IMAGING DEVICE CONTROLLER AND DIGITAL CAMERA

Abstract

An imaging device controller that controls an imaging device, comprising a detector and a driver, is provided. The imaging device is mounted in an image capturing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus has plural functions. The detector detects that the first function among the functions is carried out. The driver orders the imaging device to capture an optical image in a first interval before or after a detection period. The detector is detecting that the first function is carried out during the detection period. The driver orders the imaging device to capture an optical image in a second interval during the detected-period. The second interval is longer than the first interval.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a digital camera having an imaging device controller of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing the process carried out by the CPU and the AFE when the function for power conservation is switched on.

Claims

1. An imaging device controller that controls an imaging device, said imaging device being mounted in an image capturing apparatus, said image capturing apparatus having plural functions, said imaging device controller comprising: a detector that detects that the first function predetermined among said plural functions is carried out; anda driver that orders said imaging device to capture an optical image of an object in a first interval before or after a detection period, said detection period being a period during which said detector is detecting that said first function is carried out, said driver ordering said imaging device to capture an optical image of an object in a second interval during said detection period, said second interval being longer than said first interval.

2. An imaging device controller according to claim 1, wherein a photographic optical system is optically connected to said imaging device, said photographic optical system comprises plural lenses, said first function is moving said plural lenses along an optical axis of said photographic optical system to change the focal length of said photographic optical system.

3. An imaging device controller according to claim 1, wherein said first function is moving a focus lens to a predetermined starting position, said focus lens is used for focusing an optical image of said object on a light receiving surface of said imaging device.

4. An imaging device controller according to claim 1, wherein said first function is moving an anti-shake mechanism to a predetermined starting position, said anti-shake mechanism cancels a shift of a relative location where an optical image of said object is incident on a light receiving surface of said imaging device.

5. An imaging device controller according to claim 1, wherein said driver orders said imaging device to capture an optical image of an object at said first interval during detection period when a command input for suspending the change of an interval of capturing is detected.

6. A digital camera having plural functions, comprising: an imaging device that captures an optical image of an object;a detector that detects that the first function predetermined among said plural functions is carried out; anda driver that orders said imaging device to capture an optical image of an object in a first interval before or after a detection period, said detection period being a period during which said detector is detecting that said first function is carried out, said driver ordering said imaging device to capture an optical image of said object in a second interval during said detection period, said second interval being longer than said first interval.