JP2007072075A - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an imaging apparatus equipped with an automatic focusing function for automatically bringing a subject into focus, detecting the shake of the apparatus and correcting blurring due to the detected shake of the apparatus, and an imaging method for the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: When the shake of the imaging apparatus occurs, contrast in a plurality of data sampling areas is detected, and AF processing is performed so that the total or the average of the detected contrast may be maximized. In the AF processing by the plurality of data sampling areas, the state of the zoom of a lens is determined first (step 120). When a zoom lens is swung to a wide-side by the operation of a cross cursor button, the data sampling area other than the AF area 1 is arranged in a wide range (step 122), and when the zoom lens is swung to a telephoto side, the data sampling area other than the AF area 1 is arranged at a position proximate to the AF area 1 (step 124), and the AF processing is performed by referring to the data of all the data sampling areas (step 126). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device and an imaging method in the imaging device, and in particular, an imaging device having an automatic focusing function for automatically focusing on a subject and a function for changing an imaging magnification, and imaging in the imaging device. Regarding the method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera has been attempted to capture a more desirable image while suppressing the adverse effect of camera shake as much as possible.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a digital camera has a simple camera shake detection function, and during normal imaging, AF is performed by driving a motor so that the contrast of the center area of an image to be captured is maximized. At the time of detection, a function for improving the focusing accuracy by detecting the contrast of the area around the center of the image and performing processing that maximizes the average or total contrast has been proposed.
JP 2001-305417 A

  However, in the function of Patent Document 1, the area for detecting the contrast around the center of the image detected at the time of camera shake detection is limited to a single area. Therefore, the imaging magnification that can increase the focusing accuracy is single.

  In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of increasing the focusing accuracy according to different imaging magnifications even when the imaging magnifications are different.

  The invention of claim 1 is an imaging apparatus having an automatic focusing function for automatically focusing on a subject and a function for changing the imaging magnification. Adjusting means for narrowly adjusting the outline of the arrangement range of a plurality of data extraction areas for extracting data for use in focus and adjusting the outline widely as the imaging magnification is changed to a low value.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the adjustment means narrows the outline of the arrangement range of the plurality of data extraction areas for extracting data to be used for focusing within the imaging screen as the imaging magnification is changed to be high. And adjust the outline widely as the imaging magnification is lowered.

  Here, the adjustment to adjust the outline narrowly or broadly refers to adjustment to widen or narrow the interval between the data extraction regions without changing the number of data extraction regions.

  The imaging apparatus includes an automatic focusing function for automatically focusing on a subject, and a function for changing an imaging magnification.

  Thus, the invention according to claim 1 can increase the focusing accuracy according to the different imaging magnification even when the imaging magnification is different.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect has a camera shake correction function for detecting a camera shake and correcting the detected camera shake, and the area of the data extraction area. A switching means for switching the number to a single or a plurality, and when the camera shake is detected, the switching means switches the number of areas of the data extraction area to a plurality, and executes the adjustment of the outline by the adjustment means It is characterized by doing.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the switching means switches the number of data extraction areas to a single or a plurality.

  When camera shake is detected, the number of data extraction areas is switched to a plurality by the switching means, and outline adjustment is performed by the adjustment means.

  As described above, in the second aspect of the present invention, when camera shake is detected, the focusing accuracy can be increased according to different imaging magnifications even when the imaging magnifications are different.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the camera shake is not detected, the method further includes a determination unit that determines whether the in-focus is normal or abnormal only with a single data extraction region. When it is determined that the abnormality is detected by the means, the number of the data extraction areas is switched to a plurality by the switching means, and the outline is adjusted by the adjusting means.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the determination means determines whether the in-focus state is normal or abnormal only with a single data extraction area when no camera shake is detected.

  When it is determined that the determination means is abnormal, the switching means switches the number of data extraction areas to a plurality of areas, and the adjustment by the adjustment means is executed.

  As described above, the invention according to claim 3 is not limited to the case where camera shake is detected, but also when the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality, and even when the imaging magnification is different, the focusing accuracy depends on the different imaging magnification. Can be raised.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the single data extraction region is arranged in the center of the imaging screen.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reference for adjusting the narrowness of the outline of the arrangement range of the plurality of data extraction areas is at the center of the imaging screen. There is an imaging apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising limiting means for limiting the number of the plurality of data extraction areas.

  Thus, the invention described in claim 6 can reduce the focusing processing load, for example, shorten the focusing time, suppress power consumption, and the like by limiting the number of data extraction areas.

  The invention according to claim 7 is an imaging apparatus comprising an automatic focusing function for automatically focusing on a subject, a function for changing an imaging magnification, and a camera shake correction function for detecting a camera shake and correcting the detected camera shake. In the imaging method, when the camera shake is detected, a plurality of data extraction areas for extracting data for use in focusing are arranged in the imaging screen, and the imaging magnification is changed as the imaging magnification is changed. The outline of the range for extracting the data determined by the arrangement of a plurality of data extraction areas is adjusted narrowly, and the outline is adjusted broadly as the imaging magnification is changed to be low.

  Therefore, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, since it operates in the same manner as the first aspect of the invention, even if the imaging magnification is different as in the first aspect of the invention, according to the different imaging magnification. Focusing accuracy can be increased.

  As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect of obtaining an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of increasing the focusing accuracy according to different imaging magnifications even when the imaging magnifications are different.

  In addition, when there is a camera shake correction function, it is possible to further improve the focusing accuracy by using a combination of increasing the number of data extraction areas and widening or narrowing the outline of the data extraction areas.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera having a function of capturing both still images and moving images will be described.

  First, an external configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In front of the digital camera 10, a lens 21 for forming a subject image, a light emitting unit 44 that emits light (imaging auxiliary light) for irradiating the subject as needed during imaging, and a composition of the subject to be imaged are determined. And a finder 20 used for the purpose. Further, a release button (a so-called shutter) 56A, a power switch 56B, and a mode changeover switch 56C that are pressed when performing image capturing are provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 10.

  Note that the release button 56A of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment is pressed down to an intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “half-pressed state”), and pressed to a final pressed position beyond the intermediate position. The two-stage pressing operation, which is performed (hereinafter referred to as “fully pressed state”), is configured to be detectable.

  In the digital camera 10, the release button 56A is pressed halfway to activate the AE (Automatic Exposure) function to set the exposure state (shutter speed, aperture state), and then AF (Auto Focus). , Automatic focusing) function is performed and focusing control is performed, and then exposure (imaging) is performed when it is fully pressed.

  The mode changeover switch 56C is a still image capturing mode that is a mode for capturing a still image, a moving image capturing mode that is a mode for capturing a moving image, and a playback mode that is a mode for reproducing a subject image on the LCD 38, which will be described later. Rotation is performed when setting any of the modes.

  On the other hand, on the back surface of the digital camera 10, an eyepiece of the above-described finder 20, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) 38 for displaying a captured subject image, a menu screen, and the like, and a cross cursor A button 56D. The cross-cursor button 56D includes four arrow buttons that indicate four moving directions of up, down, left, and right in the display area of the LCD 38.

  Further, on the back of the digital camera 10, a menu button that is pressed when displaying the menu screen on the LCD 38, a determination button that is pressed when confirming the operation content up to that point, and the previous operation content are displayed. There are provided a cancel button that is pressed when canceling, and a light-emitting button that is pressed when setting the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 44.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the main configuration of the electrical system of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  The digital camera 10 includes an optical unit 22 including the lens 21 described above, a charge coupled device (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 24 disposed behind the optical axis of the lens 21, and an input analog. And an analog signal processing unit 26 that performs various analog signal processing on the signal.

  The digital camera 10 also performs an analog / digital converter (hereinafter referred to as “ADC”) 28 that converts an input analog signal into digital data, and performs various digital signal processing on the input digital data. And a digital signal processing unit 30.

  The digital signal processing unit 30 has a built-in line buffer having a predetermined capacity, and also performs control to directly store the input digital data in a predetermined area of the memory 48 described later.

  The output terminal of the CCD 24 is connected to the input terminal of the analog signal processing unit 26, the output terminal of the analog signal processing unit 26 is connected to the input terminal of the ADC 28, and the output terminal of the ADC 28 is connected to the input terminal of the digital signal processing unit 30. . Accordingly, the analog signal indicating the subject image output from the CCD 24 is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing by the analog signal processing unit 26, converted into digital image data by the ADC 28, and then input to the digital signal processing unit 30.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 10 generates a signal for displaying a subject image, a menu screen or the like on the LCD 38 and supplies the signal to the LCD 38, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40 that controls the operation of the entire digital camera 10. A memory 48 that stores digital image data obtained by imaging, and a memory interface 46 that controls access to the memory 48 are included.

  Further, the digital camera 10 includes an external memory interface 50 for enabling the portable memory card 52 to be accessed by the digital camera 10, and a compression / decompression processing circuit 54 for performing compression processing and decompression processing on the digital image data. It is configured to include.

  In the digital camera 10 of the first embodiment, a flash memory is used as the memory 48, and a smart media (Smart Media (registered trademark)) is used as the memory card 52.

  The digital signal processing unit 30, the LCD interface 36, the CPU 40, the memory interface 46, the external memory interface 50, and the compression / decompression processing circuit 54 are connected to each other via a system bus BUS. Therefore, the CPU 40 controls the operation of the digital signal processing unit 30 and the compression / decompression processing circuit 54, displays various information via the LCD interface 36 to the LCD 38, and the memory interface 46 or the external memory interface to the memory 48 and the memory card 52. 50 can be accessed each.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 10 includes a timing generator 32 that mainly generates a timing signal for driving the CCD 24 and supplies the timing signal to the CCD 24, and the driving of the CCD 24 is controlled by the CPU 40 via the timing generator 32.

  Further, the digital camera 10 is provided with a motor drive unit 34, and the drive of the focus adjustment motor, zoom motor, and aperture drive motor provided in the optical unit 22 is also controlled by the CPU 40 via the motor drive unit 34. The zoom motor is driven by the operation of the cross cursor button 56D, and the focal length of the lens can be changed to the wide side or the tele side.

  That is, the lens 21 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of lenses, is configured as a zoom lens that can change (magnify) the focal length, and includes a lens driving mechanism (not shown). The lens drive mechanism includes the focus adjustment motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture drive motor, and these motors are each driven by a drive signal supplied from the motor drive unit 34 under the control of the CPU 40.

  The digital camera 10 includes a camera shake detection unit 41 that detects camera shake.

  When the camera shake is detected by the camera shake detection unit 41, a change in contrast in a specific area in the image to be displayed on the LCD 38 is detected. When the contrast changes greatly, camera shake occurs. It comes to judge.

  Note that an AF processing area is used as the specific area described above. For example, FIG. 3A shows a wide imaging screen SA when the focal length of the lens is swung to the wide side, but one AF area 1 (RE1) in the center or AF area 1 is shown. Five areas of (RE1) and AF areas 2A (RE2A), AF areas 3A (RE3A), AF areas 4A (RE4A), and AF areas 5A (RE5A) near the four corners of the wide imaging screen SA are used.

  For example, the detection timing is synchronized with the display period (1/30 second) on the LCD 38 or the like.

  Thus, in the first embodiment, AF processing can be performed for more AF areas. Accordingly, by performing detection for focusing on the entire wide imaging screen SA, that is, a wider range of the imaging range, it is possible to improve the accuracy of focus detection and perform better imaging. Become.

  Furthermore, the digital camera 10 includes an AF area arrangement adjustment unit 42 that changes the arrangement of AF areas near the four corners of the captured image.

  If the camera shake detection unit 41 determines that camera shake has occurred, the AF area placement adjustment unit 42 starts from the AF area 1 (RE1) whose AF processing area is in the center, and the AF area 1 (RE1) and the wide imaging. The area is switched to five areas including an AF area 2A (RE2A), an AF area 3A (RE3A), an AF area 4A (RE4A), and an AF area 5A (RE5A) near the four corners of the screen SA.

  FIG. 3B shows a tele imaging screen SB when the focal length of the lens is swung to the tele side. Data extraction areas (AF area 2A (RE2A), AF area 3A (RE3A), AF area 4A (RE4A), and AF area 5A) arranged in the vicinity of the four corners of the wide imaging screen SA shown in FIG. (RE5A)), the AF area 2B (RE2B), AF area 3B (RE3B), AF area 4B (RE4B), and AF area 5B (RE5B) are arranged near the four corners of the tele-imaging screen SB. The position is in the vicinity of the AE region 1RE1.

  For example, consider the case of portrait imaging in which the subject to be focused by the AF function is fixed at the center of the image. During portrait imaging, in order to focus only on the subject and blur the background, the lens is fixed on the tele side to increase the focal length and the depth of field is often set to be shallow. When such a setting is made, if the data extraction area is arranged as shown in FIG. 3A and the imaging data is referred to, AF processing is also performed on a background that may be blurred. In other words, an image with a focusing accuracy different from the request of the photographer is obtained.

  When the lens zoom magnification is low, that is, when the focal length of the lens is swung to the wide side and the focal length of the lens is short, the subject depth is low. For this reason, there is little blurring due to the background. Therefore, the AF area arrangement adjusting unit 42 arranges the data extraction area in a wide range as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the magnification of the lens zoom is high, that is, when the focal length of the lens is swung to the telephoto side and the focal length of the lens is long, the AF area arrangement adjusting unit 42 is shown in FIG. As shown, a data extraction area is arranged near the subject. As a result, the influence of blur due to the background is reduced, and the AF accuracy when camera shake occurs is improved.

  In this way, in the first embodiment, when camera shake occurs, the arrangement of the data extraction regions is changed according to the magnification of the lens zoom, such as whether the focal length is on the tele side or the wide side. AF processing accuracy can be improved.

  Further, the release button 56A, the power switch 56B, the mode switch 56C, the cross cursor button 56D, various buttons such as a menu button, and switches (generically referred to as “operation unit 56” in the figure) are connected to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 can always grasp the operation state of the operation unit 56. The light emitting unit 44 described above is also connected to the CPU 40, and the emission of imaging auxiliary light by the light emitting unit 44 is controlled by the CPU 40.

  Next, the overall operation at the time of imaging of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be briefly described.

  First, the CCD 24 performs imaging through the optical unit 22 and sequentially outputs analog signals for R (red), G (green), and B (blue) indicating the subject image to the analog signal processing unit 26. The analog signal processing unit 26 performs analog signal processing such as correlated double extraction processing on the analog signal input from the CCD 24 and then sequentially outputs the analog signal to the ADC 28.

  The ADC 28 converts the R, G, and B analog signals input from the analog signal processing unit 26 into 12-bit R, G, and B signals (digital image data) and sequentially outputs them to the digital signal processing unit 30. To do. The digital signal processing unit 30 accumulates digital image data sequentially input from the ADC 28 in a built-in line buffer and temporarily stores the digital image data directly in a predetermined area of the memory 48.

  The digital image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 48 is read out by the digital signal processing unit 30 under the control of the CPU 40, and white balance adjustment is performed by applying a digital gain according to a predetermined physical quantity. Processing and sharpness processing are performed to generate 8-bit digital image data.

  The digital signal processing unit 30 performs YC signal processing on the generated 8-bit digital image data to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (hereinafter referred to as “YC signal”), and the YC signal. Are stored in an area different from the predetermined area of the memory 48.

  The LCD 38 is configured to display a moving image (through image) obtained by continuous imaging by the CCD 24 and can be used as a finder. When the LCD 38 is used as a finder, the LCD 38 is generated. The YC signals thus output are sequentially output to the LCD 38 via the LCD interface 36. As a result, a through image is displayed on the LCD 38.

  Here, when the still image capturing mode is set, the AF function is activated after the AE function is activated and the exposure state is set as described above at the timing when the release button 56A is half-pressed by the user. At the timing when the focus control is performed and then the fully-pressed state is continued, the imaging auxiliary light is emitted from the light emitting unit 44 as necessary, and the YC signal stored in the memory 48 at that time is compressed / compressed. After being compressed in a predetermined compression format (in the first embodiment, JPEG format) by the expansion processing circuit 54, it is recorded as an electronic file on the memory card 52 via the external memory interface 50.

  On the other hand, when the moving image capturing mode is set, the imaging assisting light is emitted from the light emitting unit 44 as necessary at the timing when the release button 56A is fully pressed, and from that time to the memory 48. The stored YC signal is compressed in a predetermined compression format (Motion JPEG format in the first embodiment) by the compression / expansion processing circuit 54 in time series for each predetermined period, and then stored in the memory via the external memory interface 50. Recording is sequentially performed on the card 52, and the recording operation is completed at the timing when the release button 56A is fully pressed again. With this operation, moving image data indicating a moving image is recorded in the memory card 52 as an electronic file.

  By the way, the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment has a function of switching the arrangement of the AF areas when a camera shake occurs. The operation of the part related to the function will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 4A, an AF process described later is performed.

  In the AF process shown in FIG. 4B, first, at step 110, it is determined whether camera shake has occurred. If it is determined that camera shake has not occurred and the result is negative, the process proceeds to step 112. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 112, where it is determined that no camera shake has occurred, the AF process is performed using the data of the AF area 1 (RE1) arranged in the center area of the imaging screen.

  That is, when no camera shake is detected, only the contrast in the AF area 1 (RE1) is detected, and processing is performed so that the contrast is maximized as the focus adjustment motor is driven.

  Even if no camera shake is detected, the contrast in the AF area 1 (RE1) is detected every 1/30 second period and the AF area 2A (RE2A) is about once every 5 times. The contrast in the AF area 3A (RE3A), the AF area 4A (RE4A), and the AF area 5A (RE5A) is detected, and the contrast in the entire AF area is detected every time a camera shake is detected. You may do it.

  In step 114, AF processing is performed using a plurality of data extraction areas described later. As described above, when camera shake is detected, the contrast in the entire AF area is detected, and processing is performed so that the total or average contrast thereof is maximized.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the AF process using a plurality of data extraction areas, first, in step 120, the state of the lens zoom is determined. When the lens is swung to the wide side by the operation of the cross cursor button 56D, the process proceeds to step 122, and when the lens is swung to the tele side, the process proceeds to step 124.

  In step 122, as shown in FIG. 3A, a data extraction area other than the AF area 1 (RE1) is arranged over a wide range.

  In step 124, as shown in FIG. 3B, the data extraction area other than the AF area 1 (RE1) is arranged in the vicinity of the AF area 1 (RE1).

  Next, the routine proceeds to step 126. In step 126, AF processing is performed with reference to the data of all data extraction areas.

  Next, the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  In addition, about the structure fundamentally the same as the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol as the said 1st Embodiment is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Compared with the case where the AF process is performed only in the AF area 1 (RE1) arranged in the center area of the imaging screen, the image signal processing control is performed when the AF process is performed also in a plurality of other data extraction areas. The load increases. Then, the AF processing speed decreases and the power consumption increases.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the digital camera 10 includes a changeover switch 58 that switches the power consumption adjustment function of the digital camera 10 on and off. When it is on, it is a simple AF mode, and when it is off, it is a high-precision AF mode.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the digital camera 10 includes a low power consumption unit 60 that is driven when the changeover switch 58 is turned on.

  The second embodiment is a mechanism in which the low power consumption section 60 reduces the number of data extraction areas when the changeover switch 58 is turned on. When the changeover switch 58 is on, as shown in FIG. 8, the AF area 6 (RE6) instead of the AF area 2 (RE2) and the AF area 3 (RE3) is displayed on the energy saving imaging screen S8. Instead of 4 (RE4) and AF area 5 (RE5), an AF area 7 (RE7) is arranged.

  Thereby, a decrease in AF processing speed and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the changeover switch 58 is off, the data extraction area is arranged as shown in FIG. 3 as in the first embodiment.

  Note that the positions of the AF area 6 (RE6) and the AF area 7 (RE7) are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 8, and may be any positions where desired AF processing can be performed.

  Next, the operation of the portion related to the second embodiment will be described in detail according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, at step 130, the changeover switch 58 is switched.

  In step 132, it is determined whether the changeover switch 58 is on (high-precision AF mode) or the changeover switch 58 is off (simple AF mode). When the changeover switch 58 is on, the routine proceeds to step 134, and when the changeover switch 58 is off, the routine proceeds to step 136.

  In step 134, the data extraction area is arranged as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step 136, the data extraction area is arranged as shown in FIG.

  Next, the routine proceeds to step 138. In step 138, the AF process described above is performed.

  Next, a digital camera 10 according to a third embodiment will be described.

  In the third embodiment, in the above-described AF processing, when the AF processing is performed based on the data of the AF area 1 (RE1) arranged in the center area of the imaging screen, and the AF processing fails, It has a function of performing AF processing by the data extraction area. The operation of the portion related to the function will be described in detail according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step 150, it is determined whether camera shake has occurred. If it is determined that camera shake has not occurred and the result is negative, the process proceeds to step 152. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 156.

  In step 152, where it is determined that no camera shake has occurred, the AF process is performed based on the data of the AF area 1 (RE1) arranged in the center area of the imaging screen.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 154. In step 154, it is determined whether the AF process is successful. If the AF process is successful and affirmed, the process ends. If the result is negative in step 154, the process proceeds to step 156.

  In step 156, AF processing is performed using the plurality of data extraction areas described above.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the AF process in the center area of the imaging screen is abnormal, that is, when the change in contrast in the AF area 1 (RE1) is small, By performing the extraction, the AF processing accuracy can be increased.

It is an external view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the electric system of the digital camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) shows the data extraction arrangement when the lens zoom is swung wide, and (B) shows the data extraction arrangement when the lens zoom is shaken telescopically. (A) is a flowchart showing a flow of AF processing according to the first embodiment, and (B) is a flowchart showing a flow of AF processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of AF process by a some data extraction area | region. It is an external view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the electric system of the digital camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The data extraction arrangement in the simple AF mode is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the AF process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the AF process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital camera 21 Lens 22 Optical unit 32 Timing generator 34 Motor drive part 38 LCD
40 CPU (determination means)
41 Camera shake detection unit 42 AF area arrangement adjustment unit (adjustment means, switching means)
56D cross-cursor button 58 selector switch 60 Low power consumption part (limitation means)

Claims (7)

An imaging apparatus having an automatic focusing function for automatically focusing on a subject and an imaging magnification changing function,
As the imaging magnification is changed to a higher value, the outline of the arrangement of a plurality of data extraction areas for extracting data to be used for focusing in the imaging screen is adjusted narrowly, and the imaging magnification is changed to a lower value. Accordingly, an image pickup apparatus having adjustment means for widely adjusting the outline. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 includes a camera shake correction function that detects camera shake and corrects the detected camera shake.
It further has switching means for switching the number of areas of the data extraction area to single or plural,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the camera shake is detected, the number of the data extraction areas is switched to a plurality by the switching unit, and the outline is adjusted by the adjusting unit. If the camera shake is not detected, the camera further includes a determination unit that determines whether the focus is normal or abnormal only in a single data extraction area,
3. The imaging according to claim 2, wherein when the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality, the switching unit switches the number of data extraction regions to a plurality of regions, and the adjustment unit executes the adjustment of the outline. apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the single data extraction region is arranged at a center of the imaging screen.   The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a narrowing adjustment reference of an outline of an arrangement range of the plurality of data extraction areas is a center of the imaging screen.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting unit that limits the number of areas of the plurality of data extraction areas. An imaging method in an imaging apparatus having an automatic focusing function for automatically focusing on a subject, a function for changing an imaging magnification, and a camera shake correction function for detecting camera shake and correcting the detected camera shake,
When the camera shake is detected, a plurality of data extraction areas for extracting data to be used for focusing are arranged in the imaging screen,
As the imaging magnification is changed high, the outline of the data extraction range determined by the arrangement of the plurality of data extraction areas is adjusted narrowly, and the outline is adjusted widely as the imaging magnification is changed low. Imaging method.

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