JP2008064980A - Optical device and method for controlling optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical device which can be easily focused on a subject on a telephoto side without forcing a photographer to perform troublesome operation. <P>SOLUTION: The optical device is equipped with: a zoom switch 205 for operating a zoom function; a trigger generation means (step S104) judging whether or not the operation of the zoom switch 205 is predetermined trigger generating operation and generating triggers when judging that it is the trigger generating operation; and a focus detection frame adjusting means (step S108 and step S109) changing the form of a focus detection frame for autofocus so as to bring the subject on the telephoto side into focus based on the triggers generated by the trigger generation means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical device having a zoom function using an optical lens and an autofocus function (automatic focus adjustment function) for automatically focusing on a subject, and a method for controlling the optical device.

  In general, the autofocus function in an optical device is divided into two types, a “passive method” that focuses based on the contrast and phase of the captured image, and an “active method” that measures the distance by emitting infrared rays and sound waves from the optical device. There is a method.

  In digital video cameras and the like, a “contrast detection method” which is a kind of “passive method” that does not require a dedicated focus sensor (line sensor, etc.) is often used due to demands for reduction in size, weight, and cost. .

  In the "contrast detection method" used in digital video cameras, the sharpness of the screen is detected based on the output signal of the image sensor that captures the subject, and the position of the focus lens is adjusted so that the detected value is maximized. A method of controlling and focusing is common.

  That is, the image received by the image sensor through the optical lens is photoelectrically converted, and various noise components are removed by correlated double sampling (CDS). Then, a high frequency component in the video signal processed by various video signals including AGC (Auto Gain Control), γ correction, and white balance is extracted by a band pass filter.

  The (integrated) amount (= evaluation value) of the high-frequency component extracted in an arbitrary setting area in the screen represents the degree of focus in the image area, and shows the maximum value when the focus is best. When is shifted back and forth, the evaluation value decreases. Therefore, autofocus can be realized by controlling the driving of the focus lens so that the evaluation value is maximized, that is, the contrast is maximized.

  Here, the focus lens is controlled by moving the lens as quickly as possible so that the evaluation value increases as soon as the evaluation value is small, and moving the lens slowly as the evaluation value increases. Stop the lens with high accuracy and focus. In general, such an autofocus control method is called “mountain climbing autofocus”.

  By the way, conventionally, an area (hereinafter referred to as a focus detection frame) for extracting an evaluation value necessary for the “mountain climbing autofocus” is often set at the center of the screen. This is because the photographer is supposed to bring the subject to be photographed to the center of the screen.

  However, if the focus detection frame is fixed at the center of the screen, the autofocus function will cause out-of-focus when the subject being photographed moves in parallel from the focus detection frame to the outside of the focus detection frame. .

  Therefore, a control method has been proposed in which the size of the focus detection frame is made variable, and the size and shape of the focus detection frame for performing focus detection in conjunction with a change in the angle of view due to the zoom operation. As a result, malfunction of autofocus can be improved and an appropriate focus detection frame can be selected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, it is possible to set different focus detection areas in the screen, and at the time of restarting the focus detection operation after focusing, the focus state in each focus detection area is determined, and the next based on the determination result A control method for selecting a focus detection area has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, in the camera for still image shooting, an autofocus mechanism having a plurality of focus detection frames is used to prevent “missing” (the state where there is no subject in the center focus detection frame and the background is in focus). There is something with.

  In this still image shooting camera, generally, the closest focus detection result among a plurality of focus detection points is selected and focused based on the statistical existence probability of the main subject in the shooting screen. I am doing so. However, when focusing is performed by selecting the closest focus detection result in this way, the object in front of the left and right may be focused, and the subject farther than the left and right objects may not be in focus. .

  In view of this, there has been proposed one having a spot focus detection mode in which a focus detection frame can be selected and a focus detection frame is provided at the center. For example, there is a control method (for example, refer to Patent Document 3) that automatically switches from the multiple focus detection mode to the spot focus detection mode according to the half-press time of the shutter button. In addition, a control method has been proposed in which an improvement is made to the time lag of central spot focus detection (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

  On the other hand, there has been proposed one provided with a manual focus switching means for switching from an autofocus mode to a manual focus mode for focusing on various subjects (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

  In this proposal, when switching from the auto focus mode to the manual focus mode, the control signals to the wide side and the tele side from the zoom operation means that have been used for the zoom operation so far are used as the control signals for the MF perspective switching. To do.

  By the way, in general, consumer video cameras and small digital cameras, etc. tend to have a small depth of field and a large depth of field due to the demand for cost reduction and downsizing, but the depth of field tends to be quite deep. As expected, the depth of field becomes shallower. Incidentally, the depth of field is the width that is in focus in the range before and after the subject when the subject is in focus. If this width is narrow, the depth of field is shallow. It is expressed as “deep depth of field” if it is too wide.

  For example, when taking a commemorative photo of a person against the background of a building to be memorized, the depth of field is increased to focus on both the person and the building. On the other hand, in order to make a person stand out from the background, there are shooting techniques such as making the depth of field shallow and shooting with a blurred background.

There are two basic factors that determine the depth of field: "focal length" and "lens aperture". If you open the aperture on the telephoto side with a long focal length, the depth of field will become shallower. The front and back of the subject are blurred. On the other hand, if you shoot with a narrow aperture on the wide-angle side where the focal length is short, the depth of field will be deep, and the front and back of the subject will be in focus.
JP 7-46455 A JP-A-6-339062 JP-A-3-210546 JP-A-5-19160 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-191702

  By the way, as a photographer, the wide-angle side for a composition that zooms from the wide-angle side to a yacht floating far from between the trees growing on the seaside, or a person who sees the other side from the front flowers Sometimes you want to shoot with a composition that zooms from the beginning. In this case, if you are in autofocus mode, the subject on the near side in the screen will be in focus even though you are zoomed because you want to shoot the subject on the telephoto side, and the subject on the telephoto side will be in focus. It may not be possible to match.

  Therefore, when it is desired to focus on the object on the telephoto side, a model with a manual focus mode is used, and a manual focus switching button or the like is pressed to switch from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode for shooting.

  However, in such a photographing method, the photographer needs to perform photographing while focusing on the subject by pressing the manual focus switching button or the like during the photographing and further operating the MF sling or the like. Will be forced.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an optical device that can easily focus on a telephoto subject without forcing a photographer to perform complicated operations, and a method for controlling the optical device.

  In order to achieve the above object, as a technical feature of the present invention, a zoom function and an autofocus function are provided, and whether or not the operation of the zoom operation means for operating the zoom function is a predetermined trigger generation operation. The trigger generation step for generating a trigger when it is determined that the operation is the trigger generation operation, and the form of the focus detection frame for autofocus is set on the telephoto side based on the trigger generated in the trigger generation step. And a focus detection frame adjustment step for changing the subject so that the subject is in focus.

  As another technical feature, a zoom function and an autofocus function are provided, and it is determined whether or not the operation of the zoom operation means for operating the zoom function is a predetermined trigger generation operation, and the trigger generation operation is performed. A trigger generation step for generating a trigger when it is determined that the autofocus mode is switched to the manual focus mode based on the trigger generated in the trigger generation step.

  According to the present invention, the subject on the telephoto side can be easily focused without forcing the photographer to perform complicated operations.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a digital video camera which is an example of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a digital which is an example of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the external appearance of a video camera. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a digital video camera which is an example of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an image diagram in which captured images (images) are displayed on the display unit for each zoom ratio, and FIG. 5 is a display of captured images (images) and focus detection frames / focus detection areas superimposed on the display unit for each zoom ratio. FIG.

  First, referring to FIG. 2, in a digital video camera (optical device) which is an example of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, a liquid crystal display panel 208 is rotated around a camera body 201 via a rotation hinge 209. It is supported movably.

  The camera body 201 is provided with a lens optical system 206, an EVF (Electrical View Finder) 202, a diopter adjustment slider 203, a start / stop button 204, a zoom switch 205, a manual focus ring 207, a shutter button 210, and the like.

  The lens optical system 206 is a lens group and a lens mechanism having a zoom function and a focus (focus) adjustment function for capturing an image of a subject, and an image (image) from the subject is a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) inside the camera body 201. An image is formed on 302 (see FIG. 3).

  The EVF (display unit) 202 displays the same content as the liquid crystal display panel 208 when the liquid crystal display panel (display unit) 208 is not used. The diopter adjustment slider 203 adjusts the focal length of the EVF 202 by moving the eyepiece lens back and forth so that the photographer can easily see when looking into the EVF 202.

  The start / stop button 204 has a mode dial at the outer periphery, and the operation mode of the camera such as OFF, camera shooting mode, tape playback mode, etc. can be switched by rotating the outer periphery. Also, in normal use, after turning the mode dial to camera mode, pressing the start / stop button once will start shooting, pressing twice will start shooting standby, pressing it twice will start shooting again, etc. Operate.

  A zoom switch (zoom operation means) 205 is a seesaw switch that can be adjusted to the telephoto side or the wide side by pressing it back and forth.

  The manual focus ring 207 is used to adjust the focus by rotating the photographer in the circumferential direction when switching to the manual focus mode by a changeover switch (assigned to the operation button 211).

  When the shutter button 210 is pressed in a shooting standby state, a still image is recorded on the tape for a few seconds in the same manner as a moving image. During moving image shooting, a jpeg file is stored on a memory card 313 (see FIG. 3) as an external recording medium. It is a button used for recording as.

  An operation button 211 and an IEEE 1394 interface 212 are disposed on the side surface of the camera body 201. The operation button 211 is used for various mode settings such as reverse correction, manual focus mode switching, and a playback button in the tape playback mode. The IEEE 1394 I / F connector 212 is a digital interface that can be connected to digital video cameras or an editing device such as an external computer via a cable to exchange video information and various control information.

  The liquid crystal display panel 208 is controlled by an image input from the lens optical system 206, an image reproduced from the image recording / reproducing unit 318 (see FIG. 3) on the tape, and various function switches 204, 205, 210, 211, and the like. The video etc. regarding is displayed.

  The rotary hinge 209 is interposed between the liquid crystal display panel 208 and the camera body 201, and enables the liquid crystal display panel 208 to rotate in two axial directions with the X axis and Y axis in FIG. . Thus, for example, when the photographer raises the camera body 201 to a high position and shoots, the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 208 is held downward, and when the shooter holds the low position, the liquid crystal display panel 208 display screen is displayed. Can be upwards. Even when the liquid crystal display panel 208 is moved by the rotating hinge 209, the electric signal wiring connecting the inside of the camera body 201 and the liquid crystal display panel 208 is not entangled or pulled.

  Next, referring to FIG. 3, the CCD 302 is an image pickup element that picks up an image that enters from the lens optical system 206, and is driven by the image pickup element drive unit 303 according to the timing from the camera signal processing unit 306.

  A CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) and AGC (Auto Gain Controller) unit 304 samples an analog signal from the CCD 302 to remove unnecessary noise, and controls the gain of the signal level under the control of the system control unit 309. . An A / D (Analog to Digital) converter 305 converts an analog signal into a digital signal.

  The camera signal processing unit 306 controls the camera imaging system in cooperation with the system control unit 309 such as timing generation, AE (Auto Exposure) control, γ adjustment, AF (Auto Focus) control, and the AF function. And the distance to the subject is also calculated.

  Here, in this embodiment, it is assumed that there are nine autofocus focus detection frames on the screen in a grid pattern, and all focus detection frames are used, or a focus detection frame only in the center is used. Can be selected (see FIG. 5). A plurality of focus detection frames are collectively referred to as a “focus detection area”.

  The lens driving unit 307 drives the lens optical system 206 to perform zoom magnification and focus adjustment. During autofocus, the lens driving unit 307 is driven by a control signal from the system control unit 309 based on focus adjustment information (evaluation value) detected by the camera signal processing unit 306. Thereby, the focus adjustment is performed by controlling the focus adjustment lens of the lens optical system 206.

  At the time of manual focus, the photographer adjusts a focus ring 207 (see FIG. 2) belonging to the input operation unit 314, for example, provided on the outer periphery of the lens. In the electronic mechanism, the system control unit 309 detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the focus ring 207, drives the lens driving unit 307 according to the detection information, and controls the focus adjustment lens of the lens optical system 206. Focus adjustment is performed.

  In the mechanical mechanism, the focus ring 207 is mechanically connected to the lens optical system 206. When the photographer turns the focus ring 207, the lens optical system 206 is mechanically moved to perform focus adjustment.

  The microphone 308 collects and records surrounding sounds together with the video that has entered through the imaging system. A system control unit 309 executes all the various control procedures of the digital video camera. The memory control unit 310 controls access to the general-purpose storage unit 311 from the system control unit 309 and the camera signal processing unit 306.

  The general-purpose storage unit 311 is a buffer for video signal processing, and stores a program and data for executing processing such as trigger generation means and focus detection frame adjustment means of the present invention, and is necessary for control execution. Accordingly, ROMs and RAMs used as work areas are generically named.

  The external recording medium connection interface 312 is, for example, a slot of a memory card 313 as an external storage medium. The input operation unit 314 includes a shooting start / stop button 204, various selection buttons and a determination button (operation button 211), a shutter button 210, an MF ring 207, a zoom switch 205, and the like.

  The timer unit 315 includes a real-time clock (RTC) and a backup battery, counts the date and time, and returns date and time information in response to a request from the system control unit 309. The digital data I / F unit 316 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F or an IEEE 1394 I / F. The video control unit 317 performs input / output control in the EVF 202, the liquid crystal display panel 208, the line input / output unit 321, and the tape recording / reproducing unit 318.

  The tape recording / reproducing unit 318 records or reproduces the video signal encoded in the tape recording format such as the DV format in the SD mode and the HDV format in the HD mode by the video control unit 317.

  The line input / output unit 321 is an interface for analog component video input / output, S terminal input / output, composite video input / output, and the like. The line input / output unit 321 is connected to an external TV monitor or the like for output, displays video output from the digital video camera on the screen, and receives input from an external video device for input.

  Here, FIG. 4 shows a display example of a captured image on the EVF 202 or the liquid crystal display panel 208 accompanying the zoom operation from the wide-angle end 4-1 to the telephoto end 4-4.

  At the telephoto end 4-4, the subject is in focus on the near-side subject, here “front of the tree”, and the telephoto subject, here “panda” is out of focus. The intention of the photographer is to zoom in from a distance and take a picture of a panda on the other side of the tree, but since he has reached the telephoto end, he cannot expect any more optical zoom. In addition, as a digital zoom, it is not possible to focus on a panda that is a subject that is not in focus by simply enlarging digitally. That is, the focus is matched to the leaves of the tree on the near side, and the depth of field has become shallow due to zooming by optical zooming, so the panda that is the object on the telephoto side further away from the leaves of the tree is blurred.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, first, the trigger generation means determines whether or not the operation of the zoom switch 205 is a predetermined trigger generation operation, and generates a trigger when it is determined that the operation is the trigger generation operation. To do.

  Based on the trigger, the focus detection frame adjustment means changes the focus detection frame for autofocus so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the focus detection frame does not become an obstacle to focus on the subject (panda) on the telephoto side with respect to the subject (leaves) located on the near side in the captured image. The form of the focus detection frame is changed so that it does not overlap.

  Details will be described below.

In this embodiment, the trigger generation operation by the zoom switch 205 is any one of the following 1-1 to 1-3, but is not limited thereto.
1-1: When the zoom function reaches the telephoto end, it is determined as a trigger generation operation, and an immediate trigger is generated.
1-2: When the zoom function is maintained on the telephoto end side for a predetermined time by the operation of the zoom switch 205, it is determined as a trigger generation operation and a trigger is generated.
1-3: After the zoom function is in a neutral state where neither the telephoto end nor the wide-angle end is positioned, when the zoom switch 205 is operated in the direction of the telephoto end, it is determined as a trigger generation operation and a trigger is generated. To do.

In addition, in this embodiment, the focus detection frame for autofocus is changed so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus, and in this embodiment, any one of the following 2-1 to 2-3 is used. It is not limited to.
2-1: Change the size of a single focus detection frame.
2-2: Change the number of focus detection frames.
2-3: A focus detection area including a plurality of focus detection frames is changed.

  Then, based on the generated trigger, a process of automatically or manually changing the form of the focus detection frame for autofocus so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus is performed.

  In the case of manual operation, after the trigger is generated, the zoom switch 205 is operated to change the form of the focus detection frame so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus for autofocusing. At this time, in the zoom switch 205, after the trigger is generated, the operation switching unit is controlled to switch from the operation switch for the zoom function to the operation switch for changing the form of the focus detection frame.

  Further, the zoom switch 205 performs a return unit when an operation for changing the form of the focus detection frame is performed, and when the form of the focus detection frame becomes a preset form or when a button operation designated in advance is performed. To return to the original operation switch of the zoom function.

  Further, on the EVF 202 and the liquid crystal display panel 208, a focus detection frame positioned in the imaging screen is displayed by being overlapped on the imaging screen by the video control unit (display control means) 317.

  Therefore, the photographer can focus on the target subject while visually confirming the focus detection frame, and can realize a simple and seamless operation environment in accordance with the photographer's intention of photographing.

  Next, the operation of a digital video camera which is an example of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, in FIG. 1, step S104 corresponds to the trigger generation means of the present invention, step S105 corresponds to the display control means of the present invention, and step S106 corresponds to the operation switching means of the present invention. Step S107, Step S114, Step S111, and Step S112 correspond to the return means of the present invention, and Step S108 and Step S109 correspond to the focus detection frame adjustment means of the present invention. Each processing of these means is executed by the CPU or the like of the system control unit 309 by loading a processing program stored in the ROM or the like of the general-purpose storage unit 311 into the RAM.

  First, when the power of the digital video camera is turned on in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102 to enter the normal shooting mode. Note that the normal shooting mode means that the REC (recording) pause state or the REC is in progress under the control of the shooting start / stop button 204.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not the photographing is finished.

  Specifically, as described above, by rotating the mode dial on the outer periphery of the start / stop button 204, the camera operation modes such as OFF, camera shooting mode, and tape playback mode are switched. Then, when a mode other than the camera shooting mode is selected with this mode dial, it is determined that shooting has ended, and the processing is ended. On the other hand, if the camera shooting mode is selected with the mode dial, it is determined that shooting has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the trigger generation unit determines whether or not the operation of the zoom switch 205 is a trigger generation operation.

  Specifically, when the operation of the zoom switch 205 is any one of 1-1 to 1-3 described above, it is determined that the operation is the trigger generation operation, a trigger is generated, and the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the operation of the zoom switch 205 does not apply to any of the above described 1-1 to 1-3, the process returns to step S102 and the operation is performed in the normal photographing mode.

  Here, in the case of 1-1, the lens driving unit 307 and the system control unit 309 detect in cooperation that the zoom function has reached the telephoto end, and generate a trigger.

  In the case of 1-2, after the zoom lens is positioned at the telephoto end for a preset time (aside from enabling the operator to set), the zoom switch 205 is continuously pressed as a telephoto operation. The time is measured by the timer unit 316, and a trigger is generated with the passage of time.

  In the case of 1-3, after the zoom lens is positioned at the telephoto end, the photographer returns to the neutral state in which the zoom switch 205 is not operated on the telephoto side or the wide-angle side (normally with the finger released). Again, the system control unit 309 detects that it has operated to the telephoto side, and generates a trigger.

  Next, in step S105, the OSD (On Screen Display) function is used to superimpose and display the focus detection area on the captured video so that the photographer can grasp the state (position) of the focus detection area with respect to the captured video. The process proceeds to step S106.

  FIG. 5 shows an image in which the focus detection frame and the focus detection area are displayed on the EVF 202 or the liquid crystal display panel 208 so as to overlap the photographed video.

  5-1 is an image that is OSD-displayed in a rectangular area by defining a focus detection area that surrounds nine focus detection frames at the wide-angle end. The “size”, “shape”, “number”, and the like of the focus detection frame / focus detection area are not limited to those shown in FIG. 5, and various settings can be made.

  5-2 is an image in which the focus detection frame and the focus detection area are overlapped and displayed in OSD on the video image taken at the telephoto end. In this image, the focus detection frame overlaps not the “panda” on the telephoto side. It is in a state where the “Konoha” in front is large and in focus.

  Next, in step S106, the zoom switch 205 used for the operation of the zoom function is changed to a switch for changing the form of the focus detection frame for autofocus so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not an arbitrary button operation designated in advance, for example, a double click operation of the zoom switch 205 or a separately determined operation button 211 is operated.

  If the button is operated, the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the function of the zoom switch 205 is changed to a switch that operates the original zoom function, and then the process returns to step S102 to enter the normal shooting mode. . On the other hand, if the button is not operated, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, an operation of the zoom switch 205 whose function has been changed in step S106 is detected. If operated, the process proceeds to step S109, and if not operated, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S109, in conjunction with the operation of the zoom switch 205, the focus detection frame for autofocus is changed to one of the above-described forms 2-1 to 2-3, and the “Panda” that is the object on the telephoto side is changed. (See FIG. 5).

  Here, in the case of 2-1, although not shown in FIG. 5, the focus is reduced by reducing the single focus detection frame toward the center of the screen in conjunction with the operation of the zoom switch 205. The autofocus function works on the subject to be matched, here, the “panda” on the telephoto side.

  In the case of 2-2, as shown in 5-3 of FIG. 5, only one central focus detection frame is used among a plurality (here, nine) of focus detection frames. In other words, when multiple focus detection frames exist in the focus detection area, the number of focus detection frames is reduced in conjunction with the operation of the zoom switch 205, so that the subject to be focused on, in this case, near the center The autofocus function works on the telephoto side panda located at.

  In the case of 2-3, unlike the case of 2-2, instead of changing the number of focus detection frames, as shown in 5-4 of FIG. Change the size together. Although it may be possible to reduce the interval between the focus detection frames without changing the size of the focus detection frame, here, the focus detection area including the focus detection frame is concentrated near the center to make it smaller. Yes. As a result, the autofocus function works on the subject to be focused, here the telephoto panda located near the center.

  Next, in step S110, autofocus control is performed according to the number of focus detection frames for autofocus, the size of the focus detection frame, or the size of a focus detection area including a plurality of focus detection frames, and step S111. Migrate to

  In step S111, whether the number of focus detection frames for autofocus, or the size of the focus detection frame or the size of the focus detection area including a plurality of focus detection frames has reached a predetermined number or size. Judge whether or not.

  For example, when it is detected by the control in step S108 and step S109 that the focus detection frame / focus detection area for autofocus in the normal shooting mode has been returned, the process proceeds to step S112. The process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S112, the function of the zoom switch 205 is changed to a switch for operating the original zoom function, and then the process returns to step S102 to enter the normal shooting mode.

  In step S113, similarly to step S103, it is determined whether or not the photographing is finished.

  Specifically, as in step S103, when a mode other than the camera shooting mode is selected by rotating the mode dial on the outer periphery of the start / stop button 204, it is determined that the shooting has ended, and the processing is ended. On the other hand, if the camera shooting mode is selected with the mode dial, it is determined that shooting has not ended, the process returns to step S108, and the above-described processing is repeated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation of the zoom switch 205 is a predetermined trigger generation operation, the focus detection frame is set so that the object on the telephoto side is focused based on the generated trigger. The size or number of the focus detection area or the focus detection area is changed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform photographing while focusing on the telephoto subject without forcing the photographer to perform complicated operations. That is, when the operation of the zoom operation means is a predetermined trigger generation operation, the form of the focus detection frame for autofocus is changed based on the generated trigger so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus. . Alternatively, when the operation of the zoom operation means is a predetermined trigger generation operation, the auto focus mode is switched to the manual focus mode based on the generated trigger. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform photographing while focusing on the telephoto subject without forcing the photographer to perform complicated operations.

  Next, a digital video camera which is an example of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a digital video camera which is an example of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram in which a captured image and a focus detection frame / focus detection area are superimposed on a display unit. FIG. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) which overlaps with embodiment of the said 1st aspect.

  First, FIG. 7 is an image diagram in which the focus detection frame and the focus detection area are superimposed on the captured image when the zoom function reaches the telephoto end and displayed on the EVF 202 or the liquid crystal display panel 208 using the OSD function.

  In FIG. 7, the focus is on the near side subject, here the “lotus flower” on the near side, and the telephoto side subject, here “蛙”, is out of focus. The photographer's intention is to zoom from a distance and take a picture of a moth on the other side of the lotus flower, but because the zoom function has reached the telephoto end, no further optical zoom can be expected.

  Even if digital zoom is used, it is not possible to focus on an eyelid that is originally out of focus only by digitally enlarging the object on the telephoto side. That is, the focus is matched with the lotus flower on the near side, and the depth of field is becoming shallower due to the zooming by the optical zoom, so that the wrinkle on the far side of the lotus flower is blurred.

  Here, as with the first embodiment, when considering changing the focus detection frame / focus detection area, the number of focus detection frames is reduced as shown in 7-2 of FIG. Even if the focus detection frame is left in the center, the eye will not be in focus.

  Further, as in 7-3, even if the focus detection area is concentrated at the central portion and reduced, the focus is not focused. In this case, in order to focus on the eyelid while keeping the composition as it is, it is still one method to use the manual focus mode.

  However, unlike the prior art, it is not desired to perform a complicated operation such as pressing the manual focus button separately to switch to the manual focus mode and further operating the manual focus ring to focus.

  Therefore, in the digital video camera which is an example of the embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, first, the trigger generation means determines whether or not the operation of the zoom switch 205 is a predetermined trigger generation operation. When a trigger generation operation is determined, a trigger is generated. Then, the mode switching means executes switching control from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode based on the trigger.

  Details will be described below.

In this embodiment, the trigger generation operation by the zoom switch 205 is any one of the following 1-1 to 1-3 as in the first embodiment, but is not limited thereto. It is not a thing.
1-1: When the zoom function reaches the telephoto end, it is determined as a trigger generation operation, and an immediate trigger is generated.
1-2: When the zoom function is maintained on the telephoto end side for a predetermined time by the operation of the zoom switch 205, it is determined as a trigger generation operation and a trigger is generated.
1-3: After the zoom function is in a neutral state where neither the telephoto end nor the wide-angle end is positioned, when the zoom switch 205 is operated in the direction of the telephoto end, it is determined as a trigger generation operation and a trigger is generated. To do.

  Then, based on the generated trigger, a process of switching from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode is performed automatically or manually.

  In the case of manual operation, after the trigger is generated, the zoom switch 205 is operated to perform processing for switching from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode. At this time, in the zoom switch 205, after the trigger is generated, the operation switching unit performs control to switch from the zoom function operation switch to the focus mode switching operation switch.

  In addition, the zoom switch 205 returns the original zoom function by the return means when the object before the telephoto side is in focus after the mode switching operation or when a pre-designated button operation is performed. It is controlled to return to the operation switch.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the digital video camera which is an example of the embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention will be described. Here, in FIG. 6, step S604 corresponds to the trigger generation means of the present invention, and step S605 corresponds to the operation switching means of the present invention. Steps S606, S612, S609, and S610 correspond to the return means of the present invention, and steps S607 and S608 correspond to the mode switching means of the present invention. Each processing of these means is executed by the CPU or the like of the system control unit 309 by loading the processing program stored in the ROM or the like of the general-purpose storage unit 311 into the RAM.

  First, when the power of the digital video camera is turned on in step S601, the process proceeds to step S602 to enter the normal shooting mode. Note that the normal shooting mode means that the REC (recording) pause state or the REC is in progress under the control of the shooting start / stop button 204.

  In step S603, it is determined whether or not shooting is finished.

  Specifically, as described above, by rotating the mode dial on the outer periphery of the start / stop button 204, the camera operation modes such as OFF, camera shooting mode, and tape playback mode are switched. When a mode other than the camera shooting mode is selected with this mode dial, it is determined that shooting has ended, and the processing is ended. On the other hand, if the camera shooting mode is selected with the mode dial, it is determined that shooting has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, the trigger generation unit determines whether the operation of the zoom switch 205 is a trigger generation operation.

  Specifically, when the operation of the zoom switch 205 is any one of 1-1 to 1-3 described above, it is determined that the operation is the trigger generation operation, a trigger is generated, and the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if the operation of the zoom switch 205 does not apply to any of the above described 1-1 to 1-3, the process returns to step S602 and the operation is performed in the normal shooting mode.

  Here, in the case of 1-1, the lens driving unit 307 and the system control unit 309 detect in cooperation that the zoom function has reached the telephoto end, and generate a trigger.

  In the case of 1-2, after the zoom lens is positioned at the telephoto end for a preset time (aside from enabling the operator to set), the zoom switch 205 is continuously pressed as a telephoto operation. The time is measured by the timer unit 316, and a trigger is generated with the passage of time.

  In the case of 1-3, after the zoom lens is positioned at the telephoto end, the photographer returns to the neutral state in which the zoom switch 205 is not operated on the telephoto side or the wide-angle side (normally with the finger released). Again, the system control unit 309 detects that it has operated to the telephoto side, and generates a trigger.

  Next, in step S605, the function of the zoom switch 205 used for the operation of the zoom function is changed to a switch for switching from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode, and the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S606, it is determined whether or not an arbitrary button operation designated in advance, for example, a double click operation of the zoom switch 205 or a separately determined operation button 211 is operated.

  If the button is operated in step S606, the process proceeds to step S612. In step S612, the zoom switch 205 is changed to a switch for operating the original zoom function, and the process returns to step S602 to operate in the normal shooting mode. It becomes. In step S612, the focus mode is not switched, and therefore the autofocus mode is maintained. On the other hand, if the button is not operated in step S606, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S607, the operation of the zoom switch 205 whose function has been changed in step S605 is detected. If it is operated, the process proceeds to step S608, and if it is not operated, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S608, in conjunction with the operation of the zoom switch 205, manual focus control in which the lens optical system 301, the lens driving unit 307, and the system control unit 309 cooperate is performed. As a result, the photographer focuses while looking at the photographed image on the telephoto subject to be focused on, here, the eyelid.

  In step S609, it is determined whether or not the subject “Lotus flower” on the near side is in focus. If it is determined that the subject is in focus, the process proceeds to step S610, and if it is determined that the subject is not in focus, The process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the function of the zoom switch 205 is changed to a switch for operating the original zoom function, the manual focus mode is returned to the autofocus mode, and then the operation returns to step S602 to enter the normal photographing mode.

  In step S611, similarly to step S603, it is determined whether or not the photographing is finished.

  Specifically, as in step S603, when a mode other than the camera shooting mode is selected by rotating the mode dial on the outer periphery of the start / stop button 204, it is determined that shooting has ended, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the camera shooting mode is selected with the mode dial, it is determined that shooting has not ended, and the process returns to step S607 to repeat the above-described processing.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation of the zoom switch 205 is a predetermined trigger generation operation, control is performed to switch from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode based on the generated trigger. Yes. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform photographing while focusing on the telephoto subject without forcing the photographer to perform complicated operations.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to what was illustrated to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the digital video camera is exemplified as the optical device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any optical device other than the digital video camera can be used as long as the optical device has a zoom function and an auto / manual focus function. The present invention may be applied.

  In the above embodiment, a trigger is generated when the zoom function is operated to the telephoto end side by the zoom switch 205, but instead, when the zoom function is operated to the wide-angle end side. A trigger may be generated.

  Next, consider a case where a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. Here, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like can be used. Alternatively, optical disks such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  In addition, the function of the above embodiment is not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. This includes the case where an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above embodiments are realized by the processing. .

  Further, consider a case where the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function extension board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. In this case, based on the instruction of the program code, a CPU or the like provided with the extension function in the extension board or the extension unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included in the present invention.

It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the digital video camera which is an example of Embodiment of the 1st aspect of this invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of a digital video camera which is an example of an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the digital video camera which is an example of embodiment of the 1st aspect of this invention. It is the image figure which displayed the picked-up image on the display part for every zoom ratio. FIG. 6 is an image diagram in which a photographed image and a focus detection frame / focus detection area are displayed so as to overlap each other for each zoom ratio. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the digital video camera which is an example of Embodiment of the 2nd aspect of this invention. It is the image figure which displayed the picked-up image and the focus detection frame / focus detection area so as to overlap each other on the display unit.

Explanation of symbols

201 Camera body 202 EVF (display unit)
203 Diopter adjustment slider 204 Start / stop button 205 Zoom switch (zoom operation means)
206 Lens optical system 207 Manual focus ring 208 Liquid crystal display panel (display unit)
209 Rotating hinge 210 Shutter button 211 Operation button 212 IEEE1394 I / F connector 302 CCD
303 Image sensor driving unit 304 CDS, AGC unit 305 A / D converter 306 Camera signal processing unit 307 Lens driving unit 308 Microphone 309 System control unit 310 Memory control unit 311 General-purpose storage unit 312 External recording medium connection interface 313 External storage medium 314 Input operation unit 315 Timekeeping unit 316 Digital data I / F unit 317 Video control unit 318 Tape recording / reproducing unit 321 Line input / output unit

Claims (18)

In an optical device with a zoom function and an autofocus function,
Zoom operation means for operating the zoom function;
Determining whether or not the operation of the zoom operation means is a predetermined trigger generation operation, and trigger generation means for generating a trigger when it is determined that the operation is a trigger generation operation;
A focus detection frame adjustment unit that changes the form of a focus detection frame for autofocus so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus based on the trigger generated by the trigger generation unit;
An optical device. The focus detection frame adjustment means changes the size of the focus detection frame, the number of focus detection frames, or the size of a focus detection area including a plurality of focus detection frames.
The optical apparatus according to claim 1. The trigger generation means generates the trigger when the zoom function is maintained in a telephoto end or wide-angle end for a predetermined time.
The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device is an optical device. The trigger generation means generates the trigger when the zoom function is operated in the direction of the telephoto end or the wide-angle end after being in a neutral state where the zoom function is not located at either the telephoto end or the wide-angle end.
The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device is an optical device. The focus detection frame adjustment means changes the form of the focus detection frame to a telephoto object for autofocusing when a predetermined operation is performed by the zoom operation means after the trigger generation means generates the trigger. Change it so that it is in focus,
The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein An operation switching unit that switches the zoom operation unit to an operation unit for the focus detection frame adjustment unit after the trigger generation unit generates the trigger;
The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device is an optical device. A return means for returning the zoom operation means to the zoom function operation means at a predetermined timing after the focus detection frame adjustment means has changed the form of the focus detection frame;
The optical apparatus according to claim 6. The return means returns the zoom operation means to the operation means of the zoom function when the form of the focus detection frame is in a preset form or when a button operation is designated in advance;
The optical apparatus according to claim 7. A display for displaying an image and the focus detection frame;
Display control means for displaying the focus detection frame positioned in the imaging screen on the imaging screen so as to overlap the imaging screen;
The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device is an optical device. In a method for controlling an optical device having a zoom function and an autofocus function,
A trigger generation step of determining whether the operation of the zoom operation means for operating the zoom function is a predetermined trigger generation operation, and generating a trigger when it is determined that the operation is a trigger generation operation;
A focus detection frame adjustment step for changing the form of the focus detection frame for autofocus so that the object on the telephoto side is in focus based on the trigger generated in the trigger generation step,
A control method for an optical device. In an optical device with a zoom function and an autofocus function,
Zoom operation means for operating the zoom function;
Determining whether or not the operation of the zoom operation means is a predetermined trigger generation operation, and trigger generation means for generating a trigger when it is determined that the operation is a trigger generation operation;
Based on the trigger generated by the trigger generating means, mode switching means for switching from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode,
An optical device. The trigger generation means generates the trigger when the zoom function is maintained in a telephoto end or wide-angle end for a predetermined time.
The optical apparatus according to claim 11. The trigger generation means generates the trigger when the zoom function is operated in the direction of the telephoto end or the wide-angle end after being in a neutral state where the zoom function is not located at either the telephoto end or the wide-angle end.
The optical apparatus according to claim 11. The mode switching means switches from the auto focus mode to the manual focus mode when a predetermined operation is performed by the zoom operation means after the trigger generation means generates the trigger.
The optical device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the optical device is an optical device. An operation switching means for switching the zoom operation means to an operation means for the mode switching means after the trigger generation means generates the trigger;
The optical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the optical apparatus is an optical device. A return means for returning the zoom operation means to the operation means of the zoom function at a predetermined timing after being switched from the auto focus mode to the manual focus mode by the mode switching means;
The optical apparatus according to claim 15. The return means returns the zoom operation means to the operation means of the zoom function when the subject in front of the subject on the telephoto side is in focus or when a pre-designated button operation is performed;
The optical apparatus according to claim 16. In a method for controlling an optical device having a zoom function and an autofocus function,
A trigger generation step of determining whether the operation of the zoom operation means for operating the zoom function is a predetermined trigger generation operation, and generating a trigger when it is determined that the operation is a trigger generation operation;
A mode switching step for switching from the autofocus mode to the manual focus mode based on the trigger generated in the trigger generation step,
A control method for an optical device.