JP2005352163A - Camera, photographing recording method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera which can surely perform photographing recording while improving focal accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: A MCU304 for controlling imaging chooses a distance measuring system to be permitted corresponding to a photographing mode chosen by a mode dial 555 (step S103). When distance measurement of a hybrid system is chosen, the MCU304 for controlling imaging chooses a photographing recording system corresponding to photographing conditions (step S106). When present photographing mode is "full automatic" and the photographing condition is " moving object or diaphragm of ≥F11 or focal distance of ≤35mm", a recording system for performing first photographing recording after the first distance measurement is chosen. Contrarily when the photographing condition is except the conditions, a photographing recording system for performing the first distance measurement and the first photographing recording and second distance measurement and second photographing recording is chosen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera such as an electronic camera, a photographing recording method, and a program.

  Conventionally, in a single-lens reflex camera, TTL phase difference type distance measurement is used in many models. The TTL phase difference distance measuring system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera using a conventional TTL phase difference distance measuring system.

  In a camera using a conventional TTL phase difference ranging system, as shown in FIG. 25, the light incident on the lens 101 passes through the aperture 102 and the half mirror 103 and then is positioned behind the half mirror 103. The sub-mirror 104 is reflected toward the AF optical system 120 and enters the AF sensor 122. At the time of shooting, the half mirror 103 and the sub mirror 104 rotate upward to retract from the optical path, and the shutter 105 opens, so that the light from the lens 101 forms an image on the image sensor 106. The image signal from the image sensor 106 is input to the signal processing system 107. The signal processing system 107 records the image signal in the image recording unit 108 under the control of the system control unit 110.

  Next, a configuration example from the half mirror to the AF optical system in the phase difference type ranging system will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example from a half mirror to an AF optical system in a conventional phase difference ranging system, and FIG. 27 explains the principle of distance measurement in the phase difference ranging system of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the signal for.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the light incident from the lens passes through a main mirror (half mirror) 141 inclined by π / 4 (rad) with respect to the optical axis, and is lowered below by a sub-mirror 142 positioned behind the main mirror. Reflected towards. The reflected light passes through a primary focus surface 143 corresponding to a film surface, a filter 144 that cuts infrared light, and a field lens 145, and is guided to a lens 147 of a secondary optical system called an eyeglass lens, so that two images are obtained. And enters the AF sensor 148.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the AF sensor 148 has two imaging surfaces arranged side by side. The two images separated by the eyeglass lens 147 are imaged on the respective imaging surfaces on the AF sensor 148 as the intervals thereof differ depending on the focused state, the front pin state, and the rear pin state. In the distance measuring system, the lens is moved and brought into focus so that the distance between the two images becomes the in-focus distance ZOH. The moving amount of the lens is calculated based on the moving amount of the image plane obtained from the interval between the two images.

  In this way, the phase difference type distance measurement can measure the direction and amount of focus shift without moving the focusing lens, so the focusing lens is moved to the calculated position after the measurement. It is possible to move, and it is possible to predict the subject position at the moment of shooting by multiple times of distance measurement. Therefore, in snapshots for sports events and moving things such as trains, the time lag (time delay) from pressing the shutter button to shooting is shortened, and the composition and moment aimed by the photographer were in focus. A photograph can be taken. Further, since the focus lens is controlled by predicting the position where the subject is present at the moment of shooting, it is possible to take a moving subject with a focus accuracy that is almost the same as a stationary subject.

  However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 25, for example, the optical distance between the sub-mirror 104 and the image sensor 106, which is an interval related to photographing, is generally the sub-mirror 104 and the AF sensor 122, which are intervals related to distance measurement. Is not equal to the optical distance between and there is a difference between them. The difference between these optical distances is adjusted electronically during camera assembly adjustment, but the difference between the two optical distances is due to subsequent changes over time and temporary changes due to temperature and humidity. New differences may arise. This new difference causes a problem that the photograph is out of focus at the time of photographing by the TTL phase difference type distance measurement.

  This out-of-focus problem due to the different optical paths will be an important problem to be solved in future electronic cameras. This is because in the future, with regard to the imaging device of an electronic camera, the screen size will be reduced and the total number of pixels will increase, so the required ranging / focusing accuracy will be 35mm film so far. This is because the accuracy is required several times higher than that of a silver halide camera using the camera.

  Next, contrast-type distance measurement will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic camera using a conventional contrast-type distance measuring system, and FIG. 29 is an example of a lens position versus luminance signal high-frequency component characteristic curve in the contrast-type distance measuring system of FIG. FIG.

  Generally, in digital compact cameras, contrast-type distance measurement (also known as “hill-climbing AF” or “mountain-climbing servo autofocus (autofocus) system)” that performs contrast detection using the high-frequency component of the image sensor signal is performed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  As shown in FIG. 28, the light that has passed through the photographing lens 201 forms an image on an image sensor 202 such as a CCD, and R, G, and B signals are output from the image sensor 202, respectively. The R, G, and B signals are input to the white balance / γ circuit 204 via the sample hold / AGC circuit 203, and the white balance / γ circuit 204 receives the input R, G, and B signals. Apply gain adjustment and gamma processing. Each signal subjected to gain adjustment and gamma processing is further converted into a color difference signal and a luminance signal in the matrix circuit 205, and each signal is FM-modulated in the FM modulator 209 through the LPFs 206, 207, and 208. The FM modulated signal is converted into current by the recording amplifier 210 and then recorded on the recording medium by the magnetic head 211. Here, the luminance signal extracted from the matrix circuit 205 is input to the AF control signal generation circuit 212, and the AF control signal generation circuit 212 generates a distance measurement signal based on the input luminance signal.

  This distance measurement method using the AF control signal generation circuit 212 utilizes the fact that the high frequency component of the luminance signal is maximized at the time of focusing. The AF control signal generation circuit 212 uses a bandpass filter or the like. The high frequency component of the input luminance signal is extracted. For example, the relationship between the high frequency component of the luminance signal and the lens feed amount is expressed as a lens position versus luminance signal high frequency component characteristic curve shown in FIG. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the amount of extension of the lens, and the vertical axis represents the amount of the high frequency component. As is clear from the figure, the high frequency component is maximized at the in-focus position M3, and the high frequency component is small at the position M1 where the focus is greatly shifted.

  The ranging signal generated by the AF control signal generation circuit 212 is input to the system controller 213. The system controller 213 controls the extension amount of the lens 201 via the drive circuit 216 so that the high frequency component of the luminance signal is maximized based on the distance measurement signal. Further, in order to know where the in-focus position M3 is, a method of first scanning the lens 201 from infinity to a close position, and a method of detecting the inclination of the characteristic curve by finely moving the amount of extension of the lens 201 There is. In FIG. 29, when the lens position M1 and the point M2 are compared, since the high-frequency component at the lens position M2 is larger than the high-frequency component at the lens position M1, the focus position M3 is closer to the lens position M1. I understand that.

  In this way, in contrast-type distance measurement, distance measurement is performed based on the image captured by the image sensor, so it is driven for component errors, assembly errors, and focusing of the lens and lens barrel of the imaging optical system. A photograph with high focus accuracy can be obtained without being affected by the error of the lens position.

  However, the contrast-type distance measurement has the following problems.

  In order to know the in-focus position, it takes time to scan the photographic lens 1 from infinity to the closest position, so it is not suitable for a camera that requires a quick operation. Also, in the portion away from the in-focus position, the change in the high frequency component is small, so it is difficult to know whether the focus shift is the front pin or the rear pin.

  Because of these characteristics, it is possible to shoot subjects with little movement, such as landscape photographs and portrait photographs, with high focus accuracy. There is a possibility that the subject moves and cannot be focused during the focusing operation, or the focusing operation is not completed correctly and may be out of focus.

  Next, hybrid ranging will be described.

  To compensate for the disadvantages of phase difference ranging and contrast ranging, two methods, phase difference ranging and contrast ranging, enable fast focusing and precise focusing. A hybrid type distance measurement method has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). Here, in the hybrid distance measurement, means similar to those shown in FIG. 25 are provided as means for performing phase difference distance measurement. Further, the contrast type distance measuring means is configured by evaluating the contrast of the image received by the image sensor 106 in FIG. 25 and providing the signal processing system 107 with a function for performing distance measurement based on the evaluation value. Has been.

  In the hybrid method of distance measurement using these two methods, first, rough focusing is performed by phase difference method distance measurement, and then contrast method distance measurement is performed for accurate focus adjustment. . At the time of contrast-type distance measurement, since the approximate focus has already been performed by phase difference-type distance measurement, the range of movement of the lens is reduced. As a result, the overall focusing operation becomes faster, and the disadvantages of only contrast-type distance measurement are improved.

  However, in the case of this hybrid system distance measurement, compared with the case of only the phase difference type distance measurement, the overall focusing speed is still slow, so the time lag (time delay) from pressing the shutter button to shooting is long, In some cases, the photographer cannot take a composition or a momentary photograph. In addition, since the distance measurement is finally performed using a contrast-type distance measurement, the subject may not be able to focus due to the movement of the subject during the focusing operation during athletic events or taking snapshots of moving objects. A certain point occurs in the same way as a camera that performs only contrast-type distance measurement, and there is a possibility that focusing will not be completed correctly.

  In addition, in this conventional hybrid camera capable of ranging, if the subject is detected to be a moving object by means of detecting the movement of the subject, the contrast-type distance measurement is prohibited and the phase difference method is used. Cameras that shoot only with distance measurement have been proposed.

However, with a camera that performs such a hybrid distance measurement, if a subject happens to be stationary at the moment when the subject moves frequently like a child, the means for detecting the movement of the subject will detect the subject. After erroneously detecting a stationary object and performing phase difference type distance measurement, contrast type distance measurement is started. At this time, if the subject starts to move again, distance measurement becomes impossible and photography is impossible. As a result, a photo opportunity is missed.
JP 05-064056 A JP 2003-029135 A JP 2000-75197 A

  In this way, in the case of phase difference ranging, there is a possibility that a poorly focused photo may be obtained due to the environment or camera error, and in the case of contrast ranging, the overall focusing speed is slow, Depending on the subject, shooting may not be possible. Further, in the case of hybrid ranging, the overall focusing speed is slightly slow, and depending on the subject, it may not be possible to shoot. As a result, at present, it is difficult for an electronic camera to improve both the overall focusing speed and the focusing accuracy.

  In general, it is said that a contrast-type distance measurement can be used to take a better-focused picture than a phase-difference distance measurement. Limited to. Focusing of recorded images is based on contrast-based distance measurement, depending on factors such as the state of the subject (movement, shape, color, brightness) and release time lag (time taken from when the shutter button is pressed until shooting). Thus, the phase difference type distance measurement is often superior, and a photograph taken with the phase difference type distance measurement can be obtained with a better focus especially on a moving subject.

  In addition, when a subject with movement is photographed using contrast-type distance measurement or hybrid-type distance measurement, photographing is often impossible.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera, a photographing recording method, and a program capable of reliably performing photographing and recording while improving focus accuracy. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first distance measuring means, a second distance measuring means, a photographing lens, a first distance measuring means, and a second distance measuring means obtained by the first distance measuring means. In a camera including a lens driving unit that moves the photographic lens based on focal position information, after ranging by the first ranging unit, based on in-focus position information obtained by the first ranging unit The second distance measuring device after the distance measurement by the first image recording / recording means for moving the image pickup lens via the lens driving means to record the image and the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means. A second photographing / recording means for moving and photographing the photographing lens through the lens driving means based on the in-focus position information obtained by the means, the first photographing / recording means, and the second photographing / recording means. Shooting and recording with at least one of the shooting and recording means To provide a camera which is characterized in that a control means for controlling to.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first distance measuring means, a second distance measuring means, a photographing lens, a first distance measuring means, and a second distance measuring means obtained by the first distance measuring means. In a camera including a lens driving unit that moves the photographic lens based on focal position information, after ranging by the first ranging unit, based on in-focus position information obtained by the first ranging unit The second distance measuring device after the distance measurement by the first image recording / recording means for moving the image pickup lens via the lens driving means to record the image and the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means. Based on the in-focus position information obtained by the means, the photographic lens is moved via the lens driving means, and the photographic recording obtained by the first photographic recording means is performed by performing photographing recording. Obtained by the image and the second photographing and recording means Of the shadow image, to provide a camera which is characterized in that it comprises an image selection means for selecting one of the image as a valid image.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first distance measuring means, a second distance measuring means, a photographing lens, a first distance measuring means, and a second distance measuring means obtained by the first distance measuring means. In a photographing recording method of a camera comprising a lens driving means for moving the photographing lens based on focal position information, the focus obtained by the first distance measuring means after distance measurement by the first distance measuring means. Based on the position information, the second photographic lens is moved via the lens driving means to perform photographic recording, and the second finder after the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during the distance measurement. Control to execute at least one of the second shooting and recording by moving the shooting lens via the lens driving unit based on the focus position information obtained by the distance measuring unit. Providing a recording method characterized by

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first distance measuring means, a second distance measuring means, a photographing lens, a first distance measuring means, and a second distance measuring means obtained by the first distance measuring means. In a photographing recording method of a camera comprising a lens driving means for moving the photographing lens based on focal position information, the focus obtained by the first distance measuring means after distance measurement by the first distance measuring means. Based on the position information, the second photographic lens is moved via the lens driving means to perform photographic recording, and the second finder after the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during the distance measurement. A shooting and recording step of performing both of the second shooting and recording by moving the shooting lens via the lens driving unit and performing shooting and recording based on the focus position information obtained by the distance measuring unit; The captured image obtained by the first shooting record and the above Among the captured image obtained by the second imaging recording, it provides a photographic recording method characterized by comprising an image selection step of selecting one of the image as a valid image.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first distance measuring means, a second distance measuring means, a photographing lens, a first distance measuring means, and a second distance measuring means obtained by the first distance measuring means. In a program for controlling a camera comprising a lens driving unit that moves the photographic lens based on focal position information, obtained by the first ranging unit after ranging by the first ranging unit Based on the in-focus position information, the photographic lens is moved via the lens driving unit, and the first photographic recording for performing photographic recording and the distance measurement by the second distance measuring unit or during the distance measurement, Control is performed so as to execute at least one of the second photographing and recording in which the photographing lens is moved through the lens driving unit based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring unit and the photographing and recording is performed. A program characterized by To provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first distance measuring means, a second distance measuring means, a photographing lens, a first distance measuring means, and a second distance measuring means obtained by the first distance measuring means. In a program for controlling a camera comprising a lens driving unit that moves the photographic lens based on focal position information, obtained by the first ranging unit after ranging by the first ranging unit Based on the in-focus position information, the photographic lens is moved via the lens driving unit, and the first photographic recording for performing photographic recording and the distance measurement by the second distance measuring unit or during the distance measurement, An imaging / recording module that executes both of the second imaging recording by moving the imaging lens via the lens driving unit based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring unit and performing imaging recording; , Obtained by the first shooting record Captured image and of said second captured image obtained by photographing the recording was to provide a program characterized by comprising an image selection module for selecting one of the image as a valid image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably perform shooting and recording while improving focus accuracy.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a case where the camera of FIG. 1 is in an exposure state. Here, FIG. 1 shows a case where the camera is in the viewfinder observation state.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera according to the present embodiment is a single-lens reflex digital still camera with interchangeable lenses, and captures an image formed by a solid-state image sensor 172. In the present camera, an interchangeable lens 1 for an autofocus single-lens reflex camera using a silver salt film as a recording medium can be used.

  The interchangeable lens 1 includes a photographing optical system 2, a first driving unit 3 that adjusts the focal position of the photographing optical system 2, and a control circuit 4. The interchangeable lens 1 is detachably coupled to the camera body 5, and electrical signals are exchanged between the control circuit 4 of the interchangeable lens 1 and the camera body 5.

  The subject image captured by the photographic optical system 2 is guided to the finder screen 7 by the first mirror 6 whose central portion is a half mirror. The finder screen 7 is composed of a screen in which a diffusion surface is formed on the lower surface side and a Fresnel lens is formed on the upper surface side. The subject image guided to the finder screen 7 forms an image on the diffusion surface of the finder screen 7 and is condensed by the Fresnel lens. The subject image is observed as a finder image through the ender prism 8 and the finder lens 9.

  In the finder observation state, a part of the light beam that has passed through the central portion of the first mirror 6 is guided to the AF sensor 11 by the second mirror 10. The output signal of the AF sensor 11 is input to the first focus evaluation unit 12, and the first focus evaluation unit 12 calculates a defocus amount based on the output signal of the AF sensor 11. The calculated defocus amount is input to the first focusing means 13 via the camera control MCU (camera control microcontroller) 531. The first focusing means 13 sends a control signal for controlling the movement amount of the photographing optical system 2 to the control circuit 4 of the interchangeable lens 1 based on the input defocus amount. The control circuit 4 controls the photographic optical system 2 to move to the in-focus position via the first driving unit 3 based on the control signal. The focusing accuracy by such an operation depends on the detection accuracy of the first focusing evaluation unit 12 and the movement accuracy of the photographing optical system 2. Here, the obtained accuracy is ± x1 mm in terms of imaging surface.

  Behind the first mirror 6, a focal plane shutter 14 for controlling the blocking of the passage of the imaging light beam is disposed. At the time of exposure, as shown in FIG. 2, the first mirror 6 and the second mirror 10 are flipped up, and the focal plane shutter 14 is opened. As a result, the subject image captured by the photographing optical system 2 is formed on the solid-state image sensor 172 made of a CCD or the like. The output signal of the solid-state imaging device 172 is input to the image processing unit 18, and the image processing unit 18 processes the output signal of the solid-state imaging device 172 to extract image contrast information. Further, the image processing unit 18 performs various processes such as white balance, γ processing, and color matrix processing on the output signal of the solid-state imaging device 172. Thereby, captured image data is obtained, and this captured image data is stored in the memory card A 313a or the memory card B 313b. The photographed image data is displayed on a color monitor 305 including a liquid crystal display panel.

  The contrast information extracted by the image processing means 18 is input to the second focus evaluation means 19 via the camera control MCU 531. The second focus evaluation means 19 performs focus position evaluation based on the contrast information extracted by the image processing means 18. The focus evaluation value of the second focus evaluation means 19 is input to the first focus means 13 via the camera control MCU 531, and the first focus means 13 receives the input focus evaluation value. The control signal for controlling the moving amount of the photographing optical system 2 is sent to the control circuit 4 of the interchangeable lens 1 based on the above. The control circuit 4 performs control so as to adjust the position of the photographing optical system 2 via the first driving unit 3 based on the control signal.

  Next, detailed configurations of the image processing means 18 and the camera control MCU 531 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing detailed configurations of the image processing means 18 and the camera control MCU 531 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing means 18 has an A / D converter 302 for converting the output signal of the solid-state imaging device 172 into a digital signal, and an image for processing the digital signal from the A / D converter 302. A signal processing IC 303, an imaging control MCU 304, a flash memory 306, a JPEG IC 307, a DRAM 308, a serial I / F (interface) 309 for connecting the serial bus 312, a memory card A 313a, and a memory card B 313b are connected. A memory card I / F 310. Image signal processing IC 303, imaging control MCU 304, flash memory 306, JPEGIC 307, DRAM 308, serial I / F 309, and memory card I / F 310 are connected to data bus 311.

  A release button switch 503 and a main switch 507 are connected to the camera control MCU 531. In the camera control MCU 531, a ROM 531b for storing a program for executing a camera operation, a RAM 531a for storing variables, and an EEPROM (electrically erasable / writable memory for storing correction data and other parameters: FIG. (Not shown).

  The camera control MCU 531 is connected to the imaging control MCU 304 via the communication line 320, and the imaging control MCU 304 controls the imaging operation of the digital image in accordance with the instruction of the camera control MCU 531. The procedure of the imaging operation by the imaging control MCU 304 is described in a program stored in the flash memory 306 in advance.

  By a release operation by pressing the release button switch 503, a subject image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 172, and the formed subject image is converted into an image signal. This image signal is converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 302, and this digital image data is subjected to color interpolation processing, filtering processing, and the like by the image signal processing IC 303. The processed digital image data is temporarily stored in the DRAM 308 via the data bus 311. Digital image data stored in the DRAM 308 is displayed on the color monitor 305 as necessary. The digital image data is compressed by the JPEGIC 307 and written to the removable memory card A 313a or the memory card 313b via the memory card I / F 310. Further, by outputting digital image data to the serial bus 312 via the serial I / F 309, it is possible to distribute the image data on the network.

  Next, a finder screen observed by the photographer through the finder lens 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a finder screen observed by a photographer through the finder lens 9 in the camera of FIG.

  As a viewfinder screen that the photographer observes through the viewfinder lens 9, there is a screen as shown in FIG. On this screen, seven distance measuring points are displayed. Each distance measuring point is arranged according to an arrangement of 3 rows and 5 columns. Here, for the sake of explanation, reference numerals A3, B1 to B5, and C3 are given to the distance measuring points in order from the upper left.

  Although not shown, the camera body 5 incorporates a mechanism for detecting a photographer's line of sight and selecting a distance measuring point with the line of sight as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-191360. ing.

  Next, operation buttons and operation dials provided on the upper and rear surfaces of the camera will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 is a rear view of the camera of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the mode dial 555 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a release button 551 is provided at the top of the camera. When the release button 551 is pressed, a release button switch 503 inside is turned on. A mode dial 555 for selecting a shooting control method is disposed on the upper left side of the camera. As shown in FIG. 6, the mode dial 555 is a dial having a circular planar shape, and symbols corresponding to various modes are printed on the upper surface of the dial. By rotating the mode dial 555 so that one of the symbols on the mode dial 555 matches the mode indicator printed on the camera body 105, the shooting mode corresponding to the symbol that matches the mode indicator is selected. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 6, the mode dial 555 is in the locked position where the power is turned off. When the mode dial 555 is rotated from this state and the mode is selected, the main switch 507 is turned on at the same time.

  Further, a right side selection button 552, a left side selection button 553, and an unnecessary confirmation button 554 are provided on the back of the camera body 5. Here, processing contents associated with the operation of these buttons will be described later.

  Next, the operation of the camera will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the camera of FIG. 1, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of step S108 in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a blow chart showing details of step S110 in FIG. 7, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a blow chart showing the details of step S105 in FIG. 7. Here, the procedure shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the imaging control MCU 304.

  When the main switch 507 of the camera is turned on, as shown in FIG. 7, the imaging control MCU 304 first waits for the release button switch 503 to be turned on (step S101), and when the release button switch 503 is turned on, A distance measuring point that the photographer in the viewfinder is looking at is detected, and the detected distance measuring point is selected (step S102).

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 selects a distance measurement method to be permitted according to the shooting mode selected by the mode dial 555 (step S103). For example, when the shooting mode is “sport mode”, the first distance measurement (phase difference distance measurement) is selected as the distance measurement method to be permitted. When the shooting mode is “landscape mode”, the second distance measurement (contrast distance measurement) is selected. Further, when the shooting mode is the “fully automatic” mode, the hybrid type distance measurement that permits both the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement is selected.

  The detailed relationship between the shooting mode and the distance measurement method permitted in accordance therewith is as shown in Table 1. According to this table, the distance measurement method permitted according to the selected shooting mode is selected. .

  Here, when the hybrid type distance measurement is selected, the imaging control MCU 304 selects an imaging recording method according to the imaging conditions (step S106). Here, when the current shooting mode is “full automatic” and the shooting condition is “moving object, aperture F11 or more, focal length 35 mm or less”, recording for performing the first shooting and recording after the first distance measurement. A method is selected. On the other hand, when the shooting conditions are other than the above-described conditions, a shooting recording method for performing the first distance measurement and the first shooting record and the second distance measurement and the second shooting record is selected. The relationship between the shooting conditions and the shooting recording method is as shown in Table 1 above.

  When the recording method for performing the first distance measurement and the first shooting record and the second distance measurement and the second shooting record is selected in step S106, the imaging control MCU 304 selects the first distance measurement. Is performed (step S107). Here, the first distance measurement refers to phase difference type distance measurement using the AF sensor 11. Specifically, the first focus evaluation unit 12 calculates a focus shift amount and its direction based on the output of the AF sensor 11, and the camera control MCU 531 calculates the focus shift amount and its direction. Based on this, the first driving means 3 is driven through the control circuit 4 in the interchangeable lens 1. As a result, when the photographing optical system 2 is in focus, the photographing optical system 2 is moved out to the calculated position. Further, once again, the AF sensor 11 is used to perform distance measurement for checking whether the focus is within the in-focus range. Charging is done.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 performs first imaging recording (step S108). Specifically, in the first shooting and recording, as shown in FIG. 8, first, a diaphragm (not shown) in the interchangeable lens 1 is narrowed down to a set value (step S1081). The mirror 6 is retracted from the optical path (step S1802). Next, the focal plane shutter 14 is opened (step S1083), and the electronic shutter is activated (step S1084). Then, the electric control exposure to the solid-state image sensor 172 is completed. The output signal of the solid-state image sensor 172 is converted into digital image data by the above-described image processing method, and this digital image data is recorded on the memory card A 313a (step S1085). Here, since the retracted first mirror 6 performs the second distance measurement in the next step S109, it is not returned and is held in the retracted state.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 performs second distance measurement (step S109). Here, the second distance measurement refers to contrast-type distance measurement. In this distance measurement, the diaphragm in the interchangeable lens 1 is narrowed down to a value set in advance for contrast-type distance measurement, and a subject image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 172.

Then, contrast-type distance measurement (mountain climbing AF) is performed as follows.
(A1) From the solid-state image sensor 172, an image of a portion corresponding to the position of the distance measuring point in the angle of view is read at high speed.
(A2) Image contrast information is extracted by the image processing means 18.
(A3) The contrast evaluation information of the image is evaluated and stored by the second focus evaluation means 19. When there is a previous evaluation value, a comparison with the previous evaluation value is performed, and when there is no previous evaluation value, the evaluation value is stored.
(A4) The photographing optical system 2 is moved to the in-focus position by the first driving means 3.

  The peak position of the contrast of the image is detected by the above (A1) to (A3), and the photographing optical system 2 is moved to this position as the in-focus position. In this case, the search for hill-climbing AF is performed in the range of ± x2 mm (x2 ≧ x1) in terms of the imaging surface in Δxmm (Δx <1/2 (x1)) steps. When there is no effective variation in the evaluation value in the search in the range of ± x2 mm, the in-focus position of the photographing optical system 2 is set at a predetermined position. FIG. 10 schematically shows a contrast change state due to driving of the photographing optical system 2.

  Then, after focusing, the imaging control MCU 304 performs the second shooting recording (step S110). In the second shooting record, the shot image data is recorded in the memory card B 313b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the focal plane shutter 14 is temporarily closed (step S1101), and the aperture is reduced to the aperture value set for photographing (step S1102). Then, the focal plane shutter 14 is opened again, and exposure to the solid-state image sensor 172 is started (step S1103). Next, the electronic shutter is activated, and the electric control exposure to the solid-state image sensor 172 is completed (step S1104). The image captured by the solid-state image sensor 172 is converted into digital image data by the above-described image processing method, and this digital image data is recorded in the memory card B 313b (step S1105). Then, in order to return the camera to the viewfinder observation state, the focal plane shutter 14 is closed (step S1106), the first mirror 6 is returned to the optical path (step S1107), and the aperture is returned to the open state (step S1108). ). Then, the imaging control MCU 304 ends this process.

  When the first distance measurement is selected in step S103, the imaging control MCU 304 performs the first distance measurement in the same manner as in step S107 (step S104), and then performs the first shooting and recording (step S104). Step S105). Here, in the first shooting and recording, specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, first, a diaphragm (not shown) in the interchangeable lens 1 is narrowed down to a set value (step S1051). The mirror 6 and the second mirror 10 are retracted from the optical path (step S1052). Next, the focal plane shutter 14 is opened (step S1053), and the electronic shutter is activated (step S1054). Then, the electric control exposure to the solid-state image sensor 172 is completed. The output signal of the solid-state image sensor 172 is converted into digital image data by the above-described image processing method (step S1055), and the focal plane shutter 14 is closed (step S1056). The digital image data is recorded on the memory card A313a (step S1057). When the first shooting / recording is completed in this way, the imaging control MCU 304 ends this processing.

  When the second distance measurement is selected in step S103, the imaging control MCU 304 performs the second distance measurement (step S113). In the second distance measurement, after the first mirror 6 and the second mirror 10 are retracted from the optical path, the same operation as in step S109 is performed. Subsequently, the imaging control MCU 304 performs second imaging recording similar to step S110 (step S114). Then, the imaging control MCU 304 ends this process.

  When the shooting recording method for performing the first shooting and recording after the first distance measurement is selected in step S106, the imaging control MCU 304 performs the first distance measurement (step S111). Since this first distance measurement is the same as the first distance measurement in step S104, description thereof is omitted. Next, the imaging control MCU 304 performs first imaging recording (step S112). Since the first shooting record is the same as the first shooting record in step S105, description thereof is omitted. Then, the imaging control MCU 304 ends this process.

The accuracy and range relationship of the focusing operation of the present embodiment is as follows (see FIG. 10).
(B1) 1st ranging Focus adjustment range Subject distance infinity to close distance (about 0.5m)
Image plane conversion x1 (depends on interchangeable lens 101)
Focus detection accuracy Image surface ± 1 / 2x1mm
Focus adjustment resolution Image plane 1 / 2x1mm
Guaranteed focus accuracy Image surface Within ± x1 mm (B2) Second distance measurement Focus adjustment range Image surface ± x2 mm (x2 ≧ x1)
Focus detection resolution Focus adjustment resolution depending on contrast peak Image plane △ xmm (△ x <1 / 2x1)
Guaranteed Focusing Accuracy Within ± Δxmm As described above, for the first distance measurement, the focus adjustment resolution is minimized while the focus adjustment range is wide. Due to this effect, the first distance measurement can operate at a sufficiently high speed. On the other hand, in the second distance measurement, based on the result of the first distance measurement, the focus adjustment resolution is sufficient instead of the focus adjustment range being limited to ± x2 mm around the position where the contrast peak is supposed to exist. Is set to a fine Δxmm. Due to this effect, since the second ranging has a narrow operating range, high-speed operation is possible, and the focus adjustment can be performed with sufficiently fine accuracy. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to use the same lens driving mechanism and AF sensor 11 used for the first distance measurement as those of a conventional autofocus single-lens reflex camera using a silver salt film. . Further, by detecting the contrast of the sensor output for performing the second distance measurement, it is possible to obtain a higher accuracy of focusing regardless of what sensor is used for the first distance measurement.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the distance measuring method is automatically selected based on the selection result of the photographing mode by the mode dial 555, the operation of the photographer can be simplified and reliable. It is possible to select a ranging method. As a result, it is possible to reliably perform shooting and recording while improving the focus accuracy.

  In addition, since the shooting and recording method is automatically selected based on whether the subject is a moving object, the aperture value, or the focal length of the attached shooting lens, the operation of the photographer is simplified and reliable shooting is performed. The recording method can be selected.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation of the camera in the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a case of taking a snapshot with the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image obtained by the first photographing record (step S204) in the case of snapshot photography, and FIG. 16 is a second diagram in the case of snapshot photography. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a storage structure of image data stored in the memory card A 313a, and FIG. 17B is an image stored in the memory card B 313b. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a data storage structure, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of the image selection result in step S210 of FIG. 13, and FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a composition when continuous shooting is performed by the camera according to FIG. 20, FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a captured image obtained by the first shooting record (step S204) in the case of continuous shooting, and FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image obtained by the second photographing record (step S206) in the case of photographing, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an image display example of the color monitor 305 in step S209 of FIG. 13, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the storage structure of the image data in A313a.

  Here, the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 6), and the same reference numerals are given to the same blocks or members, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the first distance measurement, the first shooting record, the second distance measurement, the second distance measurement, the first distance measurement, the first distance measurement, the first distance measurement, the second distance measurement, the second distance measurement, and the second distance measurement. 2 is different in that shooting and recording is performed. Also, the shooting is continued while the release button 551 is continuously pressed, and only one shooting sequence is performed when the release button 551 is pressed momentarily. The temporary storage location of the captured image is different, and the DRAM 308 and the memory card A 313a are selectively used depending on whether the shooting is continuous shooting or single shooting.

  Next, the operation of the camera of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation of the camera in the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, a series of operations in the case of taking a snapshot will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the imaging control MCU 304 first waits for the release button switch 503 to be turned on (step S201), and when the release button switch 503 is turned on, the distance measurement that the photographer in the finder looks at. A point is detected, and the detected distance measuring point is selected (step S202). Here, for example, it is assumed that the camera is directed toward the subject so that the composition shown in FIG. 14 is obtained, and the distance measuring point A3 (see FIG. 5) is used as the distance measuring point that the photographer in the viewfinder looks at. ) Is detected. This distance measuring point A3 is a distance measuring point corresponding to the eye position of the subject person.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 performs first distance measurement (step S203). This first distance measurement is a phase difference distance measurement using the AF sensor 11, and the contents thereof are as described above. Subsequently, the imaging control MCU 304 performs first imaging recording (step S204). In the first shooting and recording, the focal plane shutter 14 is opened and closed and shooting is performed. The captured image data is temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, “CDSC0203MAIN.jpg” is added to the captured image data as a file name at the time of temporary storage, and is saved.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 performs second distance measurement (step S205). The second distance measurement is a contrast-type distance measurement using an image formed on the solid-state image sensor 172. Subsequently, the imaging control MCU 304 performs second imaging recording (step S206). In this second shooting record, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the file name “CDSC0203SUB.jpg” at the time of temporary storage is attached to the shot image data, and is temporarily stored in the DRAM 308.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 determines whether or not the release button switch 503 has been turned off (step S207). Here, since the shooting is a snap photo shooting, the release button switch 503 shifts to an OFF state. When the release button switch 503 is turned off, the imaging control MCU 304 determines a distance measuring point in each of the image of the file name “CDSC0203MAIN.jpg” and the image of the file name “CDSC0203SUB.jpg” temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. The contrast distributions of the center image of A3 are compared, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the composition of each photographed subject (subject placement) is the same (step S208).

  If it is determined in step S208 that the composition of the subject photographed (subject placement) is the same, the imaging control MCU 304 and the image of the file name “CDSC0203MAIN.jpg” temporarily stored in the DRAM 308 The contrast of the center image of the distance measuring point A3 in each of the images with the file name “CDSC0203SUB.jpg” is compared, and the images are selected based on the comparison result (step S210). Specifically, the two images are sorted into an image with a high contrast and an image with a low contrast, and the sorting result is displayed on a color monitor 305 provided on the back of the camera body 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, two images are enlarged at the center of the distance measuring point A3 selected at the time of shooting, and are displayed side by side. Further, the distance measuring point A3 at this time is highlighted as a rectangular frame. Then, in order to show that the image of “CDSC0203SUB.jpg” is selected as an image having a high contrast, this image is displayed with “Good AF”. Further, this image is displayed with “Bad AF” attached to indicate that the image of “CDSC0203MAIN.jpg” has been selected as an image with low contrast.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 changes the name of the image selected as a high-contrast image and records it on the memory card A313a (step S211). In the example of FIG. 18, the name “CDSC0203SUB.jpg” of the image with high contrast is changed to “CDSC0203.jpg”. Subsequently, the imaging control MCU 304 changes the name of the image selected as an image having a low contrast and records it in the memory card B 313b (step S212). In the case of the example of FIG. 18, the name “CDSC0203MAIN.jpg” of the image with low contrast is changed to a name such as “CDSC0203BAD.jpg” that can be recognized as a bad image. Then, the imaging control MCU 304 ends this process.

  In the above case, as shown in FIG. 17A, a folder with the name “CDS200GOOD” for storing an image with high contrast is created in the memory card A313a. In this folder, an image selected as an image with high contrast, for example, an image of “CDSC0203.jpg” is stored. As supplementary information associated with the image of “CDSC0203.jpg”, the shooting date and time “2003/06/12 13:20:03” and the other image (CDSC0203BAD with low contrast) .jpg ”) and the name (file name)“ CDSC0203BAD.jpg ”of the image are recorded.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, a folder with the name “CDS200BAD” for storing an image with low contrast is created in the memory card B313b. In this folder, an image selected as an image having a low contrast, for example, an image of “CDSC0203BAD.jpg” is stored. As supplementary information associated with the image of “CDSC0203BAD.jpg”, the shooting date and time “2003/06/12 13:20:02” and the other image continuously shot (the image “CDSC0203 with high contrast” .jpg ") and the name of the image" CDSC0203.jpg "are recorded.

  Next, a series of operations in the case of continuously shooting moving objects such as runners in athletic meet will be described. Here, for example, it is assumed that the camera is pointed at the runner of the athletic meet so that the composition shown in FIG. 19 can be obtained. Further, it is assumed that the distance measuring point A3 corresponding to the position of the runner's eyes is selected. Then, the first distance measurement (step S203), the first shooting record (step S204), the second distance measurement (step S205), and the second shooting record (step S206) are performed. Here, the image shot by the first shooting record is given the name “CDSC0204MAIN.jpg” and is temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. As shown in FIG. 20, this image is almost the same as the composition shown in FIG. 19, and the focus position is also matched with the runner's eyes within the accuracy limit of the phase difference method. The image shot by the second shooting record is given the name “CDSC0204SUB.jpg” and is temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. As shown in FIG. 21, since the time has elapsed since the first recording as shown in FIG. 21, unlike the composition shown in FIG. 20, the focus is focused on the building behind the runner with high accuracy of the contrast method. It is a state of being.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 determines whether or not the release button switch 503 has been turned off (step S207). Here, since the shooting is continuous shooting, the release button switch 503 is kept on. Therefore, the imaging control MCU 304 transfers the “CDSC0204MAIN.jpg” image and the “CDSC0204SUB.jpg” image, which have already been temporarily stored, to the memory card A 313a and records them without changing their names. This is because, since continuous shooting (continuous shooting) is performed, if the captured image is stored only in the DRAM 308, the storage capacity of the DRAM 308 may be insufficient during continuous shooting.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 returns to step S202 to perform the next shooting. In this next shooting, an image shot by the first shooting record is given a name “CDSC0205MAIN.jpg” and temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. Further, the image shot by the second shooting record is given the name “CDSC0205SUB.jpg” and is temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. When the next shooting is performed, the image of “CDSC0205MAIN.jpg” and the image of “CDSC0205SUB.jpg” are transferred to the memory card A 313a and recorded without changing the names of the images.

  When it is determined in step S207 that the release button switch 503 has been turned off, that is, when continuous shooting is finished, the imaging control MCU 304 is temporarily stored in the memory card A 313a or the DRAM 308. The contrast distribution of the center image of the distance measuring point in each of the image shot by the shooting record and the image shot by the second shooting record corresponding thereto is compared, and each shot is taken based on the comparison result It is determined whether or not the composition of the subject (arrangement of the subject) is the same (step S208). Here, for example, in comparison between the image of “CDSC0204MAIN.jpg” and the image of “CDSC0204SUB.jpg” temporarily stored in the memory card A 313a, as shown in FIGS. Therefore, it is determined that these two images are different from each other. Further, when there are images to be compared, whether or not these images are the same is also compared. Here, as images to be compared, there are an image of “CDSC0205MAIN.jpg” and an image of “CDSC0205SUB.jpg” temporarily stored in the DRAM 308. These two images are determined to be different from each other.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 displays the determination result in step S208 on the color monitor 305 provided on the back surface of the camera body 5 (step S209). For example, as shown in FIG. 22, two corresponding images are enlarged at the center of the distance measuring point A3 selected at the time of shooting and displayed side by side. Further, the distance measuring point A3 at this time is highlighted as a rectangular frame. Further, under each image, “first image”, “second image” and a display indicating the photographing order are displayed.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 separates the two images displayed on the color monitor 305 into unnecessary images and necessary images in accordance with the selection operation by the photographer (step S214). This is because the camera cannot automatically determine which one of the two images is necessary, and the photographer needs to select an unnecessary image by manual operation. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 22, the photographer looks at the two images enlarged on the color monitor 305, determines that the “CDSC0204SUB.jpg” image on the right side, which is out of focus, is unnecessary, and selects the right side. Button 552 is pressed. Then, the photographer presses an unnecessary confirmation button 554. Through this series of operations, the image “CDSC0204SUB.jpg” is sorted as an unnecessary image. At this time, if the left selection button 553 is not pressed, the image “CDSC0205MAIN.jpg” is classified as a necessary image.

  In addition, regarding the images of “CDSC0205MAIN.jpg” and “CDSC0205SUB.jpg” that are continuously shot, the image of “CDSC0205SUB.jpg” is selected as an unnecessary image by the photographer.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 changes the name of the image selected by the photographer as the necessary image and records it on the memory card A313a (step S215). For example, an image of “CDSC0204MAIN.jpg” sorted as a necessary image is renamed “CDSC0204.jpg” and recorded in the memory card A313a. Similarly, the image of “CDSC0205MAIN.jpg” is renamed to “CDSC0205.jpg” and recorded in the memory card A313a.

  Next, the imaging control MCU 304 changes the name of the image selected by the photographer as an unnecessary image and records the image on the memory card B 313b (step S216). For example, an image of “CDSC0204SUB.jpg” judged to be unnecessary by the photographer is changed to a name such as “CDSC0204BAD.jpg” that can be recognized as a bad image, and is recorded in the memory card B 313b. Similarly, the name of the image “CDSC0205SUB.jpg” is changed to “CDSC0205BAD.jpg” and recorded on the memory card B313b. Then, the imaging control MCU 304 ends this process.

  The image selected as a necessary image by the photographer, for example, the image “CDSC0204.jpg” is stored in the folder “CDSC200GOOD” in the memory card A 313a as shown in FIG. As information, the shooting date and time “2003/06/13 13:22:35” and the name of the memory card “B” in which the other consecutively captured image (the image selected as an unnecessary image) is recorded The name of the image “CDSC0204BAD.jpg” is recorded.

  Further, an image selected as an unnecessary image by the photographer, for example, an image “CDSC0204BAD.jpg” is stored in a folder “CDSC200BAD” in the memory card B313b as shown in FIG. As information, the shooting date and time “2003/06/13 13:22:36” and the name of the memory card “A” in which the other consecutively captured image (the image selected as the necessary image) is recorded The name “CDSC0204.jpg” of the image is recorded.

  Similarly, with respect to the image “CDSC0205.jpg” and the image “CDSC0205BAD.jpg”, the respective images are stored in the “CDSC200GOOD” folder in the memory card A313a and the “CDSC200BAD” folder in the memory card B313b. Each is stored, and each incidental information is recorded.

  In this embodiment, an image classified as an unnecessary image is recorded in the memory card B 313b. However, as shown in FIG. 23, a good image (contrast is obtained) in one memory card A 313a. "CDSC200GOOD" folder that stores high images or images selected as necessary images) and "CDSC200BAD" folder that stores bad images (images with low contrast or images that are not required) A good image may be created and stored in a folder “CDSC200GOOD” and a bad image may be stored in a folder “CDSC200BAD”.

  Further, only the good image may be stored in, for example, the memory card A313a, and the bad image may be automatically deleted.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably perform shooting and recording while improving the focus accuracy.

  Also, when the imaging control MCU 304 automatically determines whether the image is in good focus or bad, the determination result is displayed on the color monitor 305, so that the photographer can check the determination result visually. .

  In addition, when recording an image with good focus and a bad image on the memory card, as a supplementary information of the good image, the memory card name of the storage destination of the corresponding bad image and the name of the image as the supplementary information of the bad image, Since the name of the memory card for storing the corresponding good image and the name of the image are recorded, it is possible to easily search for the corresponding image after shooting.

  Furthermore, when the captured image is finally saved, the name (file name) is changed from the name when temporarily saved to a name that makes it easy to determine whether the image is good or bad. can do.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the second mirror 10 is not provided and the AF sensor 11 used for the first phase difference method distance measurement is replaced with an external device. The difference is that an active AF sensor 611 is provided.

  This externally active AF sensor 611 includes a light projecting unit 611a and a light receiving unit 611b, and infrared light for ranging is projected from the light projecting unit 611a toward the subject, and reflected light from the subject is received. The light is received by the unit 611b. Then, the distance to the subject is measured (ranging) based on the principle of triangulation.

  The present embodiment operates in substantially the same procedure as in the first embodiment. However, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, an external active AF sensor 611 is used for the first distance measurement in steps S104, S107, and S111. Here, infrared light is projected from the light projecting unit 611a of the AF sensor 611 toward the subject. Then, the reflected light from the subject is received by the light receiving unit 611b, and the position where the infrared light in the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 611b is incident is calculated by the first focus evaluation unit 12, and according to the principle of triangulation, The distance to the subject is required.

  Instead of the external active AF sensor 611, an external passive AF sensor may be used.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, since the externally active AF sensor 611 is used, distance measurement is possible even when the subject is dim.

  An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) that records software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to perform a computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved when the MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. The case where the CPU of the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the case where the camera of FIG. 1 exists in an exposure state. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating detailed configurations of an image processing unit 18 and a camera control MCU 531 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a finder screen observed by a photographer via a finder lens 9 in the camera of FIG. 1. It is a rear view of the camera of FIG. It is a top view of the mode dial 555 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S108 of FIG. It is a blow chart which shows the detail of step S110 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state of contrast change due to driving of the photographing optical system 2; It is a blow chart which shows the detail of step S105 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation | movement of the camera in the camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation | movement of the camera in the camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a composition in the case of performing snapshot photography with the camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the picked-up image obtained by the 1st imaging | photography recording (step S204) in the case of snapshot photography. It is a figure which shows an example of the picked-up image obtained by the 2nd imaging | photography recording (step S206) in the case of snapshot photography. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the storage structure of image data in memory card A313a, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the storage structure of image data in memory card B313b. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the selection result of the image of step S210 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a composition in the case of performing continuous imaging | photography with the camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the picked-up image obtained by the 1st imaging | photography recording (step S204) in the case of continuous imaging | photography. It is a figure which shows an example of the picked-up image obtained by the 2nd imaging | photography recording (step S206) in the case of continuous imaging | photography. It is a figure which shows the example of an image display of the color monitor 305 in step S209 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the storage structure of the image data in memory card A313a. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic camera using the conventional TTL phase difference type ranging system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example from a half mirror to AF optical system in the conventional phase difference type distance measuring system. It is a figure which shows an example of the signal for demonstrating the principle of ranging in the phase difference type ranging system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the electronic camera using the conventional distance measuring system of a contrast system. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lens position versus luminance signal high-frequency component characteristic curve in the contrast-type distance measuring system of FIG. 28.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Interchangeable lens 2 Imaging optical system 5 Camera main body 11 AF sensor 12 1st focus evaluation means 13 1st focus means 18 Image processing means 19 2nd focus evaluation means 304 Imaging | photography control MCU
305 Color monitor 306 Flash memory 308 DRAM
313a, 313b Memory card 531 Camera control MCU
611 External AF sensor

Claims (18)

The photographing lens is moved based on in-focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, the second distance measuring means, the photographing lens, and the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means. In a camera comprising lens driving means for
After the distance is measured by the first distance measuring means, the photographing lens is moved via the lens driving means on the basis of the focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, and the first recording is performed. Photographing recording means,
After the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during the distance measurement, the photographing lens is moved via the lens driving means based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring means, and photographing is performed. A second photographing recording means for recording;
A camera comprising: control means for controlling to perform photographing recording by at least one of the first photographing recording means and the second photographing recording means.   The control means includes distance measurement method permission means for permitting distance measurement by at least one of the first distance measurement means and the second distance measurement means, and the first distance measurement by the distance measurement method permission means. When the distance measurement by both the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means is permitted, the recording with the first photographing recording means is performed according to a predetermined condition, or the first photographing recording means is performed. Photographing recording method selection means for selecting whether to perform photographing recording by both the second photographing recording means, and the first photographing recording means and the second photographing recording means by the photographing recording method selection means, If it is selected to perform shooting and recording by both of the above, shooting of either one of the shot image obtained by the first shooting and recording means and the shot image obtained by the second shooting and recording means is performed. Characterized by enabling images Motomeko 1, wherein the camera.   When the focal length of the photographing lens is equal to or less than a preset focal length, the photographing / recording method selection unit selects to perform photographing / recording only with the first photographing / recording unit, and the focal length of the photographing lens 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein when the focal length exceeds a preset focal length, it is selected to perform photographing recording by both the first photographing recording means and the second photographing recording means. .   When the aperture value at the time of shooting of the photographic lens is equal to or less than a preset aperture value, the shooting / recording method selection unit is configured to perform shooting / recording by both the first shooting / recording unit and the second shooting / recording unit. When the aperture value at the time of shooting of the shooting lens exceeds a preset aperture value, it is selected to perform shooting and recording only by the first shooting and recording means. The camera according to claim 2.   When the subject is not a moving object, the photographing / recording method selection means selects to perform recording by both the first photographing / recording means and the second photographing / recording means, and when the subject is a moving object, 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the camera is selected to perform photographing recording only by the first photographing recording means.   3. The distance measuring method permission means of the control means permits distance measurement by at least one of the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means according to a photographing mode. The listed camera. The photographing lens is moved based on in-focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, the second distance measuring means, the photographing lens, and the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means. In a camera comprising lens driving means for
After the distance is measured by the first distance measuring means, the photographing lens is moved via the lens driving means on the basis of the focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, and the first recording is performed. Photographing recording means,
After the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during the distance measurement, the photographing lens is moved via the lens driving means based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring means, and photographing is performed. A second photographing recording means for recording;
Image selection means for selecting either one of the photographed image obtained by the first photography recording means and the photographed image obtained by the second photography recording means as an effective image. Camera characterized by. Contrast comparison means for comparing the contrast of the photographed image obtained by the first photographing recording means with the contrast of the photographed image obtained by the second photographing recording means;
The image selecting means selects and records a photographed image having a higher contrast as an effective image based on a comparison result of the contrast comparing means, and erases a photographed image having a lower contrast. Item 8. The camera according to Item 7. Contrast comparison means for comparing the contrast of the photographic image obtained by the first photographic recording means with the contrast of the photographic image obtained by the second photographic recording means,
The image selection means selects and records a photographed image with a higher contrast as an effective image based on the comparison result of the contrast comparison means, and selects a photographed image with a lower contrast as a photographed image with a higher contrast. 8. The camera according to claim 7, wherein recording is performed in an identifiable manner. A plurality of recording media for recording images;
The camera according to claim 9, wherein the image selection unit records the captured image having the higher contrast and the captured image having the lower contrast on different recording media. One recording medium for recording images;
The camera according to claim 9, wherein the image selection unit records the photographed image having the higher contrast and the photographed image having the lower contrast in different folders created in the recording medium. Display means for displaying in parallel the photographed image obtained by the first photographing recording means and the photographed image obtained by the second photographing recording means;
Designating means for designating whether each of the captured images displayed on the display means is a necessary image or an unnecessary image;
The image selection means is either one of a photographed image obtained by the first photography recording means and a photographed image obtained by the second photography recording means in accordance with the contents designated by the designation means. 8. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the captured image is selected as an effective captured image. A discriminating means for discriminating the identity between the photographed image obtained by the first photographing recording means and the photographed image obtained by the second photographing recording means;
When it is determined by the determining means that the photographed image obtained by the first photographing / recording means and the photographed image obtained by the second photographing / recording means are identical, the contrast of the contrast comparing means 9. A camera as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that a comparison is made. A discriminating means for discriminating the identity between the photographed image obtained by the first photographing recording means and the photographed image obtained by the second photographing recording means;
When the discriminating means discriminates that the photographed image obtained by the first photographing recording means and the photographed image obtained by the second photographing recording means are not identical, display by the display means is performed. The camera according to claim 12, wherein The photographic lens is moved based on in-focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, the second distance measuring means, the photographing lens, and the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means. In a shooting and recording method of a camera comprising lens driving means for
After the distance is measured by the first distance measuring means, the photographing lens is moved through the lens driving means on the basis of the focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, and the first recording is performed. And after the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during distance measurement, the photographing lens via the lens driving means based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring means. And performing control so as to execute at least one of the second shooting recording for shooting and recording. The photographic lens is moved based on in-focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, the second distance measuring means, the photographing lens, and the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means. In a shooting and recording method of a camera comprising lens driving means for
After the distance is measured by the first distance measuring means, the photographing lens is moved through the lens driving means on the basis of the focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, and the first recording is performed. And after the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during distance measurement, the photographing lens via the lens driving means based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring means. A shooting and recording step for performing both of the second shooting and recording for shooting and recording,
An image selection step of selecting either one of the photographed image obtained by the first photography record and the photographed image obtained by the second photography record as an effective image. Shooting and recording method. The photographing lens is moved based on in-focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, the second distance measuring means, the photographing lens, and the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means. In a program for controlling a camera comprising lens driving means for
After the distance is measured by the first distance measuring means, the photographing lens is moved via the lens driving means on the basis of the focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, and the first recording is performed. And after the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during the distance measurement, the photographing lens via the lens driving means based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring means. And controlling to execute at least one of the second shooting and recording for shooting and recording. The photographing lens is moved based on in-focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, the second distance measuring means, the photographing lens, and the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means. In a program for controlling a camera comprising lens driving means for
After the distance is measured by the first distance measuring means, the photographing lens is moved via the lens driving means on the basis of the focus position information obtained by the first distance measuring means, and the first recording is performed. And after the distance measurement by the second distance measuring means or during the distance measurement, the photographing lens via the lens driving means based on the focus position information obtained by the second distance measuring means. A shooting and recording module that executes both of the second shooting and recording to perform shooting and recording,
An image selection module that selects either one of the photographed image obtained by the first photographing record and the photographed image obtained by the second photographing record as an effective image is provided. Program.

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