JP2010134291A - Image capturing apparatus and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten time for AF to perform AF for tracking a moving body in an image capturing apparatus that has a plurality of imaging optical systems. <P>SOLUTION: A focus lens is continuously moved to the focusing position of a main subject by one of the plurality of imaging means, thereby performing AF for tracking a moving body. An image captured by the other imaging means is displayed on a display means as a through-image. Thereby, the time taken for an AF operation for through-image photographing or main photographing is shortened. Accordingly, main photographing can be performed with almost no time lag resulting from an AF search. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof capable of shortening the time of AF (autofocus) operation and enabling moving object tracking AF.

  A technique for speeding up AF in an imaging apparatus including a plurality of imaging units is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for detecting at least one focus state in an imaging apparatus having first and second video camera units, and driving both focus mechanisms based on the contents. According to the technique of Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform quick focusing by executing the left and right focusing timings without shifting.

Further, in Patent Document 2, when performing an AF search in a compound eye type photographing apparatus, both focus lenses are operated simultaneously to execute a search, and the other focus lens is set at a point where the AF evaluation value is maximized first. Describes a technique for moving the focus. According to the technique of Patent Document 2, it is possible to reduce the time required for AF as compared with a monocular imaging device.
JP-A-7-15749 JP 2006-162990 A

  However, the technique of Patent Document 1 does not increase the AF speed as compared with a conventional monocular camera. In the technique of Patent Document 2, although the AF time is shortened by performing AF search with compound eyes, there is a problem that the shortening time is limited to about 1/2.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an imaging apparatus capable of reducing the AF operation time and enabling moving body tracking AF in an imaging apparatus including a plurality of imaging optical systems, and a control method thereof. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is based on a first imaging unit that converts subject light through a first focus lens into a first image, and the first image. Via a first automatic focusing means for moving the first focus lens to the focus position of the main subject, a control means for continuously operating the first automatic focusing means, and a second focus lens Information on the in-focus position is obtained from the second imaging means for converting the subject light into the second image and the first automatic focusing means, and the second focus lens is adjusted based on the obtained information. The second image is cut out so that the second automatic focusing means for moving to the focus position of the main subject and the angle of view difference between the first image and the second image are canceled. And means for displaying the cut second image Characterized by comprising a means for displaying on the stage.

  According to the present invention, the subject light that has passed through the first focus lens is converted into a first image, and the first focus lens is continuously moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the first image. The subject light that has passed through the second focus lens is converted into a second image, and the second focus lens is moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the focus position information acquired from the first automatic focusing means. Since the second image is cut out and the second image is displayed on the display means so that the angle of view difference between the first image and the second image is canceled, the AF search time is reduced. The difference between the moving object tracking ranges based on the field angle difference due to the parallax between the two imaging units can be eliminated while being substantially zero.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect further includes a recording control unit that records the second image with the angle of view corrected on the recording unit based on a user instruction to the photographing instruction unit. It is characterized by that.

  Thereby, a photographed image can be recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging apparatus according to claim 3 is based on a first imaging unit that converts subject light that has passed through a first focus lens into a first image, and the first image. Via a first automatic focusing means for moving the first focus lens to the focus position of the main subject, a control means for continuously operating the first automatic focusing means, and a second focus lens Information on the in-focus position is obtained from the second imaging means for converting the subject light into the second image and the first automatic focusing means, and the second focus lens is adjusted based on the obtained information. A second automatic focusing means for moving the main subject to a focus position; a means for displaying the second image on a display means; the first image to the second image from the second image; Means for extracting an angle of view difference between the image and the extracted image Characterized by comprising a means for displaying the recognizable display unit differences.

  According to the present invention, the subject light that has passed through the first focus lens is converted into a first image, and the first focus lens is continuously moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the first image. The subject light that has passed through the second focus lens is converted into a second image, and the second focus lens is moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the focus position information acquired from the first automatic focusing means. The region not included in the first image due to the difference in the angle of view between the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit is displayed together with the second image so that the AF search time can be recognized. In addition to being substantially zero, it is possible to eliminate a sense of incongruity due to a difference in the moving object tracking range due to a difference in the angle of view between the two imaging means.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging apparatus according to claim 4 is based on a first imaging unit that converts subject light through a first focus lens into a first image, and the first image. Via a first automatic focusing means for moving the first focus lens to the focus position of the main subject, a control means for continuously operating the first automatic focusing means, and a second focus lens Information on the in-focus position is obtained from the second imaging means for converting the subject light into the second image and the first automatic focusing means, and the second focus lens is adjusted based on the obtained information. A second automatic focusing means for moving the main subject to a focusing position; a means for displaying the second image on a display means; and an angle of view of the second image. The focal length of the first imaging means is set to be included in Characterized in that a that means.

  According to the present invention, the subject light that has passed through the first focus lens is converted into a first image, and the first focus lens is continuously moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the first image. The subject light that has passed through the second focus lens is converted into a second image, and the second focus lens is moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the focus position information acquired from the first automatic focusing means. Since the focal length of the first imaging means is set so that the angle of view of the second image is included in the angle of view of the first image, the AF search time is made substantially zero. A sense of incongruity due to the difference in the moving object tracking range due to the difference in the angle of view between the two imaging means can be eliminated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the second image acquired from the second imaging means is recorded on the recording means based on a user instruction to the photographing instruction means. It is characterized by.

  Thereby, a photographed image can be recorded.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second automatic focusing means is continuously operated.

  Thereby, the AF search time can be made substantially zero.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second automatic focusing unit is operated based on a user instruction to the photographing instruction unit.

  Thereby, the AF search time can be made substantially zero.

  The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a remaining capacity measuring unit that measures a remaining capacity of a battery that drives the imaging apparatus, wherein the remaining capacity of the battery is a predetermined value. If less, the operation of the first imaging means is stopped, and the second automatic focusing means moves the second focus lens to the focus position of the main subject based on the second image. It is made to move.

  Thereby, when the remaining capacity of the battery is insufficient, it is possible to take an image by operating only one of the imaging means, so that the life of the battery can be extended.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging control method according to claim 9 is based on a first imaging step of converting subject light through a first focus lens into a first image, and the first image. A first automatic focusing step for moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject, a control step for continuously operating the first automatic focusing step, and a second focus lens. Information on the in-focus position is acquired from a second imaging step of converting the subject light passing through to the second image and the first automatic focusing step, and the second focus lens based on the acquired information A second automatic focusing step of moving the image to the focus position of the main subject, and cutting out the second image so that the angle of view difference between the first image and the second image is canceled And a step of performing the cut-out second image Characterized by comprising the step of displaying the shown means.

  According to the present invention, the subject light that has passed through the first focus lens is converted into a first image, and the first focus lens is continuously moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the first image. The subject light that has passed through the second focus lens is converted into a second image, and the second focus lens is moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the focus position information acquired from the first automatic focusing means. Since the second image is cut out and the second image is displayed on the display means so that the angle of view difference between the first image and the second image is canceled, the AF search time is reduced. The difference between the moving object tracking ranges based on the field angle difference due to the parallax between the two imaging units can be eliminated while being substantially zero.

  In order to achieve the object, an imaging control method according to claim 10 is based on a first imaging step of converting subject light through a first focus lens into a first image, and the first image. A first automatic focusing step for moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject, a control step for continuously operating the first automatic focusing step, and a second focus lens. Information on the in-focus position is acquired from a second imaging step of converting the subject light passing through to the second image and the first automatic focusing step, and the second focus lens based on the acquired information A second automatic focusing step of moving the main subject to a focusing position of the main subject, a step of displaying the second image on a display means, the first image and the second image from the second image Extracting the angle of view difference from the image, and the extraction Characterized by comprising the step of displaying the recognizable display means the angle difference was.

  According to the present invention, the subject light that has passed through the first focus lens is converted into a first image, and the first focus lens is continuously moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the first image. The subject light that has passed through the second focus lens is converted into a second image, and the second focus lens is moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the focus position information acquired from the first automatic focusing means. The region not included in the first image due to the difference in the angle of view between the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit is displayed together with the second image so that the AF search time can be recognized. In addition to being substantially zero, it is possible to eliminate a sense of incongruity due to a difference in the moving object tracking range due to a difference in the angle of view between the two imaging means.

  In order to achieve the object, an imaging control method according to claim 11 is based on a first imaging step of converting subject light through a first focus lens into a first image, and the first image. A first automatic focusing step for moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject, a control step for continuously operating the first automatic focusing step, and a second focus lens. A second imaging step for converting the subject light passing through to the second image, and information on a focus position from the first automatic focusing means, and the second focus lens based on the acquired information. A second automatic focusing step of moving the main subject to the focusing position of the main subject, a step of displaying the second image on the display means, and the angle of view of the second image is the image of the first image. The focal length of the first imaging means is set so as to be included in the corner. Characterized by comprising the step of.

  According to the present invention, the subject light that has passed through the first focus lens is converted into a first image, and the first focus lens is continuously moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the first image. The subject light that has passed through the second focus lens is converted into a second image, and the second focus lens is moved to the focus position of the main subject based on the focus position information acquired from the first automatic focusing means. Since the focal length of the first imaging means is set so that the angle of view of the second image is included in the angle of view of the first image, the AF search time is made substantially zero. A sense of incongruity due to the difference in the moving object tracking range due to the difference in the angle of view between the two imaging means can be eliminated.

  According to the present invention, the first focus lens is continuously moved to the in-focus position of the main subject based on the first image, the information on the in-focus position is acquired, and the second based on the acquired information. The focus lens of the second image is moved to the focus position of the main subject, the angle of view of the second image is corrected so that the angle of view difference between the first image and the second image is canceled, and the corrected second Since the image is displayed on the display means, the AF search time can be made substantially zero, and the difference in the moving object tracking range due to the difference in the angle of view between the two imaging means can be eliminated.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the housing of the digital camera 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape, and a lens 11 and a lens 21 are provided on the front surface thereof. As described above, the digital camera 1 is a compound-eye digital camera including a plurality of imaging systems, and can capture a stereoscopic image when the same subject is viewed from a plurality of viewpoints (two left and right viewpoints are illustrated in FIG. 1).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the digital camera 1. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 1 includes a first imaging optical system 10, a second imaging optical system 20, an imaging signal processing unit 31, a control bus 32, a data bus 33, a memory control unit 36, a main memory 37, a digital Signal processing unit 38, compression / decompression processing unit 39, integration unit 40, external memory control unit 41, recording medium 42, display control unit 43, display unit 44, CPU 45, operation unit 46, image data extraction unit 51, AF processing unit 52 and the like.

  Each unit operates under the control of the CPU 45, and the CPU 45 controls each unit of the digital camera 1 by executing a predetermined control program based on an input from the operation unit 46.

  The digital camera 1 includes a ROM (not shown), and various data necessary for control are recorded in the ROM in addition to a control program executed by the CPU 45. The CPU 45 controls each part of the digital camera 1 by reading the control program recorded in the ROM into the main memory 37 and sequentially executing it.

  The main memory 37 is composed of SDRAM, and is used as a program execution processing area, a temporary storage area for image data, and various work areas.

  The operation unit 46 includes a power button, a shutter release button, a shooting mode / playback mode switch, and the like (not shown), and outputs a signal corresponding to each operation to the CPU 45. Note that the shutter release button has a switch S1 that is turned on when half-pressed to prepare for photographing such as focus lock and photometry, and a switch S2 that is turned on when fully pressed to capture an image.

  The first imaging optical system 10 includes a lens 11, a lens driving unit 12, and an imaging element 13. The lens 11 includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, a diaphragm, and a mechanical shutter (not shown). The lens 11 is driven by a lens driving unit 12 to perform zooming, focusing, changing the aperture amount (F value) of the diaphragm, and opening / closing the mechanical shutter.

  The image sensor 13 is disposed at the rear stage of the lens 11 and receives subject light transmitted through the lens 11.

  A large number of light receiving elements (not shown) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 13, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters (not shown) are provided corresponding to the light receiving elements. They are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure. The subject light imaged on the light receiving surface is converted into an electrical signal by each light receiving element and accumulated.

  The electrical signal accumulated in each light receiving element is read out to a vertical transfer path (not shown). The vertical transfer path transfers this signal to the horizontal transfer path (not shown) line by line in synchronization with the clock supplied from the image sensor driving unit 15. Further, the horizontal transfer path outputs the signal for one line transferred from the vertical transfer path to the imaging signal processing unit 31 in synchronization with the clock supplied from the imaging element driving unit 15.

  The second imaging optical system 20 has the same configuration as that of the first imaging optical system 10. The subject light transmitted through the lens 21 is converted into an electrical signal by each light receiving element of the image sensor 23 and is output to the image signal processor 31.

  Note that an image signal captured by the second imaging optical system 20 is used as the through image displayed on the display unit 44. When the digital camera 1 is set to the photographing mode, output of an image signal is started in order to display a through image on the display unit 44. The output of the image signal for the through image is temporarily stopped when the instruction for the main photographing is given, and is started again when the main photographing is finished. At the end of the main shooting, the captured image is displayed on the display unit 44 for a predetermined time (postview). The user can confirm whether or not the captured image has been properly captured by confirming the postview.

  The imaging signal processing unit 31 includes a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS), a clamp processing circuit, an automatic gain control circuit (AGC), and an A / D converter (not shown).

  CDS removes noise contained in an image signal. The clamp processing circuit performs processing for removing dark current components. Further, the AGC amplifies the image signal from which the dark current component is removed with a predetermined gain corresponding to the set photographing sensitivity (ISO sensitivity). The analog image signal subjected to the required signal processing is converted into a digital image signal having a gradation width of a predetermined bit by an A / D converter. This image signal is so-called RAW data, and has a gradation value indicating the density of R, G, and B for each pixel. The digital image signal is stored in the main memory 37 via the data bus 33 and the memory control unit 36.

  In addition to the memory control unit 36, the control bus 32 and the data bus 33 are connected to a digital signal processing unit 38, a compression / decompression processing unit 39, an integration unit 40, an external memory control unit 41, a display control unit 43, and the like. These are configured to be able to transmit / receive information to / from each other via the data bus 33 based on the control signal of the control bus 32.

  The digital signal processing unit 38 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signals of R, G, and B colors stored in the main memory 37, and an image signal (Y that includes the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb). / C signal).

  In accordance with a compression command from the CPU 45, the compression / decompression processing unit 39 performs compression processing in a predetermined format (for example, JPEG) on the input image signal (Y / C signal) composed of the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb. Generate compressed image data. Further, in accordance with a decompression command from the CPU 45, the input compressed image data is subjected to decompression processing in a predetermined format to generate non-compressed image data.

  The accumulating unit 40 takes R, G, and B image signals stored in the main memory 37 in accordance with a command from the CPU 45 and calculates an accumulated value necessary for AE control. The CPU 45 calculates a luminance value from the integrated value and obtains an exposure value from the luminance value. Further, the aperture value and the shutter speed are determined from the exposure value according to a predetermined program diagram.

  The external memory control unit 41 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the recording medium 42 in accordance with a command from the CPU 45. The recording medium 42 may be removable from the main body of the digital camera 1 such as a memory card, or may be built into the main body of the digital camera 1. In the case of detachable, a card slot is provided in the main body of the digital camera 1, and the card slot is used by being loaded.

  The display control unit 43 controls display on the display unit 44 in accordance with a command from the CPU 45. The display unit 44 can display a moving image (through image) and use it as an electronic viewfinder, and can also display a captured image before recording (postview image), a reproduced image read from the recording medium 42, and the like. It is a monitor. On the display unit 44, images simultaneously captured by the first imaging optical system 10 and the second imaging optical system 20 can be displayed with directivity alternately in a time division manner. The user can stereoscopically view the image. The display unit 44 is also used as a user interface display screen using the touch panel 47.

  The image data cutout unit 51 cuts out a specific portion from the image signal. For example, image clipping is performed from the image signals captured by the respective imaging optical systems so that the image captured by the first imaging optical system 10 and the image captured by the second imaging optical system 20 have the same angle of view. It is possible to cancel the field angle difference.

  The AF processing unit 52 performs AF (Automatic Focus) control of the lenses 11 and 21 on the basis of the image signals of the first imaging optical system 10 and the second imaging optical system 20 stored in the main memory 37 in accordance with a command from the CPU 45. Calculate the required focus evaluation value. The AF processing unit 52 includes a main subject extraction unit that extracts a main subject in the shooting screen as a focus region, a focus region extraction unit that extracts a signal in the focus region, and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the focus region. In addition, the absolute value data in the focus area integrated by the integration unit is output to the CPU 45 as a focus evaluation value. During the AF control, the CPU 45 searches for a position where the focus evaluation value output from the AF processing unit 52 is maximized, and moves a focus lens (not shown) of the lenses 11 and 21 to the position, thereby moving the main subject to the main subject. Focus.

  The digital camera 1 moves the focus lens (not shown) of the second imaging optical system 20 based on the focus evaluation value calculated from the image signal of the first imaging optical system 10 to focus the lens 21. It is also possible.

  The battery 63 is a power source for the digital camera 1, and the power source unit 62 generates various voltages from the battery voltage of the battery 63 and supplies the power to each unit of the digital camera 1. The detection unit 61 detects the remaining capacity of the battery 63 and outputs the detection result to the CPU 45.

<First Embodiment>
Next, the operation in the AF high-speed mode of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is turned on by the operation unit 46 and the digital camera 1 is set to the photographing mode, the digital camera 1 starts displaying a through image on the display unit 44 based on the image signal photographed by the second imaging optical system 20. The user can determine the composition while viewing the through image displayed on the display unit 44.

  Further, the user can set the digital camera 1 to the AF high-speed mode using the operation unit 46 (step S1). The AF high-speed mode is a mode for realizing high-speed AF by always performing a focusing operation on the main subject based on the image signal captured by the first imaging optical system 10.

  When the CPU 45 is set to the AF high-speed mode, the moving body tracking AF is started by the first imaging optical system 10 (step S2). The moving body tracking AF tracks the position of the subject moving within the shooting screen and performs a focusing operation on the tracked subject. In the AF high-speed mode of the first embodiment, the zoom lenses (not shown) of the first lens 11 and the second lens 21 are driven so that the focal lengths of the optical systems are the same.

  Next, the image data cutout unit 51 starts to cut out the image signal (step S3), and the first image pickup optical system 10 and the second image pickup optical system 20 are obtained from the image signal photographed by the second image pickup optical system 20. The field angle difference due to the parallax is canceled (step S4). That is, an image is cut out from the image signal captured in each imaging optical system so that the image captured in the first imaging optical system 10 and the image captured in the second imaging optical system 20 have the same angle of view. I do.

  Therefore, the through image displayed on the display unit 44 is an image in which the difference in the angle of view between the first imaging optical system 10 and the second imaging optical system 20 is canceled out of the images captured by the second imaging optical system 20. It becomes. The range displayed as a through image is shown in the shaded portion of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the height direction position and the focal length of the lens 11 and the lens 21 are the same, the imaging range of the first imaging optical system 10 with respect to the imaging range of the second imaging optical system 20. The outer part exists on either the left or right side. Whether it exists on the left or right is determined by the relationship between the convergence angle formed by the first imaging optical system 10 and the second imaging optical system 20 and the distance to the subject.

  At this time, the moving body tracking AF is performed in the first imaging optical system 10, but since the field angle difference is canceled, the entire through image displayed on the display unit 44 becomes the search range of the moving body tracking AF. (Step S5). In addition, it is not necessary to perform moving object tracking AF outside the imaging range of the second imaging optical system 20 in the imaging range of the first imaging optical system 10. The aspect ratio of the through image that is displayed on the display unit 44 after canceling the angle of view difference may be adjusted according to the aspect ratio of the display unit 44.

  Further, during the through image display, the CPU 45 moves the focus lens (not shown) of the second imaging optical system 20 to the in-focus position based on the focus evaluation value output from the first imaging optical system 10, so that the second imaging is performed. The optical system 20 is also focused at any time.

  Thereafter, when a shutter release button (not shown) of the operation unit 46 is operated by the user, the second imaging optical system 20 performs the main shooting (step S6). Note that the focusing operation of the second imaging optical system 20 is not operated at any time, but the focus lens (not shown) of the second imaging optical system 20 is stopped during the through image display, and the shutter release button is pressed halfway or The focus lens (not shown) of the second imaging optical system 20 may be moved to the in-focus position based on the focus evaluation value output from the first imaging optical system 10 when fully pressed.

  In this way, in a compound eye imaging apparatus, one imaging optical system is used as an AF image signal, the other imaging optical system is used as a through-image image signal, and the AF image signal is always used as an imaging optical for a through-image. By feeding back to the system, it is possible to reduce the time of AF operation during through image shooting and main shooting, and it is possible to perform main shooting with almost no time lag due to AF search. Further, even when AF of the imaging optical system for through images is performed using the AF image signal only at the time of actual photographing, the AF search time can be virtually eliminated. Furthermore, by matching the shooting range of the through image and the AF search range, it is possible to include the effective moving object tracking range recognized by the user, and desired moving object tracking can be performed at high speed.

  In the present embodiment, the output of the first imaging optical system 10 is used as an AF image signal, and the output of the second imaging optical system 20 is used as an image imaging image signal. .

  In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 including two imaging optical systems has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a camera including three or more imaging optical systems. In this case, one of the three or more imaging optical systems always performs an AF search and outputs a focus evaluation value, and performs the focusing operation of the remaining imaging optical systems based on the focus evaluation value. Just do it.

  In the present embodiment, the first imaging system 10 and the second imaging system 20 have the same focal length. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the imaging range (second imaging system 20 for capturing a through image) The focal length of the first imaging system 10 may be set shorter than the focal length of the second imaging system 20 so that the entire imaging angle of view) is included in the imaging range of the first imaging system 10 that performs moving body AF. . By setting the focal length in this way, it is possible to include a moving object tracking effective range recognized by the user without performing image cutting or the like, and desired moving object tracking can be performed at high speed.

<Second Embodiment>
The operation in the AF high-speed mode of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the AF high-speed mode according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. The AF high-speed mode of the second embodiment is different from the AF high-speed mode of the first embodiment in displaying a through image.

  As in the first embodiment, the user can set the digital camera 1 to the AF high-speed mode using the operation unit 46 (step S1). When the CPU 45 is set to the AF high-speed mode, the moving body tracking AF is started by the first imaging optical system 10 (step S2).

  Next, a through image is displayed on the display unit 44 based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging optical system 20. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the image signal acquired by the first imaging optical system 10 and the image signal acquired by the second imaging optical system 20 include the first imaging optical system 10, the second imaging optical system 20, and the like. There is a field angle difference due to parallax. The CPU 45 captures a through image of a range that is not included in the shooting range of the first imaging optical system 10 among the shooting range of the second imaging optical system 20, that is, a range where the moving object tracking AF is invalid (shaded portion in FIG. 6). The display is performed on the through image of the display unit 44 so that the user can recognize that the moving object tracking AF is in an invalid range.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a through image displayed on the display unit 44 at this time. As shown in the figure, the range in which the moving object tracking AF is invalid is displayed by hatching. The display of the ineffective range of the moving object tracking AF may be displayed in a different color as long as it can be recognized by the user instead of being displayed in the shaded area.

  The following main photographing operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, when one is used as an image signal for AF and the other is used as an image signal for a through image, the main shooting can be performed with almost no time lag due to the AF search. Further, by displaying the range in which the moving body tracking AF in the through image is invalid, the user can take a picture without feeling uncomfortable.

<Third Embodiment>
The operation in the AF high-speed mode of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation in the AF high-speed mode according to the third embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. In the AF high speed mode of the third embodiment, the operation is changed depending on the remaining battery level.

  First, the detection unit 61 constantly monitors the remaining amount of the battery 63 (step S21). As a method for monitoring the remaining amount, a known method such as detecting a battery voltage may be used.

  As before, the user can set the digital camera 1 to the AF high-speed mode using the operation unit 46. When the AF high speed mode is set, the CPU 45 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 63 is sufficient based on the output signal of the detection unit 61 (step S22). When it is determined that the remaining battery level is sufficient, the AF high-speed mode is executed as in the first embodiment (steps S2 to S6). The AF high speed mode similar to that of the second embodiment may be executed.

  When it is determined that the remaining battery level is insufficient, the first imaging optical system 10 is stopped, only the second imaging optical system 20 is operated, and the display unit 44 is based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging optical system 20. A through image is displayed on the screen (step S23).

  Also, moving object tracking AF is performed based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging optical system 20 (step S24).

  Thereafter, when a shutter release button (not shown) of the operation unit 46 is operated by the user (step S25), an AF search is performed on the main subject in the second imaging optical system 20 (steps S26 and S27), and the AF search ends. Then, actual photographing is performed (step S28).

  In this way, the remaining battery level is monitored, and when the remaining battery level is sufficient, it is determined that a plurality of imaging optical systems can be driven, and one is used as an image signal for AF and the other is used as an image signal for a through image. By shooting, the time for AF operation during through image shooting and main shooting is shortened. If the remaining battery level is insufficient, it is determined that it is impossible to drive a plurality of imaging optical systems, a general AF search is performed, and shooting is performed during the normal AF operation time. Therefore, even when the remaining battery level is insufficient, the product usage time can be extended, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the second imaging optical system 20 is used for shooting, but the first imaging optical system 10 may be used.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the digital camera 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation in the AF high-speed mode of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the field angle difference of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the AF high-speed mode of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the angle-of-view difference of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a through image displayed on the display unit 44 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation in the AF high-speed mode of the digital camera 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the angle of view of each imaging optical system in a modification of the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 10 ... 1st imaging optical system, 11, 21 ... Lens, 13, 23 ... Imaging element, 14, 24 ... Camera shake correction mechanism, 20 ... 2nd imaging optical system, 44 ... Display part, 45 ... CPU , 51 ... Image data cutout part, 52 ... AF processing part, 61 ... Detection part, 62 ... Power supply part, 63 ... Battery

Claims (11)

First imaging means for converting subject light through the first focus lens into a first image;
First automatic focusing means for moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject based on the first image;
Control means for continuously operating the first automatic focusing means;
A second imaging means for converting subject light through the second focus lens into a second image;
Second automatic focusing means for acquiring information on a focusing position from the first automatic focusing means and moving the second focus lens to a focusing position of the main subject based on the acquired information; ,
Means for cutting out the second image such that a difference in angle of view between the first image and the second image is canceled;
Means for displaying the cut-out second image on a display means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a recording control unit that records the second image with the angle of view corrected in the recording unit based on a user instruction to the imaging instruction unit. First imaging means for converting subject light through the first focus lens into a first image;
First automatic focusing means for moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject based on the first image;
Control means for continuously operating the first automatic focusing means;
A second imaging means for converting subject light through the second focus lens into a second image;
Second automatic focusing means for acquiring information on a focusing position from the first automatic focusing means and moving the second focus lens to a focusing position of the main subject based on the acquired information; ,
Means for displaying the second image on a display means;
Means for extracting an angle-of-view difference between the first image and the second image from the second image;
Means for causing the display means to display the extracted angle-of-view difference recognizable;
An imaging apparatus comprising: First imaging means for converting subject light through the first focus lens into a first image;
First automatic focusing means for moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject based on the first image;
Control means for continuously operating the first automatic focusing means;
A second imaging means for converting subject light through the second focus lens into a second image;
Second automatic focusing means for acquiring information on a focusing position from the first automatic focusing means and moving the second focus lens to a focusing position of the main subject based on the acquired information; ,
Means for displaying the second image on a display means;
Means for setting a focal length of the first imaging means so that the angle of view of the second image is included in the angle of view of the first image;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second image acquired from the second image pickup unit is recorded in the recording unit based on a user instruction to the shooting instruction unit.   6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second automatic focusing unit is continuously operated.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second automatic focusing unit is operated based on a user instruction to the imaging instruction unit. Comprising a remaining capacity measuring means for measuring a remaining capacity of a battery that drives the imaging device;
If the remaining capacity of the battery is less than a predetermined value,
Stopping the operation of the first imaging means;
The said 2nd automatic focusing means moves the said 2nd focus lens to the focusing position of the said main subject based on the said 2nd image, The any one of Claim 1 to 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Imaging device. A first imaging step of converting subject light through the first focus lens into a first image;
A first automatic focusing step of moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject based on the first image;
A control step of continuously operating the first automatic focusing step;
A second imaging step of converting subject light through the second focus lens into a second image;
A second automatic focusing step of acquiring information on a focusing position from the first automatic focusing step, and moving the second focus lens to a focusing position of the main subject based on the acquired information; ,
Cutting out the second image so that the difference in angle of view between the first image and the second image is canceled;
Displaying the cut-out second image on a display means;
An imaging control method comprising: A first imaging step of converting subject light through the first focus lens into a first image;
A first automatic focusing step of moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject based on the first image;
A control step of continuously operating the first automatic focusing step;
A second imaging step of converting subject light through the second focus lens into a second image;
A second automatic focusing step of acquiring information on a focusing position from the first automatic focusing step, and moving the second focus lens to a focusing position of the main subject based on the acquired information; ,
Displaying the second image on a display means;
Extracting a field angle difference between the first image and the second image from the second image;
Displaying the extracted angle-of-view difference on a display means so as to be recognizable;
An imaging control method comprising: A first imaging step of converting subject light through the first focus lens into a first image;
A first automatic focusing step of moving the first focus lens to a focus position of a main subject based on the first image;
A control step of continuously operating the first automatic focusing step;
A second imaging step of converting subject light through the second focus lens into a second image;
A second automatic focusing step of acquiring information on a focus position from the first automatic focusing means, and moving the second focus lens to a focus position of the main subject based on the acquired information; ,
Displaying the second image on a display means;
Setting the focal length of the first imaging means so that the angle of view of the second image is included in the angle of view of the first image;
An imaging control method comprising:

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