Imaging device, control method of imaging device, and computer program

There is provided an imaging device including an imaging control unit that executes imaging control in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction. A first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, a control method of the imaging device, and a computer program.

Silver halide cameras and digital cameras that can obtain image data by imaging still images are generally provided with a self-timer imaging mode in which imaging is performed after a fixed time elapses from a release operation of a shutter button so that the photographer can be included in an imaging frame as a subject (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H02-105124 and 2005-277907).

SUMMARY

In recent years, there have been digital cameras with a pivoting display that displays a setting screen thereon, or displays a so-called live view image or a captured image. Among such digital cameras, there are those that can image the reflection of a photographer himself/herself with ease by setting a display plane of a display thereof to face the same orientation of that of a lens. In addition, in recent years, there have been cameras in which a trigger to start imaging is set to a contact operation by a photographer with a display, in addition to a shutter releasing operation.

General digital cameras perform an automatic focusing process on a subject when a photographer performs an imaging operation in a general imaging mode, not in a self-timer imaging mode. In addition, in the self-timer imaging mode, a digital camera actually executes an imaging process after a predetermined time elapses. However, when the automatic focusing process is executed at the same time at which a photographer performs an imaging operation using a button to start a self-timer in the self-timer imaging mode in a digital camera with a pivoting display, a focusing process that is not intended by the photographer, such as focusing on a hand or an arm of the photographer is executed.

Therefore, it is desirable for the present disclosure to provide a novel and improved imaging device, control method of the imaging device, and computer program that can appropriately execute self-timer imaging, avoiding a focusing process that is not intended by a photographer.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device including an imaging control unit that executes imaging control in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction. A first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an imaging device, the method including controlling imaging in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction. A first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program for causing a computer to execute controlling imaging in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction. A first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a novel and improved imaging device, control method of the imaging device, and computer program that can appropriately execute self-timer imaging, avoiding a focusing process that is not intended by a photographer can be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Note that description will be provided in the following order.

<1. Embodiment of the Present Disclosure>

[Appearance Example of Imaging Device]

[Functional Configuration Example of Imaging Device]

[Operation Example of Imaging Device]

<1. Embodiment of the Present Disclosure>

[Appearance Example of Imaging Device]

First, an appearance example of an imaging device100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 1is an illustrative diagram showing the appearance of the imaging device100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a front view, andFIG. 2is an illustrative diagram showing the appearance of the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in a side view. Hereinafter, the appearance example of the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described usingFIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a display unit108that is pivotably rotated and displays a setting screen thereon, or displays a so-called live view image for ascertaining a composition before imaging or a captured image.FIGS. 1 and 2show the imaging device100of which the display unit108pivots 180 degrees having the side on the upper portion of the imaging device as a pivot. Of course, it is needless to say that the pivoting form of the display unit108is not limited to the example above.

The imaging device100according to the present embodiment is provided with a touch panel in the display unit108, and also starts an imaging operation by a contact of a his or her finger with the display unit108, in addition to depressing a shutter button.FIG. 3is an illustrative diagram showing the state in which a photographer brings his or her finger into contact with the display unit108in the state in which the display unit108has pivoted 180 degrees. Note thatFIG. 3shows the state in which the index finger of the right hand of the photographer comes into contact with the display unit108, and the left hand of the photographer is not shown. As shown inFIG. 3, when the finger of the photographer is brought into contact with the display unit108, his or her hand is positioned before a lens that is provided in the housing of the imaging device100to guide light from a subject to an imaging element. In other words, when the photographer brings his or her finger into contact with the display unit108, the imaging device100is in the state in which light is incident on the lens provided in the front face of the housing of the imaging device100is blocked by the hand of the photographer. If an imaging operation is started in this state, the focus is placed on the hand of the photographer.

Therefore, when the photographer attempts to execute self-timer imaging using the imaging device100, if he or she brings his or her finger into contact with the display unit108in the state in which the display unit108has pivoted 180 degrees as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2to view his or her reflection on the display unit108, the self-timer imaging is executed while his or her hand is focused.

Thus, in the embodiment to be described below, an imaging device that appropriately executes self-timer imaging, avoiding a focusing process that is not intended by a photographer when the self-timer imaging is attempted to be executed using the imaging device100will be described.

Hereinabove, the appearance example of the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. Next, a functional configuration example of the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[Functional Configuration Example of Imaging Device]

FIG. 4is a descriptive diagram showing a functional configuration example of the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the functional configuration example of the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described usingFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 4, the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to include a control unit101, an imaging unit102, a captured image processing unit103, a captured image recording unit104, a storage unit105, an operation unit106, a display control unit107, a display unit108, a state detection unit109, an image control unit110, and an imaging mode control unit111.

The control unit101controls operations of each unit of the imaging device100. The control unit101includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit101may control the operations of each unit of the imaging device100by reading and sequentially executing computer programs recorded in a recording medium, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) provided in the imaging device100.

The imaging unit102images a subject to generate an image signal. The imaging unit102includes an imaging element that converts light into electric signals in photoelectric conversion, a zoom lens and a focus lens that guide light from subjects to the imaging element, a diaphragm that adjusts brightness of subjects, a shutter that controls light incidence on the imaging element, and the like. Image signals generated by the imaging unit102are transferred to the captured image processing unit103by the control of the control unit101.

The captured image processing unit103performs a predetermined signal process on image signals generated by the imaging unit102. The signal process executed by the captured image processing unit103includes, for example, a noise reduction process, an image quality improving process, and the like. An image signal for which the captured image processing unit103performs such a predetermined signal process is transferred to the captured image recording unit104by the control of the control unit101.

The captured image recording unit104compresses the image signal for which the captured image processing unit103performs the signal process using a compression coding scheme to record the signal on the storage unit105as image data. The storage unit105stores data regarding various processes of the imaging device100. The storage unit105includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a memory, card, and the like. The storage unit105stores, for example, computer programs executed by the control unit101, various kinds of setting information for controlling operations of each unit of the imaging device100by the control unit101, and image data generated by the captured image recording unit104.

The operation unit106functions as a user interface to operate the imaging device100. The operation unit106includes, for example, various operation buttons such as a shutter button, a cross button, and a menu button provided on an exterior of the imaging device100, a touch panel or a remote controller. The operation unit106outputs operation signals according to operations of a user to the control unit101. The control unit101executes various operations based on the operation signals transferred from the operation unit106.

The display control unit107executes display control to display various kinds of information such as text, images, and other information on the display unit108based on the control of the control unit101. The display unit108displays various kinds of information such as text, images, and other information which is controlled by the display control unit107to be displayed. The display unit108includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and the like.

In the present embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the surface of a display plane of the display unit108. A user can operate the imaging device100by bringing his or her finger into contact with the display unit108on which the touch panel is provided. Thus, the display unit108is an example of the operation unit of the present disclosure. Operational functions of the imaging device100available by bringing a finger into contact with the display unit108include, for example, a focusing function of a subject displayed on the display unit108as a live view, an imaging start instructing function for instructing the control unit101to start imaging, and a selecting function on the menu screen displayed on the display unit108.

The state detection unit109detects states of the imaging device100. The state detection unit109detects pivoting states of the display unit108as detection of a state of the imaging device100. On top of that, the state detection unit109detects holding or non-holding of the imaging device100by a user, a fixed state of the imaging device100, or the like as detection of a state of the imaging device100. When the state detection unit109detects holding or non-holding of the imaging device100by a user, the detection may be performed based on the presence or absence of a signal from a capacitance sensor, a pressure sensor, or another sensor that detects holding by a user provided at a predetermined position of the housing of the imaging device100. In addition, in order to detect a fixed state of the imaging device100as detection of a state of the imaging device100, the state detection unit109may have a gyro sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

The imaging device100according to the present embodiment changes the operation of the automatic focusing process during self-timer imaging according to states of the imaging device100after the state detection unit109detects the states of the imaging device100. More specifically, the imaging device100according to the present embodiment changes the operation of the automatic focusing process during self-timer imaging based on whether the display plane of the display unit108faces the back side of the imaging device100or the front side thereof after the state detection unit109detects a pivoting state of the display unit108. The imaging device100according to the present embodiment can appropriately execute self-timer imaging avoiding a focusing process that is not intended by a photographer. Note that the front side of the imaging device100refers to a side that the lens in the imaging unit102faces and the back side of the imaging device100refers to the side opposite to the side that the lens in the imaging unit102faces.

The image control unit110execute various kinds of control for image data that the imaging unit102images. The image control unit110executes, for example, a face detection process in which a face from image data imaged by the imaging unit102is detected, a smiling face imaging process in which an instruction of the start of imaging is issued to the control unit101at the time when a detected face smiles, and the like, as the various types of control on image data.

The imaging mode control unit111is an example of an imaging control unit of the present disclosure, and controls imaging modes during imaging by the imaging device100. Specifically, the imaging mode control unit111controls the self-timer mode when the imaging device100executes self-timer imaging.

In the present embodiment, the imaging mode control unit111has at least two self-timer modes as a mode in which the imaging device100executes self-timer imaging. One is a self-timer mode (first self-timer mode) in which the automatic focusing process is executed immediately after an imaging start instruction is received, and then imaging is executed after a predetermined time elapses from completion of the automatic focusing process. The other one is a self-timer mode (second self-timer mode) in which, after a predetermined time elapses from reception of an imaging start instruction, the automatic focusing process is executed, and then imaging is executed. To be more specific, the imaging device100according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure executes imaging control in the first self-timer mode and the second self-timer mode in which, after the imaging start instruction is received from a photographer, the automatic focusing process and the imaging process are executed in order. In addition, in the imaging device100according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure, a first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to the performance of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is set to be shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to the performance of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode. The imaging mode control unit111selects any one self-timer mode from the two self-timer modes when self-timer imaging is executed in the imaging device100.

Note that the imaging device100may start an operation without starting the timer according to an imaging instruction from a photographer in both self-timer modes described above. In the first self-timer mode, the imaging device100may start an operation without starting the timer according to an imaging instruction from the photographer, and then start the timer after the completion of the automatic focusing process. In addition, in the second self-timer mode, after the automatic focusing process is executed by starting a timer of which time to the start of the automatic focusing process is set shorter than the time set by the self-timer, the imaging device100may execute an imaging process at the time when the time set by the self-timer has elapsed. Note that the imaging device100may use the same timer in the second self-timer mode. The imaging device100may control execution of the automatic focusing process and the imaging process in the second self-timer mode based on the clock of the same timer.

The imaging mode control unit111may select any one self-timer mode from at least two self-timer modes according to states of the imaging device100detected by the state detection unit109. In description below, a case in which the state detection unit109detects pivoting states of the display unit108, and the imaging mode control unit111selects any one self-timer mode from the two self-timer mode according to the pivoting states of the display unit108will be described.

Note that, in description below, the state in which the display plane of the display unit108is disposed on the back side of the imaging device100is referred to as a “general imaging mode”, and the state in which the display plane of the display unit108is disposed on the front side of the imaging device100is referred to as a “self-shot mode,” respectively. The “self-shot mode” is an imaging mode to image a photographer himself or herself while he or she views his or her own reflection displayed on the display unit108holding the imaging device100. In addition, the “general imaging mode” is an imaging mode that is different from the “self-shot mode,” and aims to execute general imaging using the imaging device100by the photographer.

Hereinabove, the functional configuration example of the imaging device100according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure has been described usingFIG. 4. Next, an operation of the imaging device100according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[Operation Example of Imaging Device]

FIG. 5is a flowchart showing an operation example of the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation example shown inFIG. 5is an operation example of the imaging device100according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure when self-timer imaging is executed in the imaging device100. Hereinafter, the operation example of the imaging device100according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure will be described usingFIG. 5.

When self-timer imaging is executed in the imaging device100, the imaging device100first determines whether or not the imaging mode is a general imaging mode or a self-shot mode (Step S101). The determination of Step S101is made by, for example, the imaging mode control unit111.

As a result of the determination of Step S101, if the display plane of the display unit108is on the back side of the imaging device100and the imaging mode is determined to be the general imaging mode, the imaging device100then decides a self-timer mode in the general imaging mode (Step S102). The decision of Step S102is made by, for example, the imaging mode control unit111. If the imaging mode is a general imaging mode, the self-timer mode is the first self-timer mode in which the automatic focusing process is executed immediately after an imaging start instruction is received, then after a predetermined time elapses, imaging is executed. Note that executing imaging means acquiring still images to be recorded.

Next, the imaging device100awaits an imaging start operation by a user. Here, contact of the user's finger with the touch panel provided on the display unit108is exemplified as the imaging start operation by the user. When the imaging device100detects the contact of the user's finger with the touch panel provided on the display unit108(Step S103), the imaging device100first executes the automatic focusing process on a subject (S104). The detection of the contact of the user's finger with the touch panel provided on the display unit108is performed by, for example, the control unit101, and according to the detection of the contact of the finger with the touch panel provided on the display unit108, the control unit101executes the automatic focusing process on the subject. In addition, the automatic focusing process on the subject is executed by, for example, the control unit101. There are various methods for performing the automatic focusing process on a subject, but there is a method, for example, in which the position of the focus lens is gradually shifted while computing a contrast value of an image, and then a position of the focus lens in which a maximum contrast value is obtained is set as a focus point.

When the automatic focusing process of the subject is executed, the imaging device100next starts the self-timer for executing imaging after a time set in advance (Step S105). Starting the self-timer is performed by, for example, the control unit101.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination of Step S101, when the display plane of the display unit108is on the front side of the imaging device100, and the imaging mode is determined to be the self-shot mode, the imaging device100next decides a self-timer mode in the self-shot mode (Step S106). The decision of the self-timer mode of Step S106is made by, for example, the imaging mode control unit111. If the imaging mode is the self-shot mode, the self-timer mode is the second self-timer mode in which, after a predetermined time elapses from reception of the imaging start instruction, the automatic focusing process is executed, and then imaging is executed.

Next, the imaging device100awaits an imaging start operation by a user. Here, contact of the user's finger with the display unit108is exemplified as the imaging start operation by the user. When the imaging device100detects the contact of the user's finger with the display unit108(Step S107), the imaging device100first starts the self-timer for executing imaging after a time set in advance (Step S108). The detection of the contact of the user's finger with the display unit108is performed by, for example, the control unit101, and the control unit101starts the self-timer according to the detection of the contact of the finger with the display unit108.

After a predetermined time elapses from the start of the self-timer, the imaging device100then executes the automatic focusing process on a subject (S109). The automatic focusing process on the subject is executed by, for example, the control unit101in the same manner as in Step S104described above.

After the predetermined time elapses from the start of the self-timer in Step S105in the general imaging mode, or after the automatic focusing process on the subject is executed in Step S109in the self-shot mode, the imaging device100then executes an imaging operation to image the subject (Step S110). The execution of the imaging operation is performed by, for example, the control unit101.

When the self-timer imaging is executed, the imaging device100selects one self-timer mode from the two self-timer modes by executing the operation as shown inFIG. 5. The imaging device100can appropriately execute the self-timer imaging avoiding an automatic focusing process that is not intended by the photograph, by selecting one self-timer mode from the two self-timer modes.

The imaging device100that executes the automatic focusing process immediately after the reception of the imaging start operation, and executes imaging after a predetermined time elapses from the execution of the automatic focusing process in the general imaging mode is on the premise that the subject should not move after focusing is performed appropriately for the subject in the imaging start operation by the photograph, as in imaging of a group photo, and thus, the focusing state does not change. After focusing is automatically performed on the subject in the imaging start operation, the imaging device100may only execute an imaging process after the time set by the self-timer elapses thereafter. Since the photographer who performed the imaging start operation on the imaging device100moves to the position of the subject before the time set by the self-timer elapses, the imaging device100can execute imaging focusing not only on the subject who has already been focused but also the photographer. In addition, since the imaging device100executes the automatic focusing process immediately after the reception of the imaging start operation, and executes imaging after the predetermined time elapses from the execution of the automatic focusing process in the general imaging mode, the photographer can move to the position in which he or she is photographed as a subject after operating the self-timer and then immediately confirming the result of the automatic focusing process. On the other hand, the reason for which the imaging device100sequentially executes processes of the automatic focusing process and the imaging process after the time set by the self-timer elapses after the reception of the imaging start operation in the self-shot mode is to appropriately focus on the subject during the elapse of the time set by the self-timer, not on the subject during the imaging start operation by the photographer. By automatically focusing on the subject during the elapse of the time set by the self-timer in the self-shot mode, the imaging device100can appropriately focus on the subject in an automatic manner, avoiding a focusing process that is not intended by the photographer.

In the present embodiment, the imaging device100first determines whether the imaging mode is the general imaging mode or the self-shot mode in Step S101, but the present disclosure is not limited to the example. For example, the imaging device100may determine whether or not imaging is performed in the self-timer mode based on the decision by the photographer to employ the general imaging mode or the self-shot mode. In addition, when the imaging device100images in the self-shot mode based on, for example, a state of the display unit108, an instruction of the user, or the like, the device may be set to image reliably in the self-timer mode.

FIGS. 6 and 7are descriptive diagrams showing two self-timer modes provided in the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 6shows the first self-timer mode in which the imaging device100executes the automatic focusing process immediately after the reception of the imaging start instruction, and executes imaging after the predetermined time elapses from the execution of the automatic focusing process according to an operation of a photographer.FIG. 7shows the second self-timer mode in which the imaging device100receives the imaging start instruction, executes the automatic focusing process after the predetermined time elapses from the reception, and then executes imaging according to an operation of a photographer.

The imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure selects one self-timer mode from the two self-timer modes according to an imaging mode. By selecting one self-timer mode from the two self-timer modes according to the imaging mode, self-timer imaging can be appropriately executed, avoiding an automatic focusing process that is not intended by a photographer.

As described above, the imaging device100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has two self-timer modes in the time points of respective automatic focusing processes and starts of the self-timer are different during self-timer imaging. The imaging device100selects one self-timer mode from the two self-timer modes according to an imaging mode.

When, for example, the display plane of the display unit108is on the back side of the imaging device100, and the imaging mode is determined to be in the general imaging mode, the imaging device100selects the self-timer mode in which the automatic focusing process is executed immediately after the reception of the imaging start instruction, and after the predetermined time elapses, imaging is executed. On the other hand, when the display plane of the display unit108is on the front side of the imaging device100, and the imaging mode is determined to be the self-shot mode, the imaging device100selects the self-timer mode in which the automatic focusing process is executed after the predetermined time elapses from the reception of the imaging start instruction, and then imaging is executed.

In this manner, when an imaging operation is about to start with contact of a finger with the display unit108, for example, as shown inFIG. 3, the imaging device100can appropriately execute self-timer imaging, avoiding an automatic focusing process that is not intended by a photographer, such as focusing on a finger or a hand of the photographer by selecting the self-timer mode according to the imaging mode.

In the above-described embodiment, for example, the imaging device100determines an imaging mode based on a pivoting state of the display unit108, and a self-timer mode is selected based on the determination result, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a self-timer mode may be selected based on a fixed state of the imaging device100.

That the imaging device100is fixed means that imaging is performed with the imaging device100fixed to a tripod stand, or the like. Thus, if the imaging device100is fixed, the device is considered to perform general imaging and not self-shot, and thus, when the imaging device100is fixed, the imaging device100may select the self-timer mode in the general imaging mode in which the automatic focusing process is executed immediately after the reception of the imaging start instruction, and after the predetermined time elapses from the execution, imaging is executed.

On the other hand, if the imaging device100is not fixed, the device is considered to perform imaging while being held in a hand. When the imaging device100is not fixed, the imaging device100may select the self-timer mode in the self-shot mode in which, after the predetermined time elapses from the reception of the imaging start instruction, the automatic focusing process is executed, and then imaging is executed. Note that, even when the imaging device100performs imaging while being held in a hand, not performing the self-shot is of course considered, and thus, when the imaging device200is not fixed, the imaging device100may further determine an imaging mode based on a pivoting state of the display unit108, and select a self-timer mode based on the determination result.

Note that the imaging device100may make a determination on whether or not the device should be fixed to a tripod stand, or the like based on a state of the imaging device100detected by the state detection unit109. For example, when the imaging device100is detected not to be shaken for a predetermined time by a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like, the imaging device100is determined to be fixed to a tripod stand, or the like, and may select the self-timer mode in the general imaging mode. Conversely, when the imaging device100is detected to be shaken by a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like, the imaging device100is determined to be held in a hand, and may select the self-timer mode in the self-shot mode. In addition, the imaging device100may be provided with a light emitting unit such as a light emitting diode and a light detecting unit such as a photodetector, or the like, and the imaging device100may detect a fixed state to the tripod stand by detecting light from the light emitting diode reflected on a tripod camera stand.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the display unit108has been described as pivoting 180 degrees having the upper side of the housing of the imaging device100as a pivot, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display unit108may be attached to or detached from the housing of the imaging device100, and switched to the state in which the display plane of the display unit108is on the back side of the imaging device100, or to the state in which the display plane of the display unit108is on the front side of the imaging device100as shown inFIG. 1.

In addition, each step in a process executed by each unit of the present specification is not necessarily performed along the order described in a sequence diagram of a flowchart, for example, in a time series manner. Each of the steps in a process executed by each unit may be performed, for example, in an order different from the order described in the flowchart, or performed in parallel.

In addition, in hardware including a CPU, a ROM, RAM, and the like that is installed in each device, a computer program for exhibiting the same functions as those of each device can also be stored. In addition, a storage medium in which the computer program is stored can be provided. In addition, by configuring each functional block shown in the functional block diagram as hardware, a series of processes can be realized in hardware.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.(1) An imaging device including:

an imaging control unit that executes imaging control in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction,

wherein a first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.(2) The imaging device according to (1), further including:

an operation unit that issues an instruction of start of imaging to the imaging control unit,

wherein, when a user issues the instruction of start of imaging, the operation unit is provided in a position in which light incident on a lens disposed in a housing is blocked by the user's hand or arm operating the operation unit.(3) The imaging device according to (2), wherein the operation unit is an image display unit provided with a touch panel.(4) The imaging device according to (3),

wherein the image display unit is capable of being switched to be in a first state in which a display plane appears on a front side of the housing on which the lens is provided, and a second state in which the display plane appears on a back side of the housing, and

wherein, upon using the self-timer mode, the imaging control unit executes imaging control in one of the first self-timer mode and the second self-timer mode according to whether the image display unit is in the first state or the second state.(5) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein, upon using the self-timer mode, the imaging control unit executes imaging control in one of the first self-timer mode and the second self-timer mode according to a fixed state of the imaging device at a time of the reception of the imaging start instruction.(6) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, upon using the self-timer mode, the imaging control unit executes imaging control in one of the first self-timer mode and the second self-timer mode according to whether the imaging device is held by a user at a time of the reception of the imaging start instruction.(7) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the second self-timer mode is a self-shot mode, and the first self-timer mode is an imaging mode other than the self-shot mode.(8) A method of controlling an imaging device, the method including:

controlling imaging in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction,

wherein a first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.(9) A computer program for causing a computer to execute:

controlling imaging in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction,

wherein a first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-127793 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jun. 5, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.