Imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and computer program

There is provided an imaging apparatus including: a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and a decision unit configured to decide a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination by the determination unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2016-030247 filed Feb. 19, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging control method, and a computer program.

A technology has been disclosed in which a user present in the periphery of a screen is detected using a proximity sensor, and processing of a user interface displayed on the screen is performed according to the detection of the user (e.g., see JP 2013-145451A).

SUMMARY

Applying such processing according to detection of an object to an imaging apparatus that performs imaging processing automatically in a state of being hung around a user's neck, for example, improves the quality of imaging processing.

Hence, the present disclosure proposes a novel and improved imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and computer program that are capable of improving quality of imaging processing by detection of an object.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging apparatus including: a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and a decision unit configured to decide a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination by the determination unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging control method including: determining presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and deciding a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program causing a computer to execute: determining presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and deciding a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a novel and improved imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and computer program that are capable of improving quality of imaging processing by detection of an object can be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Description will be given in the following order.1. Embodiment of the present disclosure

1.2. System configuration example

1.3. Functional configuration example

1.4. Operation example

1. Embodiment of the Present Disclosure

Before describing an embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, first, description will be given on an overview of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Equipment, also called wearable devices, assumed to be used worn on the body (e.g., an arm or the head) has become increasingly widespread. A wearable device includes various sensors, a camera, a display device, and the like. Here, a wearable camera, which is a wearable device including a camera, is taken as an example.

Assume a case where a wearable camera that can be worn on the body and perform hands-free imaging processing is given a function of capturing a still image or a moving image by performing processing of capturing a still image or a moving image automatically at predetermined intervals. The function will also be called an interval imaging function below. An ideal operation of a wearable camera with such an interval imaging function is to regularly and automatically capture a still image or a moving image that a user wants to be captured, at timings that seem appropriate to the user.

However, in some cases, the wearable camera captures a still image or a moving image that the user does not want to be captured. For example, there is a case where the wearable camera executes imaging processing in a state where the front of the wearable camera is covered by some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, such as the user's arm or a belt of a bag. An image captured in such a state is an image that the user originally does not want to be captured, and therefore is determined as an unnecessary image by the user after the imaging by the wearable camera. Therefore, when the user looks over the images captured by the wearable camera later, the image determined as an unnecessary image by the user is likely to be deleted, the imaging turning out meaningless. Moreover, if the images captured by the wearable camera are a few images, it is easy for the user to delete an unnecessary image manually when looking over the images later. However, in automatic imaging of performing imaging regularly, the images captured by the wearable camera are large in number, and the user may feel discomfort in only deciding to reject an unnecessary image.

Therefore, if the wearable camera itself can recognize in advance that an image that the user feels unnecessary would be captured if imaging processing is performed at an imaging timing, images that the user feels unnecessary are greatly reduced in number. Configuring the wearable camera not to capture an image that the user feels unnecessary improves the quality of captured images as a whole. In addition, configuring the wearable camera not to capture an image that the user feels unnecessary is expected to have an effect of extending operation time.

Hence, in view of the above points, the present case disclosers carried out extensive studies on a technology in which, in an imaging apparatus that executes imaging processing regularly, the imaging apparatus itself can recognize a situation not requiring imaging. Consequently, the present case disclosers arrived at a technology in which the imaging apparatus itself can recognize a situation not requiring imaging on the basis of sensing data, as described below.

The overview of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Now, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

1.2. System Configuration Example

First, a configuration example of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 1is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an imaging apparatus100and a mobile terminal200.

The imaging apparatus100is assumed to be used hung around a user1's neck, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Needless to say, the imaging apparatus100may be used in a state of being held in the user1's hand or a state of being placed on a table or the like, as well as being used in the state illustrated inFIG. 1. The imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment has, in addition to a function of capturing a still image or a moving image, a function of capturing a still image or a moving image (hereinafter, a still image or a moving image is simply collectively called an image in some cases) by executing imaging processing at predetermined intervals.

An image captured by the imaging apparatus100is transmitted to the mobile terminal200possessed by the user1, to a cloud server via cellular communication, or to home network storage via Wi-Fi, each time imaging processing is completed or at arbitrary timings. The mobile terminal200may have, in addition to a function of displaying an image captured by the imaging apparatus100, a function of changing various settings of the imaging apparatus100. The mobile terminal200is illustrated as a high-performance mobile phone, like a smartphone, inFIG. 1, but is not limited to this example.

The imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment, which executes imaging processing at predetermined intervals as described above, determines presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, at a timing of execution of the imaging processing. The imaging apparatus100uses sensing data output by a sensor for the determination of presence or absence of such an object.FIG. 1illustrates a sensor unit120provided on a surface of the imaging apparatus100, which is the same as the surface provided with a lens101. Examples of a sensor that constitutes the sensor unit120include a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance to an object from the surface of the imaging apparatus100that is provided with the lens101, an illuminance sensor that measures illuminance around the imaging apparatus100, and a RGB-IR sensor that identifies colors and infrared rays. When detecting presence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, at a timing of execution of imaging processing, the imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment waits for execution of imaging processing until the object becomes absent.

In this manner, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, at a timing of execution of imaging processing; thus, the imaging apparatus100itself can recognize a situation not requiring imaging. Then, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure temporarily stops imaging in a situation not requiring imaging, thereby greatly reducing the number of images that seem to be unnecessary for the user.

The configuration example of the imaging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Now, a functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

1.3. Functional Configuration Example

FIG. 2is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a functional configuration of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described usingFIG. 2.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an imaging unit110, the sensor unit120, a shutter button130, a power button140, a control unit150, a storage unit160, a wireless communication unit170, a display unit180, and a battery190.

The imaging unit110includes the lens101illustrated inFIG. 1, an image sensor, and the like, and accumulates electrons for a predetermined period, according to an image that is formed on a light receiving surface of the image sensor through the lens101. Then, the imaging unit110outputs a signal according to the accumulated electrons to the control unit150. The control unit150executes imaging processing using a signal output from the imaging unit110to generate an image.

The imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment executes imaging processing at predetermined intervals as described above. In executing imaging processing at predetermined intervals, the image sensor of the imaging unit110may be operated only at a timing of the execution of the imaging processing. Operating the image sensor of the imaging unit110only at a timing of the execution of the imaging processing reduces the power consumption of the imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment. Note that the imaging apparatus100may decide whether to operate the image sensor of the imaging unit110only at a timing of the execution of the imaging processing, according to the imaging processing interval. This is because repeating operation and stop of the image sensor when the imaging processing interval is short increases power consumption on the contrary and may shorten operation duration of the imaging apparatus100.

The imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment may execute imaging processing when the user1presses down the shutter button130, as well as executing imaging processing at predetermined intervals.

The sensor unit120is a sensor that outputs sensing data for determining presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, at a timing of execution of imaging processing. As described above, the sensor unit120is provided to face the same direction as an imaging direction of the imaging unit110. As described above, examples of a sensor that constitutes the sensor unit120include a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance to an object from the surface of the imaging apparatus100that is provided with the lens101, and an illuminance sensor that measures illuminance around the imaging apparatus100.

The sensor unit120may further include at least one of various sensors, such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and a heartbeat sensor. As the distance measuring sensor described above, specifically, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver and/or a communication device may be included, for example. GNSS may include, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Quasi-Zenith Satellites System (QZSS), and Galileo. Positioning technologies may include, for example, a wireless LAN, Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO), cellular communication (e.g., position detection using a mobile base station, a femtocell), and near field communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The shutter button130is a button that the user presses down in capturing an image. When detecting that the shutter button130is pressed down, the control unit150executes imaging processing using a signal output from the imaging unit110to generate an image. In the case where the imaging apparatus100executes an interval imaging function, imaging processing is executed automatically even without the user pushing down the shutter button130.

The power button140is a button that the user operates in powering on or off the imaging apparatus100. When the imaging apparatus100is powered on by the power button140, power is supplied from the battery190to each part of the imaging apparatus100, and when the imaging apparatus100is powered off, power supply from the battery190to each part of the imaging apparatus100is stopped.

The control unit150is configured with a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM, and a RAM, and controls operation of each part of the imaging apparatus100. In the present embodiment, the control unit150determines presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging in front of the lens101surface of the imaging apparatus100by using sensing data output from the sensor unit120, at a timing of execution of imaging processing. Then, the control unit150decides an operation related to imaging processing, according to a determination result of the presence or absence of such an object. That is, when determining that some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging is absent, the control unit150decides to execute imaging processing, and when determining that some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging is present, the control unit150decides to interrupt imaging processing until the object becomes absent. A detailed functional configuration example of the control unit150will be described later.

The storage unit160is configured with, for example, a flash memory or another nonvolatile memory. The storage unit160stores an image generated by the control unit150executing imaging processing. The image stored by the storage unit160is transmitted to the mobile terminal200through the wireless communication unit170at a predetermined timing.

The wireless communication unit170executes wireless communication with another apparatus, such as the mobile terminal200, or a cloud server on a network by, for example, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Near Field Communication (NFC).

The display unit180is a display device configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display. Display content on the display unit180is controlled by the control unit150.

The battery190is configured with a rechargeable secondary battery, and supplies power to each part of the imaging apparatus100.

The functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above usingFIG. 2. Note that the imaging apparatus100does not need to include the entire configuration illustrated inFIG. 2. For example, the imaging apparatus100does not necessarily include the display unit180. Moreover, the imaging apparatus100may include a structural element other than those illustrated inFIG. 2. For example, the imaging apparatus100may include a microphone for recording sound in moving image capturing.

Now, a functional configuration example of the control unit150inFIG. 2will be illustrated.FIG. 3is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the control unit150included in the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the control unit150includes a determination unit151and a decision unit152.

The determination unit151determines presence or absence of an object in front of the lens101, for example, some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, on the basis of sensing data output by a distance measuring sensor, an illuminance sensor, or the like included in the sensor unit120.

For example, in the case where the distance measuring sensor included in the sensor unit120is a sensor capable of detecting a distance to an object in a predetermined range in front of the lens101surface, for example, a distance within 30 centimeters from the lens101surface, the determination unit151can know whether an object is present in the range using sensing data output by the distance measuring sensor.

The decision unit152decides a behavior related to imaging processing on the basis of a result of determination by the determination unit151. For example, while the determination unit151determines that some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging is present in front of the lens101, the decision unit152decides to stop imaging processing. Then, when the determination unit151determines that an object as described above is no longer present in front of the lens101, the decision unit152decides to restart imaging processing.

In addition, the decision unit152may decide a behavior related to imaging processing, also on the basis of other sensing data, which is different from sensing data output by the sensing unit120and used for the determination unit151to determine presence or absence of an object and detect a distance to an object. For example, the decision unit152may decide a behavior related to imaging processing also using sensing data output by a gyro sensor that is included in the sensor unit120or a portion other than the sensor unit120. An operation example of the decision unit152will be described in detail later.

The imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can, owing to the above-described configuration, determine presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging and detect a distance to an object, at a timing of execution of imaging processing. Since the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging and detects a distance to an object, the imaging apparatus100itself can recognize a situation not requiring imaging. Then, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure temporarily stops imaging in a situation not requiring imaging, thereby greatly reducing the number of images that seem to be unnecessary for the user.

Some users may want to image a short-distance subject using the imaging apparatus100in some cases. In such a case, it is inconvenient if imaging processing is not performed when the distance measuring sensor determines that the distance to an object is short. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus100may be allowed to have a setting not to perform control based on sensing data obtained by the distance measuring sensor, for the case of imaging a short-distance subject.

The functional configuration example of the control unit150included in the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Now, an operation example of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

1.4. Operation Example

FIG. 4is a flowchart showing an operation example of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown inFIG. 4is an operation example of the imaging apparatus100when the imaging apparatus100automatically executes processing of capturing a still image at predetermined intervals. Hereinafter, the operation example of the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described usingFIG. 4.

First, the imaging apparatus100determines whether a predetermined imaging period has expired (step S101). This determination in step S101is executed by the decision unit152, for example.

When it is determined that the predetermined imaging period has not expired as a result of the determination in step S101(step S101, No), the imaging apparatus100waits until a predetermined imaging timing comes (step S102), and subsequently determines whether some sort of object is present in front of the lens101, according to content of sensing data output by the sensor unit120(step S103). The determination in step S103is executed by the determination unit151, for example.

As described above, in the case where the distance measuring sensor included in the sensor unit120is a sensor capable of detecting a distance to an object in a predetermined range in front of the lens101surface, for example, a distance within 30 centimeters from the lens101surface, the determination unit151can know whether an object is present in the range using sensing data output by the distance measuring sensor.

Distance measuring sensors include a proximity sensor, a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor, and the like, which are strong in object sensing in respective different ranges. Accordingly, the sensor unit120may include a plurality of types of distance measuring sensors. The determination unit151may determine whether some sort of object not intended to be imaged is present in the predetermined range in front of the lens101surface, by using sensing data output by the plurality of types of distance measuring sensors.

In the case where the sensor unit120includes a plurality of types of distance measuring sensors, the imaging apparatus100may be allowed to be changed in settings to use only any one of the distance measuring sensors. For example, in the case where the sensor unit120includes two types of distance measuring sensors with short-distance and long-distance object sensing ranges, the imaging apparatus100may be configured to accept a change in settings from the user to use only either one of the distance measuring sensors. Moreover, for example, in the case where the sensor unit120includes three types of distance measuring sensors with short-distance, middle-distance, and long-distance object sensing ranges, the imaging apparatus100may be configured to accept a change in settings from the user to use only any one of the distance measuring sensors.

When it is determined that some sort of object is present in front of the lens101as a result of the determination in step S103(step S103, Yes), the imaging apparatus100decides to stop imaging processing for a predetermined period (step S104). The processing in step S104is executed by the decision unit152, for example. Then, when the predetermined period during which imaging processing is stopped elapses, the imaging apparatus100returns to the determination processing in step S103.

On the other hand, when it is determined that some sort of object is absent in front of the lens101as a result of the determination in step S103(step S103, No), the imaging apparatus100decides to execute imaging processing, and executes imaging processing (step S105). The decision to execute imaging processing is executed by the decision unit152, for example. Upon executing the imaging processing, the imaging apparatus100returns to the determination processing in step S101.

In executing the imaging processing in step S105, the imaging apparatus100may operate the image sensor of the imaging unit110immediately before the execution of the imaging processing, and stop the operation of the image sensor when the imaging processing ends. Operating the image sensor of the imaging unit110only at a timing of the execution of the imaging processing reduces the power consumption of the imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment.

When it is determined that the predetermined imaging period has expired as a result of the determination in step S101(step S101, Yes), the imaging apparatus100ends automatic imaging processing.

By executing the sequence of operations described above, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can determine presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, on the basis of sensing data, at a timing of execution of imaging processing. By determining presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can temporarily stop imaging in a situation not requiring imaging. By temporarily stopping imaging in a situation not requiring imaging, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can greatly reduce the number of images that seem to be unnecessary for the user.

Description will be given on effects that are obtained by the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having the configuration described above and executing the sequence of operations described above.

FIG. 5Ais an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the user1≤s left arm is positioned in front of the lens101of the imaging apparatus100.FIG. 5Bis an explanatory diagram illustrating an image P1that is obtained when the imaging apparatus100executes imaging processing in a state where the user1's left arm is positioned in front of the lens101of the imaging apparatus100as inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6Ais an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where an object is absent in a range detectable by the distance measuring sensor, in front of the lens101of the imaging apparatus100.FIG. 6Bis an explanatory diagram illustrating an image P2that is obtained when the imaging apparatus100executes imaging processing in a state where an object is absent in a range detectable by the distance measuring sensor, in front of the lens101of the imaging apparatus100, as inFIG. 6A.

The image P1in which the user1's left arm appears large, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, is a meaningless image for the user1, and is highly likely to be deleted by the user1. To prevent capturing of a meaningless image for the user1, like the image P1, the imaging apparatus100determines presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, on the basis of sensing data, at a timing of execution of imaging processing. By determining presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can greatly reduce the possibility of the image P1illustrated inFIG. 5Bbeing captured, and greatly increase the proportion in which images that are meaningful as images, like the image P2, are captured.

In this manner, by determining presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can decide whether to execute imaging processing. Thus, the following effects can also be expected, for example.

FIG. 7is an explanatory diagram illustrating the imaging apparatus100being covered with a hand. In a state of being covered with a hand as inFIG. 7, the imaging apparatus100detects presence of an object (hand), and thus does not execute imaging processing. That is, the user can stop imaging processing by the imaging apparatus100by only covering the imaging apparatus100with a hand in a scene where the user does not want an image to be captured (e.g., in a restroom).

FIG. 8is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the imaging apparatus100is placed on a table. The imaging apparatus100can execute the interval imaging function even in a state of being placed on the table as inFIG. 8. However, the imaging apparatus100may fall by some chance as illustrated on the right side ofFIG. 8. If the imaging apparatus100continues the interval imaging function in such a state, only pitch-black images would be captured. In other words, if the imaging apparatus100falls, a large number of meaningless images would be captured.

Hence, by sensing presence of an object as described above, the imaging apparatus100can automatically stop the interval imaging function in the case where the imaging apparatus100falls on the table. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus100can prevent a large number of meaningless images from being captured in the case where it falls on the table.

FIG. 9is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a lens cover102is put on the lens101surface of the imaging apparatus100. If the imaging apparatus100continues the interval imaging function in the state where the lens cover102is put on the lens101surface, only pitch-black images would be captured. In other words, if the lens cover102is put on the lens101surface, a large number of meaningless images would be captured.

Hence, by sensing presence of an object as described above, the imaging apparatus100can automatically stop the interval imaging function in a state where the lens cover102is put on the lens101surface. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus100can prevent a large number of meaningless images from being captured in a state where the lens cover102is put on the lens101surface.

1.5. Application Examples

As described above, the imaging apparatus100can decide content of an operation related to imaging processing, on the basis of sensing data output by a sensor for detecting presence of an object. Here, the imaging apparatus100can decide, as content of an operation related to imaging processing, an operation other than temporarily stopping the interval imaging function, also on the basis of sensing data output by a sensor that is different from the sensor for detecting presence of an object, which is included in the sensor unit120.

For example, the decision unit152can decide an operation when the distance measuring sensor senses presence of an object, according to content of sensing data output by a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor that is included in the sensor unit120or a portion other than the sensor unit120.

FIG. 10is an explanatory diagram illustrating the imaging apparatus100being covered with a hand and being tapped with the hand. In such a state, when the distance measuring sensor detects that the imaging apparatus100is covered with an object and it is sensed that the imaging apparatus100is tapped with the hand by using sensing data output by a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, the decision unit152powers off the imaging apparatus100.

FIG. 11is an explanatory diagram illustrating the imaging apparatus100being covered with a belt of a bag. In such a state, when the distance measuring sensor detects that the imaging apparatus100is covered with an object but it is not sensed that the imaging apparatus100is tapped with a hand by using sensing data output by a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, the decision unit152keeps the imaging apparatus100powered on and temporarily stops the interval imaging function.

In this manner, the imaging apparatus100can decide, as content of an operation related to imaging processing, an operation other than temporarily stopping the interval imaging function, also on the basis of sensing data output by a sensor that is different from the sensor for detecting presence of an object, which is included in the sensor unit120.

The imaging apparatus100can decide, as content of an operation, an operation other than temporarily stopping the interval imaging function, such as switching between still image capturing and moving image capturing, transfer of an image saved in the storage unit160, and switching between capturing of a moving image and recording of only sound in moving image capturing, also on the basis of sensing data output by a sensor that is different from the sensor for detecting presence of an object.

The imaging apparatus100may, in place of the distance measuring sensor or in addition to detection by the distance measuring sensor, detect whether an object is present in close proximity in front of the imaging apparatus100using an illuminance sensor. In this case, it is possible to configure the imaging apparatus100not use a detection function using the illuminance sensor in nighttime, in order to identify whether it is dark because an object is present in close proximity in front of the imaging apparatus100or because the user is out at night.

Moreover, the imaging apparatus100may, in place of the distance measuring sensor or in addition to detection by the distance measuring sensor, detect the state of a situation in front of the imaging apparatus100using a RGB-IR sensor.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging apparatus100that can determine presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, at a timing of execution of imaging processing.

By determining presence or absence of some sort of object that is unsuitable as a subject in imaging, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can temporarily stop imaging in a situation not requiring imaging. By temporarily stopping imaging in a situation not requiring imaging, the imaging apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can greatly reduce the number of images that seem to be unnecessary for the user.

It may not be necessary to chronologically execute respective steps in the processing, which is executed by each device of this specification, in the order described in the sequence diagrams or the flow charts. For example, the respective steps in the processing which is executed by each device may be processed in the order different from the order described in the flow charts, and may also be processed in parallel.

Furthermore, it becomes possible to generate a computer program which makes a hardware device, such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM incorporated in each device demonstrate the functions equivalent to the configurations of the above described devices. In addition, it becomes also possible to provide a storage medium which stores the computer program. In addition, respective functional blocks shown in the functional block diagrams may be constituted from hardware devices or hardware circuits so that a series of processes may be implemented by the hardware devices or hardware circuits.

Further, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is, with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to those skilled in the art based on the description of this specification.

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

a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and

a decision unit configured to decide a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination by the determination unit.(2) The imaging apparatus according to (1), wherein the first sensing data is sensing data output from a distance measuring sensor configured to detect a distance to an object in front of the imaging lens.(3) The imaging apparatus according to (2), including a plurality of the distance measuring sensors having different detectable distances.(4) The imaging apparatus according to any of (1) to (3), wherein the decision unit stops the imaging processing while the determination unit determines that an object is present in front of the imaging lens.(5) The imaging apparatus according to any of (1) to (4), wherein the imaging processing is processing of capturing a still image or a moving image of a predetermined period, at predetermined intervals.(6) The imaging apparatus according to (5), wherein the decision unit operates an image sensor only at a timing of execution of the processing of capturing a still image or a moving image.(7) The imaging apparatus according to (6), wherein the decision unit decides whether to operate the image sensor only at a timing of execution of the processing of capturing a still image or a moving image, according to an interval of the processing of capturing a still image or a moving image.(8) The imaging apparatus according to any of (1) to (4), wherein the imaging processing is processing of capturing a moving image.(9) The imaging apparatus according to any of (1) to (8), wherein the decision unit further decides a behavior related to the imaging processing, on the basis of second sensing data output from a sensor configured to sense an operation assigned to the imaging apparatus.(10) The imaging apparatus according to (9), wherein the decision unit switches between still image capturing and moving image capturing on the basis of content of the second sensing data.(11) The imaging apparatus according to (9), wherein the decision unit transmits an image captured on the basis of content of the second sensing data to an external apparatus.(12) The imaging apparatus according to (9), wherein the decision unit turns off power on the basis of content of the second sensing data.(13) The imaging apparatus according to (1), wherein the first sensing data is sensing data output from an illuminance sensor configured to detect an illuminance in front of the imaging lens.(14) The imaging apparatus according to (13), wherein the determination unit refrains from performing determination using sensing data output from the illuminance sensor in a nighttime time slot.(15) The imaging apparatus according to (1), wherein the first sensing data is sensing data output from a sensor configured to detect a color and infrared light in front of the imaging lens.(16) The imaging apparatus according to any of (1) to (15), wherein the imaging apparatus is configured to be worn on a body.(17) An imaging control method including:

determining presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and

deciding a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination.(18) A computer program causing a computer to execute:

determining presence or absence of an object in front of an imaging lens on the basis of first sensing data; and

deciding a behavior related to imaging processing through the imaging lens, on the basis of a result of the determination.