JP2006166358A - Imaging apparatus and imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus and imaging system in which a focused state for an object can be efficiently confirmed. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging device 2 images an optical image of an object and converts the image into an electrical image signal. An AF control unit 9 sets a plurality of range finder areas to the image signal obtained by the imaging device 2 and detects a focused position for each of the set plurality of range finder areas. A display control unit 13 controls a photographed image based on the image signal and generates a display image to be displayed and output it. The display image includes a plurality of photographed images based on the same image signal, and at least one of the plurality of photographed images includes a partial image which is obtained by magnifying a part of the photographed images based on the image signal and which has one or more range finder areas set by the AF control unit 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera and an imaging system including the cameras, and more specifically, an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera having an autofocus function and the cameras. The present invention relates to an imaging system including the same.

  In recent years, with the development of digital technology, imaging devices such as digital still cameras and digital video cameras equipped with solid-state imaging devices such as CCDs and CMOSs have become widespread. These image capturing apparatuses can reproduce the captured image data by the image capturing apparatus itself, transfer the image data to a personal computer, a television receiver, or the like for display or processing. In addition, many digital still cameras are available that can record not only still images but also moving images.

  Most conventional imaging devices correspond to a standard image format having a horizontal: vertical aspect ratio of 4: 3. On the other hand, wide-screen televisions compatible with high-definition broadcasting with a horizontal: vertical aspect ratio of 16: 9 have become widespread. When using a wide TV with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 and playing back still and moving images with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 shot with an imaging device that supports the standard image format, the left and right sides of the image are missing. For this reason, the power of wide-screen television cannot be fully utilized. Therefore, in order to take advantage of the power of wide-screen television, it is required to shoot still images or moving images corresponding to a wide image format with an aspect ratio of 16: 9.

  On the other hand, as an imaging function of the imaging apparatus, an automatic focus adjustment method has been proposed in which an optimum focus position is obtained not only for the center portion of the screen but also for a subject existing in the periphery of the screen. In this method, for example, a plurality of ranging areas are set for an image obtained from an image sensor such as a CCD. Then, an in-focus position is detected for each of the set range-finding areas, and an optimum in-focus area is selected.

In this automatic focus adjustment method, a method is proposed in which the user can confirm the in-focus state of the determined in-focus area. The conventional automatic focusing device described in Patent Document 1 enlarges and displays an area including the focusing area on the entire display unit of the imaging apparatus, and prompts the user to check the in-focus state. According to Patent Document 1, since the area including the in-focus area is enlarged and displayed on the entire screen, the in-focus state can be confirmed.
JP 2003-143444 A

  However, since a plurality of in-focus areas may be selected, the user may check a plurality of areas at the same time when confirming the in-focus state using the conventional automatic focusing apparatus described in Patent Document 1. Can not. Therefore, the user must check only a specific area or switch screens to check a plurality of areas. When the number of selected focus areas is large, it takes time and effort to switch screens and check a plurality of focus areas, which is troublesome.

  In addition, when the area including the focus area is enlarged and displayed on the entire screen, the user can determine where the focus area enlarged on the screen is located in the image or the target object for the user. There is a problem that it is difficult to intuitively determine whether the focus is correct.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging system capable of efficiently confirming a focused state with respect to a subject.

  On the other hand, there are problems regarding composition as shown below. For example, in a composition where the subject extends to the end of the image, such as a group photo, the subject may not be able to enter the image range, and part of the subject may be interrupted. In this case, the user has to change the composition so that the subject is within the image range and shoot again.

  Here, it is conceivable to use a trimming function in order to eliminate the need for multiple shootings. After shooting a wider range than the desired image format, a part of the image data can be cut out and the image range can be reset by using the trimming function. However, this method enlarges and cuts out a specific range, so that the image quality deteriorates. Further, this method cannot be a permanent means because the work after photographing becomes complicated.

  Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging system capable of easily changing the composition after shooting without degrading the image quality.

  The present invention is an imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject, an imaging device that captures an optical image of the subject and converts it into an electrical image signal, and an image signal obtained by the imaging device On the other hand, a plurality of ranging areas should be set, and for each of the set plurality of ranging areas, a focus position detecting means for detecting a focusing position and a photographed image based on the image signal should be controlled and displayed. Display control means for generating and outputting a display image, wherein the display image includes a plurality of captured images based on the same image signal, and at least one of the plurality of captured images is captured based on the image signal This is a partial image obtained by enlarging a part of the image, and includes one or more ranging areas set by the focus position detecting means.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of images are displayed on the imaging device, and at least one of the displayed images is a partial image in which an image including a distance measurement area is enlarged. Thereby, by displaying the display image output from the display control means, the user can quickly and reliably confirm the in-focus state of the distance measurement area. In addition, since a plurality of captured images are output from the imaging device, the user can efficiently check the focused state with respect to the subject by displaying the plurality of captured images.

  Preferably, a display means for displaying a display image based on the output of the display control means is further provided.

  Further, the partial image is provided with focusing area selecting means for selecting at least one ranging area as a focusing area to be focused based on a plurality of focusing positions detected by the focusing position detecting means. One or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus area selection means may be included.

  Thereby, the user can confirm the focus state of the magnificent area included in the partial image by displaying the partial image.

  Further, the display control means may output a plurality of partial images each including a different in-focus area.

  Thereby, since the user can display a plurality of partial images, the in-focus state can be efficiently confirmed.

  The display control means may output the entire image as a display image together with the partial image.

  Accordingly, the user can grasp where the enlarged partial image is located in the entire image without switching the screen.

  Furthermore, a display number receiving unit that receives an input of the number of partial images to be displayed on the display unit may be provided, and the display control unit may output the number of partial images received by the display number receiving unit. Thereby, the user can select the number of partial images to be displayed simultaneously.

  Furthermore, an image instruction receiving unit that receives an input of information for instructing a partial image to be enlarged may be provided, and the display control unit may output the partial image received by the image instruction receiving unit. Thereby, the user can select a partial image to be displayed.

  Further, the image processing apparatus may further include an enlargement ratio receiving unit that receives an input of an enlargement ratio of the partial image, and the display control unit may generate and output a partial image having an enlargement ratio received by the enlargement ratio receiving unit. Thereby, the user can select the magnification of the partial image when displaying the partial image.

  Furthermore, you may provide the recording means which records an image signal.

  Preferably, the recording unit records information on the arrangement of the focus area together with the image signal.

  As a result, the information regarding the arrangement of the in-focus area is recorded together with the image signal, so that it is possible to display the partial image at the time of preview after shooting or when displaying the display image on another device. Thus, the user can easily check the in-focus state even after shooting.

  As an example, the information regarding the arrangement of the focus area is information indicating the coordinates of the focus area.

  The present invention also relates to an imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject, an imaging device that captures an optical image of the subject and converts the image into an electrical image signal, and imaging based on the image signal. Display control means for controlling the image and generating and outputting a display image to be displayed. The display image includes a captured image in a range larger than the range to be recorded and an image frame indicating the range to be recorded. In addition, the display control means can generate a display image in which an image frame is set at a position different from a position designated in advance when an optical image is captured prior to determination of a range to be recorded. And

  Thereby, the image frame can be set at a position different from the position designated in advance before the range to be recorded is determined. Therefore, it is possible to change the composition determined at the time of shooting without imaging again. In addition, since the composition is changed based on a captured image in a larger range than the image in the range to be recorded, it is possible to prevent image quality deterioration due to a decrease in the number of pixels in the image after the composition has been changed.

  Preferably, a display means for displaying a display image based on the output of the display control means is further provided.

  Furthermore, a plurality of ranging areas are set for the image signal obtained by the image sensor, and a focusing position detecting means for detecting a focusing position for each of the set plurality of ranging areas, and a focusing position detection Focusing means selecting means for selecting at least one ranging area as a focusing area to be focused based on the focus position detected by the means, and the display control means selects the focusing area selecting means. A display image may be generated by setting the position of the image frame based on the focused area.

  As a result, the position of the image frame is set based on the selected in-focus area, so that it is not necessary for the user to change the arrangement of the image frame in order to change the composition. Therefore, the composition can be easily changed.

  Preferably, the display image has a minimum distance between the center of one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus position selection unit and the center of the image frame.

  As a result, the focused subject is positioned at the center of the image to be recorded. This eliminates the need for the user to change the arrangement of the image frames in order to change the composition. Therefore, the composition can be easily changed.

  Further, the image processing apparatus includes an image frame setting unit that receives an input of information about the image frame and sets the image frame according to the received information, and the display control unit displays the display image based on the image frame set by the image frame setting unit. It may be generated.

  As an example, the information regarding the image frame is information regarding the aspect ratio. As another example, the information about the image frame is information about the size.

  In addition, the present invention is an imaging system including an imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject and a processing device that processes the image signal output from the imaging device. An image pickup device that picks up a typical image and converts it into an electrical image signal. For each of the distance areas, a focus position detection unit that detects a focus position, and a display control unit that controls a captured image based on the image signal and generates and outputs a display image to be displayed. , Including a plurality of captured images based on the same image signal, at least one of the plurality of captured images is a partial image obtained by enlarging a part of the captured image based on the image signal, Set Characterized in that it comprises one or more focus detection zone.

  Preferably, the processing device further includes display means for displaying a display image based on the output of the display control means.

  The processing apparatus further includes a focus area selection unit that selects at least one distance measurement area as a focus area to be focused based on a plurality of focus positions detected by the focus position detection unit, The image may include one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus area selection unit.

  Further, the display control means may output a plurality of partial images each including a different in-focus area, or may output the entire image together with the partial image as a display image.

  The processing device may further include a display number receiving unit that receives an input of the number of partial images to be displayed on the display unit, and the display control unit may output the number of partial images received by the display number receiving unit.

  The processing apparatus may further include an image instruction receiving unit that receives an input of information for instructing a partial image to be enlarged, and the display control unit may output the partial image received by the image instruction receiving unit.

  The processing apparatus may further include an enlargement ratio receiving unit that receives an input of an enlargement ratio of the partial image, and the display control unit may generate and output a partial image having the enlargement ratio received by the enlargement ratio receiving unit.

  The processing device may further include recording means for recording an image signal.

  Preferably, the recording unit records information on the arrangement of the focus area together with the image signal. As an example, the information regarding the arrangement of the focus area is information indicating the coordinates of the focus area.

  The present invention is an imaging system that includes an imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject and a processing device that processes the image signal output from the imaging device. An image sensor that captures an image and converts it into an electrical image signal, and the processing device includes a display control unit that controls a captured image based on the image signal and generates and outputs a display image to be displayed; The display image includes a captured image in a range larger than the range to be recorded and an image frame indicating the range to be recorded, and the display control means captures an optical image prior to determination of the range to be recorded. In this case, a display image in which an image frame is set at a position different from a position designated in advance can be generated.

  Preferably, the processing device further includes display means for displaying a display image based on the output of the display control means.

  The processing apparatus further sets a plurality of distance measurement areas for the image signal obtained by the image sensor, and a focus position detection unit that detects a focus position for each of the set plurality of distance measurement areas, Focusing means selecting means for selecting at least one ranging area as a focusing area to be focused based on the focusing position detected by the focusing position detecting means, and the display control means includes the focusing area A display image may be generated by setting the position of the image frame based on the focus area selected by the selection unit.

  Preferably, the display image has a minimum distance between the center of one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus position selection unit and the center of the image frame.

  The processing device further includes an image frame setting unit that accepts input of information about the image frame and sets the image frame according to the received information, and the display control unit is based on the image frame set by the image frame setting unit. A display image may be generated.

  As an example, the information regarding the image frame is information regarding the aspect ratio. As another example, the information about the image frame is information about the size.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device and imaging system which can confirm the focus state with respect to a to-be-photographed object efficiently are provided. In addition, according to the present invention, there are provided an imaging device and an imaging system capable of easily changing the composition after shooting without degrading the image quality.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging device 21 according to the first embodiment. The imaging device 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a digital still camera, for example.

  In response to an instruction from the user, the imaging device 21 enlarges and displays an image of a region to be focused (hereinafter referred to as a focused region) and its surrounding region. Hereinafter, an image that includes the in-focus area and its surrounding area and is enlarged and displayed is referred to as a partial image. The partial image is an image including at least a focusing area. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 21 corresponds to one-region enlarged display that displays one partial image on the screen and two-region simultaneous enlarged display that displays two partial images simultaneously on the screen.

  The imaging device 21 supports a plurality of image formats. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 21 will be described assuming that it corresponds to an image format having a horizontal: vertical aspect ratio of 4: 3 and an image format of 16: 9. Hereinafter, an image format in which the horizontal: vertical aspect ratio of the image range is 4: 3 is referred to as a standard image format, and an image format in which the horizontal: vertical aspect ratio of the image range is 16: 9 is referred to as a wide image format.

  In FIG. 1, an imaging device 21 includes a photographing lens group 1, an imaging device 2, an imaging device drive control unit 3, an analog signal processing unit 4, an A / D conversion unit 5, a digital signal processing unit 6, Microcomputer 7, focus lens drive unit 8, AF (autofocus) control unit 9, image format selection switch (SW) 10a, enlarged display selection switch (SW) 10b, operation panel control unit 11, LCD A display unit 12, a display control unit 13, a buffer memory 14, a recording medium 15, a recording control unit 16, and a storage unit 17 are provided.

  The taking lens group 1 is an image pickup optical system that forms an optical image of a subject so that the magnification can be changed. The photographing lens group 1 includes a focus lens 1a that moves along the optical axis for focus adjustment. The image sensor 2 is a CCD image sensor, for example, and is driven by the image sensor drive controller 3. The image sensor 2 converts an image of a subject received through the photographing lens group 1 into an electronic signal and outputs it as an image signal. The horizontal: vertical aspect ratio of the image sensor 2 is, for example, 16: 9, which is the same aspect ratio as the wide image format. When the imaging device 21 corresponds to the wide image format, almost all signals in the area of the image sensor 2 are used, and when corresponding to the standard image format, the signals in the 4: 3 area in the center of the image sensor 2 are used. Is done.

  The analog signal processing unit 4 performs predetermined analog signal processing such as gamma processing on the image signal output from the image sensor 2. The A / D converter 5 converts the analog image signal output from the analog signal processor 4 into a digital image signal. The digital signal processing unit 6 performs digital processing such as noise removal and contour enhancement on the digitally converted image signal.

  The storage unit 17 is a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, for example, for displaying a partial image according to an enlarged display method (here, 1 area enlarged display or 2 area simultaneous enlarged display) selected by the user. Store necessary information. The information necessary for displaying the partial image is, for example, information regarding the enlargement ratio of the partial image and the arrangement when displaying the partial image. Hereinafter, information necessary for displaying a partial image is referred to as partial image information.

  The microcomputer 7 controls various settings of the image pickup device 21 and photographing operation, or controls the display and recording of image signals obtained from the image pickup device 2, reproduces and displays recorded image data, and further displays a personal computer (not shown) It controls the overall operation of the imaging device 21 such as control of information communication with other devices such as a printer. The microcomputer 7 instructs the display control unit 13 to display an image of the image format selected by the user on the LCD display unit 12. In addition, when the enlargement display method is notified from the operation panel display unit 11, the microcomputer 7 reads out an image signal (hereinafter referred to as a partial image signal) for displaying a partial image from the buffer memory 14. 16 is instructed. Further, the microcomputer 7 reads out the partial image information corresponding to the notified enlarged display method from the storage unit 17. The microcomputer 7 passes the partial image signal received from the recording control unit 16 to the display control unit 13 together with the partial image information.

  The AF control unit 9 sets a plurality of distance measurement areas in the image signal. Then, the AF control unit 9 obtains a focus position for each distance measurement area using the image signal in the set distance measurement area, and selects an optimum focus area for the main subject in the image. The AF control unit 9 instructs the focus lens driving unit 8 to control the position of the focus lens 1a based on the selected focus position.

  The focus lens driving unit 8 drives the focus lens 1 a in the direction of the optical axis L in accordance with an instruction from the AF control unit 9 to adjust the focus of the subject imaged on the image sensor 2.

  The image format selection switch 10a is one of operation input means operated by the user. The image format selection switch 10a receives a user instruction and switches between a standard image format and a wide image format.

  The enlarged display selection switch 10b is one of operation input means operated by the user. The enlarged display selection switch 10b accepts a user instruction and switches between 1 area enlarged display and 2 area simultaneous enlarged display.

  The operation panel control unit 11 controls signals from various operation input means such as a power source, a shutter, and a menu switching button installed in each unit of the imaging device 21. The operation panel control unit 11 notifies the microcomputer 7 of the image format selected by operating the image format selection switch 10a. Further, the operation panel control unit 11 notifies the microcomputer 7 of the enlarged display method selected by operating the enlarged display selection switch 10b.

  The display control unit 13 controls images and information to be displayed on the LCD display unit 12, and generates and outputs a display image to be displayed on the LCD display unit 12. The display control unit 13 defines an image range of a display image to be displayed on the LCD display unit 12 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 7. For example, when the LCD display unit 12 has a wide shape with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, the display control unit 13 displays the entire screen of the LCD display unit 12 when displaying a display image in the wide image format. When the display image is displayed using the standard image format, the display image is displayed at the center of the screen without using, for example, the left and right end regions of the screen. Further, when the display control unit 13 receives the partial image and the partial image information, the display control unit 13 enlarges the partial image to a predetermined magnification based on the partial image information and causes the LCD display unit 12 to display the partial image.

  The LCD display unit 12 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel (LCD) installed in the imaging device 21. The LCD display unit 12 displays a display image based on the output of the display control unit 13. In addition, the LCD display unit 12 displays a menu screen for setting the imaging device 21, information necessary for shooting such as exposure and focus states, and the like.

  The buffer memory 14 is built in the imaging device 21 and temporarily stores image data. The recording medium 15 is a detachable semiconductor memory card, for example, and records and saves photographed image data and information such as settings at the time of photographing.

  The recording control unit 16 records information such as image data and shooting settings in the buffer memory 14 or the recording medium 15. Further, the recording control unit 16 reads out the partial image signal from the buffer memory 14 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 7.

  Next, the operation of the imaging device 21 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device 21 during shooting.

  In step S11, the imaging device 21 is powered on and started up, and initial settings for shooting preparation are made. The initial setting includes, for example, battery check, lens initial position movement, recording memory check, and the like. A photographer (user) operates an operation mode switch (not shown) to select a photographing mode. The image sensor 2 outputs an image signal, and the image signal output from the image sensor 2 is output to the microcomputer 7 via the analog signal processing unit 4, the A / D conversion unit 5, and the digital signal processing unit 6. . When receiving an image signal from the microcomputer 7, the display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display a display image. As a result, preparation for photographing is possible.

  In step S12, the imaging device 21 receives the image format selected by the user. The user operates the image format selection switch 10a to select either the standard image format or the wide image format. Here, a predetermined image format is set as a default in the imaging device 21. For example, when the standard image format is set as a default, an image in the standard image format is displayed on the LCD display unit 12 until the image format is changed by a user operation.

  The imaging device 21 stores the image format used at the time of the previous shooting, and displays an image of the image format used at the time of the previous shooting on the LCD display unit 12 when the user does not select the image format. It is good.

  In step S13, the display image of the image format selected in step S12 is displayed on the LCD display unit 12. The microcomputer 7 passes the image signal to the display control unit 13 and notifies the display control unit 13 of the image format selected in step S12. The display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display a display image having the designated image format.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 when the wide image format is selected. The LCD display unit 12 displays two persons as main subjects. Two persons are arranged at the left and right ends of the screen. Hereinafter, the main subject located on the right side of the screen is called a main subject 20a, and the main subject located on the left side of the screen is called a main subject 20b.

  In step S14, the AF control unit 9 sets a plurality of ranging areas in the image signal. Usually, the distance measurement area frame Fa surrounding the distance measurement area is not displayed on the LCD display unit 12, but is shown by a broken line frame in FIG. In FIG. 3A, the nine distance measurement areas are arranged 3 × 3 in the image F2 in the 16: 9 image format. By arranging the ranging areas in a balanced manner in the image, it is possible to properly focus on the main subjects 20a and 20b even when the main subjects 20a and 20b are located not at the center of the image but at the left and right ends. it can.

  In step S15, the imaging device 21 accepts selection of an enlarged display mode made by the user. The user operates a mode selection switch (not shown) to select a focus area enlarged display mode. Then, the user selects either one area enlarged display or two areas simultaneously enlarged display. Hereinafter, a case where the user selects two-region simultaneous display will be described as an example.

  In step S16, preparation for shooting is performed. The user determines the composition for the main subjects 20a and 20b while viewing the display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12. When the user determines the composition and presses a release switch (shutter button) (not shown) halfway, photometric work and focusing work for determining exposure are performed. The focusing operation is executed by the microcomputer 7, the AF control unit 9, and the focus lens driving unit 8.

  Many means have been proposed as a method for focusing on the main subject 20, but for example, a method using the fact that the contrast of the image is maximized at the in-focus position is widely adopted. First, the focus lens drive unit 8 drives the focus lens 1a, and the AF control unit 9 obtains a focus lens position (focus position) at which the contrast is maximized for each of a plurality of distance measurement areas. The contrast is obtained by calculating a change in brightness in the image signal of each distance measurement area.

  Next, the AF control unit 9 selects the focus detection area as the focus area based on the contrast size of each focus detection area, the weighting by the arrangement of the distance measurement areas, and the like. Usually, the weighting by the arrangement of the distance measurement areas Fa is often set so that the distance measurement area located near the center is set highest, assuming that the main subject is located at the center. In addition, a plurality of areas may be selected as the focusing area, as in the case where a ranging area exceeding a certain level is selected as the focusing area. Hereinafter, a case where four in-focus areas are selected will be described.

  In order to notify the user of the selected focus area, the display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display a focus area frame Fd surrounding the focus area. In FIG. 3A, four focus area frames Fd are indicated by solid line frames. Further, the recording control unit 16 temporarily stores in the buffer memory 14 the image signal in a state where the photometry operation and the focusing operation in step S16 in FIG. 2 are completed and the coordinate information indicating the coordinates of the focusing area. .

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device 21 in the enlarged display process of FIG. First, in step S101, the microcomputer 7 recognizes whether one-area enlarged display or two-area simultaneous enlarged display is selected in step S15 of FIG. The microcomputer 7 receives from the operation panel control unit 11 a notification indicating whether the user has selected one area enlarged display or two area simultaneous enlarged display.

  In step S102, the microcomputer 7 refers to the storage unit 17, and in step S103, reads the partial image information corresponding to the notified enlarged display method. Further, the microcomputer 7 instructs the recording control unit 16 to read out the image signal for displaying the partial image from the buffer memory 14. The recording control unit 16 reads out the image signals of the two in-focus areas and the peripheral areas from the buffer memory 14 and passes them to the microcomputer 7 as partial image signals. The microcomputer 7 passes the partial image signal received from the recording control unit 16 to the display control unit 13 together with the partial image information.

  In step S104, the display control unit 13 enlarges the image based on the partial image signal at a predetermined magnification based on the received partial image information, and causes the LCD display unit 12 to display the partial image as a partial image.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 when the two-region simultaneous display is selected. Here, since the two-region simultaneous enlargement display is selected, two partial images each including one in-focus region among the four in-focus regions selected by the AF control unit 9 are arranged side by side on the LCD. It is displayed on the display unit 12. As shown in FIG. 3B, the screen includes a partial image including a focusing area located on the face portion of the main subject 20a and a partial image including a focusing area located on the face portion of the main subject 20b. Is displayed. The user confirms the in-focus state in the two in-focus areas that are enlarged.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, in step S <b> 18, the imaging device 21 accepts selection of an enlarged display image by the user. The user operates the enlarged display selection switch 10b when switching the screen and confirming the in-focus state of the remaining two in-focus areas. At this time, the display of the partial image may be switched by operating a switch other than the enlarged display selection switch 10b. The operation panel control unit 11 notifies the microcomputer 7 that the enlarged display selection switch 10b has been operated by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, when the partial image is switched, a partial image including a focus area located in the chest portion of the main subject 20a and a focus area located in the chest portion of the main subject 20b are displayed. The partial image including it is displayed.

  In step S19, the imaging device 21 determines whether or not the confirmation of the focus area has been completed. Specifically, the microcomputer 7 determines whether a notification from the operation panel control unit 11 has been received. When the notification is received from the operation panel control unit 11, that is, when the confirmation of the in-focus area by the user is not completed, the microcomputer 7 returns to the process of step S17 again. On the other hand, when the notification is not received from the operation panel control unit 11, that is, when the confirmation of the in-focus area by the user is completed, the microcomputer 7 proceeds to the operation of step S20.

  In step S20, when the user fully presses the release switch, the image of the subject is exposed to the image sensor 2 and converted into an electrical signal by opening and closing a shutter mechanism (not shown), and output as an image signal. The image signal is processed by the analog signal processing unit 4, the A / D conversion unit 5, and the digital signal processing unit 6. The microcomputer 7 passes the image signal output from the digital signal processing unit 6 to the recording control unit 16. In step S <b> 21, the recording control unit 16 records the received image signal on the recording medium 15. This completes the shooting.

  If the preview function is ON after the photographing is completed, the photographed image is displayed on the LCD display unit 12 for a certain time in step S22. Thereby, the user can confirm the photographed image. In step S22, the partial image may be displayed in the same manner as in step S17 while the captured image is displayed on the LCD display unit 12. In this case, in step S <b> 21, the recording control unit 16 may record the coordinate information of the in-focus area selected by the AF control unit 9 together with the image signal on the recording medium 15. When the enlargement display is instructed by the user, the recording control unit 16 reads the image signal and the coordinate information from the buffer memory 14 and passes them to the microcomputer 7. When receiving the image signal and the coordinate information via the microcomputer 7, the display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display the partial image and the focused area frame.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of partial images including a focus area can be displayed simultaneously. Thereby, since the user can confirm the in-focus states of a plurality of in-focus regions at the same time, the time required for confirming the in-focus state can be shortened. Therefore, the user can shoot comfortably. Further, when the LCD display unit has a shape corresponding to the wide image format, the LCD display unit can be effectively used to display a plurality of selected in-focus areas simultaneously.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the coordinate information of the in-focus area is recorded on the recording medium. Accordingly, even when the image signal recorded on the recording medium is displayed again, the partial image including the in-focus area can be displayed based on the coordinate information recorded together with the image signal. In addition, when a recording medium is connected to another device such as a personal computer and a captured image is reproduced, the partial image including the in-focus area is obtained in the same manner as in the case of the imaging apparatus by making the image reproduction software of the personal computer compatible. It is also possible to display a plurality of images simultaneously.

  In the present embodiment, the coordinate information is described as being recorded on the recording medium together with the image signal. However, the information recorded together with the image signal is information related to the arrangement of the focus areas, and each focus area is recorded. Any information can be used as long as the information can be identified, and is not limited to the coordinates of the focus area. For example, a number for identifying the in-focus area may be recorded on the recording medium together with the image signal, and information indicating the relative positional relationship between the in-focus areas, such as up, down, left, right, and center, is included with the image signal. It may be recorded on a recording medium. Thus, when reproducing a captured image, information indicating the position of the in-focus area is stored in the reproduction apparatus in advance, or information indicating the position of the in-focus area is input to the reproduction apparatus during reproduction. The partial image including the focus area can be enlarged and displayed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the two-region simultaneous display is selected has been described. However, the number of partial images that are simultaneously displayed on the screen is not limited to two. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when four partial images are simultaneously displayed on the LCD display unit 12. When four partial images are displayed simultaneously, partial image information for displaying the partial images may be stored in the storage unit 17. Then, when the four-region simultaneous display is selected in step S15 of FIG. 2, the display control unit 13 arranges the four partial images in 2 × 2 and displays them on the LCD display unit 12.

  Further, the enlargement ratio of the partial image may be set to an arbitrary magnification desired by the user. In this case, the user operates the enlargement display selection switch or other switch key assigned to select the enlargement ratio of the displayed partial image. The microcomputer 7 notifies the display control unit of the enlargement ratio selected by the user. The display control unit enlarges the image at the instructed enlargement ratio and displays it on the LCD display unit as a partial image. At this time, the display control unit also changes the size of the focus area frame to be displayed in accordance with the change in the magnification of the partial image.

  In addition, even when the standard image format is selected and photographed in step 12 of FIG. 2, when displaying the partial image in step S17, the entire wide screen of the LCD display unit 12 may be displayed. Thereby, the wide screen of the LCD display part 12 can be utilized effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the enlarged partial image has been described as including an in-focus area. Here, a partial image including another distance measurement area that has not been selected as the focus area may be displayed. Preferably, when displaying a partial image including a distance measurement area, the imaging apparatus may include a distance measurement area selection unit that is operated by a user and receives a distance measurement area selected by the user. In this case, the microcomputer instructs the AF control unit to focus on the selected ranging area when the ranging area selected by the user is notified via the operation panel control unit. . The AF control unit generates a control signal and passes it to the focus lens drive unit in order to focus on the distance measurement area designated by the microcomputer. Thereby, the user can grasp the position where the ranging area is arranged. Therefore, when the focus area selected by the imaging apparatus is not included in the subject targeted by the user, the user selects the distance measurement area to be focused so as to focus on the desired subject. be able to. When displaying a partial image including a distance measurement area, it is preferable to record information related to the distance measurement area such as the coordinates of the distance measurement area on a recording medium together with the image signal. Thereby, when reproducing a captured image, a partial image including a distance measurement area can be enlarged and displayed.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the imaging apparatus in this modification is the same as that of the imaging apparatus 21 according to Embodiment 1, FIG. Moreover, since the operation | movement at the time of imaging | photography of the imaging device in this modification is the same as that of the imaging device 21 which concerns on Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 is used.

  In the present modification, the imaging device 21 changes and displays the enlargement ratio of each partial image according to the degree of focusing when displaying a plurality of partial images simultaneously. Specifically, the imaging device 21 has an enlargement ratio of a partial image with a high degree of focus, that is, a partial image including a focused area that is more in focus than an enlargement ratio of other partial images that are displayed simultaneously. Enlarge.

  The partial image information stored in the storage unit 17 includes information on the magnification ratio of the partial image corresponding to the degree of focusing. The partial image information includes, for example, the enlargement ratio of the partial image with the highest degree of focus and the enlargement ratio of the other partial images.

  When the AF control section 9 selects the focus area, the AF control section 9 notifies the microcomputer 7 of coordinate information of the focus area with the highest focus level. The microcomputer 7 notifies the coordinate information of the in-focus area with the highest in-focus level when passing the partial image signal and the partial image display information to the display control unit 13.

  Based on the partial image information, the display control unit 13 displays the partial image including the in-focus area with the highest in-focus degree notified from the microcomputer 7 larger than the other partial images.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 when the two-region simultaneous display is selected. FIG. 5 shows a partial image displayed on the left side compared to FIG. 3B showing an image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 when the two-region simultaneous display is selected in the first embodiment. The difference is that the image is enlarged and displayed larger than the partial image displayed on the right.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a partial image with a high degree of focusing is displayed larger than other partial images. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp a focus area having a high focus level.

  In this embodiment, the case where a difference is given to the enlarged display areas of a plurality of in-focus areas has been described as an example. However, the user intuitively grasps the difference between the in-focus area with high and low areas. The display method is not limited to the above display method. For example, they may be displayed side by side in descending order of the degree of focus, or may be displayed with numbers assigned in descending order of the degree of focus. Further, the display may be displayed with a difference in brightness of the backlight of the LCD display unit, or may be displayed by changing the color and thickness of the focus area frame.

(Embodiment 2)
Since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as that of imaging apparatus 21 according to Embodiment 1, FIG. Moreover, since the operation | movement at the time of imaging | photography of the imaging device in this Embodiment is the same as that of the imaging device 21 which concerns on Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 is used.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging device 21 displays the entire image as a display image together with the partial image including the selected focusing area.

  When the recording control unit 16 is instructed to read out the partial image from the microcomputer 7, the recording control unit 16 reads out an image signal for displaying the entire image from the buffer memory 14 and passes it to the microcomputer 7 together with the partial image signal.

  The partial image information stored in the storage unit 17 includes information on the arrangement ratio and the reduction ratio of the entire image in addition to the information on the enlargement ratio of the partial image and the arrangement when displaying the partial image.

  The display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display the partial image together with the entire image based on the partial image information received from the microcomputer 7. At this time, the display control unit 13 reduces the entire image at the reduction rate specified by the partial image information and causes the LCD display unit 12 to display it.

  Next, the operation of the imaging device 21 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Since the operation of the imaging device 21 in steps S11 to S15 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S16 shown in FIG. 2, a focusing operation is performed as a preparation for photographing. Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, a case will be described in which four out of nine set distance measurement areas are selected as focus areas. In subsequent step S <b> 17, the display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display the reduced whole image and the partial image obtained by enlarging the image including the in-focus area side by side.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6A, a reduced image Fm obtained by reducing the entire image area is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a partial image including the selected in-focus area is displayed on the left side of the screen. The display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display a focusing area frame Fd surrounding the focusing area. In the reduced image Fm, among the selected in-focus areas, the in-focus area frame surrounding the in-focus area displayed simultaneously with the reduced image Fm is displayed with a solid line, and the remaining in-focus area frame, that is, the reduced area is reduced. A focusing area frame surrounding a focusing area that is not displayed simultaneously with the image Fm is indicated by a broken line.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the entire image is displayed together with the partial image on the imaging device. Accordingly, the user can grasp at a glance where the focused area displayed in an enlarged manner is located in the entire image. Therefore, even when a plurality of in-focus areas are selected, it is possible to instantly confirm whether or not the object desired by the user is in focus.

  Note that if the focused area displayed in an enlarged manner is not the desired focused area, the user can select an arbitrary partial image to be enlarged and displayed by operating an enlarged display selection switch or a switch key assigned thereto. Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, one partial image is displayed together with the entire image. However, a plurality of partial images may be displayed together with the entire image as in the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image when the entire image and a plurality of partial images are displayed simultaneously. In FIG. 6B, the reduced image Fm and the three partial images are displayed simultaneously. In this way, by simultaneously displaying the reduced image Fm and a plurality of partial images, the user can instantly confirm where the enlarged focus area is located in the entire image format. In addition, since the user can confirm a plurality of in-focus areas at the same time, the confirmation work for the in-focus area is further improved.

  As in the first embodiment, it is possible to set so that the in-focus area is enlarged and displayed during preview in step S22 after shooting. In this case, in step S21, information on the selected in-focus area is recorded on the recording medium together with the image signal. Thereby, the partial image can be displayed when the captured image is reproduced. Further, as in the first embodiment, the enlargement ratio of the partial image can be arbitrarily set by the user using the enlargement display selection switch or another switch key assigned thereto. In this case, the size of the focused area frame displayed in accordance with the change of the enlargement ratio is also changed.

(Embodiment 3)
Since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the same as that of imaging apparatus 21 according to Embodiment 1, FIG.

  In the present embodiment, when the composition change mode is selected by the user, the imaging device 21 temporarily stores an image signal having a range larger than the range to be recorded in the buffer memory. The imaging device 21 displays an image based on the image signal stored in the buffer memory as a display image, and determines a position where an image frame indicating a range to be recorded is arranged. When determining the arrangement position of the image frame, the imaging device 21 records an image signal necessary for displaying an image in the image frame on a recording medium.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of shooting of the imaging apparatus 21 according to the third embodiment. The operations in steps S31 to S34 are the same as the operations in steps S11 to S14 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a case where the standard image format is selected by the user in step S32 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 in step S33. In step S32, since the standard image format is selected, the display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display an image in a range to be recorded, that is, an image in the standard image format, as a display image. In FIG. 8A, nine distance measurement areas are arranged in a balanced manner in the standard image format F1. The broken line frame and the solid line frame indicate the distance measurement area frame Fa arranged by the AF control unit 9 in step S34. Usually, the distance measurement area frame Fa is not displayed on the LCD display unit 12, but in FIG.

  In step S35, the imaging device 21 accepts selection of a composition change mode made by the user. The user operates a composition change mode switch (not shown) to select a composition change mode. When the composition change mode is turned on, the composition can be changed in the preview after shooting. Here, it is assumed that the composition change mode is ON.

  In step S36, preparation for photographing is performed. First, the user determines the composition for the main subject 20 c while viewing the display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12. When the user determines the composition and presses a release switch (shutter button) (not shown) halfway, photometric work and focusing work for determining exposure are performed. Since the focusing operation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. When the photometry operation and the focusing operation are completed, the display control unit 13 displays a focusing area frame Fd surrounding the focusing area in order to notify the user of the focusing area selected by the AF control unit 9. In FIG. 8A, two focus area frames Fd are displayed as solid line frames.

  In the next step S37, when the user fully presses the release switch, the image of the subject is exposed to the image sensor 2 and converted into an electronic signal by opening and closing a shutter mechanism (not shown), and output as an image signal. The image signal is processed by the analog signal processing unit 4, the A / D conversion unit 5, and the digital signal processing unit 6. When the composition change mode is OFF, processing for an image signal in the image range of the standard image format is performed. On the other hand, when the image format change mode is ON, the image signal in the image range of the wide image format, that is, the image signal in the entire effective range of the image sensor 2 is processed.

  In subsequent step S <b> 38, the recording control unit 16 stores an image signal having an image range of the wide image format in the buffer memory 14. This completes the shooting. At this time, the recording control unit 16 stores coordinate information indicating the coordinates of the in-focus area selected by the AF control unit 9 in step S36 in the buffer memory 14 together with the image signal.

  After the photographing is completed, the preview function is turned on in step S39, and the photographed image recorded in the buffer memory 14 is displayed on the LCD display unit 12. The microcomputer 7 passes the image signal and coordinate information stored in the buffer memory 14 to the display control unit 13. The display control unit 13 displays an image at the center of the screen of the LCD display unit 12 based on the received image signal.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed on the LCD display unit 12 after shooting when the image format change mode is ON. As shown in FIG. 8B, the captured image F2 in the wide image format is displayed on the LCD display unit 12. In addition, an image frame indicating a range to be recorded is displayed on the LCD display unit 12 in a state of being superimposed on the image F2 in the wide image format. Hereinafter, the setting of the image frame will be described in detail.

  In step S40, composition change processing is performed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 21 in the composition change process shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 201, the display control unit 13 determines a position where the image frame Fr is to be arranged based on the focus area selected by the AF control unit 9. Here, the image frame Fr indicates the image range of the standard image format. The display control unit 13 determines a position where the image frame is arranged based on the received coordinate information. Specifically, the display control unit 13 arranges the image frame at a position where the distance between the center coordinate of the focus area and the center coordinate of the image frame is minimum.

  In step S202, the display control unit 13 causes the LCD display unit 12 to display the image frame and the focus area frame. The display control unit 13 displays the image frame Fr at the position determined in step S201, and displays the focus area frame at the coordinate position received from the microcomputer 7.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8B, since the in-focus area is located on the right side of the center of the wide image, the image frame Fr is displayed in a state of being close to the right side of the wide image displayed on the LCD display unit 12. The In contrast to the composition in which a part of the main subject 20c in FIG. 8A is cut, in FIG. 8B, the composition of the main subject 20c is within the newly set image frame Fr.

  In step S203, the position of the image is determined. When the user refers to the displayed image frame Fr and approves the change of the composition, the user operates an approval switch (not shown) to determine the position of the image. When the microcomputer 7 receives an approval instruction from the user via the operation panel control unit 11, the microcomputer 7 passes an image signal necessary for displaying an image in the image frame Fr to the recording control unit 15, and sends it to the recording medium 15. Instruct to record.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in step S <b> 41, the recording control unit 16 records the received image signal on the recording medium 15. The image based on the image signal recorded on the recording medium 15 is a final determined image whose composition has been changed by setting the image frame. In step S <b> 42, the recording control unit 16 deletes the image signal stored in the buffer memory 14 and opens the buffer memory 14. This completes a series of shooting operations.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image frame indicating a range to be recorded can be set at a position different from the position designated at the time of shooting prior to the determination of the range to be recorded of an image. . Therefore, when the user desires to change the composition, the composition determined at the time of shooting can be changed without shooting again. In addition, since the image frame is arranged at a position where the distance between the center of the focusing area and the center of the image frame is the smallest, the focused subject should be positioned near the center of the image surrounded by the image frame. It becomes. Therefore, the user can change the composition to an appropriate composition without determining the arrangement position of the image frame. Therefore, since the composition can be easily changed, the user can efficiently shoot. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, even if the composition is changed, the number of pixels does not decrease because a partial area of the image is not enlarged unlike the trimming function. Therefore, the composition can be changed without degrading the image quality.

  In the present embodiment, the image frame is arranged at a position where the distance between the center of the focus area and the center of the image frame is the smallest. Here, the rearranged image frames may be moved to a position desired by the user.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the main subject is arranged on the left and right of the screen, the center of the distance measurement area having the lowest focus and the image frame of the distance measurement area The image frame may be arranged at a position where the distance from the center is the minimum. In this case, when the arrangement of the image frame is determined based on the focus area, one of the main subjects arranged on the left and right is cut off. However, if the arrangement of the image frame is determined based on the ranging area with the lowest focus level, the space between the main subjects arranged on the left and right becomes the center of the new composition, so that The composition can include a main subject.

  Further, the size of the image frame rearranged in step S41 may be changed to a size desired by the user. In this case, the user arbitrarily sets the frame size and the vertical: horizontal aspect ratio within the range of the displayed image by using the image format selection switch 10a or another switch. Even when the size or aspect ratio of the image frame is changed, the position where the image frame is to be arranged may be determined based on the coordinate information indicating the coordinates of the focus area and the coordinates of the center of the image frame.

  In the first to third embodiments, the wide image format has been described as having an aspect ratio of 16: 9, but the aspect ratio is not limited to 16: 9.

  In the first to third embodiments, the number of ranging areas arranged in the image has been described as nine. However, the number of ranging areas is not limited to this number.

  In the first to third embodiments, the distance measurement area frame has been described as not being displayed on the LCD display unit (step S14 in FIG. 2 and step S34 in FIG. 7). Here, the ranging area frame may be displayed on the LCD display unit so that the user can confirm the preset ranging area. For example, the distance measurement area may be displayed surrounded by a translucent white frame, and the focus area selected after the focusing operation may be displayed surrounded by a color frame.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the aspect ratio of the image sensor and the LCD display unit is described as being equivalent to the aspect ratio of the wide image format. However, the aspect ratio of the image sensor and the LCD display unit is limited to this. Is not to be done. The image sensor and the LCD display unit may have a standard image format aspect ratio, or may have a vertically long aspect ratio. For example, when the image sensor and the LCD display have the same shape as the standard image format, when the wide image format is selected, the upper and lower areas are not used areas, and images corresponding to the wide image format are captured. Or display.

  In the first to third embodiments, the imaging apparatus is described as an example of a digital still camera that acquires a still image by operating a release switch by a user. The present invention can also be applied to a digital video camera in which images are continuously acquired at this timing. In addition, the imaging device according to each embodiment may be applied to a surveillance camera, a vehicle-mounted camera, and a web camera. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to operate the release switch. However, even if the imaging timing is controlled by automatically operating the release switch at a predetermined timing or remotely operating the release switch. Good.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus according to each embodiment includes an imaging element drive control unit, a microcomputer, an AF control unit, an operation panel control unit, a display control unit, and a recording control unit as system controllers that control the operation of the imaging device. It was explained as a preparation. Here, it is also possible to apply the system controller to an imaging system in which a control CPU of a personal computer or a mobile phone terminal is substituted. In addition, each component can be arbitrarily combined, for example, an imaging device that physically separates the imaging optical system and the imaging device and other components and outputs an electrical image signal of the subject, An example of a system including a processing device that processes an image signal output from the imaging device, a photographing optical system, an imaging element, an image processing unit (an analog signal processing unit, an A / D conversion unit, and a digital signal processing unit) Various combinations such as a system example in which other configurations are physically separated may be considered.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as an imaging device and an imaging system that can efficiently check the focused state with respect to a subject. In addition, the present invention is useful as an imaging apparatus and an imaging system that can easily change the composition after shooting without degrading the image quality.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device 21 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of shooting of the image pickup apparatus 21 shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display image displayed on the LCD display part 12. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the imaging device 21 in the enlarged display process of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display image displayed on the LCD display part 12 in the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display image displayed on the LCD display part 12 in Embodiment 2 of this invention. Flowchart showing an operation at the time of shooting of the image pickup apparatus 21 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed on LCD display unit 12 in the third embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the imaging device 21 in the composition change process of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shooting lens group 1a Focus lens 2 Imaging device 3 Imaging device drive control part 4 Analog signal processing part 5 A / D conversion part 6 Digital signal processing part 7 Microcomputer 8 Focus lens drive part 9 AF control part 10a Image format selection switch 10b Enlarged display selection switch 11 Operation panel control unit 12 LCD display unit 13 Display control unit 14 Buffer memory 15 Recording medium 16 Recording control units 20a to 20c Main subject F1 Image F2 in standard image format Image Fa in wide image format Distance measurement area frame Fd Focusing area frame Fr Image frame

Claims (36)

An imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject,
An image sensor that captures an optical image of the subject and converts it into the electrical image signal;
A focus position detection unit that sets a plurality of distance measurement areas for the image signal obtained by the image sensor and detects a focus position for each of the set distance measurement areas;
Display control means for controlling a captured image based on the image signal and generating and outputting a display image to be displayed;
The display image includes a plurality of captured images based on the same image signal, and at least one of the plurality of captured images is a partial image obtained by enlarging a part of the captured image based on the image signal, An imaging apparatus comprising one or more ranging areas set by the focus position detecting means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the display image based on an output of the display control means. And a focusing area selecting means for selecting at least one ranging area as a focusing area to be focused based on the plurality of focusing positions detected by the focusing position detecting means,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the partial image includes one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus area selection unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit outputs a plurality of partial images each including a different in-focus area.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit outputs an entire image as the display image together with the partial image. Furthermore, a display number receiving means for receiving an input of the number of the partial images to be displayed on the display means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit outputs the number of partial images received by the display number receiving unit. Furthermore, an image instruction receiving means for receiving input of information for instructing the partial image to be enlarged is provided,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit outputs the partial image received by the image instruction receiving unit. Furthermore, it comprises an enlargement rate acceptance means for accepting an input of the enlargement rate of the partial image,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit generates and outputs a partial image having an enlargement rate received by the enlargement rate receiving unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising recording means for recording the image signal.   10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording unit records information related to the arrangement of the in-focus area together with the image signal.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information related to the arrangement of the in-focus area is information indicating coordinates of the in-focus area. An imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject,
An image sensor that captures an optical image of the subject and converts it into the electrical image signal;
Display control means for controlling a captured image based on the image signal and generating and outputting a display image to be displayed;
The display image includes a captured image in a range larger than the range to be recorded, and an image frame indicating the range to be recorded,
The display control means can generate the display image in which the image frame is set at a position different from a position designated in advance when the optical image is captured prior to the determination of the range to be recorded. An imaging apparatus characterized by that.   The imaging device according to claim 12, further comprising display means for displaying the display image based on an output of the display control means. Further, for the image signal obtained by the image sensor, a plurality of ranging areas are set, and a focusing position detecting unit that detects a focusing position for each of the set plurality of ranging areas;
Focusing area selecting means for selecting at least one ranging area as a focusing area to be focused based on the focusing position detected by the focusing position detecting means;
13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display control unit sets the position of the image frame based on the focus area selected by the focus area selection unit, and generates the display image. .   15. The imaging according to claim 14, wherein the display image has a minimum distance between the center of one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus position selection unit and the center of the image frame. apparatus. Furthermore, the image frame setting means for accepting input of information about the image frame and setting the image frame according to the received information,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display control unit generates the display image based on the image frame set by the image frame setting unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the information on the image frame is information on an aspect ratio.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the information on the image frame is information on a size. An imaging system comprising: an imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject; and a processing device that processes an image signal output from the imaging device,
The imaging device
An image sensor that captures an optical image of the subject and converts it into the electrical image signal;
The processor is
A focus position detection unit that sets a plurality of distance measurement areas for the image signal obtained by the image sensor and detects a focus position for each of the set distance measurement areas;
Display control means for controlling a captured image based on the image signal and generating and outputting a display image to be displayed;
The display image includes a plurality of captured images based on the same image signal, and at least one of the plurality of captured images is a partial image obtained by enlarging a part of the captured image based on the image signal, An imaging system comprising one or more ranging areas set by the in-focus position detecting means.   The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the processing device further includes display means for displaying the display image based on an output of the display control means. The processing apparatus further includes a focus area selection unit that selects at least one distance measurement area as a focus area to be focused based on the plurality of focus positions detected by the focus position detection unit. Including
The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the partial image includes one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus area selection unit.   The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the display control unit outputs a plurality of the partial images each including a different in-focus area.   The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the display control unit outputs an entire image as the display image together with the partial image. The processing device further includes a display number receiving means for receiving an input of the number of the partial images to be displayed on the display means,
The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the display control unit outputs the number of partial images received by the display number receiving unit. The processing apparatus further includes image instruction receiving means for receiving input of information for instructing the partial image to be enlarged and displayed.
20. The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the display control unit outputs the partial image received by the image instruction receiving unit. The processing apparatus further includes an enlargement ratio receiving unit that receives an input of an enlargement ratio of the partial image,
The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the display control unit generates and outputs a partial image having an enlargement rate received by the enlargement rate reception unit.   The imaging device according to claim 19, wherein the processing device further includes recording means for recording the image signal.   28. The imaging system according to claim 27, wherein the recording unit records information related to an arrangement of the in-focus area together with the image signal.   29. The imaging system according to claim 28, wherein the information related to the arrangement of the focus area is information indicating coordinates of the focus area. An imaging system comprising: an imaging device that outputs an electrical image signal of a subject; and a processing device that processes an image signal output from the imaging device,
The imaging device
An image sensor that captures an optical image of the subject and converts it into the electrical image signal;
The processor is
Including display control means for controlling a captured image based on the image signal and generating and outputting a display image to be displayed;
The display image includes a captured image in a range larger than the range to be recorded, and an image frame indicating the range to be recorded,
The display control means can generate the display image in which the image frame is set at a position different from a position designated in advance when the optical image is captured prior to the determination of the range to be recorded. An imaging system characterized by that.   The imaging system according to claim 30, wherein the processing device further includes display means for displaying the display image based on an output of the display control means. The processing device further sets a plurality of distance measurement areas for the image signal obtained by the imaging device, and detects a focus position for each of the set plurality of distance measurement areas. Means,
Focusing area selecting means for selecting at least one ranging area as a focusing area to be focused based on the focusing position detected by the focusing position detecting means;
31. The imaging system according to claim 30, wherein the display control unit sets the position of the image frame based on the focus area selected by the focus area selection unit and generates the display image. .   The imaging according to claim 32, wherein the display image has a minimum distance between the center of one or more in-focus areas selected by the in-focus position selecting unit and the center of the image frame. system. The processing device further includes an image frame setting unit that receives input of information about the image frame and sets the image frame according to the received information.
31. The imaging system according to claim 30, wherein the display control unit generates the display image based on the image frame set by the image frame setting unit.   The imaging system according to claim 34, wherein the information on the image frame is information on an aspect ratio. 35. The imaging system according to claim 34, wherein the information on the image frame is information on a size.

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