JP5778901B2 - Imaging apparatus, photographing mode selection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a shooting mode selection method, and a computer program.

  Some imaging devices that capture still images and moving images include a plurality of scene modes in which settings suitable for capturing a subject are designated in advance. Typical scene modes include "Portrait", "Landscape", "Close-up", "Sports", "Commemorative photo", "Candle", etc. These modes are optimal shutter speed, aperture effect, and camera shake suppression effect. In the image quality-related control such as color reproduction characteristics, optimum setting values are designated in advance. The photographer can select an arbitrary scene from a plurality of scenes according to the shooting situation, and can shoot with settings that match the scene.

  Recently, in addition to shooting modes such as scene mode and focus mode that have been prepared, the photographer not only selects the mode, but also has a function that automatically analyzes the subject's situation and automatically determines the most suitable shooting mode. There are also imaging devices. This is not only an improvement in the performance of automatic judgment, but also the number of shooting modes installed in the imaging device is increasing, and the photographer may be confused as to which shooting mode is appropriate from among a number of shooting modes. Also, the side face freed from the troublesome operation of many setting buttons and setting icons is large. Especially for beginners who are not familiar with shooting, the function of automatically selecting a scene is useful.

JP 2005-32348 A JP 2007-74550 A JP 2007-324965 A

  However, such an automatic determination function of the shooting mode sometimes causes a recognition error, selects a mode that the photographer does not intend (which is different from the expectation), even if the recognition is not wrong, and a little In reality, there was a problem that the recognition result became unstable due to changes in the angle of view. Also, the shooting mode selected by the imaging device is in line with the photographer's expectations, but the processing content after selecting the shooting mode does not match the photographer's preference, and as a result, the shot image is what the photographer intended There was also a problem of not becoming.

  Therefore, photographers who are accustomed to shooting to some extent choose a shooting mode by using a conventional manual operation shooting mode selection function instead of using the shooting mode automatic determination function to avoid such problems. become. However, it is troublesome to select a shooting mode to be used from among a large number of shooting modes as described above, and there is a problem that it takes too much time to select and determine a shooting mode. In addition, there are many limited shooting modes that photographers prefer and use, and there are several shooting modes that are unlikely to be used in the future.

  From the characteristics of the subject, the imaging device, and the lens attached to the imaging device, it is expected that the shooting mode can be selected more effectively and easily, and the reproducibility of the setting contents is also required.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a selectable shooting mode and to add or delete a shooting mode with respect to the shooting mode. Therefore, a new and improved imaging apparatus, imaging mode selection method, and computer program capable of more effectively and easily selecting an imaging mode from the characteristics of a lens attached to the imaging apparatus. It is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus having a plurality of shooting modes suitable for shooting a subject, wherein the shooting mode is selected according to the lens characteristics of a mounted lens. A photographing mode determining unit that determines a photographing mode that can be selected when the lens is mounted, and a photographing mode presenting unit that presents the photographing mode determined by the photographing mode determining unit on a screen. Provides an image pickup apparatus that adds or deletes a shooting mode with respect to the determined shooting mode in response to an instruction to add or delete a shooting mode.

  By having such a configuration, a shooting mode that can be selected when the lens is mounted is determined from the shooting modes according to the lens characteristics of the mounted lens, and a shooting mode is added to the determined shooting mode or Deletion is possible, and the selection of the shooting mode can be performed more effectively and easily from the characteristics of the lens attached to the imaging apparatus.

  The lens may be exchangeable, and the shooting mode determination unit may acquire the lens characteristics to be attached and identify the other lens to determine the shooting mode.

  You may further provide the memory | storage part which matches and memorize | stores the imaging | photography mode which can be selected with the information which identifies the said lens with which it mounts | wears separately.

  You may make it have the information which identifies the said lens individually 1 or 2 or more per lens.

  The information for individually identifying the lens may be a serial number.

  The photographing mode determination unit may determine different photographing modes that can be selected according to differences in information for individually identifying the lenses even for lenses of the same type.

  The shooting mode may include a scene mode for shooting a subject.

  The photographing mode may include a mode for switching a focus lens driving range of the lens. Further, the photographing mode may include a focus mode in which the focus processing of the lens is switched between auto focus and manual focus.

  The lens characteristics may include at least one of a lens type, focal length information, subject distance information, and specific operation switching means information.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing mode selection method for an imaging apparatus having a plurality of photographing modes suitable for photographing a subject, the lens characteristics of a lens to be mounted A shooting mode determination step for determining a shooting mode that can be selected from the shooting modes according to the shooting mode, a shooting mode presentation step for displaying the shooting mode determined by the shooting mode determination step on a screen, and an instruction for adding a shooting mode or There is provided a shooting mode selection method of an imaging apparatus, comprising: a shooting mode editing step of adding or deleting a shooting mode with respect to the shooting mode presented by the shooting mode presenting step in response to a deletion instruction. The

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for causing a computer to select a shooting mode of an imaging apparatus having a plurality of shooting modes suitable for shooting a subject, A shooting mode determination step for determining a shooting mode that can be selected from the shooting modes according to lens characteristics of the lens to be performed, and a shooting mode presentation step for displaying the shooting mode determined by the shooting mode determination step on a screen; A computer program for executing a shooting mode editing step of adding or deleting a shooting mode with respect to the shooting mode presented by the shooting mode presenting step in response to an instruction to add or delete a shooting mode. Provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, from the characteristics of the lens attached to the imaging apparatus, by allowing the addition or deletion of the shooting mode with respect to the shooting mode after presenting the selectable shooting mode, It is possible to provide a new and improved imaging apparatus, a shooting mode selection method, and a computer program capable of more effectively and easily selecting a shooting mode.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the function structure of the imaging device 10 concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the lens drive range of a macro lens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an external appearance of a lens part.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<1. One Embodiment of the Present Invention>
[1-1. Functional configuration of imaging device]
First, a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body unit 100 and a lens unit 200.

  The main unit 100 includes a shutter 102, a CMOS image sensor 104, an image input controller 106, a nonvolatile memory 108, a DSP / CPU 110, a compression processing circuit 112, an LCD driver 114, a display unit 116, and a VRAM 118. , A memory 120, a media controller 122, a recording medium 124, an operation unit 126, a driver 128, a motor 130, and a battery 132.

  The lens unit 200 includes a zoom lens 202, a diaphragm 204, a focus lens 206, an A / D converter 208, a lens CPU 210, a ROM 212, a RAM 214, drivers 216 and 218, motors 220 and 222, and the like. , Including.

  First, each part of the main body 100 will be described. The shutter 102 is for adjusting the incident time of incident light incident from the lens unit 200. In this embodiment, the shutter 102 controls the incident light by using an electronic shutter and adjusts the time for extracting an electric signal. However, the shutter 102 controls the incident light by using a mechanical shutter to extract an electric signal. You may adjust the time.

  The CMOS image sensor 104 is an element for converting light incident from the lens unit 200 into an electrical signal. The CMOS image sensor 104 includes a CDS circuit 142 and an A / D converter 144. The CDS circuit 142 is a circuit in which a CDS circuit that is a kind of sampling circuit that removes noise from the electrical signal output from the CMOS image sensor 104 and an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signal after removing the noise are integrated. is there. In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 10 is configured using a circuit in which a CDS circuit and an amplifier are integrated, but the CDS circuit and the amplifier may be configured as separate circuits. The A / D converter 144 converts the electrical signal generated by the CMOS image sensor 104 into a digital signal, and generates raw image data.

  The image input controller 106 controls input of raw image data generated by the A / D converter 144. The nonvolatile memory 108 records an execution program for controlling the imaging device 10 and management information necessary for controlling the imaging device 10. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, lens identification information for identifying the lens unit 200 is associated with information on scene modes that can be selected by the imaging apparatus 10 when the lens unit 200 is mounted on the main body unit 100. Record.

  The DSP / CPU 110 issues a signal-related command to the CMOS image sensor 104, the CDS circuit 142, or the like, or issues an operation-related command to the operation of the operation unit 126. In the present embodiment, the DSP / CPU 110 is shown as an integral part in FIG. 1, but the signal-related command and the operation-related command are executed by separate control units (for example, divided into the CPU and the DSP). It may be.

  The DSP / CPU 110 includes a timing generator (TG) 151, an I / O 152, an SIO 153, an AE / AWB / AF evaluation value calculation unit 154, an appropriate AWB calculation unit 155, an image processing unit 156, and an AF calculation / control. Unit 157, AE calculation / control unit 158, GUI management unit 159, and mode determination unit 160.

  The timing generator 151 inputs a timing signal to the CMOS image sensor 104. The shutter speed is determined by the timing signal from the timing generator 151. That is, the driving of the CMOS image sensor 104 is controlled by the timing signal from the timing generator 151, and the image signal from the subject is incident within the time that the CMOS image sensor 104 is driven, so that the electrical signal that is the basis of the image data is generated. Generated.

  The I / O 152 sends control from the DSP / CPU 110 to the driver 128. Based on the operation of the photographer's operation unit 126, the DSP / CPU 110 sends a command for opening / closing the shutter 102 to the driver 128.

  The SIO 153 executes communication control with the lens unit 200, and executes gain control and the like for an amplifier built in the CMOS image sensor 104.

  The AE / AWB / AF evaluation value calculation unit 154 divides the image input from the CMOS image sensor 104 into a plurality of areas, and calculates feature amounts such as luminance, RGB average value, and contrast value of each block. .

  The appropriate AWB calculation unit 155 calculates an appropriate white balance from the RGB average values calculated by the AE / AWB / AF evaluation value calculation unit 154 from the image input from the CMOS image sensor 104.

  The image processing unit 156 performs various image processing on the image input from the CMOS image sensor 104, such as gamma adjustment, contour adjustment, white balance correction, gain adjustment, and the like.

  The AF calculation / control unit 157 evaluates the image contrast value calculated by the AE / AWB / AF evaluation value calculation unit 154 and searches for the peak value of the image contrast value in the moving direction of the focus lens 206 of the lens unit 200. Is what determines the speed.

  The AE calculation / control unit 158 comprehensively evaluates the luminance value for each block calculated by the AE / AWB / AF evaluation value calculation unit 154, and is optimal for the next image input (for live view image) and shooting after release. The shutter speed, aperture value, and gain are determined.

  The GUI management unit 159 controls the display of images and icons displayed on the display unit 116. When the display unit 116 is equipped with a touch panel function, the operation of the photographer is detected, and signal analysis / analysis is performed. Management is to be executed.

  The mode determination unit 160 determines a shooting mode according to the type of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100, for example, a scene mode, or determines a shooting mode based on a photographer's operation. When the mode determination unit 160 determines a predetermined scene mode, for example, the AE calculation / control unit 158 determines an appropriate aperture and shutter speed according to the determined scene mode. A specific shooting mode determination process by the mode determination unit 160 will be described in detail later.

  The compression processing circuit 112 compresses an image that has been subjected to light amount gain correction and white balance adjustment into image data of an appropriate format. The image compression format may be a reversible format or an irreversible format. As an example of a suitable format, you may convert into a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format and a JPEG2000 format.

  The display unit 116 displays a live view display before photographing operation, various setting screens of the imaging apparatus 10, and captured images. Display of image data and various types of information of the imaging apparatus 10 on the display unit 116 is performed via the LCD driver 114.

  The VRAM 118 holds contents to be displayed on the display unit 116, and the resolution and the maximum number of colors of the display unit 116 depend on the capacity of the VRAM 118.

  The memory 120 temporarily stores captured images. The memory 120 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a plurality of images. Reading and writing of images to and from the memory 120 is controlled by the image input controller 106. As the memory 120, for example, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) may be used as shown in FIG.

  The recording medium 124 records an image taken by the imaging device 10. Input / output to / from the recording medium 124 is controlled by the media controller 122. As the recording medium 124, a memory card that is a card-type storage device that records data in a flash memory can be used.

  The operation unit 126 is provided with members for operating the imaging apparatus 10 and performing various settings at the time of shooting. The members arranged in the operation unit 126 may include a power button, a cross key and a selection button for selecting a shooting mode, a shutter button for starting a shooting operation of the subject, and the like.

  The driver 128 controls the driving of the motor 130 for operating the shutter 102. The battery 132 stores predetermined power and supplies power to the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200.

  Next, each part of the lens unit 200 will be described. The zoom lens 202 is a lens whose focal length continuously changes by moving back and forth in the optical axis direction, and shoots while changing the size of the subject. The diaphragm 204 adjusts the amount of light entering the CMOS image sensor 104 of the main body 100 by the motor 220 when taking an image. The focus lens 206 adjusts the focus of the subject by being moved back and forth in the optical axis direction by the motor 222.

  In the present embodiment, only one zoom lens 202 and focus lens 206 are shown, but the number of zoom lenses 202 may be two or more, and the number of focus lenses 206 may be two or more. Good.

  The A / D converter 208 converts position information of the zoom lens 202 and the focus lens 206 into digital information. The A / D converter 208 sends the position information of the zoom lens 202 and the focus lens 206 converted into digital information to the lens CPU 210.

  The lens CPU 210 controls internal operations of the lens unit 200 and information communication with the main body unit 100. For example, the lens CPU 210 receives and analyzes the position information of the zoom lens 202 and the focus lens 206 converted into digital information by the A / D converter 208, thereby grasping the positions of the zoom lens 202 and the focus lens 206, The position information is transmitted to the main body unit 100. When the lens CPU 210 receives a command for specifying the positions and values of the zoom lens 202, the diaphragm 204, and the focus lens 206 from the main body 100, the lens CPU 210 specifies the positions and values of the zoom lens 202, the diaphragm 204, and the focus lens 206. To do.

  The lens CPU 210 includes an SIO 211, and the SIO 211 executes communication with the SIO 153 included in the DSP / CPU 110 of the main body 100, whereby communication is performed between the main body 100 and the lens unit 200. .

  The ROM 212 stores a computer program for controlling the operation of the lens unit 200 by being read out and sequentially executed by the lens CPU 210, and various settings of the lens unit 200 (for example, the model number and serial number of the lens). is there. The RAM 214 stores rewritable information for the operation of the lens unit 200.

  Drivers 216 and 218 control driving of motors 220 and 222 that operate the diaphragm 204 and the focus lens 206. By operating the diaphragm 204 and the focus lens 206 via the drivers 216 and 218, the size of the subject, the amount of light, and the focus can be adjusted.

  The functional configuration of the imaging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above using FIG. Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[1-2. Operation of imaging device]
The imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has an automatic scene mode selection function. The imaging apparatus 10 refers to the feature amount of the subject, for example, luminance, color deviation, shooting distance, and the like as the scene mode determination material. As an example, for example, if the brightness of the image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it can be estimated that the scene is an outdoor scene, and if the shooting distance is not in the close range, the imaging device 10 considers the brightness and the shooting distance. As a candidate for the scene mode, “landscape” can be listed.

  As a determination material to be emphasized in addition to the feature amount of the subject, there is a lens characteristic of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100. For example, when the lens unit 200 is a telephoto lens, “sports” that makes it difficult to get close to the subject and “portraits” that you want to take with a blurred background are potential scene mode candidates. It is appropriate to treat the assumed “candle” as out of the scene mode target.

  As described above, the lens characteristics of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100 are referred to as an important element in scene mode determination. As a special case, when a button for macro shooting is arranged on the lens unit 200 and the photographer operates the button to set the macro setting, the scene mode is set to “close-up”. It is appropriate to be limited.

  In addition, the lens characteristics are uniquely determined in the case of a lens-integrated imaging device, but in the case of an interchangeable lens imaging device, for example, a single-lens still camera, the subject is the same depending on the lens mounted on the main body. However, the result of scene recognition may be different.

  Here, an example of selecting a scene mode in consideration of lens characteristics is shown below.

  As described above, the automatic scene mode selection function has many photographers who want to select a scene mode by manual operation for a photographer who is dissatisfied with the recognition result of the scene mode and the processing content. On that occasion. When the scene mode is manually selected, if only a scene mode that is attached to the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus 10 and is suitable for the lens characteristics of the lens unit 200 is selected in advance, the usability is greatly improved.

  In recent years, there are also many imaging devices having a touch panel user interface that operates the imaging device by directly touching the display unit of the imaging device. In such an imaging apparatus, it is desirable that the display screen at the time of scene selection displays all automatically selected scene modes suitable for lens characteristics within one screen.

  2A and 2B are examples of a screen displayed on the display unit 116 when the lens unit 200 is a wide-angle zoom lens and the lens unit is mounted on the main body unit 100 of the imaging device 10. It is explanatory drawing shown. If the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 are not considered at all, the display unit 116 displays all scene modes.

  Here, considering the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 above, only the scene mode to be selected can be displayed on the display unit 116. FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of a screen displayed on the display unit 116 when the lens unit 200 is a wide-angle zoom lens and the lens unit is mounted on the main body unit 100 of the imaging device 10. It is explanatory drawing shown.

  3A and 3B, when the lens of the lens unit 200 is a wide-angle zoom lens, only the scene mode to be selected is displayed on the display unit 116 in consideration of the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 above. A display example when displayed is shown. In Table 1 above, in the case of a wide-angle zoom lens, “Sport (S)” is not a scene mode selection target. Accordingly, “sport (S)” is not displayed on the display unit 116 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in consideration of the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 above, only the scene mode to be selected can be displayed on the display unit 116, but the operation screen still has two screens. Therefore, if the photographer can delete a scene mode that is not of interest to the photographer, a simple setting screen can be configured from the next time.

  For example, when the photographer determines that the “close-up” and “candle” scene modes are unnecessary when the lens of the lens unit 200 is a wide-angle zoom lens, the photographer performs a predetermined operation on the imaging device 10. By executing the above operation, these scene modes can be designated out of the selection target.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116 when the lens unit 200 is a wide-angle zoom lens and the lens unit is attached to the main body unit 100 of the imaging device 10. FIG. 4 considers the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 above, and displays only the scene mode to be selected when the photographer deletes the “close-up” and “candle” scene modes from the options. A display example when displayed on the unit 116 is illustrated.

  In this way, taking into account the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 above, and when the “close-up” and “candle” scene modes are deleted from the options by the photographer, the setting screen fits on one screen and the image is taken. The convenience at the time of selecting a scene mode by a user can be improved, and the time at the time of selecting a scene mode can be shortened.

  Further, in the scene mode, not only unnecessary items may be deleted, but also what the photographer thinks necessary may be added. For example, in consideration of the lens characteristics shown in Table 1 above, when the lens unit 200 that is a wide-angle zoom lens is attached to the main body unit 100 of the imaging apparatus 10, “Sport (S)” is excluded from the scene mode selection targets. It has become. However, some photographers may want to select a scene that is outside the selection target even when the wide-angle zoom lens is attached. Therefore, when the wide-angle zoom lens is attached to the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus 10, it is desirable that “sport (S)” can be set to be a scene mode selection target by a predetermined operation. Further, for example, when a photographer who frequently uses fisheye lenses also wants to add “candles” that are excluded from the selection targets in consideration of Table 1 above, the “candle (Cd)” It is desirable that “can be set so as to be a scene mode selection target.

  5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 116, and show an example of an operation screen at the time of adding / deleting a scene mode. Such a setting screen is displayed on the display unit 116 when the photographer performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 126, for example.

  FIG. 5 shows basic settings when the lens unit 200, which is a wide-angle zoom lens, is attached to the main body unit 100 of the imaging apparatus 10. FIG. 5 shows that “portrait”, “landscape”, “close-up”, “commemorative photo”, “candle” are marked as selection candidates, but “sport” is not marked as a selection candidate. ing.

  Here, when the photographer determines that “close-up” and “candle” are not required among the marked scene modes, the photographer operates the operation unit 126 to select “close-up” and “candle”. The mark can be removed. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the photographer operates the operation unit 126 from the state displayed on the display unit 116 as illustrated in FIG. 5 to remove the “close-up” and “candle” marks. . The imaging apparatus 10 detects that the “close-up” and “candle” marks have been removed, and does not display the unmarked scene mode on the next manual selection screen.

  If the photographer determines that “sport”, which is an unmarked scene mode, is to be added as a scene mode selection target, the photographer can mark “sport” by operating the operation unit 126. . The imaging device 10 detects that “sport” has been marked, and displays the newly marked scene mode on the next manual selection screen.

  In this way, the photographer can execute addition / deletion to / from the scene mode presented by the imaging device 10. The imaging apparatus 10 associates the information of the scene mode added / deleted by the photographer with the identification information indicating the type of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100, and the inside of the main body unit 100, for example, non-volatile Record in the memory 108. By recording the scene mode information in association with the identification information indicating the type of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100, the imaging apparatus 10 can be turned on again after the power is turned off. Even when the lens unit 200 is attached again after being replaced with another lens unit 200, the setting contents set by the photographer can be provided again.

  The scene mode information added / deleted by the photographer is recorded in the main body unit 100 in association with the serial number of the lens unit 200 in addition to the identification information indicating the type of the lens unit 200. You may do it. The scene mode information is associated with the serial number of the lens unit 200 and recorded inside the main body unit 100, so that only the specific lens unit 200 designated by the photographer can be customized even in the same type. Can be recorded.

  In addition, when the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100 has a zoom function, both the characteristics of a wide-angle lens and the characteristics of a telephoto lens may be provided. Even with the same lens, the scene mode manually selected by the photographer may differ depending on the zoom state (focal length). Accordingly, zoom information (focal length information) at the time of setting may be added to the identification information indicating the type of the lens unit 200. In this case, the display content of the scene mode operation screen is preferably linked to the zoom position at the time of screen switching.

  In this way, the photographer can customize the scene mode that can be selected according to the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100. Of course, the default prepared in the main body unit 100 in advance by the operation of the photographer is possible. It is also possible to return to the scene mode setting.

  The series of operations described above may be executed by the mode determination unit 160 provided in the DSP / CPU 110. The mode determining unit 160 extracts an appropriate scene mode based on the characteristics of the lens of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100 and the lens identification information and displays the scene mode on the display unit 116, or the scene mode by the photographer. By saving the setting in the nonvolatile memory 108, a scene mode that can be selected according to the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100 can be customized.

  Here, an example of data recorded in the nonvolatile memory 108 in association with the lens will be described. First, each scene mode is assigned to a bit. For example, each scene mode is assigned to a bit by a scene mode index table as shown below.

Portrait: 0x0001
Landscape: 0x0002
Close up: 0x0004
Sports: 0x0008
Commemorative photo: 0x0010
Candle: 0x0020

  For example, when the scene mode that can be selected when a lens is attached to the main body 100 is “portrait”, “landscape”, or “commemorative photo”, the data recorded in association with the lens is “0x0013”. Selectable scene mode data recorded in association with the lens is also referred to as scene mode index information.

  When the lens of the lens unit 200 is a wide-angle single focus lens, data is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 108 as shown in Table 2 below, for example.

  In Table 2, five scene modes other than “Sport” can be used in association with the lens identification number composed of the serial number of the lens unit 200 and the focal length threshold (mm). It means that there is. When the photographer deletes “candle” from the available scene mode candidates, the selectable scene mode index information is changed to “0x0017” and recorded in the nonvolatile memory 108.

  The imaging apparatus 10 may record a plurality of scene mode index information in the nonvolatile memory 108 in accordance with the state of the focal length of the zoom lens 202, for example. Table 3 below shows an example of a scene mode index recorded in the nonvolatile memory 108 when the standard zoom lens shown in Table 1 is attached to the main body 100.

  Table 3 shows that when the focal length of the focus lens 206 of the lens unit 200 is 18 to 30 mm, the mode determination unit 160 refers to the scene mode index information in the first row, and when the focal length is 30 to 55 mm. Indicates that the mode determination unit 160 refers to the scene mode index information on the second row, and when the focal length exceeds 55 mm, the mode determination unit 160 refers to the scene mode index information on the third row. .

  Here, when the photographer moves the focus lens 206 of the lens unit 200 and the photographer deletes “candle” from the selectable scene modes in a state where the focal length is 55 mm, the scene mode index information is as follows. It becomes like 4.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when the mounted lens unit 200 is a lens having the same serial number, the state of the lens at the time of setting, for example, the state of the zoom lens or the focus lens Depending on the situation, different scene mode index information can be set and recorded in the nonvolatile memory 108.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned on, first, initial communication is executed between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200 (step S101). Initial communication between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200 is performed between the SIO 153 of the main body unit 100 and the SIO 211 of the lens unit 200. The lens unit 200 transmits lens identification information, focal length information, aperture information, position information of the focus lens 206, and the like to the main body unit 100. The lens identification information transmitted from the lens unit 200 in the initial communication between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200 may include, for example, information such as a lens type and a lens serial number. In the present embodiment, the lens identification information and the aperture information are exchanged only when the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned on or when the lens unit 200 is remounted.

  In step S101, when initial communication is performed between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200, the main body unit 100 subsequently obtains lens identification information of the lens unit 200 (step S102). The lens identification information of the lens unit 200 is stored in, for example, the ROM 212 of the lens unit 200, and is read out by the lens CPU 210 when the initial communication is performed between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200, and the main body unit. 100.

  When the main body unit 100 acquires the lens identification information of the lens unit 200 in step S102, the main body unit 100 has already recorded the lens identification information of the lens unit 200 acquired in step S102 on the main body unit 100. It is determined whether or not there is (step S103). This determination is performed by the mode determination unit 160, for example.

  As a result of the determination in step S103, when the lens identification information of the lens unit 200 obtained in step S102 has already been recorded in the main body unit 100, the main body unit 100 then continues to the lens unit 200 mounted. The selectable scene mode index is confirmed from the lens identification information (step S104). For example, the mode determination unit 160 executes confirmation of selectable scene mode indexes. In step S104, when the selectable scene mode index is confirmed from the lens identification information of the mounted lens unit 200, the main body unit 100 subsequently collates with the scene mode index table as shown in Table 1 above. The scene mode to be displayed on the display unit 116 is determined (step S105). The determination of the scene mode displayed on the display unit 116 is executed by the mode determination unit 160, for example.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S103, when the lens identification information of the lens unit 200 obtained in step S102 is not already recorded in the main body unit 100, the main body unit 100 refers to the setting of the default scene mode. (Step S106). For example, the mode determination unit 160 refers to the setting of the default scene mode. The default scene mode setting may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 108, for example.

  Subsequently, the main body unit 100 determines the scene mode to be displayed on the display unit 116 with reference to the lens characteristic data obtained in the initial communication between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200 in step S101 (step S107). . The determination of the scene mode displayed on the display unit 116 is executed by the mode determination unit 160, for example.

  When the scene mode to be displayed on the display unit 116 is determined with reference to the lens characteristic data obtained in the initial communication in the above step S107, the main body unit 100 subsequently selects the manual scene mode in which the photographer manually selects the scene mode. If it is, only the scene mode determined in step S106 is displayed on the display unit 116 (step S108). The display on the display unit 116 of the scene mode is executed by, for example, the GUI management unit 159.

  When the main unit 100 displays only the scene mode determined in step S107 on the display unit 116 in step S108, the main unit 100 subsequently determines whether or not the scene mode deletion / addition screen has been called by the photographer. Judgment is made (step S109). For example, the GUI management unit 159 determines whether or not the scene mode deletion / addition screen has been called by the photographer.

  If the photographer calls the scene mode deletion / addition screen as a result of the determination in step S109, the main body unit 100 identifies the currently selectable scene mode and displays it on the display unit 116 ( Step S110). The screen displayed on the display unit 116 in step S109 is such a screen as shown in FIGS.

  When the main body unit 100 displays a selectable scene mode on the display unit 116 in step S110, the main body unit 100 subsequently determines whether or not the scene mode has been changed by the photographer (step S111). The GUI management unit 159 determines whether or not the scene mode has been changed by the photographer, for example.

  As a result of the determination in step S111, when it is determined that the scene mode has been changed by the photographer, the main body unit 100 updates selectable scene mode information (step S112). For example, the mode determination unit 160 updates the information on the selectable scene modes. By updating the scene mode, for example, the scene mode index information stored in the nonvolatile memory 108 is updated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the scene mode has not been changed by the photographer as a result of the determination in step S110, the main body 100 does nothing.

  Subsequently, the main body unit 100 records the selectable scene mode index information in the nonvolatile memory 108 in association with the lens identification information of the lens unit 200 (step S113). The mode determination unit 160 executes the recording of the selectable scene mode index information in the nonvolatile memory 108, for example.

  Subsequently, the main body 100 determines whether or not the power source of the imaging device 10 has been turned off by the photographer (step S114). If the power of the imaging device 10 is not turned off as a result of the determination in step S114, the main body unit 100 subsequently determines whether or not the lens unit 200 is detached from the main body unit 100 (step S115). The DSP / CPU 110 determines whether or not the lens unit 200 is detached from the main body unit 100.

  If it is determined in step S115 that the lens unit 200 is detached from the main body unit 100, the process returns to step S101, and the main body unit 100 performs initial communication with the lens unit 200. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S115, if it is determined that the lens unit 200 is not detached from the main body unit 100, the process returns to step S107 and is obtained through initial communication between the main body unit 100 and the lens unit 200. The scene mode to be displayed on the display unit 116 is determined with reference to the lens characteristic data thus obtained.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S114 is that the power of the imaging device 10 has been turned off, the imaging device 10 turns off the power.

  By executing the series of processes shown in FIG. 7, the imaging apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention captures only the scene mode based on the lens characteristics of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100. The scene mode can be added to or deleted from the scene mode presented by the photographer.

  So far, the customization of the scene mode prepared in the imaging apparatus 10 has been described. However, in the present invention, the photographing mode that can be customized is not limited to the scene mode. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a shooting mode in which the focus drive range can be switched.

  For example, a macro lens has a longer feeding amount than a standard lens in order to increase the photographing magnification. Therefore, if autofocus driving is executed in the entire focus adjustable range, it takes time for the focusing process. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a lens driving range of the macro lens. With the default setting, since the macro lens drives the lens in the range from infinity to the closest distance during autofocus driving, it takes time for the focusing process.

  Therefore, the present invention may be applied to a customization function in which the photographer selects only the macro drive range shown in FIG. 8 or only the drive range corresponding to the standard lens according to how to use the imaging apparatus 10. By limiting the lens driving range in this way, the focusing process at the time of autofocus driving can be shortened.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, some lenses include an AF / MF switching unit 230 that allows a photographer to manually switch between auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF), and normal shooting. Some include a macro switch 240 that can switch between macro photography. Generally, if the AF / MF switching unit 230 and the macro switch 240 are shaped like a slide switch as shown in FIG. Since the appearance can be confirmed, priority is given to the AF / MF setting of the AF / MF switching unit 230 on the lens unit 200 side and the setting of the macro switch 240.

  However, in normal use, even if it operates as AF or MF according to the setting of the AF / MF switching unit 230 on the lens unit 200 side, it is desired that the AF setting is always set in a specific scene mode, for example, “sport” mode. The demand of the photographer who thinks is also assumed. Accordingly, in the default setting, according to the setting of the AF / MF switching unit 230, the setting of the F / MF switching unit 230 can be ignored by the photographer's customization setting, and a specific operation (such as always AF or always MF) can be designated. It may be. Similarly, in the default setting, in accordance with the setting of the macro switch 240, the setting of the macro switch 240 may be ignored by the photographer's customization setting, and the lens driving range may be limited.

<2. Summary>
As described above, the imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention reads the setting of the shooting mode recorded in the main body unit 100 according to the lens characteristics of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100. Can be presented to the photographer. And the imaging device 10 concerning one Embodiment of this invention enables the edit process by the photographer of the photographing mode shown to the photographer. As a result, the imaging apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can set a shooting mode that suits the photographer according to the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100 and can record the shooting mode therein. .

  As the setting of the shooting mode recorded in the main body 100, for example, as described above, there may be a scene mode setting, a focus driving range setting, and the like. If the scene mode is set, the photographer can edit and input the shooting mode presented to the display unit 116 by the imaging device 10 according to the lens characteristics. Thereby, the imaging apparatus 10 can present an appropriate scene mode according to the lens characteristics of the lens unit 200 attached to the main body unit 100 and further according to the photographer's preference.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an imaging apparatus, a shooting mode selection method, and a computer program, and particularly applicable to an imaging apparatus, a shooting mode selection method, and a computer program that automatically determine a shooting mode.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging device 100 Main body part 102 Shutter 104 CMOS image sensor 106 Image input controller 108 Non-volatile memory 110 DSP / CPU
112 Compression Processing Circuit 114 LCD Driver 116 Display Unit 118 VRAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Memory 122 Media controller 124 Recording medium 126 Operation part 128 Driver 130 Motor 132 Battery 142 CDS circuit 144 A / D converter 151 Timing generator 152 I / O
153 SIO
154 AE / AWB / AF evaluation calculation unit 155 Appropriate AWB calculation unit 156 Image processing unit 157 AF calculation / control unit 158 AE calculation / control unit 159 GUI management unit 160 mode determination unit 200 lens unit 202 zoom lens 204 stop 206 focus lens 208 A / D converter 210 Lens CPU
211 SIO
212 ROM
214 RAM
216, 218 Driver 220, 222 Motor

Claims (12)

An imaging device having a plurality of preset shooting modes suitable for shooting a subject,
Shooting in which a shooting mode is selected from the plurality of shooting modes according to the lens characteristics of the interchangeable lens mounted, and a shooting mode that can be selected when the lens is mounted is selected from the selected shooting modes. A mode decision unit;
A shooting mode presentation unit that presents the shooting mode determined by the shooting mode determination unit on a screen;
With
The photographing mode determining unit is set in advance, in response to said instruction for instructing or remove Add photographing mode selected in accordance with the lens characteristics are preset for shooting mode and the determined, the lens characteristics An imaging apparatus comprising: adding or deleting a shooting mode selected in accordance with the selected shooting mode; and determining the shooting mode after the addition or deletion as a shooting mode that can be selected when the lens is attached . Prior Symbol shooting mode determination unit, and determines a photographing mode to get the lens characteristics to be mounted to identify the other lens, an imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores selectable shooting modes in association with information for individually identifying the lenses to be mounted.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information for individually identifying the lenses includes one or two or more per lens.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information for individually identifying the lens is a serial number.   6. The imaging mode determination unit according to claim 5, wherein the imaging mode determination unit determines different imaging modes that can be selected according to a difference in information for individually identifying the lenses even for the same type of lens. Imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shooting mode includes a scene mode for shooting a subject.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing mode includes a mode for switching a focus lens driving range of the lens.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing mode includes a focus mode in which focus processing of the lens is switched between auto focus and manual focus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens characteristics include at least one of a lens type, focal length information, subject distance information, and specific operation switching unit information. A shooting mode selection method for an imaging apparatus having a plurality of preset shooting modes suitable for shooting a subject,
A shooting mode determination step of selecting a shooting mode from the plurality of shooting modes according to the lens characteristics of the interchangeable lens to be mounted, and determining a selectable shooting mode from the selected shooting modes;
A shooting mode presenting step for presenting on the screen the shooting mode determined by the shooting mode determining step;
The preset shooting mode editing in response to an instruction for instructing or remove Add photographing mode selected in accordance with the lens characteristics, add or remove shooting mode to the shooting mode shooting mode presenting step is presented Steps,
Equipped with a,
The photographing mode determining step is characterized that you determine the shooting mode after being edited in the imaging mode editing step as a selectable shooting modes when mounting the said lens, shooting mode selection method of the imaging apparatus. A computer program for causing a computer to select a shooting mode of an imaging apparatus having a plurality of preset shooting modes suitable for shooting a subject,
A shooting mode determination step of selecting a shooting mode from the plurality of shooting modes according to the lens characteristics of the interchangeable lens to be mounted, and determining a selectable shooting mode from the selected shooting modes;
A shooting mode presenting step for presenting on the screen the shooting mode determined by the shooting mode determining step;
The preset shooting mode editing in response to an instruction for instructing or remove Add photographing mode selected in accordance with the lens characteristics, add or remove shooting mode to the shooting mode shooting mode presenting step is presented Steps,
Was executed,
The photographing mode determining step is characterized that you determine the shooting mode after being edited in the imaging mode editing step as a selectable shooting modes when mounting the said lens, the computer program.

Images