JP2006254272A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing continuous imaging for obtaining a desired imaged image in the case of imaging a plurality of objects distributed back and forth while a plurality of objects to be imaged are present. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus repeats the desired times of operation for setting a plurality of regions within an imaging picture, performing selection processing to alternatively and sequentially select a focusing region from the plurality of regions based on priority level, executing focusing operation using an image signal within the focusing region, and then carrying out imaging processing. Consequently, continuous imaging can be performed as many times as a user desires and furthermore, if objects are distributed, the objects can be continuously imaged in the focusing region desired by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that is applied to, for example, a digital camera and performs continuous imaging while changing a focus position in continuous imaging.

  In general, when a digital camera performs imaging, the subject has one focal point, and there are a plurality of objects to be imaged. It is conceivable to perform continuous imaging.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a digital camera that can select and record an image with a good focus state from a plurality of captured images when a plurality of images are continuously captured while changing the focus position. ing. In this prior art 1, when the release button is pressed once, focus bracket imaging starts, and continuous imaging is performed while changing the focus position at every predetermined step. Then, an evaluation area is set for evaluating the in-focus state, and a focus evaluation value is calculated for each set evaluation area of the plurality of captured images. Then, the image with the highest focus evaluation value is automatically selected as the recorded image, or the user selects the recorded image with reference to the focused evaluation result and records it on the recording medium.
JP 2004-135029 A

  However, in the prior art 1, when there are a plurality of subjects and it is desired to focus on each of the subjects, it is not known immediately after imaging whether the plurality of captured images are focused on each of the plurality of subjects. Even if it is possible to recognize the focus evaluation for each in-focus position that has been imaged a plurality of times as a result of performing the specification work of the evaluation area later, confirming the focus evaluation value, etc., the predetermined step The larger the interval, the lower the focusing accuracy. Therefore, there are a plurality of objects on the imaging screen where the subject to be focused exists, and in order to focus on the plurality of objects, the predetermined step interval for changing the lens position is reduced, and the predetermined number of images in focus bracket imaging And the evaluation area has to be designated after the imaging is completed, so that the number of images to be captured increases, resulting in an increase in useless imaging.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and performs continuous imaging to obtain a desired captured image when a plurality of objects to be imaged exist and a plurality of subjects scattered before and after are imaged. It is to provide an imaging device that can.

   The first invention is a region setting means (large region: S209) for setting a plurality of regions in the imaging screen, and a selection process for sequentially selecting a focus region from the plurality of regions based on the priority order. Area selection means (S419 to S423) for performing focusing, focusing means (S425) for performing focusing operation using image signals in the focusing area, and imaging processing means for executing imaging processing after performing focusing operation (S425 to S427), and a series of selection processing, focusing operation, and imaging processing is repeated a desired number of times (S423 to S431).

  Accordingly, it is possible to perform continuous imaging for the number of sheets that the user wants to perform continuous imaging, and it is possible to continuously capture the subject in the in-focus area desired by the user even when the subject is scattered.

  The second invention generates, for each area, area setting means (large area: S519) for setting a plurality of areas in the imaging screen, and in-focus-related information indicating a focus state from image signals in the plurality of areas. Information generation means (S521) for performing selection processing for selectively selecting a focus area sequentially from a plurality of areas based on the focus-related information, and an area selection means (S529 to S533) within the focus area Focusing means (S534) for performing a focusing operation using the focusing-related information, and imaging processing means (S534 to S535) for executing an imaging process after performing the focusing operation, selection processing, focusing operation And a series of imaging processing is repeated a desired number of times (S531 to S539).

  Therefore, it is possible to continuously capture the number of images that the user wants to continuously capture, and the captured images are images based on the focus-related information, and thus it is easy to obtain the image desired by the user.

  The third invention is a first area setting means (large area: S209) for setting a plurality of first areas in the imaging screen, and a second area setting means for setting a plurality of second areas in the imaging screen ( Small area: S519), information generating means (S521) for generating focusing-related information indicating the focusing state from the plurality of second areas, and selecting the focusing area from the plurality of first areas based on the priority order. First area selection means (S545 to S551) that performs first selection processing that sequentially selects one by one, and a plurality of second areas in the first area selected by the area selection means, based on focusing-related information. Second area selection means (S549 to S553) for performing a second selection process for alternatively and sequentially selecting the focus area, and focus means for performing a focus operation using the focus related information in the focus area. (S555) and an imaging process for executing the imaging process after performing the focusing operation And means (S555), the first selection process, second selection process, and wherein repeating the series of processes of focusing operation and the imaging processing by a desired number of times (S545~S561).

  Therefore, it is possible to perform continuous imaging for the number of images that the user wants to perform continuous imaging, and it is possible to perform imaging while focusing on an area based on focusing-related information, among the focusing areas desired by the user. This makes it easier for users to get the images they want.

  According to a fourth invention, in the imaging device according to any one of the first to third inventions, the desired number of times is a number of times an operation instruction is given to the imaging device.

  The fifth aspect of the invention further includes start means (S401 to S413) for turning on the power supply when an arbitrary number of operation instructions are given to the imaging apparatus within a predetermined time while the power supply is turned off. It is characterized by.

  Therefore, even when the power of the image pickup apparatus is off, the user can continuously take images for the number of images that he / she wants to continuously take, and the focus area desired by the user is within the desired focus area. It is possible to perform continuous imaging while focusing on an area based on information, and it is easy to obtain an image desired by the user even when the power of the imaging apparatus is off.

  According to a sixth invention, in the imaging device according to any one of the second to fifth inventions, the focusing-related information includes an evaluation value representing an evaluation of focusing.

  The seventh aspect of the invention includes detection means (S601 to S611) for detecting an arbitrary number within a predetermined time, depth adjustment means (14, 32) for adjusting depth for adjusting the depth of focus of the object field, An imaging processing unit (S619 to S625) that executes imaging processing after depth adjustment is performed, and when an arbitrary number is detected in a power-off state, depth adjustment is performed and the imaging processing is executed by the arbitrary number It is characterized by doing.

  Therefore, even when the power is off, the user can take as many images as he / she wants to perform continuous imaging, and by adjusting the depth, the entire object field is focused, and continuous imaging is performed at that focus. The number of missed photo opportunities and regrets decreases.

  The eighth invention is characterized in that the depth adjustment is performed so as to deepen the focus of the object scene.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform continuous imaging for obtaining a desired captured image without waste.

  A block diagram of the imaging apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. The imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging lens 12, an aperture 14, a CCD imager 16, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) / AGC (Auto Gain Control, automatic gain control) circuit 18, and an A / D conversion circuit. 20, signal processing circuit 22, SDRAM 24, CPU 26 (including counter 26A, counter 26B and counter 26C), CCD drive unit 28, strobe circuit 30, motor drive unit 32, strobe 34, operation unit 36 (release button 36A, power switch) 36B, operation key 36C, menu key 36D, imaging mode key 36E, and playback mode key 36F), image compression / decompression processing unit 38, card control unit 42, external memory card 44, D / A conversion circuit 46, video encoder Da 48, display 52, the microcomputer 54 (the counter 54A, comprises a timer 54B and memory 54C), is configured to include a power source 56.

  The imaging lens 12 forms an optical image of a subject on the imaging surface of a CCD imager 16 that is an imaging device. Further, the movement in the optical axis direction is adjusted based on the output signal of the CCD imager 16. The diaphragm 14 is controlled to adjust light entering the CCD imager 16 from the imaging lens 12. Adjustment of the imaging lens 12 and the diaphragm 14 is performed by a motor driving unit 32. However, the motor drive unit 32 is composed of two motors (not shown) that adjust the imaging lens 12 and the diaphragm 14 separately. When an optical image of a subject is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD imager 16 by the imaging lens 12, photoelectric conversion is performed in each photodiode that is a part of the CCD imager 16. The CCD imager 16 outputs a charge signal accumulated according to light intensity and time as an analog imaging signal according to various pulse waveforms necessary for driving the CCD imager 16 produced by the CCD drive unit 28.

  The CDS / AGC circuit 18 reduces the noise of the analog imaging signal of the signal output from the CCD imager 16 and automatically adjusts the strength of the analog imaging signal.

  The A / D conversion circuit 20 converts the analog imaging signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 18 into digital image data.

  The signal processing circuit 22 performs color separation based on the digital image data from the A / D conversion circuit 20 to generate R, G, and B signals that are three color signals. Color temperature detection is performed on the three color signals, and gain adjustment is performed on each of the color signals by color temperature control. Next, a process for converting these into a Y signal that is a luminance signal and U and V signals that are two color difference signals is performed. The CPU 26 includes a counter 26A, a counter 26B, and a counter 26C, and includes a signal processing circuit 22, SDRAM 24, a CCD driving unit 28, a motor driving unit 32, a strobe circuit 30, an operation unit 36, an image compression / decompression processing unit 38, and a card control unit. 42 and the microcomputer 54. The CPU 26 controls the signal processing circuit 22, SDRAM 24, CCD driving unit 28, strobe circuit 30, motor driving unit 32, image compression / decompression processing unit 38, and card control unit 42 in accordance with a program stored in an internal memory (not shown). I do.

  The microcomputer 54 is connected to the CPU 26, the operation unit 36 and the power source 56. The microcomputer 54 can operate regardless of whether the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is on or off. The microcomputer 54 includes a counter 54A, a timer 54B, and a memory 54C. In the counter 54A, when a predetermined operation is manually performed on the operation unit 36, the number of times the operation unit 36 is operated is counted. The timer 54B measures a predetermined period when another predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 36, and resets when the time is up. The memory 54C records which continuous imaging mode is set when the imaging apparatus 10 is powered on. Then, the microcomputer 54 counts how many times the predetermined operation has been performed on the operation unit 36 with the counter 54A before the timer 54B starts measurement and time is up when the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is off. When the predetermined number of operations is detected, the power source 56 is controlled to turn on the power source of the imaging device 10.

  The power supply 56 shown in FIG. 1 of this embodiment is controlled by the microcomputer 54 to turn on the power supply of the imaging apparatus 10 or turn it off. In this embodiment, the operation unit 36 includes at least a release button 36A, a power switch 36B, an operation key 36C, a menu key 36D, an imaging mode key 36E, and a reproduction mode key 36F. In the imaging device 10, the release operation is performed by the user operating the release button 36A, the power of the imaging device 10 is turned on by operating the power switch 36B, and the display 52 is operated by operating the operation key 36C. The user can select and set a desired item for the user with the cursor on the selection item displayed on the screen. Further, the menu is displayed on the display 52 by operating the menu key 36D, and the mode switching between the imaging mode and the reproduction mode can be performed by operating the imaging mode key 36E and the reproduction mode key 36F.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 36, the CPU 26 displays the operation target screen as shown in FIGS. In addition, when the imaging operation is performed by the release button 36A, the CPU 26 is in an imaging mode state by operating the imaging mode key 36E or is in an imaging enabled state by performing a predetermined operation. The optical image of the subject is processed by the imaging lens 12, aperture 14, CCD imager 16, CDS / AGC circuit 18, A / D conversion circuit 20, and signal processing circuit 22, and Y obtained by the signal processing circuit 22. , U and V signals are temporarily stored in the SDRAM 24. Further, the signal processing circuit 22 calculates a value for evaluating the in-focus state using the high frequency component of the luminance signal Y of the digital image data.

  The stored digital image data is compressed by, for example, JPEG by the image compression / decompression processing unit 38. The compressed digital compressed image data is stored again using the SDRAM 24 as a memory buffer, and the stored digital image data is recorded on the external memory card 44 by the card control unit 42.

  In order to display the digital compressed image data recorded on the external memory card 44 on the display 52 or to reproduce the digital compressed image data by operating the reproduction mode key 36F, the CPU 26 controls the card control unit 42 to The digital compressed image data recorded on the memory card 44 is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 24. The digital compressed image data stored in the SDRAM 24 is decompressed by the image compression / decompression processing unit 38. The decompressed digital decompressed image data is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 24, and the D / A conversion circuit 46 converts the digital decompressed image data into an analog image signal. The video encoder 48 converts the analog image data from the D / A conversion circuit 46 into an NTSC signal and displays the converted NTSC signal on the display 52.

  The motor driving unit 32 adjusts the aperture 14 and the imaging lens 12 in order to execute AE (auto exposure, automatic exposure) and AF (auto focus, autofocus). Specifically, the AE is a function for making light entering the CCD imager 16 an optimum condition. Usually, the size of the output signal of the CCD imager 16 is detected and the aperture 14 (iris) of the imaging lens 12 is automatically set. I have control. Here, although not shown in the drawing, the motor drive unit 32 has a separate motor for adjusting the imaging lens 12 and the diaphragm. Then, the output signal of the CCD imager 16 is detected, and based on the detected signal, the value of the aperture 14 of the imaging lens 12 is automatically set by the motor drive unit 32 so that the optical image falls within the optimum range of the dynamic range of the CCD imager 16. Be controlled. At the same time, an electronic shutter operation is performed at an arbitrary time in order to obtain an optimum light amount. That is, the signal charge accumulated in the CCD imager 16 is controlled.

  In addition, AF is a function for optimal focusing. In the present embodiment, the output signal detected from the CCD imager 16 is used to perform AF with high accuracy. Control is performed using the feature that the high-frequency component is the largest. The CPU 26 detects the high frequency component of the luminance signal Y in the in-focus area from the signal processing circuit 22, integrates it for one field period, and moves the motor driving unit 32 so as to move the imaging lens 12 so that this value becomes the largest. I have control.

  In the strobe circuit 30, when the charging voltage of the capacitor of the strobe circuit 30 becomes low, the CPU 26 controls to charge from the power supply 54. For example, when it is set to emit strobe light at the time of imaging, the CPU 26 gives a strobe emission command signal to the strobe circuit 30 and causes the strobe 34 to emit light when an imaging operation is performed by the release button 36A.

  Now, continuous focus imaging, which is a feature of the imaging apparatus 10 in this embodiment, will be described. In focus continuous imaging, focus area selection continuous imaging mode that divides the screen and prioritizes according to the area and shifts the in-focus area and performs imaging multiple times continuously, in order of favorable AF evaluation, and continues multiple times. AF evaluation value continuous imaging modes for imaging are provided, and the user can arbitrarily select and set these modes. Operations performed by the user are executed by the CPU 26.

  When performing imaging in the focused area selection continuous imaging mode, the user needs to set the imaging mode on the menu screen shown on the display screen of the display 52. The setting will be described in detail with reference to the drawings described below. In the present embodiment, as described above, the value representing the in-focus state, that is, the high frequency component of the luminance signal Y created by the signal processing circuit 22 using the output signal of the CCD imager 16 is integrated over one field period within the region. The value obtained in this way is called the AF evaluation value, and “the AF evaluation value is good” means that “the AF evaluation value is high”.

FIG. 2 is a subject to be imaged, FIGS. 3 and 6 are diagrams when the screen is divided, FIG. 4 is a priority screen in the focus area selection continuous imaging mode, and FIG. 5 is a position of the subject shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the AF evaluation values are numbered in order of goodness in the divided areas, FIG. 8 is an example showing the relationship between FIG. 7 and FIG. 3, and FIGS. Subject imaging priority and focus area in mode, and
Each of (A) to (F) in FIG. 25 shows a selection screen when setting the imaging mode shown on the display screen of the display 52.

  First, the user displays a menu screen on the display 52 with the menu key 36D, and selects “imaging mode setting” from the menu screen with the operation key 36C as shown in FIGS. 25 (A) to (D). Select “continuous imaging” from the imaging mode setting menu screen. Then, “focus continuous imaging” is selected from the continuous imaging menu screen, and “in-focus area selection” is selected from the focus continuous imaging menu screen. Then, one of “4 divisions”, “16 divisions” and “64 divisions” is selected from the “screen division number selection” screen shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the description will be continued assuming that “16 divisions” is selected. When “16 division” is selected, the display screen is divided into 16 areas (hereinafter, each of the 16 divided areas is referred to as a large area) as shown in FIG. The shaded area shown in FIG. 3 represents one of the 16 large areas.

  The user operates the operation key 36C from the 16 large areas to determine the priority order of the large areas that the user wants to focus on. This completes the setting of the focus area selection continuous imaging mode. FIG. 4 shows numbers “1” to “16” in accordance with the priority order of large areas whose priority order is determined by the user. That is, FIG. 4 shows that the large area to be focused most preferentially among the 16 large areas is the large area “1” at the center of the screen.

  In the set focus area selection continuous imaging mode, when imaging is performed N times (however, twice or more) continuously, the user presses the release button 36A N times within a predetermined time (the release button 36A is pressed). When “fully pressed”, the charge accumulation time of the aperture 14 and the CCD imager 16 is controlled so that the subject is imaged for recording), and the focusing area is changed N times in the numerical order shown in FIG. The image is taken continuously while repeating. For example, when the subject shown in FIG. 4 is imaged nine times continuously in the focus area selection continuous imaging mode, the user fully presses the release button 36A nine times within a predetermined time. Then, in the order of numbers in which “1” to “9” are shown in the 16 large areas shown in FIG. 4, the in-focus area is changed by changing the in-focus area 9 times, and the in-focus operation for each area is performed. Each time is completed, imaging is continuously performed, and as a result, continuous imaging is executed while changing the focal point.

  In the case of performing continuous imaging in the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode, the user selects the focusing area selection continuous imaging mode described above as the setting of the imaging mode on the menu screen shown in the display screen, as shown in FIG. As shown in (A) to (D), “imaging mode setting”, “continuous imaging”, “focus continuous imaging”, and “AF evaluation value” are selected. When “AF evaluation value” is selected, “screen division number selection” and “not specified” which are items of the AF evaluation value menu are displayed as shown in FIG. When “screen division number selection” is selected, a screen division number selection menu screen shown in FIG. 25E is displayed. For example, “16 divisions” is selected from the items on the screen. Then, similarly to the setting in the focus area selection continuous shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the display screen is divided into 16 parts, which are divided into 16 large areas and displayed on the display 52, and the user is displayed 16 By operating the operation key 36C from the large areas, the priority order of the large areas that the user wants to focus on is determined. Then, the setting of the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode is completed. On the other hand, when “no designation” is selected in this item, the setting of the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode is completed.

  Then, in the set AF evaluation value priority continuous imaging mode, when imaging is performed N times continuously, when the user fully presses the release button 36A N times within a predetermined time, first, the imaging screen is displayed as shown in FIG. Divide into 256 areas (this screen is not displayed on the display 52). Then, the imaging lens 12 moves to the far end point of the subject and calculates the AF evaluation value of each of the 256 areas while moving from the far end point to the near end point.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a region divided into 256 (hereinafter, each region divided into 256 is called a small region, and a hatched portion shown in FIG. 6 is one small region in 256 small regions. Are recorded in association with the position of the imaging lens 12 when the high-frequency component of each luminance signal Y is the highest AF evaluation value. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the relationship between the large area and the small area in this case is that the large area includes 16 small areas. In FIGS. 7 and 8, only the numbers 1 to 41 and 230 are described as good rank numbers of AF evaluation values, and others are omitted.

  Therefore, for example, when “16 divisions” is selected in “screen division number selection” and the priority order as shown in FIG. 4 is set, if the release button 36A is fully depressed nine times, 1 As shown in FIG. 9, the second image is picked up in the large area where the priority is set to “1” in the large area where the imaging screen is given priority from “1” to “16”. Imaging is performed by focusing on a small area having the highest AF evaluation value in the area. The second image is picked up by focusing on the small region with the highest AF evaluation value among the large regions set with priority “2”, and the third image is picked up Imaging is performed by changing the focal point nine times, such that focusing is performed on a small region having the highest AF evaluation value in the large region set as the rank “3”.

  In this case, when the above description is described in more detail, the first image is captured in a large area where priority order “1” shown in FIG. 4 is set as shown in FIGS. “Mal 1” having a high value (1 in FIG. 7 is shown in the figure, but what is similarly shown in the figure is expressed as Mull N). An image is picked up by focusing on a small area of “Mal 1” having the highest AF evaluation value. The second image is picked up when the priority is set to “2” when there is a small area below “Mull 27” and “Mull 27” in the large area where the priority is set to “2”. In the large area, imaging is performed while focusing on the small area of “Maru 27” having the highest AF evaluation value among the small areas. Thereafter, imaging is performed in the same manner, and imaging is performed nine times comprehensively.

  When “not specified” is selected and set, imaging is performed continuously N times by changing the in-focus area in the order of the areas with the highest AF evaluation values recorded in relation to the small area. However, when capturing images in the order of higher AF evaluation values, if small areas with high AF evaluation values and similar focus positions are gathered, there is a risk that imaging will be performed at the same focus position. is there. Therefore, when focusing is performed on a small area in order of increasing AF evaluation value, and it is determined that the same focus position, that is, the position of the imaging lens 12 is the same when performing subsequent imaging. Does not perform imaging while focusing on the small area.

  This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. For example, it is assumed that the full pressing operation of the release button 36A is performed six times. In FIG. 7, for example, there is a region of “Mal 1” with the highest AF evaluation value among the small regions, and a small region of “Mal 2” to “Mal 10” having the second to tenth highest has the highest AF evaluation. It is assumed that the same focus position as that of the small value “mal 1”, that is, the position of the imaging lens 12 is the same. In this case, when imaging is performed while focusing on the small area “Mal 1”, imaging is not performed with focusing on the 2nd to 10th small areas “Mal 2” to “Mal 10”. The second image is picked up in the small region having the highest AF evaluation value that is not the same as the position of the small region “Mal 1” in which the position of the imaging lens 12 is imaged first, that is, among the small regions. Imaging is performed focusing on “Maru 11” having the second highest AF evaluation value. Thereafter, imaging is performed six times in the same manner.

  Next, the overall operation of the imaging apparatus 10 and the operation of each unit in the present embodiment will be described. 12 and 13 show the overall flow of the imaging apparatus 10, and FIGS. 14 to 24 show the flow of each part of the operation of the imaging apparatus 10.

  First, the setting process of the continuous focus imaging mode in the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14 corresponds to the processing corresponding to the operations other than the imaging mode key operation, the release button pressing operation, and the power switch operation shown in step S107 of FIG. 12, and the operations other than the release button half-press operation and the power switch operation in FIG. It is a subroutine included in the processing.

  Referring to FIG. 14, in step S <b> 201, CPU 26 first displays an imaging setting menu shown in FIG. 25B on display 52. Next, in step S202, the operation mode directed to the menu screen is determined. When the item “continuous imaging” shown in FIG. 25B is selected by the operation key 36C, the process proceeds from step S202 to step S203, and “focus continuous imaging” and other continuous imaging as shown in FIG. 25C. Display the selection screen. Next, in step S204, the operation mode directed to the screen is determined. When the “continuous focus imaging” item is selected by the operation key 36C, the process proceeds from step S204 to step S205, and a selection screen for “focusing area selection” and “AF evaluation value” is displayed as shown in FIG. indicate.

  Next, similarly in step S207, the operation mode directed to the screen is determined. When “focusing area selection” shown in FIG. 25D is selected, the process proceeds from step S207 to step S209. In step S209, the division number selection menu screen shown in FIG. 25E is displayed, and the “4 division”, “16 division”, and “64 division” items in the screen division number selection menu displayed on the display screen are displayed. When, for example, “16 division” is selected by operating the operation key 36C, the number of screen divisions is set to “16 divisions”, and the 16-divided screen shown in FIG. In step S211, the priority order of the in-focus area is set by operating the operation key 36C, and a 16-divided screen with the priority order shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. In step S213, the priority order of the area set in step S211 is recorded in the memory 54C in the microcomputer 54, and the in-focus area selection continuous imaging mode is set.

  If “AF evaluation value” is selected in step S207, the process proceeds to step S215, and the CPU 26 displays “select screen division number” in the AF evaluation value priority menu shown in FIG. “None” is displayed. In the next step S217, it is determined whether or not a “screen division number selection” selection operation has been performed from the above menu. When the item “screen division number selection” is selected by the operation key 36C, the process proceeds from step S217 to step S219, and the screen division number is set. In the processing from step S219 to step S222, the same processing as that from step S209 to step S213 in the setting of the focused area selection continuous imaging mode is performed. This completes the setting of the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode. In the following description, it is assumed that the number of screen divisions in the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode is similarly selected from the 16 divisions selected in the setting of the focused area selection continuous imaging mode.

  In setting the imaging mode, when an item other than “continuous imaging” shown in FIG. 25B is selected by the operation key 36C, the process proceeds from step S202 to step S224, and then proceeds to step S225. In step S225, the selected item is selected. Set up.

  Further, in the continuous imaging setting, when an item of continuous imaging setting other than “focus continuous imaging” shown in FIG. 25C is selected by the operation key 36C, the process proceeds from step S204 to step S223, and then proceeds to step S225. In step S225, the selected item is set.

   When the priority area order recording in step S213, the AF evaluation value priority continuous imaging setting in steps S222 and S217, or the selected item in step S225 is completed, the process proceeds to step S227. In step S227, when the imaging mode setting display end operation is performed, or the imaging mode setting display end operation is performed by the operation key 36C without selecting the continuous imaging setting selection operation and other imaging setting selection operations, the imaging mode is set. The setting process ends.

  Detailed processing of the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the imaging device 10, the microcomputer 54 and the CPU 26 perform processing.

  In step S101, the microcomputer 54 determines whether or not the power switch 36B has been operated. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the release button 36A is half-pressed. That is, if there is no operation of the power switch 36B and the release button 36A is half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S103, and in step S103, an imaging control process at power-off shown in FIG. When the off-time imaging control process ends, the process proceeds to step S112.

  When the user operates the power switch 36B, the process proceeds from step S101 to step S104, and the power supply of the imaging device 10 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the imaging mode key 36E has been operated. In step S106, it is determined whether or not an operation other than the imaging mode key 36E operation, the release button 36A pressing operation, and the power switch 36B operation has been performed. For example, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the operation key 36C, the menu key 36D, and the playback mode key 36F are operated. In step S110, it is determined whether or not the power switch 36B has been operated. In step S110, it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed on the power switch 36B.

  When the imaging mode key 36E is operated by the user after the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned on in step S104, the imaging becomes possible and the process proceeds from step S105 to step S112.

  If the user performs an operation other than the imaging mode key 36E, that is, the above-described operation after the imaging apparatus 10 is turned on in step S104, the process proceeds from step S105 to step S106. Next, in step S107, processing corresponding to the operation performed by the user is performed. In this step, the processing to be executed is, for example, when the menu key 36D and the operation key 36C are operated to perform the above-described imaging menu selection setting or the operation of the playback mode key 36F, the CPU 26 displays the display unit. Processing such as displaying a playback screen in 52 is performed. When the process in step S107 ends, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, it is determined whether or not the imaging mode key 36E has been operated. In step S109, it is determined whether or not the power switch 36B has been operated.

  When the imaging mode key 36E is operated by the user, the process proceeds from step S108 to step S112. When the imaging mode key 36E is not operated and the power switch 36B is operated, the process proceeds to step S111, and the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off. And exit. After the process corresponding to the operation other than the imaging mode key 36E is completed, if there is no BR> operation performed as described above, the process proceeds from step S108 to step S109, and returns from step S109 to step S106.

  If the power switch 36B is operated after the power of the imaging device 10 is turned on in step S104, the process proceeds to step S111, the power of the imaging device 10 is turned off, and the process is terminated. When the operation other than the imaging mode key 36E, the above-described imaging mode key 36E, and the operation of the power switch 36B are not performed, the process proceeds from step S105 to step S106, from step S106 to step S110, and step S110. To step S105.

  In step S112, it is determined whether or not the release button 36A is half-pressed. When the user presses the release button 36A halfway, the process proceeds from step S112 to step S113. In step S113, an on-time imaging control process shown in FIG.

  In step S119, it is determined whether or not the release button 36A is half-pressed, the power switch 36B is operated, and any operation other than the imaging mode key 36E is performed. For example, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the operation key 36C, the menu key 36D, and the playback mode key 36F are operated. When the above-described operation is performed by the user, the process proceeds from step S119 to step S121. In step S121, processing of operations other than the half-press operation of the release button 36A, the operation of the power switch 36B, and the imaging mode key 36E is executed. . For example, when the menu key 36D and the operation key 36C are operated, the CPU 26 displays the playback screen on the display 52 when the above-described imaging menu selection setting is performed or when the playback mode key 36F is operated. Perform processing such as displaying. Then, when the process of step S121 ends, the process returns to step S112.

  In step S123, it is determined whether or not the power switch 36B has been operated. When the user operates the power switch 36B, the process proceeds from step S123 to step S125. In step S125, the imaging apparatus 10 is turned off and the process ends.

  When the on-time imaging control process ends in step S113, or the corresponding operation process ends in step S121, or the above-described operation is not performed, the process proceeds from step S112 to step S119, and from step S119 to step S119. It progresses to S123 and returns to step S112.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the power of the imaging apparatus 10 described above is turned off will be described. The off-focus in-focus area selection continuous imaging process shown in FIG. 16, the off-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, and the off-time pan focus continuous imaging process shown in FIG. It is one of the subroutines in processing.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the off-time imaging control processing in step S103. The CPU 26 and the microcomputer 54 determine the imaging mode set in the imaging menu selection process shown in FIG. 14 described above, and execute imaging in the set imaging mode. First, the microcomputer 54 determines whether or not the focus continuous imaging mode is set in step S301, and determines whether or not the focus area selection continuous imaging mode is set in step S303. If the set imaging mode is the in-focus area selection continuous imaging mode, the process proceeds to step S305, and the CPU 26 and the microcomputer 54 execute an off-time in-focus area selection continuous imaging process shown in FIG.

  If the set imaging mode is the AF evaluation value priority continuous imaging mode, the process advances to step S307 to execute an off-time AF evaluation value priority continuous imaging process shown in FIGS.

  If the set imaging mode is not the above-described in-focus area selection continuous imaging mode and AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode, the imaging mode is not set, or another imaging mode is set, from step S301 In step S309, the CPU 26 and the microcomputer 54 execute off-time pan focus imaging processing. This off-time pan focus imaging process is effective when imaging a dynamic object or person as shown in FIG. The off-time pan focus imaging process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the in-focus area selection continuous imaging process in step S305, the AF evaluation value continuous imaging process in step S307, and the off-time pan focus imaging process are completed in step S309, the off-time imaging control process ends.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the off-time focused area selection continuous imaging process in step S305. First, the microcomputer 54 starts a timer 54B that measures a predetermined time in step S401. In step S403, a counter 54A that counts the number N of times that the release button 36A has been fully pressed is initialized to 0 (N indicates the number of counts, and N = 0). In step S405, it is determined whether or not the release button 36A has been fully pressed. When the release button 36A is fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S407, and the count number N is incremented by 1 (N = N + 1).

  In step S409, it is determined whether or not time is up. Steps S405 and S407 are repeated until a time-up state is reached with reference to the start of the timer 54B in step S401. When the time is up, the process proceeds from step S409 to step S411. In step S411, it is determined whether or not the count number N counted by the counter 54A is 1 or more.

  In step S411, if the count number N is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S413, where the microcomputer 54 controls the power supply 56 to turn on the power supply of the imaging apparatus 10. If the count N is less than 1, that is, if the release button 36A is not pressed once within a predetermined period, the process returns to step S101 in FIG.

  In step S413, the microcomputer 54 turns on the power of the imaging apparatus 10, and then in step S415, the count number N held in the counter 54A in the microcomputer 54 is recorded in the memory 54C in the microcomputer 54. In step S417, the count N recorded in the memory 54C is detected, and the flow advances to step S419.

  In step S419, the priority set in the setting of the focused area selection continuous imaging mode is detected. In step S421, the count number M of the counter 26A in the CPU 26 is initialized (M = 1). The counter 26A increments the count number M by 1 when imaging is performed. To put it in an easy-to-understand manner, this count number M indicates the number of times of imaging, and at the same time indicates the set priority. That is, when M = 1, it indicates that the priority is first, and when M = 2, the priority is second.

  In step S423, it is determined whether or not N + 1, which is obtained by adding 1 to the number of counts N when the release button 36A is fully pressed, is greater than the number of counts M. If N + 1 is greater than the number of counts M in step S423, the process proceeds to step S425, and imaging is performed while focusing on the M-th priority area. Then, the process proceeds to step S427 and step S429, the captured image is processed, and the digital compressed image data is recorded in the SDRAM 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S431, where the counter 26A increments the count number M by 1, and the process returns to step S423.

  If N + 1 is not larger than M in step S423, that is, if M becomes N + 1 or more, the process proceeds from step S423 to step S435, and the card control unit 42 records the digital compressed image data recorded in the SDRAM 24 on the external memory card 44. To control. When the recording to the external memory card 44 is finished in step S435, the off-time focused area selection continuous imaging process is finished.

  17 and 18 are flowcharts showing details of the off-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process in step S307. CPU26 and microcomputer 54 perform the process similar to step S401-S415 in the OFF time focusing area selection continuous imaging process shown in FIG. 16 mentioned above about the process from step S501 to step 517.

  When the counter count N is detected from the memory 54C in step S517, the process proceeds to step S519, the imaging screen is divided into 256, and the process proceeds to step S521.

  In step S521, AF evaluation value calculation recording processing is performed for all small areas (256). The CPU 26 controls the motor drive unit 32, moves the imaging lens 12 to the far end point, captures the optical image of the entire subject from the CCD 16, performs the respective processes in the CDS / AGC circuit 18 and the A / D circuit 20, and performs imaging. While moving the lens 12 from the far end point to the near end point at a constant interval, AF evaluation values of 256 small regions at each position are calculated. In each small area, the position of the imaging lens 12 having the highest AF evaluation value and the AF evaluation value are recorded in the memory 54C.

  Here, the processing in step S521 will be described with reference to a flowchart showing details of the AF evaluation value calculation recording processing for the small area shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 26 showing the lens position. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the position of the imaging lens 12 when the imaging lens 12 captures an optical image at equal intervals a and calculates an AF evaluation value.

  Referring to FIG. 24, in step S1001, CPU 26 controls motor drive unit 32, sets position i of imaging lens 12 to 0, and moves imaging lens 12 to the far end point (0 point shown in FIG. 26). The position of the imaging lens 12 is adjusted to the 0 point. In step S1003, it is determined whether i is set to 0 (i = 0). If i is set to 0, the process proceeds from step S1003 to step S1005, where all 256 AF evaluation values at 0 point are calculated, and the process proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, the AF evaluation value at 0 point and the position 0 of the imaging lens 12 are recorded in the memory 54C for all 256 small regions. In step S1009, i indicating the position is set to a (i = a), and the process returns to step S1003. If the imaging lens 12 position i is not set to 0 point (i = 0) in step S1003, the process proceeds from step S1003 to step S1010. In step S1010, whether the imaging lens 12 position i is set to 101a. Determine whether. When the imaging lens 12 position i is not set to 101a, the process proceeds to step S1011 and the imaging lens 12 is moved to the set i point.

  In the next step S1012, AF evaluation values are calculated for all 256 small regions at the point i where the imaging lens 12 is moved, and the process proceeds to step S1013. In step S1013, only the AF evaluation value is detected among all 256 AF evaluation values and lens positions recorded in the memory 54C. Next, proceeding to step S1015, in one small region, it is determined whether or not the AF evaluation value calculated at the point i where the imaging lens 12 is moved is greater than the AF evaluation value detected in step S1013. When the AF evaluation value calculated at the point i is larger than the recorded AF evaluation value, the process proceeds from step S1015 to step S1017, and the AF evaluation value calculated at step S1012 and the position i point of the imaging lens 12 are stored in the memory 54C. Overwrite recording is performed on the recorded AF evaluation value and position i point, and the process proceeds to step S1018. When it is determined NO in step S1015, the process proceeds from step S1015 to step S1018.

  In step S1018, it is determined whether all 256 small areas have been completed. If completed (the process is completed for all 256 small areas), the process proceeds to step S1019. If not completed, the process returns to step S1015, and steps S1015 to S1019 are completed until the process for all 256 areas is completed. Repeat the process.

  In step S1019, a value that is incremented from the currently set i point to the near end point by an interval a is set as the position of the next imaging lens 12 (i = i + a). Then, the process returns to step S1011.

  Steps S1011 to S1019 are repeated until i becomes 101a. If YES is determined in step S1011, this subroutine is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the off-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process in FIG. When the above-described AF evaluation value calculation recording process is completed (step S521), the process proceeds to step S523. In step S523, when the user sets the continuous imaging, the AF evaluation value menu displays “ It is selected from the items “screen division number selection” and “unspecified”, and it is determined whether or not the set item is “screen division number selection”. The items set here are based on the settings processed in steps S215 to S222 in the imaging menu selection process shown in FIG. Subsequent processing differs depending on whether “screen division number selection” is set or “unspecified” is set.

  First, a case where “screen division selection” is set will be described. If screen division in the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode is set in the imaging menu selection, the process proceeds from step S523 to step S525. In step S523, the division number of the imaging screen is detected from the memory 54C. In step S527, the priority set in the setting of the focused area selection continuous imaging mode is detected.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S529, and the count number M of the counter 26A is initialized (M = 1). Then, the process proceeds to step S531, and in this step, it is determined whether or not N + 1 obtained by adding 1 to the number N of times the release button 36A has been fully pressed is greater than the number M of counts. If N + 1 is larger than the number of counts M in step S531, the process proceeds to step S533, and AF evaluation values of all small areas included in the M-th priority area and the position i of the imaging lens 12 are detected. Next, the process proceeds to step S534, focusing on a small region having the highest AF evaluation value among the 16 detected AF evaluation values, and here, imaging is performed at the imaging lens 12 position i detected in step S533. Do. Next, in step S535, the image captured in step S534 is processed, and the process proceeds to step S537 where the digital image data subjected to the image processing is recorded in the SDRAM 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S539, where the counter 26A increments the count number M by 1, and returns to step S531. Steps S533 to S539 are repeated until N + 1 becomes larger than M. When M becomes N + 1 or more, the process proceeds from step S531 to step S541, and the CPU 26 controls the card control unit 42 to perform N digital recordings recorded in the SDRAM 24. The compressed image data is recorded on the external memory card 44. Then, the off-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process ends.

  Next, a process when the setting process is “no setting” in steps S215 to S222 in the imaging menu selection process shown in FIG. 14 in step S523 will be described. In step S523, since it is determined whether or not “screen division number selection” is set, the process advances from step S523 to step S543. In step S543, the AF evaluation values and the imaging lens 12 position i of all 256 small areas are detected from the memory 54C.

  In step S545, the count number L of the counter 26B and the count number K of the counter 26C are initialized (L = 1 and K = 1). In addition, simply speaking, the count number L indicates the order in which the AF evaluation value is high, and the count number K indicates the number of times of imaging. In other words, when L = 1, it indicates that the rank with the highest AF evaluation value is the first small area of 256 small areas, and when L = 2, the rank is second. .

  Next, the process proceeds to step S547. In this step, it is determined whether or not N + 1, which is obtained by adding 1 to the count number N in which the release button 36A is fully pressed, is greater than the count number K. If N + 1 is larger than the number of counts K in step S547, the process proceeds to step S549, the Lth small area that is the highest from the 256 AF evaluation values detected in step S543 is determined, and the process proceeds to step S550. The "L" th described here exists from "1" to "256", "1" has the highest AF evaluation value, and "256" has the lowest AF evaluation value. In Step S550, all the imaged lens 12 positions i recorded in the memory 54C are detected. In step S551, the imaging lens 12 position i detected in step S550 is compared with the imaging lens 12 position i of the small area determined in S549, and it is determined whether or not they are at the same position.

  If the imaging lens 12 position i corresponding to the Lth small region is not the same position as the detected imaging lens 12 position i, the process proceeds from step S551 to step S554. When the imaging lens 12 position i corresponding to the Lth small area is the same position as the detected imaging lens 12 position i, the process proceeds from step S551 to step S553, and in step S553, 1 is incremented to L, and step S549 is performed. Return to. Here, in the case where imaging has already been performed at the same imaging lens 12 position i, even if the AF evaluation value is high, the small area is focused and imaging is not performed.

  In step S554, the imaging lens 12 position i of the small area determined in step S549 is recorded in the memory 54C. In step S555, the determined small area is focused, and here, imaging is performed at the imaging lens 12 position i detected in step S550. In step S557, the image captured in step S555 is processed. In step S559, the digital compressed image data generated in the image processing in step S557 is recorded in the SDRAM 24. Proceeding to step S561, L and K are each incremented by 1 (L = L + 1, K = K + 1), and the process returns to step S547.

  In step S547, when K becomes N + 1 or more, the process proceeds from step S547 to step S563. In this step, the CPU 26 controls the card control unit 42 to record the digital compressed image data recorded in the SDRAM 24 in step S559 on the external memory card 44. Then, the off-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the off-time pan focus process in step S309 of the off-time imaging control process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 19, in the processing from step S601 to step S617, CPU 26 and microcomputer 54 perform the same processing as the processing from step S401 to step S417 in the off-time focusing area selection continuous imaging processing. If the CPU 26 detects the count N from the memory 54C in step S617, the process proceeds to step S619.

  In step S619, the CPU 26 controls the motor driving unit 32 and adjusts the aperture 14 so that the depth of field is deep. Since the aperture 14 has a function of adjusting the depth of focus, that is, the depth of field, the aperture 14 can be narrowed to focus on the front and the back. In this way, the state in which the object is in focus both in front and behind the field is described as a “pan focus” state.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S621. In step S621, the count M of the counter 26A is initialized (M = 1), and the process proceeds to step S623. In step S623, it is determined whether or not N + 1, which is obtained by adding 1 to the number of counts N when the release button 36A is fully pressed, is greater than the number of counts M. If N + 1 is larger than the number of counts M in step S623, the process proceeds to step S625 and imaging is performed. In step S627, the image captured in step S625 is processed, and the process proceeds to step S629, where the digital compressed image data subjected to the image processing is recorded in the SDRAM 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S631, and the counter 26A increments the count number M by 1, and returns to step S623. The processing of steps S625 to S631 is repeated until N + 1 becomes M or more. When M becomes N + 1 or more, the process proceeds from step S623 to step S633, and the CPU 26 controls the card control unit 42 to record N times recorded in the SDRAM 24. Digital compressed image data is recorded on the external memory card 44. Then, the off-time pan focus continuous imaging process ends.

  The above operation is the continuous imaging process when the imaging apparatus 10 is powered off. Next, continuous imaging processing when the power of the imaging apparatus 10 is on will be described. The on-time focusing area selection continuous imaging process shown in FIG. 21 and the on-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 are one of the subroutines of the on-time imaging control process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the on-time imaging control processing in step S113. Referring to FIG. 20, similarly to the off-time imaging control process, CPU 26 and microcomputer 54 determine the imaging mode that has been set, and execute imaging in the imaging mode that has been set. Steps S701 to S703 are the same as steps S301 to S303 shown in FIG. If the set imaging mode is the in-focus area selection continuous imaging mode, the process advances from step S703 to step S705 to execute an on-time in-focus area selection continuous imaging process shown in FIG.

  If the set imaging mode is the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode, the process advances from step S703 to step S707, and the on-time AF evaluation value priority continuous imaging process shown in FIGS.

  When the set imaging mode is not the above-described in-focus area selection continuous imaging mode and AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode but another imaging mode is set, the process proceeds from step S701 to step S709 and is set. An imaging process in another continuous imaging mode is executed. When the on-time in-focus area selection continuous imaging process in step S705, the on-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process in step S707, and the other continuous imaging processes in step S709 are completed, the on-time imaging control process ends.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing details of the on-time focusing area selection continuous imaging process in step S705 in the on-time imaging control process. Referring to FIG. 21, the same processes from step S801 to step S411 described in the off-state focusing area selection continuous imaging process shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S811 that the number of full press operations N (count number N) of the release button 36A is less than 1, the process returns to step S112. If it is determined in step S811 that the count N is 1 or more, the process advances from step S811 to step S813. And about the process of step S813-step S831, the process similar to step S415-step S435 demonstrated by the process shown in FIG. 16 is performed. In step S813, the CPU 26 controls the card control unit 42. When the digital compressed image data for N times recorded in the SDRAM 24 is recorded in the external memory card 44, the on-focus area selection continuous imaging process is terminated. To do.

  22 and 23 are flowcharts showing details of the on-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process in step S707 of the on-time imaging control process. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the same processes from step S501 to step S511 described in the off-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S911 that the count N is less than 1, the process returns to step S112. If it is determined in step S911 that the count N is 1 or more, the process advances from step S911 to step S913. About the process of step 913-step S931, the process similar to step S513-step S563 demonstrated by the process shown to FIG. In step S961, the CPU 26 controls the card control unit 42. When the digital compressed image data for N times recorded in the SDRAM 24 is recorded in the external memory card 44, the on-time AF evaluation value continuous imaging process is terminated. To do. The above is the continuous imaging process with the power source 56 on.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the imaging screen is divided into an arbitrary number of areas of the user, and the first area where the subject that the user wants to focus on the divided areas is present. By pressing the release button 36 continuously for the number of sheets that the user wants to shoot in the order of (large area), it is possible to capture the number of sheets that the user wants to shoot. Therefore, even when there are multiple objects (people, animals, etc.) to be imaged on the imaging screen, it can be used because any user's first area (large area) can be imaged with any priority of the user. Imaging can be performed. In addition, since the user performs imaging for the number of sheets that he / she wants to take, useless imaging is not performed.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the imaging screen is divided into an arbitrary number of areas of the user, and the user wants to focus the plurality of divided first areas (large areas). By pressing the release button 36 continuously in the order of the area (large area) for the number of images that the user wants to take, the first area (large area) that the user wants to focus on In one area (large area), the imaging screen is divided into a predetermined number (for example, 256 areas), and the AF evaluation value is the highest among the second areas (small areas) in which AF evaluation values are recorded. By focusing on the second region (small region) having a good value, it is possible to capture as many images as the user wants to capture. Therefore, since the first area (large area) of the user's arbitrary priority is focused on the smaller area (small area) having the best AF evaluation value, a clearer image can be obtained.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the AF evaluation is the highest among the second areas (small areas) in which the AF evaluation value is recorded by dividing the imaging screen into a predetermined number (for example, 256 divisions). By focusing on the second area (small area) having a good value and pressing the release button 36A continuously for the number of images desired by the user, AF evaluation is performed for the number of images desired by the user. Images can be taken in the order of good values. Therefore, since continuous imaging is performed in the order of favorable AF evaluation values, more accurate imaging can be performed. Further, when images are picked up in order of favorable AF evaluation values, images are already picked up at the focus position corresponding to the second region (small region) picked up in order and the same focus position. In such a case, the same image pickup is prevented from being repeated by not performing the image pickup.

In the imaging device 10 according to the present embodiment, the same effect as described above can be obtained even when the power is off. And
The number of images that the user wants to take within a predetermined time even when a continuous imaging mode other than the focused area selection continuous imaging mode and the AF evaluation value continuous imaging mode is set, or when the continuous imaging mode itself is not set. By pressing the release button 36A continuously for a number of minutes, it is possible to continuously capture images for the number of images that the user wants to take with pan focus, so that a photo opportunity is not missed.

  In the above-described embodiment, with respect to AF control, a high frequency component is detected and integration is performed for one field period. However, the integration period may be one frame period.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the to-be-photographed object which is the object of imaging which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the divided screen which divided | segmented the imaging screen which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example which attached | subjected the number to the divided screen shown in FIG. 3 which is one Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a distance relationship between a subject and a lens shown in FIG. 2 which is an embodiment of the present invention. It is an illustration figure which shows another example of the divided screen which divided | segmented the imaging screen which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example which attached | subjected the number to the divided screen shown in FIG. 6 which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the relationship between the divided screen shown in FIG. 7 which is one Example of this invention, and the divided screen shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the order of the continuous imaging which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows another example of the order of the continuous imaging which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows another example of the to-be-photographed object which is the object of imaging which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of example of operation | movement of FIG. 1 Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of continuation of FIG. 12 of this invention. An example of processing operations corresponding to operations other than the imaging mode key operation, release button pressing operation, and power switch pressing operation in FIG. 12 of the present invention, or operations other than the release button half-pressing and power switch operation in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of an operation process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the imaging control process at the time of OFF of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the focusing area selection continuous imaging process of OFF time of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of AF evaluation value continuous imaging processing at the time of FIG. 15 OFF of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of continuation of FIG. 17 of this invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an off-time pan-focus continuous imaging process of FIG. 15 according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the imaging control process at the time of ON of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the focusing area selection continuous imaging process of the ON time of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of AF evaluation value continuous imaging processing at the time of ON of FIG. 20 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of continuation of FIG. 22 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of AF evaluation value calculation recording processing of FIG. 17 and FIG. 22 of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example in the setting screen which is one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the position of the lens which is one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device 12 ... Imaging lens 16 ... CCD imager 22 ... Signal processing circuit 24 ... SDRAM
26 ... CPU
26A ... Counter 26B ... Counter 26C ... Counter 32 ... Motor drive unit 36 ... Operating unit 36A ... Release button 54 ... Microcomputer 54A ... Counter 54B ... Timer 54C ... Memory 56 ... Power supply

Claims (8)

Area setting means for setting a plurality of areas in the imaging screen;
An area selection means for performing a selection process for alternatively and sequentially selecting a focus area from the plurality of areas based on priority;
Focusing means for performing a focusing operation using an image signal in the focusing area;
Imaging processing means for performing imaging processing after performing the focusing operation,
An imaging processing apparatus characterized by repeating a series of the selection processing, focusing operation, and imaging processing a desired number of times. Area setting means for setting a plurality of areas in the imaging screen;
Information generating means for generating, for each region, focusing-related information representing a focusing state from image signals in the plurality of regions;
An area selection means for performing a selection process for alternatively and sequentially selecting a focus area from the plurality of areas based on the focus-related information;
A focusing means for performing a focusing operation using the focusing-related information in the focusing area;
Imaging processing means for performing imaging processing after performing the focusing operation,
An imaging processing apparatus characterized by repeating a series of the selection processing, focusing operation, and imaging processing a desired number of times. First area setting means for setting a plurality of first areas in the imaging screen;
Second area setting means for setting a plurality of second areas in the imaging screen;
Information generating means for generating focus-related information representing a focus state from the plurality of second regions;
First area selection means for performing a first selection process for sequentially and sequentially selecting a focus area from the plurality of first areas based on a priority order;
A second area for performing a second selection process in which a focus area is alternatively and sequentially selected from the plurality of second areas in the first area selected by the area selection means based on the focus-related information. A selection means;
A focusing means for performing a focusing operation using the focusing-related information in the focusing area;
Imaging processing means for performing imaging processing after performing the focusing operation,
An imaging apparatus, wherein a series of the first selection process, the second selection process, the focusing operation, and the imaging process is repeated a desired number of times.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the desired number of times is the number of times an operation instruction has been given to the imaging apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an activation unit that turns on the power when the operation instruction is given to the imaging apparatus in an arbitrary number of times within a predetermined time while the power is off.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the focus-related information includes an evaluation value representing an evaluation of focus. Detecting means for detecting an arbitrary number within a predetermined time;
A depth adjusting means for adjusting a depth for adjusting a depth of focus of an object field;
Imaging processing means for performing imaging processing after performing the depth adjustment,
When the arbitrary number is detected in a power-off state, the depth adjustment is performed, and the imaging process is executed by the arbitrary number. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the depth adjustment is performed such that the focus of the object scene is deepened.