JP2006234993A - Camera and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera and a program that eliminates trouble of a lens optical system in which the same focusable length cannot be kept in the entire optical zoom range. <P>SOLUTION: For macrophotography where a focusing range is given priority, zoom operation is limited to zoom stages 1 to 4 where a photographic distance is 6 to 50 cm (S2 to S7). For macrophotography where zoom operation is given priority, on the other hand, the zoom operation is enabled over the entire range of zoom stages (S9 to S13). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera having an AF (autofocus) function and an optical zoom function.

In recent years, cameras with an AF function that focuses on a subject by moving a focus lens to a focusing lens position and an optical zoom function that can change the angle of view by moving a zoom lens have become mainstream. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-145022

  However, in the case of using a lens optical system that cannot maintain the same shootable distance range (focusable range) in the entire optical zoom area in the conventional technique, the shootable distance range changes due to the optical zoom operation. There was a problem such as.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and has an object to provide a camera and a program capable of solving the problems in the lens optical system that cannot maintain the same focusable distance in the entire optical zoom. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention described in claim 1, zoom value acquisition means for acquiring a zoom value, and optical zoom means for driving a zoom lens in response to the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition means And an operation mode selection means for selectively selecting one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and a zoom value acquisition means when the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selection means. A zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value acquired by the optical zoom unit, a first zoom operation control unit that limits a movement range of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom unit to a predetermined range, and a zoom operation When the second operation mode is selected by the selection unit, a zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition unit is applied to the optical zoom unit. To provide a camera which is characterized by comprising a second zooming control means for line, the.
As a result, when the first operation mode is selected, the movement range of the zoom lens is limited to a predetermined range, and when the second operation mode is selected, the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition unit corresponds to the zoom value. Since the zoom operation is performed, the user can enable a zoom operation suitable for each shooting style. That is, when the first operation mode is selected, the movement range of the zoom lens is limited to a predetermined range that can be focused by the focus lens, and when the second operation mode is selected, the movement is covered by the movement of the focus lens. Since the zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition means is executed within the in-focusable range, the user can enable the zoom operation suitable for each shooting style.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 further includes photographing mode selection means capable of selecting a macro photographing mode or a normal photographing mode, and the first zoom operation control means is configured to select the first operation mode by the operation mode selecting means. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the movement range of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom unit is limited to a predetermined range when is selected and the macro shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selection unit. provide.
Accordingly, when the macro shooting mode is selected in the first operation mode, the moving range of the zoom lens is limited to a predetermined range that can be focused, so that a focused image can be obtained.

In addition, the invention according to claim 3 further includes first notifying means for notifying that the moving range of the zoom lens driven by the first zoom operation control means is limited to a predetermined range. A camera according to claim 1 or 2 is provided.
When the zoom operation is restricted, the user may mistakenly feel that the camera has failed or that the zoom operation was not sufficient or feel uneasy. However, when the macro shooting mode is selected, the zoom lens moves. Since the user can recognize that the zoom operation may be limited in advance by notifying that the range is limited to the predetermined range, such misidentification and anxiety are resolved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first notification means notifies when the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means by the first zoom operation control means reaches an end position within a predetermined range. The camera according to claim 3, further comprising:
As a result, the camera notifies that the movement range of the zoom lens is limited to the predetermined range only when the position of the zoom lens reaches the end position of the predetermined range. Such misunderstandings and anxieties are resolved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second notifying means for notifying that when the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means is out of a predetermined range by the second zoom operation control means is further provided. A camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided.
Thereby, when the position of the zoom lens is out of the predetermined range, the user can perform the zoom operation as necessary to return the position of the zoom lens to the predetermined range.

Further, in the invention described in claim 6, the autofocusing means for moving the focus lens to the focus lens position, and the focus can be covered by the movement of the focus lens by the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means. And a second notifying unit including a unit for notifying a focusable range at the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom unit by the second zoom operation control unit. A camera according to claim 5 is provided.
Thus, when the focusable range is no longer the predetermined range due to the zoom operation, the user can perform a zoom operation as necessary to return the focusable range to the predetermined range.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an automatic focusing unit that moves the focus lens to the focus lens position and a focus that is covered by the movement of the focus lens by the position of the zoom lens that is driven by the optical zoom unit are possible. 6. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a lens optical system that changes in range, wherein the predetermined range is a range in which the focusable range does not change.
Thus, when the first operation mode is selected, the movement range of the zoom lens is limited to a predetermined range that can be focused by the focus lens. When the second operation mode is selected, the cover is moved by the movement of the focus lens. Since the zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition means is executed within the in-focusable range, a focused image can be obtained, and the user can perform the zoom operation suitable for each shooting style. Can be possible.

In the invention according to claim 8, the camera computer has a function of acquiring a zoom value, a function of driving a zoom lens in response to the acquired zoom value, a first operation mode, and a second operation mode. When the function for selectively selecting one of the operation modes and the first operation mode are selected, the zoom operation corresponding to the acquired zoom value is executed and the movement range of the zoom lens to be driven is set. A program for executing a first zoom operation function for limiting to a predetermined range and a second zoom operation function for executing a zoom operation corresponding to the acquired zoom value when the second operation mode is selected. I will provide a.
As a result, the camera limits the movement range of the zoom lens to a predetermined range when the first operation mode is selected, and the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition unit when the second operation mode is selected. The zoom operation corresponding to can be executed.

  According to the present invention, in a lens optical system that cannot maintain the same shooting distance over the entire zoom range, when the user selects the “focus range priority mode”, the zoom value cannot maintain the same focusable range. In the case of, zoom operation is prohibited, and when “zoom operation priority mode” is selected by the user, the zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value is executed, so the user can perform zoom operation suitable for each shooting style Can be.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an embodiment of a digital camera as an example of a camera according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a front view, FIG. 1 (b) is a rear view, and FIG. It is a top view.
1, the digital camera 1 has an imaging lens 2 on the front side as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, a mode dial 3, a liquid crystal monitor screen 4, a cursor key 5, a SET key 6, a macro key 10 and the like are provided on the back of the digital camera 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, a zoom lever 7, a shutter key 8, and a power button 9 are provided on the upper surface, and although not shown, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) or a modem is provided on the side. A USB terminal connection unit used when connecting the apparatus to a USB cable is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 is in focus by moving the zoom lens 12-1 and moving the zoom lens 12-1 and the focus lens 12-2 to move the zoom lens 12-1 in the photographing mode which is the basic mode. An AF driving unit 11-2 that performs the operation, a lens optical system 12 that constitutes the imaging lens 2 including the zoom lens 12-1 and the focus lens 12-2, a CCD 13 that is an imaging device, a timing generator (TG) 14, and a vertical Driver 15, sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, A / D converter 17, color process circuit 18, DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19, DRAM interface (I / F) 20, DRAM 21, control unit 22, VRAM Controller 23, VRAM 24, digital video encoder 25, display unit 26, JPEG circuit 2 , Storage memory 28, a key input unit 30 or the like. The AF driving unit 11 to the color process circuit 18 correspond to an imaging unit in the present invention. The zoom drive unit 11-1 and the zoom lens 12-1 correspond to zoom means in the present invention. An audio output unit (not shown) that outputs warning or notification information may be provided.

  In the monitoring state in the shooting mode, the zoom drive unit 11-1 drives a zoom lens drive motor (not shown) to move the zoom lens 12-1. The AF drive unit 11-2 drives a focus lens drive motor (not shown) to move the focus lens 12-2. The CCD 13, which is an image sensor disposed behind the photographic optical axis of the optical system 12 constituting the photographic lens 2, is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 14 and a vertical driver 15, and imaged at regular intervals. A photoelectric conversion output corresponding to the image is output for one screen.

  The CCD 13 is a solid-state imaging device that captures a two-dimensional image of a subject, and typically captures an image of several tens of frames per second. The imaging element is not limited to a CCD, and may be a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

  The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by a sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, and digital data by an A / D converter 17. The color process circuit 18 performs color process processing including image interpolation processing and γ correction processing in the color process circuit 18 to generate a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19. Is output.

  The DMA controller 19 uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 18 by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 18 as well as a DRAM interface. DMA transfer is performed via the (I / F) 20 to the DRAM 21 used as a buffer memory.

  The control unit 22 controls the overall control operation of the digital camera 1 and is executed by the CPU or MPU (hereinafter referred to as CPU) and the CPU including zoom operation control in the recording mode (shooting mode) as will be described later. A program storage memory such as a flash memory that stores the operation program to be fixed and a RAM used as a work memory, and after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 21, the luminance and color difference signals Is read from the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20 and written to the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23.

  The control unit 22 also extracts a processing program and menu data corresponding to each mode stored in a program storage memory such as a flash memory in response to the status signal from the key input unit 30, and Execution control of other functions, for example, zoom operation in the zoom lens movement range (hereinafter referred to as zoom operation range) corresponding to the set shooting mode, as well as through display, automatic focusing, shooting, recording, and recording Execution control such as playback / display of the selected image, display control of a function selection menu at the time of function selection, display control of a setting screen, and the like are performed.

  The digital video encoder 25 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 26.

  As described above, the display unit 26 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the shooting mode. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 25, the display unit 26 receives from the VRAM controller 23 at that time. An image based on the stored image information is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4 in real time.

  When there is a focus instruction (in this embodiment, half-press of the shutter key 8), the control unit 22 sends a drive control signal to the AF drive unit 11-2 to move the focus lens 12-2 of the lens optical system 12 to perform focusing. When a focus (AF) operation is performed and there is an imaging instruction (in this embodiment, the shutter key 8 is fully pressed), imaging is performed (that is, the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 is immediately stopped at that time, and a through image is acquired. Switching to the CCD driving method at the time of actual photographing, which is different from the time, is executed), and a transition is made to the recording / saving state.

In this stored recording state, the control unit 22 transmits the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 21 through the DRAM interface 20 to each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels horizontally. Are read in units called basic blocks and written into a JPEG (Joint Photograph Cording Experts Group) circuit 27. The JPEG circuit 27 uses ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform), a Huffman code which is an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.
The obtained code data is read from the JPEG circuit 27 and recorded as a data file of one image in the storage memory 28 which is a recording medium of the digital camera 1, and the luminance and color difference signals for one frame are compressed and stored in the storage memory 28. As the compressed data is written, the control unit 22 activates the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 again.

  Further, in the playback mode which is the basic mode, the control unit 22 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the storage memory 28 and is compressed by a procedure completely opposite to the procedure of data compression at the time of shooting by the JPEG circuit 27. The image data is decompressed, and the decompressed image data is expanded and stored in the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, and then periodically read out from the VRAM 24, and a video signal is generated and displayed based on the image data. The reproduced image is output (= displayed) on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4 of the unit 26.

  The key input unit 30 includes the mode dial 3, the cursor key 5, the SET key 6, the zoom lever 7, the shutter key 8, the power button 9, and the like described above, and signals associated with these key operations are sent directly to the control unit 22. Is done.

A mode dial 3 is used to switch between a recording mode and a reproduction mode. The cursor key 5 is a key operated when pointing (designating) a menu or icon displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4 with the cursor when setting a mode or selecting a menu. Can be moved to.
The SET key 6 is a key that is pressed when the item displayed by the cursor key 5 is selected or set or confirmed.

  The zoom lever 7 is used for zoom operation. In the case of optical zoom, the zoom lens (variable focal length lens) 12-1 is moved to the wide side or the tele side in response to the operation of the zoom lever 7, and the zoom lever 7 is A zoom value is determined corresponding to the operation, the angle of view actually changes following the change of the zoom value, and a wide-angle image or a tele image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4. In the case of digital zoom, the zoom value is determined in accordance with the operation of the zoom lever 7, but the actual angle of view does not change, and an image of a size corresponding to the zoom value is trimmed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4. Is displayed.

  The shutter key 8 performs a release operation at the time of shooting, has a stroke of two steps, and performs auto focus (AF) and automatic exposure (AE) by the first step operation (half-pressed state). And a shooting instruction signal for performing a shooting process in the second-stage operation (fully pressed state).

  For example, the macro key 10 is a key that can be selectively selected from the macro photography mode and the normal photography mode as the photography mode of the digital camera 1, and in the embodiment, the normal photography mode is set to the initial state, When the macro key 10 is pressed, the macro shooting mode is selected. When the macro key 10 is pressed again, the macro shooting mode is canceled and the normal shooting mode is set.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a focusable range corresponding to the zoom level in the macro shooting mode. Reference numerals 31-1 to 31-7 denote focusable distance ranges (shootable distances) corresponding to the zoom level. In the example shown in the figure, the focusable range in the macro shooting mode is 6 cm to 50 cm in the zoom stage 1 to 4, 10 cm to 50 cm in the zoom stage 5, 14 cm to 50 cm in the zoom stage 6, and 7 in the zoom stage 7. Then, it becomes 18-50 cm.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the subject distance of 6 cm to 50 cm is a focusable range from the first stage to the fourth stage of the zoom stage, so the focusable range does not change during the first to fourth stage optical zoom operation. Means that.

Further, in the fifth stage of the zoom stage, the subject distance of 10 cm to 50 cm is within the focusable range, so that the near side end is shifted by 4 cm to the far end side compared to when the zoom stage is the first stage to the fourth stage. The focusable range is narrowed by that amount.
At the 6th zoom level, the subject distance of 14cm to 50cm is within the focusable range, so the near end is 8cm away from the far end compared to when the zoom level is 1st to 4th. The focusable range is narrowed.
Further, in the seventh stage of the zoom stage, the subject distance of 18 cm to 50 cm is within the focusable range, so the near end is shifted by 12 cm toward the far end compared to the zoom stage of the first stage to the fourth stage. The focusable range is narrowed by that amount.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the macro photography mode, at the zoom level 5 or higher, the near end of the focusable range becomes gradually narrower as the zoom level increases. Although not shown in the drawing, the shootable distance range in the normal shooting mode is a distance of 50 cm to ∞ for each zoom stage, taking FIG. 3 as an example, and the focusable range changes even when the optical zoom operation is performed. do not do.

  At the time of shooting, the focus lens 12-2 operates independently of the zoom lens 12-1, but the focusable range changes as shown in FIG. 3 due to the optical zoom operation. The zoom operation is controlled according to priority, and the zoom operation and the state of the focusable range are notified to the user.

In the case of focusing range priority, priority is given to the closest distance on the near end side (6 cm to 50 cm in the example of FIG. 3), and the moving range of the zoom lens 12-1 is set to a range of 1 to 4 steps. When the zoom level is 4 steps, the fact is notified.
In addition, in the case of zoom priority, the entire zoom operation (1 to 7 steps) is possible. In this case, the focus range after the fifth stage is shifted to the far side (as shown in the example of FIG. 3), so that the fact is notified when the zoom stage is 5-7.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the digital camera 1 in the shooting mode (recording mode). This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing the digital camera 1 to realize the zoom function of the present invention.
The processing shown below is basically explained by an example in which the control unit 22 executes in accordance with a program stored in advance in a program memory such as a flash memory, but it is not necessary to store all functions in the program memory. Alternatively, a part or all of them may be received via a network. Hereinafter, description will be given based on FIGS.

  In the recording mode, the control unit 22 first displays various selection menus (not shown) including the “zoom operation selection” menu on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4, and the photographer operates the cursor key 5 and the SET key 6. When the “zoom method selection” menu is selected, the “focusable range priority” menu and the “zoom operation priority” menu are further displayed to prompt selection (step S1). Determining which menu is selected from the "Range priority" menu or the "Zoom operation priority" menu (Which of the focus range priority mode and the zoom operation priority mode is currently selected and set) Is done. If the photographer selects the “focus range priority” menu, the process proceeds to step S3. If the “zoom operation priority” menu is selected, the process proceeds to step S9.

When the “focus range priority” menu is selected (when the focus range priority mode is selected and set), the control unit 22 examines a signal from the key input unit 30 and performs a zoom operation by moving the zoom lever 7. If there is, the process proceeds to step S4, and if there is no zoom operation, the process proceeds to step S15 (step S3).
Subsequently, the control unit 22 examines the signal from the key input unit 30, and if the macro key 10 is operated, the process proceeds to step S5 assuming that the macro shooting mode is selected, and otherwise the step is set as the normal shooting mode. Proceed to S8 (step S4). Here, step S4 includes means for determining whether one of the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode is selected and set when the zoom operation is determined in step S3. If it is determined that the mode is selected and set, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the normal shooting mode is selected and set, the process proceeds to step S8.

  The control unit 22 controls the operation of the zoom lens 12-1 by sending a control signal to the zoom drive unit 11-1 so as to perform a zoom operation corresponding to the number of zoom steps acquired by the zoom operation. Limiter control is performed so that the number of zoom stages to be set is up to a predetermined number (4 in the example of FIG. 3) (step S5). Note that the zoom operation may be suppressed when the acquired zoom step number exceeds the predetermined step number without limiting the zoom step number acquired by the zoom operation. The focusing range in this case is always kept at 6 to 50 cm in the example of FIG. That is, if the zoom level exceeds a predetermined number (4 levels in the example of FIG. 3), the focusable range is shifted farther on the near end side as shown in the example of FIG. In order to keep the possible range constant, zoom operation exceeding a predetermined number of steps in the macro shooting mode is suppressed.

  The control unit 22 checks whether or not the current zoom level is a predetermined level (4 levels in the example of FIG. 3). If the zoom level is the predetermined level, the control unit 22 proceeds to step S7. If not, the control unit 22 proceeds to step S15. (Step S6).

The control unit 22 outputs a notification that “the zoom range is not allowed when the zoom stage is 5 or more and the zoom operation is prohibited”, and the process proceeds to step S15. As a notification method, a message may be displayed on the screen, but it may be notified by voice output. Some of these may be combined (step S7).

In the normal shooting mode, the control unit 22 examines a signal from the key input unit 30 and performs a zoom operation corresponding to the zoom step number acquired by the zoom operation without limiting the zoom step number. -1 is sent to control the operation of the zoom lens 12-1, and the process proceeds to step S15. In this case, the focusing range is always maintained at 50 cm to ∞ (step S8).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the “zoom operation priority” menu is selected in step S2 (when it is determined that the current zoom operation priority mode is selected and set), the control unit 22 receives the key input unit 30 from the key input unit 30. The signal is checked, and if there is a zoom operation by moving the zoom lever 7, the process proceeds to step S10, and if there is no zoom operation, the process proceeds to step S15 (step S9).

  The control unit 22 examines a signal from the key input unit 30, and if the macro key 10 is operated, the macro shooting mode is selected and the process proceeds to step S11. If not, the normal shooting mode proceeds to step S14 ( Step S10). Here, step S10 includes means for determining whether one of the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode is selected and set at the time when it is determined in step S9 that there is a zoom operation. If it is determined that the mode is selected and set, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is determined that the normal shooting mode is selected and set, the process proceeds to step S14.

  The control unit 22 sends a control signal to the zoom drive unit 11-1 so as to perform a zoom operation corresponding to the zoom step acquired by the zoom operation among the zoom steps without limiting the number of zoom steps, and the zoom lens 12. The operation of -1 is controlled and the process proceeds to step S12. The focusing range in this case is 6 to 50 cm when the number of zoom steps is 1 to 4 in the example of FIG. 3, 10 to 50 cm when the number of zoom steps is 5, and the number of zoom steps is 6 steps. In this case, it is 14 to 50 cm, and in the case where the number of zoom stages is 7, it is 18 to 50 cm (step S11).

  The control unit 22 checks whether or not the zoom level exceeds a predetermined level (4 levels in the example of FIG. 3). If the zoom level exceeds the predetermined level, the focusable range is far from the near end. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S13 to notify the fact, and if not, the process proceeds to step S15 (step S12).

  The control unit 22 outputs a caution warning stating that “the zoom stage is currently 5 or more and the focus range is shifted on the near end side and the focus is blurred, so be careful” and the process proceeds to step S15. A warning message may be displayed on the screen, but the focusable range of the current zoom level can be displayed numerically, and when the zoom level reaches 5 or higher, the color can be changed or displayed on the band graph. The zoom level and the corresponding focusable range are displayed. When the zoom level reaches 5 or higher, a mark is displayed at the near end, a warning is output by audio output, or the zoom operation is temporarily stopped. You may make it do. Some of these may be combined (step S13).

  In the normal shooting mode, the control unit 22 examines a signal from the key input unit 30 and performs a zoom operation corresponding to the zoom step number acquired by the zoom operation in each zoom step without limiting the number of zoom steps. As is done, a control signal is sent to the zoom drive unit 11-1 to control the operation of the zoom lens 12-1, and the process proceeds to step S15. The focus range in this case is always 50 cm to ∞ regardless of the zoom level (step S14).

  The control unit 22 executes AE processing at a focal length corresponding to the zoom value at that time, obtains image data from the CCD 13, and performs a white process corresponding to the color of the light source by automatic white balance (AWB) processing. After making adjustments in the circuit 18, DMA transfer is performed to the DRAM 21 via the DMA controller 19 and the DRAM interface (I / F) 20, and the VRAM 24 is rewritten with video-through image data obtained by thinning out image data from the CCD 13, thereby displaying the display unit. The through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 4 (step S15).

  The control unit 22 checks the signal from the key input unit 30, and proceeds to step S13 if the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, and returns to step S2 if not pressed (step S16).

  Next, the control unit 22 controls the AF driving unit 11-2 so as to focus on a predetermined focus area, and performs an automatic focusing process, that is, moves the focus lens 12-2 to perform a focusing operation. AE control (including aperture control) and AWB control are performed, and when the focusing process is completed, the focusing position is locked and the process proceeds to step S18. Although not shown, the through image is displayed even during the focusing operation (step S17). The automatic focusing process executed in step S17 is specifically performed when the macro shooting mode is selected and set when the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, and the focus lens 12-2 is AF searched for the macro shooting mode. When the focusing operation is performed by moving only within the range (up to 50 cm) and the normal shooting mode is selected and set when the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, the focus lens 12-2 is moved to the AF for the normal shooting mode. The focusing operation is performed by moving only within the search range (50 cm to ∞).

  The control unit 22 examines the signal from the key input unit 30 to determine whether or not the shutter key 8 has been fully pressed, and if the shutter key 8 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S19 (step S18).

  When the shutter key 8 is fully pressed, the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 is immediately stopped at that time, and switching to the CCD driving method at the time of actual photographing, which is different from the through image acquisition, is performed. After image compression processing is performed on the image data, the compressed image data (image file) is recorded in the storage memory 28, and the image capturing for one frame is completed (step S19).

  When the “focus range priority” is selected in the macro shooting mode by the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 above, the zoom range (1 to 4 steps) with a fixed focus range (6 to 50 cm) is limited. The zoom operation is suppressed when the zoom operation is performed and the zoom range (5 steps or more) in which the focusable range shifts to the far side on the near end side, so that a focused image can be obtained. In addition, since the zoom operation exceeding 4 steps is suppressed, the zoom operation cannot be performed when the zoom step exceeds 4 steps. Therefore, the user has a malfunction in the camera or the zoom lever 7 is operated. Although it may be misunderstood that it was not enough or anxiety may be felt, such misidentification and anxiety are eliminated by making a notice.

  In addition, when “zoom operation priority” is selected in the macro shooting mode by the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the zoom operation is performed at all zoom steps, and the zoom range 1 to 1 in which the focusable range is constant. Images that are in focus can be obtained up to four stages. Furthermore, a warning is output when the zoom range (5 steps or more) is shifted farther toward the far end on the near end side, so that if the user sets the zoom step to 5 steps or more, the focus range will be reduced. Since it can be recognized that there is a shift at the near end, the user can operate the zoom lever 7 as necessary to return the zoom value to four steps or less.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, after the warning is output in step S <b> 13, the process proceeds to step S <b> 15, so that when the user half-presses the shutter key 8 regardless of the warning, shooting is performed in the path of steps S <b> 16 to S < Therefore, the user can shoot with the same number of zoom steps as necessary.

  In the description of each of the above embodiments, the total number of zoom stages is 7. However, the number of zoom stages is not limited to 7. In addition, notification or warning is given when the zoom level is 4 or 5 or more, but it is not limited to 4 or 5 or more. You may comprise so that a warning may be given when it comes to slip.

[Modification]
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the shooting mode is divided into the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode has been described, but the case where the shooting mode is not divided into the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode has been described as an example. The present invention can be applied even when the shooting mode is not divided into the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a focusable range that changes according to the zoom level when the shooting mode is not divided into the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode. -7 is a focusable range corresponding to the zoom level. In the example shown in the figure, the focusable range in the shooting mode is 6 cm to ∞ (infinity) in the zoom level 1 to 4, and 10 cm to 10 in the zoom level 5. ∞, 14 cm to ∞ at zoom stage 6, and 18 cm to ∞ at zoom stage 7.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the subject distance of 6 cm to ∞ is the focusable range from the first stage to the fourth stage of the zoom stage, so that the focusable range does not change during the zoom operation of the first stage to the fourth stage. Means.

Further, in the fifth stage of the zoom stage, the subject distance of 10 cm to 50 cm is within the focusable range, so that the near side end is shifted by 4 cm to the far end side compared to when the zoom stage is the first stage to the fourth stage. The focusable range is narrowed by that amount.
In the sixth stage, the near side end is 14 cm, and the subject distance of 14 cm to ∞ is within the focusable range. Therefore, the near side end is shifted by 8 cm toward the far end compared to the zoom stage in the first stage to the fourth stage. , The focusable range is narrowed accordingly.
Further, in the seventh step, the near side end is 18 cm, and the subject distance of 18 cm to ∞ is within the focusable range, so the near side end is on the far end side compared to the zoom step in the first step to the fourth step. The focusable range becomes narrower by 10 cm.

The AF function described in each of the above embodiments may employ any AF method such as a contrast AF method or an external phase difference AF method.
In the description of each of the above embodiments, a digital camera is used as an example of a camera. However, the term camera can be applied to an electronic camera such as a digital camera, an information device having a camera-equipped mobile phone, and an imaging unit. is there.

  As mentioned above, although several Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to said each Example, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of one Example of the digital camera as an example of the camera which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows one Example of the electronic circuit structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows one Example of the focusable range which changes according to the zoom stage at the time of macro imaging | photography mode. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the digital camera in a recording mode. It is a figure which shows the other Example of the focusing possible range which changes according to a zoom stage.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera (camera)
5 Cursor keys (priority selection means)
6 SET key (priority selection means)
8 Shutter key (Focus instruction means)
10 Macro key (shooting mode selection means)
11-1 Zoom drive unit (zoom means)
12 Optical lens system (zoom means)
22 Control unit 22 (priority selection means, zoom value acquisition means, first zoom operation control means, second zoom operation control means, notification means, warning means)
26 Display (notification means, warning means)

Claims (8)

Zoom value acquisition means for acquiring a zoom value;
Optical zoom means for driving a zoom lens in accordance with the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition means;
An operation mode selection means for alternatively selecting one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selection unit, the optical zoom unit is caused to execute a zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition unit and is driven by the optical zoom unit. First zoom operation control means for limiting a moving range of the zoom lens to a predetermined range;
Second zoom operation control means for causing the optical zoom means to execute a zoom operation corresponding to the zoom value acquired by the zoom value acquisition means when the second operation mode is selected by the zoom operation selection means;
A camera characterized by comprising Furthermore, it has a shooting mode selection means that can select a macro shooting mode or a normal shooting mode,
The first zoom operation control means includes:
When the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selection unit and the macro shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selection unit, the moving range of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom unit is limited to a predetermined range. The camera according to claim 1, wherein: 2. The first notifying means for notifying that a moving range of a zoom lens driven by the first zoom operation control means is limited to a predetermined range. Or the camera of 2. The first notifying means includes means for notifying when the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means by the first zoom operation control means reaches the end position of the predetermined range. The camera according to claim 3. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second notifying means for notifying the fact that the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means by the second zoom operation control means is outside the predetermined range. Item 5. The camera according to any one of Items 1 to 4. Automatic focusing means for moving the focus lens to the focusing lens position;
A lens optical system in which a focusable range that is covered by the movement of the focus lens varies depending on the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means,
6. The second notifying means includes means for notifying a focusable range at a position of a zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means by the second zoom operation control means. camera. Automatic focusing means for moving the focus lens to the focusing lens position;
A lens optical system in which a focusable range that is covered by the movement of the focus lens varies depending on the position of the zoom lens driven by the optical zoom means,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined range is a range in which the focusable range does not change. On the camera computer,
A function of acquiring a zoom value, a function of driving a zoom lens in response to the acquired zoom value, a function of selecting one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode, When the first operation mode is selected, a zoom operation corresponding to the acquired zoom value is executed, and a first zoom operation function for limiting a moving range of the driven zoom lens to a predetermined range; A second zoom operation function that executes a zoom operation corresponding to the acquired zoom value when the second operation mode is selected;
A program that executes

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