JP2006243349A - Focus detection device and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably detect an amount of correction with the same detection accuracy as a detection means without being influenced by a condition of a subject to thereby satisfactorily correct deviation caused by various factors, by giving such a configuration that an image of a self-luminescent index means formed by a detection optical system is directly used to directly measure the extent of deviation of the detection optical system. <P>SOLUTION: A sensor 1090 has at least a pair of sensor arrays 1091 formed therein, and the sensor arrays materializes a detection range wider than that in a focus detection state for the subject, and a subject image formed in the vicinity of a visual field mask 1010 is formed on the sensor 1090 by a re-imaging lens 1070 and is detected, and an index means 1410 constituted on an organic electroluminescent element 1400 is detected by the sensor 1090. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention detects an image formed by a self-luminous index means arranged on a planned imaging plane of an imaging optical system by a re-imaging optical system and detects the state of the image on the planned imaging plane. This is related to the correction of the state detection amount.

  In a focus detection device that detects the focus adjustment state of an imaging optical system by comparing images of light beams that have passed through different areas of the imaging optical system, the re-imaging optical system that forms an image of each area is accompanied by a shift. An error has occurred in the detected amount of the state of the imaging optical system.

Therefore, in the case where the applicant of the present invention uses the light blocking member existing in the detection means such as a field stop or the like in the patent document 1, the present invention also exists in the past. The detection accuracy of the detection means can be configured by directly using the image of the light shielding member formed by the detection optical system and directly measuring the deviation amount of the detection optical system so that the light shielding member can also be used. A configuration is proposed in which the correction amount can be detected with the same accuracy.
JP 2002-341231 A

  However, in the conventional example, since the detection means detects the light shielding means such as the field stop, when the subject having a low brightness is applied to the detection unit, the index means is erroneously detected, and the error is detected. Acquiring the correct amount of correction sometimes resulted in deterioration of accuracy. Also, when the whole is dark like a night view, the indicator means cannot be detected and correction may not be possible at all.

(Object of invention)
A first object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device capable of accurately correcting a shift occurring in a focus detection result regardless of the condition of a subject to be detected.

  The second object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device in which an index member can be arranged at a position where the imaging optical path is not affected.

  A third object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device capable of correcting all the deviations caused by the components of the re-imaging optical system.

  The fourth object of the present invention is to eliminate the influence of the index means for detecting the correction amount on the focus detection, and change the state of the index means when the correction amount is acquired or not acquired. An object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device that can improve the degree of freedom of arrangement of means, reduce energy for displaying the indicator means, and extend the life of the indicator means. Is.

  The fifth object of the present invention is not to have a dedicated detection means for detecting the correction amount, thereby improving the accuracy of the correction amount for correcting the focus detection result and reducing the size of the detection means. A focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus are to be provided.

  A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus capable of performing accurate correction by changing the display position of the index means to eliminate the positional deviation between the subject image and the index image. Is.

  A seventh object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus that can detect an index image to be detected in an appropriate state by changing the index image in accordance with the background brightness of the index means display range. It is what.

  An eighth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus in which the influence of the indicator means display for detecting the correction amount does not occur on the focus detection result.

  The ninth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus that can prevent the detection time of the correction amount from being a delay time for the imaging operation.

  A tenth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus capable of accurately adjusting a correction amount adapted to a focus detection result even for a sudden environmental change or the like. It is.

  The eleventh object of the present invention is to reduce the time from the start of operation to the end of driving of the imaging optical system by reducing the time from driving of the imaging optical system by detecting the indicator means during the driving of the imaging optical system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device capable of achieving the above.

  A twelfth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus that are configured to acquire a correction amount first, thereby eliminating detection of an index member during a focus detection operation and shortening the detection time. Is to provide.

  The thirteenth object of the present invention is to detect the index means for the next shooting operation during the shooting operation, thereby detecting the index means and detecting the detection time of the index means during continuous shooting every time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device that can be removed from time and can shorten the photographing interval.

  A fourteenth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus that can reduce a delay time for an imaging operation to a minimum by configuring so as to detect only a correction amount of a necessary part. To do.

  A fifteenth object of the present invention is to provide a focus detection apparatus capable of eliminating a useless correction amount detection operation by detecting an indicator means based on a change in an elapsed time, an environment, or the like with respect to the previous detection of a correction amount. An imaging apparatus is to be provided.

  However, the present invention adopts the following configuration in order to achieve the object.

  In order to achieve the first object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image formed on a predetermined imaging surface by an imaging optical system is imaged on a detection means using a re-imaging optical system. In the focus detection means for detecting the focus state of the imaging optical system, the correction means of the re-imaging optical system is detected by detecting the index means arranged near the planned imaging surface of the imaging optical system by the detection means. In the apparatus for generating and correcting the adjustment amount of the focus adjustment state, the focus detection apparatus is characterized in that the index means is composed of self-luminous index means.

  In order to achieve the second object, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the index means is arranged at a position shielded from light with respect to the imaging optical system. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of the above.

  In order to achieve the third object, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the index means is arranged closer to the planned image plane than the re-imaging optical system. The focus detection device according to any one of?

  In order to achieve the fourth object, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the indicator means is displayed only when the indicator means is detected by the detector means. The focus detection apparatus described in the above.

  In order to achieve the fifth object, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the indicator means is composed of transmissive organic electroluminescence, and the indicator is arranged in the field of view. The focus detection device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 6 is provided.

  In order to achieve the sixth object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the index means has index display position changing means for changing the display position of the index means according to the subject image. The focus detection device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5 to 7.

  In order to achieve the seventh object, the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the indicator means has indicator display changing means for changing the indicator image in accordance with the luminance of the background of the indicator means display range. The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus detection apparatus is configured as described above.

  In order to achieve the eighth object, the invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the detection means detects a projection image of the first detection means and the index means for detecting a focus state of the imaging optical system. The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus detection apparatus includes a second detection unit.

  In order to achieve the ninth object, the invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the detection of the indicator means is performed when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned on. This is a focus detection device.

  In order to achieve the tenth object, the invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the detection of the indicator means is performed at the time of focus detection operation. This is a detection device.

  In order to achieve the eleventh object, the invention according to claim 13 is configured such that the detection of the indicator means is performed while the imaging optical system is being driven. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10 is provided.

  In order to achieve the twelfth object, the invention according to claim 14 is configured such that the detection of the indicator means is performed in the initial stage of focus detection operation. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of the above.

  In order to achieve the thirteenth object, the invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the detection of the indicator means is performed during a return operation for returning to a focus detectable state after completion of imaging of a subject image. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the index means is detected while the imaging apparatus is capturing a subject image. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

  In order to achieve the fourteenth object, the invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the detection of the indicator means is executed only for a selected field of view. The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1 is used.

  In order to achieve the fifteenth object, the invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that the detection of the indicator means is executed when a predetermined time has passed since the previous detection of the indicator means. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the imaging apparatus includes a temperature detection unit, and the detection of the index unit is 19. The focus detection device according to claim 1, wherein the focus detection device is executed when a difference from a temperature at the time of the previous correction value detection is a predetermined value or more.

  In order to achieve any one of the first to fifteenth objects, an invention according to a twentieth aspect is an imaging apparatus including the focus detection apparatus according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects.

  As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 or 20, the focus detection apparatus capable of accurately correcting and correcting the shift generated in the focus detection result regardless of the condition of the subject to be detected, and An imaging device can be provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 4 or 20, it is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device in which the index member can be arranged at a position where the imaging optical path is not affected.

  According to the invention described in claim 5 or 20, it is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device capable of correcting all the deviations caused by the components of the re-imaging optical system.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 6 or 20, the influence of the index means for detecting the correction amount on the focus detection is eliminated, and the state of the index means is determined when the correction amount is acquired or not acquired. By changing, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the indicator means, reduce the energy for displaying the indicator means, and extend the lifetime of the indicator means, and the imaging device A device can be provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 7 or 20, by not having a dedicated detection means for detecting the correction amount, the accuracy of the correction amount for correcting the focus detection result is improved, and the detection means is small. Therefore, it is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device that can be realized.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 8 or 20, the focus detection device and the imaging capable of performing accurate correction by changing the display position of the index means to eliminate the positional deviation between the subject image and the index image. A device can be provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 9 or 20, the focus detection device can detect the index image to be detected in an appropriate state by changing the index image in accordance with the luminance of the background of the index means display range. And an imaging device can be provided.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 10 or 20, it is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device that do not cause an influence of the indicator means display for detecting the correction amount on the focus detection result. .

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 11 or 20, it is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device that can prevent the detection time of the correction amount from being a delay time for the imaging operation.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 12 or 20, the focus detection apparatus and the imaging apparatus capable of making the correction amount adapted to the focus detection result accurate even for a sudden environmental change or the like. Can be provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 13 or 20, the indicator means is detected while the imaging optical system is being driven, so that the time from the start of the operation to the imaging optical system being driven is shortened. It is possible to provide a focus detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus that can shorten the time until the end.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 14 or 20, by detecting the correction amount first, the detection of the index member during the focus detection operation can be eliminated and the detection time can be shortened. A focus detection device and an imaging device can be provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 15, 16 or 20, by detecting the indicator means for the next photographing operation during the photographing operation, the indicator means is detected each time and during continuous photographing. It is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device that can eliminate the detection time of the index means from the focus detection time and can shorten the photographing interval.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 17 or 20, a focus detection device that can reduce a delay time with respect to an imaging operation to a minimum by configuring so as to detect only a correction amount of a necessary portion, and An imaging device can be provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claims 18 to 20, useless correction amount detection operation can be eliminated by detecting the indicator means according to the change of the elapsed time, environment, etc. with respect to the previous detection of the correction amount. It is possible to provide a focus detection device and an imaging device capable of performing the above.

(First embodiment)
Examples of the present invention are shown below.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus in which the detection apparatus of the present invention is incorporated.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 200 denotes an imaging optical system that projects a subject onto imaging means of the imaging apparatus, and 210 denotes an imaging apparatus to which the imaging optical system 200 is attached.

  An imaging unit 220 projects an object image by the imaging optical system 200. A main mirror 230 separates a light beam from the imaging optical system into an observation optical system, which will be described later. Is held by the main mirror hinge shaft 231 so as to be retractable.

  A sub-mirror 240 guides the light beam from the imaging optical system 200 to the focus detection device. The sub mirror 240 is held by a sub mirror hinge shaft 241 that is rotatably held with respect to the main mirror 230.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes an observation optical system for observing an image picked up by the image pickup means, and the observation optical system 300 includes an erect image optical system 310 that is an erect image optical system, an eyepiece 320, and a focusing screen 330. .

  Reference numeral 400 denotes a focus detection device that is a detection unit that detects the focus state of the imaging optical system.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, 1 is a microprocessor for controlling the entire camera, 2 is a photometric circuit, 3 is a distance measuring circuit, 4 is a shutter control circuit, and 5 is an aperture control circuit, all of which are known.

  6 (SW1) is a switch for starting photometry / ranging, 7 (SW2) is a switch for starting photographing operation, and these switches are turned on by the first stroke and the second stroke of the release button. 8 is a main switch, 9 is a shake detection circuit, 11 is a film chamber lid switch for detecting the open / closed state of a film chamber in which a film is loaded, and 12 is for reading information on an information display section 17 of a film cartridge 16 to be described later. A film information reading circuit 13, a display device for displaying a shutter speed and aperture value, the presence / absence of a film cartridge, a warning for taking out a film, and a driving circuit for the display, 14 (REW) is an intermediate winding of the film This is a midway rewind switch for instructing the start of reversion. Reference numeral 15 denotes a motor drive circuit for winding and rewinding the film. More specifically, the film F is taken up by the film take-up spool 19 and the film supply spool in the film cartridge 16 is driven in the film rewind direction to rewind the film F into the film cartridge 16.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a film information display section provided in the film cartridge 16. Reference numeral 18 denotes a perforation detection circuit for detecting perforations formed on the film F, which is composed of, for example, a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion of a photo reflector, and detects the presence or absence of perforation of the film. Reference numeral 20 denotes a lens driving circuit for focusing. 21 is an index display circuit for displaying index means for detecting the focus correction amount, and 24 is an index display position circuit as index display position changing means for changing the display position of the index means. Is an indicator display luminance circuit which is an indicator display changing means for changing the indicator image in accordance with the luminance of the background of the indicator means display range. Reference numeral 22 denotes a correction amount calculation circuit for calculating a correction amount from the detection image of the index means, and reference numeral 23 denotes a temperature detection circuit for measuring temperature.

  3 and 4 show the configuration of a focus detection device that is one of the components constituting the imaging device.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the focus detection device including the present configuration, and FIG. 4 is an infrared cut filter mounting diagram of the focus detection unit including the present configuration, and each component of the focus detection device including the present configuration. The relationship is shown in detail below.

  The main body block 1120 is provided with various positioning shapes and fixed shapes for positioning and fixing various focus detection unit constituent members. The infrared cut filter 1050 is positioned with respect to the main body block 1120 by being attached to the infrared cut filter positioning / fixing portion 1121 provided in the main body block 1120, and the infrared cut filter positioning / fixing portion. The infrared cut filter 1050 is bonded and fixed to the main body block 1120 at a plurality of infrared cut filter adhesive portions 1122 provided around 1121. The light shielding plate 1030 is attached to the main body block 1120 by a light shielding plate positioning / fixing portion 1031 provided on the light shielding plate 1030 and a light shielding plate positioning / fixing portion 1123 for positioning and fixing the light shielding plate 1030 provided on the main body block 1120. Positioned with respect to the main body block 1120 and attached to the main body block 1120, the unnecessary light flux other than the effective light flux of each distance measuring field passing through the divided field lens 1020 is bonded to the main body block 1120. It has a wall 1032 and a wall 1033 for preventing incidence to the distance measuring field sensor, and an opening 1034 is formed between the wall 1032 and the wall 1033 for allowing the distance measuring light beam to pass therethrough. Has been. The divided field lens 1020 is adhesively fixed to the main body block 1120 by a divided field lens fixing portion 1124 provided in the main body block 1120 after various adjustments are made.

  The field mask 1010 includes a pair of field mask positioning fitting shafts 1011 provided in the field mask 1010 and a field mask positioning fitting that restricts planar movement within the mounting surface of the field mask 1010 provided in the main body block 1120. Positioned with respect to the main body block 1120 by a pair of fitting holes including a field mask positioning fitting elongated hole 1126 that restricts rotational movement with respect to the joint hole 1125 and the field mask positioning fitting hole 1125, and is provided in the field mask 1010. By engaging the pair of field mask fixing elastic claws 1012 with the pair of field mask fixing holes 1127 provided in the main body block 1120, the field mask 1010 is attached to the main body block 1120. The field mask 1010 has a focus detection. After the knit is attached to the camera, the pair of field mask fixing elastic claws 1012 provided in the field mask 1010 and the pair of field mask fixing holes 1127 provided in the main body block 1120 are disengaged. Even in such a case, the field mask 1010 is provided with a field mask floating prevention unit 1013 so that the field mask 1010 does not float from the main body block 1120.

  Here, the field mask floating prevention unit 1013 also has a role of reducing the gap between the mirror box of the camera and the focus detection device.

  Reference numeral 1014 denotes a field mask opening provided in the field mask 1010, which defines a detection range.

  Reference numeral 1400 denotes an organic electroluminescence element for displaying the indicator means, and 1410 is displayed as the indicator means when detecting the indicator.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the indicator means 1410 is displayed.

  The light shielding sheet 1110 is positioned by a pair of light shielding sheet positioning holes 1111 provided in the light shielding sheet and a pair of light shielding sheet positioning shapes 1014 provided in the field mask 1010, and the field mask 1010 and the body block By being sandwiched by 1120, the body block 1120 is fixed.

  The mirror 1040 is positioned by a mirror positioning / fixing portion 1134 provided in the main body block 1120 and is fixedly bonded to the main body block 1120. On the surface of the mirror 1040, a light shielding mask portion 1041 having a mask shape for shielding unnecessary light fluxes for each distance measuring field is added. When the focus detection light flux is bent with respect to the sensor, the light shielding plate 1030 and Unnecessary light flux that passes through the gap of the mirror 1040 is shielded, and the light shielding mask portion 1041 is formed substantially parallel to the sensor array direction of the line sensor in the peripheral ranging visual field. Since there is no light-shielding pattern in the division direction, no ghost is generated due to reflection at the pattern edge portion. The re-imaging lens 1070 is positioned by a pair of fitting holes including a re-imaging lens positioning square hole 1131 and a re-imaging lens positioning elongated hole 1132 of the main body block 1120 by the fitting shaft 1071 of the pair of re-imaging lenses. It is fixed to the main body block 1120 by adhesion. The porous aperture 1060 is positioned with respect to the re-imaging lens 1070 by a positioning unit 1061 corresponding to the re-imaging lens fitting shaft 1071 provided in the re-imaging lens 1070, and re-imaging is performed. By being sandwiched between the lens 1070 and the main body block 1120, it is held against the main body block 1120.

  The sensor support member 1100 is provided in a main body block abutting shape 1101 of a spherical sensor support member having the same central axis and a main body block 1120 for positioning adjustment provided in the sensor support member 1100. With the sensor support member support shape 1151 configured by a plurality of curvatures R1 and R2, the curvature R2 of the sensor support member support shape 1151 of the main body block and the curvature R1 of the main body block abutment shape 1101 of the sensor support member are centered. By positioning so as to be able to swing, tilt adjustment with respect to a plurality of axes is possible, and after various adjustments such as sensor tilt adjustment are performed, they are bonded and fixed to the main body block 1120.

  The sensor 1090 becomes a sensor unit 1200 in which the sensor holder 1080 and the sensor 1090 are integrated by bonding and fixing to the sensor holder 1080 in advance.

  The sensor unit 1200 is held to the main body block 1120 via the sensor support member 1100, and after various adjustments such as sensor tilt adjustment and position adjustment are performed, the sensor unit 1200 is bonded and fixed to the sensor support member 1100. In the sensor holder 1080, a groove for guiding the adhesive is formed on the adhesive surface of the sensor support member 1100.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the principle of the focus detection apparatus of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 shows a focus detection device using a pair of re-imaging optical systems. FIG. 5 shows the field mask 1010, the field lens 1020, the porous aperture 1060, the re-imaging lens 1070, and the sensor 1090 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in a simplified form.

  Reference numeral 1400 denotes an organic electroluminescence element.

  The sensor 1090 used in this embodiment includes at least a pair of sensor rows 1091. The sensor rows realize a detection range wider than the detection range of the focus detection state of the subject, and the field mask 1010. The subject image formed in the vicinity is formed on the sensor 1090 by the re-imaging lens 1070 and detected, and the indicator means 1410 of the organic electroluminescence element 1400 disposed in the vicinity of the field mask 1010 is displayed when the indicator is detected. Thus, an index image is formed on the sensor 1090 and detected by the sensor 1090.

  An image obtained by back projecting the sensor array 1091 onto the field mask becomes 1011, and the sensor array detects the indicator means 1410 on the organic electroluminescence element 1400.

  In this embodiment, by detecting the indicator means of the organic electroluminescence element, the state of the indicator means of the focus detection device is detected, and the preset value of the indicator means and the correction value based on the detected value of the indicator means The amount of deviation of the focus detection device is obtained, and the focus detection amount is corrected.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor which is a detection unit of the focus detection apparatus of the present invention.

  The sensor 2000 of FIG. 6 shows a case where a pair of sensor rows 2010 are formed. In the sensor array 2010, 2030 is a focus state detection region for detecting the state of the subject image by the imaging optical system, and 2020 is a correction for detecting a change in the state of the focus detection device and correcting the detection result of the focus detection region 2030. This is a correction amount detection region for detecting the amount, and is constituted by these regions. Reference numeral 2040 denotes a field mask image that defines the detection range of the focus detection apparatus, and shows the projection range of the subject image by the field mask 1010. The subject image is configured so that no subject image is formed outside the field mask image 2040. Yes. Reference numeral 2050 denotes an index image formed by the index means.

  In the focus detection apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the correction amount detection area extends the sensor array beyond the detection field of view defined by the field mask, so that the distance measurement range of the focus detection apparatus. The outside of the field mask image 2040 that defines the above is also detected.

  In FIG. 6, since the correction amount detection area 2020 is set outside the field mask image 2040, a constant image can always be obtained, and an index is set at a position corresponding to the correction amount detection area 2020 on the sensor 2000. By displaying the image 2050 of the means 1410, it is possible to always obtain a constant index means image regardless of the subject conditions.

  Since the organic electroluminescence element 1400 is fixed with respect to the focus detection device, it can always be used as a constant index means for the sensor 2000.

  In FIG. 6, the sensor having a pair of sensor rows has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a sensor having a plurality of pairs of sensor rows.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a sensor that is a detection means of the focus detection apparatus of the present invention.

  The sensor 2000 in FIG. 7 shows a case where a pair of sensor rows 2010 are formed. In the sensor array 2010, a focus state detection region for detecting the state of the subject image by the imaging optical system, and a correction amount detection region for detecting a correction amount for detecting a change in the state of the focus detection device and correcting the detection result, The role of the sensor array is changed according to the situation at the time of detection, instead of being defined separately.

  Reference numeral 2040 denotes a field mask image that defines the detection range of the focus detection apparatus, and shows the projection range of the subject image by the field mask 1010. The subject image is configured so that no subject image is formed outside the field mask image 2040. Yes. Reference numeral 2050 denotes an index image formed by the index means.

  In the focus detection apparatus of the present embodiment, the focus state detection area and the correction amount detection area are the same, and as shown in FIG. 7, the index image 2050 is overlaid on the subject image. A subject image and an index image are detected.

  In FIG. 7, since the correction amount detection area and the focus state detection area are set in the same area, the sensor can be effectively used.

  Since the organic electroluminescence element 1400 is fixed with respect to the focus detection device, it can always be used as a constant index means for the sensor 2000.

  Although a sensor having a pair of sensor rows has been described in FIG. 7, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a sensor having a plurality of pairs of sensor rows.

(Second embodiment)
Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is an optical path development diagram for explaining the principle of the focus detection device when LED elements are arranged as index means, and FIG. 9 is for explaining the principle of the focus detection device when LED elements are arranged as index means. It is sectional drawing.

  8 and 9 show a focus detection device using a pair of re-imaging optical systems. 8 and 9 show the field mask 1010, the field lens 1020, the aperture stop 1060, the re-imaging lens 1070, and the sensor 1090 in FIGS. 3 and 4 in a simplified form.

  Reference numeral 1500 denotes an LED element, which is arranged in place of the organic electroluminescence element 1400.

  The sensor 1090 used in this embodiment includes at least a pair of sensor rows 1091. The sensor rows realize a detection range wider than the detection range of the focus detection state of the subject, and the field mask 1010. An object image formed in the vicinity is formed and detected on the sensor 1090 by the re-imaging lens 1070, and the LED element 1500 disposed in the vicinity of the field mask 1010 is displayed at the time of detection of the index, whereby the sensor 1090 is displayed. An index image is formed on the sensor 1090 and detected by the sensor 1090.

  An image obtained by back projecting the sensor array 1091 onto the field mask becomes 1011, and the sensor array detects an image of the LED element 1500.

  In this embodiment, the state of the index means of the focus detection device is detected by detecting the LED element, and the correction value is obtained from the preset value of the index means and the detection value of the index means. The amount of deviation is obtained, and the focus detection amount is corrected.

  The correction amount detection operation of the present invention will be described below.

(First correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating focus detection interrupt processing of the imaging apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where accumulation of the subject image and the index means is performed independently. First, in step 1010 (hereinafter referred to as S1010), in the distance measuring field existing in the imaging apparatus, The field of view set to be used for detection is extracted.

  In S1020, display of the indicator means corresponding to the distance measuring field extracted in S1010 is started. In S1030, the focus detection device starts acquisition of the subject image and the image of the index means. In S1040, it is determined whether or not the detection of the image of the indicator means is completed among the acquired images. If it is determined in S1040 that the acquisition of the image of the index means has been completed, the process proceeds to the next S1050. In S1050, the accumulation of the image of the indicator means is stopped. In step S1060, the display of the indicator unit is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S1070.

  If it is determined in S1040 that the detection of the image of the index means has not been completed, the process proceeds to S1070.

  In S1070, it is determined whether or not the detection of the subject image has ended. If it is determined in S1070 that the detection of the subject image has not been completed, the process returns to S1040 to determine again whether or not the image of the indicator means has been completed. If it is determined in S1070 that the detection of the subject image has been completed, the process proceeds to S1080. In S1080, the accumulation of the subject image is stopped, and the process proceeds to the next S1090.

  In S1090, it is determined whether or not the detection of all detected images has been completed. If it is determined in S1090 that the detection of all detected images has not been completed yet, the process returns to S1040, and it is determined again whether or not the image of the indicator means has been completed. If it is determined in S1090 that the detection of all detected images has been completed, the process proceeds to S1100. In S1100, the index image is read out, and in the next S1110, the subject image is read out. In S1120, a correction amount is calculated from the read index image, and in S1130, a defocus amount calculation process is performed from the read subject image.

  In S1140, the lens driving amount, which is the actual shift amount, is calculated based on the correction amount calculated in S1120 and the defocus amount calculated in S1130. In S1150, it is determined whether or not the focus state of the imaging apparatus is the in-focus state. If it is determined in S1150 that the subject is not in focus, the process proceeds to S1160. In S1160, the imaging optical system is driven, and the process returns to S1020 to detect the focus state again.

  If it is determined in S1150 that the in-focus state is obtained, the state is maintained and the process returns to the main routine.

(Second correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing focus detection interrupt processing for displaying the indicator means in the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 11 shows a case in which the display of the indicator means is stopped during sensor accumulation. In S2010, the field of view that is set to be used for detection out of the distance measurement fields that exist in the imaging apparatus is shown. Extraction is performed.

  In S2020, display of the indicator means corresponding to the distance measuring field extracted in S2010 is started. In S2030, sensor accumulation control is started by the focus detection device. In S2040, it is determined whether or not the signal level in a range corresponding to the image of the indicator means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in the acquired image. If it is determined in S2040 that the signal level of the image of the indicator means is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to the next S2050. In S2050, the display of the indicator means is stopped, and the process proceeds to S2060.

  If it is determined in S2040 that the signal level of the image of the indicator means has not reached the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S2060.

  In S2060, it is determined whether or not the level of the subject image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined in S2060 that the level of the subject image has not reached the predetermined value, the process returns to S2040, and the image level of the indicator means is determined again. If it is determined in S2060 that the detection of the subject image has been completed, the process proceeds to S2070. In S2070, the subject image accumulation is stopped, and the process proceeds to the next S2075.

  In S2075, it is determined whether or not acquisition of all detection images has been completed. If it is determined in S2075 that acquisition of detection images has not been completed, the process returns to S2040, and the rest. Performs the level judgment. If it is determined in S2075 that all detection images have been acquired, the process proceeds to S2080.

  In S2080, the accumulated data is read from the sensor. In S2090, an index image is extracted from the accumulated data read in S2080, and in S2100, a subject image is extracted from the accumulated data read in S2080.

  In S2110, a correction amount is calculated from the extracted index image, and in S2120, a defocus amount calculation process is performed from the extracted subject image.

  In S2130, the lens drive amount, which is the actual shift amount, is calculated from the correction amount calculated in S2110 and the defocus amount calculated in S2120.

  In S2140, it is determined whether or not the focus state of the imaging apparatus is the in-focus state. If it is determined in S2140 that the subject is not in focus, the process proceeds to S2150. In S2150, the imaging optical system is driven, and the process returns to S2020 to detect the focus state again.

  If it is determined in S2140 that the in-focus state is obtained, the state is maintained and the process returns to the main routine.

(Third correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a focus detection interrupt process in which the index unit is detected during lens driving in the imaging apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  FIG. 12 shows a case where the index member is detected while the lens is being driven. First, in S12000, whether or not the release switch is pushed down to the first stroke and whether or not the imaging apparatus is set in the shooting preparation state. Judgment is made. If it is determined in S12000 that the shooting preparation state is not set, the interrupt process is canceled and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined in S12000 that the shooting preparation state is set, the process advances to S12010.

  In step S12010, a focus state detection interrupt process described later is executed to detect the focus state of the imaging apparatus, and the process advances to step S12015. In step S12015, it is determined whether there are a plurality of detected defocus amounts. If it is determined in S12015 that the detected defocus amount is single, the process proceeds to S12020. If it is determined in S12015 that there are a plurality of defocus amounts, the process proceeds to S12016. In S12016, one defocus amount is selected from a plurality of defocus amounts, and the process proceeds to S12020.

  In S12020, lens driving is started based on the defocus amount detected in S12010, and the process proceeds to S12030. In S12030, an index means detection interrupt process described later is executed to detect the index means, and the process proceeds to S12040. In S12040, the lens driving started in S12020 is applied to the defocus amount detected in S12010 by applying the correction amount detected in S12030 to correct the actual lens driving amount.

  In S12050, it is determined whether lens driving is complete. If it is determined in step S12050 that lens driving has not been completed, it is determined again whether lens driving has been completed. If it is determined in step S12050 that the lens driving has been completed, the process advances to step S12060. In S12060, the driving of the lens is stopped, and the process proceeds to S1070. In step S12070, the focus state detection interrupt process executed in step S12010 is executed to detect the focus state after completion of lens driving. In S12080, the correction amount detected in S12030 is applied to the defocus amount detected in S12070, and the defocus amount used for in-focus determination is calculated.

  In step S12090, the defocus amount calculated in step S12080 is evaluated, and it is determined whether the focus state is achieved. If it is determined in S12090 that the subject is not in focus, focus detection interrupt processing is executed again. If it is determined in S12090 that the in-focus state is obtained, the execution of this interrupt process is stopped and the process returns to the main routine.

(Focus state detection interrupt processing)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an interrupt process for detecting the focus state of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 13, the subject image is detected and the defocus amount is calculated. In S2200, the detection visual field used for the current detection is extracted from a plurality of detection visual fields. In S2210, sensor accumulation control is started for the detection visual field extracted in S2200.

  In S2220, it is determined whether or not the image level of the subject accumulated on the plurality of sensors performing accumulation control is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined in S2220 that the subject image level has not reached the predetermined value, the subject image level is determined again. If it is determined in S2220 that the image level of the subject is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S2230. In S2230, the accumulation control of the sensor determined in S2220 that the image level of the subject is equal to or higher than the predetermined value is stopped.

  In S2240, it is determined whether or not the accumulation control of all the sensors corresponding to the visual field extracted in S2200 has been completed. If it is determined in S2240 that the accumulation control of all the sensors has not been completed, the process returns to S2220, and the subject image level is determined for the remaining sensors. If it is determined in S2240 that the accumulation control of all the sensors has been completed, the process proceeds to S2250. In S2250, the subject image is read from the sensor for which the accumulation control has been completed. In S2260, the defocus amount of each detection visual field is calculated based on the read subject image, and the process returns to the original routine.

(First indicator means detection interrupt processing)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the indicator means detection interrupt process.

  In FIG. 14, the correction means is calculated by displaying the index means and acquiring the index image, and in S2400, the detection visual field set to be used when detecting the focus state is extracted. The process proceeds to S2410. In S2410, display of the indicator means is started for the extracted detection visual field, and the process proceeds to S2420. In S2420, the accumulation control of the sensor that has started displaying the indicator means is started. In S2430, it is determined whether or not the image level of the index means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value for the sensor that has started the accumulation control. If it is determined in S2430 that the image level of the index means has not reached the predetermined value, the image level of the index means is determined again. If it is determined in S2430 that the image level of the index means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S2440. In S2440, the sensor accumulation control is terminated for the sensor for which the image level of the index means is determined to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value. In S2450, the display of the indicator means corresponding to the detection visual field for which the sensor accumulation control is ended is ended.

  In S2460, it is determined whether or not the accumulation of all sensors has been completed. If it is determined in S2460 that the accumulation control of all the sensors has not been completed, the process returns to S2430 to determine the image level of the remaining index means. If it is determined in S2460 that the accumulation control of all sensors has been completed, the process proceeds to S2470. In S2470, the image of the index means is read from the sensor for which the accumulation control has been completed. In S2480, the correction amount of each detection visual field is calculated based on the read image of the index means, and the process returns to the original routine.

(Fourth correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a focus detection interrupt process in which the index unit is initially detected in the imaging apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  FIG. 15 shows a case where the index member is first detected. In S2600, it is determined whether or not the release switch is pushed down to the first stroke and the imaging apparatus is set to the imaging ready state. It is carried out. If it is determined in S2600 that the shooting preparation state is not set, the interrupt process is canceled and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined in S2600 that the shooting preparation state is set, the process advances to next S2610.

  In S2610, an indicator means detection interrupt process to be described later is executed, the indicator means is detected, and the process proceeds to S2620.

  In S2620, the release switch is pushed down to the first stroke, and it is determined whether or not the imaging apparatus is set to the shooting preparation state. If it is determined in S2620 that the shooting preparation state is not set, the interrupt process is canceled and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined in S2620 that the shooting preparation state is set, the process advances to the next S2630.

  In S2630, the focus state detection interrupt process shown in FIG. 13 is executed to detect the focus state of the imaging apparatus, and the process proceeds to S2640. In S2640, it is determined whether there are a plurality of detected defocus amounts. If it is determined in S2640 that the detected defocus amount is single, the process proceeds to S2660. If it is determined in S2640 that there are a plurality of defocus amounts, the process proceeds to S2650. In S2650, one defocus amount is selected from among a plurality of defocus amounts, and the process proceeds to S2660.

  In S2660, the correction amount detected in S2610 is applied to the defocus amount detected in S2630 to correct the actual lens driving amount.

  In S2670, based on the lens driving amount calculated in S2660, lens driving is started, and the process proceeds to S2680.

  In S2680, it is determined whether lens driving is completed. If it is determined in S2680 that lens driving has not been completed, it is determined again whether lens driving has been completed. If it is determined in S2680 that lens driving has been completed, the process proceeds to S2690.

  In S2690, the driving of the lens is stopped, and the process proceeds to S2700. In step S2700, the focus state detection interrupt process executed in step S2610 is executed to detect the focus state after completion of lens driving. In S2710, the correction amount detected in S2610 is applied to the defocus amount detected in S2700, and the defocus amount used for in-focus determination is calculated.

  In S2720, the defocus amount calculated in S2710 is evaluated, and it is determined whether or not it is in focus. If it is determined in S2720 that the focus state is not in effect, focus detection interrupt processing is executed again. If it is determined in S2720 that the state is in focus, the execution of this interrupt process is stopped and the process returns to the main routine.

(Fifth correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the focus state detection interrupt process when the display position of the indicator means is changed according to the subject image.

  In FIG. 16, in S3800, a visual field set to be used for detection is extracted from a distance measuring visual field existing in the imaging apparatus. In S3810, sensor accumulation control corresponding to the distance measuring field extracted in S3800 is started.

  In S3820, the elapsed time from the start of sensor accumulation control is determined. If it is determined in S3820 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S3830. If it is determined in S3820 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S3900. In S3900, it is determined whether the image level of the subject image accumulated in the sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined in S3900 that the subject image level has not reached the predetermined value, the process returns to S3820, and the elapsed time from the start of sensor accumulation control is determined again. If it is determined in S3900 that the image level of the subject image is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3920.

  In S3830, the accumulated image is read from the sensor, and the process proceeds to S3840.

  In S3840, it is determined whether or not the image level of the subject image accumulated in the sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined in S3840 that the subject image level has not reached the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3850. If it is determined in S3840 that the image level of the subject image is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3920.

  In S3850, the display area of the indicator means is set from the subject image read in S3830, and the process proceeds to S3860. In S3860, the display brightness for displaying the indicator means set in S3850 is determined using the subject image read in S3830. In S3870, display of the indicator means corresponding to the detection ratio visual field is started based on the display luminance and the display position determined in the above step.

  In S3880, it is determined whether or not the image level of the indicator means accumulated in the sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined in S3880 that the image level of the index means has not reached the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3910. If it is determined in S3880 that the image level of the index means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3890.

  In S3890, the display of the indicator means is stopped, and the process proceeds to S3910.

  In S3910, it is determined whether the image level of the subject image accumulated in the sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined in S3910 that the subject image level has not reached the predetermined value, the process returns to S3880, and the image level determination of the indicator means is performed again. If it is determined in S3910 that the image level of the subject image is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3920.

  In S3920, sensor accumulation control is stopped. In S3930, the sensor accumulated data is read.

  In S3940, it is determined whether or not the indicator means has been detected in the current focus detection operation. If it is determined in S3940 that the detection of the indicator means has been completed, the process proceeds to S3960. If it is determined in S3940 that the detection of the indicator means has not ended, the process proceeds to S3950.

  In S3950, an index means detection interrupt process is executed to acquire a correction amount, and the process proceeds to S3990.

  In S3960, the image of the indicator means is extracted from the accumulated data read in S3930. In S3970, the subject image is extracted from the accumulated data read in SS3930. In S3980, the correction amount is calculated from the image of the index means extracted in S3960.

  In S3990, the amount of defocus is calculated from the subject image. In S4000, the lens drive amount is calculated from the focus shift amount and the correction amount calculated in the above step.

  In step S4010, it is determined whether or not the focus state of the imaging apparatus is a focused state. If it is determined in S4010 that the subject is not in focus, the process proceeds to S4020. In S4020, the imaging optical system is driven, and the process returns to S3810 to detect the focus state again.

  If it is determined in S4010 that the subject is in focus, the state is maintained and the process returns to the main routine.

(Sixth correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the continuous shooting operation of the imaging apparatus that takes in the index means while the mirror is down.

  FIG. 17 shows a case where index means is taken in during mirror down. First, in S1500, index means detection interrupt processing shown in FIG. 14 is performed. Here, the correction value at the initial stage of photographing is detected. In S1510, focus state detection interrupt processing is executed to detect the defocus amount. In S1514, the lens driving amount is calculated from the defocus amount and the correction amount calculated in the above step.

  In S1515, it is determined whether or not the focus state of the imaging apparatus is the in-focus state. If it is determined in S1515 that the subject is not in focus, the process proceeds to S1516. In step S1516, the imaging optical system is driven, and the process returns to step S1510 to detect the focus state again. If it is determined in S1515 that the subject is in focus, the state is maintained, and the process proceeds to S1520. In S1520, a mirror retracting operation is performed as a shooting preparation operation. In S1530, the diaphragm member that restricts the constraint used for imaging is driven to the set value. In S1540, it is determined whether or not the shooting preparation operation is completed. If it is determined in S1540 that the shooting preparation is not completed, the determination is performed again in S1540. If it is determined in S1540 that the preparation for shooting has been completed, the process proceeds to S1550. In S1550, the subject image is captured by the imaging medium. When the imaging process is completed, the process proceeds to S1560.

  In S1560, the mirror return operation is started, and in S1570, the aperture opening operation is started. In S1580, the index means detection interrupt process shown in FIG. 14 is performed. The detection of the index means in S1580 is a correction amount calculation sequence for the next imaging. In S1590, it is determined whether or not the mirror return operation started in S1560 has been completed. If it is determined in S1590 that the mirror return operation has not been completed, the determination is performed again in S1590. If it is determined in S1590 that the mirror return operation is complete, the process advances to S1600. In S1600, it is determined whether or not the release switch is continued. If the release switch is off in S1600, continuous shooting is complete, and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined in S1600 that the release switch is continued, the process returns to S1510 and the next imaging sequence is executed.

(Seventh correction amount detection operation)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the continuous shooting operation of the imaging apparatus that detects the indicator means during the exposure operation.

  FIG. 18 shows a case where the index means is detected during the exposure operation. First, in S3200, the index means detection interrupt process shown in FIG. 14 is performed. Here, the correction value at the initial stage of photographing is detected. In S3210, a focus state detection interrupt process is executed to detect the defocus amount. In S3214, the lens driving amount is calculated from the defocus amount and the correction amount calculated in the above step.

  In step S3215, it is determined whether or not the focus state of the imaging apparatus is an in-focus state. If it is determined in S3215 that the in-focus state is not achieved, the process proceeds to S3216. In step S3216, the imaging optical system is driven, and the process returns to step S3210 to detect the focus state again. If it is determined in S3215 that the subject is in focus, the state is maintained, and the process proceeds to S3220.

  In S3220, a mirror retracting operation is performed as a shooting preparation operation. In S3230, the diaphragm member that restricts the constraint used for imaging is driven to the set value. In S3240, it is determined whether or not the shooting preparation operation is completed. If it is determined in S3240 that the shooting preparation is not completed, the determination is performed again in S3240. If it is determined in S3240 that the preparation for shooting has been completed, the process proceeds to S3250. In S3250, imaging processing of the subject image is started using the imaging medium.

  In S3260, the index means detection interrupt process shown in FIG. 14 is performed. The detection of the index means in S3260 is a correction amount calculation sequence for the next imaging.

  In S3270, it is determined whether or not the imaging process has been completed. In S3270, when the imaging process is not completed, it is determined again whether the imaging process is completed. If it is determined in S3270 that the imaging process has been completed, the process proceeds to S3280.

  In S3280, the mirror return operation is started, and in S3290, the aperture opening operation is started.

  In S3300, it is determined whether or not the mirror return operation started in S3280 has been completed. If it is determined in S3300 that the mirror return operation has not been completed, the determination is performed again in S3300. If it is determined in S3300 that the mirror return operation is complete, the process advances to S3310. In S3310, it is determined whether or not the release switch is continued. In S3310, if the release switch is off, continuous shooting is completed, and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined in S3310 that the release switch is continued, the process returns to S3210 and the next imaging sequence is executed.

  The following processing can also be applied as the index means detection interrupt processing in each correction amount detection operation.

(Second indicator means detection interrupt processing)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing index means detection interrupt processing for determining whether or not to perform index means detection based on changes in elapsed time and temperature since the previous detection.

  In FIG. 19, the current temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means in S3000. In S3010, it is determined whether or not the previous temperature detection value exists. If the previous temperature detection value exists in S3010, the process proceeds to S3020. If the previous temperature detection value does not exist in S3010, the process proceeds to S3050 to detect the indicator means.

  In S3020, it is determined whether or not the difference between the temperature at the previous detection of the indicator means and the current detected temperature differs by a predetermined value or more. If it is determined in S3020 that the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3050 to detect the indicator means. If it is determined in S3020 that the temperature difference is within the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3030.

  In S3030, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the previous detection of the indicator means is a predetermined value or more. If it is determined in S3030 that the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3050 in order to detect the indicator means. If it is determined in S3030 that the elapsed time from the previous detection is within a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3040. In S3040, the correction value detected last time is held, and the process returns to the original routine.

  In S3050, the detection visual field set to be used at the time of focus state detection is extracted, and the process proceeds to S3060. In S3060, display of the indicator means is started for the extracted detection visual field, and the process proceeds to S3070. In S3070, accumulation control of the sensor that has started displaying the indicator means is started. In S3080, it is determined whether or not the image level of the index means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value for the sensor that has started accumulation control. If it is determined in S3080 that the image level of the index means has not reached the predetermined value, the image level of the index means is determined again. If it is determined in S3080 that the image level of the index means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3090. In S3090, the sensor accumulation control is terminated for the sensor for which the image level of the index means is determined to be equal to or higher than a predetermined value. In S3100, the display of the indicator means corresponding to the detection visual field for which the sensor accumulation control is ended is ended.

  In S3110, it is determined whether or not all sensors have been accumulated. If it is determined in S3110 that the accumulation control of all sensors has not been completed, the process returns to S3080 to determine the image level of the remaining index means. If it is determined in S3110 that the accumulation control of all the sensors has been completed, the process proceeds to S3120. In S3120, the image of the index means is read from the sensor for which the accumulation control has been completed. In S3130, the correction amount of each detection visual field is calculated based on the read image of the index means, and the process returns to the original routine.

  In FIG. 19, the second index means detection interrupt process has been shown. Needless to say, the index means detection interrupt process can be applied in place of the index means detection interrupt process shown in FIG.

(Third indicator means detection interrupt processing)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart relating to processing for performing luminance modulation in accordance with the luminance of the background for the display of the indicator means.

  FIG. 20 shows a case where the brightness of the indicator means is changed in four stages.

  In S3490, the detection visual field set to be used at the time of focus state detection is extracted, and the process proceeds to S3500. In S3500, the subject brightness is detected. In S3510, the first level determination is performed for the detected luminance. If it is determined in S3510 that the luminance level of the subject is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3520. If it is determined in S3510 that the luminance level of the subject is within the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3530.

  In S3520, the second level determination is performed for the subject brightness. If it is determined in S3520 that the luminance level of the subject is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3540. In S3540, luminance level 1 is set as the display level of the indicator means, and the flow proceeds to S3580. If it is determined in S3520 that the luminance level of the subject is within the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3550. In S3550, the luminance level 2 is set as the display level of the indicator means, and the process proceeds to S3580.

  In S3530, a third level determination is performed on the subject brightness. If it is determined in S3530 that the luminance level of the subject is greater than or equal to the third predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3560. In S3560, luminance level 3 is set as the display level of the indicator means, and the flow proceeds to S3580. If it is determined in S3530 that the luminance level of the subject is within the predetermined value, the luminance level 4 is set as the display level of the indicator means, and the process proceeds to S3580.

  In S3580, display of the indicator means is started based on the display level of the indicator means.

  In S3590, accumulation control of the sensor that has started displaying the indicator means is started. In S3600, it is determined whether or not the image level of the index means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value for the sensor that has started the accumulation control. If it is determined in S3600 that the image level of the index means has not reached the predetermined value, the image level of the index means is determined again. If it is determined in S3600 that the image level of the index means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S3610. In S3610, the sensor accumulation control is terminated for the sensor for which the image level of the index means is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In S3620, the display of the indicator means corresponding to the detection visual field for which the sensor accumulation control has ended is ended.

  In S3630, it is determined whether or not all sensors have been accumulated. If it is determined in S3630 that the accumulation control of all the sensors has not been completed, the process returns to S3600 to determine the image level of the remaining index means. If it is determined in S3630 that the accumulation control of all the sensors has been completed, the process proceeds to S3640. In S3640, the image of the index means is read from the sensor for which the accumulation control has been completed. In S3650, the correction amount of each detection visual field is calculated based on the read image of the index means, and the process returns to the original routine.

  Although the third index means detection interrupt process has been shown in FIG. 20, it goes without saying that the index means detection interrupt process can be replaced with the index means detection interrupt process shown in FIG.

(Main switch detection process)
The main switch detection interrupt process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of a main switch detection process executed when the imaging apparatus is placed in the main switch off state. In S4200, it is determined whether or not the main switch is turned on. If it is determined in S4200 that the main switch is off, the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined in S4200 that the main switch is set to the on state, the process proceeds to the next S4210. In S4210, the setting value of the camera is read, the initial setting of the camera is performed, and the process proceeds to S4220. In S4220, the above-described index means detection interruption process is performed, and the correction amount is calculated. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

  Needless to say, the image pickup apparatus described in the above embodiment is effective not only for an optically recorded object but also for an image pickup unit composed of an electrically and magnetically recorded object. .

The center sectional view of the imaging device containing the focus detection device of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a focus detection apparatus. The infrared cut filter mounting | wearing figure of the focus detection unit containing this structure. FIG. 3 is an optical path development view for explaining the principle of a focus detection apparatus that realizes this configuration. The figure which shows the image formed on a sensor. The figure which shows another example of the sensor which is a detection means of a focus detection apparatus. FIG. 3 is an optical path development view for explaining the principle of the focus detection apparatus when LED elements are arranged as index means. Sectional drawing explaining the principle of the focus detection apparatus at the time of arrange | positioning an LED element as an indicator means. 6 is a flowchart illustrating focus detection interrupt processing of the imaging apparatus. The flowchart which shows the focus detection interruption process which displays an indicator means. The flowchart which shows the focus detection interruption process which performs the detection of an index means during a lens drive. The flowchart which shows a focus state detection interruption process. The flowchart which shows an indicator means detection interruption process. The flowchart which shows the focus detection interruption process which detects an indicator means in the initial stage. 10 is a flowchart showing focus state detection interrupt processing when the display position of the indicator means is changed according to the subject image. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuous shooting operation of the imaging apparatus that takes in the index means while the mirror is down. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuous shooting operation of the imaging apparatus that detects the indicator means during the exposure operation. The flowchart which shows the indicator means detection interruption process which determines whether index means detection is performed by the elapsed time and temperature change from the last detection. The flowchart regarding the process which performs the brightness | luminance modulation match | combined with the brightness | luminance of the background about the display of an indicator means. Main switch detection interrupt handling.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Microprocessor 3 Distance measuring circuit 9 Shake detection circuit 13 Display apparatus 21 Index display circuit 22 Correction amount calculation circuit 23 Temperature detection circuit 24 Index display position circuit 25 Index display luminance circuit 1014 Field mask opening 1400 Organic electroluminescence element 1410 Index pattern 1500 LED element

Claims (20)

  A focus detection unit that detects a focus state of the imaging optical system by forming an image formed on a predetermined imaging plane by the imaging optical system on a detection unit using a re-imaging optical system, and the imaging optical system The correction means of the re-imaging optical system is generated by detecting the indicator means arranged in the vicinity of the scheduled imaging plane by the detection means, and the adjustment means of the focus adjustment state is corrected. A focus detection device characterized by comprising self-luminous indicator means.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit includes an organic electroluminescence element.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit is configured by an LED element.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit is disposed at a position shielded from light with respect to the imaging optical system.   5. The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit is arranged closer to a planned imaging plane than a re-imaging optical system.   6. The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index means is displayed only when the index means is detected by the detection means.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit is configured by transmissive organic electroluminescence, and the index is arranged in a visual field.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit includes an index display position changing unit that changes a display position of the index unit according to a subject image.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit includes an index display change unit that changes an index image in accordance with the luminance of the background of the index unit display range.   The said detection means is comprised by the 1st detection means which detects the focus state of the said imaging optical system, and the 2nd detection means which detects the projection image of the said index means, The said detection means is characterized by the above-mentioned. The focus detection apparatus according to any one of 6, 8, and 9.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index means is detected when the imaging apparatus is powered on.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index means is detected during a focus detection operation.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index means is configured to be detected while the imaging optical system is being driven.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the index means is configured to be performed at an initial stage of a focus detection operation.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection by the index means is performed during a return operation for returning to a focus detectable state after the subject image is captured.   The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index means is detected while the imaging apparatus is capturing a subject image.   The focus detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the detection by the index means is executed only for a selected visual field.   18. The focus detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the index means is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous detection of the index means.   The image pickup apparatus includes a temperature detection unit, and the detection of the index unit is executed when a difference from a temperature at the previous correction value detection is a predetermined value or more. The focus detection apparatus in any one of 1-18.   An imaging apparatus comprising the focus detection apparatus according to claim 1.

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