JP2020165997A - Imaging device, aperture value setting method, and aperture value setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an imaging device, aperture value setting method and aperture value setting program that can simply take an image having an objective subject in focus.SOLUTION: An imaging device is configured to: acquire images shot via a lens including a diaphragm and allowing for a focus adjustment; display the acquired image on a display part; range-find subjects of a plurality of areas set within the image; set one of the plurality of areas as a reference area; set an aperture value of the lens to a maximum aperture value within a settable range; when focusing on the subject of the reference area, detect the area included in a depth of field as a focusable area; display the focusable area overlapped on the image being displayed on the display part; receive at least one area from the focusable areas, and set a focus desiring area; and when focusing on the subject of the reference area, calculate an aperture value having a subject of the focus desiring area included in the depth of field.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, an aperture value setting method, and an aperture value setting program.

In a scene where the subject you want to focus on is scattered in multiple places on the screen, consider the depth of field (the range in which the front and back of the focused part appear to be in focus). It is necessary to set the aperture value (F value). However, it is difficult for a person unfamiliar with imaging to select an appropriate aperture value in consideration of the depth of field.

In Patent Document 1, when an arbitrary focus point is selected from a plurality of focus points set on the screen, the aperture value is automatically set so that the subject of the selected focus point is included in the depth of field. The technique to be determined in is described.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes a technique for displaying a range included in the depth of field on the screen with respect to the current aperture value setting.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-256826 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-98167

However, since Patent Document 1 does not consider the settable range of the aperture value, a situation may occur in which an aperture value that cannot be actually selected is set. For example, it is possible that an aperture value is set so that the exposure is over or under. Further, for example, in an interchangeable lens camera, the range of the aperture value that can be used may differ for each lens, but a situation may occur in which the aperture value is set to a value that cannot be used by the attached lens.

On the other hand, Patent Document 2 has a drawback that it is necessary to select an appropriate aperture value while checking the focus range on the screen, and it takes time and effort to adjust. In particular, in a scene in which subjects to be focused and captured are scattered in a plurality of places on the screen, it takes time to check and there is a risk of missing a photo opportunity.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus, an aperture value setting method, and an aperture value setting program capable of easily capturing an image focused on a target subject. ..

The means for solving the above problems are as follows.

(1) A lens equipped with an aperture and capable of adjusting the focus, an image sensor that outputs an image pickup signal captured through the lens, a signal processing unit that acquires an image pickup signal and outputs an image, and an image. Set the display unit to be displayed, the distance measuring unit that measures the subject in multiple areas set in the image, the reference area setting unit that sets one of the multiple areas as the reference area, and the aperture value of the lens. Focusable area detector that detects the area included in the depth of field as the focusable area when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area by setting the maximum aperture value within the possible range. The display control unit that displays the in-focus area on the image being displayed on the display unit, and the in-focus area setting that accepts the selection of at least one area from the in-focus area and sets the desired in-focus area. An image pickup device including a unit and an aperture value calculation unit that calculates an aperture value that includes a subject in a desired focus area within the depth of field when trying to focus on a subject in a reference area.

(2) The image pickup apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the range of the aperture value that can be set is a range equal to or less than the currently set aperture value.

(3) The image pickup apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the range of the aperture value that can be set is the range in which the shutter speed can be set to be equal to or higher than the threshold value when the exposure is determined based on the photometric result.

(4) The image pickup apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the range of the aperture value that can be set is the range that can be set by the lens.

(5) The aperture value calculation unit is an imaging device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, which calculates the minimum aperture value within a settable range.

(6) When the aperture value is calculated by the aperture value calculation unit, the focusable area detection unit re-detects the focusable area based on the aperture value calculated by the aperture value calculation unit, and displays control. The unit is an imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, which newly displays the re-detected focusable area on the display unit.

(7) When the re-detected focusable area is newly displayed on the display unit, the focus desired area setting unit reselects the focus desired area from the redetected focusable area. The receiving and aperture value calculation unit recalculates the aperture value based on the newly selected desired focusing area, according to the image pickup device (6) above.

(8) The reference area setting unit is an imaging device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, which accepts selection of an area to be a reference area and sets a reference area.

(9) The image pickup apparatus according to (8) above, wherein the display unit includes a touch pad on the screen and sets the area touched by the touch pad as a reference area.

(10) The imaging device according to (9) above, wherein the focusing desired area setting unit accepts the area touched by the touch pad as the selected area.

(11) Focusing desired area information storage unit that stores information on the focusing desired area set by the focusing desired area setting unit, and focusing desired area information recording that controls recording in the focusing desired area information storage unit. In response to reading instructions from the control unit, the focusing desired area information reading instruction unit that instructs the reading of the focusing desired area information stored in the focusing desired area information storage unit, and the focusing desired area information reading instruction unit. Further, a focusing desired area information reading unit for reading the focusing desired area information stored in the focusing desired area information storage unit is further provided, and the focusing desired area information reading instruction unit provides information on the focusing desired area. When reading is instructed, the aperture value calculation unit calculates the aperture value based on the focus desired area read by the focusing desired area information reading unit, which is any of the above (1) to (10). One imaging device.

(12) When the desired focusing area is set by the desired focusing area setting unit, the desired focusing area information storage instruction unit is further provided to instruct the memory to be stored in the desired focusing area information storage unit. The information recording control unit records the information of the desired focusing area set by the desired focusing area setting unit in the desired focusing area information storage unit when the memory is instructed by the desired focusing area information storage indicating unit. , The image pickup apparatus of (11) above.

(13) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein a plurality of areas are set by dividing the image into a grid shape.

(14) Any of the above (1) to (13), wherein the image sensor includes phase difference detection pixels, and the distance measuring unit measures a subject in a plurality of areas based on the output from the phase difference detection pixels. One imaging device.

(15) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (14) above, wherein the lens is interchangeable.

(16) A step of acquiring an image captured through a lens provided with an aperture and capable of adjusting the focus, a step of displaying the image on the display unit, and a subject in a plurality of areas set in the image. A step to measure the distance, a step to set one of multiple areas as the reference area, and an attempt to set the aperture value of the lens to the maximum aperture value within the settable range to focus on the subject in the reference area. In this case, the step of detecting the area included in the depth of field as the in-focus area, the step of displaying the in-focus area on the image displayed on the display unit, and at least from the in-focus area. The step of accepting the selection of one area and setting the desired focus area, and the aperture value that the subject in the desired focus area is included in the depth of field when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area. A diaphragm value setting method having a step to calculate and.

(17) A function of acquiring an image captured through a lens having an aperture and an adjustable focus, a function of displaying the image on a display unit, and a subject of a plurality of areas set in the image. A function to measure the distance, a function to set one of multiple areas as the reference area, and a function to set the aperture value of the lens to the maximum aperture value within the settable range to focus on the subject in the reference area. In this case, the function to detect the area included in the depth of field as the in-focus area, the function to superimpose the in-focus area on the image being displayed on the display unit, and at least from the in-focus area The function to accept the selection of one area and set the desired focus area, and the aperture value that the subject in the desired focus area is included in the depth of field when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area. Aperture value setting program that realizes the calculation function and the computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily capture an image focused on a target subject.

Front perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a digital camera Rear perspective view of the digital camera shown in FIG. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a digital camera The figure which shows an example of the area division of the AF possible area Block diagram showing an example of a configuration that realizes a subject selection imaging function Diagram showing an example of the reference area selection screen The figure which shows the outline of the positional relationship of each subject in the image shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the detection result of a focusable area Diagram showing an example of the display screen after selecting the desired focus area The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the re-detectable focusing area Flowchart showing the imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on The figure which shows an example of the image obtained by imaging In the digital camera of the second embodiment, a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on. A block diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing a subject selection imaging function in the digital camera of the third embodiment. In the digital camera of the third embodiment, a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on. A block diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing a subject selection imaging function in the digital camera of the fourth embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen of the display part which displayed the message asking whether it is necessary to record the focus desired area. In the digital camera of the fourth embodiment, a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on. In the digital camera of the fifth embodiment, a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on.

[First Embodiment]
[Appearance configuration of digital camera]
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a digital camera. Further, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the digital camera shown in FIG.

The digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a so-called interchangeable lens type digital camera, and has a camera body (device body) 100 and an interchangeable lens 10. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which a single focus lens is attached as the interchangeable lens 10. The digital camera 1 is an example of an imaging device.

The camera body 100 has a lens mount 101 on the front surface. The interchangeable lens 10 is detachably attached to the camera body 100 via the lens mount 101. The lens mount 101 is provided with contacts (not shown). The interchangeable lens 10 attached to the camera body 100 is electrically connected to the camera body 100 via a contact.

The camera body 100 has a focus mode switching lever 102, a front command dial 103, and the like on the front portion thereof as operating members. Further, the camera body 100 has a power lever 104, a shutter button 105, an exposure compensation dial 106, a shutter speed dial 107, a sensitivity dial 108, and the like on the upper surface thereof as operating members. Further, as an operation member, the camera body 100 has a rear command dial 109, an erase button 110, a play button 111, an AE (auto exposure) lock button 112, an AF (auto focus) lock button 113, and a menu button 114 on the back surface thereof. It has a joystick 115, a cross button 116, an OK button 117, a cancel button 118, and the like.

The front command dial 103 and the rear command dial 109 are rotary operating members provided with a click stop mechanism. Further, the front command dial 103 and the rear command dial 109 can be pushed (pushed), and by pushing the central portion, a predetermined command according to the mode of the camera is input. The joystick 115 is an operating member that inputs a direction by operating a lever. In the present embodiment, the joystick 115 performs operation inputs in the upward, downward, left, right, diagonally upper right, diagonally upper left, diagonally lower right, and diagonally lower left directions. Further, the joystick 115 can be pushed in, and by pushing in the central portion, a predetermined command according to the mode of the camera is input. The cross button 116 (also referred to as a cross key) is an operating member that inputs a direction by operating a button. In the present embodiment, the cross button 116 is an upper button for inputting an upward operation, a lower button for inputting a downward operation, a left button for inputting an operation in the left direction, and a right button for inputting an operation in the right direction. It consists of four buttons. Functions corresponding to the mode of the digital camera 1 are assigned to the front command dial 103, the rear command dial 109, the joystick 115, and the cross button 116.

Further, the shutter button 105 is composed of a so-called half-press and full-press two-step stroke type press button. A half-press of the shutter button 105 outputs an S1 on signal, and a full press outputs an S2 on signal.

The camera body 100 has a finder eyepiece 119A on the back surface. The finder consists of an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Further, the camera body 100 has a rear monitor 120 on the back surface portion. The rear monitor 120 is composed of a so-called touch panel (also referred to as a touch screen). Therefore, the rear monitor 120 also functions as an operating member. The rear monitor 120 is configured by combining a panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display with a touch pad, for example.

The interchangeable lens 10 has a focus ring 11, an aperture ring 12, and the like on the outer peripheral portion of the lens barrel 10A as an operating member. If the interchangeable lens 10 is a zoom lens, a zoom ring is further provided as an operating member. The interchangeable lens 10 is an example of a lens.

[Electrical configuration of digital camera]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera.

[interchangeable lens]
The interchangeable lens 10 is configured by combining a plurality of lenses. The interchangeable lens 10 can be adjusted in focus, and the focus is adjusted by moving a part or the whole of the lens back and forth along the optical axis. The focus adjusting lens (focus lens) is driven by the lens driving unit 20 to move (when the entire lens is moved to adjust the focus, the entire lens is driven by the lens driving unit 20 to move). The lens drive unit 20 includes a motor and a drive circuit thereof.

The interchangeable lens 10 has an aperture 13. The diaphragm 13 is composed of, for example, an iris diaphragm. The diaphragm 13 is driven by the diaphragm drive unit 21, and the opening diameter changes stepwise. That is, the aperture value changes in a predetermined step. The diaphragm drive unit 21 is composed of a motor and a drive circuit thereof.

The interchangeable lens 10 has a lens microcomputer 22. The lens microcomputer 22 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and acts as a control unit for the interchangeable lens 10 by executing a predetermined program. Function. The lens microcomputer 22 controls the lens drive unit 20 and the aperture drive unit 21 based on a command from the camera body 100 and an operation of the lens operation unit 23. Further, the lens microcomputer 22 transmits / receives data to / from the camera microcomputer 150 provided in the camera body 100. For example, when the digital camera 1 is activated, the lens microcomputer 22 transmits information on the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera microcomputer 150. That is, information on the specifications of the interchangeable lens 10 mounted on the camera body 100 is transmitted. This information includes, for example, information such as lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data. The lens model data includes the lens model name, focal length, open F value, manufacturer name, and the like. The lens characteristic data includes luminance shading data, color shading data, distortion data, aberration data, and the like. The lens characteristic correction data includes luminance shading correction data, color shading correction data, distortion correction data, aberration correction data, and the like. Information on the specifications of the interchangeable lens 10 is stored in the ROM of the lens microcomputer 22. The lens microcomputer 22 reads the information from the ROM and transmits it to the camera microcomputer 150. By receiving the information, the camera microcomputer 150 acquires the specification information of the mounted interchangeable lens 10. When the mounted interchangeable lens 10 is a zoom lens, the lens microcomputer 22 transmits information on the focal length that changes according to the zoom operation to the camera microcomputer 150. By receiving the information, the camera microcomputer 150 acquires the information of the current focal length.

The lens operating unit 23 includes operating members such as the focus ring 11 and the aperture ring 12 and a signal processing circuit thereof, and outputs a signal based on the operation of each operating member to the lens microcomputer 22.

[Camera body]
The camera body 100 includes an image sensor 130, a shutter 132, an analog signal processing unit 134, a digital signal processing unit 136, an AF (auto focus) processing unit 138, an AE (auto exposure) processing unit 140, a memory card interface 142, and a memory card 144. , Built-in memory 146, electronic viewfinder (EVF) 119, rear monitor 120, camera operation unit 148, camera microcomputer 150, and the like.

The image sensor 130 receives the light passing through the interchangeable lens 10 on the imaging surface, converts it into an electric signal (imaging signal), and outputs the light. The image sensor 130 is composed of, for example, a solid-state image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charged Coupled Device). The image sensor 130 is driven by the image sensor driving unit 130A to operate.

Further, the image sensor 130 of the present embodiment has a phase difference amount detecting function. Since this type of image sensor is known, the details thereof will be omitted. Generally, this type of image sensor includes a plurality of phase difference detection pixels on the imaging surface, and the amount of the phase difference is detected based on the outputs of the plurality of phase difference detection pixels. The amount of phase difference can be detected in a plurality of areas in the screen (in the image), and phase difference detection pixels are provided for each area. Hereinafter, the area where this phase difference amount can be detected is referred to as an AF (auto focus) possible area.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of area division of an AF-capable area.

In the image sensor 130 of the present embodiment, the imaging surface 130B is divided into a grid shape, and AF enable areas A (i, j) for detecting the amount of phase difference are set. FIG. 4 shows an example when the screen (image) is divided into 117 (vertical 9 × horizontal 13). Each AF-capable area A (i, j) is provided with a phase difference detection pixel, and the phase difference amount can be detected individually.

The shutter 132 is composed of a focal plane shutter. The shutter 132 is driven by the shutter drive unit 132A to open and close the shutter curtain.

The analog signal processing unit 134 performs predetermined signal processing (for example, correlation double sampling processing, amplification processing, etc.) on the image pickup signal output from the image sensor 130, converts it into a digital signal, and outputs the signal.

The digital signal processing unit 136 acquires the digitized imaging signal and performs predetermined signal processing (for example, gradation conversion processing, white balance correction processing, gamma correction processing, simultaneous processing, YC conversion processing, etc.). , Generate an image. The digital signal processing unit 136 is an example of an image processing unit.

The AF processing unit 138 calculates the control amount required for AF (auto focus) control based on the image pickup signal output from the image sensor 130. Specifically, the phase difference amount of each AF possible area is calculated based on the output of the phase difference detection pixel provided in each AF possible area A (i, j), and based on the calculated phase difference amount, The amount of defocus in each AF-capable area is calculated. The camera microcomputer 150 performs AF control based on the calculation result of the AF processing unit 138. Specifically, the movement target position of the focus lens is determined based on the defocus amount of the area (focus area) targeted by AF (auto focus), and a drive command is output to the lens microcomputer 22.

Further, the AF processing unit 138 includes a distance measuring unit 138A, and the distance measuring unit 138A includes each AF possible area A based on the output of the phase difference detection pixel provided in each AF possible area A (i, j). Measure the distance of the subject (i, j). That is, the distance to the subject in each AF-capable area A (i, j) (subject distance (distance from the imaging surface to the subject)) is calculated.

The AE processing unit 140 calculates a control amount required for AE (auto exposure) control based on the output of the image sensor 130. Specifically, the brightness of the subject is measured according to a predetermined photometric pattern. The camera microcomputer 150 determines the exposure at the time of imaging based on the brightness (photometric value) of the subject measured by the AE processing unit 140. That is, the sensitivity, aperture value, and shutter speed for taking an image with an appropriate exposure are determined. For example, a program diagram is used to set the aperture value and the shutter speed.

The memory card interface 142 reads and writes data to and from the memory card 144 installed in the card slot. The memory card 144 is mainly used as a recording destination of image data obtained by imaging.

The built-in memory 146 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory). The built-in memory 146 is used as a recording destination for image data obtained by imaging, and is also used as a recording destination for setting data of the digital camera 1.

The electronic viewfinder 119 has a display device, and observes the display of the display device from the eyepiece 119A (see FIG. 2). The display device is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display (EL: ElectroLuminescent), or the like.

As described above, the rear monitor 120 is composed of a touch panel, and is configured by combining the display 120A and the touch pad 120B. The display 120A is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like. The rear monitor 120 and the electronic viewfinder 119 are both examples of the display unit.

The camera operation unit 148 includes each operation member (including a rear monitor 120 as a touch panel) provided on the camera body 100 and a signal processing circuit thereof, and outputs a signal based on the operation of each operation member to the camera microcomputer 150.

The camera microcomputer 150 is composed of a microcomputer provided with a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and functions as a control unit of the digital camera 1 by executing a predetermined program. For example, live view display control, AE (auto exposure) control, AF (auto focus) control, imaging control for recording, recording control, reproduction control, various setting processes, and the like are performed. Since these functions are functions of a general digital camera, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. The live view is a function of displaying the output from the image sensor 130 on the display unit (electronic viewfinder 119 and rear monitor 120) in real time.

[Subject selection imaging function]
The digital camera 1 of the present embodiment has the following functions as a function of assisting an image pickup by a user (imaging person). That is, when the user selects a subject to be focused on, the aperture value is automatically determined so that all the selected subjects are included in the depth of field. In the present specification, this function is referred to as a subject selection imaging function. This function will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the subject selection imaging function.

As shown in the figure, the digital camera 1 has a display control unit 150A for controlling the display of the display unit 160, a reference area setting unit 150B for setting a reference area, and a lens for acquiring lens information as a configuration for realizing this function. Information acquisition unit 150C, in-focus area detection unit 150D to detect in-focus area, in-focus desired area setting unit 150E to set in-focus desired area, aperture value calculation unit 150F to calculate aperture value at the time of imaging, It has an exposure determination unit 150G that determines the exposure based on the calculated aperture value. The functions of each part are realized by the camera microcomputer 150. The camera microcomputer 150 realizes the functions of the above-mentioned parts by executing a predetermined control program (aperture value setting program).

The display control unit 150A controls the display of the display unit 160 based on the operation input from the camera operation unit 148. The display unit 160 includes a rear monitor 120 or an electronic viewfinder 119. That is, when the rear monitor 120 is selected as the display destination of the live view, the rear monitor 120 constitutes the display unit 160, and when the electronic viewfinder 119 is selected, the electronic viewfinder 119 is the display unit 160. To configure. The display control unit 150A causes the display unit 160 to display the live view. Further, the live view image displayed on the display unit 160 is superposed with AF-capable area information, reference area information, focus-capable area information, focus-desired area information, and the like. Details of each display will be described later.

The reference area setting unit 150B receives an operation input from the camera operation unit 148 and sets the reference area. The reference area is an area that serves as a reference when focusing, and is synonymous with a so-called focus area. The reference area is set by selecting one from the AF-capable areas. The selection is made on the screen of the display unit 160.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a reference area selection screen.

As shown in the figure, on the screen for selecting the reference area, a frame indicating the AF-capable area (hereinafter, referred to as AF-capable area frame AA) is displayed overlaid on the image LV of the live view. Then, a frame for selecting a reference area (hereinafter, referred to as a reference area frame RA) is displayed so as to be superimposed on one of the AF-enabled area frames AA. The reference area frame RA is displayed in a form that can be identified with respect to the AF-enabled area frame AA. For example, the colors and thicknesses are changed (for example, the AF-capable area frame AA is displayed with a thin yellow line, and the reference area frame RA is displayed with a thick red line). The initial display position of the reference area frame RA is, for example, the position of the AF-capable area A (1, 1) in the upper left corner of the screen.

The user moves the reference area frame RA displayed on the screen and selects an area to be used as the reference area. The movement of the reference area frame RA is performed by, for example, the joystick 115. Alternatively, when the display unit 160 is composed of the rear monitor 120, it is performed by touching the screen. When selecting with the joystick 115, the reference area frame RA is moved by tilting the joystick 115 in the moving direction. Further, the selection is confirmed by the pushing operation of the joystick 115. When selecting by touch operation, touch the AF-enabled area as the reference area to select. The reference area setting unit 150B receives an operation input from the camera operation unit 148 and sets the reference area. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example in which AF-capable area A (2, 9) is selected as a reference area.

The lens information acquisition unit 150C acquires lens information from the interchangeable lens 10. This information includes at least information on the focal length of the interchangeable lens 10 and information on the aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10. The information on the aperture value that can be set with the interchangeable lens 10 includes the minimum aperture value (aperture value at the maximum aperture), the maximum aperture value (aperture value at the minimum aperture), and information on the number of steps for varying the aperture 13. Is included. Regarding the focal length information, when the mounted interchangeable lens 10 is a zoom lens, the information on the currently set focal length is acquired. This information is acquired by the camera microcomputer 150 communicating with the lens microcomputer 22.

The in-focus area detection unit 150D is included in the depth of field when the aperture value of the interchangeable lens 10 is set to the maximum aperture value within a settable range and an attempt is made to focus on the reference area. The AF-capable area is detected as the focus-capable area. The in-focus area detection unit 150D detects the in-focus area based on the output of the distance measuring unit 138A and the lens information of the interchangeable lens 10 acquired by the lens information acquisition unit 150C. More specifically, focusing is performed based on the subject distance information of the subject in each AF-capable area detected by the ranging unit 138A, the focal length information of the interchangeable lens 10, and the maximum aperture value information that can be set. Detect possible areas. In the present embodiment, the maximum aperture value that can be set is the maximum aperture value that can be set by the mounted interchangeable lens 10. Therefore, for example, when the range of the aperture value that can be set by the mounted interchangeable lens 10 is from F2 to F16, F16 is the maximum aperture value that can be set. The in-focus area detection unit 150D calculates the depth of field when the maximum aperture value is set and the reference area is focused, and the AF-capable area A (i, j) included in the depth of field is included. ) Is detected.

The depth of field is determined by the aperture value of the lens, the focal length, and the subject distance. Therefore, the information on the maximum aperture value that can be set (here, the information on the maximum aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10), the information on the focal length, and the information on the subject distance of the subject in the reference area are acquired to capture the image. Calculate the depth of field. At this time, the in-focus area detection unit 150D calculates the depth of field according to a calculation formula (function) prepared in advance. Alternatively, the depth of field is obtained by referring to a table prepared in advance.

In general, the depth of field has the property that the smaller the aperture value of the lens, the shallower it becomes, and the larger the aperture value, the deeper it becomes. Further, the depth of field has the property that the longer the focal length of the lens, the shallower the depth of field, and the shorter the focal length, the deeper the depth of field. Further, the depth of field has the property that the shorter the subject distance, the shallower the depth of field, and the longer the subject distance, the deeper the depth of field.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the positional relationship of each subject in the image shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the image, mainly the first subject OB1 (cat), the second subject OB2 (first person), the third subject OB3 (second person), and the fourth subject OB3 (second person). Subject OB4 (third person), fifth subject OB5 (fourth person), sixth subject OB6 (fifth person (person holding a baby)), seventh subject OB7 (sixth person) , 8th subject OB8 (7th person), 9th subject OB9 (1st building), 10th subject OB10 (2nd building), 11th subject OB11 (3rd building), Twelve subjects OB12 (fourth building) and thirteenth subject OB13 (fifth building) are photographed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the positional relationship of each subject is such that the first subject OB1 is located closest to the camera, and behind that, the second subject OB2 to the sixth subject OB6 are grouped together. Is located. Further, the seventh subject OB7 and the eighth subject OB8 are located behind the seventh subject OB7, and the ninth subject OB9 to the thirteenth subject OB13 are located behind the seventh subject OB7 at substantially the same position. Regarding the second subject OB2 to the sixth subject OB6, the second subject OB2 is located at the position closest to the camera, and the third subject OB3 and the fourth subject OB4 are located behind the position. (The third subject OB3 and the fourth subject OB4 are substantially at the same position), and further behind the fifth subject OB5 and the sixth subject OB6 (the fifth subject OB5 and the sixth subject OB6 are approximately the same positions). The same position) is located.

In FIG. 7, the range indicated by reference numeral W1 indicates the depth of field when the maximum aperture value (F16) is set and the reference area (A (2, 9)) is focused. In this case, the first subject OB1 to the eighth subject OB8 are within the depth of field. Further, the range indicated by the reference numeral W2 indicates the depth of field when the aperture value is reduced (F4) and the reference area (A (2, 9)) is focused. In this case, the second subject OB2 to the sixth subject OB6 are within the depth of field.

The display control unit 150A superimposes the information on the focusable area detected by the focusable area detection unit 150D on the live view image and displays it.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the detection result of the focusable area.

As shown in the figure, on the display screen of the detection result of the in-focus area, a frame showing the in-focus area (hereinafter referred to as the in-focus area frame AB) and the AF-capable area are superimposed on the image LV of the live view. The frame AA and the reference area frame RA are displayed. The in-focus area frame AB is displayed in a form that can be identified with respect to the AF-capable area frame AA and the reference area frame RA. For example, it is displayed in different colors and thicknesses (for example, the in-focus area frame AB is displayed with a thick green line). In the example shown in FIG. 8, in order to clarify the in-focus area, hatching is added in the in-focus area frame AB.

The focusing desired area setting unit 150E receives an operation input from the camera operation unit 148 and sets the focusing desired area. The focus desired area is an area that the user wants to focus on, and is synonymous with an area that the user wants to be within the range of the depth of field. The desired focusing area is set by selecting one or more areas that can be focused. The selection is made on the screen of the display unit 160 on which the detection result of the focusable area is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 8, on the display screen of the detection result of the focusable area, the focusable area frame AB and the reference area frame RA are displayed so as to be superimposed on the image LV of the live view. Then, the selection frame SF is displayed so as to be superimposed on one of the focusable area frames AB. The selection frame SF is displayed in a form that can be identified with respect to the reference area frame RA and the focusable area frame AB. For example, it is displayed in different colors and thicknesses (for example, the selection frame SF is displayed with a thick pink line). The initial display position of the selection frame SF is, for example, the position of the focusable area frame AB closest to the upper left corner of the screen.

The user moves the selection frame SF displayed on the screen to select the desired focusing area. The movement of the selection frame SF is performed by, for example, the joystick 115. The user moves the selection frame SF by tilting the joystick 115 in the moving direction, and confirms the selection by pushing it in. The selection frame SF can be moved only within the focusable area. Further, once the selected area is selected, the selection is canceled by pushing the joystick 115 again.

When the rear monitor 120 is selected as the display unit 160, the desired focusing area can also be selected by touching the screen. In this case, touch the area to be the desired focusing area from the focusing possible areas to select the desired focusing area. In this case, the area once selected is canceled by the touch operation again.

The focusable area selected as the desired focus area changes the form of the frame in order to distinguish it from the unselected focusable area. For example, it is displayed in a blue frame.

When the selection of the desired focusing area is completed, the selection process is confirmed. This process is performed, for example, by pressing the OK button 117. When the rear monitor 120 is selected as the display unit 160, the selection process may be confirmed by touching a predetermined button (for example, a confirmation button) displayed on the screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen after selecting the desired focusing area.

As shown in the figure, when the selection of the desired focusing area is confirmed, the frame indicating the desired focusing area (hereinafter referred to as the desired focusing area frame AC) and the reference are superimposed on the image LV of the live view. The area frame RA is displayed. FIG. 9 shows an example in which an area in which the faces of the second subject OB2 to the sixth subject OB6, which are human beings, are captured is selected as the desired focusing area.

The aperture value calculation unit 150F calculates an aperture value for capturing an image of a subject in a desired focusing area within the depth of field. At this time, the aperture value calculation unit 150F calculates the aperture value with reference to the subject in the reference area. That is, when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area, the aperture value for keeping the subject in the desired focusing area within the range of the depth of field is calculated. In this case, the aperture value calculation unit 150F calculates the minimum aperture value within the settable range. In the calculation process, for example, the depth of field is first calculated using the minimum aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10. Then, it is determined whether or not the subject in all the focusing desired areas is included in the calculated depth of field. If it is included, the aperture value used for the calculation (in this case, the minimum aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10) is output as the calculation result. On the other hand, if even one is not included in the depth of field, then the aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10 (the aperture value of the next step in the direction of increasing the aperture value) is used to determine the depth of field. Calculate the depth. Then, it is determined whether or not the subject in all the focusing desired areas is included in the calculated depth of field. In this way, the aperture value is increased stepwise, and the aperture value is calculated so that the subjects in all the desired focusing areas fall within the range of the depth of field.

The aperture value calculation unit 150F has information on the subject distance of the subject belonging to the reference area, information on the subject distance of the subject belonging to the desired focusing area, information on the focal length of the interchangeable lens 10, and an aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10. The aperture value is calculated by acquiring the information of.

The information on the aperture value calculated by the aperture value calculation unit 150F is added to the focusable area detection unit 150D and the exposure determination unit 150G.

The in-focus area detection unit 150D re-detects the in-focus area based on the aperture value calculated by the aperture value calculation unit 150F. That is, when the aperture value calculated by the aperture value calculation unit 150F is set and an attempt is made to focus on the reference area, the AF-capable area included in the depth of field is newly detected as the in-focusable area. To do.

When the refocusable area is re-detected based on the calculated aperture value, the display control unit 150A superimposes the re-detected refocusable area information on the live view image and displays it.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the refocusable area that has been detected again.

As shown in the figure, the focusable area based on the calculated aperture value is displayed as a frame (focusable area frame AB). By looking at this screen display, the user can grasp the area to be focused.

The exposure determination unit 150G determines the exposure at the time of imaging based on the aperture value calculated by the aperture value calculation unit 150F and the photometric value detected by the AE detection unit 64. In this case, the sensitivity and shutter speed for imaging with the calculated aperture value are determined.

[Action of subject selection imaging function]
Next, an imaging processing procedure (including an aperture value setting procedure (aperture value setting method)) using the subject selection imaging function will be described.

This function is enabled by setting the mode of the digital camera 1 to the auto imaging mode and turning on this function. Switching this function on and off is performed, for example, on the menu screen. The setting to the auto imaging mode is performed using the shutter speed dial 107, the sensitivity dial 108, and the aperture ring 12. That is, the shutter speed dial 107 sets the shutter speed to auto, the sensitivity dial 108 sets the sensitivity to auto, and the aperture ring 12 sets the aperture value to auto, so that the imaging mode of the digital camera 1 is automatically imaged. Set to mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on.

First, lens information is acquired (step S10). The lens information acquired here includes at least information on the focal length of the interchangeable lens 10 and information on the aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10.

Next, the live view is displayed (step S11). That is, the image captured by the image sensor 130 is displayed on the display unit 160 (rear monitor 120 or electronic viewfinder 119) in real time. The AF-capable area frame AA and the reference area frame RA are superimposed and displayed on the image of this live view (see FIG. 6).

Next, an area to be used as a reference area is selected (step S12). The selection of the reference area is performed by moving the reference area frame RA to the position of the AF-capable area as the reference area and confirming the selection.

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is half-pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S1) (step S13). When the shutter button 105 is pressed halfway (S1 on), photometric and distance measurement processing is performed (step S14). The brightness of the subject is detected by photometry. Further, the distance measurement measures the subject in each AF-capable area.

Next, focusing is performed based on the distance measurement result (step S15). Focusing is performed on the subject in the reference area.

Next, the focusable area is detected (step S16). The in-focus area is an area included in the depth of field when the aperture value of the interchangeable lens 10 is set to the maximum aperture value within the settable range and an attempt is made to focus on the subject in the reference area. Is detected as. In the present embodiment, the depth of field is calculated using the maximum aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10.

Next, the detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (step S17). The in-focus area is displayed in the in-focus area frame, and is superimposed on the live view image (see FIG. 8). A selection frame for the desired focusing area is also displayed in the image of this live view.

Next, the desired focusing area is selected (step S18). The desired focus area is selected from the focusable areas, and one or more areas are selected (at least the reference area is selected as the focusable area) (see FIG. 9).

When the selection of the desired focusing area is completed, the aperture value is then calculated (step S19). As the aperture value, the minimum aperture value that fits the subject in the selected focus area within the depth of field is calculated.

When the aperture value is calculated, the focusable area is detected again based on the calculated aperture value (step S20). Then, the newly detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (see FIG. 10) (step S21).

Further, the exposure is determined based on the calculated aperture value (step S22). That is, the sensitivity and shutter speed for imaging with the calculated aperture value are determined based on the photometric value.

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is fully pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S2) (step S23). When the shutter button 105 is fully pressed and half-pressed (S2 on), the main imaging is performed with the determined exposure (step S24). That is, imaging for recording is performed. Then, the image obtained by imaging is recorded (step S25). The image is recorded in the built-in memory 146 or the memory card 144. Recording the image completes a series of processes.

If it is determined in step S23 that the shutter button 105 is not fully pressed, it is determined whether or not the half-press is released (whether or not there is an off signal in S1) (step S26). The process ends even when the half-press is released.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by imaging.

As shown in the figure, by taking an image using this function, it is possible to obtain an image IM (an image in which the subject in the selected area is within the depth of field) in which the subject in the selected area is focused. it can.

As described above, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily capture an image focused on a target subject only by selecting an area. As a result, for example, even if there are multiple subjects to be focused on (especially when they are scattered in the front and back in the optical axis direction), all the subjects of interest are focused. Images can be easily captured.

In addition, the area that can be focused (focusable area) is displayed in advance, and the area that you want to focus on (focusing area) is selected from the displayed area, so the intended image (purpose and purpose) It is possible to easily grasp whether or not it is possible to capture an image (an image focused on the subject to be imaged). As a result, usability can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the range of the aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10 is used as the range of the aperture value of the lens that can be set. In the present embodiment, the range of the aperture value of the lens that can be set is set to the range equal to or less than the currently set aperture value. Therefore, for example, when the user has set the aperture value, the range below the aperture value set by the user is the range of the aperture value that can be set. More specifically, the range of the aperture value set by the user from the minimum aperture value is defined as the range of the aperture value that can be set. Therefore, the maximum aperture value that can be set in this case is the aperture value set by the user.

In the present embodiment, in the lens information acquisition unit 150C, in addition to the focal length information of the interchangeable lens 10 and the aperture value information that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10, the currently set aperture value (aperture value set by the user). ) Information is acquired.

In addition, the in-focus area detection unit 150D detects the in-focus area using the currently set aperture value. That is, in the present embodiment, since the currently set aperture value is the maximum aperture value in the settable range, the focusable area is detected using the currently set aperture value. In this case, when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area with the currently set aperture value, the area included in the depth of field is detected as the focusable area.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

First, lens information is acquired (step S30). In the present embodiment, in addition to the information on the focal length of the interchangeable lens 10 and the information on the aperture value that can be set by the interchangeable lens 10, the information on the currently set aperture value (aperture value set by the user) is acquired. .. The aperture value is set by the aperture ring 12. Specifically, the aperture value to be used is selected according to the aperture value printed or engraved on the aperture ring 12 according to the index printed or engraved on the outer peripheral portion of the lens barrel 10A. When the character A (auto) printed or engraved on the aperture ring 12 is matched with the index, the mode is set to automatically set the aperture value.

Next, the live view is displayed (step S31). The AF-capable area frame AA and the reference area frame RA are superimposed and displayed on the live view image (see FIG. 6).

Next, an area to be used as a reference area is selected (step S32).

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is half-pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S1) (step S33). When the shutter button 105 is pressed halfway (S1 on), photometric and distance measurement processing is performed (step S34).

Next, focusing is performed on the subject in the reference area (step S35).

Next, the focusable area is detected (step S36). In the present embodiment, when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area with the currently set aperture value, the AF-capable area included in the depth of field is detected.

Next, the detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (step S37) (see FIG. 8).

Next, the desired focusing area is selected (step S38). As described above, in the present embodiment, the focusable area is detected based on the currently set aperture value. Therefore, depending on the aperture value, it may not be possible to select the desired area (the area of the subject for which focus is desired may not be included in the focusable area). If the desired area cannot be selected, the user changes the aperture value. The aperture value is changed by operating the aperture ring 12. It is determined whether or not the aperture value is changed by this user (step S39). When the aperture value is changed, the process returns to step S36, and the focusable area is detected under the newly selected aperture value.

On the other hand, when the desired focusing area is selected and the processing is confirmed, the aperture value is calculated (step S40). As the aperture value, the minimum aperture value that fits the subject in the selected focus area within the depth of field is calculated. When the aperture value is calculated, the focusable area is detected again based on the calculated aperture value (step S41). Then, the newly detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (see FIG. 10) (step S42). Further, the exposure is determined based on the calculated aperture value (step S43). That is, the sensitivity and shutter speed for imaging with the calculated aperture value are determined based on the photometric value.

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is fully pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S2) (step S44). When the shutter button 105 is fully pressed and half-pressed (S2 on), the main imaging is performed with the determined exposure (step S45). Then, the image obtained by imaging is recorded (step S46). On the other hand, when it is determined that the shutter button 105 is not fully pressed, it is determined whether or not the half-press is released (whether or not there is an off signal of S1) (step S47). When the half-press is released, the process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the focusable area is detected with reference to the currently set aperture value (aperture value set by the user). Then, the desired focus area is selected and set from the detected focusable areas. As a result, the user's imaging intention can be reflected, and usability can be further improved.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the range of the aperture value of the lens that can be set is limited to the range in which the shutter speed can be maintained at or above the threshold value when the exposure is determined based on the photometric result. For example, if the shutter speed that can prevent the influence of camera shake is T [seconds], the aperture value is set within the range in which the shutter speed can be maintained at T [seconds] or higher.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration that realizes a subject selection imaging function in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, the digital camera of the present embodiment is further provided with an aperture value settable range calculation unit 150H for calculating a settable aperture value range.

The aperture value settable range calculation unit 150H calculates the settable aperture value range based on the photometric result by the AE processing unit 140. Specifically, when the shutter speed is Th [seconds], the aperture value for taking an image with an appropriate exposure is obtained under the set sensitivity. Then, the range below the obtained aperture value is calculated as the range of the aperture value that can be set. In this case, the obtained aperture value becomes the maximum aperture value that can be set. The shutter speed Th [seconds] is a threshold value for the shutter speed. Further, as the sensitivity, the sensitivity set by the sensitivity dial 108 is used. The calculated aperture value range information is added to the in-focus area detection unit 150D. The function of the aperture value settable range calculation unit 150H is realized by the camera microcomputer 150. That is, when the camera microcomputer 150 executes a predetermined control program, the camera microcomputer 150 functions as the aperture value settable range calculation unit 150H.

The focusable area detection unit 150D acquires the calculation result of the aperture value settable range calculation unit 150H and detects the focusable area.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

First, lens information is acquired (step S50).

Next, the live view is displayed (step S51). The AF-capable area frame AA and the reference area frame RA are superimposed and displayed on the live view image (see FIG. 6).

Next, an area to be used as a reference area is selected (step S52).

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is half-pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S1) (step S53). When the shutter button 105 is pressed halfway (S1 on), photometric and distance measurement processing is performed (step S54).

Next, focusing is performed on the subject in the reference area (step S55).

Next, a range of settable aperture values is calculated based on the photometric result (step S56). That is, when the shutter speed is Th [seconds], the aperture value for taking an image with an appropriate exposure is obtained under the set sensitivity, and the range of the settable aperture value is calculated.

Next, the focusable area is detected (step S57). At this time, the focusable area is detected based on the range of the aperture value calculated by the aperture value settable range calculation unit 150H. That is, when the maximum aperture value is set within the calculated range and an attempt is made to focus on the subject in the reference area, the AF-capable area included in the depth of field is detected as the in-focusable area. To.

Next, the detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (step S58) (see FIG. 8).

Next, the desired focusing area is selected (step S59). As described above, in the present embodiment, the aperture value that can be set is limited according to the brightness of the subject (photometric result). Therefore, depending on the brightness of the subject (photometric result), the desired area may not be selected (the area of the subject for which focusing is desired may not be included in the focusable area). If the desired area cannot be selected, the user changes the sensitivity. The sensitivity is changed by operating the sensitivity dial 108. Whether or not the sensitivity is changed by this user is determined (step S60). When the sensitivity is changed, the process returns to step S56, and the range of the aperture value that can be set is calculated again. Then, the focusable range is newly detected and re-detected under the calculated range.

On the other hand, when the desired focusing area is selected and the processing is confirmed, the aperture value is calculated (step S61). As the aperture value, the minimum aperture value that fits the subject in the selected focus area within the depth of field is calculated. When the aperture value is calculated, the focusable area is detected again based on the calculated aperture value (step S62). Then, the newly detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (see FIG. 10) (step S63). Further, the exposure is determined based on the calculated aperture value (step S64). That is, the sensitivity and shutter speed for imaging with the calculated aperture value are determined based on the photometric value.

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is fully pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S2) (step S65). When the shutter button 105 is fully pressed and half-pressed (S2 on), the main imaging is performed with the determined exposure (step S66). Then, the image obtained by imaging is recorded (step S67). On the other hand, when it is determined that the shutter button 105 is not fully pressed, it is determined whether or not the half-press is released (presence or absence of the off signal of S1) (step S68). When the half-press is released, the process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the aperture value that can be set is limited based on the photometric result. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the shutter speed from being set to cause camera shake or the sensitivity to be set to cause noise. As a result, usability can be further improved.

It is preferable to set the shutter speed threshold value in consideration of camera shake. In this case, it is more preferable to change the threshold value according to the presence / absence of the image stabilization function and / or the focal length of the interchangeable lens.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The digital camera of this embodiment is different from the digital camera of each of the above embodiments in that it has a memory function of a desired focusing area. In the following, the memory function of the desired focusing area, which is the difference, will be described.

The memory function of the desired focusing area is a function of holding (storing) the information of the desired focusing area selected by the user in the camera. The retained information on the desired focusing area is read out as needed and set as the desired focusing area.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration that realizes a subject selection imaging function in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

In the digital camera of the present embodiment, the built-in memory 146 functions as a focusing desired area information storage unit, and the built-in memory 146 stores information on the focusing desired area set by the focusing desired area setting unit 150E. To.

In the digital camera of the present embodiment, the focusing desired area information recording control unit 150I that controls the recording of the focusing desired area information in the built-in memory 146, and the focusing desired area information stored in the built-in memory 146 A focusing desired area information reading unit 150J for reading the above is further provided.

The focusing desired area information recording control unit 150I records the information of the focusing desired area set by the focusing desired area setting unit 150E in the built-in memory 146 based on the operation input to the camera operation unit 148. That is, in response to a recording instruction based on the operation of the camera operation unit 148, information on the desired focusing area set by the desired focusing area setting unit 150E is recorded in the built-in memory 146. The information on the desired focusing area also includes information on the reference area.

Whether or not to record the information of the desired focus area is inquired at each actual imaging. That is, when the main imaging is completed, a message inquiring whether or not to record the desired focusing area is displayed on the screen of the display unit 160. The user instructs whether or not recording is necessary according to the message displayed on the screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display unit displaying a message inquiring whether or not recording of the desired focusing area is necessary.

As shown in the figure, a message MS inquiring whether or not to record the desired focusing area is displayed together with the image IM obtained by the main imaging. In addition, information on the desired focusing area (focusing desired area frame AC) is displayed on the image IM. In the figure, recording is instructed by pressing the OK button 117 or touching the OK button on the screen, and canceling the recording is instructed by pressing the cancel button 118 or touching the cancel button on the screen. An example is shown. The focusing desired area information recording control unit 150I records the focusing desired area information in the built-in memory 146 based on the operation input to the camera operation unit 148. The camera operation unit 148 is an example of a focusing desired area information storage instruction unit.

The function of the focusing desired area information recording control unit 150I is realized by the camera microcomputer 150. That is, when the camera microcomputer 150 executes a predetermined control program, the camera microcomputer 150 functions as the focusing desired area information recording control unit 150I.

The focusing desired area information reading unit 150J reads out the focusing desired area information stored in the built-in memory 146 based on the operation input to the camera operation unit 148. That is, in response to a read instruction based on the operation of the camera operation unit 148, the information of the desired focusing area stored in the built-in memory 146 is read. The camera operation unit 148 is an example of a focus desired area information reading instruction unit. The read information on the desired focusing area is added to the desired focusing area setting unit 150E. The focusing desired area setting unit 150E sets the focusing desired area based on the acquired information, and adds the set information to the aperture value calculation unit 150F. The aperture value calculation unit 150F calculates the aperture value based on the acquired information on the desired focusing area (= information on the desired focusing area read by the focusing desired area information reading unit 150J).

The function of the focusing desired area information reading unit 150J is realized by the camera microcomputer 150. That is, when the camera microcomputer 150 executes a predetermined control program, the camera microcomputer 150 functions as the focusing desired area information reading unit 150J.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

First, lens information is acquired (step S70).

Next, the live view is displayed (step S71).

Next, based on the operation input from the camera operation unit 148, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to read out the information of the desired focusing area (step S72). If the reading is not instructed, the subsequent processing is performed according to the procedure described in the above embodiment (see, for example, FIG. 11).

On the other hand, when the reading is instructed, the information of the desired focusing area is read (step S73). If a plurality of information on the desired focusing area is stored, the information to be read is selected. The selection is performed, for example, by displaying the information of the desired focusing area stored in the built-in memory 146 on the screen one by one based on the operation of the camera operation unit 148 (button operation of the cross button 116 or on the screen). Instruct to switch information by swiping.)

Next, the reference area and the desired focusing area are set based on the read information on the desired focusing area (step S74).

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is half-pressed (whether or not there is a S1 on signal) (step S75). When the shutter button 105 is pressed halfway (S1 on), photometric and distance measurement processing is performed (step S76).

Next, focusing is performed on the subject in the reference area (step S77).

Next, the aperture value is calculated based on the desired focusing area (step S78). When the aperture value is calculated, the focusable area is detected based on the calculated aperture value (step S79). Then, the detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (step S80). Further, the exposure is determined based on the calculated aperture value (step S81).

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is fully pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S2) (step S82). When it is determined that the shutter button 105 is not fully pressed, it is determined whether or not the half-press is released (whether or not there is an off signal of S1) (step S87). When the half-press is released, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the shutter button 105 is fully pressed and half-pressed (S2 on), the main imaging is performed with the determined exposure (step S83). Then, the image obtained by imaging is recorded (step S84). After that, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to record the desired focusing area (step S85). When recording is instructed, information on the desired focusing area is recorded in the built-in memory 146 (step S86).

As described above, according to the digital camera of the present embodiment, the information of the desired focusing area set by the user can be held in the camera, and can be read out and set as needed. As a result, when the same scene as the one captured in the past is captured, the setting can be made quickly.

In the above embodiment, the reference area is set at the same time as the desired focusing area, but the reference area may be set again. In this case, it is preferable to be able to set a reference area within the desired focusing area.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The digital camera of the present embodiment has a function of re-accepting the selection of the desired focusing area from the desired focusing area re-detected based on the calculated aperture value. Since the basic configuration of the device is the same as that of the above embodiment, only the processing procedure will be described here.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

First, lens information is acquired (step S90). Next, the live view is displayed (step S91).

Next, an area to be used as a reference area is selected (step S92). Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is half-pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S1) (step S93). When the shutter button 105 is pressed halfway (S1 on), photometric and distance measurement processing is performed (step S94). Next, focusing is performed based on the distance measurement result (step S95). Next, the focusable area is detected (step S96). Next, the detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (step S97). Next, the desired focusing area is selected (step S98). Next, the aperture value is calculated (step S99). When the aperture value is calculated, the focusable area is detected again based on the calculated aperture value (step S100). Then, the newly detected focusable area is displayed on the display unit 160 (see FIG. 10) (step S101).

Next, it is determined whether or not the desired focusing area is selected based on the operation input from the camera operation unit 148 (step S102). When changing the desired focusing area, the user operates the camera operation unit 148 to set the desired focusing area.

Here, when the desired focusing area is selected again, the process returns to step S99, and the aperture value is newly calculated based on the information of the selected desired focusing area.

On the other hand, if the desired focusing area is not selected, the exposure is determined based on the calculated aperture value (step S103). After that, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 105 is fully pressed (whether or not there is a signal for turning on S2) (step S104). When the shutter button 105 is fully pressed and half-pressed (S2 on), the main imaging is performed with the determined exposure (step S105), and the image obtained by the imaging is recorded (step S106). On the other hand, when it is determined that the shutter button 105 is not fully pressed, it is determined whether or not the half-press is released (whether or not there is an off signal of S1) (step S107). When the half-press is released, the process ends.

As described above, according to the digital camera of the present embodiment, the desired focusing area can be reset as needed. As a result, usability can be further improved.

[Other embodiments]
The functions of each of the above embodiments can be used in combination as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the case where the AF-capable area is divided into a grid shape has been described as an example, but the setting of the AF-capable area is not limited to this. The AF-capable area can be set as appropriate according to the AF method, distance measurement method, and the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the phase difference detection pixel provided in the image sensor is used to measure the distance to the subject in each area, but the configuration for measuring the distance to the subject in each area is limited to this. Not what is done. In addition, for example, distance measurement can be performed using a known distance measurement method such as a TOF (Time-of-Flight) method, a contrast method, a laser distance measurement method, or an ultrasonic distance measurement method.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lower limit of the settable aperture value is set to the minimum aperture value that can be set by the lens, but the user may arbitrarily set the aperture value. Similarly, the user may arbitrarily set the upper limit of the aperture value that can be set. Further, the user may arbitrarily set the range of the aperture value that can be set.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an interchangeable lens type digital camera with interchangeable lenses has been described as an example, but the imaging device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this. Absent. It can also be applied to digital cameras in which a lens such as a compact camera is integrally provided in the camera body. Further, it can be applied not only to an image pickup device for capturing a still image but also to an image pickup device (video camera, TV camera, cine camera, etc.) for capturing a moving image. Further, the image pickup device is not limited to a single device, but is provided with an image pickup function of a device having other functions, such as a smartphone with a camera, a tablet computer with a camera, and a mobile phone with a camera. It can also be applied to electronic devices.

Further, the hardware that realizes the subject selection imaging function can be configured by various processors. Various processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are general-purpose processors that execute programs and function as various processing units, and whose circuit configurations can be changed after manufacturing. It includes a dedicated electric circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration specially designed for executing a specific process such as a programmable logic device (PLD) and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). One processing unit constituting the inspection support device may be composed of one of the above-mentioned various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit may be composed of a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. Further, a plurality of processing units may be configured by one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units with one processor, first, one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server. There is a form in which a processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Secondly, as typified by System On Chip (SoC), there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. is there. As described above, the various processing units are configured by using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware-like structure. Further, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit (circuitry) in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

1 Digital camera 10 Interchangeable lens 10A Lens barrel 11 Focus ring 12 Aperture ring 13 Aperture 20 Lens drive unit 21 Aperture drive unit 22 Lens microcomputer 23 Lens operation unit 64 AE detection unit 100 Camera body 101 Lens mount 102 Focus mode switching lever 103 Front command Dial 104 Power lever 105 Shutter button 106 Exposure compensation dial 107 Shutter speed dial 108 Sensitivity dial 109 Rear command dial 110 Erase button 111 Play button 112 Lock button 113 Lock button 114 Menu button 115 Joystick 116 Cross button 117 OK button 118 Cancel button 119 Electronic Viewfinder 119A Eyepiece 120 Rear monitor 120A Display 120B Touch pad 130 Image sensor 130A Image sensor drive 130B Imaging surface 132 Shutter 132A Shutter drive 134 Analog signal processing unit 136 Digital signal processing unit 138 AF processing unit 138A Distance measuring unit 140 AE processing unit 142 Memory card interface 144 Memory card 146 Built-in memory 148 Camera operation unit 150 Camera microcomputer 150A Display control unit 150B Reference area setting unit 150C Lens information acquisition unit 150D Focusable area detection unit 150E Focus desired area setting unit 150F Aperture Value calculation unit 150G Exposure determination unit 150H Aperture value settable range calculation unit 150I Focusing desired area information recording control unit 150J Focusing desired area information reading unit 160 Display unit A (i, j) AF possible area AA AF possible area frame AB Focusable area frame AC Focusing desired area frame IM Image obtained by this imaging LV Live view image MS Message OB1 First subject OB2 Second subject OB3 Third subject OB4 Fourth subject OB5 Fifth subject OB6 6th subject OB7 7th subject OB8 8th subject OB9 9th subject OB10 10th subject OB11 11th subject OB12 12th subject OB13 13th subject RA Reference area frame SF Selection frame S10-S26 Imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on (first embodiment)
S30 to S47 Imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on (second embodiment)
S50 to S68 Imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on (third embodiment)
S70 to S87 Imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on (fourth embodiment)
S90 to S107 Imaging processing procedure when the subject selection imaging function is turned on (fifth embodiment)

Claims (17)

A lens with an aperture and adjustable focus,
An image sensor that outputs an imaging signal imaged through the lens, and
A signal processing unit that acquires the image pickup signal and outputs an image,
A display unit that displays the image and
A distance measuring unit that measures a subject in a plurality of areas set in the image, and a distance measuring unit.
A reference area setting unit that sets one of the plurality of said areas as a reference area,
When the aperture value of the lens is set to the maximum aperture value within the settable range and an attempt is made to focus on the subject in the reference area, the area included in the depth of field can be focused. Focusable area detector to detect as
A display control unit that superimposes the focusable area on the image being displayed on the display unit, and
An in-focus desired area setting unit that accepts selection of at least one of the in-focus areas and sets an in-focus desired area.
An aperture value calculation unit that calculates an aperture value that includes a subject in the desired focus area within the depth of field when trying to focus on a subject in the reference area.
Imaging device equipped with. The range of aperture values that can be set is the range that is less than or equal to the currently set aperture value.
The imaging device according to claim 1. The range of the aperture value that can be set is the range in which the shutter speed can be set above the threshold value when the exposure is determined based on the photometric result.
The imaging device according to claim 1. The range of aperture values that can be set is the range that can be set with the lens.
The imaging device according to claim 1. The aperture value calculation unit calculates the minimum aperture value within a settable range.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. When the aperture value is calculated by the aperture value calculation unit,
The focusable area detection unit re-detects the focusable area based on the aperture value calculated by the aperture value calculation unit.
The display control unit newly displays the re-detected focusable area on the display unit.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the re-detected focusable area is newly displayed on the display unit,
The focusing desired area setting unit again accepts the selection of the focusing desired area from the re-detected focusing possible area, and receives the selection.
The aperture value calculation unit recalculates the aperture value based on the newly selected focus desired area.
The imaging device according to claim 6. The reference area setting unit accepts the selection of the area to be the reference area and sets the reference area.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The display unit is provided with a touch pad on the screen.
The area touched by the touch pad is set as the reference area.
The imaging device according to claim 8. The focusing desired area setting unit accepts the area touched by the touch pad as the selected area.
The imaging device according to claim 9. A focusing desired area information storage unit that stores information on the focusing desired area set by the focusing desired area setting unit, and a focusing desired area information storage unit.
The focusing desired area information recording control unit that controls recording in the focusing desired area information storage unit,
An in-focus desired area information reading instructing unit for instructing reading of information in the in-focus desired area stored in the in-focus desired area information storage unit,
A focusing desired area information reading unit that reads out information on the focusing desired area stored in the focusing desired area information storage unit in response to a reading instruction from the focusing desired area information reading instruction unit.
With more
When the focus desired area information reading instruction unit instructs to read the information of the focusing desired area, the aperture value calculation unit performs the focusing desired area information read out by the focusing desired area information reading unit. Calculate the aperture value based on,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. When the focusing desired area is set by the focusing desired area setting unit, the focusing desired area information storage indicating unit for instructing the storage in the focusing desired area information storage unit is further provided.
When the memory is instructed by the focusing desired area information storage instruction unit, the focusing desired area information recording control unit obtains the information of the focusing desired area set by the focusing desired area setting unit. Record in the information storage section of the desired area,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 11. A plurality of the areas are set by dividing the image into a grid shape.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The image sensor includes phase difference detection pixels.
The distance measuring unit measures a plurality of subjects in the area based on the output from the phase difference detection pixel.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The lens is replaceable,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The step of acquiring an image captured through a lens equipped with an aperture and adjustable focus,
The step of displaying the image on the display unit and
A step of measuring the distance between subjects in a plurality of areas set in the image, and
A step of setting one of the plurality of said areas as a reference area,
When the aperture value of the lens is set to the maximum aperture value within the settable range and an attempt is made to focus on the subject in the reference area, the area included in the depth of field can be focused. And the steps to detect as
A step of displaying the focusable area on the image displayed on the display unit, and
A step of accepting selection of at least one of the focusable areas and setting a desired focus area, and
When an attempt is made to focus on a subject in the reference area, a step of calculating an aperture value in which the subject in the desired focusing area is included in the depth of field and
Aperture value setting method having. A function to acquire an image captured through a lens equipped with an aperture and adjustable focus,
The function of displaying the image on the display unit and
A function to measure the distance between subjects in multiple areas set in the image, and
A function to set one of the plurality of said areas as a reference area,
When the aperture value of the lens is set to the maximum aperture value within the settable range and an attempt is made to focus on the subject in the reference area, the area included in the depth of field can be focused. With the function to detect as
A function of superimposing the focusable area on the image displayed on the display unit and displaying the image.
A function of accepting selection of at least one of the focusable areas and setting a desired focus area, and
A function to calculate the aperture value of the subject in the desired focus area within the depth of field when trying to focus on the subject in the reference area.
Aperture value setting program that realizes on a computer.

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