Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same, and recording medium to control light emission

An imaging apparatus includes a light emission unit, an instruction unit, and a light emission determination unit. The light emission unit moves between a light and a non-light emission position. The instruction unit changes, in response to a user's manual operation, to a first state giving an instruction to prepare for capturing a subject's image. In response to setting the instruction unit to the first state, the light emission determination unit makes a light emission determination based on a captured scene. In response to setting the instruction unit to the first state and where the light emission determination unit determines that the light emission unit does not emit light, the light emission determination unit determines that the light emission unit emits light, in response to a user's operation for moving the light emission unit to the light emission position while the instruction unit is kept in the first state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for controlling emission of a light emission unit, a method for controlling the imaging apparatus, and a recording medium.

Description of the Related Art

A conventional imaging apparatus generally determines the necessity of emission of a light emission unit, such as a flash, according to the light emission mode and a captured scene at the time when capturing a subject's image (hereinafter this determination is simply referred to as light emission determination). In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-169622, a camera is proposed whose flash light is emitted in a case where backlight determination is performed based on the luminance of a image-capturing screen and it is determined by the determination that a main subject is in a backlight scene.

As described above, When the light emission mode in which the imaging apparatus automatically performs the light emission determination is set, the imaging apparatus determines whether to perform emission by the light emission unit according to a captured scene determined based on the subject's luminance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes a light emission unit configured to move between a light emission position and a non-light emission position, an instruction unit configured to change, in response to a user's manual operation, to a first state for giving an instruction to prepare for capturing a subject's image, and a light emission determination unit configured to make a light emission determination, wherein, in response to setting the instruction unit to the first state, the light emission determination unit makes the light emission determination based on a captured scene, and wherein, in response to setting the instruction unit to the first state and in a case where the light emission determination unit determines that the light emission unit does not emit light, the light emission determination unit determines that the light emission unit emits light, in response to a user's operation for moving the light emission unit to the light emission position while the instruction unit is kept in the first state.

According to the claimed invention, it is possible to set the necessity of emission of a light emission unit in deference to the user's intention even in a case where an imaging apparatus automatically performs the light emission determination.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A digital camera (hereafter simply referred to as a camera)100that is an imaging apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5.FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The internal configuration of the camera100will be described below with reference toFIG. 1.

A photographic lens group1is composed of a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens and a focal lens. The quantity of light which has penetrated the photographic lens group1is adjusted by a diaphragm2.

A charge accumulation type image sensor3is composed of a solid-state image sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). An optical image of a subject passes through the photographic lens group1and the diaphragm2, and is formed on the image sensor3. The image sensor3performs photoelectric conversion on the optical image formed thereon, and outputs to an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion unit4(described below) an analog image electrical signal according to the relevant optical image (hereinafter referred to as analog image data).

An exposure control unit11controls operations of the diaphragm2, the image sensor3, a shutter (not illustrated), and a gain adjustment unit according to an instruction from a system control unit (hereinafter referred to as a central processing unit (CPU))15(described below). Therefore, the exposure control unit11controls the diaphragm diameter (or diaphragm value), the exposure time, and the gain amount to enable controlling the exposure amount of image data to be acquired.

A lens control unit12controls the drive of each lens constituting the photographic lens group1. For example, the lens control unit12can control the drive of the focal lens and the zoom lens included in the photographic lens group1.

The A/D conversion unit4converts the analog image data output from the image sensor3into a digital image electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as digital image data). In the present exemplary embodiment, the photographic lens group1, the diaphragm2, the image sensor3, and the A/D conversion unit4that has been described above are collectively referred to as an imaging unit10.

An image processing unit16performs processing, such as shading correction, color correction, contour enhancement, and pixel interpolation, on the digital image data output from the A/D conversion unit4. The digital image data having undergone various types of processing by the image processing unit16is converted into a predetermined format. Then, the converted digital image data is stored in a video random access memory (VRAM) area of a memory18(described below) via a bus30.

The memory18is a recording unit composed of recording elements, such as a random access memory (RAM). The memory18is connected to each unit in the camera100via the bus30. The memory18records various types of data to be output according to the imaging processing of the camera100. The memory18further prestores various types of data to be used in the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the memory18prestores drive timing of each unit in the camera100, various exposure conditions, and calculation formulas to be used in processing in the camera100. The memory18further stores programs for instructing the camera100to carry out operations similar to the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 5.

A recording interface (I/F)19is a compression coding unit for reading the digital image data recorded in the memory18, and compressing and coding the relevant digital image data to acquire coded image data.

The recording I/F19can connect with a recording medium (such as a secure digital (SD) card)40which can be inserted into and removed from the camera100. The coded image data processed by the recording I/F19is recordable in the recording medium40inserted into the camera100. The recording I/F19further reads the coded image data recorded in the recording medium40, and decodes and decompresses the relevant coded image data to acquire digital image data. Then, the recording I/F19can record the relevant digital image data in the memory18.

A display unit17displays an acquired image, and icons and texts which form a user interface. A thin film transistor (TFT) composed of liquid crystal display (LCD) elements is used for the display unit17according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The digital image data having undergone the image processing by the image processing unit16is read from the memory18by the CPU15(described below), and is converted into analog image data for display (hereinafter referred to as an display image) by a digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion unit (not illustrated). Then, the CPU15displays the converted image on the display unit17. The CPU15continuously performs the above-described operations to enable successively display the image on the display unit17(live view display). Further, various types of information about the camera100, such as an exposure amount (exposing condition), information about a flash14, and an auto-focus (AF) frame in image capturing can be displayed on the display unit17.

An operation unit20inputs various user operations related to operations of the camera100. The operation unit20according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a release button21and a pop-up button22(described below).

The release button21is the instruction unit for instructing the camera100to prepare for capturing a subject's image and start capturing a subject's image. The release button21according to the present exemplary embodiment changes into a SW1state (first state) and a SW2state (second state) in response to a user's pressing operation. The release button21is instructing the camera100to prepare for capturing a subject's image in SW1state (first state). And the release button21is instructing the camera100to start capturing a subject's image in SW2state (second state).

When the user operates the release button21with a first operation amount, the release button21changes into (enters) the SW1state (first state). When the user operates the release button21with a second operation amount which is larger than the first operation amount, the release button21changes into (enters) the SW2state (second state).

In the following descriptions, the above-described first operation amount refers to the operation amount with which the user half-presses the release button21, and the second operation amount refers to the operation amount with which the user full-presses the release button21. Therefore, the release button21changes into the SW1state when half-pressed by the user, and changes into the SW2state when full-pressed by the user.

When the user sets the release button21to the SW1state (half press), the camera100is instructed to prepare for capturing a subject's image, and the exposure conditions and the focus position of the focal lens are set. Further, when the user sets the release button21to the SW2state (full press), the camera100is instructed to start capturing a still image or a moving image. The above-described start of image capturing means start of exposure of the image sensor3.

When the user full-presses the release button21to instruct the camera100to start capturing image for obtaining a still image or a moving image, subject's imaging, A/D conversion, image processing, image recording, and image display are performed, and the acquisition and display of a still image or a moving image corresponding to the imaging are performed. An instruction for starting capturing a still image and an instruction for starting capturing for obtaining a moving image may be issued by using different instruction units.

Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the release button21is used as an instruction unit, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a switch differently configured from the release button21may be used as an instruction unit. Further, the display unit17may be a touch panel which allows the user to input various information through touch operations, and may be used as an instruction unit. Further, the instruction unit according to the present exemplary embodiment may be any device as long as it changes into the SW1and SW2states in response to a user's manual operation.

A pop-up button22is a position change unit for giving an instruction to move the flash14(described below) between the non-light emission position and the light emission position by a user's manual operation. Specifically, in response to a user's operation on the pop-up button22, a predetermined signal is output from a signal transmitting circuit (not illustrated) to the CPU15. When the relevant predetermined signal is received, the CPU can drive a drive unit (not illustrated) to move the flash14from the non-light emission position to the light emission position.

The flash14may be configured to be locked at the non-light emission position by a latching member (not illustrated), and unlocked when the user operates the pop-up button22. In this case, after the flash14is unlocked, the flash14moves from the non-light emission position to the light emission position.

Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the pop-up button22is used as a position change unit, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a switch may be used as a position change unit by sliding it through a user's manual operation. In addition, the position change unit may be any device as long as it can instruct the movement of the flash14between the light emission position and the non-light emission position.

In addition, when the user operates the operation unit20, various settings related to the camera100can be made. For example, when the user operates the operation unit20in a state where a menu related to the light emission mode setting is displayed on the display unit17, the light emission mode (described below) can be set. The light emission mode can be set at any desired timing by the user.

A light emission control unit13controls light emission of the flash14(described below) based on an instruction from the CPU15. The flash14is a light emission unit employing the so-called pop-up method which enables moving between the light emission position and the non-light emission position in response to a user's manual operation. The flash14according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to emit light at the light emission position, to enable illuminating the subject. Further, the flash14cannot emit light at the non-light emission position. The light emission position is projected from the exterior of the camera100. The non-light emission position is inside the exterior of the camera100.

The flash14may be any device as long as it is movable between the light emission position and the non-light emission position. For example, the flash14may be a light emission unit rotatable at a predetermined position of the camera100, and configured to be movable between the light emission position and the non-light emission position in response to a user's manual operation. Specifically, the flash14may be configured to move between the light emission position and the non-light emission position by using a moving method other than the pop-up method.

Although the flash14according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to move between the light emission position and the non-light emission position in response to a user's operation on the pop-up button22, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the flash14may be configured to move between the light emission position and the non-light emission position in response to a user's direct operation.

The CPU15comprehensively controls each unit constituting the camera100. The CPU15can instruct the exposure control unit11, the lens control unit12, the light emission control unit13, and the image processing unit16(described below) in order to control the respective units. The camera100may be configured in such a way that the CPU15controls the drive of each unit in the camera100, without providing the above-described control units and processing unit in the camera100. Further, the camera100may be configured in such a way that the above-described control units and processing unit collaborate and operate to control the drive of each unit in the camera100, without providing the CPU15in the camera100.

The CPU15is also a unit for performing light metering calculation based on image data acquired through imaging to calculate the subject's luminance value (luminance information). Specifically, the CPU15divides the inside of the angle of view of the acquired digital image data into a plurality of blocks. Then, the CPU15calculates the average luminance value for each block, and weights the calculated average luminance value. Then, the CPU15performs addition averaging on the weighted average luminance value for each block to calculate a representative luminance value. Eventually, the CPU15records the calculated luminance value of the subject in the memory18. In the present exemplary embodiment, the calculated representative luminance value is used in subsequent processing as the subject's luminance value (luminance information). The method for calculating the subject's luminance value is not limited to the above-described one, and other well-known methods may be used.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the weighting coefficient for the block corresponding to the face of a person in digital image data is made larger than those for other blocks. The above-described configuration enables improving the determination accuracy for a backlight scene when determining a captured scene (described below). In addition, the weighting coefficients of blocks other than the face area may be changed according to a captured scene or the light metering mode.

The CPU15is also a light adjustment unit for acquiring the amount of light emission at the time when the flash14emits light, based on the calculated subject's luminance value. When the flash14emits light, the CPU15acquires the amount of light emission of the flash14based on the subject's luminance information, and transmits the information about the amount of light emission to the light emission control unit13.

Further, the CPU15is provided with a position determination unit24, a scene determination unit25, and a light emission determination unit26(described below). Each determination unit will be described in detail below. Circuits equivalent to respective determination units may be provided outside the CPU15.

Each unit constituting the CPU15will be described in detail below. A position detection unit23detects the position of the flash14. In the present exemplary embodiment, a magnetic sensor is used as the position detection unit23. Specifically, a small magnet is provided on the flash14, and a magnetic sensor is provided on the periphery of the position of the camera100at which the flash14is stored. The magnetic sensor can detect the position of the flash14by detecting the strength and variation of the magnetic field which varies with the position of the flash14. Information about the detected position of the flash14is output to the position determination unit24(described below).

The position detection unit23may be a sensor other than a magnetic sensor. The position detection unit23may be, for example, a switch of which the conducting state changes with the position of the flash14.

The position determination unit24determines whether the position of the flash14is changed according to the output from the position detection unit23. In the present exemplary embodiment, the position determination unit24determines whether the output from the position detection unit23has changed to determine whether the position of the flash14has been changed. Information about the determination result of the position determination unit24is transmitted to the light emission determination unit26(described below).

The position determination unit24may be configured to determine whether the position of the flash14has been changed, based on a predetermined signal output at the time when the pop-up button22is operated.

The scene determination unit25determines a captured scene based on the subject's luminance value. The result of the scene determination unit25is transmitted to the light emission determination unit26(described below). Although backlight scenes and low-luminance scenes can be determined in the present exemplary embodiment, captured scenes other than them may be determined. Captured scenes may be determined based on various conditions other than the subject's luminance value.

The light emission determination unit26is a determination unit about emission of light of the flash14. In the present exemplary embodiment, the light emission determination is a determination about the light emission by flash14and the non-light emission of flash14in. The light emission determination unit26according to the present exemplary embodiment performs the light emission determination according to information about the light emission mode, a captured scene, and the position of the flash14. The light emission determination will be described in detail below.

Further, the light emission determination unit26also controls light emission of the flash14based on the result of the above-described light emission determination. In the present exemplary embodiment, the light emission determination unit26determines whether to emit light of the flash14when capturing a subject's image, based on the determination result of first light emission determination or second light emission determination (described below).

The CPU15transmits a control signal to the light emission control unit13based on information about settings based on the result of the light emission determination unit26and on information about the amount of light emission of the flash14. The light emission control unit13controls various types of operations related to the flash14based on the relevant control signal. The above completes descriptions of the basic configuration of the camera100according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Imaging according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a flowchart illustrating the imaging of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 2will be described below. In step S100, the CPU15starts imaging. In step S101, the CPU15determines whether the release button21has been changed to the SW1state (half press) by a user's operation. When the CPU15determines that the release button21has been changed to the SW1state (half press)(YES in step S101), the processing proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the CPU15performs light metering calculation to calculate the subject's luminance value. The calculated subject's luminance value is recorded in the memory18. In step S102, the CPU15sets an exposure amount suitable for the subject's luminance (hereinafter referred to as suitable exposure amount) based on the calculated subject's luminance value. The set suitable exposure amount is recorded in the memory18. The exposure amount according to the present exemplary embodiment is based on the diaphragm value, the exposure time, and the gain amount at the time when obtaining the image date by capturing a subject's image.

In step S103, the CPU15performs focusing calculation, such as AF evaluation calculation, to calculate the focal position of the photographic lens group1at which the subject is set to the in-focus state. Then, the lens control unit12controls the drive of the photographic lens group1based on the calculated focal position. This operation enables setting an imaging target to the in-focus state.

In step S104, the light emission determination unit26performs the first light emission determination of whether to emit light of the flash14. The first light emission determination will be described below with reference toFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating the first light emission determination of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 3will be described below. In step S200, the CPU15starts the first light emission determination. In step S201, the CPU15determines whether the preset light emission mode of the flash14is the forced non-light emission mode. In other words, the CPU15determines whether the currently set light emission mode is the forced non-light emission mode.

Light emission modes which can be set in the present exemplary embodiment will be described below. The light emission modes which can be set in the present exemplary embodiment include an automatic light emission mode, the forced light emission mode, and the forced non-light emission mode. In the automatic light emission mode (first mode), the CPU15automatically determines whether to emit light of the flash14, based on a captured scene of the subject. In the forced light emission mode, the flash14emits light regardless of a captured scene. In the forced non-light emission mode, the flash14does not emit light regardless of the captured scene. The above-described forced light emission mode and forced non-light emission mode are collectively referred to as forced setting mode (second mode).

Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the automatic light emission mode and the forced light emission mode can be set in a state where the flash14is set at the light emission position, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the flash14may be configured to move to the light emission position in response to setting the forced light emission mode or the automatic light emission mode. Further, the flash14may be configured to move to the light emission position based on the result of the first light emission determination (described below).

Assume a case where the flash14is set at the light emission position, and the automatic light emission mode is set. In this case, when the flash14is moved from the light emission position to the non-light emission position in response to a user's operation, the light emission mode is changed to the forced non-light emission mode. Then, when the position of the flash14is moved from the non-light emission position to the light emission position in response to a user's operation, the light emission mode is changed back to the automatic light emission mode.

Assume a case where the flash14is set at the light emission position and the forced light emission mode is set. In this case, when the flash14is moved from the light emission position to the non-light emission position in response to a user's operation, the light emission mode is changed to the forced non-light emission mode. Then, when the flash14is moved from the non-light emission position to the light emission position in response to a user's operation, the light emission mode is changed back to the forced light emission mode.

Specifically, when the position of the flash14is moved from the non-light emission position to the light emission position, the light emission mode in a case where the flash14is last set at the light emission position is resumed. However, as long as the release button21is kept in the SW1state (kept being half-pressed), the operation is not limited thereto. This point will be described below.

As described above, the user can set the light emission mode at any desired timing. The following descriptions are on the premise that the light emission mode has been set by the user before the release button21is set to the SW1state (half press).

Referring back toFIG. 3, when it is determined that the current light emission mode is the forced non-light emission mode (YES in step S201), the processing proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, when it is determined that the present light emission mode is not the forced non-light emission mode (NO in step S201), the processing proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the CPU15determines whether the preset light emission mode of the flash14is the forced light emission mode. Specifically, the CPU15determines whether the current light emission mode is the forced light emission mode. When it is determined that the light emission mode is the forced light emission mode (YES in step S202), the processing proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, when it is determined that the light emission mode is not the forced light emission mode (NO in step S202), the processing proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the scene determination unit25determines whether the captured scene is a low-luminance scene based on the calculated subject's luminance value. The scene determination unit25determines whether the captured scene is a low-luminance scene based on the exposure time from among the set suitable exposure amount. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the exposure time is equal to or greater than a preset predetermined threshold value, the scene determination unit25determines that the captured scene is a low-luminance scene. The above-described predetermined threshold value may be any exposure time as long as the screen of the image data to be acquired does not entirely become dark.

When it is determined that the captured scene is a low-luminance scene, the exposure time needs to be comparatively long. In this case, therefore, an image with a blurred subject tends to be acquired because of the camera shake at image capturing. Specifically, in a low-luminance scene, the camera shake of the user has a large influence.

When it is determined that the captured scene is a low-luminance scene, the exposure time when capturing a subject's image while firing the flash14is set to a short time. Specifically, the exposure time is set so as to at least be shorter than the exposure time when capturing a subject's image without firing the flash14. Setting a short exposure time enables suppressing the influence of the camera shake. Firing the flash14compensates for the exposure amount changed by changing the exposure time. The set exposure amount is employed for the processing in step S105(described below).

Referring back toFIG. 3, when it is determined that the captured scene is a low-luminance scene (YES in step S203), the processing proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, when it is determined that the captured scene is not a low-luminance scene (NO in step S203), the processing proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, the scene determination unit25determines whether the target is a backlight scene based on the calculated subject's luminance value. The determination of a backlight scene according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below. First of all, the scene determination unit25identifies the face area of a person from among subject areas. Then, the scene determination unit25determines a backlight scene based on the difference in luminance between the identified face area and other subject areas. When a plurality of persons is included in the subject, the above-described processing is performed on the face area of the main person.

When it is determined that the captured scene is a backlight scene (YES in step S204), the processing proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, when it is determined that the captured scene is not a backlight scene (NO in step S204), the processing proceeds to step S206.

The determination of a low-luminance scene and the determination of a backlight scene may be made by using well-known methods other than the above-described determination methods. For example, a backlight scene may be determined based on differences in luminance between the center portion and peripheral portions of image data, such as a through image acquired in advance.

In step S205, the light emission determination unit26makes light emission determination based on the determined light emission mode and the result of the captured scene determination. In the step S205, the light emission determination unit26determines that the flash14emits light. Then, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for emitting light the flash14based on the relevant determination result.

In step S206, similar to step S205, the light emission determination unit26makes the light emission determination based on the determined light emission mode and the result of the captured scene determination. In step S206, the light emission determination unit26determines that the flash14does not emit light (non-light emission). Then, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for not emitting light the flash14based on the relevant determination result. The necessity of firing of the flash14set in steps S205and S206is recorded in the memory18.

When the light emission determination in steps S205and S206is completed, then in step S207, the light emission determination unit26ends the first light emission determination. Then, the processing returns to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 2. The above completes description of the first light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in step S105, the CPU15calculates the exposure amount (first exposure amount) at the time when imaging a subject based on such information as the suitable exposure amount and the result of the first light emission determination. The calculated exposure amount is recorded in the memory18.

In step S106, the CPU15displays on the display unit17the exposure amount calculated in the processing in step S105, and the set information about the flash14. The information about the flash14includes the result of the first light emission determination, a captured scene, and the current light emission mode. These pieces of information are displayed on the display unit17as image data, such as predetermined icons. When it is determined that the captured scene is a low-luminance scene, notes cautioning the camera shake are displayed on the display unit17.

In step S107, the CPU15determines whether the release button21is set to the SW2state (full press). Specifically, the CPU15determines whether the user has given an instruction to start capturing a subject's image. When it is determined that the release button21is set to the SW2state (YES in step S107), the processing proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, when it is determined that the release button21is not set to the SW2state (NO in step S107), the processing proceeds to step S108. In step S107, the CPU15may determine whether the release button21is currently in the SW2state.

In step S108, the CPU15determines whether the release button21is kept in the SW1state (kept being half-pressed). When it is determined that the release button21is not kept in the SW1state (NO in step S108), the processing returns to step S101. In other words, when the user releases the half press of the release button21, the processing returns to step S101.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the release button21is kept in the SW1state (kept being half-pressed) (YES in step S108), the processing proceeds to step S109. In other words, when the user keeps half-pressing the release button21, the processing proceeds to step S109.

The following describes a case where the automatic light emission mode is set before the release button21is changed to the SW1state (half press). In other words, a case where the automatic light emission mode is preset will be described below.

When the automatic light emission mode is set before the user half-presses the release button21, the result of the first light emission determination may differ from the user's intention. For example, in the automatic light emission mode, even when the first light emission determination is that the flash14does not emit light, the user may intend to emit light of the flash14.

However, in the above-described case, the necessity of firing of the flash14cannot be changed unless a captured scene changes. In other words, when it is determined that the flash14does not emit light in a state where the automatic light emission mode is set, it is not possible to make setting for emitting light the flash14unless a captured scene changes.

Therefore, when it is determined that the flash14does not emit light in the automatic light emission mode, it is necessary to change the light emission mode to the forced light emission mode in order to emit light of the flash14. However, since the user needs to perform a complicated operation so as to change the light emission mode, it takes time to make setting for emitting of the flash14. In this case, the user may miss an opportunity to image capture a subject.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU15(the position determination unit24and the light emission determination unit26) determines whether the position of the flash14has been changed while the release button21is kept in the SW1state (while being half-pressed). To cope with the above-described problem, the CPU15(the position determination unit24and the light emission determination unit26) determines whether to emit light of the flash14according to the relevant result. In other words, to cope with the above-described problem, the CPU15performs the light emission determination again in response to changing the position of the flash14while half-pressing the release button21. This processing will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 2 and 4.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in step S109, the position determination unit24determines whether the position of the flash14has been changed while the release button21is kept in the SW1state (while being half-pressed). When it is determined that the position of the flash14has not been changed (NO in step S109), the processing returns to step S107. On the other hand, when it is determined that the position of the flash14has been changed (YES in step S109), the processing proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the light emission determination unit26makes the second light emission determination. The second light emission determination will be described in detail below with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating the second light emission determination of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 4will be described below. In step S300, the CPU15starts the second light emission determination. In step S301, the light emission determination unit26determines whether to emit light of the flash14is set at the non-light emission position based on information output from the position detection unit23.

When it is determined that the flash14is set at the non-light emission position (YES in step S301), the processing proceeds to step S303. In other words, when it is determined that the flash14is set at the non-light emission position based on the information output from the position detection unit23, the processing proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when it is determined that the flash14is not set at the non-light emission position (NO in step S301), the processing proceeds to step S302. In other words, when it is determined that the flash14is set at the light emission position based on the information output from the position detection unit23, the processing proceeds to step S302.

In step S302, the light emission determination unit26determines that the flash14emits light based on the result in step S301. Then, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for firing the flash14based on the relevant result, and records the relevant setting in the memory18.

In step S303, the light emission determination unit26determines that the flash14does not emit light based on the result in step S301. Then, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for not firing the flash14based on the relevant result, and records the relevant setting in the memory18.

As described above, the user changes again the position of the flash14after the first light emission determination has been performed. Therefore, it can be determined that the necessity of firing of the flash14determined by the second light emission determination is different from the user's intention. In other words, it can be determined that the necessity of firing of the flash14determined based on the captured scene is different from the necessity thereof intended by the user.

Therefore, when the flash14is moved to the non-light emission position in a state where in the first light emission determination, emitting light the flash14is set, in the second light emission determination it is determined that the user intends not to emit light the flash14. Then, in the second light emission determination the setting of emitting light of the flash14is changed to the setting for not emitting light the flash14.

Further, when the flash14is moved to the light emission position in a state where in the first light emission determination, not emitting light the flash14is set, in the second light emission determination it is determined that the user intends to emit light the flash14. Then, in the second light emission determination the setting for emitting light of the flash14is changed to the setting for emitting light the flash14.

As described above, in the second light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment it is determined whether to emit light of the flash14, based on the position of the flash14determined based on the result of the position detection unit23, regardless of a captured scene. The above is detailed description of the second light emission determination.

Referring back toFIG. 2, in step S111, the CPU recalculates the exposure amount at the time when capturing a subject's image based on the result of the second light emission determination. As described above, when performing the second light emission determination, the result of the first light emission determination may be changed. In this case, by changing the decision whether to emit light of the flash14, the subject's luminance at imaging capturing changes.

In the processing in step S111, the CPU15recalculates the exposure amount (second exposure amount) for providing suitable luminance at the time when capturing a subject's image, based on the result of the second light emission determination. The calculated exposure amount is recorded in the memory18.

The exposure amount calculated in step S111is in such a way that the luminance of a subject to image to be captured under the conditions set in the first light emission determination is approximately equal to the luminance of a subject to image to be captured under the conditions set in the second light emission determination. The above-described configuration enables acquiring an image having preferable subject's luminance even in a case where only the necessity of emitting light of the flash14is changed by the user's intention.

Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the exposure amount at the time when obtaining the image by capturing a subject's image after the second light emission determination is recalculated, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, in the above-described processing in step S105, the CPU15calculates the exposure amount in a case where the flash14emits light and the exposure in a case where the flash14does not emit light. Either one of the two calculated exposure amounts may be selected according to whether to emit light of the flash14.

When the exposure amount in step S111has been calculated, the processing returns to step S106. In step S106, the CPU15displays on the display unit17the preset information about the flash14and information about the calculated exposure amount. Subsequently, the CPU15repeats the above-described processing until it is determined that the release button21is in the SW2state in step S107.

In the present exemplary embodiment, even in a case where the second light emission determination is performed, the CPU15does not change the position of the photographic lens group1set in step S103until the user releases the half-pressing of the release button21. Specifically, when the user changes the position of the flash14while half-pressing the release button21, the CPU changes only the necessity of emitting light of the flash14and the exposure amount.

When it is determined that the release button21is full-pressed (SW2state) (YES in step S107), then in step S112, the CPU15performs imaging processing. The imaging processing according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating the imaging processing of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 5will be described below. In step S400, the CPU15starts imaging processing. In step S401, the exposure control unit11reads the calculated exposure amount from the memory18. In this case, when the second exposure amount is recorded, the CPU15reads the relevant second exposure amount. Then, according to the read exposure amount, the exposure control unit11controls operations of the diaphragm2, the image sensor3, and the analog front end (AFE) (not illustrated) to set to the camera100the exposure amount at the time when capturing a subject's image.

In step S402, the light emission determination unit26reads the result of the above-described first light emission determination or the result of the above-described second light emission determination from the memory18. When the second light emission determination is in progress, the light emission determination unit26reads the result of the second light emission determination. Further, when the second light emission determination is not in progress, the light emission determination unit26reads the result of the first light emission determination. Then, the light emission determination unit26determines whether the read result is the setting for emitting light the flash14. When it is determined that the relevant result is the setting for emitting light the flash14(YES in step S402), the processing proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, when it is determined that the relevant result is not the setting for emitting light the flash14(NO in step S402), the processing proceeds to step S404. In other words, when the relevant result is the setting for not emitting light the flash14, the processing proceeds to step S404.

In step S403, the light emission control unit13reads the result of the light emission determination unit26from the memory18, and emits the flash14based on the relevant result to illuminate the subject. In step S404, the image sensor3performs main exposure of the subject's optical image, and acquires the analog image data of the imaged subject.

The relevant analog image data is converted into digital image data by the A/D conversion unit4, subjected to various types of image processing, and recorded in the memory18and the recording medium40. The digital image data of the subject has been recorded in the memory18and the recording medium40, and then in step S405, the CPU15ends imaging processing. The above is detailed description of the imaging processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Referring aback toFIG. 2, in step S113, the CPU reads the digital image data acquired in imaging processing from the memory18. Then, the CPU15performs D/A conversion on the read digital image data, converts it into a display image, and displays the relevant image on the display unit17.

In step S114, the CPU15determines whether subsequent imaging is to be carried on. When it is determined that the subsequent imaging is carried on (YES in step S114), the processing returns to step S101. On the other hand, when it is determined that imaging is ended (NO in step S114), then in step S115, the CPU15ends all of processing related to the imaging. The above is detailed description of the imaging processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As described above, the camera100according to the present exemplary embodiment performs the first light emission determination in response to a user's operation for setting the release button21to the SW1state (half press). In the first light emission determination, it is determined whether to emit light of the flash14, based on the captured scene and the position of the flash14at the time when the camera100has been instructed to prepare for capturing a subject's image. Further, the camera100performs the second light emission determination in response to a user's operation for changing the position of the flash14while keeping the release button21in the SW1state (while being half-pressed). Then, in the second light emission determination, it is determined whether to emit light of the flash14, based on the position of the flash14regardless of a captured scene.

Even when the automatic light emission mode is set, the above-described configuration enables controlling the emitting of the flash14in consideration of the user's intention when capturing a subject's image. Therefore, even in a case where the imaging apparatus automatically performs the light emission determination according to a captured scene, the camera100according to the present exemplary embodiment can control the emitting of the flash14in consideration of the user's intention.

Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the flash14is configured to be able to move to the light emission position and the non-light emission position through a user's manual operation, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the flash14may be configured to be automatically moved based on the result of the first light emission determination in the automatic light emission mode. In this case, the CPU15controls the drive of driving members (not illustrated) for moving the flash14so as to enable moving the position of the flash14.

In the second light emission determination, it is determined whether the position of the flash14once automatically changed through the first light emission determination has been changed through a user's manual operation. Even with this configuration, it is possible to control the emitting of the flash14in consideration of the user's intention while controlling the emitting of the flash14based on a captured scene.

In the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described below where the light emission mode is changed by the user while the release button21is kept in the SW1state (while being half-pressed), with reference toFIGS. 6 to 8. The basic configuration of the camera100is similar to that in the above-described first exemplary embodiment, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. In the present exemplary embodiment, data such as programs for instructing similar operations to the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 8is stored in the memory18.

Imaging processing according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating the imaging processing of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The processing in steps S500to S503is similar to the processing in steps S100to S103described in the first exemplary embodiment, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 6, in step S504, the CPU15performs the first light emission determination about whether to emit light of the flash14at the time when capturing a subject's image. The first light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating the first light emission determination of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 7will be described below. In step S600, the CPU15starts the first light emission determination. In step S601, the CPU15determines which of the forced light emission mode, the forced non-light emission mode, and the automatic light emission mode (first mode) is set as the currently set light emission mode of the flash14. In the present exemplary embodiment, the forced light emission mode and the forced non-light emission mode are collectively referred to as forced setting mode (second mode).

In the automatic light emission mode (first mode) according to the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU15determines whether to emit light of the flash14, based on a captured scene. In the forced setting mode (second mode) according to the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU15emits light or does not emit light of the flash14regardless of a captured scene. In other words, in the forced setting mode, the CPU15forcibly emits light or does not emit light of the flash14. Similar to the above-described first exemplary embodiment, a case will be described below where the light emission mode of the flash14is preset before the user sets the release button21to the SW1state (half press). Specifically, the processing in step S601is performed in order to determine the preset light emission mode before the user instructs the camera100to prepare for capturing a subject's image.

When it is determined that the currently set light emission mode is the forced light emission mode (FORCED LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S601), the processing proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, when it is determined that the currently set light emission mode is the forced non-light emission mode (FORCED NON-LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S601), the processing proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, when it is determined that the currently set light emission mode is the automatic light emission mode (AUTOMATIC LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S601), the processing proceeds to step S603. The processing in subsequent steps S603to S607is similar to that according to the above-described first exemplary embodiment, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the first light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is determined whether to emit light of the flash14, based on the preset light emission mode. Only when the preset light emission mode is the automatic light emission mode, in the first light emission determination, it is determined whether to emit light of the flash14, based on a captured scene. The above is detailed description of the first light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Referring back toFIG. 6, the processing in steps S505to S508is similar to the above-described processing in steps S105to S108in the first exemplary embodiment, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In step S509, the CPU15determines whether the light emission mode has been changed while the release button21is kept in the SW1state (first state). In other words, the CPU15determines whether the user has changed the light emission mode while half-pressing the release button21.

As described above in the first exemplary embodiment, the light emission mode is changed through a user's operation on the operation unit (mode setting unit)20. If a mode setting dial for setting the light emission mode is provided, for example, the light emission mode may be changed through a user's operation on the relevant mode setting dial.

When it is determined that the light emission mode has not been changed (NO in step S509), the processing returns to step S507. In step S507, the CPU15repeats the above-described processing until the release button21is full-pressed (SW2state). On the other hand, when it is determined that the light emission mode has been changed (YES in step S509), then in step S510, the CPU15makes the second light emission determination.

The second light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating the second light emission determination of the camera100that is an imaging apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 8will be described below. In step S700, the CPU15starts the second light emission determination. In step S701, the light emission determination unit26determines the light emission mode after change. In other words, the light emission determination unit26determines whether the light emission mode after change is the forced light emission mode, the forced non-light emission mode, or the automatic light emission mode. The light emission mode after change refers to the light emission mode changed by the user while the release button21is kept in the SW1state. In other words, it is the light emission mode which is changed at the time when the user operates the operation unit20while half-pressing the release button21.

When it is determined that the light emission mode after change is the forced light emission mode (FORCED LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, when it is determined that the light emission mode after change is the forced non-light emission mode (FORCED NON-LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, when it is determined that the light emission mode after change is the automatic light emission mode (AUTOMATIC LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S702.

In step S702, the light emission determination unit26determines whether the light emission mode before change is the forced light emission mode or the forced non-light emission mode. The light emission mode before change refers to the above-described light emission mode determined in step S601. In other words, the light emission mode before change is the light emission mode preset before the user half-presses the release button21.

When it is determined that the light emission mode before change is the forced non-light emission mode (FORCED NON-LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S702), the processing proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, when it is determined that the light emission mode before change is the forced light emission mode (FORCED LIGHT EMISSION MODE in step S702), the processing proceeds to step S704.

In step S703, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for emitting light the flash14based on the determination results in steps S701and S702. In step S704, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for not emitting light the flash14based on the determination results in steps S701and S702.

When the processing in steps S703and S704is completed, then in step S705, the CPU15ends the second light emission determination. Then, the processing returns to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 6. The processing in steps S511to S515is similar to that in the above-described first exemplary embodiment, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The above is detailed description of imaging according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the light emission mode after change is the automatic light emission mode, the CPU15determine whether to emit light of the flash14, based on the light emission mode before change. The above-described processing in step S702is performed in a case where the preset light emission mode, i.e., the forced setting mode (second mode) is changed to the automatic light emission mode (first mode) while the release button21is kept in the SW1state.

In the second light emission determination, when the light emission mode before change is the forced non-light emission mode, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for emitting light the flash14in the automatic light emission mode after change. When the light emission mode before change is the forced light emission mode, the light emission determination unit26makes setting for not emitting light the flash14in the automatic light emission mode after change.

Specifically, when the user changes the light emission mode while half-pressing the release button21, the CPU15sets the necessity of emitting of the flash14contrary to the necessity of emitting of the flash14set in the light emission mode before change.

This configuration enables changing only the necessity of emitting of the flash14without newly performing light metering calculation and focusing calculation, when the result of the first light emission determination differs from the necessity of emitting of the flash14intended by the user. Further, since the light emission mode after change is set to the automatic light emission mode, the light emission determination can be performed based on a captured scene when performing the following imaging.

Therefore, even in a case where the user changes the light emission mode from the forced setting mode to the automatic light emission mode while keeping the release button21in the SW1state, the CPU15can determine the necessity of emitting of the flash14at the time when capturing a subject's image in consideration of the user's intention. In other words, even in a case where the necessity of emitting light is automatically determined based on a captured scene, the CPU15can set the necessity of emitting of the flash14intended by the user.

Although, in the present exemplary embodiment, the flash14is movable to the non-light emission position and the light emission position, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the flash14may be fixed to a position at which the subject can be illuminated. In other words, the flash14may be configured not to change its position (not to move). The second light emission determination according to the present exemplary embodiment is performed in response to a user's operation for changing the light emission mode. Therefore, even if the flash14is fixed, the CPU15can change only the necessity of emitting of the flash14when the user changes the light emission mode while half-pressing the release button21.

While the present invention has specifically been described based on the above-described exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but can be modified in diverse ways without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, although the above-described exemplary embodiments have specifically been described based on a case where a still image is acquired by capturing a subject's image, the configuration is not limited thereto. The present invention may be employed in a case where a moving image is acquired.

Although, in the present invention, operations of respective units in the camera100are controlled by the exposure control unit11, the lens control unit12, the light emission control unit13, the CPU15, and the image processing unit16, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the above-described programs according to the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 8may be prestored in memory18, and the CPU15may execute the relevant programs to control the drive of each unit in the camera100.

Although, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, the digital camera100has specifically been described as an example imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is applicable to devices other than a digital camera as an imaging apparatus as long as it includes a light emission unit like the flash14. For example, the present invention may be employed in a mobile phone and a tablet terminal including a digital camcorder and a smart phone. Further, the present invention is applicable to diverse types of imaging apparatuses without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-251247 filed Dec. 4, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.