X, Y, and Z has been described above, but the vibration detection unit 400 can detect only vibrations in one or two axes. It may be configured. Further, the rotation (swing) around any axis among the X, Y, and Z axes may be detected.

  The digital camera 100 configured as described above has a normal operation state and a standby state that is an operation state in which a standby operation is performed with less power consumption than in the normal operation state and a user operation is waited for. . In the standby state, the CPU 303 issues a control signal to the power circuit 322 so as to supply power only to the minimum necessary functional blocks. The CPU 303 itself is also configured to be able to shift to a so-called sleep mode so that the power consumption is lower than that in a normal operation state.

  The transition from the normal operating state to the standby state is when a predetermined time e.g. 30 seconds or 1 minute has elapsed since the user last operated the digital camera 100 with the digital camera 100 powered on. (When the state where the user does not operate the digital camera 100 continues for a predetermined time such as 30 seconds or 1 minute).

  The return from the standby state to the normal operation state is performed when an interrupt signal is output from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303. The operation of outputting an interrupt signal from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 is performed by the user operating the operation switch 332.

  The digital camera 100 is configured to be capable of photographing underwater without being housed in a waterproof housing or the like. As described above, since the digital camera 100 includes the water detection sensor 116 and the pressure sensor 112, it can be determined whether or not the digital camera 100 is in water. The digital camera 100 is also configured such that the user can set a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting such as an underwater snap mode and an underwater macro mode by operating the menu switch 122 or the like. During use in water, as described above, the normal operation state may shift to the standby state.

  Even in the water, the operation switch 332 may be operated in order for the user to return the digital camera 100 in the standby state to the normal operating state. However, when photographing underwater, the user may not be able to easily operate the operation switch 332 due to wearing gloves or a mask or receiving water pressure or water resistance. In order to enable easy operation even in such a case, the digital camera 100 is configured to be able to return from the standby state to the normal operation state by a user's tap operation (vibration operation). .

  By the way, it is normal for a user to forget to turn off the digital camera 100 and carry it in a case or bag. In this case, since the digital camera 100 shifts to the standby state, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption. However, if it is possible to return from the standby state to the normal operation state simply by a user's tap operation, the following problems may occur. That is, when the interrupt control unit 312 outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 303 due to vibration generated in the digital camera 100 as it is carried and the normal operation state is restored, power is wasted in the portable digital camera 100. May be consumed.

  Therefore, in the digital camera 100, the following first to third embodiments will be described in order to facilitate an operation of returning to a normal operation state in water and to suppress the above-described wasteful consumption of power. Such control is performed. In the first to third embodiments described below, the internal configuration of the digital camera 100 is the same and has the contents described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The control procedure executed by the CPU 303 is different.

− First embodiment −
5A and 5B are flowcharts for explaining a schematic processing procedure executed by the CPU 303 in the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the CPU 303 executes the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the control as outlined below is performed.

  (1) When it is not detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or when the digital camera 100 is not set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting, the CPU 303 stands by even if the digital camera 100 is set to the tap permission mode. When shifting to the state, the vibration detection operation in the vibration detection unit 400 is stopped. As a result, even when vibration caused by the tap operation or vibration similar to the vibration caused by the tap operation is applied to the digital camera 100 in the standby state, the normal operation state is not restored.

  (2) When it is detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or when it is set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting, and when it is switched to the tap operation permission mode, the CPU 303 is in a standby state. When shifting to the state, the vibration detection operation in the vibration detection unit 400 is continuously performed. Thereby, when it is detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or when the photographing mode suitable for underwater photographing is set, the user performs a tap operation on the digital camera 100 in the standby state. This makes it possible to return to the normal operating state.

  (3) When it is detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or when it is set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting and the mode is switched to the tap operation prohibition mode, the CPU 303 is in a standby state. The vibration detection operation in the vibration detection unit 400 is not performed when shifting to step S2. As a result, even when it is detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or even when it is set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting, it is in a standby state when the mode is switched to the tap operation prohibition mode. Even if a vibration caused by a tap operation or a vibration similar to that caused by a tap operation is applied to the digital camera 100 in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure executed by the CPU 303 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5A and 5B. The processing procedure shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is executed when the user operates the power switch 106 of the digital camera 100 to turn on the power or when an interrupt signal is output from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303. Be started.

  In step S <b> 500, the CPU 303 performs initial settings for starting up the system in the digital camera 100 in accordance with the type of startup process. That is, processing for initializing the memory, the input / output unit, and other functional blocks is performed in accordance with the type of activation process. Here, there are two types of startup processes. One is a process of starting from a state where the power switch 106 is operated and the system is completely stopped. The other is a process in which the system starts from a standby state.

  In S502, the CPU 303 sets the timer counter 314. In accordance with the timing signal output from the timer counter 314, the CPU 303 performs input of a signal output from the pressure sensor 112 and processing for shifting from a normal operation state to a standby state.

  In step S504, the CPU 303 determines whether the tap operation permission switch 124 has been operated. If the CPU 303 determines in step S504 that the tap operation permission switch 124 has been operated, the process advances to step S506 to determine whether the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. In S508, which is a branch destination when it is determined in S506 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation prohibition mode, the CPU 303 performs a setting to switch the operation mode to the tap operation permission mode.

  In S510, the CPU 303 issues a control signal to the power control unit 402 of the vibration detection unit 400 to activate the vibration detection unit 400, outputs the reference voltage Vref to the comparator 414 via the D / A converter 318, and proceeds to S534. When the reference voltage Vref is set large, the sensitivity to the tap operation can be lowered. Conversely, if the reference voltage Vref is set to be small, it is possible to increase the sensitivity to the tap operation. That is, when the reference voltage Vref is set large, the CPU 303 does not recognize the tap operation unless the user performs a stronger tap operation. Conversely, when the reference voltage Vref is set to a small value, the CPU 303 can recognize the tap operation even if the user performs a light tap operation. Since the sensitivity to the tap operation is also affected by the characteristics of the acceleration sensor 114 and the gain of the amplifier 412, a control parameter based on the calibration result of the vibration detection unit 400 is recorded in the flash memory 344 during the manufacturing process of the digital camera 100. It is desirable.

  In S512, which is a branch destination when it is determined in S506 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode, the CPU 303 performs a setting to switch the operation mode to the tap operation prohibition mode. In subsequent S514, the CPU 303 issues a control signal to the power control unit 402 of the vibration detection unit 400 to stop the operation of the vibration detection unit 400, and proceeds to S534.

  In S520, which is the branch destination when the determination in S504 is negative, the CPU 303 determines whether or not the menu switch 122 has been operated. If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S522. In step S522, the CPU 303 determines whether the operation mode currently set in the digital camera 100 is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. In S524, which is a branch destination when it is determined in S522 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation prohibition mode, the CPU 303 operates the operation mode of the digital camera 100 in response to the user operating the operation switch 332. Selection, shooting condition setting, playback image display, and the like. Thereafter, the CPU 303 proceeds to the process of S534.

  In S526, which is a branch destination when it is determined in S522 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode, the CPU 303 detects the tap operation by the user based on the signal output from the vibration detection unit 400. Then, based on the detected tap operation, processing such as selection of an operation mode of the digital camera 100, setting of shooting conditions, display of a reproduced image, and the like are performed. Thereafter, the CPU 303 proceeds to the process of S534.

  If the determination in S520 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the menu switch 122 has not been operated, the CPU 303 proceeds to S530. In step S530, the CPU 303 determines whether the release switch 108 has been operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S532. In step S532, the CPU 303 performs a series of operations related to shooting. That is, the CPU 303 performs a shutter preparation operation (not shown) after performing a photographing preparation operation such as a focus adjustment operation and a photometry operation of the photographing lens 102. Thereafter, the CPU 303 issues a control signal to the image processing unit 304 and the image compression / decompression unit 305. In response to this control signal, the image processing unit 304 performs image processing on the image data output from the image sensor interface circuit 336, and the image compression / decompression unit 305 performs compression processing on the image data output from the image processing unit 304. And recording to the memory card 340. After completing the process in S532, the CPU 303 advances to S534.

  In S540, which is a branch destination when the determination in S530 is negative, the CPU 303 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation switch 332 being operated. If the determination in S540 is affirmed, the CPU 303 advances to S542 and performs an interrupt permission process accompanying the user operation. That is, the CPU 303 sets the interrupt control unit 312 so that an interrupt signal is output from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 when the operation switch 332 is operated in the standby state.

  In subsequent S544, the CPU 303 determines whether the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. If it is determined in S544 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation prohibition mode, the CPU 303 sets the system controller 300 to the standby state, and the CPU 303 itself enters the sleep mode.

  If it is determined in S544 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode, the CPU 303 branches to S546. In step S546, the CPU 303 determines whether the digital camera 100 is in water or is set to the underwater shooting mode. If the determination in S546 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the digital camera 100 is underwater, set to the underwater shooting mode, or both, the CPU 303 proceeds to S548 and interrupts by the vibration detection unit 400 Allow operation. That is, the CPU 303 maintains the vibration detection unit 400 in an operating state, and when the vibration detection unit 400 detects vibration and a signal is output from the comparator 414 to the interrupt control unit 312, an interrupt signal is output to the CPU 303. The interrupt control unit 312 is set as described above. By setting the CPU 303 in this way, it is possible to return to the normal operation state in response to the user performing a tap operation when the digital camera 100 is in the standby state.

  In S550, which is a branch destination when the determination in S546 is negative, the CPU 303 outputs a control signal to the power control unit 402 of the vibration detection unit 400 to stop the operation of the vibration detection unit 400.

  The CPU 303 ends the process of S548 or S550, sets the system controller 300 to the standby state, and the CPU 303 itself enters the sleep mode. When the digital camera 100 is in the standby state by the processing of S550 executed by the CPU 303, the tap operation is not accepted. Thus, even when the digital camera 100 in the standby state is being carried, even if vibration similar to the vibration caused by the tap operation is given to the digital camera 100, the normal operation state is not restored.

  In S560, which is a branch destination when the determination in S540 is denied, the CPU 303 determines whether or not the power switch 106 has been operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S562. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to S504. Return. In step S562, the CPU 303 performs a setting operation for stopping the system and ends a series of processes.

  The process of S534 performed following the process of S510, S514, S524, S526, or S532 is a timer that measures the time during which the user does not operate the digital camera 100 when shifting from the normal operation state to the standby state. This is a process for initializing the counter 314. By initialization of the timer counter 314, for example, a time such as 30 seconds or 1 minute is set, and countdown (or countup) is started. That is, since S510, S514, S524, S526, and S532 are steps immediately after any user operation is performed, the timer counter 314 is initialized in S534 after these steps. After completing the process of S534, the CPU 303 returns to S504 and repeats the above-described process.

  The processing of S090, S092, and S094 shown in FIG. 5A will be described. When the digital camera 100 (system controller 300) is in a standby state, an interrupt signal is issued from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 in response to a user operation or a tap operation. Note that the interrupt signal is generated by the tap operation only when the vibration detection unit 400 is maintained in the operating state when shifting to the standby state. The CPU 303 activated upon receiving this interrupt signal executes the processing of S090, S092, and S094.

  In S090, the CPU 303 determines whether the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. If it is determined that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode, the CPU 303 proceeds to S092 and determines whether the digital camera 100 is in the water or is set to the underwater shooting mode. If the determination in S092 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the digital camera 100 is not underwater and is not set in the underwater shooting mode, the CPU 303 proceeds to S094 and determines the power control unit 402 of the vibration detection unit 400. A control signal is issued to activate the vibration detection unit 400, the reference voltage Vref is output to the comparator 414 via the D / A converter 318, and the process proceeds to S500.

  If it is determined in S090 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation prohibition mode, or if a positive determination is made in S092, the CPU 303 proceeds to S500 without doing anything.

  In the first embodiment, the digital camera 100 has a tap operation permission mode and a tap operation prohibition mode as settable operation modes. Then, the operation of the vibration detection unit 400 is stopped when shifting to the standby state in the state where the tap operation permission mode is set. For this reason, even if vibration similar to that generated by the tap operation during the standby state is applied to the digital camera 100, the normal operation state is not restored from the standby state, so that wasteful power consumption can be suppressed. It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, if the digital camera 100 is set to the tap operation permission mode and it is determined that the digital camera 100 is underwater or set to the underwater shooting mode, vibration detection is performed when shifting to the standby state. Since the operation of the unit 400 is maintained and the interruption operation by the vibration detection unit 400 is permitted, it is possible to return the digital camera 100 in the standby state to the normal operation state by a tap operation under the situation of underwater shooting. The operability of the digital camera 100 can be improved.

  Note that the reason why the vibration detection unit activation process is performed in S094 is that the operation of the vibration detection unit is stopped in S550 when the digital camera 100 shifts to the standby state with the tap operation permission mode set. Because. That is, when returning from the standby state to the normal operation state, it is necessary to activate the vibration detection unit 400 and validate the tap operation permission mode set before the transition to the standby state.

− Second Embodiment −
6A and 6B are flowcharts for explaining a schematic processing procedure executed by the CPU 303 in the digital camera 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the CPU 303 executes the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the control as outlined below is performed.

  (1) If the digital camera 100 is not detected to be underwater or is not set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting, the CPU 303 stands by in a state where the digital camera 100 is set to the tap operation permission mode. When shifting to the state, the vibration detection operation in the vibration detection unit 400 is continuously performed. At this time, the CPU 303 sets the vibration detection level to a value (Vref2) higher than the vibration detection level (Vref1) set in the normal operation state. This makes it difficult for the digital camera 100 to return to the normal operating state even when vibration similar to that caused by a tap operation is applied to the digital camera 100 in the standby state, and power is wasted when the digital camera 100 is carried. Suppresses consumption.

  (2) When it is detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or when it is set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting, the CPU 303 is in a state where the digital camera 100 is set to the tap operation permission mode. When shifting to the standby state, the vibration detection operation in the vibration detection unit 400 is continuously performed. At this time, the CPU 303 sets the vibration detection level to a value (Vref3) lower than the vibration detection level (Vref2) in the standby state described above. Thereby, when it is detected that the digital camera 100 is underwater, or when the photographing mode suitable for underwater photographing is set, the user performs a tap operation on the digital camera 100 in the standby state. At this time, it is possible to return to the normal operation state relatively easily.

  (3) When the digital camera 100 is switched to the tap operation prohibition mode, the CPU 303 detects whether or not the digital camera 100 is underwater when shifting to the standby state, or is suitable for underwater shooting. Regardless of whether the shooting mode is set or not, the vibration detection unit 400 does not perform the vibration detection operation. Thereby, when the digital camera 100 is switched to the tap operation prohibition mode, even if the digital camera 100 in the standby state is subjected to vibration caused by the tap operation or vibration similar to the vibration caused by the tap operation, it is normal. There is no return to the operating state.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure executed by the CPU 303 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B. In the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the same processing steps as those shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are denoted by the same step numbers as those shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and description thereof is omitted. To do. And it demonstrates centering on the difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In FIG. 6A, a processing procedure (S610, S612) that starts execution when an interrupt occurs, and a processing procedure when it is determined in S504 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation prohibition mode ( S620 to S624) are different from the first embodiment. In FIG. 6B, the processing procedure (S600 to S606) in the case where it is determined in S544 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode is different from that in the first embodiment.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 6A. If it is determined in S504 that the tap operation permission switch 124 has been operated, and it is determined in S506 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation prohibition mode, the CPU 303 allows the operation mode of the digital camera 100 to be performed in S620. Set to mode. In subsequent S622, the CPU 303 sets the vibration detection level in the vibration detection unit 400 as described below. That is, the CPU 303 uses the first reference voltage (this is referred to as “Vref1” for convenience) as the reference voltage Vref to be input to the inverting input unit of the comparator 414. "). Subsequently, the CPU 303 proceeds to S624 and issues a control signal to the power control unit 402 of the vibration detection unit 400 to activate the vibration detection unit 400.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6B, the CPU 303 that has started the process of shifting to the standby operation after determining in S540 that the predetermined time has elapsed without detecting the operation of the digital camera 100, performs the user operation in S542. Enable accompanying interrupts. That is, the CPU 303 sets the interrupt control unit 312 so that an interrupt signal is output from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 when the operation switch 332 is operated in the standby state. In subsequent S544, the CPU 303 determines whether the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. As described above, the processing contents in S540, S542, and S544 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Then, the processing when it is determined in S544 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode is different from that of the first embodiment as described below. In step S600, the CPU 303 determines whether the digital camera 100 is underwater or is set to the underwater shooting mode.

  If the determination in S600 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the digital camera 100 is not in water and the underwater shooting mode is not set, the CPU 303 proceeds to S606. In step S <b> 606, the CPU 303 changes the vibration detection level in the vibration detection unit 400. Specifically, the reference voltage Vref input to the inverting input unit of the comparator 414 is a second reference voltage (this is higher than Vref1 which is the first reference voltage set in the tap operation permission mode in the normal operation state. For convenience, this is set to “Vref2”.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S600 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the digital camera 100 is underwater, set to the underwater shooting mode, or both, the CPU 303 proceeds to S602, and the vibration detection unit 400 Change the vibration detection level at. Specifically, the reference voltage Vref input to the inverting input section of the comparator 414 is set to a third reference voltage lower than the second reference voltage Vref2 (referred to as “Vref3” for convenience).

  After completing the process of S602 or S606, the CPU 303 proceeds to S604 and permits the interrupt operation by the vibration detection unit 400. That is, the CPU 303 maintains the vibration detection unit 400 in an operating state, and when the vibration detection unit 400 detects vibration and a signal is output from the comparator 414 to the interrupt control unit 312, an interrupt signal is output to the CPU 303. The interrupt control unit 312 is set as described above. Then, the CPU 303 sets the system controller 300 to the standby state, and the CPU 303 itself enters the sleep mode.

  With reference to FIG. 6A again, the processing of S610 and S612 will be described. When the digital camera 100 (system controller 300) is in a standby state, an interrupt signal is issued from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 in response to a user operation or a tap operation. The CPU 303 activated by receiving this interrupt signal executes the processing of S610 and S612.

  In step S610, the CPU 303 determines whether the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. If it is determined that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode, the CPU 303 advances to S612. In S612, the CPU 303 outputs the reference voltage Vref1 to the comparator 414 of the vibration detection unit 400 via the D / A converter 318, and proceeds to S500.

  When the digital camera 100 shifts to the standby state with the tap operation permission mode set, the reference voltage output to the comparator 414 is changed to Vref2 or Vref3 by the processing of S600, S602, and S606 described above. . In order to return the reference voltage Vref, that is, the vibration detection level in the vibration detection unit 400 to Vref1, which is the original level, the above-described processing is performed in S612.

  As a result of the processing described above being performed by the CPU 303, when the digital camera 100 set in the tap operation permission mode is in a normal operation state, Vref1 is set as the vibration detection level. In addition, when the digital camera 100 set in the tap operation permission mode shifts to the standby state, when it is determined that the digital camera 100 is in the water, set in the underwater shooting mode, or both. Vref3 is set as the vibration detection level. Further, when the digital camera 100 set in the tap operation permission mode shifts to the standby state, if it is determined that the digital camera 100 is not in the water and is not set in the underwater shooting mode, the vibration detection level is set. Is set as Vref2.

  With respect to the magnitude relationship among Vref1, Vref2, and Vref3, Vref2 is larger than Vref1 and Vref3 is smaller than Vref2. That is, when the digital camera 100 set in the tap operation permission mode shifts to the standby state, if the digital camera 100 is not in the water and is not set in the underwater shooting mode, the vibration detection sensitivity of the vibration detection unit 400 is set. Is lowered. Therefore, the normal operation state is not restored unless a tap operation stronger than that in the normal operation state is applied. Therefore, in a situation where the user forgets to turn off the power and carries the digital camera 100, even if a vibration similar to the vibration caused by the tap operation is applied to the digital camera 100, the vibration level should not exceed Vref 2. Does not return to normal operation. As a result, it is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of electric power due to an unintended return operation to the normal operating state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the digital camera 100 is in the water, in the underwater shooting mode, or both when shifting to the standby state in the state where the tap operation permission mode is set, the vibration is applied. The detection level is set to Vref3 smaller than Vref2. Thereby, the vibration detection sensitivity of the vibration detection unit 400 is increased. Therefore, the digital camera 100 can be easily returned from the standby state to the normal operation state in water that is difficult to operate compared to the ground (in the air), and the operability of the digital camera 100 is improved. As described above, setting Vref3 to a value smaller than Vref2 may be set to a value higher than Vref1 or a value lower than Vref1. Further, these Vref1, Vref2, and Vref3 may be configured to be freely set according to the user's preference and usage pattern.

− Third embodiment −
FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7C are flowcharts for explaining a schematic processing procedure executed by the CPU 303 in the digital camera 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. When the CPU 303 executes the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the control as outlined below is performed.

  (1) When the digital camera 100 shifts to the standby state with the tap operation permission mode set, the interruption operation by the vibration detection unit 400 is always permitted.

  (2) When an interruption operation by the vibration detection unit occurs, the CPU 303 determines whether the digital camera 100 is in water or is set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting, and when this determination is affirmed. Will return to normal operation.

  (3) When the interruption operation by the vibration detection unit 400 occurs, the CPU 303 determines whether the digital camera 100 is in water or is set to a shooting mode suitable for underwater shooting. If this determination is negative (the digital camera 100 is in the air and is not set to the underwater shooting mode), the CPU 303 measures the output signal from the vibration detection unit 400 over a predetermined time, and determines the vibration waveform. analyse. If the vibration waveform does not match the vibration waveform obtained by a predetermined tap operation, the CPU 303 shifts the digital camera 100 to the standby state again. On the other hand, when the vibration waveform substantially matches the vibration waveform obtained by a predetermined tap operation, the CPU 303 returns the digital camera 100 to a normal operation state.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure executed by the CPU 303 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7A to 7C. In the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the same processing steps as those shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are denoted by the same step numbers as those shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and description thereof is omitted. To do. And it demonstrates centering on the difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In FIG. 7A, the processing at the time of occurrence of an interrupt is moved to FIG. 7C due to space limitations, and a connector D indicating a processing path that branches from the processing shown in FIG. 7C to S500 is added, as shown in FIG. 5A. There is no difference. 7B, the process of S720 when it is determined in S544 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode when shifting from the normal operation state to the standby state is shown in FIG. 5B. Different from the first embodiment. The processing at the time of occurrence of the interrupt shown in FIG. 7C is totally different from that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 7B. The CPU 303, which has determined that the predetermined time has elapsed without detection of the operation of the digital camera 100 and started the processing for shifting to the standby operation, permits interruption according to the user operation in S542. That is, the CPU 303 sets the interrupt control unit 312 so that an interrupt signal is output from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 when the operation switch 332 is operated in the standby state. In subsequent S544, the CPU 303 determines whether the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode or the tap operation prohibition mode. As described above, the processing contents in S540, S542, and S544 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Then, the processing in S720, which is performed when it is determined in S544 that the currently set operation mode is the tap operation permission mode, is different from the first embodiment as described below. In step S <b> 720, the CPU 303 permits an interrupt operation by the vibration detection unit 400. That is, the CPU 303 maintains the vibration detection unit 400 in an operating state, and when the vibration detection unit 400 detects vibration and a signal is output from the comparator 414 to the interrupt control unit 312, an interrupt signal is output to the CPU 303. The interrupt control unit 312 is set as described above. Then, the CPU 303 sets the system controller 300 to the standby state, and the CPU 303 itself enters the sleep mode. At this time, the reference voltage input to the inverting input unit of the comparator 414 is a different voltage even if it is the same as the reference voltage when the digital camera 100 is in the normal operation state and set in the tap operation permission mode. There may be.

  The processing from S700 to S710 will be described with reference to FIG. 7C. When the digital camera 100 (system controller 300) is in a standby state, an interrupt signal is issued from the interrupt control unit 312 to the CPU 303 in response to a user operation or a tap operation. The CPU 303 activated upon receiving this interrupt signal starts execution of processing starting from S700.

  In step S <b> 700, the CPU 303 determines whether any of the switches constituting the operation switch 332 is on. If the determination in S700 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the occurrence of the interrupt is triggered by the operation of the operation switch 332 by the user, the CPU 303 proceeds to S500 (FIG. 7A). On the other hand, if the determination in S700 is negative, the CPU 303 advances to S702. Here, a supplementary explanation will be given of the determination processing result in S700. If an interruption occurs and the determination in S700 is denied, that is, the operation switch 332 is not turned on, the digital camera 100 shifts to a standby state in a state in which the tap operation permission mode is set, and vibration detection is performed. It means that the interrupt is generated when the part 400 detects the vibration. However, it cannot be clearly determined whether the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit 440 is due to the user's tap operation or simply due to vibration. In order to clarify this determination, the processing from S702 to S708 described below is performed.

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 303 determines whether the digital camera 100 is in water or is set to the underwater shooting mode. If the determination in S702 is affirmative, the CPU 303 proceeds to the process of S500 in FIG. 7A. That is, if it is determined that the digital camera 100 is underwater, set to the underwater shooting mode, or both, the CPU 303 proceeds to S500 and performs a process of returning to the normal operating state. This means that it is difficult to perform the same tapping operation that is performed on the ground due to the fact that the user wears gloves or the like under water and receives water pressure or water resistance. It is possible to return to the operating state. Even if it is scuba diving, the diving time is about 1 hour at most, and even if it is possible to easily return to the normal operation state as described above, there is little influence of wasteful power consumption.

  If the determination in S702 is negative, that is, if the digital camera 100 is being used on the ground, the CPU 303 advances to S704, and the signal output from the vibration detection unit 400 is set to a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds or 5 seconds. Input (monitor). In S706, the CPU 303 analyzes the vibration waveform obtained by the input (monitoring) in S704.

  In step S708, the CPU 303 determines whether or not the result of the analysis in step S706 substantially matches a vibration waveform obtained by a predetermined tap operation. If the determination in S708 is affirmative, the CPU 303 proceeds to the process of S500 and performs a return operation to the normal operation state. On the other hand, if the determination in S708 is negative, that is, if the analysis in S706 does not match the vibration waveform obtained by the predetermined tap operation, the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit 400 is a tap. Since it may not be due to an operation, it returns to the standby state again.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the tap operation (the vibration pattern generated by the tap operation) received in S526 when the digital camera 100 is in the normal operating state and the step S708 in the standby state. This is different from the accepted tap operation (the vibration pattern generated by the tap operation).

  Here, the vibration pattern will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a waveform of a signal that is output from the acceleration sensor 114 when the digital camera 100 is tapped (vibrated), amplified by the amplifier 412, shaped by the filter 416, and output. Illustrated. FIG. 8B illustrates the waveform of the signal output from the comparator 414 when the signal having the waveform illustrated in FIG. 8A is input to the non-inverting input unit of the comparator 414.

  When a tap operation that generates a waveform 802 is performed on the digital camera 100, a signal as indicated by the waveform 806 is output from the comparator 414 to the interrupt control unit 312 and the input / output unit 310. When the digital camera 100 is set to the tap operation permission mode and is in a normal operation state, the CPU 303 performs the tap operation by the user in response to inputting a signal as shown by the waveform 806 from the comparator 414. Accept.

On the other hand, in the process leading to S708 through S700 from S702, S704, S706 in the interrupt generation process described above with reference to Figure 7C, CPU 303 in S704, for a predetermined time t _ref, in FIG. 8 A signal as shown as a waveform 808 in (b) is input from the comparator 414. Then, when the three signals C2, C3, and C4 are output from the comparator 414 during the time tref, a process for returning to the normal operating state is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S702 that the digital camera is underwater, set to underwater shooting mode, or both, a signal as shown as a waveform 806 in FIG. Even if it is input, it returns to the normal operating state.

In the above, an example in which the CPU 303 inputs a binary signal from the comparator 414 when the CPU 303 measures the output of the vibration detection unit 400 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a signal output from the filter 416 can be input to a plurality of comparators set with different reference voltages, and a vibration waveform can be analyzed from a combination of binary signals output from the plurality of comparators. Alternatively, the CPU 303 outputs a signal output from the vibration detection unit 400, for example, a signal output from the acceleration sensor 114 when the digital camera 100 is tapped (vibrated), and amplified and output by the amplifier 412. It is also possible to input an analog signal as shown as the waveform 810 in FIG. 9 via the A / D converter 316 and analyze the vibration waveform including the amplitude (signal level) of the input signal. In this case, it is determined that the user taps three times during the predetermined time t _{ref and} the second and third tap strengths (P12, P13) are weaker than the first tap strength (P11). It is also possible that the determination in S708 is affirmed. That is, when the signal from the first tap exceeds the threshold value V1, the execution of the process of FIG. 7C is started, and when the signal from the second and third taps is smaller than the threshold value V2 and larger than the threshold value V3, It is also possible to affirm the determination.

Alternatively, the CPU 303 inputs (monitors) signals output from a plurality of acceleration sensors (eg, the X-axis acceleration sensor 404 and the Y-axis acceleration sensor 406) included in the acceleration sensor 114 in S704, and for example, during a predetermined time tref. When it is detected that the digital camera 100 is tapped twice in the X-axis direction and then once in the Y-axis direction, the determination in S708 can be affirmed. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to discriminate with high precision the vibration which arises by the tap operation by a user, and the vibration which a user does not intend, such as the vibration which arises at the time of carrying.
The present invention includes at least the embodiments shown in the following supplementary notes.
(Appendix 1)
An imaging apparatus having a normal operation state and a standby state in which the standby operation is performed with less power consumption than the power consumption in the normal operation state and the operation by the user is awaited,
A switch operation detection unit that detects a switch operation that is an operation of the user operating an operation switch provided in the photographing apparatus;
A vibration detection unit configured to be able to detect vibration generated by an excitation operation that is an operation in which the user applies vibration to the photographing apparatus;
A control unit for controlling the operating state of the imaging device;
The controller is
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch operation or the vibration operation was last performed, the operation state of the imaging device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state,
When the imaging device is in the standby state, the imaging device is not responded to the vibration operation, and the operation state of the imaging device is switched from the standby state to the normal operation state in response to the switch operation. Be done
An imaging apparatus characterized by that.
(Appendix 2)
The photographing device is configured to be capable of underwater photographing,
It further has an environment detection unit capable of detecting whether the imaging device is in water,
The control unit is further configured to respond to the vibration operation when the environment detection unit detects that the imaging device is in the water when the imaging device is in the standby state. The photographing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured to switch the operation state from the standby state to the normal operation state.
(Appendix 3)
The photographing device is configured to be able to set a photographing mode suitable for underwater photographing,
The controller is further responsive to the shaking operation when it is determined that the photographing device is set to a photographing mode suitable for the underwater photographing when the photographing device is in the standby state. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is configured to switch an operation state of the imaging apparatus from the standby state to the normal operation state.
(Appendix 4)
An imaging apparatus having a normal operation state and a standby state in which the standby operation is performed with less power consumption than the power consumption in the normal operation state and the operation by the user is awaited,
A switch operation determination unit that determines whether or not a switch operation is an operation of the user operating an operation switch provided in the photographing apparatus;
A vibration detection unit configured to be able to detect vibration generated by an excitation operation that is an operation in which the user applies vibration to the photographing apparatus;
An excitation operation determination unit that determines that the excitation operation has been performed when the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold;
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the last determination that the switch operation or the vibration operation was performed, the operation state of the imaging device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state, and the imaging device A controller that switches the operating state of the photographing device to the normal operating state when it is determined that the switch operation or the vibration operation has been performed in the standby state;
When the photographing apparatus is in the standby state, the control unit determines the predetermined threshold value when the vibration operation determining unit determines that the vibration operation has been performed, and the photographing apparatus is in the normal operation state. An imaging apparatus configured to be set to a second threshold value that is a threshold value that is larger than a first threshold value that is a threshold value set at a certain time.
(Appendix 5)
The photographing device is configured to be capable of underwater photographing,
It further has an environment detection unit capable of detecting whether the imaging device is in water,
Further, when the environment detection unit detects that the imaging device is in the water and the imaging device is in the standby state, the control unit performs the excitation operation by the excitation operation determination unit. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 4, wherein the predetermined threshold value when determining that the image has been determined is set to a third threshold value that is a threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value.
(Appendix 6)
The photographing device is configured to be able to set a photographing mode suitable for underwater photographing,
The control unit further determines that the shaking operation has been performed by the shaking operation determination unit when the shooting device is set to a shooting mode suitable for the underwater shooting and the shooting device is in the standby state. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 4, wherein the predetermined threshold value is set to a third threshold value that is a threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value.
(Appendix 7)
An imaging apparatus having a normal operation state and a standby state in which the standby operation is performed with less power consumption than the power consumption in the normal operation state and the operation by the user is awaited,
A switch operation determination unit that determines whether or not a switch operation is an operation of the user operating an operation switch provided in the photographing apparatus;
A vibration detection unit configured to be able to detect vibration generated by an excitation operation that is an operation in which the user applies vibration to the photographing apparatus;
A vibration operation determination unit that determines that the vibration operation has been performed when a vibration pattern detected by the vibration detection unit substantially matches a predetermined determination pattern;
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the last determination that the switch operation or the vibration operation was performed, the operation state of the imaging device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state, and the imaging device A controller that switches the operating state of the photographing device to the normal operating state when it is determined that the switch operation or the vibration operation has been performed in the standby state;
When the imaging device is in the standby state, the control unit uses the predetermined determination pattern when the excitation operation determination unit determines that the excitation operation has been performed. An imaging apparatus configured to be set to a second pattern different from the first pattern which is a determination pattern set when
(Appendix 8)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the complexity of the second pattern is higher than the complexity of the first pattern.
(Appendix 9)
The photographing device is configured to be capable of underwater photographing,
It further has an environment detection unit capable of detecting whether the imaging device is in water,
Further, when the environment detection unit detects that the imaging device is in the water and the imaging device is in the standby state, the control unit performs the excitation operation by the excitation operation determination unit. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7 or 8, characterized in that the first pattern is applied as the determination pattern when determining that the image has been detected.
(Appendix 10)
The photographing device is configured to be able to set a photographing mode suitable for underwater photographing,
The control unit further determines that the shaking operation has been performed by the shaking operation determination unit when the shooting device is set to a shooting mode suitable for the underwater shooting and the shooting device is in the standby state. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 7 or 8, wherein the first pattern is applied as the determination pattern when performing the operation.

  The present invention can be applied to a digital still camera, a digital movie camera, and other portable devices that can be used on land.

It is a perspective view which shows the front side external appearance of the digital camera to which this invention is applied. Similarly, it is a perspective view which shows the back side external appearance of a digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure inside a digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure inside a vibration detection part. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by CPU in the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the waveform example of the signal produced | generated and output in a vibration detection part when a digital camera is tapped, (a) shows an analog signal waveform, (b) is shown by (a). A binary waveform output from a comparator corresponding to an analog signal is shown. It is a figure which shows another example of a waveform of the signal produced | generated and output in a vibration detection part, when a digital camera is tapped.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital camera 102 ... Shooting lens 104 ... Flash light-emitting device 106 ... Power switch 108 ... Release switch 110 ... Diaphragm 112 ... Pressure sensor 114 ... Acceleration sensor 116 ... Water detection sensor 118A, 118B ... Electrode 120 ... Reproduction switch 122 ... Menu switch 124 ... Tap operation permission switches 126, 128 ... Zoom instruction switch 130 ... Cross key switch 132 ... Display unit 300 ... System controller 302 ... Power control unit 303 ... CPU
304: Image processing unit 306 ... Image compression / decompression unit 308 ... External memory interface unit 310 ... Input / output unit 312 ... Interrupt control unit 314 ... Timer counter 316 ... A / D converter 318 ... D / A converter 320 ... Clock unit 322 ... Power Circuit 324 ... Battery 326 ... Display controller 328 ... USB controller 332 ... Operation switch 334 ... Oscillator 335 ... Image sensor 336 ... Image sensor interface circuit 338 ... Clock circuit 340 ... Memory card 342 ... DRAM
344 ... Flash memory 352 ... Resistance value detection circuit 354 ... Amplification circuit 356 ... Constant current circuit 400 ... Vibration detection part 402 ... Power control part 410 ... X-axis acceleration processing part 412 ... Amplifier 414 ... Comparator 416 ... Filter 418 ... Waveform shaping part 420 ... Y-axis acceleration processing unit 430 ... Z-axis acceleration processing unit

Claims (6)

An imaging apparatus having a normal operation state and a standby state in which the standby operation is performed with less power consumption than the power consumption in the normal operation state and the operation by the user is awaited,
A switch operation detection unit that detects a switch operation that is an operation of the user operating an operation switch provided in the photographing apparatus;
A vibration detection unit that detects vibration generated by an excitation operation that is an operation in which the user applies vibration to the imaging device;
An interrupt control unit for outputting an interrupt signal;
The imaging device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch operation or the vibration operation was last performed, and when the imaging device is in the standby state, A system control unit that switches the imaging device from the standby state to the normal operation state when detecting an interrupt signal ;
The system controller is
When switching the imaging device from the normal operation state to the standby state, an interrupt signal is allowed to be output from the interrupt control unit based on the output of the switch operation detection unit, while the vibration is transmitted from the interrupt control unit. An imaging apparatus that selects whether to prohibit or permit output of an interrupt signal based on an output of a detection unit . The photographing device is configured to be capable of underwater photographing,
It further has an environment detection unit capable of detecting whether the imaging device is in water,
The system control unit, when switching the photographing apparatus from the normal operating state to the standby state, further, when said imaging device by the environment detection unit is in the water is detected, the interrupt control unit The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an interrupt signal is allowed to be output based on an output of the vibration detection unit from the camera. The photographing device is configured to be able to set a photographing mode suitable for underwater photographing,
The system control unit, when switching the photographing apparatus from the normal operating state to the standby state, further, when said imaging apparatus is determined to be set to a shooting mode suitable for the underwater photography, the The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an interruption signal is permitted to be output from an interruption control unit based on an output of the vibration detection unit . An imaging device operable in either a normal operation state or a standby state, which is an operation state in which a standby operation is performed with less power consumption than in a normal operation state and waiting for an operation by a user, A control method for an imaging apparatus configured to detect a vibration operation, which is an operation in which a user applies vibration to the imaging apparatus, and a switch operation, in which the user operates a switch provided in the imaging apparatus. ,
Detecting the vibration operation or the switch operation when the photographing apparatus is in the normal operation state;
Switching the operation state of the imaging device from the normal operation state to the standby state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of the vibration operation or the switch operation;
When switching the imaging apparatus from the normal operation state to the standby state, an interrupt signal is output based on the detection of the switch operation, while an interrupt signal is output based on the detection of the vibration operation. Choosing whether to prohibit or allow
Switching the imaging device from the standby state to the normal operation state when detecting the interrupt signal when the imaging device is in the standby state;
The control method characterized by including. Permits an interrupt signal to be output based on the detection of the shaking operation when the photographing device is detected to be in the water when the photographing device is switched from the normal operation state to the standby state. the method according to claim 4, wherein the comprises a <br/> be. Wherein when switching the photographing apparatus from the normal operating state to the standby state, when the imaging apparatus is determined to be set to a shooting mode suitable for the underwater photography, based on the detection of the vibration operation interrupt The control method according to claim 4, further comprising: allowing a signal to be output .

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