Patent Description:
A method for blocking power supply for power saving when a period of time in which a user operation is not performed is continued has been employed. <CIT> discloses an operation of blocking power supply when at least <NUM> minutes has elapsed after an operation and approach of an eye to a finder is not detected and clearing an auto power off timer when approach of an eye is detected so that the power supply is not blocked during use of the finder.

A user may carry a digital still camera hanging around a user's neck or a user's shoulder. In the method disclosed in <CIT>, when the user carries a digital still camera hanging around the user's neck or a user's shoulder, approach of an eye to a finder is detected, and therefore, it is difficult to perform auto power off. Accordingly, power consumption may be increased.

<CIT> describes an imaging apparatus capable of reducing power consumption resulting from image display while performing image display in accordance with the user's intention. The operation is based on a detection of a holding state of a grip part, a detection of a mounting state of a terminal of a remote release device, and a detection of a remotely operable state. The control unit detects an operation preparation state in which preparation for photographing of a subject and reproduction of a stored image is made. Then, a general control unit displays an image on an EVF when the proximity of the user's pupil to the EVF is detected by an eyepiece detection sensor and displays the image on the rear LCD if the proximity of the user's pupil to the EVF is not detected.

<CIT> describes an electronic apparatus with a display unit and a display control method for such an apparatus. A control unit sets the electronic apparatus to different power saving modes depending on a distance between an object and the display unit.

The present disclosure provides an electronic apparatus capable of preventing accidental increase of power consumption when approach of an object to an approach section, such as an eye approach unit, is detected.

The present invention in its first aspect provides an electronic apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The present invention in its second aspect provides a method for controlling an electronic apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present invention in its third aspect provides a recording medium as specified in claim <NUM>.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating appearance of a digital still camera <NUM> as an example of an embodiment.

A display unit <NUM> displays images and various information and includes a touch panel 70a. As with the display unit <NUM>, a finder display unit <NUM> is an electronic view finder capable of displaying images and various information. An eye approach sensor <NUM> which detects approach of an object to a finder <NUM> (an approach section or a finder section) switches a display output destination between the display unit <NUM> and the finder display unit <NUM> depending on a result of a determination as to whether eye approach has been detected. When the user brings an eye close to the finder <NUM> to look into the finder <NUM>, for example, the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object and display is switched from the display unit <NUM> to the finder display unit <NUM> (viewable). Note that the term "approach" includes contact in this embodiment.

A shutter button <NUM> is an operation unit for performing an imaging instruction. A mode switch <NUM> is an operation unit for performing switching among various modes. A connector <NUM> is used to connect a connection cable <NUM> used for connection with an external apparatus, such as a personal computer or a printer, and the digital still camera <NUM> to each other.

An operation unit <NUM> (an operation detection unit) includes operation members including various switches, buttons, and the touch panel 70a which accept various operations performed by the user. A controller wheel <NUM> is a rotatable operation member included in the operation unit <NUM>. A power source switch <NUM> is a button to be pressed for performing switching between power-on and power-off. The operation unit <NUM> also includes a menu button and a reproducing button (not illustrated).

Examples of a recording medium <NUM> include a memory card and a hard disk. A recording medium slot <NUM> accommodates the recording medium <NUM>. The recording medium <NUM> accommodated in the recording medium slot <NUM> is capable of communicating with the digital still camera <NUM> and capable of performing recording and reproducing. A rid <NUM> covers the recording medium slot <NUM>. In <FIG>, a state in which the rid <NUM> is opened and a portion of the recording medium <NUM> is withdrawn and exposed from the recording medium slot <NUM> is illustrated.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the digital still camera <NUM> according to this embodiment. In <FIG>, an imaging lens <NUM> is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens.

A shutter <NUM> has an aperture function. An imaging unit <NUM> is an imaging element configured by a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) element which converts an optical image into an electric signal. An A/D converter <NUM> converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A/D converter <NUM> is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit <NUM> into a digital signal. The configuration associated with imaging described above including the imaging unit <NUM> is activated in a normal state and outputs a captured image (a live-view image). However, the configuration stops in a power saving state.

An image processor <NUM> performs a resizing process including pixel interpolation and size reduction and a color conversion process on data supplied from the A/D converter <NUM> or data supplied from a memory controller <NUM>. Furthermore, the image processor <NUM> performs a predetermined calculation process using captured image data, and a system controller <NUM> performs exposure control and ranging control based on an obtained result of the calculation. In this way, an autofocus (AF) process, an auto-exposure (AE) process, and a flash preliminary light emission (EF) process of a through-the-lens (TTL) method are performed. The image processor <NUM> further performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data and performs an auto-white balance (AWB) process of the TTL method based on an obtained result of the calculation.

Data output from the A/D converter <NUM> is directly written in a memory <NUM> through the image processor <NUM> and the memory controller <NUM> or only through the memory controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> stores image data which is obtained by the imaging unit <NUM> and which is converted into digital data by the A/D converter <NUM> and image data to be displayed in the display unit <NUM>. The memory <NUM> has storage capacity sufficient for storing a predetermined number of still images, moving images for a predetermined period of time, and audio. Furthermore, the memory <NUM> also serves as a memory for image display (a video memory).

A digital/analog (D/A) converter <NUM> converts data for image display stored in the memory <NUM> into an analog signal to be supplied to the display unit <NUM>. In this way, the image data for display written in the memory <NUM> is displayed by the display unit <NUM> or the finder display unit <NUM> through the D/A converter <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> or the finder display unit <NUM> performs display on a display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro luminescence display, in accordance with the analog signal supplied from the D/A converter <NUM>. The system controller <NUM> may determine whether display is performed using the display unit <NUM> or the finder display unit <NUM>. Although a description is made provided that the finder display unit <NUM> is an electronic view finder, an optical finder may be employed instead of the electronic view finder. In a case where the optical finder is employed, a captured image is displayed in the display unit <NUM> when a mirror moves up whereas an optical image is viewable through the finder when the mirror moves down. Furthermore, in the case where the optical finder is employed, the finder display unit <NUM> is a liquid crystal panel, and therefore, it is recognized that a setting value and an AF frame of imaging are superposed on the optical image.

A nonvolatile memory <NUM> is a memory as an electrically removable and recordable recording medium, such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). The nonvolatile memory <NUM> stores constants, programs, and the like for operation of the system controller <NUM>. Here, the term "programs" indicates computer programs for executing various flowcharts described below in this embodiment.

The system controller <NUM> controls the entire digital still camera <NUM>. When the programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory <NUM> are executed, various processes described below in this embodiment are realized. A random access memory (RAM) is used as a system memory <NUM>. In the system memory <NUM>, constants and variables for the operation of the system controller <NUM> and the programs read from the nonvolatile memory <NUM> are developed. Furthermore, the system controller <NUM> controls the memory <NUM>, the D/A converter <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, and the like, and in addition, performs display control on the display unit <NUM> and the finder display unit <NUM> taking eye-approach detection information of the eye approach sensor <NUM> into consideration.

A system timer <NUM> is a time measurement unit which measures time used for various control processes and time of an incorporated clock. The system timer <NUM> measures time of a timer for power saving or a timer for the eye approach sensor <NUM>.

The mode switch <NUM>, the shutter button <NUM>, and the operation unit <NUM> are operation members which input various operation instructions to the system controller <NUM>. The mode switch <NUM> switches an operation mode of the system controller <NUM> among a still image recording mode, a moving image shooting mode, a reproducing mode, and the like. The still image recording mode includes an auto imaging mode, an auto scene determination mode, a manual mode, a various scene mode in which an imaging setting is performed for each imaging scene, a program AE mode, and a custom mode. The mode switch <NUM> directly performs switching among the modes included in the menu button. Alternatively, after the menu button is selected once by the mode switch <NUM>, one of the modes included in the menu button may be selected using another operation member. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode may include a plurality of modes.

A first shutter switch <NUM> is turned on when the shutter button <NUM> disposed on the digital still camera <NUM> is operated halfway, that is, when the shutter button <NUM> is pressed halfway (an imaging preparation instruction), so that a first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. An AF process, an AE process, an AWB process, an EF process, and the like are started in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

A second shutter switch <NUM> is turned on when an operation of the shutter button <NUM> is completed, that is, when the shutter button <NUM> is fully pressed (an imaging instruction), so that a second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. The system controller <NUM> starts a series of operations in an imaging process including a process of reading a signal supplied from the imaging unit <NUM> in accordance with the second shutter switch signal SW2 to a process of writing image data to the recording medium <NUM>.

Functions are appropriately assigned to the various operation members of the operation unit <NUM> depending on a scene by selectively operating various functional icons displayed in the display unit <NUM> so that the operation members function as various functional buttons. Examples of the functional buttons include an end button, a return button, an image feeding button, a jump button, a narrowing-down button, and an attribute change button. When the menu button is pressed, for example, a menu screen used to perform various settings is displayed in the display unit <NUM>. A user may intuitively perform various settings using the menu screen displayed in the display unit <NUM>, a four-direction button indicating a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and a SET button. The operation unit <NUM> further includes the touch panel 70a.

A power source controller <NUM> includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit which switches a block to be energized and detects whether a battery has been attached, a type of the battery, and a remaining battery level. Furthermore, the power source controller <NUM> controls the DC-DC converter in accordance with results of the detections and an instruction issued by the system controller <NUM> so as to supply a required voltage to the various units including the recording medium <NUM> for a required period of time. The power source switch <NUM> is capable of turning on or off the power source of the digital still camera <NUM>.

A power source unit <NUM> is constituted by a primary battery, such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery, such as an NiCd battery, an NiMH battery, or an Li battery, an AC adapter, and the like. A recording medium I/F <NUM> is connected to the recording medium <NUM>, such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium <NUM> is a memory card constituted by a semiconductor memory, an optical disc, a magnetic disk, or the like which records captured images.

A communication unit <NUM> is used for wireless connection or wired connection through a cable to transmit or receive a video signal or an audio signal. The communication unit <NUM> may be connected to a wireless local area network (LAN) or the Internet. The communication unit <NUM> is capable of transmitting images captured by the imaging unit <NUM> (including a live view) and images recorded in the recording medium <NUM> and capable of receiving image data and various other information from an external apparatus. An orientation detection unit <NUM> detects an orientation of the digital still camera <NUM> relative to a direction of gravitational force. It may be determined whether an image is captured by the imaging unit <NUM> of the digital still camera <NUM> in a horizontal state or a vertical state in accordance with an orientation detected by the orientation detection unit <NUM>. The system controller <NUM> may add direction information corresponding to the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit <NUM> to an image file of an image captured by the imaging unit <NUM> or record an image after rotating the image. Examples of the orientation detection unit <NUM> include an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

When looking into the finder <NUM>, the user may view an object displayed in the finder display unit <NUM> (viewable). The eye approach sensor <NUM> is an object detection unit (an eye approach detection unit) which detects approach of an object within a range closer than a predetermined distance, such as <NUM> or <NUM>, (within a predetermined distance). When the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object (an eye) of the user approaching the finder <NUM> with an eye (the user looking into the eye approach section), the display unit <NUM> is switched to the finder display unit <NUM> so that the user may view a state of the object. Furthermore, when detecting that an object (an eye) is separated by a predetermined distance or more, the eye approach sensor <NUM> stops display of an item or the like in the finder display unit <NUM> and switches the display to the display unit <NUM>.

Note that, in the case where the operation unit <NUM> includes the touch panel 70a, the system controller <NUM> may detect the following operation or the following state on the touch panel 70a.

When Touch-Down is detected, Touch-On is simultaneously detected. In general, after Touch-Down, Touch-On is continuously detected until Touch-Up is detected. Touch-Move is detected while Touch-On is detected. Even if Touch-On is detected, Touch-Move is not detected unless a touch position is changed. Touch-Off is detected after Touch-Up of all fingers or all pens which have been in the Touch-On state is detected.

The operations, the states, and position coordinates of a touched finger or a touched pen on the touch panel 70a are transmitted to the system controller <NUM> which determines an operation which has been performed on the touch panel 70a based on the transmitted information. As for Touch-Move, a movement direction of a finger or a pen moving on the touch panel 70a may also be determined for each of vertical and horizontal components on the touch panel 70a based on a change of a position coordinate. Furthermore, it is assumed that a stroke is applied through Touch-Down, certain Touch-Move, and Touch-Up on the touch panel 70a. An operation of quickly applying a stroke is referred to as "flicking". The flicking is an operation of quickly moving a finger touching the touch panel 70a by a certain distance and separating the finger from the touch panel 70a, that is, an operation of quickly sliding the finger on the touch panel 70a such that the touch panel 70a is flicked by the finger. It may be determined that the flicking has been performed when Touch-Move in a predetermined distance or more and at a predetermined speed or more is detected and Touch-Up is detected immediately after Touch-Move. Furthermore, it is determined that dragging is performed when Touch-Move in the predetermined distance or more and at a speed less than the predetermined speed is detected. As for the touch panel 70a, any one of various types of method including a resistance film method, a capacitance method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, an image recognition method, and an optical sensor method may be employed. Any method may be employed including a method for detecting a touch by detecting contact on the touch panel 70a and a method for detecting a touch by detecting approach of a finger or a pen to the touch panel 70a.

Next, a power saving transition process according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. This process is realized when the system controller <NUM> develops a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory <NUM> in the system memory <NUM> and executes the program. This process is started when the digital still camera <NUM> is powered.

In step S301, the system controller <NUM> starts driving for imaging performed by the imaging unit <NUM>.

In step S302, the system controller <NUM> displays an image captured by the imaging unit <NUM> (a live-view image or an LV image) in the display unit <NUM> which is a backside display panel disposed outside the finder <NUM>. Furthermore, the system controller <NUM> displays information on the imaging, such as a shutter speed and ISO sensitivity, along with the captured image. Note that, when the menu button is pressed, the menu screen is displayed, whereas when the reproducing mode is entered, a reproducing screen is displayed.

In step S303, the system controller <NUM> turns on the eye approach sensor <NUM>. When the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned on, approach of an object to the finder <NUM> or separation of the object from the finder <NUM> may be detected. When the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off, approach of the object to the finder <NUM> is not detected. The On state or the Off state of the eye approach sensor <NUM> is recorded in the system memory <NUM>.

In step S304, the system controller <NUM> resets a power saving timer L and starts counting of the power saving timer L. The power saving timer L is counted by the system timer <NUM>, and a counted time is successively recorded in the system memory <NUM>. A time of the power saving timer L is settable in the menu screen in a range from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> minutes in a unit of <NUM> seconds.

In step S305, the system controller <NUM> resets an eye approach sensor timer C and starts counting of the eye approach sensor timer C. The eye approach sensor timer C is counted by the system timer <NUM>, and a counted time is successively recorded in the system memory <NUM>. A time of the eye approach sensor timer C is settable in the menu screen in a range from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> minutes in a unit of <NUM> seconds.

In step S306, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> is in an ON state. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S307, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S311.

In step S307, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> has detected approach of an object to the finder <NUM>. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S308, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S309. Note that the result of determination performed in step S307 may be based on a display switching operation performed by the user. The user may select an auto mode which gives priority on a result of the detection performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM> or a manual mode which gives priority on a switching instruction issued by an operation on a button performed by the user as a method for switching a display destination.

In step S308, the system controller <NUM> turns off the display in the display unit <NUM> and turns on the display in the finder display unit <NUM>. Specifically, when a live-view image is displayed in the display unit <NUM>, display of the live-view image in the display unit <NUM> is switched to display in the finder display unit <NUM>. Note that, since the eye approach sensor <NUM> is in the OFF state in the manual mode, when display is performed using the display unit <NUM>, a process in step S308 and step S310 is not performed even if the user looks into the finder <NUM>.

In step S309, the system controller <NUM> turns on the display in the display unit <NUM> and turns off the display in the finder display unit <NUM>. Specifically, when a live-view image is being displayed in the finder display unit <NUM>, display of the live-view image in the finder display unit <NUM> is switched to display in the display unit <NUM>.

In step S310, the system controller <NUM> resets the power saving timer L and starts counting of the power saving timer L.

In step S311, the system controller <NUM> determines whether a key operation has been performed. The key operation includes a button operation which does not include a touch operation on the touch panel 70a, an operation on the shutter button <NUM>, and an operation on the power source switch <NUM>, in the operation unit <NUM>. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S312, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S316.

In step S312, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the operation determined in step S311 is an instruction for imaging, that is, a press on the shutter button <NUM>. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S313, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S314.

In step S313, the system controller <NUM> performs imaging. Specifically, the system controller <NUM> records the image captured by the imaging unit <NUM> in the recording medium <NUM>.

In step S314, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the power saving transition process is to be terminated. Specifically, it is determined whether the power source switch <NUM> has been pressed in the key operation determined in step S311 so that the digital still camera <NUM> is powered off. When it is determined that the power saving transition process is to be terminated, the process is terminated, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S315.

In step S315, the system controller <NUM> performs a process corresponding to the key operation determined in step S311. In step S311, when the mode switch <NUM> is operated, mode switching is performed, and when the controller wheel <NUM> is rotated, a process assigned to the controller wheel <NUM>, such as change of setting values in the imaging items, is executed. In step S315, examples of the process include change of the setting values of the imaging items including the shutter speed, the ISO sensitivity, and the white balance, transition to the menu screen, and transition to the reproducing mode.

In step S316, the system controller <NUM> determines whether a touch operation on the touch panel 70a has been detected. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S317, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S318.

In step S317, the system controller <NUM> brings the display unit <NUM> into a display state if the display unit <NUM> is in a non-display state and executes a process corresponding to the touch operation detected in step S316. The process corresponding to the touch operation is a setting of an AF position or change of the setting values of the imaging items when a live-view image is displayed in the display unit <NUM> or the finder display unit <NUM>. The process is a selection of one of menu items or the setting values, enlargement of an image, or a switching operation when the menu screen or the reproducing screen is displayed.

In step S318, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> is in an ON state. When it is determined that the eye approach sensor <NUM> is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S319, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S325.

In step S319, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor timer C has timed out, that is, whether a set predetermined period of time has elapsed. The eye approach sensor timer C is timed out if a key operation or a touch operation is not performed by the user for a predetermined period of time irrespective of a result of detection of approach of an object performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM>. When the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out, the process proceeds to step S320, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S323.

In step S320, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> has detected approach of an object similarly to step S307. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S321, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S322.

In step S321, the system controller <NUM> turns off the display in the finder display unit <NUM>. Since the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out in step S319, the finder display unit <NUM> is in the non-display state even if the user looks into the finder <NUM>. On the other hand, if the user does not look into the finder <NUM> but views the display unit <NUM> on a back surface (or eye approach is not detected) when the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out, the display unit <NUM> is not brought into the non-display state. Specifically, when the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out, unlike a case where the power saving timer L is timed out, display in the finder <NUM> and detection by the eye approach sensor <NUM> in step S322 are not performed as described below.

In step S322, the system controller <NUM> stops the detection performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM> (disabled). Specifically, even if an object approaches the finder <NUM> or is separated from the finder <NUM>, the approach or the separation is not detected since detection of the eye approach sensor <NUM> is stopped. In this way, when the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out in step S319 and detection of the eye approach sensor <NUM> is stopped, the eye approach sensor <NUM> does not detect approach of an object even if an abdomen of the user is brought into contact with the finder <NUM>. Accordingly, even if an abdomen is in contact with the finder <NUM> in a state in which the digital still camera <NUM> is hung around a user's neck, the eye approach sensor <NUM> does not detect approach of an object, and therefore, the power saving timer L is not reset and counting is continuously performed. If the detection of the eye approach sensor <NUM> is not stopped, it takes time to enter the power saving state, and therefore, power consumption is increased. However, if the detection of the eye approach sensor <NUM> is stopped, the power saving state is easily entered. However, in a case where the user does not perform any operation although looking into the finder <NUM>, if a power saving state is immediately entered, the user is required to perform an unrequired operation so that the power saving state is not entered. Alternatively, the power saving state may be unintentionally entered while a shooting chance is waited, and accordingly, a shooting chance may be missed while restoration from the power saving state is performed. Note that the system controller <NUM> may ignore detection of the eye approach sensor <NUM> instead of stop of the detection of the eye approach sensor <NUM>.

In step S323, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor timer C indicates a time <NUM> seconds before the time out (a predetermined time before the time out). When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S324, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S325.

In step S324, the system controller <NUM> displays a guide indicating that the finder display unit <NUM> is brought into the non-display state on an image which is being displayed in the finder display unit <NUM> in an overlapping manner. Content of the guide indicates that the finder <NUM> is turned off or display is started when a button is operated. Note that the guide may indicate that the eye approach sensor <NUM> becomes disabled. The guide is displayed on a live-view image when the live-view image is being displayed in the finder display unit <NUM>, on a menu screen when the menu screen is displayed, and on a reproducing image when a reproducing screen is displayed in an overlapping manner.

In step S325, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the power saving timer L has been timed out. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S326, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S306.

In step S326, the system controller <NUM> brings the finder display unit <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> into a non-display state, and furthermore, the driving for imaging including an imaging process performed by the imaging unit <NUM> is stopped. If the finder display unit <NUM> has been brought into the non-display state in step S321, only the display unit <NUM> is brought into the non-display state. When the finder display unit <NUM> and the display unit <NUM> are brought into the non-display state, control of the image processor <NUM>, the memory controller <NUM>, and the D/A converter <NUM> is not required, and therefore, power consumption is considerably reduced. When the finder display unit <NUM> has been brought into the non-display state in step S321, both of the display units are in the non-display state. However, control on the image processor <NUM>, the memory controller <NUM>, and the D/A converter <NUM> is performed, and therefore, a degree of reduction of power consumption is smaller than that in step S326. Although the control on the image processor <NUM>, the memory controller <NUM>, and the D/A converter <NUM> may be stopped in step S321, a period of time required for display to be performed again is longer than that in a case where the control is not stopped, and therefore, the control on all the configurations may not be preferably stopped before the power saving state is entered.

In step S327, the system controller <NUM> determines whether a key operation has been performed. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S301, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S328. Restoration from the power saving state is realized only by a key operation (or detection of approach of an eye when the eye approach sensor <NUM> is enabled (ON), which will be described below) instead of a touch operation, and therefore, the process proceeds to step S301 when a key operation is performed. Then the driving for imaging is started in step S301 and display on the display unit <NUM> is performed in step S302. Note that if the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object at the time of the restoration from the power saving state, display may not be performed on the display unit <NUM> in step S302 but display may be performed on the finder display unit <NUM>.

In step S328, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> has been enabled (ON) (that is, whether detection is not stopped). When it is determined that the eye approach sensor <NUM> has been enabled (ON), the process proceeds to step S329, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S327. Specifically, when the eye approach sensor <NUM> has not been enabled, the restoration from the power saving state is realized only by a key operation.

In step S329, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor timer C has been timed out. When it is determined that the eye approach sensor <NUM> has been enabled in step S328, it is determined that the eye approach sensor timer C has not been timed out. If the eye approach sensor timer C has not been timed out even in the power saving state, the system controller <NUM> detects approach of an object to the finder <NUM> in step S330. A state in which detection by the eye approach sensor <NUM> is not stopped even in the power saving state may occur when the user does not perform any operation and does not look into the finder <NUM>. For example, when the user waits for a shooting chance while viewing a live-view image displayed in the display unit <NUM>, the eye approach sensor <NUM> may not perform detection even in the power saving state. Accordingly, when the user performs an operation of looking into the finder <NUM>, it is determined that the user is using the digital still camera <NUM>. When the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out while the user does not look into the finder <NUM>, the eye approach sensor <NUM> stops detection. When the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out, the process proceeds to step S331, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S330.

In step S330, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> has detected approach of an object similarly to step S307 and step S320. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S301 where the restoration from the power saving state is performed, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S327 where a key operation or detection of approach of an eye is waited.

In step S331, the system controller <NUM> stops the detection performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM> (disabled). Accordingly, the restoration from the power saving state caused by detection of approach to the finder <NUM> is not realized. When it is determined that the eye approach sensor <NUM> is enabled in step S328, it is highly likely that the user does not perform any operation and does not look into the finder <NUM>. However, it is highly likely that the user does not hold the digital still camera <NUM> since the eye approach sensor <NUM> is disabled. Accordingly, the restoration from the power saving state is not performed even if the user looks into the finder <NUM> and the restoration is realized only by a key operation. By this, the restoration from the power saving state is not unintentionally performed, and accordingly, power saving is enhanced. Furthermore, although the power saving function is restored (to a normal state) when a key operation is performed and when the eye approach sensor <NUM> in the ON state detects eye approach, an auto power off function may be provided so that the imaging apparatus is powered off when a key operation is not performed for a predetermined period of time after the power saving state is entered in step S331.

According to the embodiment described above, the possibility that large amount of electric power is unintentionally consumed may be reduced without degrading operability of the camera. Even in a case where approach of an object to the finder <NUM> is detected when the digital still camera <NUM> is hung around a user's neck and the user does not perform any operation, the power saving state may be entered, and accordingly, large electric power may not be unintentionally consumed. When the timer to enter the power saving state is reset in response to detection of eye approach, it is difficult to enter the power saving state as long as the approach of an object to the finder <NUM> is detected. However, use of the eye approach sensor timer C enables transition to the power saving state.

Note that, as for the touch detected in step S316, it may be determined that a touch is not detected when the touch is performed on the touch panel 70a by a large object having a predetermined area or more. Specifically, when an object having a certain area, such as an abdomen of the user, is in contact with the touch panel 70a, the determination in step S316 may be negative since it is determined that the touch is unintentionally performed.

Furthermore, in a state in which a touchpad operation, such as a change of an AF position performed by a touch operation on the touch panel 70a, is accepted, the timer may not be reset in response to the touch operation.

Next, a concrete example of the foregoing first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. In <FIG>, axes of abscissae denote time, and the display unit <NUM> and the finder display unit <NUM> are examples of an output destination, and an ON state and an OFF state of driving for imaging are illustrated. Furthermore, times of the power saving timer L and the eye approach sensor timer C are also illustrated. When remaining times of the individual timers become <NUM>, the power saving state and the OFF state of the eye approach sensor <NUM> are entered, respectively.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a state in which the power saving timer L and the eye approach sensor timer C are individually timed out. Specifically, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user looks into the finder <NUM>. When a key operation or a touch operation is performed at a time point t1, the power saving timer L and the eye approach sensor timer C are reset and counting is performed again with time until a time point t2. Furthermore, when a key operation or a touch operation is further performed at the time point t2, the timers are reset. However, the timers are timed out if operations are not performed after the reset. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user looks into the finder <NUM>. When eye approach is detected at a time point t3, a display destination is switched from the display unit <NUM> to the finder display unit <NUM>. Furthermore, at a time point t4, a period of time in which operations are not performed does not exceed a time of the eye approach sensor timer C (smaller than a first time period) and furthermore, does not exceed a time of the power saving timer L (smaller than a second time period), and accordingly, the power saving timer L is reset when eye approach is detected. When a key operation or a touch operation is performed at the time point t4, the eye approach sensor timer C is reset. In this case, the power saving timer L does not perform counting since eye approach is detected. If operations are not performed until a time point t6 after a key operation or a touch operation is performed at a time point t5 (a state in which operations are not performed continues for the first period of time or more), the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out. In a period of time from the time point t5 to the time point t6, counting of the power saving timer L is not performed since eye approach is detected. When the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out at the time point t6, the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off, and accordingly, the display unit <NUM> and the finder display unit <NUM> are brought into a non-display state. In a period of time from the time point t6 to a time point t7, counting of the power saving timer L is performed since the eye approach sensor <NUM> is in the OFF state.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating factors for restoration or reset from the power saving state. Specifically, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user does not look into the finder <NUM> and a time of the power saving timer L is shorter than that of the eye approach sensor timer C. A display destination before a time point t8 is the display unit <NUM>. At the time point t8, when the power saving state is entered, the display in the display unit <NUM> and the driving for imaging are stopped. In this case, the eye approach sensor timer C has not been timed out, and therefore, restoration from the power saving state is available by detection of an approaching object performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM> or a key operation in a period of time from the time point t8 to a time point t9. When the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out at the time point t9, the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off, and accordingly, the restoration from the power saving state and restoration from the OFF state of the eye approach sensor <NUM> may be realized only by a key operation. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user does not look into the finder <NUM> and a time of the power saving timer L is longer than that of the eye approach sensor timer C. When eye approach is detected, the power saving timer L is reset until a time point t10 when the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out. However, when the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off at the time point t10, the power saving timer L is not reset even if eye approach is detected.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a state of counting of the power saving timer L and the eye approach sensor timer C when an eye approach state or an eye separation state (an eye moves away from the finder <NUM>) is detected. In <FIG>, although the power saving timer L is reset since eye approach is detected at a time point t12, if time passes until a time point t13 without any operation, the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out and the eye approach sensor <NUM> is brought into an OFF state. Even if the eye approach state is changed to the eye separation state at a time point t14, since the eye approach sensor <NUM> has been in the off state, the power saving timer L is not reset unless the user performs a key operation or a touch operation, and accordingly, the power saving state is entered at a time point t15. Specifically, if the non-operation state is continued for a period of time from the time point t13 to the time point t15 (a non-operation state continues for the second period of time), the power saving state is entered. According to <FIG>, reset caused by a change between eye approach and an eye separation of the eye approach sensor timer C is not performed. Although the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object at a time point t16, separation of the object at a time point t17, and approach at a time point t18, the eye approach sensor timer C is not reset. Meanwhile, counting of the power saving timer L is not performed in a state in which the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object, and the power saving timer L is reset when separation of the object is detected. When the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out at a time point t20, display in the display unit <NUM> remains although the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off. Since the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects an object moving away at a time point t19, counting of the power saving timer L is started at the time point t19 and the power saving timer L is timed out at a time point t21. The power saving timer L is not reset even if the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object again in a period of time from the time point t20 to the time point t21.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating the case where restoration from the power saving state (S326) is realized. According to <FIG>, the eye approach sensor timer C is not timed out when the eye approach sensor <NUM> is first in the ON state, and restoration is not performed even if a touch operation is performed at a time point t22 after the power saving state is entered. Furthermore, when the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object, the restoration from the power saving state is performed. According to <FIG>, as with <FIG>, the eye approach sensor timer C is not timed out when the eye approach sensor <NUM> is first in the ON state, the eye approach sensor timer C is not reset even if a touch operation is performed at a time point t24 after the power saving state is entered, and the eye approach sensor timer C is timed out at a time point t25. Accordingly, the eye approach sensor <NUM> is brought into an OFF state as described in step S331, and thereafter, even if the eye is moved away at a time point t26, the restoration from the power saving state is not performed since the eye approach sensor <NUM> is in the OFF state. However, when a key operation is performed at a time point t27, the restoration from the power saving state is realized. After the restoration from the power saving state, the driving for imaging is started and the display unit <NUM> performs display.

In this way, since the eye approach sensor timer C is provided, the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off irrespective of a state of detection of approach of an object performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM>, and thereafter, if a non-operation state is continued, a power saving state may be entered. Furthermore, when the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off, detection of approach performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM> does not cause the restoration from the power saving state. However, when the eye approach sensor <NUM> is not in the OFF state, detection of approach performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM> causes the restoration from the power saving state.

The digital still camera <NUM> used by the user has a plurality of use patterns at a time of imaging. As a first pattern, imaging is to be performed while the user looks into the finder <NUM>. As a second pattern, although the user hanging the digital still camera <NUM> around the neck or the shoulder does not currently perform any operation, imaging is to be performed in a shooting chance. As a third pattern, imaging is to be performed while the display unit <NUM> on the back surface is viewed. According to the foregoing embodiment, the user looks into the finder <NUM> in the first pattern, and accordingly, even if a period of time in which operations are not performed is long, the user may realize that an operation is to be performed since a guide is output <NUM> seconds before the time out of the eye approach sensor timer C. In the second pattern, even if an eye approach state is detected while the user does not look into the finder <NUM>, the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off if a certain predetermined period of time has elapsed without any operation, and accordingly, the power saving state may be entered even if an abdomen is in contact with the finder <NUM>. In the third pattern, although the eye approach sensor <NUM> is turned off if a certain period of time has elapsed without any operation, if the power saving states is not entered, the display on the back surface is continued, and accordingly, visibility is not degraded. Furthermore, if the power saving state is entered without turning off the eye approach sensor <NUM>, the restoration from the power saving state may be realized when the user looks into the finder <NUM>. It is unlikely that a non-operation period in a state in which the user holds the digital still camera <NUM> irrespective of whether the user looks into the finder <NUM> is longer than a period of time in which the user carries the digital still camera <NUM> hanging around the neck. Second Embodiment, not falling within the scope of the appended claims.

A configuration of a digital still camera <NUM> according to a second embodiment is the same as that illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the eye approach sensor timer C according to the first embodiment is not provided, and a counting method employed in a power saving timer L is different from that of the first embodiment. According to the second embodiment, an eye approach sensor <NUM> repeatedly detects approach and non-approach of an object (a body) when the user walks while hanging the digital still camera <NUM> around the neck or the shoulder, and accordingly, a total period of time in which operations are not performed and approach of an object is detected is measured. If the measured total period of time (the power saving timer L) is timed out, a power saving state is entered. The second embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. A power saving transition process of <FIG> and <FIG> is realized when a system controller <NUM> develops a program recorded in a nonvolatile memory <NUM> in a system memory <NUM> and executes the program. This process is started when the digital still camera <NUM> is powered.

A process from step S801 to step S804 is the same as the process from step S301 to step S304 of <FIG>. However, counting of a power saving timer L is not started in step S804.

In step S805, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the eye approach sensor <NUM> has detected approach of an object. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S806, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S808.

A process in step S806 is the same as the process in step S308 of <FIG>.

In step S807, the system controller <NUM> stops counting of the power saving timer L or starts counting of the power saving timer L when a process in step S807 is first performed after the process in step S804. When the process in step S807 is performed first, counting of the power saving timer L is started in accordance with an affirmative determination in detection of eye approach in step S805. After a second time onwards, counting of the power saving timer L is stopped while the eye approach sensor <NUM> detects approach of an object, so that counting of the power saving timer L is not performed and the power saving state is not entered when the user waits without performing any operation while looking into the finder <NUM>. A total time of the stopped power saving timer L is recorded in the system memory <NUM> but is not reset.

A process in step S808 is the same as the process in step S309 of <FIG>.

In step S809, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the counting of the power saving timer L is being stopped. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S810, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S811.

In step S810, the system controller <NUM> restarts the counting of the power saving timer L which is being stopped. If the counting of the power saving timer L has not been started, the counting is not performed.

A process from step S811 to step S817 is the same as the process from step S311 to step S317 of <FIG>.

In step S818, the system controller <NUM> determines whether the power saving timer L has been timed out. When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S819, and otherwise, the process returns to step S805 where an operation of detecting eye approach is waited.

In step S819, the system controller <NUM> stops display in a finder display unit <NUM> and the display unit <NUM>, driving for imaging, and detection performed by the eye approach sensor <NUM>.

In step S820, the system controller <NUM> determines whether a key operation has been performed. When the determination is affirmative, the process returns to step S801 where the restoration from the power saving state is performed, and otherwise, a key operation is waited.

According to the embodiment described above, the possibility that large electric power is unintentionally consumed may be reduced without degrading operability of the user. The counting of the power saving timer L is not performed in a state in which the user looks into the finder <NUM>, and therefore, the possibility that the power saving state is unintentionally entered while the user looks into the finder <NUM> and waits for a shooting chance is reduced. Furthermore, the counting of the power saving timer L is started when eye approach is detected in step S805, and therefore, when the user waits for a shooting chance while looking into the display unit <NUM>, the power saving state is not entered. On the other hand, in the case where the user has the digital still camera <NUM> hanging around the neck or the shoulder, if the user does not perform any operation, the eye approach sensor <NUM> repeatedly performs detection. However, a counter is stopped during the detection, and when a total period of time in which the eye is moved away from the eye approach sensor <NUM> reaches a predetermined value, the power saving state is entered.

Note that the counting of the power saving timer L may be started in step S804. Furthermore, the counting of the power saving timer L may be started when vibration caused by walking of the user is detected (a periodical orientation change is detected) by the orientation detection unit <NUM>. Furthermore, if a non-operation state is continued for a predetermined period of time or more in the state in which the vibration caused by walking of the user is detected, the power saving timer L may be timed out.

Note that the various control described above to be performed by the system controller <NUM> may be performed by a single hardware unit or the entire apparatus may be controlled by sharing the processes by a plurality of hardware units.

Furthermore, although the case where the present disclosure is applied to the digital still camera <NUM> is described in the foregoing embodiment as an example, the present disclosure is not limited to the example.

Claim 1:
An electronic apparatus, comprising:
an imaging means (<NUM>),
an eye approach sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect approach of an eye to an approach section (<NUM>);
a touch panel (70a) of an operation unit (<NUM>);
characterised in that the electronic apparatus comprises:
a system timer (<NUM>) configured to operate as an eye approach sensor timer (C) and a power saving timer (L),
wherein the eye approach sensor timer (C) measures a predetermined period of time for the eye approach sensor (<NUM>), called first period of time, and is timed out in a case where a touch operation on the touch panel is not performed for the first period of time, and the power saving timer (L) measures a predetermined period of time of a timer for power saving, called second period of time and is timed out in a case where a touch operation on the touch panel is not performed for the second period of time; and
a display unit (<NUM>), included in the eye approach section (<NUM>) and viewable through the eye approach section (<NUM>), configured to perform display when the approach of the eye is detected; and
AMENDED CLAIMS (<NUM>.<NUM>) - EP18187370.<NUM> - 10177757EP01
a second display unit (<NUM>) outside the eye approach section (<NUM>), configured to perform display,
the electronic apparatus being characterised in that it further comprises:
a control means (<NUM>) configured to execute switching to a state, called first state, in which display in the display unit (<NUM>) is not performed even if the eye approaches the approach section (<NUM>), in a case where the eye approach sensor timer (C) has timed out, switching to the first state occurring when the eye approach sensor (<NUM>) detects approach of the eye to the approach section (<NUM>), and
wherein the control means (<NUM>) is configured to switch to a second state in which the control means (<NUM>) brings the display unit (<NUM>) and the second display unit (<NUM>) into a non-display state, and stops driving for imaging by the imaging means (<NUM>) such that power consumption of the electronic apparatus is lower than that in the first state, in a case where the power saving timer (L) has timed out.