JP2011133908A - Imaging apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which suppresses voltage drop, and to provide a program thereof. <P>SOLUTION: When a zoom key is operated while a through-image of an object is displayed (S2, Y), only a zoom lens 2a is moved in accordance with the zoom key operation (S3); and when the zoom key operation is ended (S4, Y), a focus lens 2b is moved to a focus lens position corresponding to the position of the moved zoom lens 2a (S5). When the zoom key is operated while moving-image photographing/recording is performed by an instruction to start an image recording operation (S9, Y), the zoom lens 2a is moved in accordance with the zoom key operation, and simultaneously, an operation to move the focus lens 2b to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position is performed (S10). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device and a program thereof, and more particularly, to an imaging device having an optical zoom function and a program thereof.

  In an imaging apparatus, for example, a digital camera having an optical zoom function, when a zoom operation is performed, the angle of view (magnification) of the subject can be changed by moving the zoom lens. If only the zoom lens moves in a state where it is in focus (focused state), the focus that has been in focus will be blurred, so when moving the zoom lens, as shown in FIG. In order to maintain the in-focus state, the focus lens is also moved with the movement of the zoom lens (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-62300

However, according to the above technique, the following problems occur.
If both the zoom lens and the focus lens are moved, the power consumption increases and the voltage drop also increases compared to the case where the zoom lens and the focus lens are individually moved.
In general, when determining the battery life, for example, the battery voltage is compared with the threshold voltage, and when the battery voltage becomes lower than the threshold voltage, it is determined that the battery life is reached. The larger the value, the earlier the time when the battery life is determined.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus and a program thereof that can suppress a voltage drop.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a moving image capturing control unit that captures a moving image of a subject using an imaging element that converts light of the subject into image data,
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
Control means for controlling the zoom lens driving means to move the zoom lens, and for controlling the focus lens driving means to move the focus lens to a focus lens position corresponding to a movement position of the zoom lens;
Video recording control means for recording the video data captured by the video imaging control means in a predetermined recording means;
An imaging device comprising:
The control means includes
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control unit is imaged by the moving image capturing control unit, Moving image data that is allowed to move simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens and that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is recorded by the moving image capturing control unit. When the image is captured, it is prohibited to move the focus lens simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens.

For example, as described in claim 2, the control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is captured by the moving image capturing control unit, the zoom lens is not moved. The focus lens position may be moved by the focus lens driving unit to a focus lens position corresponding to the lens position.

For example, as described in claim 3, the control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image recording control unit is captured by the moving image capturing control unit, after the movement of the zoom lens to a predetermined position is completed, You may make it start the movement of the said focus lens by controlling the said focus control means.

For example, as described in claim 4, the control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image recording control unit is captured by the moving image capturing control unit, before moving the zoom lens to a predetermined position, You may make it start the movement of the said focus lens by controlling the said focus control means.

For example, as described in claim 5, the control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is imaged by the moving image capturing control unit, the zoom lens is moved every predetermined amount of movement or every predetermined magnification. The zoom lens driving unit is controlled so as to be temporarily stopped, and the focus lens driving unit is controlled so as to move the focus lens while the movement of the zoom lens is temporarily stopped. Good.

For example, as described in claim 6, the control means includes
Until the zoom lens moves by a predetermined amount, the focus lens driving means may be prohibited from simultaneous movement of the focus lens accompanying the movement of the zoom lens.

For example, as described in claim 7, the control means includes
After the zoom lens has moved a predetermined amount, the prohibition of simultaneous movement of the focus lens accompanying the movement of the zoom lens may be canceled with respect to the focus lens driving unit.

Further, for example, as described in claim 8, an interference range determination unit that monitors whether or not the zoom lens and the focus lens are within a range where they interfere with each other;
With
The control means includes
While the zoom lens and the focus lens are determined to be in a range where they interfere with each other by the interference range determination means, the focus lens accompanying the movement of the zoom lens with respect to the focus lens driving means The simultaneous movement prohibition may be reserved.

Further, for example, as described in claim 9, the zoom instruction means for instructing zoom is provided,
The control means includes
When zooming is instructed by the zoom instruction unit, the zoom lens driving unit is controlled to move the zoom lens, and the focus lens driving unit is controlled to a focus lens position according to the movement of the zoom lens. Then, the focus lens may be moved.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 10, through image display control means for displaying a moving image data captured by the moving image capturing control means as a through image may be provided.

To achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to the invention described in claim 11 is a moving image pickup control means for picking up a moving image of a subject using an image pickup element that converts light of the subject into image data,
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
Control means for controlling the zoom lens driving means to move the zoom lens, and for controlling the focus lens driving means to move the focus lens to a focus lens position corresponding to a movement position of the zoom lens;
Video recording control means for recording the video data captured by the video imaging control means in a predetermined recording means;
An imaging device comprising:
The control means includes
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control unit is imaged by the moving image capturing control unit, The moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is prohibited by the moving image capturing control unit by prohibiting the focus lens from being moved simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens. When the zoom lens is being moved, the focus lens is allowed not to move simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a twelfth aspect of the invention includes an image sensor that converts light of a subject into image data;
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
A program for executing an imaging apparatus comprising:
A control process for moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving means, and for moving the focus lens by the focus lens driving means to a focus lens position according to the movement of the zoom lens;
Moving image capturing control processing for capturing a moving image of a subject using the image sensor;
A moving image recording control process for recording the moving image data captured by the moving image capturing control process in a predetermined recording unit;
Including
The control process is
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control process is imaged by the moving image shooting control process The moving image data that allows the focus lens to be moved simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens and is not recorded in the predetermined recording means by the moving image shooting / recording control processing When the image is picked up by the zoom lens, it is prohibited to move the focus lens at the same time as the zoom lens moves.

To achieve the above object, a program according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is an image sensor that converts light of a subject into image data;
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
A program for executing an imaging apparatus comprising:
A control process for moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving means, and for moving the focus lens by controlling the focus lens driving means to a focus lens position corresponding to the movement position of the zoom lens;
Moving image capturing control processing for capturing a moving image of a subject using the image sensor;
A moving image recording control process for recording the moving image data captured by the moving image capturing control process in a predetermined recording unit;
With
The control process is
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control process is imaged by the moving image capturing control process, It is prohibited that the focus lens is not moved simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens, and moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control process is imaged by the moving image shooting control process. When the zoom lens is being moved, the focus lens is allowed not to move simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens.

According to the present invention, voltage drop can be suppressed, and the time when battery life is determined can be extended.
In addition, during moving image recording and recording, it is allowed to move simultaneously with the zoom lens and the focus lens, or prohibited from moving simultaneously, so that a beautiful moving image can be obtained.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The state of the focus table recorded in the memory 12 is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of embodiment. 4 is a time chart showing the relationship between movement of the zoom lens 2a and movement of the focus lens 2b. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 in a modification. 4 is a time chart showing the relationship between movement of the zoom lens 2a and movement of the focus lens 2b.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as an example in which the imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital camera.
[Embodiment]

A. Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 that implements the imaging apparatus of the present invention.
The digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, a lens driving block 3, an aperture 4, a CCD 5, a driver 6, a TG (timing generator) 7, a unit circuit 8, an image generation unit 9, a CPU 10, a key input unit 11, a memory 12, a DRAM 13, A flash memory 14, an image display unit 15, and a bus 16 are provided.

  The photographing lens 2 includes a focus lens 2b composed of a plurality of lens groups, a zoom lens 2a, and the like. A lens driving block 3 is connected to the photographing lens 2. The lens drive block 3 (zoom lens drive means, focus lens drive means) is a focus motor that drives the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a along the optical axis direction, a zoom motor, and a control signal sent from the CPU 10. Therefore, it is composed of a focus motor driver that drives the focus motor, zoom motor, and zoom motor driver (not shown).

The zoom lens 2a moves along the optical axis direction with one step as a predetermined movement interval as one unit, and the lens drive block 3 responds to the pulse signal sent from the CPU 10 to the zoom lens 2a. Move. For example, the zoom lens 2a is moved by one step with respect to one pulse.
The zoom lens 2a is movable within the range between the tele end and the wide end. When the zoom lens 2a moves toward the Tele end (when the “T” key of the zoom key is operated), the angle of view narrows and the subject to be imaged expands, and the zoom lens 2a moves toward the Wide end. As the zoom key is operated (when the “W” key of the zoom key is operated), the field angle to be captured becomes wider and the subject to be captured becomes smaller.

The diaphragm 4 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the drive circuit operates the diaphragm 4 in accordance with a control signal sent from the CPU 10.
The aperture is a mechanism that controls the amount of light that enters from the photographic lens 2.

  The CCD 5 (imaging device) is driven by a driver 6 to photoelectrically convert the intensity of light of each color of the RGB value of the subject image for every fixed period and output it to the unit circuit 8 as an imaging signal. The operation timing of the driver 6 and the unit circuit 8 is controlled by the CPU 10 via the TG 7. The CCD 5 has a Bayer color filter and also functions as an electronic shutter. The shutter speed of the electronic shutter is controlled by the CPU 10 via the driver 6 and TG7.

  A TG 7 is connected to the unit circuit 8, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that holds the imaged signal output from the CCD 5 by correlated double sampling, and an AGC that performs automatic gain adjustment of the imaged signal after the sampling. An (Automatic Gain Control) circuit and an A / D converter that converts an analog image pickup signal after the automatic gain adjustment into a digital signal, the image pickup signal output from the CCD 5 passes through the unit circuit 8 as a digital signal. It is sent to the image generator 9.

  The image generation unit 9 performs processing such as γ correction processing and white balance processing on the image data sent from the unit circuit 8, generates a luminance color difference signal (YUV data), and generates the generated luminance color difference. The image data of the signal is sent to the CPU 10. That is, the image generation unit 9 performs image processing on the image data output from the CCD 5.

The CPU 10 controls the still image shooting process, the moving image shooting process, the lens driving block 3 to control the movement of the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a, the recording process, and the image data sent from the image generation unit 9. This is a one-chip microcomputer that has a recording function and a display function and controls each part of the digital camera 1.
In particular, the CPU 10 controls the CCD 5 so that the moving image data of the subject is captured by the CCD 5 (moving image capturing control means), and when the zoom key is operated, the CPU 10 passes the lens driving block 3 according to the operation of the zoom key. The function (control means) for controlling the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b, and the moving image data generated by the image generating unit 9 when the moving image shooting is instructed by the recording button. Is controlled to display the moving image data captured by the CCD 5 and generated by the image generation unit 9 on the image display unit 15. At least a function (through image display control means).

The key input unit 11 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter button, a recording button, a zoom key (“T” key, “W” key), a cross key, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to a user key operation to the CPU 10. .
The memory 12 stores a control program and necessary data necessary for the CPU 10 to control each unit, and the CPU 10 operates according to the program. Further, the memory 12 includes a focus table that records a focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position.
In this focus table, a focus lens position corresponding to a zoom lens position is recorded for each subject distance.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of the recorded focus table.
From the figure, it can be seen that the distance from the photographer to the subject (subject distance) and the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position are recorded.

The DRAM 13 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data sent to the CPU 10 after being imaged by the CCD 5 and also as a working memory for the CPU 10.
The flash memory 14 is a recording medium (predetermined recording means) that stores compressed image data.

  The image display unit 15 (display means) includes a color LCD and its driving circuit, and displays the subject imaged by the CCD 5 as a through image when in the shooting standby state, and is also imaged by the CCD 5 during movie shooting. Display the subject movie. When still image shooting processing is performed during moving image shooting, a still image shot together with the moving image is displayed.

B. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the photographing mode is set by the user's operation of the mode key, the CPU 10 starts imaging by the CCD 5 at a predetermined frame rate, and sequentially captures image data of luminance color difference signals that are sequentially captured by the CC 5 and generated by the image generation unit 9. A so-called through image display, which is displayed on the image display unit 15, is performed (step S1).

Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a zoom key operation has been performed (step S2). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the zoom key has been sent from the key input unit 11.
If it is determined in step S2 that the zoom key operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that the zoom key operation is performed, the CPU 10 outputs a pulse signal to the lens drive block 3 according to the operation, and the lens drive block 3 Then, the zoom lens 2a is moved according to the transmitted pulse signal (step S3). At this time, even if the zoom lens 2a is moved, the focus lens 2b is not moved.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the zoom key operation has been completed (step S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the zoom key operation has not ended, the process returns to step S3. If it is determined that the zoom key operation has ended, the CPU 10 ends the output of the pulse signal for moving the zoom lens 2a and zoom lens 2a. The zoom lens position of the current zoom lens 2a is detected via the lens drive block 3, the focus lens position corresponding to the detected zoom lens position is acquired from the focus table, and the acquired focus is detected. The focus lens 2b is moved to the lens position (step S5), and the process proceeds to step S6. Note that the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position may be calculated by calculation without providing the focus table.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b. FIG. 4B shows the movement of the zoom lens 2a at this time, that is, during live view image display. This shows the relationship with the movement of the focus lens 2b.
As can be seen from FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the focus lens 2b is moved after the movement of the zoom lens 2a is completed. Thereby, since the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b are not moved together, the magnitude of the voltage drop generated can be suppressed, and the time when the battery life is determined can be extended.
That is, the CPU 10 prohibits simultaneous movement of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b during live view display in which moving image data is not recorded.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and proceeding to step S6, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to perform still image shooting. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the shutter button is sent from the key input unit 11.
If it is determined in step S6 that still image shooting is to be performed, the CPU 10 performs still image shooting processing, records the obtained still image data in the flash memory 14 (step S14), and returns to step S1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that still image shooting is not performed, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to start recording (step S7). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the recording button is sent from the key input unit 11.
If it is determined in step S7 that recording is not to be started, the process returns to step S2, and if it is determined that recording is to be started, the CPU 10 starts moving image recording processing (step S8). That is, a process of recording the frame image data sequentially captured by the CCD 5 and sequentially displayed on the image display unit 15 in the flash memory 14 is started.

Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a zoom key operation has been performed (step S9).
If it is determined in step S9 that the zoom key operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the zoom key operation has been performed, the CPU 10 outputs a pulse signal to the lens drive block 3 according to the operation, and the lens drive block 3 Then, the zoom lens 2a is moved in accordance with the transmitted pulse signal, and the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position is sequentially obtained from the focus table, and the focus lens 2b is also moved simultaneously (step S10).

Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the zoom key operation has been completed (step S11).
If it is determined in step S11 that the zoom key operation has not ended, the process returns to step S10. If it is determined that the zoom key operation has ended, the process proceeds to step S12.
FIG. 4A shows the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b at this time, that is, during moving image shooting and recording.
As can be seen from FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the focus lens 2b is moved together with the movement of the zoom lens 2a. As a result, the voltage drop becomes large, but a beautiful moving image in focus can be obtained.
In other words, the CPU 10 forces the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b to move simultaneously while shooting and recording moving image data (prohibition of not moving them simultaneously). Even during moving image data shooting / recording, there is no need to move the zoom lens 2a completely and simultaneously (simultaneously) in relation to the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b. In this case, the movement timing of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b may be shifted. In other words, the movement time of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b may overlap or may not overlap. (Allowing simultaneous movement of zoom lens 2a and focus lens 2b)

In step S12, the CPU 10 determines whether to end the recording. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the recording button is sent from the key input unit 11. That is, when the recording button is pressed, the moving image shooting / recording process starts, and when the recording button is pressed again, the moving image shooting / recording process ends.
The moving image shooting / recording process may be started when the recording button is pressed, and the moving image shooting / recording process may be ended when the recording button is released.
If it is determined in step S12 that the recording is not to be ended, the process returns to step S9. If it is determined that the recording is to be ended, the CPU 10 ends the moving image shooting / recording process. Generate.

D. As described above, in the embodiment, when a zoom operation is performed during through image display, the focus lens 2b is made to correspond to the zoom lens position of the zoom lens 2a after the movement after the movement of the zoom lens 2a is completed. Since the lens is moved to the focus lens position, it is possible to suppress the magnitude of the voltage drop that is given priority over the cleanness of the image when the through image is being displayed. Thereby, the time judged to be battery life can be extended.
In addition, when a zoom operation is performed during moving image shooting and recording, the focus lens 2b is moved along with the movement of the zoom lens 2a, so that a beautiful moving image can be obtained during moving image shooting.
[Modification]
E. Note that the above-described embodiment can be modified as follows.

(1) In the above embodiment, when the zoom lens 2a is moved during the through image display, the focus lens 2b is moved after the movement of the zoom lens 2a is completed. The lens 2b may be moved.
The operation of the digital camera 1 at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S2 in FIG. 3 that the zoom key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. 5, and the CPU 10 outputs a pulse signal to the lens driving block 3 in accordance with the operation. The zoom lens 2a is moved according to the received pulse signal (step S21).
Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the zoom lens 2a has moved a predetermined amount (for example, 10 steps) (step S22). The zoom is performed at a predetermined magnification with a predetermined amount of movement.
If it is determined in step S22 that the predetermined amount has not been moved, the process returns to step S21. If it is determined that the predetermined amount has been moved, the CPU 10 temporarily stops the movement of the zoom lens 2a (step S23).

Next, while the zoom lens 2a is temporarily stopped, the CPU 10 determines from the focus table the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position of the zoom lens 2a after the predetermined amount of movement (the current zoom lens position of the zoom lens 2a). Acquire and move the focus lens 2b to the acquired focus lens position (step S24).
Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the zoom key operation has ended (step S25), and returns to step S21 when determining that it has not ended.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the zoom key operation has been completed, the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG.

FIG. 4C shows the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b during the through image display of the modification example (1).
As can be seen from FIG. 4C, when the zoom lens 2a moves a predetermined amount, the movement of the zoom lens 2a is temporarily stopped, and the focus lens 2b is moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount movement. It can be seen that the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b are moved in such a manner that the zoom lens 2a moves again by a predetermined amount and the focus lens 2b moves. That is, the movement of the zoom lens 2a is temporarily stopped for each predetermined magnification, and the focus lens 2b is moved.

The arrows Z1 to Z6 shown in the zoom lens movement time chart in the drawing represent a predetermined amount of movement time of the zoom lens 2a, and Z1 to Z6 shown in the focus lens movement time chart. Each of the arrows represents the movement time of the focus lens 2b to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after each of the arrows Z1 to Z6 (each predetermined amount) of the zoom lens 2a is moved. That is, the Z1 arrow of the focus lens movement represents the movement of the focus lens 2b to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the Z1 arrow (predetermined amount) movement of the zoom lens movement. The Z2 arrow represents the movement of the focus lens 2b to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the Z1 arrow (predetermined amount) movement of the zoom lens movement, and the Z3 to Z6 arrows of the zoom lens movement are also indicated. It is the same.
The meanings of the arrows Z1 to Z6 for moving the zoom lens and the arrows Z1 to Z6 for moving the zoom lens are the same in FIG. 4D and FIG.

(2) In the modification (1), the zoom lens 2a is moved by a predetermined amount and then the focus lens 2b is moved. Conversely, the focus lens 2b is moved first, and then the zoom lens 2a is moved. You may make it move.
FIG. 4D shows the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b during the through image display of the modification example (2).
As can be seen from FIG. 4D, after the focus lens 2b is first moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement, the zoom lens 2a is moved by a predetermined amount and temporarily stopped. Then, the focus lens 2b is first moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement, and then the zoom lens 2a is moved again by the predetermined amount and temporarily stopped. The focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a are moved, and the focus lens 2b is moved first.
In this case, the CPU 10 does not know how much the zoom lens 2a is moved by the operation of the zoom key unless the operation of the zoom key is completed, and the zoom lens 2a does not always move a predetermined amount by the operation of the zoom key.

  Therefore, the predetermined amount here is a movement amount that can be determined when the zoom lens 2a moves at least. For example, when the pulse signal output from the CPU 10 by one operation of the zoom key is 1 pulse and the zoom lens 2a moves 10 steps with respect to 1 pulse, the 10 steps is a predetermined amount. When the pulse signal output from the CPU 10 by 10 operations is 10 pulses, and the zoom lens 2a moves 20 steps with respect to the 10 pulses, the 20 steps is a predetermined amount. That is, when the zoom key is operated, an amount that moves at least by this amount is a predetermined amount. If the operation continues for a predetermined amount of movement, the lens moves further by a predetermined amount, so that the focus lens 2b is first moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position of the predetermined amount of movement. This prevents the focus lens 2b from moving after the zoom key operation is completed.

  (3) In the modification (1), the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens are alternately arranged such that when the zoom lens 2a moves by a predetermined amount, the movement of the zoom lens 2a is temporarily stopped and the focus lens 2b is moved. The zoom lens 2a is moved as long as the zoom key is operated. After the zoom lens 2a has moved a predetermined amount, the focus lens corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount has moved. The focus lens 2b may be moved to the position.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b. FIG. 6A shows the movement of the zoom lens 2a during the through image display of the modified example (3). This shows the relationship with the movement of the focus lens 2b.
As can be seen from FIG. 6A, as long as the zoom key operation is performed, the zoom lens 2a is moved without being paused even if it is moved by a predetermined amount, and the zoom lens 2a is moved by a predetermined amount. It can be seen that the focus lens 2b is moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position of the zoom lens 2a after the predetermined amount of movement. That is, the prohibition of simultaneous movement of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b is canceled after the zoom lens 2a has moved by a predetermined amount. After the predetermined amount of movement, the prohibition of simultaneous movement of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b is reserved (the simultaneous movement is not prohibited) until the predetermined amount is further moved. As a result, the focus lens 2b is moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement for every predetermined amount of movement, so the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b as shown in FIG. Compared with the movement of, the period during which the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b move simultaneously is reduced, and the occurrence of voltage drop can be suppressed.
That is, in this case, it can be said that the CPU 10 allows the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a not to move simultaneously during shooting and recording of moving image data.

  (4) In the modification (2), after the focus lens 2b is first moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement, the zoom lens 2a is moved by a predetermined amount. The focus lens 2b is first moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement and then the zoom lens 2a is moved again by the predetermined amount and temporarily stopped. Although the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a are alternately moved, the zoom lens 2a is moved without being temporarily stopped as long as the zoom key is operated, and the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement is supported. The focus lens 2b is also moved to the focus lens position to be moved, and the zoom lens 2a is moved by a predetermined amount. When moving, it may be caused to further move the focus lens 2b in the focusing lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after a predetermined amount of movement.

FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b during the through image display of the modification example (5).
As can be seen from FIG. 6B, when the zoom lens 2a is moved, the focus lens 2b is also moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement. It can be seen that the focus lens 2b is moved in advance to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after a predetermined amount of movement each time the fixed amount is moved.
Thereby, compared with the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b as shown in FIG. 4A, the period during which the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b move simultaneously is reduced, and the occurrence of voltage drop can be suppressed. Further, since the focus lens 2b is moved in advance, when the operation of the zoom key is finished, it is only necessary to finish the movement of the zoom lens 2a.

  (5) In the above modifications (1) and (2), the focus lens 2b is moved while the movement of the zoom lens 2a is temporarily stopped, and when the movement of the focus lens 2b is completed, the zoom lens 2a is moved. The zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b are moved alternately as if they were moved, but instead of moving the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b completely alternately, a period for moving simultaneously is made a little. Also good. That is, in this case as well, the CPU 10 allows the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a not to move simultaneously during shooting and recording of moving image data.

6C and 6D show the relationship between the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the movement of the focus lens 2b during the through image display of the modification example (6).
As can be seen from FIG. 6C, when the zoom lens 2a moves by a predetermined amount, the movement is temporarily stopped and the focus lens 2b is moved. However, before the movement of the focus lens 2b is finished, the zoom lens 2a is zoomed. The lens 2a is moved again by a predetermined amount.

As can be seen from FIG. 6D, the focus lens 2b is first moved to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement, and before the movement of the focus lens 2b is completed. The zoom lens 2a is moved by a predetermined amount. When the zoom lens 2a moves a predetermined amount, the movement of the zoom lens 2a is temporarily stopped, and the focus lens 2b is first moved to a focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position after the predetermined amount of movement.
In this way, the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b may not be moved completely and alternately, but the moving period may be slightly doubled, that is, a period of simultaneous movement may be provided.
Thereby, compared with the movement of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b as shown in FIG. 4A, the period during which the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b move simultaneously is reduced, and the occurrence of voltage drop can be suppressed.

That is, in the modified examples (1) and (2), the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b are alternately moved so as to suppress the occurrence of voltage drop as much as possible, and the modified examples (3) to (5) described above. ) Is to suppress the occurrence of voltage drop as much as possible by moving the focus lens 2b to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position for each predetermined amount movement interval.
Conventionally (see FIG. 4A), since the zoom lens 2a is moved together with the movement of the zoom lens 2a, the number of times the zoom lens 2a is moved increases. By moving the focus lens 2b to the focus lens position corresponding to the zoom lens position, the number of times the focus lens 2b is moved is reduced, and the period during which the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a move simultaneously is reduced.

  (6) In the embodiment and the modifications (1) to (5), both the moving image shooting and the still image shooting can be performed in the shooting mode. And still image shooting mode may be separated. In this case, when the zoom key is operated while displaying the through image in the moving image shooting mode or displaying the through image in the still image shooting mode, the zoom lens is operated by any of the methods shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D and FIG. 2a and the focus lens 2b are moved so that the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b are moved by the method of FIG. 4A only when the zoom key is operated during the moving image shooting and recording in the moving image shooting mode. To.

  (7) In the embodiment and the modifications (1) to (6), when the driveable range of the focus lens 2b and the driveable range of the zoom lens 2a overlap (overlapping in a part of the range). In some cases, as described above, the zoom lens 2a is moved after the zoom lens 2a is moved first during the through image display, or the zoom lens 2a is moved after the focus lens 2b is moved first. In some cases, the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b may collide with each other.

Therefore, during the through image display, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens 2b are within a range where they interfere with each other (interference range determination unit). This interfering range means that the focus lens 2b exists in the drivable range of the zoom lens 2a, and when the focus lens 2b is within the drivable range of the zoom lens 2a, it is in the range of interfering. Judge. This determination is made at predetermined intervals.
When the focus lens 2b is within the drive range of the focus lens 2b, it may be determined that the focus lens 2b is within the range of interference.

If the CPU 10 determines that they are within the interference range, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the zoom lens position of the zoom lens 2a and the focus lens position of the focus lens 2b are within a predetermined distance (for example, a predetermined amount). However, when it is determined that the zoom lens 2a moves within the range of the predetermined distance, it is determined that the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a are not in a range where they interfere with each other. 4A, the focus lens 2b is also moved together at the same time (the simultaneous movement prohibition of the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a is retained).
Thereby, the collision between the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a can be avoided.

  (8) The digital camera 1 in the above embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be a mobile phone with a camera, a PDA with a camera, a personal computer with a camera, a digital video camera, or the like. Any device provided with a focus lens may be used.

1 Digital Camera 2 Shooting Lens 3 Lens Drive Block 4 Aperture 5 CCD
6 Driver 7 TG
8 Unit circuit 9 Image generator 10 CPU
11 Key input section 12 Memory 13 DRAM
14 Flash memory 15 Image display unit 16 Bus

Claims (13)

Moving image capturing control means for capturing a moving image of a subject using an image sensor that converts light of the subject into image data;
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
Control means for controlling the zoom lens driving means to move the zoom lens, and for controlling the focus lens driving means to move the focus lens to a focus lens position corresponding to a movement position of the zoom lens;
Video recording control means for recording the video data captured by the video imaging control means in a predetermined recording means;
An imaging device comprising:
The control means includes
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control unit is imaged by the moving image capturing control unit, Moving image data that is allowed to move simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens and that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is recorded by the moving image capturing control unit. An image pickup apparatus that prohibits simultaneous movement of the focus lens with movement of the zoom lens when an image is being picked up. The control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is captured by the moving image capturing control unit, the zoom lens is not moved. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus lens position is moved by the focus lens driving unit to a focus lens position corresponding to a lens position. The control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image recording control unit is captured by the moving image capturing control unit, after the movement of the zoom lens to a predetermined position is completed, The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the focus lens is started by controlling the focus control unit. The control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image recording control unit is captured by the moving image capturing control unit, before moving the zoom lens to a predetermined position, The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the focus lens is started by controlling the focus control unit. The control means includes
When moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is imaged by the moving image capturing control unit, the zoom lens is moved every predetermined amount of movement or every predetermined magnification. The zoom lens driving unit is controlled to temporarily stop the zoom lens, and the focus lens driving unit is controlled to move the focus lens while the movement of the zoom lens is temporarily stopped. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control means includes
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus lens driving unit is prohibited from simultaneous movement of the focus lens accompanying the movement of the zoom lens until the zoom lens moves by a predetermined amount. . The control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the zoom lens moves by a predetermined amount, the prohibition of simultaneous movement of the focus lens accompanying the movement of the zoom lens is canceled with respect to the focus lens driving unit. Interference range determination means for monitoring whether or not the zoom lens and the focus lens are within a range where they interfere with each other;
With
The control means includes
While the zoom lens and the focus lens are determined to be in a range where they interfere with each other by the interference range determination means, the focus lens accompanying the movement of the zoom lens with respect to the focus lens driving means The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simultaneous movement prohibition is reserved. A zoom instruction means for instructing zoom;
The control means includes
When zooming is instructed by the zoom instruction unit, the zoom lens driving unit is controlled to move the zoom lens, and the focus lens driving unit is controlled to a focus lens position according to the movement of the zoom lens. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus lens is moved. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a through image display control unit that displays a moving image data captured by the moving image capturing control unit. Moving image capturing control means for capturing a moving image of a subject using an image sensor that converts light of the subject into image data;
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
Control means for controlling the zoom lens driving means to move the zoom lens, and for controlling the focus lens driving means to move the focus lens to a focus lens position corresponding to a movement position of the zoom lens;
Video recording control means for recording the video data captured by the video imaging control means in a predetermined recording means;
An imaging device comprising:
The control means includes
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control unit is imaged by the moving image capturing control unit, The moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control unit is prohibited by the moving image capturing control unit by prohibiting the focus lens from moving simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens. When the zoom lens is being operated, the focus lens is allowed not to move simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens. An image sensor that converts light of a subject into image data;
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
A program for executing an imaging apparatus comprising:
A control process for moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving means, and for moving the focus lens by the focus lens driving means to a focus lens position according to the movement of the zoom lens;
Moving image capturing control processing for capturing a moving image of a subject using the image sensor;
A moving image recording control process for recording the moving image data captured by the moving image capturing control process in a predetermined recording unit;
Including
The control process is
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control process is imaged by the moving image shooting control process The moving image data that allows the focus lens to be moved simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens and is not recorded in the predetermined recording means by the moving image shooting / recording control processing A program for prohibiting simultaneous movement of the focus lens with the movement of the zoom lens when the image is picked up. An image sensor that converts light of a subject into image data;
Zoom lens driving means for moving the zoom lens;
A focus lens driving means for moving the focus lens;
A program for executing an imaging apparatus comprising:
A control process for moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving means, and for moving the focus lens by controlling the focus lens driving means to a focus lens position corresponding to the movement position of the zoom lens;
Moving image capturing control processing for capturing a moving image of a subject using the image sensor;
A moving image recording control process for recording the moving image data captured by the moving image capturing control process in a predetermined recording unit;
With
The control process is
When moving the zoom lens by controlling the zoom lens driving unit, when the moving image data recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image capturing / recording control process is imaged by the moving image capturing control process, It is prohibited that the focus lens is not moved simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens, and moving image data that is not recorded in the predetermined recording unit by the moving image shooting / recording control process is imaged by the moving image shooting control process. A program that allows the focus lens not to be moved simultaneously with the movement of the zoom lens.

Images