JP2010122366A - Auto focus system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auto focus system for preventing a menu image superimposed and displayed on a photographed video image from disturbing photographing work by allowing an operator to manually turn off the menu image or automatically turing off the menu image, when it is determined that the menu image is unnecessary, when it is constituted so that an operation (instruction) on the control of an AF frame is performed by using a display means (display) with a touch panel on which the photographed video image and the AF frame are displayed. <P>SOLUTION: In the screen 40a of a liquid crystal display with a touch panel on which operation on the AF frame can be performed, the menu image comprising various buttons 300 to 312 for instructing the control mode of the AF frame, the start and stop of automatic tracking, etc. is superimposed and displayed on the photographed video image. On the other hand, on the screen 40a, a menu display on and off button 314 is displayed, and when the button 314 is tap-operated, the menu image can be turned on and off. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an autofocus system, and more particularly to an autofocus system in which an operation related to an AF frame (AF area) indicating a range of a subject to be focused by autofocus (AF) can be performed on a display with a touch panel or the like.

  Conventionally, in an autofocus (AF) system that automatically adjusts the focus of a camera, the camera must be instructed where to focus. At this time, in a general camera or the like, the position to be focused is fixed at the center of the shooting range, and for example, the person in the center of the shooting range is focused.

  However, when shooting a moving subject, it is inconvenient if the focus position is fixed in this way. Therefore, for example, when shooting a scene where the movement of a subject is intense, such as sports, using a TV camera or the like, an AF frame automatic tracking system that automatically tracks an autofocus area (AF area) for the purpose of focusing on the subject. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this specification, an AF frame indicating the outline of the range of the AF area is mainly used as a term meaning the range of the subject to be focused in the same manner as the AF area.

Also, an image representing a person's face is detected from the captured image, and the face that is the subject is automatically focused, or the area representing the face in the detected image is enlarged. There is known a digital camera that automatically changes the zoom magnification (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2006-267221 A JP 2004-320286 A

  By the way, if an operation related to the AF frame can be performed by a touch operation on a display with a touch panel that displays the range of the currently set AF frame together with the current captured image captured by the camera, a particularly important AF frame is displayed. The position can be specified by tapping (single tapping) the position on the screen where the subject to be focused (the subject to be tracked in AF frame automatic tracking) is displayed. It can be specified and is convenient.

  In addition, it is convenient that instruction operations relating to various controls of the AF frame can be performed on a menu screen (menu image) displayed superimposed on a captured image of such a touch panel display.

  However, if the menu screen is always displayed, it is difficult to see the captured video, which may hinder the shooting operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has made it possible to perform operations (instructions) related to AF frame control using display means (display) with a touch panel that displays captured images and AF frames. In this case, an object of the present invention is to provide an autofocus system in which a menu image superimposed on a photographed video does not interfere with the photographing work.

  In order to achieve the object, an autofocus system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a subject image formed by an optical system, and a predetermined AF frame among captured images captured by the imaging unit. In an autofocus system comprising: an autofocus unit that adjusts the focus of the optical system so that a subject in the range is in focus; and an AF frame control unit that performs control related to an AF frame, the imaging unit is provided on an image display screen. A display unit that displays the captured image captured by the display unit, displays the range of the AF frame that is currently set by being superimposed on the captured image, and detects an operator's touch operation on the image display screen of the display unit Touch operation detecting means and a menu for giving an instruction related to control of the AF frame by a touch operation on the image display screen of the display means. A menu display unit that superimposes an image on the photographed image and displays the image on the image display screen of the display unit, and on the image display screen of the display unit, the display of the menu image by the menu display unit is manually turned on. Menu display on / off means for turning off / off, and / or menu display off for automatically turning off the menu image display by the menu display means when a predetermined condition is judged that display of the menu image is unnecessary. It is characterized by having means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first aspect, the menu display on / off means displays a menu display on / off button on the image display screen of the display means, and the menu display on / off is displayed. When the touch operation detecting means detects that the button is tapped, the display of the menu image is switched on / off.

  An autofocus system according to a third aspect is the invention according to the first or second aspect, wherein the menu display off means is the touch operation detecting means in a state where the menu image is displayed on the image display screen of the display means. It is characterized in that the predetermined condition is that the touch operation detected by the above is not performed for a certain period of time.

  According to the present invention, when an operation (instruction) related to control of the AF frame can be performed using a display means (display) with a touch panel that displays the captured image and the AF frame, the superimposed image is displayed on the captured image. The menu image can be turned off manually by the operator, or automatically turned off when it is determined that the menu image is unnecessary, so that the menu image can be prevented from hindering the shooting operation.

  Hereinafter, an autofocus system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of a television camera system to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, a television camera 10 is a television camera mainly used for broadcasting or business use. The television camera 10 includes a lens device 12 and a camera body 14 and is mounted on a pedestal stand 16. It is supported by.

  The pan head 18 is extended with two left and right bread bars 22 and 24, and a focus demand (focus controller) 26 is installed on the grip part 22 </ b> A of the right bread bar 22 with a mounting clamp 38, and the left side A zoom demand (zoom controller) 28 is installed in the grip portion of the pan bar 24.

  The focus demand 26 is provided with a rotatable focus knob 30. When focus control is performed by manual focus (MF), when the focus knob 30 is rotated, a focus corresponding to the rotation position is obtained. A focus control signal for instructing movement of the focus (focus lens) with the position as the target position is given from the focus demand 26 to the lens device 12. As a result, the focus lens of the lens device 12 moves to the target position commanded by the focus control signal.

  The zoom demand 28 is provided with a rotatable thumb ring 34. When the thumb ring 34 is rotated in the left-right direction, the zoom (zoom lens) is moved with a zoom speed corresponding to the rotation position as a target speed. A zoom control signal to be commanded is given from the zoom demand 28 to the lens device 12. As a result, the zoom lens of the lens device 12 moves at the target speed commanded by the zoom control signal.

  Although not shown in the figure, the focus demand 26 is provided with various operation members related to autofocus (AF), and control of an AF frame indicating a subject range (AF target range) to be focused by AF ( An AF frame control device (AF frame automatic tracking device) for performing a change in position and the like is incorporated, and various operation members of the AF frame control device are also provided in the focus demand 26.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 40 with a touch panel is installed on the upper part of the focus demand 26 as a constituent element of the AF frame control device, and is connected to the focus demand 26 by a cable (not shown).

  In the following description, the LCD 40 is simply referred to as the LCD 40 with a touch panel. The LCD 40 can be installed at any position other than the upper part of the main body of the focus demand 26. For example, it may be installed beside the viewfinder 36.

  A viewfinder 36 that is a display device is installed on the camera body 14. Since the viewfinder 36 displays an image of the subject photographed by the television camera 10, the cameraman operates the focus demand 26 and the zoom demand 28 while viewing the image, thereby selecting the subject with a desired composition. You can shoot. In the following description, the term “captured video” or “captured image” refers to a video or image currently captured by the television camera 10.

  In addition, an image of the AF frame indicating the position, size, and shape (aspect ratio) where the AF frame is currently set is superimposed on the captured image displayed on the viewfinder 36. When focus control is performed by AF, it is possible to know which range of subjects in the captured image can be focused. The focus control of MF and AF can be switched by a mode switch or the like provided in the focus demand 26.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an AF frame automatic tracking system applied to the television camera system.

  In the AF frame automatic tracking system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the lens device 12, the camera body 14, and the viewfinder 36 of the television camera 10 shown in FIG. 1 are shown. Further, as components of the focus demand 26 in FIG. 1, a focus operation unit 50, an image processing unit 58 and an AF frame operation unit 60 constituting an AF frame control device (AF frame automatic tracking device) incorporated in the focus demand 26. It is shown.

  The television camera 10 includes a camera body 14 composed of an HD camera compatible with a high-definition television [HD (High Definition) TV] system, and a lens device 12 having a photographing lens (optical system) attached to a lens mount of the camera body 14. It consists of.

  The camera body 14 is equipped with an image sensor (for example, a CCD), a required signal processing circuit, and the like. The image formed by the photographing lens of the lens device 12 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor and then subjected to signal processing. Necessary signal processing is performed by the circuit and output as an HDTV video signal (HDTV signal) from the video signal output terminal of the camera body 14 to the outside.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, a video captured by the television camera 10 is displayed on the viewfinder 36 installed on the upper part of the camera body 14 or the like. Various information other than the captured video is displayed on the viewfinder 36. For example, an image indicating the currently set AF frame range (position, size, shape) is superimposed on the captured video. Has been displayed.

  The lens device 12 includes a photographic lens (zoom lens) 64 attached to a lens mount of the camera body 14, and the subject 56 forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor of the camera body 14 by the photographic lens 64. It is like that. Although not shown, the photographing lens 64 is provided with movable parts for adjusting photographing conditions such as a focus lens group, a zoom lens group, and a diaphragm as its constituent elements. Servo mechanism) is electrically driven. For example, the focus lens group and the zoom lens group move in the optical axis direction, the focus (subject distance) adjustment is performed by moving the focus lens group, and the focal length (zoom magnification) is adjusted by moving the zoom lens group. Adjustments are made.

  In the AF-related system, it is sufficient that at least the focus lens group can be driven electrically, and other movable parts may be driven only manually.

  The lens device 12 includes an AF unit 66 and a lens CPU (not shown). The lens CPU controls the entire lens device 12. The AF unit 66 is a processing unit for acquiring information necessary for performing AF focus control (automatic focus adjustment), and is configured from an AF processing unit, an AF imaging circuit, and the like, although not shown. Has been.

  The AF imaging circuit is disposed in the lens device 12 to acquire an AF processing video signal, and an output signal from an imaging device such as a CCD (referred to as an AF imaging device) or an AF imaging device is output in a predetermined format. A processing circuit for outputting as a signal is provided. The video signal output from the AF imaging circuit is a luminance signal.

  On the imaging surface of the AF imaging device, subject light branched from subject light incident on the imaging device of the camera body 14 is imaged by a half mirror or the like disposed on the optical path of the photographing lens 64. . The shooting range and subject distance (distance of the subject in focus) with respect to the imaging area of the AF imaging element are configured to match the shooting range and subject distance with respect to the imaging area of the imaging element of the camera body 14. The subject image captured by the image sensor coincides with the subject image captured by the image sensor of the camera body 14. It should be noted that the shooting ranges of the two do not need to be completely the same. For example, the shooting range of the AF imaging element may be a larger range including the shooting range of the imaging element of the camera body 14.

  The AF processing unit acquires a video signal from the AF imaging circuit, and based on the video signal, calculates a focus evaluation value indicating the level of contrast of the subject image within an AF area (AF frame) that is an AF target range. calculate. For example, a high frequency component signal is extracted from a video signal obtained from an AF image sensor by a high-pass filter, and then a range corresponding to an AF area set as described later in the high frequency component signal. Are integrated for each screen (one frame). The integrated value obtained for each screen in this manner indicates the level of contrast of the subject image in the AF area, and the integrated value is given to the lens CPU as a focus evaluation value.

  The lens CPU acquires AF frame information (AF frame information) indicating the range (contour) of the AF area from the image processing unit 58 as described later, and the range within the AF frame specified by the AF frame information is obtained. The AF area is designated as the AF area. Then, the focus evaluation value obtained from the image (video signal) in the AF area is acquired from the AF processing unit.

  In this way, every time a video signal for one screen is acquired from the AF imaging circuit (each time the focus evaluation value is obtained by the AF processing unit), the focus evaluation value is acquired from the AF processing unit, and the acquired focus is obtained. The focus lens group is controlled so that the evaluation value is maximum (maximum), that is, the contrast of the subject image in the AF frame is maximum. For example, a hill-climbing method is generally known as a control method for a focus lens group based on a focus evaluation value, and the focus evaluation value starts to decrease by moving the focus lens group in a direction in which the focus evaluation value increases. Is detected, the focus lens group is set at that position. Thereby, the subject in the AF frame is automatically focused.

  Note that the above-described AF processing unit obtains a video signal from the AF image sensor mounted on the lens device 12 in order to calculate the focus evaluation value, but the video imaged by the image sensor of the camera body 14 The video signal may be obtained from the camera body 14. Also, any AF means for automatically focusing on the subject within the AF frame may be used.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the AF area 200 is set as a rectangular area with respect to the imaging area 202 of the imaging device in the camera body 14, and a frame 204 indicating the outline indicates an AF frame, A subject photographed in the range of the AF area 200 (within the AF frame 204) is an object to be focused by AF.

  In this specification, the range of the AF frame 204 (AF area 200) with respect to the imaging area 202 is determined by three factors including the position, size, and shape (aspect ratio) of the AF frame 204. The description of “changing the frame range” means changing at least one of the three elements of the position, size, and shape of the AF frame.

  The lens device 12 is connected to the camera body 14 via a cable or directly, and various kinds of information are transmitted through serial communication interfaces (SCI) 12a and 14a provided in the lens device 12 and the camera body 14, respectively. You can communicate. As a result, information on the AF frame currently set in the AF unit 66 is also transmitted to the camera body 14, and the position of the AF frame currently set in the captured image displayed on the viewfinder 36 by processing in the camera body 14. The image of the AF frame corresponding to the size and shape is superimposed and displayed.

  The focus operation unit 50 is a constituent element of the focus demand 26 and also shows constituent elements of a general focus demand. As the components of the focus operation unit 50, the focus knob 30 shown in FIG. 1, a mode switch (not shown) for switching between the AF mode and the MF mode and switching the AF mode type (continuous mode or momentary mode). And an operation member related to AF control contents and MF control, such as an AF start switch (not shown) for instructing the start of AF, and detecting the setting state of these operation members, and based on the detected setting state A processing circuit for sending control signals is provided.

  The focus demand 26 is provided with an interface (I / F) 52 for connecting to the lens device 12 with a cable. The focus operation unit 50 is connected to the lens device 12 via the I / F 52 and the cable, and the SCI 12a. Various signals can be exchanged through serial communication with the lens CPU.

  Accordingly, various control signals sent from the focus operation unit 50 are given to the lens CPU, and processing according to the control signals is executed by the lens CPU. For example, when an instruction for focus control (AF mode) by AF is given, focus control by AF is performed based on the focus evaluation value obtained from the AF unit 66 as described above, and focus control by MF (MF When an instruction of (mode) is given, focus control by MF is performed according to a focus position command signal given from the focus operation unit 50 based on the operation of the focus knob 30.

  The image processing unit 58 is a processing unit incorporated in the focus demand 26 as a component of the AF frame control device, and the range (position, size, shape (vertical and horizontal) of the AF frame set in the AF unit 66 of the lens device 12. A ratio)) is designated by a manual operation or AF frame automatic tracking process described later.

  The image processing unit 58 includes an SCI 70. The SCI 70 is connected to the lens device 12 via the I / F 52, and can exchange various signals with the lens CPU via the SCI 12a. Thereby, AF frame information for designating the range of the AF frame is given from the image processing unit 58 to the lens CPU of the lens device 12, and the range of the AF frame in the AF unit 66 is set based on the AF frame information.

  The focus demand 26 is provided with a video input connector for taking a video signal into the image processing unit 58, and the video output connector of the camera body 14 is connected to the video input connector via a down converter 68 with a cable. The As a result, the HDTV signal output from the video output connector of the camera body 14 is converted (down-converted) into a standard television [NTSC (National Television System Committee)] video signal (SDTV signal) by the down converter 68. Are input to the image processing unit 58.

  Although details will be described later, when executing the AF frame automatic tracking process, the image processing unit 58 sequentially captures one frame of the captured image from the video signal input from the camera body 14, and selects a predetermined image from the captured image. A process for detecting the subject to be tracked is performed. Then, the AF frame range is determined so that the subject can be focused by AF, and the determined AF frame range is transmitted to the lens CPU of the lens device 12.

  The configuration and processing contents of the image processing unit 58 will be described later.

  The AF frame operation unit 60 is integrally provided with the image processing unit 58 in the focus demand 26 as an AF frame control device, or a part or all of the AF frame operation unit 60 is a separate device from the focus demand 26, that is, image processing. The unit 58 is provided in a separate device and connected by a cable or the like. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the LCD 40 with a touch panel is provided separately from the focus demand 26 (image processing unit 58), and the other components are provided together with the image processing unit 58 on the focus demand 26. .

  The AF frame operation unit 60 is an operation unit for mainly performing operations related to control of the AF frame, and an operation member for an operator to manually input an AF frame range or an AF frame to a desired subject. There is provided an operation member for performing an operation related to AF frame automatic tracking to be automatically tracked.

  As shown in the external view of the focus demand 26 in FIG. 4, as the operation member of the AF frame operation unit 60, a position operation member 100 (for example, for moving the position of the AF frame up and down and left and right manually by the user) , A joystick or a trackball), a size operation member 102 (for example, a knob) for manually changing the size of the AF frame, and a shape operation member 104 (for example, a knob) for changing the shape of the AF frame by manual operation. ), A tracking start switch 108 for instructing start of AF frame automatic tracking, and a tracking stop switch 110 for instructing stop of AF frame automatic tracking are provided. Setting of these operation members 100, 102, 104, 108, 110 is provided. The state is read by the image processing unit 58 (CPU 78 of the main board 70 described later).

  Further, the LCD 40 of the AF frame operation unit 60 is configured such that settings such as a mode related to AF frame automatic tracking can be input by a touch operation (tap operation), and an image displayed on the LCD 40 by the CPU 78 of the image processing unit 58 is displayed. It can be switched appropriately according to the setting contents. The display and operation of the LCD 40 will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the AF frame control device including the image processing unit 58 and the AF frame operation unit 60 is incorporated in the focus demand 26. However, the AF frame control device is different from the focus demand 26. It may be configured as a body device. In this case, a part or all of the AF frame operation unit 60 may be provided in an apparatus integrated with the image processing unit 58, or may be provided in a separate apparatus.

  Next, the configuration and processing contents of the image processing unit 58 will be described.

  The image processing unit 58 mainly includes a main board 70, a pattern matching processing calculation board 72, and a face recognition processing calculation board 74. Each of the main board 70, the pattern matching processing calculation board 72, and the face recognition processing calculation board 74 is equipped with CPUs 78, 90, and 92. Individual calculation processing is performed for each board, and each of the CPUs 78, 90, Reference numerals 92 are connected by a bus or a control line so that data can be exchanged or arithmetic processing can be synchronized with each other.

  The processing in the image processing unit 58 is performed on the main board 70 in an integrated manner. In addition to the CPU 78 that performs arithmetic processing, the main board 70 is equipped with an SCI 70a, a decoder (A / D converter) 76, a superimposer 82, a RAM 80, and the like.

  The SCI 70 a is an interface circuit for performing serial communication with the SCI 12 a of the lens device 12 as described above, and transmits the AF frame information and the like to the lens device 12.

  The decoder 76 is a circuit for converting a video signal (SDTV signal) of a video image taken by the television camera 10 input from the down converter 68 to the image processing unit 58 into data that can be digitally processed by the image processing unit 58. A / D conversion processing for converting an analog SDTV signal into a video signal of digital data is performed.

  The superimposer 82 is a circuit that synthesizes the video signal of the captured video obtained by the decoder 76 and the image signal generated by the CPU 78 and outputs and displays the synthesized video signal on the LCD 40. As a result, the image captured by the television camera 10 is displayed on the LCD 40 in the same manner as the viewfinder 36 installed in the camera body 14, and the AF indicating the currently set AF frame range is superimposed on the image captured. An image of the frame, a menu screen (menu image) that allows input operations on the touch panel, and the like are displayed on the LCD 40. Of course, it is also possible to display only the image generated by the CPU 78 without being superimposed on the captured video.

  The RAM 80 is a memory that temporarily stores data used in the arithmetic processing of the CPU 78.

  On the other hand, the pattern matching processing calculation board 72 and the face recognition processing calculation board 74 are calculation boards for individually performing pattern matching and face detection / recognition processing. In addition to the CPUs 90 and 92 that perform calculation processing, image data VRAM 94, 96, etc. are temporarily stored.

  Further, the image processing unit 58 is provided with a slot 115 into which a data card 114 is loaded as an external memory such as an SD (Secure Digital) card or a USB memory, and when detecting a face of a specific person by face recognition. Authentication data indicating the face of the specific person is stored in the data card 114 in advance, and the data card 114 is loaded into the slot 75, whereby the CPU 78 can read the authentication data necessary for face recognition from the data card 114. It is like that.

  Subsequently, control of the AF frame by the image processing unit 58 configured as described above will be described together with processing relating to display and operation of the LCD 40.

  First, the display and operation of the LCD 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, on the screen 40a of the LCD 40, a menu screen (menu image) composed of various buttons 300 to 314 superimposed on the video image taken by the TV camera 10, and the current An AF frame image 204 (simply referred to as the AF frame 204) indicating the set AF frame range is displayed. The images to be superimposed on the captured image, such as the various buttons 300 to 314 on the menu screen and the AF frame 204, are generated by the CPU 78 of the main board 70 in the image processing unit 58 shown in FIG. The poser 82 is displayed on the LCD 40 so as to be superimposed on the video image taken by the television camera 10 obtained from the decoder 76. Note that the CPU 78 controls the display (display contents) on the LCD 40.

  On the other hand, the LCD 40 is provided with a touch panel, and when a touch operation with which a fingertip or the like touches the screen 40a of the LCD 40 is performed, position information indicating the touched position (coordinates) is given to the CPU 78. As a result, the position of the touch operation performed on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 and the type of operation (tap operation, double tap operation, etc.) are detected by the CPU 78. Then, processing according to the operation is executed by the CPU 78.

  As basic operations on the screen 40a of the LCD 40, there are an operation of inputting an instruction assigned in advance to each button 300 to 314 and an operation of designating the range of the AF frame 204. The former operation is performed by using the buttons 300 to 314. Is tapped with a fingertip or the like. The latter operation of designating the range of the AF frame 204 is performed, for example, by tapping the position where the AF frame 204 is to be moved on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 on which the captured image is displayed, so that the position becomes the center. The AF frame 204 can be moved. Also, the size and shape of the AF frame 204 can be changed by moving the position of the touched vertex or side to the position where the drag operation is performed by a drag operation of touching and sliding the vertex or side of the AF frame 204 with a fingertip or the like. it can.

  The menu screen (menu image) displayed on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 will be described. In FIG. 5, a fixed mode selection button 300 displayed as “Fixed”, an object tracking mode selection button 302 displayed as “Object tracking”, A face detection tracking mode selection button 304 displayed as “face detection” and a face recognition tracking mode selection button 306 displayed as “face recognition” are buttons for selecting a control mode of the AF frame. By tapping any one of 306, a desired mode can be selected from the fixed mode, the object tracking mode, the face detection tracking mode, and the face recognition tracking mode. The contents of each mode will be described later.

  A set button 308 displayed as “set” and a reset button 310 displayed as “reset” are buttons for instructing start and stop of AF frame auto-tracking. Displayed only when the control mode (object tracking mode, face detection mode) in which the operator gives an instruction to start or stop tracking is selected. The set button 308 and the reset button 310 are buttons that operate in the same manner as the tracking start switch 108 and the tracking stop switch 110 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) of the AF frame operation unit 60.

  In addition, the AF frame automatic tracking is started by double-tapping the desired position on the screen 40a (operation for tapping the same position twice in succession) and setting the AF frame at a position centered on that position. AF automatic tracking is started. That is, the first tap operation of the double tap operation is an instruction operation for moving the AF frame to the position where the AF operation is performed, and the subsequent second tap operation is an operation for instructing the start of AF automatic tracking. As a result, the operation of tapping the set button 308 to instruct the start of AF frame automatic tracking can be omitted, and the setting of the position of the AF frame and the start of AF frame automatic tracking can be instructed quickly. It is like that. The AF frame automatic tracking may be started only by a double tap operation, and the set button 308 may not be displayed.

  The AF frame size selection buttons 312 (small button 312a, middle button 312b, and large button 312c) displayed as “small”, “medium”, and “large” are quadrangular and the shape (aspect ratio) of the AF frame 204 is constant. This is a button for selecting the size from among three different sizes determined in advance. By tapping any one of the small button 312a, the middle button 312b, and the large button 312c, the size of the AF frame 204 is increased. It can be changed instantly. When the small button 312a is tapped, the smallest AF frame is obtained. When the large button 312c is tapped, the largest AF frame is obtained.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the size of the AF frame 204 can be selected from three sizes. However, two or four or more sizes are determined in advance and correspond to each size. An AF frame size selection button may be displayed so that each size of the AF frame 204 can be selected by tapping the AF frame size selection button. Further, not only the size of the AF frame but also an AF frame having a different shape may be selected.

  In addition, the mode of the selection means for selecting a desired type of AF frame from a plurality of types of AF frames of different sizes and shapes is not limited to that provided with a selection button corresponding to each type as in the present embodiment. . For example, a button (number 1 to number N) may be assigned to each of a plurality of predetermined AF frames, and a button for sequentially switching the AF frame type according to the order may be provided. That is, one switching button for switching the type of the AF frame is displayed on the screen 40a of the LCD 40, and an order of adding one each time the switching button is tapped (with respect to the order of the currently set AF frame). The AF frame may be changed to the first AF frame, and when the AF frame becomes the largest (Nth) AF frame, the first AF frame may be changed (toggle type). In addition, two buttons, an up button and a down button, are displayed, and each time the up button is tapped, the AF frame is changed to an incremented order of one, and each time the down button is tapped, one is decremented by one. You may make it change into a frame.

  Further, it is possible to determine the types of AF frames that can be selected such as an AF frame having a different size (diagonal distance) by a certain amount and an AF frame having a different shape (aspect ratio) by a certain amount. It is possible to change the size or shape of the AF frame by a certain amount each time the switching button or the up button and the down button are tapped. At this time, if a button for changing the size of the AF frame and a button for changing the shape of the AF frame are provided separately, it is possible to change both the size of the AF frame and the shape of the AF frame. is there.

  The selection means for selecting the type of the AF frame is not limited to the mode in which the above-described button for selecting the type of the AF frame is displayed on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 as described above, or this mode. In addition, a mechanical button (switch) is provided on the main body 26a of the focus demand 26 shown in FIG. 4 as a component of the AF frame operation unit 60 in FIG. 2, and the type of the AF frame can be changed by the button. You may do it.

  In addition, as described above, an operation of dragging the vertex or side of the AF frame 204 to change the AF frame 204 to an arbitrary size or shape is performed in a predetermined size, such as the operation of the AF frame size selection button 312. It may be possible to make it effective together with the operation to change the shape, or only one of the operations is made effective, and any operation is made effective by tapping a predetermined button displayed on the screen 40a of the LCD 40. You may be able to select whether to do.

  In FIG. 5, the menu display on / off button 314 displayed as “display off” is a button for turning off the display of the menu screen (menu image) other than the button 314, and the menu display on / off button 314 is displayed. When the tap operation is performed, the display of the buttons 300 to 312 on the menu screen is turned off as shown in FIG. At this time, “display on” is displayed on the menu display on / off button 314, and when the menu display on / off button 314 is tapped again, the menu screen is superimposed on the captured video as shown in FIG. The According to this, in a situation where the display of the menu screen superimposed on the captured video is unnecessary, the operator can turn off the display of the menu screen, and the menu screen can be prevented from obstructing the shooting operation. it can.

  In addition, the display of the menu screen is not limited to the case where the operator determines that the menu screen is unnecessary as described above, and there are cases where it can be automatically determined that the menu screen is unnecessary. For example, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the last touch operation on the screen 40a (or the touch operation on the buttons 300 to 314 on the menu screen), that is, the touch operation on the screen 40a has not been performed for a certain time or more. In this case, it can be determined that the display of the menu screen is unnecessary.

  Therefore, in the CPU 78 of the main board 70, whether or not a fixed time has passed since the last touch operation on the screen 40a (or the touch operation on the buttons 300 to 314 on the menu screen) is performed (the touch operation on the screen 40a is performed). A timer function that automatically turns off the display of the menu screen when the predetermined time has elapsed may be provided. The time for turning off the display of the menu screen at this time may be set to an arbitrary value by the user.

  Further, it is not necessary to display the menu screen even when the operator performs the zooming operation of the lens device 12 (the operation of the zoom demand 28 shown in FIG. 1) or after the AF frame automatic tracking operation described later in detail is started. Can be determined.

  Therefore, the CPU 78 of the main board 70 acquires information on whether or not the zooming operation is being performed from the lens device 12, and when it is detected that the zooming operation is being performed, or the AF frame automatic tracking is performed. When the process is started, a function of turning off the display of the menu screen may be provided. Since the AF frame auto-tracking process is centrally performed by the CPU 78, it can be determined based on its own processing information that the AF frame auto-tracking process has been started.

  Further, when the menu screen display is turned off by these automatic display off functions, for example, the menu screen may be displayed by touching an arbitrary position on the screen 40a. In the case of adopting a function that can turn on / off the menu screen by the menu display on / off button 314 as described above simultaneously with the automatic display off function, the menu display on / off button The menu screen may be displayed by tapping 314.

  On the other hand, when the display of the menu screen is turned off by the function as described above, it may be automatically determined that the display of the menu screen is necessary. For example, when AF frame automatic tracking is being performed, tracking may be impossible for any reason. In that case, since the operation on the menu screen is necessary again, it is necessary to display the menu screen. At this time, it takes time and effort for the operator to perform an operation for displaying the menu screen as described above.

  Therefore, the CPU 78 of the main board 70 automatically displays the menu screen automatically when the AF frame automatic tracking is disabled when the menu screen display is turned off on the screen 40a of the LCD 40. An on function may be provided. As described above, since the AF frame automatic tracking process is centrally performed by the CPU 78, it is possible to determine that the AF frame automatic tracking is disabled based on its own processing information.

  Subsequently, each AF frame that can be selected by the fixed mode selection button 300, the object tracking mode selection button 302, the face detection tracking mode selection button 304, and the face recognition tracking mode selection button 306 shown in the screen 40a of FIG. The control mode will be described. In the present embodiment, four modes of the AF frame control mode, the fixed mode, the object tracking mode, the face detection tracking mode, and the face recognition tracking mode, can be selected by tapping any of the selection buttons 300 to 306. It is like that.

  The fixed mode is a mode (manual mode) in which the operator manually designates the range (position, size, shape) of the AF frame, and fixes the AF frame at the designated position. This fixed mode is a mode that is useful for shooting news programs that hardly move the camera.

  When the fixed mode selection button 300 is tapped on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 in FIG. 5, the fixed mode is selected, and the CPU 78 mounted on the main board 70 of the image processing unit 58 executes the processing of the fixed mode.

  That is, the CPU 78 operates to change the AF frame range for the screen 40a of the LCD 40 as described above, or an operation member (position operation member) for manually changing the AF frame 204 provided in the AF frame operation unit 60. 100, the range of the AF frame is determined based on the operation of the size operation member 102 and the shape operation member 104). When determining the range of the AF frame, the CPU 78 transmits AF frame information indicating the range of the AF frame to the lens CPU of the lens device 12 through the SCI 70a.

  The object tracking mode is one mode of AF frame automatic tracking, and is a mode for tracking an arbitrary type of object with the AF frame. This object tracking mode is a mode useful for photographing at a horse race relay, a car race relay, etc. for tracking other than a person's face.

  When the object tracking mode selection button 302 is tapped on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 in FIG. 5, the object tracking mode is selected, and the CPU 78 mounted on the main board 70 of the image processing unit 58 starts processing in the object tracking mode.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the object tracking mode. Hereinafter, the processing of the object tracking mode will be described with reference to this flowchart. When the object tracking mode is selected, a menu screen similar to that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the screen 40a of the LCD 40.

  The CPU 78 of the main board 70 changes the AF frame according to the manual operation and sets the tracking target in the same manner as in the fixed mode until an operation for instructing the start of the AF frame automatic tracking is given from the AF frame operation unit 60. (AF frame initial setting processing) is performed. That is, the operator designates the AF frame range so as to include the subject image to be tracked (AF target), and the CPU 78 sets the AF frame range accordingly (step S10). In FIG. 5, the AF frame 204 is set on the person's face, but in this object tracking mode, an object other than the person's face can be set as the tracking target.

  Subsequently, when the operator performs an operation to instruct the start of AF frame automatic tracking, the CPU 78 (and the CPU 90 of the pattern matching processing calculation board 72) starts the AF frame automatic tracking processing (steps S14 to S26) by pattern matching. At the same time, a process of specifying the AF frame range determined by the AF frame automatic tracking process to the lens CPU of the lens apparatus 12 (transmission of AF frame information) is started (step S12).

  The instruction to start AF frame automatic tracking is performed by tapping the set button 308 on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 shown in FIG. 5 or by double tapping any position (position where the AF frame is set). Is done by doing. The AF frame automatic tracking start instruction is also given when the tracking start switch 108 provided as a mechanical switch in the AF frame operation unit 60 is pressed. When the start of the AF frame automatic tracking is instructed by performing a double tap operation on the screen 40a of the LCD 40, the position of the AF frame in step S10 can be set at the same time. However, a mode in which a double tap operation at an arbitrary position is simply an operation for instructing the start of AF frame automatic tracking is possible, and in this case, the setting is irrelevant to the setting of the position of the AF frame.

  If focus control by AF is not performed at the start of AF frame automatic tracking (when AF mode is not set), the start of AF is also instructed in conjunction with the start of AF frame automatic tracking. .

  When the AF frame automatic tracking process is started, the CPU 90 of the pattern matching processing calculation board 72 takes in image data of one frame of captured image from the decoder 76 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 78 (step S14). Subsequently, the currently set AF frame range is acquired from the CPU 78, and an image within the AF frame range among the captured images is set (stored) as a reference pattern image (step S16). Then, the following steps S18 to S26 are repeatedly executed.

  First, the CPU 90 fetches image data of a captured image for one frame from the decoder 76 (step S18), performs pattern matching processing, and detects an image range that matches the image of the reference pattern from the captured images (step S18). S20). Then, the detected image range is notified to the CPU 78 of the main board.

  The CPU 78 determines whether or not the image of the reference pattern has moved, that is, whether or not the image range in which the reference pattern is detected is different from the currently set AF frame range (step S22). It should be noted that the determination processing also determines YES when the size of the image of the reference pattern in the captured image changes.

  If YES is determined in step S22, the image range detected in step S20 is set (updated) as a new AF frame range, and AF frame information indicating the AF frame range is set in the lens CPU of the lens device 12. Transmit (step S24).

  Further, the CPU 90 of the pattern matching processing calculation board 72 updates the image in the image range detected in step S22 as a new reference pattern image (step S26).

  If NO is determined in step S22, the AF frame is not updated in step S24, and only the reference pattern is updated in step S26.

  When the process of step S26 ends, the process returns to step S18.

  If the operator instructs to stop the AF frame automatic tracking, for example, if the tap operation of the reset button 310 displayed on the screen 40a of the LDC 40 is performed, the AF frame automatic tracking process is stopped, and the process goes to step S10. Return. At this time, focus control by AF may be stopped.

  The face detection tracking mode is one mode for automatically tracking the AF frame, and is a mode for tracking the face of an arbitrary person using the AF frame. This face detection tracking mode is a mode useful for shooting in a song program or the like that detects and tracks a person's face.

  When the face detection tracking mode selection button 304 is tapped on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 in FIG. 5, the face detection tracking mode is selected, and the CPU 78 mounted on the main board 70 of the image processing unit 58 starts processing in the face detection tracking mode. To do. Further, when this face detection / tracking mode is selected, the AF frame range is automatically set in accordance with the face of the person. Therefore, on the screen 40a of the LCD 40, as shown in FIG. 8, the AF frame size shown in FIG. The selection button 312 is not displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure in the face detection tracking mode. Hereinafter, the processing in the face detection tracking mode will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  When the face detection tracking mode is selected, the CPU 78 of the main board 70 first performs processing for setting a tracking target face (AF frame initial setting processing). That is, the CPU 78 instructs the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74 to start face detection processing. Thereby, first, the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74 takes in the image data of the photographed image for one frame from the decoder 76 (step S30). Subsequently, a known face detection process for detecting a face (face image) of an arbitrary person included in the captured image is performed (step S32). Then, the CPU 78 of the main board 70 is notified of the detected face image range. When a plurality of human face images are included in the captured image, the range of the plurality of face images is detected and notified to the CPU 78.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 78 displays the detected face image range on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 as face frames 204a, 204b, 204c. When the operator selects (specifies) a face to be tracked (AF target) among the faces of the person indicated by the face frames 204a, 204b, and 204c by the tap operation, the CPU 78 selects the face. The face to be tracked is set as the tracking target, and the face frame of the face as the tracking target is set as the AF frame (step S34).

  The face frame before the AF frame is set and the AF frame may be displayed in different colors. For example, the face frame may be displayed in green and the AF frame may be displayed in red. Further, when the face frame selected by the operator is set as the AF frame, the CPU 78 turns off the display of the face frame on the screen 40a of the LCD 40. Furthermore, when there is one face frame, the face frame may be automatically set as an AF frame without the operator performing an operation of selecting a tracking target.

  After the AF frame is set by the above process of setting the face to be tracked (AF frame initial setting process), when the operator performs an operation to instruct the start of AF frame automatic tracking, the CPU 78 (and the face recognition process). The CPU 92 of the calculation board 74 starts the AF frame automatic tracking process (steps S38 to S46) by the face detection process, and sets the AF frame range determined by the AF frame automatic tracking process to the lens CPU of the lens device 12. To start (transmission of AF frame information) is started (step S36).

  Here, an instruction to start AF frame automatic tracking can be performed by a tap operation of the set button 308, a double tap operation of the position of the AF frame, or the like, as in the object tracking mode. In step S34, when selecting a face frame as a face to be tracked (when setting an AF frame), the face frame is selected by performing a double tap operation instead of a tap operation on the face frame to be selected. Simultaneously with setting as an AF frame, it is possible to instruct the start of AF frame automatic tracking. However, a mode is also possible in which the double tap operation at an arbitrary position is simply an operation for instructing the start of AF frame automatic tracking. In this case, the double tap operation is performed at an arbitrary position regardless of the setting of the AF frame. This is to instruct the start of AF frame automatic tracking. Further, when the AF frame is set in step S34, the AF frame automatic tracking process may be automatically started. As in the object tracking mode, when focus control by AF is not performed when AF frame automatic tracking is started (when AF mode is not set), AF is performed in conjunction with the start of AF frame automatic tracking. The start of is also instructed.

  When the AF frame automatic tracking process is started, the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74 captures one frame from the decoder 76 in accordance with an instruction to execute the face detection process from the CPU 78 in the same manner as the processes in steps S30 and S32. Is detected (step S38), and face detection processing for detecting the face of an arbitrary person included in the captured image is performed (step S40). Then, the CPU 78 of the main board 70 is notified of the detected face image range.

  The CPU 78 detects the face image range closest to the currently set AF frame range as the tracking target face image range among the detected face image ranges (step S42). In step S40, the face detection range may be limited to the peripheral portion of the currently set AF frame position instead of the entire captured image range.

  Subsequently, the CPU 78 determines whether or not the tracking target face has moved, that is, whether or not the detected face image range is different from the currently set AF frame range (step S44). In addition, when the size of the face image is changed, it is determined YES in this determination process.

  If YES is determined in step S44, the face image range detected in step S42 is set (updated) as a new AF frame range, and AF frame information indicating the AF frame range is set to the lens CPU of the lens device 12. (Step S46). Then, the process returns to step S38. If NO is determined in step S44, the AF frame is not updated in step S46, and the process returns to step S38.

  If the operator instructs to stop the AF frame automatic tracking, for example, the tap operation of the reset button 310 displayed on the screen 40a of the LDC 40 is performed, the AF frame automatic tracking process is stopped, and the process goes to step S30. Return. At this time, focus control by AF may be stopped. The process of this flowchart ends the AF frame automatic tracking process.

  Further, when no face image is detected in the photographed image in the face detection process in step S40, or in the detection of the tracking target face image in step S42, the most current AF frame range is set. If the close face image range is clearly not continuous with the current AF frame range (when it is too far away, etc.), tracking is impossible and the AF frame automatic tracking process is stopped in the same manner as described above, and step S30 is performed. Return to.

  The face recognition tracking mode is one mode for automatically tracking the AF frame, and is a mode for tracking the face of a person registered in advance as authentication data using the AF frame. This face recognition tracking mode is a mode useful for shooting in a song program or a sports broadcast in which a person to be shot is determined in advance.

  When the face recognition tracking mode selection button 306 is tapped on the screen 40a of the LCD 40 in FIG. 5, the face recognition tracking mode is selected, and the CPU 78 mounted on the main board 70 of the image processing unit 58 starts processing in the face recognition tracking mode. To do. Further, when the face recognition tracking mode is selected, the AF frame range is automatically set in accordance with the face of the person, so the screen 40a of the LCD 40 displays the AF frame size selection of FIG. 5 as shown in FIG. The button 312 is not displayed, and instead, a registered face image display unit 316 (316a to 316c), selection buttons 318a and 318b, and an edit button 320 related to face recognition are displayed as described later. Also, the AF frame automatic tracking is automatically hidden when a face registered as authentication data is detected as described later, and the set button 308 in FIG. 5 is also hidden.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the face recognition tracking mode. Hereinafter, the processing in the face recognition tracking mode will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  When the face recognition tracking mode is selected, the CPU 78 of the main board 70 first performs processing for setting a tracking target face (AF frame initial setting processing). That is, the authentication data of the face of one or more persons who are candidates for tracking is registered in the data card 114 loaded in the slot 115 shown in FIG. 2, and the CPU 78 stores the authentication data in the data card. Read from 114. Then, it instructs the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74 to start face recognition processing. Here, the authentication data is, for example, a plurality of data such as a different face image such as a face with different sunlight, a front face, a face facing left or right, a distance between both eyes, a distance between eyes and nose, and a ratio thereof. It is composed of

  When the start of the face recognition processing is instructed, the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74 takes in the image data of the photographed image for one frame from the decoder 76 (step S50), and any arbitrary image included in the photographed image. A face (face image) is detected by face detection processing similar to the face detection tracking mode. Subsequently, authentication data is acquired from the CPU 78 of the main board 70, and whether or not the face image detected by the face detection process is a face image of a specific person registered in advance as authentication data is used. The face recognition process to be determined is executed (step S52). Note that the face detection process performed in the face recognition tracking mode is a part of the face recognition process, and in the face recognition process in step S62 described later, after detecting an arbitrary face image by the face detection process, the authentication data The face is matched.

  When the face recognition process ends, the CPU 92 notifies the CPU 78 of the main board 70 of the result. Thereby, the CPU 78 detects the range of the face image when a face of a specific person registered as authentication data is detected, and the face image when a face of a person not registered as authentication data is detected. Get range and.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 78 displays face frames 204 a, 204 b, and 204 c in the range of face images in which a human face is detected on the screen 40 a of the LCD 40. When the face of a person registered as authentication data is detected by the face recognition process in step S52, the name of the person is also displayed in the face frame. Further, the face image of the person registered as the authentication data as described above is displayed on the registered face image display unit 316 (316a to 316c).

  Here, the number of face images displayed on the registered face image display unit 316 is also changed according to the number of faces registered as authentication data.

  The operator selects a face image to be tracked from the face images displayed on the registered face image display unit 316 by tapping the selection button 318a or 318b. Each time the upper selection button 318a is tapped, the selected face image is changed to a face image one level higher than the currently selected face image, and every time the lower selection button 318b is tapped, The selected face image is changed to a face image one level lower than the currently selected face image. Note that the face image currently selected in the registered face image display unit 316 is displayed in an enlarged manner than the other face images (see 316b).

  When the operator selects a face to be tracked from the faces registered as authentication data in this way, the CPU 78 sets the selected face as the face to be tracked (step S54).

  When the edit button 320 is tapped, the order of face images displayed on the registered face image display unit 316 can be edited. Thus, for example, when the faces of a plurality of persons registered as authentication data are set as tracking targets in a predetermined order, the order of the face images displayed on the registered face image display unit 316 can be set according to the order. For example, the face to be tracked can be switched in a predetermined order by tapping the selection button 318a or 318b once.

  When the tracking target face is set as described above, the CPU 78 subsequently determines whether or not the tracking target face is detected in step S52 (step S56). When it determines with NO, it returns to the process of step S50 and repeats the above-mentioned process. That is, the processes in steps S50 to S56 are repeated until a face to be tracked is detected in the captured image by the face recognition process in step S52.

  On the other hand, if YES is determined in step S56, that is, if a tracking target face is detected in the captured image, the face image range is set as the AF frame range (AF frame initial setting process). ). Then, the CPU 78 (and the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74) starts the AF frame automatic tracking processing (steps S60 to S66) by the face recognition processing, and the AF frame determined by this AF frame automatic tracking processing. Processing for designating the range to the lens CPU of the lens device 12 (transmission of AF frame information) is started (step S58).

  As in the object tracking mode and face detection tracking mode, when AF control is not performed when AF frame automatic tracking is started (when AF mode is not set), AF frame automatic tracking starts. In response to this, the start of AF is also instructed.

  When the AF frame automatic tracking process is started, the CPU 92 of the face recognition processing calculation board 74 takes in image data of one frame of the captured image from the decoder 76 in accordance with an instruction to execute the face recognition process from the CPU 78 (step S60). Also, the authentication data of the tracking target face selected in step S54 is acquired from the CPU 78. Then, by the face recognition process similar to step S52, the tracking target face is detected from the captured image using the tracking target face authentication data, and the range of the face image is notified to the CPU 78 (step S62).

  Subsequently, the CPU 78 determines whether or not the tracking target face has moved, that is, whether or not the detected face image range is different from the currently set AF frame range (step S64). In addition, when the size of the face image is changed, it is determined YES in this determination process.

  If YES is determined in step S64, the face image range detected in step S62 is set (updated) as a new AF frame range, and AF frame information indicating the AF frame range is set in the lens of the lens device 12. It transmits to CPU (step S66). Then, the process returns to step S60. If NO is determined in step S64, the AF frame is not updated in step S66, and the process returns to step S60.

  If the operator instructs to stop the AF frame automatic tracking, for example, if the tap operation of the reset button 310 displayed on the screen 40a of the LDC 40 is performed, the AF frame automatic tracking process is stopped, and the process goes to step S50. Return. At this time, it is assumed that no tracking face is set. Further, the focus control by AF may be stopped together with the stop of the AF frame automatic tracking.

  In addition, if the operator changes the face to be tracked to a face different from the current face by using the selection buttons 318a and 318b during the AF frame automatic tracking process, the changed new face is set as the face to be tracked. At the same time, the AF frame automatic tracking process is stopped and the process returns to step S50.

  Further, when the face set as the tracking target face moves out of the shooting range and the face to be tracked is not detected in the captured image in the face recognition processing in step S62, the tracking is performed. The AF frame automatic tracking process is automatically stopped after determining that it is impossible, and the process returns to step S50.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, a desired mode can be selected from the three modes of the object tracking mode, the face detection tracking mode, and the face recognition tracking mode as the AF frame automatic tracking control mode. Only one mode may be selected.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of a television camera system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an AF frame automatic tracking system applied to the television camera system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an AF frame (AF area). FIG. 4 is an external view of the focus demand. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display with a touch panel. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case where the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display with a touch panel is turned off. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the object tracking mode. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display with a touch panel in the face detection tracking mode. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the face detection tracking mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display with a touch panel in the face recognition mode. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the face recognition mode.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... AF frame automatic tracking system, 10 ... Television camera, 12 ... Lens apparatus, 14 ... Camera body, 26 ... Focus demand, 36 ... Viewfinder, 40 ... Liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, 50 ... Focus operation part, 58 ... Image processing unit, 60 ... AF frame operation unit, 66 ... AF unit, 68 ... Down converter, 70 ... Main board, 72 ... Pattern matching processing calculation board, 74 ... Face recognition processing calculation board, 76 ... Decoder, 78, 90 , 92 ... CPU, 82 ... Superimposer, 114 ... Data card, 115 ... Slot, 200 ... AF area, 204 ... AF frame, 300 ... Fixed mode selection button, 302 ... Object tracking mode selection button, 304 ... Face detection tracking Mode selection button, 306 .. Face recognition tracking mode selection button, 3 8 ... Set button, 310 ... Reset button, 312 ... AF frame size selection button, 312a ... Small button, 312b ... Middle button, 312c ... Large button, 314 ... Menu display on / off button, 316 ... Registered face image display section, 318a, 318b ... select button, 320 ... edit button

Claims (3)

An imaging unit that captures a subject image formed by the optical system, and a focus adjustment of the optical system is performed so that a subject within a predetermined AF frame is in focus among the captured images captured by the imaging unit. In an autofocus system comprising autofocus means and AF frame control means for controlling the AF frame,
Display means for displaying a captured image captured by the imaging means on an image display screen, and displaying a currently set AF frame range superimposed on the captured image;
Touch operation detecting means for detecting an operator's touch operation on the image display screen of the display means;
Menu display means for superimposing a menu image for performing an instruction on AF frame control by a touch operation on the image display screen of the display means on the image display screen of the display means so as to be superimposed on the captured image;
With
Menu display on / off means for manually turning on / off the display of the menu image by the menu display means on the image display screen of the display means, and / or a predetermined determination that the display of the menu image is unnecessary An autofocus system comprising a menu display off means for automatically turning off the menu image display by the menu display means when a condition is satisfied.   The menu display on / off means displays a menu display on / off button on the image display screen of the display means, and when the touch operation detecting means detects that the menu display on / off button has been tapped. 2. The autofocus system according to claim 1, wherein display of the menu image is switched on / off.   The menu display off means has the predetermined condition that the touch operation detected by the touch operation detection means is not performed for a predetermined time in a state where the menu image is displayed on the image display screen of the display means. The autofocus system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

Images