JP5846928B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a live view function with a high frame rate.

  In recent years, portable devices (imaging devices) with a photographing function such as digital cameras have become widespread. Some image pickup apparatuses of this type are equipped with a live view function for confirming an image to be captured. The live view function is a function that displays the captured image (live view) taken through the lens on the display panel screen during shooting standby, even if the subject and image to be shot are not provided. The corner can be confirmed. Moreover, in live view mode, the same shooting and image processing as in actual shooting are repeated for display, and the brightness, hue, and contrast of the live view are the same as the actual captured images. In addition, final finish confirmation that cannot be realized with an optical viewfinder can be performed before shooting.

JP 2002-300457 A

  By the way, in live view, display is performed through shooting processing and image processing, so that a certain delay time is required from the incidence of the optical image from the subject to the display of the live view. In particular, in an imaging device in which shooting, image processing, and display processing are performed in synchronization, a delay occurs at an integral multiple of the live view display interval.

  Due to this delay, for a subject that moves relatively quickly, the difference between the position on the live view display and the actual position tends to be large, and there is a possibility that a photo opportunity will be missed.

  Therefore, in order to shorten this delay, a method of shortening the live view display interval, that is, increasing the display frame rate can be considered. However, when the frame rate is increased, there is a problem in that the number of photographing processes and image processes required per unit time increases and power consumption increases.

  In Patent Document 1, during the focus operation, only a part of the photographing range is photographed, image processing is performed and live view display is performed, and the rest of the part is a freeze image, thereby realizing high-speed focus processing. A method is described.

  However, in the proposal of Patent Document 1, some images in the live view remain stationary. For this reason, it is easy to miss a photo opportunity because the subject is missed, especially when shooting a scene with intense movement such as sports. There is also a problem that the display becomes uncomfortable as a live view.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of controlling a live view display interval to increase a shutter chance while suppressing power consumption and performing live view display without a sense of incongruity.

An image pickup apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention performs display based on an image pickup unit that picks up a subject, an image processing unit that performs image processing on the picked-up image data, and image data image-processed by the image processing unit. A frame rate for live view display is determined prior to shooting by the user based on a display unit, a shooting preparation detection unit that detects that shooting preparation has been performed by the user, and a detection result of the shooting preparation detection unit. A frame rate determination unit; and a control unit that controls the imaging unit, the image processing unit, and the display unit to enable live view display at the frame rate determined by the frame rate determination unit. the shooting preparation detection unit detects the distance between the user and the display unit, the frame rate determination unit, the distance between the user and the display section near The higher the frame rate.

An imaging apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject, an image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured image data, and a display based on the image data that has been image-processed by the image processing unit. Based on the detection results of the display unit for performing the subject detection, the subject influence detection unit for obtaining the subject influence corresponding to the degree of movement of the subject in the captured image captured by the imaging unit, and the subject impact detection unit, A frame rate determination unit that determines a frame rate of a live view, and the imaging unit, the image processing unit, and the display unit are controlled to enable live view display at the frame rate determined by the frame rate determination unit. comprising a control unit for the said object impact detecting unit detects the object distance, the frame rate determination unit, the subject impact detecting unit detects More Utsushitai distance is smaller to increase the frame rate.
Furthermore, an imaging apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject, an image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured image data, and a display based on the image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit. Based on the detection results of the display unit for performing the subject detection, the subject influence detection unit for obtaining the subject influence corresponding to the degree of movement of the subject in the captured image captured by the imaging unit, and the subject impact detection unit, A frame rate determination unit that determines a frame rate of a live view, and the imaging unit, the image processing unit, and the display unit are controlled to enable live view display at the frame rate determined by the frame rate determination unit. comprising a control unit for the said object impact detection unit detects the occupancy subject occupies within the angle, the frame rate determination unit, the object shadow More occupancy degree detecting section detects a large high the frame rate.

  According to the present invention, while suppressing power consumption, the live view display interval is controlled to increase the photo opportunity, and it is possible to perform live view display without a sense of incongruity.

1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows camera control. The flowchart which shows the frame rate control in step S11 in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a user's finger | toe and a display panel. Explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a user's finger | toe 45 and the display panel 39. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a user's finger | toe 45 and the display panel 39. FIG. The flowchart which shows the frame rate control employ | adopted in the modification of 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the frame rate control employ | adopted in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the frame rate control employ | adopted in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the frame rate control employ | adopted in 4th Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the frame rate control employ | adopted in 5th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing frame rate control employed in the sixth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  An interchangeable lens 10 is detachably attached to the camera unit body 20 constituting the imaging apparatus. The interchangeable lens 10 includes a lens 12, and the lens 12 guides an optical image from a subject to the camera unit main body 20 through the diaphragm 13. The lens 12 may have a focus function or may have a zoom function. The driver 14 is controlled by the lens control unit 15 so as to drive the focus lens and the zoom lens and to drive the diaphragm 13.

  The lens control unit 15 transmits and receives information to and from the control unit 27 of the camera unit body 20 via the I / F 21. When communication with the control unit 27 of the camera unit main body 20 is established, the lens control unit 15 can transmit information regarding the lens stored in the memory 16 to the control unit 27. Thereby, the control unit 27 of the camera unit body 20 can recognize the zoom magnification, the focal length, the brightness number, and the like of the interchangeable lens 10. In the present embodiment, not only the interchangeable lens 10 but various interchangeable lenses or fixed lenses that cannot be replaced may be employed.

  The object optical image from the interchangeable lens 10 is incident on the image sensor 23 via the shutter 22. The image sensor 23 is configured by a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 27 to photoelectrically convert incident light and output an image signal to the analog processing unit 24. The analog processing unit 24 performs noise removal, amplification processing, and the like on the input image signal and outputs the result to the A / D conversion unit 25. The A / D conversion unit 25 converts the input image signal into a digital signal, which is given to the working SDRAM 30 via the bus 26 and stored therein.

  The control unit 27 reads out an image signal such as RAW data stored in the SDRAM 30 and supplies it to the image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 performs predetermined signal processing, for example, synchronization processing, color signal generation processing, white balance processing, γ conversion processing, matrix conversion processing, and various other digital processing, and the processed image signal is converted into the SDRAM 30. To store.

  The AE processing unit 32 reads an image stored in the SDRAM 30, calculates an AE evaluation value for exposure control, and outputs an AE signal. This AE signal is supplied by the control unit 27 to the lens control unit 15 of the interchangeable lens 10. Thereby, the lens control unit 15 drives the aperture 13 and the like to perform exposure control.

  The AF processing unit 33 reads an image stored in the SDRAM 30, calculates an AF evaluation value for focus control, and outputs an AF signal. This AF signal is supplied to the lens control unit 15 of the interchangeable lens 10 by the control unit 27. Thereby, the lens control unit 15 drives the lens 12 and performs focus control.

  An image compression / decompression unit 34 is provided in the camera unit body 20. The image compression / decompression unit 34 receives the image signal stored in the SDRAM 30 by the control unit 27 and performs compression processing. The control unit 27 can apply the compressed image signal to the memory I / F 36 for recording. The memory I / F 36 records the input compressed image signal on a recording medium 37 such as a memory card and reads the image signal recorded on the recording medium 37. The image compression / decompression unit 34 can decompress the image signal read by the memory I / F 36.

  The camera unit body 20 is provided with a display drive unit 38. The display drive unit 38 drives the display panel 39 to perform various displays. The control unit 27 has a display control unit (not shown) that controls the image display of the display panel 39, and provides the image signal after image processing stored in the SDRAM 30 to the display driving unit 38, so that the image is displayed. The processed image is displayed on the display panel 39.

  The control unit 27 can give not only the captured image stored in the SDRAM 30 but also the reproduced image from the memory I / F 36 to the display panel 39 to display these images. . Further, the control unit 27 can display a menu display for performing various operations on the camera unit body 20 on the display panel 39. The display panel 39 is provided, for example, on the back surface of the camera unit body 20 so that the photographer can visually recognize the display screen of the display panel 39 during photographing. As the display panel 39, an LCD panel or the like can be employed.

  The camera unit body 20 is also provided with an operation unit 28 and a touch panel 40. The operation unit 28 generates an operation signal based on a user operation on various switches (not shown) such as a shooting start / end button and shooting mode setting provided on the camera unit body 20 and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 27. . The touch panel 40 generates an operation signal based on a user's touch operation and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 27. The control unit 27 controls each unit based on the operation signal. Note that the control unit 27 has a timer function and can measure various times.

  Note that the touch panel 40 may be disposed on the display screen of the display panel 39. The touch panel 40 generates an operation signal corresponding to the position pointed by the user with a finger. When the touch panel 40 is provided on the display screen of the display panel 39, the user can instruct various command buttons displayed on the display screen of the display panel 39 using the touch panel 40. Accordingly, the touch panel 40 can output operation signals corresponding to various command buttons displayed on the display screen of the display panel 39 to the control unit 27.

  In addition, the touch panel 40 as a photography preparation detection part employ | adopts an electrostatic capacitance system, for example, and can output the output according to the distance between the surface of the touch panel 40 and a user's finger | toe. The control unit 27 can detect the distance between the user's finger and the surface of the touch panel 40 in a stepwise manner.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 27 can set the live view mode by controlling each unit. The control unit 27 controls each unit to perform various types of synchronous control related to exposure, image capture, image processing, and the like. That is, the control unit 27 performs shooting processing such as control of the aperture amount of the diaphragm 13, control of sensitivity of the image sensor 23, exposure control by the electronic shutter of the image sensor 23, and the image processing in synchronization with these shooting processes. A live view is realized by performing processing and display processing. Further, the control unit 27 can control the frame rate of the live view by controlling the processing speed of the photographing process, the image process, and the display process.

  The control unit 27 changes the frame rate in the live view according to the change instruction from the frame rate change control unit 35. For example, the frame rate change control unit 35 detects an operation for user's preparation for photographing, and instructs to change the frame rate based on the detection result.

  The frame rate change control unit 35 can detect the user's shooting preparation operation by detecting how close the user's finger is to the surface of the display panel 39 by the output of the touch panel 40. The frame rate change control unit 35 instructs to change the frame rate according to the detection result. For example, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether the distance between the user's finger and the panel surface is a close distance of, for example, 1 cm or less, an intermediate distance of 1 to 3 cm, or a separation distance of 1 cm or more. Based on this, the stage of the user's shooting preparation is detected, and the change of the frame rate is instructed according to each stage. Note that the frame rate change control unit 35 may instruct the change of the frame rate based on the distance between a button (hereinafter referred to as a “shoot button”) for instructing photographing displayed on the display panel 39 and the user's finger. .

  The camera unit body 20 is also provided with a posture determination unit 41 as a shooting preparation detection unit. The posture determination unit 41 can be configured by an acceleration sensor or the like, and detects the posture of the camera unit body 20, the direction of gravity, blurring, and the like. The posture determination unit 41 outputs the detection result to the control unit 27.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 2 shows camera control, and FIG. 3 shows frame rate control in step S11 in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the user's finger and the display panel.

  When the power of the camera unit body 20 is turned on, initialization is performed in step S1 of FIG. The control unit 27 performs initial setting of each unit and performs communication with the lens control unit 15 of the interchangeable lens 10. In this initial setting, a recording flag described later is initially set to OFF.

  In step S2, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the playback button has been operated. When the playback button is operated, the control unit 27 shifts to the playback mode in step S3 and plays back the image selected by the user.

  If the playback button has not been operated, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the menu button has been operated in the next step S4. When the menu button is operated, the control unit 27 controls the display driving unit 38 to display a menu screen on the display panel 39 to enable camera settings. In accordance with the menu operation of the user, the control unit 27 performs various camera settings (step S5).

  When the menu button is not operated, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the moving image button for instructing the start or end of moving image recording is operated in the next step S6. When the moving image button is not operated, the control unit 27 shifts the process to step S11 through the next step S10 and performs frame rate control to be described later.

  Next, in steps S12 and S14, the control unit 27 performs a pressing operation on a button for instructing shooting, for example, a release button (not shown) provided on the camera unit body 20 or a touch on a shooting button displayed on the display panel 39. It is determined by operation whether the first transition state is reached or not. For example, the control unit 27 determines that the first transition state is entered when the release button is half-pressed, and determines that the second transition state is entered when the release button is fully pressed. .

  If neither of the first and second transition states is set, the control unit 27 performs live view display through the processes of steps S17 to S20. That is, in the shooting standby state, exposure control is performed in step S17. The control unit 27 and the lens control unit 15 control the aperture and sensitivity. Further, the control unit 27 controls the image sensor 23 to set the exposure time.

  Light from the subject enters the imaging surface of the imaging device 23 via the lens 12, the diaphragm 13, and the shutter 22, undergoes photoelectric conversion, and an image signal is output from the imaging device 23. The image signal is amplified by the analog processing unit 24, converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 25, and then stored in the SDRAM 30.

  The control unit 27 gives the image signal stored in the SDRAM 30 to the image processing unit 31, and the image processing unit 31 performs various image signal processes on the image signal. The image signal subjected to the image processing is supplied to the display driving unit 38, and a live view is displayed on the screen of the display panel 39. Each process of steps S17 to S20 is performed at the frame rate determined in step S11.

  Here, it is assumed that the moving image button is operated. In this case, the control unit 27 detects the operation of the moving image button in step S6, and reverses the recording flag between ON and OFF (step S7). In step S8, the control unit 27 determines whether the moving image is being recorded based on the recording flag. Accordingly, the control unit 72 determines whether the operation determined in step S6 is a moving image recording start operation or an end operation. If the recording flag is ON indicating that moving image recording is in progress, the control unit 27 starts recording a new moving image in step S9.

  During the moving image recording, the control unit 27 does not perform the frame rate control of the live view display, shifts the process from step S10 to step S17, performs the live view display, and continues the moving image recording in steps S21 and S22. To do. When the moving image button is operated during moving image recording, the control unit 27 determines in step S8 that the recording flag is off, that is, the moving image recording end processing, and stops the moving image recording and records the recorded image. Create a file.

  Here, it is assumed that a still image is taken. The user performs a shooting operation while checking the live view displayed on the display panel 39. In the present embodiment, when the user intends to photograph a subject, the frame rate of the live view display is increased so as not to miss a photo opportunity. In addition, when the user is not trying to photograph the subject, the frame rate is lowered to reduce power consumption.

  Next, a specific frame rate control method will be described.

  In the frame rate control in step S11, the flow shown in FIG. 3 is performed. FIG. 3 shows an example in which three types of frame rates of 120 fps (frames / second), 60 fps, and 30 fps can be set by the control unit 27, but the controllable frame rates can be set as appropriate. .

  The frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not a user operation has been performed for a certain period of time based on the information from the control unit 27 in step S31 of FIG. For example, if no user operation occurs for a predetermined time of about 10 to 30 seconds, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the frame rate may be lowered, and sets the frame rate to a low 30 fps. An instruction signal is output to the control unit 27. Thereby, the control part 27 sets a frame rate to 30 fps in step S39.

  In step S32, the distance between the user and the surface of the display panel 39 is detected. As shown in FIG. 4, the interchangeable lens 10 is provided on the front surface of the camera body 20, and the display panel 39 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 20. When the user's finger 45 is brought close to the display panel 39, the distance between the user's finger 45 and the surface of the display panel 39 is detected by the touch panel 40 disposed on the surface of the display panel 39.

  The touch panel 40 outputs the distance detection result to the frame rate change control unit 35. In step S33, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the distance between the tip of the user's finger 45 and the surface of the display panel 39 is close based on the distance detection result by the touch panel 40. For example, the frame rate change control unit 35 detects whether the distance between the tip of the finger 45 and the panel surface is a proximity distance, an intermediate distance, or a separation distance by comparing the distance detection result with a plurality of threshold values. To do.

  For example, in step S33, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the distance is a short distance of 1 cm or less, and in step S36, the distance is an intermediate distance of 1 to 3 cm or more apart. Determine if it is a distance.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the user's finger 45 and the display panel 39. In the example of FIG. 5, the distance between the tip of the finger 45 and the surface of the display panel 39 is an intermediate distance h1 of 3 cm or less. In this case, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that it is an intermediate distance in step S36, and instructs a frame rate of 60 fps for a predetermined period (step S39). If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines in step S36 that the distance is a separation distance, the frame rate change control unit 35 instructs a frame rate of 30 fps (step S39).

  As a result, when the user moves his / her finger close to the display panel 39, the frame rate of the live view display is increased, and the displayed subject position and the actual position of the subject can be easily matched, and a shutter chance can be easily obtained. Become.

  If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines in step S33 that the distance is close, in step S34, based on the output of the touch panel 40, the user's finger 45 moves any of the touch panels 40. Detect if it is close to the position. Next, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the position of the finger 45 is close to the periphery of the display panel 39 in step S35.

  When the user brings his / her finger close to the center of the display panel 39, the center is covered by the user's finger, making it difficult to check the live view display on the display panel 39. In this case, it is considered useless even if the frame rate is increased. Therefore, when the user's finger is not around the panel, the frame rate change control unit 35 gives an instruction to the control unit 27 so that the frame rate becomes 60 fps in step S38.

  When the user brings his / her finger close to the periphery of the display panel 39, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the user will immediately perform a shooting operation. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the user's finger 45 and the display panel 39 in this case. In the example of FIG. 6, the distance between the tip of the finger 45 and the surface of the display panel 39 is a proximity distance h <b> 2 of 1 cm or less, and the finger 45 is approaching a position around the display panel 39. In this case, in step S37, the frame rate change control unit 35 gives an instruction to the control unit 27 so that the frame rate is the maximum of 120 fps for a predetermined period. When the control unit 27 changes the frame rate to 120 fps, the position of the subject displayed on the display panel 39 and the actual position of the subject sufficiently coincide with each other, and it becomes easy to obtain a photo opportunity.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the frame rate of the live view display can be increased by performing a simple operation in which the user brings a finger or the like close to the surface of the display panel 39 as an operation for preparing for shooting. , Making it easier to get a shutter chance. Further, when the user does not bring a finger or the like close to the panel surface, the frame rate of the live view display is lowered, and power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the state where the frame rate is the highest, it is assumed that the user operates the release button and the shooting button to enter the first transition state and the second transition state. In addition, you may make it be in the state of a 1st transition and a 2nd transition similarly by touching the touch panel 40. FIG. The control unit 27 performs automatic exposure and autofocus in step S13 in FIG. 2 when the first transition state is reached, and performs image processing on the captured image signal in step S15 when the second transition state is reached. The still image after image processing is recorded (step S16).

  In the still image shooting process in steps S12 to S16, the frame rate of the live view display is high, and the user can surely obtain a photo opportunity.

  In addition, when shooting buttons are displayed on the periphery of the display panel 39 and shooting is performed by touching the shooting buttons, an operation for touching the shooting button is directly a shooting preparation operation. The live view display at the maximum frame rate is automatically performed in step S37 of FIG. 3 by only the photographing operation without being aware of the operation, and a photo opportunity can be obtained more easily.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the frame rate of the live view display is changed by detecting a shooting preparation operation in which the user brings a finger or the like close to the display panel, and the power consumption is suppressed while suppressing the power consumption. It is possible to increase the photo opportunity by controlling the display interval. In addition, the live view display can always be displayed over the entire display panel, and a live view display without a sense of incongruity is possible.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the frame rate is controlled not only by the distance between the user's finger or the like and the display panel, but also by which position on the display panel the finger approaches. The frame rate may be controlled only by the distance between the user's finger or the like and the display panel. Further, the frame rate may be controlled not only by the distance between the user's finger and the display panel, but also by the speed at which the user's finger or the like approaches the display panel. For example, when the user's finger or the like approaches the display panel at a relatively high speed, control such as keeping the frame rate low can be considered.

(Modification)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the frame rate control employed in the modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same steps as those in FIG.

  This modification is different from FIG. 3 only in the frame rate control method in the frame rate change control unit 35. Some imaging apparatuses perform still image shooting after focusing on the touched subject by touching the face portion of the subject displayed on the display panel. This modification is suitable for such a case.

  In steps S41 and S43 of FIG. 7, the frame rate change control unit 35 detects the correlation of the subject in the image portion displayed near the user's finger on the display panel 39. For example, the frame rate change control unit 35 is supplied with the information of the image displayed on the display panel 39 from the control unit 27, and obtains the correlation of the image portion near the finger by calculating the previous and next frames. The frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether the correlation of the image portion near the finger is high or low by comparing the obtained correlation value with a predetermined threshold value.

  If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the correlation is relatively low in step S42, the frame rate change control unit 35 gives an instruction to the control unit 27 to set the frame rate of the live view display to 30 fps. Gives an instruction to set the frame rate to 60 fps.

  If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the correlation is relatively low in step S44, the frame rate change control unit 35 gives an instruction to the control unit 27 to set the frame rate of the live view display to 60 fps, and determines that the correlation is not low. In this case, an instruction is given to set the frame rate to 120 fps.

  The lower the correlation of the subject, the faster the subject moves. The faster the subject moves, the easier it is to obtain a photo opportunity by setting the frame rate for live view display higher. Conversely, the higher the subject correlation is, the slower the subject moves. Therefore, the frame rate for live view display can be set lower to reduce power consumption.

  Now, it is assumed that the user performs shooting by touching a subject displayed on the display panel 39. When the user brings the finger close to the intermediate distance, in step S42, it is determined whether or not the correlation of the image portion where the user brought the finger close is low. When the correlation is relatively high, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate for live view display to 30 fps, and when the correlation is relatively low, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate for live view display. Is set to 60 fps.

  When the user brings the finger close to the proximity distance, it is determined in step S44 whether or not the correlation of the image portion where the user brought the finger close is low. When the correlation is relatively high, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate for live view display to 60 fps, and when the correlation is relatively low, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate for live view display. Is set to 120 fps.

  In this way, when shooting a fast-moving subject, the frame rate of the live view display is automatically increased, and a photo opportunity can be obtained with certainty. In addition, when capturing a slow-moving subject, the frame rate of the live view display is automatically lowered, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the frame rate control employed in the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same steps as those in FIG. The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, an operation of bringing a finger or the like closer to the surface of the display panel 39 is detected as a user's shooting preparation operation, and the frame rate of the live view display is changed. In the present embodiment, a user's shooting preparation operation is detected based on the posture of the camera unit body 20, and the frame rate of the live view display is changed.

  The posture determination unit 41 of the camera unit main body 20 detects a shake or posture of the camera unit main body 20 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 27.

  In step S51 of FIG. 8, the frame rate change control unit 35 receives the determination result of the posture determination unit 41 from the control unit 27, and grasps the shake, the posture, and the like of the camera unit body 20. In step S52, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the camera unit body 20 is held in the shooting posture based on the posture determination result.

  When it is determined that the camera unit body 20 is not in the shooting posture, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the blur is large in the next step S53. The frame rate change control unit 35 compares the determination result of the posture determination unit 41 with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the blur is large or small. If the blur is large, the frame rate is set to 30 fps (step S39). If the blur is small, the frame rate is set to 60 fps (step S38). If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the camera is in the shooting posture, the frame rate is set to the maximum 120 fps in step S37.

  Assuming that the camera unit main body 20 is not held in the shooting posture and the shake is large, it is conceivable that the user walks with the camera unit main body 20 in his / her hand without intention of shooting. In this case, since the frame rate is set low, power consumption is suppressed.

  Although the camera unit body 20 is not held in the shooting posture, it is conceivable that the user is about to confirm the live view display as a case where blurring is small. In this case, since the frame rate is set to an intermediate value, it is easy to obtain a photo opportunity, and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

  When the camera unit body 20 is held in the shooting posture, it is conceivable that the user is immediately before shooting. In this case, since the frame rate is set to the maximum value, the photo opportunity increases.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the user's shooting preparation operation is detected based on the posture of the camera unit body, blur, and the like, and the frame rate of the live view display is automatically increased to increase the shutter chance. It is possible.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the frame rate control employed in the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, the same steps as those in FIG. The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

  In this embodiment, a shooting scene is determined based on information from a lens, and the frame rate of live view display is changed.

  The control unit 27 is given information on the focal length of the lens and information on the distance to the subject from the lens control unit 15. The lens control unit 15 can detect the subject distance based on the lens position at the time of focusing. Various known methods can be employed as the subject distance detection method. For example, the subject distance can be obtained based on the contrast of the photographed image and the extension amount of the lens.

  The frame rate change control unit 35 acquires the focal length information and the subject distance information from the control unit 27 in steps S61 and S62 of FIG. In step S63, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether it is telephoto or close-up shooting. In step S64, it determines whether it is wide-angle and long-distance shooting.

  In telephoto or close-up shooting, the movement of the subject within the shooting range is greater than in wide-angle or long-distance shooting. That is, the influence of the subject on the photo opportunity changes according to the shooting scene such as telephoto, close-up, wide-angle, and long-distance. Therefore, the frame rate change control unit 35 increases the photo opportunity by increasing the frame rate in the live view display at the time of shooting when the influence (subject influence degree) due to the movement of the subject becomes large, and the subject influence degree is relatively high. At the time of small photography, the power consumption is suppressed by lowering the frame rate in the live view display.

  The frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether it is telephoto or not based on whether the focal length is long, for example, whether it is 100 mm or more in terms of 35 mm. Further, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the subject is close by whether or not the subject distance is short, for example, whether the subject distance is within 1 m from the imaging surface.

  Further, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the angle is wide based on whether or not the focal length is short, for example, whether or not it is within 35 mm in terms of 35 mm. Further, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not it is a long distance depending on whether or not the subject distance is long, for example, whether or not it exceeds 5 m from the imaging surface.

  That is, when it is determined that the telephoto or close-up shooting is not performed, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the wide-angle and long-distance shooting is performed in the next step S64. The frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to 30 fps if it is determined to be wide-angle and long-distance shooting (step S39), and if it is determined not to be wide-angle and long-distance shooting, the frame rate is changed. 60 fps is set (step S38). When the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the telephoto or close-up shooting is performed, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to the maximum 120 fps in step S37.

  In the case of wide-angle and long-distance shooting, the frame rate is set low, so that power consumption is suppressed. Further, in the case of telephoto or close-up photography, the frame rate is set to the maximum value, so the photo opportunity increases. In addition, when it is neither telephoto or close-up shooting, nor wide-angle and long-distance shooting, the frame rate is set to an intermediate value, so that it is easy to obtain a photo opportunity and suppress an increase in power consumption. Can do.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the shooting scene is detected based on the focal length and the subject distance, and the influence of the movement of the subject regarding the shutter chance is determined. As the influence of the movement of the subject increases, the live view display is performed. By increasing the frame rate, it is possible to increase the photo opportunity while suppressing power consumption.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the frame rate control employed in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same steps as those in FIG. The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the subject influence degree related to the photo opportunity is determined according to the size of the subject in the captured image, and the frame rate of the live view display is changed.

  The frame rate change control unit 35 receives the image signal stored in the SDRAM 30 from the control unit 27, detects the subject in the captured image, and acquires the size of the subject (step S71). For example, the frame rate change control unit 35 can perform face recognition processing and pet recognition processing, and acquires the size of the face of the subject, the size of the pet of the subject, and the like. Next, the frame rate change control unit 35 calculates the ratio of the subject in the image (hereinafter referred to as the subject ratio) by comparing the size of the subject with the size of the captured image (step S72).

  In step S73, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the subject ratio is larger than a predetermined first ratio threshold. In step S74, the frame ratio change control unit 35 determines whether or not the subject ratio is smaller than a predetermined second ratio threshold. Determine whether or not. Note that the first ratio threshold value> the second ratio threshold value.

  Even with the same movement of the subject, the larger the subject ratio, the larger the ratio of the subject movement within the shooting range, and the greater the influence of the subject movement on the photo opportunity. Therefore, the frame rate change control unit 35 increases the photo opportunity by increasing the frame rate in the live view display at the time of shooting when the effect of the subject movement on the photo opportunity becomes large, and the effect of the subject motion is relatively low. At the time of small photography, the power consumption is suppressed by lowering the frame rate in the live view display.

  That is, if the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the subject ratio is not greater than the first ratio threshold value, it determines whether or not the subject ratio is smaller than the second ratio threshold value in the next step S74. To do. If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the subject ratio is smaller than the second ratio threshold, the frame rate is set to 30 fps (step S39), and the subject ratio is greater than or equal to the second ratio threshold. If determined, the frame rate is set to 60 fps (step S38). If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the subject ratio is greater than the first ratio threshold, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to the maximum 120 fps in step S37.

  When the subject ratio is smaller than the second ratio threshold, the frame rate is set low, so that power consumption is suppressed. In addition, when the subject ratio is larger than the first ratio threshold, the frame rate is set to the maximum value, so the photo opportunity increases. In addition, when the subject ratio is equal to or less than the first ratio threshold and equal to or greater than the second ratio threshold, the frame rate is set to an intermediate value, so that it is easy to obtain a photo opportunity and suppress an increase in power consumption. can do.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the influence of the movement of the subject on the photo opportunity is determined based on the ratio of the subject, and the greater the influence of the movement of the subject, the higher the frame rate of the live view display increases. It is possible to increase the shutter chance while suppressing power.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the frame rate control employed in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIG. The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the subject influence degree is obtained from the movement of the subject, and it is determined based on the correlation between the images whether or not the subject movement is large, and the frame rate of the live view display is changed.

  The frame rate change control unit 35 is supplied with the information of the image displayed on the display panel 39 from the control unit 27, and calculates the frame correlation by calculating the previous and next frames in step S81 of FIG.

  In step S82, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether or not the frame correlation is smaller than a predetermined first correlation threshold. In step S83, the frame rate change control unit 35 determines whether the frame correlation is larger than a predetermined second correlation threshold. Determine whether or not. Note that the first correlation threshold <the second correlation threshold.

  It can be considered that the smaller the frame correlation, the greater the movement of the subject. Therefore, the frame rate change control unit 35 increases the photo opportunity by increasing the frame rate in the live view display when the frame correlation is relatively small, and the live view when the frame correlation is relatively large. By reducing the frame rate for display, power consumption is suppressed.

  That is, if the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the frame correlation is greater than or equal to the first correlation threshold, it determines whether or not the frame correlation is greater than the second correlation threshold in the next step S83. judge. If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the frame correlation is greater than the second correlation threshold, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to 30 fps (step S39), and the frame correlation is equal to or less than the second correlation threshold. If determined, the frame rate is set to 60 fps (step S38). If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the frame correlation is smaller than the first correlation threshold, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to the maximum 120 fps in step S37.

  When the frame correlation is larger than the second correlation threshold, the frame rate is set low, so that power consumption is suppressed. Also, when the frame correlation is smaller than the first correlation threshold, the frame rate is set to the maximum value, so that the photo opportunity increases. If the frame correlation is greater than or equal to the first correlation threshold and less than or equal to the second correlation threshold, the frame rate is set to an intermediate value, making it easier to obtain a photo opportunity and suppressing an increase in power consumption. can do.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the movement of the subject is large based on the frame correlation, and the power consumption can be reduced by increasing the frame rate of the live view display as the movement of the subject increases. The shutter chance can be increased while suppressing.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the frame rate control employed in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 and FIGS. The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

  The present embodiment shows an example of frame rate control that combines the above-described embodiments. This embodiment shows an example in which the frame rate control methods shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 to 11 are combined. However, some of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and the combination method can be set as appropriate. It is.

  In the example of FIG. 12, blur detection is performed in step S51, and it is determined in step S52 whether or not the camera is in the shooting posture. If it is not in the shooting posture, the frame rate of the live view display is set to the minimum 30 fps.

  In the present embodiment, the distance between the user's finger or the like and the display panel 39 is detected in step S32, and it is determined whether or not the distance is close in step S33. In addition to this distance determination, in steps S82, S63, S35, and S73, processing for determining the magnitude of the influence of the subject on the photo opportunity is performed.

  In step S82, the frame correlation is calculated in the same manner as in step S81, and it is determined whether or not the frame correlation is small. In step S63, as in steps S61 and S62, the focal length and subject distance are acquired and the telephoto or In step S35, it is determined whether or not the user's finger has come close to the periphery of the display panel 39. In step S73, the acquisition of the subject size and the subject are performed as in steps S71 and S72. It is determined whether the subject ratio is large by calculating the ratio.

  In Steps S82 and S63, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the subject influence level to be large when the frame correlation is small, or in the case of telephoto or close-up photography (Step S91). Further, if the finger position is around the panel or the subject ratio is large in steps S35 and S73, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the subject influence degree to medium (step S92). In addition, when the subject ratio is equal to or less than the first threshold value in step S73, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the subject influence degree to be small (step S93).

  If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines in step S33 that the distance between the finger or the like and the display panel 39 is not short, it determines in step S95 whether the subject influence level is medium. . If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines that the subject influence degree is not large in the next step S94 even if the distance between the finger or the like and the display panel 39 is short in step S33, the frame rate change control unit 35 proceeds to step S95. Make a decision.

  In step S95, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to 30 fps when it is determined that the subject influence degree is not medium (step S39), and when the subject influence degree is medium, the frame rate is changed. 60 fps is set (step S38). If the frame rate change control unit 35 determines in step S94 that the subject influence degree is large, the frame rate change control unit 35 sets the frame rate to the maximum 120 fps in step S37.

  Even when the user's finger or the like is close to the display panel 39, if the subject influence level is small, the frame rate is set low, so that power consumption is suppressed. In addition, when the user's finger or the like is close to the display panel 39 and the subject influence degree is large, the frame rate is set to the maximum value, so the photo opportunity increases. When the subject influence level is medium, the frame rate is set to an intermediate value, so that it is easy to obtain a photo opportunity and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the frame rate for live view display is set according to various conditions, and it is possible to efficiently increase the photo opportunity while suppressing power consumption.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. A camera for moving images may be used, and a camera built in a personal digital assistant (PDA) such as a mobile phone or a smartphone may of course be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  It should be noted that even if the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings is described using “first,” “next,” etc. for convenience, it is essential to carry out in this order. It doesn't mean. In addition, it goes without saying that the steps constituting these operation flows can be omitted as appropriate for portions that do not affect the essence of the invention.

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Interchangeable lens, 15 ... Lens control part, 20 ... Camera part main body, 23 ... Image sensor, 27 ... Control part, 31 ... Image processing part, 35 ... Frame rate change control part, 38 ... Display drive part, 39 ... Display panel, 40 ... touch panel, 41 ... posture determination unit.

Claims (8)

An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured image data;
A display unit for performing display based on the image data image-processed by the image processing unit;
A shooting preparation detection unit for detecting that shooting preparation has been performed by the user;
Based on the detection result of the shooting preparation detection unit, prior to shooting by the user, a frame rate determination unit that determines a frame rate of live view display;
A control unit that controls the imaging unit, the image processing unit, and the display unit to enable live view display at the frame rate determined by the frame rate determination unit;
Comprising
The photographing preparation detection unit detects a distance between the user and the display unit,
The frame rate determining unit increases the frame rate as the distance between the user and the display unit decreases.
An image pickup apparatus characterized by increasing a lame rate . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit performs imaging by the user's touch operation on the display unit. The photographing preparation detection unit detects whether the user has approached the periphery of the display area of the display unit,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the frame rate determination unit increases the frame rate as the user approaches the periphery of the display area of the display unit. An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured image data;
A display unit for performing display based on the image data image-processed by the image processing unit;
A subject impact detection unit for obtaining a subject impact corresponding to a degree of movement of a subject in a captured image captured by the imaging unit;
A frame rate determination unit that determines a frame rate of a live view based on a detection result of the subject influence detection unit;
A control unit that controls the imaging unit, the image processing unit, and the display unit to enable live view display at the frame rate determined by the frame rate determination unit ;
Comprising
The subject influence detection unit detects a subject distance,
The frame rate determination unit increases the frame rate as the subject distance detected by the subject influence detection unit is smaller . The subject influence detection unit detects a focal length,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the frame rate determination unit increases the frame rate as the focal length detected by the subject influence detection unit increases. An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured image data;
A display unit for performing display based on the image data image-processed by the image processing unit;
A subject impact detection unit for obtaining a subject impact corresponding to a degree of movement of a subject in a captured image captured by the imaging unit;
The frame rate of the live view is determined based on the detection result of the subject influence detection unit.
A frame rate determining unit to perform,
The frame rate determination unit controls the imaging unit, the image processing unit, and the display unit.
A control unit that enables live view display at a frame rate determined in advance,
Comprising
The subject influence detection unit detects an occupancy ratio that the subject occupies within the angle of view,
The frame rate determination unit increases the frame rate as the occupation rate detected by the subject influence detection unit increases. The subject influence detection unit detects a correlation between frames,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frame rate determination unit increases the frame rate as the correlation detected by the subject influence detection unit decreases. A timer for detecting that the user does not operate for a certain period of time;
7. The frame rate determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the frame rate determination unit decreases the frame rate when the output of the timer indicates that the user has not operated for a certain period of time. The imaging apparatus according to item 1.

Images