JP2011193285A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of preventing a photographing opportunity from being missed. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 100 has two imaging units SR and SL which are disposed, while being spaced so that their imaging ranges have an overlapping portion, wherein the two imaging units SR and SL have identical configuration. The digital camera 100, further, includes a control unit 11 in which, while the digital camera is moved to right, a left-side unit in the two imaging units SR and SL is controlled and used as an imaging unit for recording for capturing image data to be recorded into a recording medium 20; and a right-side unit is controlled to be used as an imaging unit for imaging condition determination for capturing image data to be used, when determining an imaging condition of the left-side imaging unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  Some imaging apparatuses such as digital cameras are generally equipped with functions called AF (auto focus) lock and AE (auto exposure) lock. In such an imaging apparatus, when the shutter release button is half-pressed, the distance to a desired subject is measured and the luminance of the subject is measured. Thereafter, by keeping the shutter button half-pressed, determining the composition, and then fully pressing the shutter button, a captured image in which both the focus and the exposure are appropriately adjusted can be obtained. Therefore, according to such a photographing apparatus, it is not necessary for the photographer himself to manually adjust the focus and exposure, so that even a beginner can easily obtain a clear photographed image.

  However, in the above-described imaging using the AF lock function or the AE lock function, a photo opportunity is missed depending on the subject due to a time lag from when the shutter button is half-pressed until distance measurement and luminance measurement are completed. There is a fear.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus having two imaging units. This imaging device performs focus adjustment based on image data obtained from one imaging unit, and performs exposure adjustment based on image data obtained from the other imaging unit in parallel with this until the start of main imaging. To shorten the time. However, since this image pickup apparatus performs main image pickup using two image pickup units, focus adjustment and exposure adjustment cannot be performed during the main image pickup. For this reason, between the main imaging and the main imaging, it is necessary to take time to acquire image data by performing provisional imaging for exposure and focus adjustment with the two imaging units, and there is a possibility of missing a photo opportunity. In the case of continuous main imaging, if the imaging conditions are fixed, the possibility of missing a photo opportunity can be reduced, but the main subject is not always at the same position within the angle of view. In some cases, the image cannot be obtained.

JP 2007-110500 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of preventing a photo opportunity from being missed.

  The imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging device having two imaging units each having an overlapping portion of the imaging ranges, wherein the two imaging units have the same configuration, and one of the imaging units is used as a recording medium. Used as an imaging unit for recording to obtain image data for recording, and the other imaging unit is used for determining imaging conditions for obtaining data for determining imaging conditions of the imaging unit for recording A control unit that performs control used as an imaging unit is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device which can prevent missing a photo opportunity can be provided.

1 is an external view of a digital camera that is an example of an imaging apparatus for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure explaining the panorama imaging method by the digital camera for describing 2nd embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera for describing 2nd embodiment of this invention The figure explaining the change of the imaging range when performing panoramic imaging with the digital camera for describing the second embodiment of the present invention The figure explaining the change of the imaging range when performing panoramic imaging with the digital camera for describing the second embodiment of the present invention The figure explaining the control content of the AF photometry area control part in the digital camera shown in FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement at the time of the panoramic photography mode of the digital camera shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera for describing 3rd embodiment of this invention The figure explaining the content of the optical axis control by the optical axis control part of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure explaining the content of the optical axis control by the optical axis control part of the digital camera shown in FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the panoramic photography mode of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure explaining the advantage when changing both the photometry area and the optical axis according to the moving speed The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera for describing 4th embodiment of this invention The flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the panoramic photography mode of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the optical axis control method of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the optical axis control method of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the optical axis control method of the digital camera shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera which is an example of an imaging apparatus for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention. A digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a box-shaped housing K, an imaging unit SR and an imaging unit SL provided at a distance in the horizontal direction on the front surface of the housing K, and a power source provided on the upper surface of the housing K. A button 22a and a shutter button 22b. The imaging unit SR includes a photographic lens 10R at the front, and the imaging unit SL includes a photographic lens 10L at the front.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 100 includes an imaging unit SR, an imaging unit SL, a light emitting unit 6, a strobe control circuit 7, an operation unit 8, a control unit (CPU) 11, a ROM 9, A RAM 10, an AF control unit 16, a memory 17, a signal processing unit 18, a recording control unit 19, a display control unit 21, and a display unit 22 are provided. The imaging unit SR, the imaging unit SL, the control unit 11, the AF control unit 16, the memory 17, the signal processing unit 18, the recording control unit 19, and the display control unit 21 are connected to each other via the bus B.

  The imaging unit SR includes a photographing lens 10R, an aperture 2R, an imaging device 1R, a lens driving unit 3R, an imaging device driver 4R, a timing generator (TG) 5R, and an analog front end (AFE) 6R.

  The imaging unit SL includes a photographing lens 10L, an aperture 2L, an imaging device 1L, a lens driving unit 3L, an imaging device driver 4L, a timing generator (TG) 5L, and an analog front end (AFE) 6L.

  The photographing lenses 10R and 10L have substantially the same characteristics such as open F value and focal length (design values are the same, manufacturing errors are ignored), and each includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like.

  The photographing lens 10R and the photographing lens 10L are arranged at a predetermined distance so as to have an area where the respective photographing ranges overlap each other. In the example of FIG. 1, the housing K is disposed at a distance in the longitudinal direction of the front surface. The taking lens 10R is arranged on the right side of the taking lens 10L when the digital camera 100 is viewed from the back.

  The diaphragms 2R and 2L have substantially the same F values (design values are the same, manufacturing errors are ignored), and play a role of adjusting the amount of light collected by the photographing lenses 10R and 10L.

  The image sensors 1R and 2R are solid-state image sensors such as a CCD image sensor and a MOS image sensor. The image sensors 1R and 2R are solid image sensors of the same type.

  Under the control of the control unit 11, the lens driving unit 4R (4L) moves the zoom lens included in the photographing lens 10R (10L) to change the zoom magnification, or moves the focus lens to adjust the focus. .

  The image sensor driver 4R (4L) drives the image sensor 1R (1L) under the control of the control unit 11, and converts the subject light incident through the photographing lens 10R (10L) and the aperture 2R (2L) into an image signal. Output.

  The AFE 6R (6L) is configured by blocks that sequentially perform correlated double sampling processing, amplification processing, AD conversion processing, and the like on the imaging signal output from the imaging device 1R (1L).

  Under the control of the control unit 11, the TG 5R (5L) generates timing pulses necessary for driving the image sensor 1R (1L) and the operation of the AFE 6R (6L), and image sensor drivers 4R (4L) and AFE 6R (6L). To supply.

  Thus, the imaging unit SL and the imaging unit SR have the same configuration and have substantially the same characteristics.

  However, in the digital camera 100, the imaging unit SL and the imaging unit SR have different roles by the control unit 11 controlling each imaging unit independently.

  Specifically, the control unit 11 causes the imaging unit SL to function as a recording imaging unit for obtaining image data to be recorded on the recording medium 20. Further, the control unit 11 functions as an imaging unit for AF photometry for obtaining image data used when determining the imaging condition of the imaging unit SL (here, the focusing position of the focus lens). Let

  The control unit 11 may control the imaging unit SL to be used for recording and the imaging unit SR to be used for AF metering. However, the following description will be made assuming that the imaging unit SL is used for AF metering.

  The operation unit 8 includes a power button 22a and a shutter button 22b shown in FIG. 1, buttons for switching the mode of the digital camera 100, buttons for performing various settings, and the like. When the operation unit 8 is operated, an instruction signal corresponding to the operation is input to the control unit 11.

  The memory 17 is a work memory or the like for performing various processes, and the imaging signals output from the AFEs 6R and 6L are temporarily stored here.

  The signal processing unit 18 performs digital signal processing such as white balance adjustment, gamma correction, synchronization processing, and RGB / YC conversion processing on the imaging signals output from the AFEs 6R and 6L to generate image data.

  The recording control unit 19 is connected to a recording medium 20 that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera 100, and performs recording control of data on the recording medium 20 and control of reading data from the recording medium 20.

  The display control unit 21 controls the display unit 22 such as an organic EL display unit or a liquid crystal display unit to display an image on the display unit 22. The display unit 22 displays an image being captured by the recording imaging unit SR in real time, or displays an image based on image data recorded on the recording medium 20.

  The AF control unit 16 acquires data (imaging signal) obtained by imaging with the imaging unit SL for AF metering, performs photometry based on the imaging signal, and adjusts the focus lens of the imaging unit SR for recording. The focal position is calculated.

  The calculation of the in-focus position is always performed during the imaging mode. Information on the calculated in-focus position is transmitted to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 adjusts the focus of the imaging unit SR for recording by moving the focus lens to the in-focus position according to the in-focus position information.

  For example, a contrast detection method is used to calculate the in-focus position. In the contrast detection method, the focus lens of the imaging unit SL for AF photometry is moved to several points in the optical axis direction, and the contrast values (AF evaluation values) in one or more photometric areas of the subject image captured at each position are obtained. calculate. Then, the peak position where the contrast value is maximized is determined from the comparison of the calculated AF evaluation values and the gradient of the changing contrast value, and the peak position is calculated as the in-focus position.

  The in-focus position calculated by the AF control unit 16 is obtained with respect to the focus lens of the imaging unit SL for AF metering. However, the in-focus position is the same as the imaging unit SL and the imaging unit SR. Can be used as information of the imaging unit SR for recording.

  In the digital camera 100 configured as described above, a 2D shooting mode in which a subject is imaged by the recording imaging unit SR, and image data (still image, moving image) obtained by the imaging is recorded in the recording medium 20, and imaging It is possible to set a 3D imaging mode in which the subject SL and the imaging unit SR capture images of the subject at the same time to obtain stereoscopically viewable image data. Hereinafter, the operation in the 2D shooting mode will be described.

  When the 2D shooting mode is set by the mode switching button included in the operation unit 8, the control unit 11 activates the imaging unit SR and the imaging unit SL so that each imaging unit can perform imaging.

  Next, the control unit 11 starts imaging of an object (imaging for obtaining data for determining imaging conditions) by the imaging unit SL for AF photometry. The imaging signal output from the AF photometric imaging unit SL is stored in the memory 17, and the AF control unit 16 calculates the focus position of the focus lens of the recording imaging unit SR based on the imaging signal.

  The control unit 11 continuously performs imaging by the imaging unit SL for AF photometry during the shooting mode. As a result, the calculation of the focus position of the focus lens of the image pickup unit SR for recording is always performed during the shooting mode.

  When the shutter button 22b included in the operation unit 8 is half-pressed by the user after imaging by the imaging unit SL for AF metering is started, the control unit 11 is calculated by the AF control unit 16 immediately before that point. According to the information on the in-focus position, the focus lens of the recording image pickup unit SR is moved to the in-focus position to perform focus adjustment, and this state is maintained (AF lock).

  Subsequently, when the shutter button 22b is fully pressed by the user, the control unit 11 performs imaging using the recording imaging unit SR. The recording imaging unit SR performs imaging in a state where the focus lens is aligned with the in-focus position. Then, image data is generated from the imaging signal obtained by imaging with the imaging unit SR, and is recorded on the recording medium 20.

  The imaging unit SL for AF metering continues imaging while the imaging unit SR for recording is being performed, and after the imaging by the imaging unit SR for recording is completed, the shutter button 22b is half-pressed again by the user. Even when the button is pressed, the focus adjustment of the image pickup unit SR for recording is performed instantaneously.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 includes the imaging unit SR and the imaging unit SL, the imaging unit SR is used for recording, and the imaging unit SL is used for determining imaging conditions of the imaging unit SR. Calculation can always be performed. Therefore, even when an instruction to prepare for imaging is given by half-pressing the shutter button 22b, it is possible to adjust the focus instantaneously and prevent a missed photo opportunity.

  In the above description, the imaging condition is the in-focus position of the focus lens. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be an exposure value, for example.

  In this case, a block for calculating the exposure value is added to the configuration of FIG. In this block, when the shooting mode is set, a process of performing photometry based on an imaging signal obtained by imaging with the AF photometry imaging unit SL and calculating an appropriate exposure value according to the brightness of the subject. , Always continue. When the shutter button 22b included in the operation unit 8 is half-pressed by the user, the control unit 11 performs recording so that the exposure value is set according to the exposure value calculated in the block immediately before that point. It is only necessary to adjust the aperture 2R of the imaging unit SR to adjust the exposure and maintain this state (AE lock). In this way, not only focus adjustment but also exposure adjustment can be performed instantaneously.

(Second embodiment)
The appearance of the digital camera 200 of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. In this digital camera 200, as shown in FIG. 3, the user U moves (rotates (swings) around the user U) while holding the digital camera 200 with his / her hand to record a plurality of times of imaging (panoramic imaging). It has a panoramic shooting mode in which a plurality of image data obtained by each imaging is synthesized by the imaging unit, and panoramic image data is generated and recorded on the recording medium 20.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital camera for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera shown in FIG. 4 is different from the digital camera shown in FIG. 2 in that a movement direction acquisition unit 12, a movement speed acquisition unit 13, a panorama synthesis unit 14, and an AF photometry area control unit 15 are added. Different. Moreover, the point which switches the role of the imaging part SR and the imaging part SL according to the moving direction of the digital camera 200 differs from the digital camera 100 shown in FIG.

  The moving speed acquisition unit 13 acquires information on the moving speed of the digital camera 200. The moving speed acquisition unit 13 is configured by a gyro sensor that detects an angular speed as the moving speed of the digital camera 200, for example.

  The movement direction acquisition unit 12 acquires information on the movement direction of the digital camera 200. In the digital camera 200, in the panorama shooting mode, it is possible to manually specify in which direction the digital camera 200 is moved to perform panorama imaging, and the movement direction acquisition unit 13 performs the movement specified by the user. Information on the direction is acquired via the control unit 11.

  When a gyro sensor is used as the moving speed acquisition unit 13, information on the moving direction of the digital camera 200 may be acquired from the gyro sensor.

  The panorama synthesizing unit 14 performs a process of generating one panoramic image data by pasting together a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by panoramic imaging so that overlapping portions of the respective image data overlap. The generated panorama image data is recorded on the recording medium 20. A known method can be used as a method for generating panoramic image data.

  In the panoramic shooting mode, the control unit 11 uses the imaging unit SL as an imaging unit for recording, uses the imaging unit SR as an imaging unit for AF metering, and uses the imaging unit SL for AF metering. Any one of the second mode in which the imaging unit SR is used as a recording imaging unit is set according to the movement direction information of the digital camera 200 acquired by the movement direction acquisition unit 13.

  Specifically, when the moving direction of the digital camera 200 is the first direction (the direction in which the imaging unit SR exists when the position of the imaging unit SL is used as a reference), the control unit 11 selects the first mode. If the direction of movement of the digital camera 200 is the second direction (the direction opposite to the first direction), the second mode is set.

  When it is assumed that the digital camera 200 is moved left and right (left and right rotation) in a posture in which the image pickup unit SL and the image pickup unit SR are substantially parallel to the ground, the first direction is the right direction (right rotation). ) Further, when it is assumed that the digital camera 200 is moved up and down (rotated up and down) with the imaging unit SL and the imaging unit SR in a posture that is substantially vertically aligned with the ground with the imaging unit SL down. The first direction is an upward direction (upward rotation).

  The AF photometry area control unit 15 performs control to determine the photometry area to be set when the AF control unit 16 calculates the in-focus position according to the moving speed of the digital camera 200 acquired by the moving speed acquisition unit 13. .

  For example, when there is one photometric area, the position of this photometric area is determined according to the moving speed of the digital camera 200. When there are a plurality of photometric areas, the weight of the AF evaluation value obtained in each of the plurality of photometric areas is determined according to the moving speed of the digital camera 200. Hereinafter, the reason why the AF photometry area control unit 15 determines the photometry area setting according to the moving speed of the digital camera 200 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the imaging ranges of the imaging units SR and SL at times t0 to t4 when the digital camera 200 is moved in the right direction. In FIG. 5, the imaging range of the imaging unit SR is GSR0 to GSR4, and the imaging range of the imaging unit SL is GSL0 and GSR4. 5 illustrates a case where the first imaging is performed by the imaging unit SL at time t0, and then the digital camera 200 is rotated to the right, and the second imaging is performed by the imaging unit SL at time t4. Yes. In FIG. 5, the vertical positions of the imaging range GSR and the imaging range GSL are shifted in order to make the drawing easier to see. In FIG. 5, the distance between the imaging range of the imaging unit SR and the imaging range of the imaging unit SL at a certain point is ΔL, and each time the digital camera 200 moves ΔL in the right direction, the imaging unit SR for AF photometry is An example in which the moving speed of the digital camera 200 and the frame rate of the imaging unit SR for AF photometry are determined so as to perform imaging is shown.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the imaging range GSL (n) at a certain time t (n) and the imaging range GSR (n−1) at the time t (n−1) immediately before the time t (n) completely overlap. . For this reason, the focus position calculated by setting the photometry area CR in the center of the imaging range GSR3 is the same as the focus position calculated by setting the photometry area CL in the center of the imaging range GSL4.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the moving speed of the digital camera 200 is ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), that is, ΔL / (frame rate of the imaging unit for AF photometry). By using the in-focus position obtained by imaging the imaging range GSR3 that coincides with the imaging range GSL4 as the in-focus position when imaging the imaging range GSL4, accurate AF control can be performed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the moving speed of the digital camera 200 is increased compared to the example shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is an example in which the moving speed is doubled with respect to the example shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is an example in which the moving speed is quadrupled with respect to the example shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the imaging range of the imaging unit SR is GSR0 to GSR2, and the imaging range of the imaging unit SL is GSL0 to GSL2. In FIG. 6A, the case where the first imaging is performed by the imaging unit SL at time t0, and then the digital camera 200 is rotated to the right, and the second imaging is performed by the imaging unit SL at time t2. . FIG. 6B illustrates the case where the first imaging is performed by the imaging unit SL at time t0, and then the digital camera 200 is rotated to the right, and the second imaging is performed by the imaging unit SL at time t1. In FIG. 6, the vertical positions of the imaging range GSR and the imaging range GSL are shifted in order to make the drawing easier to see.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the imaging range GSL2 and the imaging range GSR1 have an overlap, but the subject CL at the center of the imaging range GSL2 is shifted to the right of the center in the imaging range GSR1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, although the imaging range GSL1 and the imaging range GSR0 have an overlap, the subject CL at the center of the imaging range GSL1 is shifted to the right from the center in the imaging range GSR0.

  For this reason, in the imaging range GSR1 and the imaging range GSR0, if the photometry area is set at the center of the imaging range and the focus position is calculated, the accuracy of the AF control decreases.

  As can be seen from FIG. 6, the shift of the subject CL increases as the moving speed of the digital camera 200 increases. Further, when the moving speed of the digital camera 200 is smaller than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the subject CL is shifted leftward.

  In consideration of the phenomenon described with reference to FIG. 6, in the digital camera 200, when the moving speed is higher than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the moving speed is ΔL / (t (n) −. When it is smaller than t (n−1)) and larger than 0, the AF photometry area control unit 15 determines the photometry area setting according to the moving speed of the digital camera 200 so that the accuracy of AF control can be maintained. It is said.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the control contents of the AF photometry area control unit in the digital camera shown in FIG. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the swing direction of the digital camera 200 is the right direction. In this case, the imaging unit SR is an imaging unit for AF metering.

  When there is one photometric area, for example, if the center coordinates of the image signal obtained by imaging with the photometric imaging unit are (x, y) = (0, 0), the AF photometric area control unit 15 performs photometry. The center coordinates of the photometric area set in the image signal G obtained by imaging with the imaging unit for (5) is (αω, 0).

Here, the x coordinate indicates the horizontal position of the imaging signal, and the y coordinate indicates the vertical position of the imaging signal. Α represents a positive coefficient, and ω represents a value obtained by subtracting ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)) from the angular velocity ω ₀ acquired from the moving speed acquisition unit 13. However, when ω ₀ = 0, ω = 0. The photometric area is clipped at the end of the image signal G.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7A, in a state where the digital camera 200 is not moving or is moving at a speed of ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), an imaging signal obtained from the imaging unit SR. A photometric area A1 is set at the center of G.

  On the other hand, when the moving speed of the digital camera 200 is larger than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the photometric area set for the imaging signal G obtained by imaging after the movement is Like the photometric area A2, the setting is made by shifting the digital camera 200 in the right direction in which it is moving. Conversely, when the moving speed is smaller than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the photometric area is set to be shifted leftward. Here, it is assumed that the digital camera 200 is rotating clockwise. However, when the digital camera 200 is rotating counterclockwise, the center coordinates of the photometric area set in the imaging signal G obtained by imaging with the imaging unit for photometry are ( -Αω, 0).

  When there are a plurality of metering areas, the AF metering area control unit 15 calculates the weight of the AF evaluation value obtained from each of the plurality of metering areas set in the imaging signal obtained by imaging with the imaging unit for metering by the following formula ( The value calculated in 1).

(Weight) = (β × | ω |) / (W− | x |) (ω ≧ 0)
(Weight) = (β × | ω |) / | x | (ω <0) (1)
0 <x <W

  In Expression (1), W represents the horizontal width of the angle of view. x indicates the horizontal position of each photometric area when the left end of the angle of view is the origin. β represents a positive coefficient.

  In the example of FIG. 7B, each photometric area set in the imaging signal G when the digital camera 200 is not moving or is moving at a speed of ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)). The weights B1 to B9 are set to be the same.

  On the other hand, when the moving speed of the digital camera 200 is higher than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), each photometric area set in the imaging signal G obtained by imaging after the movement is obtained. The weight is set to be larger as the area closer to the right direction in which the digital camera 200 is moving. On the contrary, when the moving speed is smaller than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the weight of each photometric area is larger in the area closer to the direction opposite to the direction in which the digital camera 200 is moving. Is set. Here, it is assumed that the digital camera 200 is rotating to the right. However, in the case of counterclockwise rotation, the horizontal direction of each photometric area when x in Expression (1) is the origin at the right end of the angle of view. The position may be indicated.

  Note that the deviation of the subject CL when the moving speed is smaller than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)) and larger than 0 is ΔL at the maximum. Since ΔL is a minute value, even if such a deviation occurs, it can be considered that the accuracy of AF control is hardly affected.

  Therefore, when the moving speed is smaller than ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)) and larger than 0, there is a problem even if the change of the position of the photometric area and the change of the weight of the photometric area are not performed. There is no.

  The AF metering area control unit 15 acquires information on the moving speed of the digital camera 200 each time the AF metering imaging unit captures an image, and sets the metering area according to the information. Then, the AF control unit 16 sets the photometry area set by the AF photometry area control unit 15 for the imaging signal obtained by the imaging, and calculates the in-focus position.

  The operation of the digital camera 200 configured as described above in the panoramic shooting mode will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera shown in FIG. 4 in the panoramic shooting mode.

  When the panoramic shooting mode is set, a screen for designating the swing direction is displayed on the display unit 22. When the user operates the operation unit 8 to specify the swing direction (right rotation or left rotation), information on the specified swing direction is acquired by the movement direction acquisition unit 12 (step S51).

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the moving direction of the digital camera 200 is right rotation from the information acquired by the moving direction acquisition unit 12 (step S52).

  When the rotation is clockwise (step S52: Y), the control unit 11 sets the imaging unit SR for AF metering and sets the imaging unit SL for recording (step S53). When the rotation is not right rotation (step S52: N), the control unit 11 sets the imaging unit SL for AF photometry and sets the imaging unit SR for recording (step S61).

  After step S53 and step S61, the control unit 11 activates the imaging unit SR and the imaging unit SL. Next, the angular velocity of the digital camera 200 is acquired by the moving speed acquisition unit 13 (step S54). Next, the AF photometry area control unit 15 sets a photometry area according to the angular velocity acquired in step S54 (step S55). For example, when the angular velocity of the digital camera 200 acquired by the moving speed acquisition unit 13 is ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)) or 0, the photometry area is set at the center of the screen, for example.

  Next, photometry is performed in accordance with the photometry area information set in step S55 with respect to the image signal obtained by the imaging by the AF photometry imaging unit (step S56). Next, the in-focus position of the recording image pickup unit is determined based on the photometric result (step S57). The processing from step S54 to step S58 is performed for each imaging frame of the imaging unit for AF photometry until the shutter button 22b is half-pressed.

  When the shutter button 22b is half-pressed after the start of imaging by the AF metering imaging unit, the in-focus position of the recording imaging unit is adjusted according to the in-focus position calculated immediately before that time. Then, in response to the subsequent full press of the shutter button 22b, imaging is performed by the recording imaging unit at the adjusted focus position. Image data obtained by this imaging is stored in the memory 17 (step S58).

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the panoramic shooting mode. If not (step S59: N), the control unit 11 returns to step S54.

  Here, the second and subsequent imaging is also performed by half-pressing and full-pressing the shutter button 22b. However, the second and subsequent imaging may be automatically performed at predetermined intervals.

  If the determination in step S59 is YES, a plurality of image data stored in the memory 17 is combined to generate panorama image data, which is recorded on the recording medium 20, and the panorama shooting mode ends.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 200, the imaging unit in the moving direction of the digital camera 200 among the imaging units SR and SL is the imaging unit for AF metering. Therefore, AF during imaging by the recording imaging unit is performed. Control can be performed with high accuracy.

  When the imaging unit in the moving direction of the digital camera 200 is used as an AF photometric imaging unit, the digital camera 200 reaches the second imaging point during the movement of the digital camera 200 in the imaging range of the AF photometric imaging unit. It always passes through the imaging range of the recording imaging unit at that time.

  Therefore, the AF metering imaging unit performs photometry on the subject within the imaging range of the recording imaging unit when the digital camera 200 reaches the second imaging point before reaching the second imaging point. The in-focus position can be obtained in advance. As a result, even when the second imaging is performed by the recording imaging unit, it is possible to instantaneously obtain an image focused on the main subject.

  In the above description, it is assumed that panoramic imaging is performed by moving the digital camera 200 while holding it by hand, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, if the imaging units SR and SL of the digital camera 200 are configured as a mechanism that can rotate integrally, and if a shooting instruction is given in the panoramic shooting mode, the mechanism part automatically rotates and images are automatically captured at each rotational position. You may make it do.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, by setting the moving speed of the imaging units SR and SL to ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the photometry area is fixed, Highly accurate AF control is possible.

(Third embodiment)
The appearance of the digital camera 300 of the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. In the digital camera 200 of the second embodiment, the accuracy of AF control is maintained by changing the setting of the photometry area according to the moving speed of the digital camera. On the other hand, in the digital camera 300, the accuracy of AF control is maintained by shifting the imaging range of the imaging units SR and SL according to the moving speed of the digital camera.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital camera for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 300 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the digital camera shown in FIG. 2 in that the AF photometry area control unit 15 is deleted and an optical axis control unit 23 is added.

  The digital camera 300 can change the direction of the optical axis R of the photographing lens 10R included in the imaging unit SR and the direction of the optical axis L of the photographing lens 10L included in the imaging unit SL. The optical axis R is changed by the lens driving unit 3R, and the optical axis L is changed by the lens driving unit 3L. The optical axes R and L move in conjunction with each other.

  The optical axis control unit 23 determines the direction of the optical axis R and the optical axis L according to the moving speed of the digital camera 300.

  For example, when the moving speed of the digital camera 300 is ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the optical axis control unit 23, as shown in FIG. 10A in FIG. Control is performed so that L is directed in a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the housing K.

  Further, when the moving speed of the digital camera 300 exceeds ΔL / (t (n) −t (n−1)), the optical axis control unit 23 moves the digital camera 300 as shown in FIG. 10B in FIG. The optical axis R and the optical axis L in the direction are controlled to be directed outward from a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the housing K. The amount of change in the direction of the optical axes R and L may be a value proportional to the moving speed of the digital camera 300.

  FIG. 11A in FIG. 11 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6B in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11A, since the moving speed of the digital camera 300 is fast, the position of the subject CL in the imaging range GSR0 is shifted from the center to the right side.

  Therefore, in such a case, the optical axis control unit 23 moves the optical axes of the imaging units SR and SL outward (so that the optical axis SR is the moving direction of the digital camera 300 so that the subject CL is in the center of the imaging range GSR0. The optical axis SL is controlled to be directed to the side opposite to the moving direction of the digital camera 300.

  FIG. 11B shows the state at this time. In this way, when the optical axis R and the optical axis L are directed outward, the imaging range GSR0 and the imaging range GSL1 are completely overlapped, and highly accurate AF control is possible.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera 300 shown in FIG. 9 in the panorama shooting mode. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is the same as that shown in FIG. 8 except that step S55 is changed to step S55 '. In the digital camera 300, when the digital camera 300 is moved, control is performed in step S55 'so that the optical axes of the two imaging units are directed outward in accordance with the moving speed.

  Thus, according to the digital camera 300, highly accurate AF control can be performed with the photometry area fixed.

  In addition, you may implement combining the change of the photometry area demonstrated in 2nd embodiment, and the change of the direction of the optical axis demonstrated in 3rd embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13A in FIG. 13, when the moving speed of the digital camera is too fast, the subject CL at the center of the imaging range GSL1 may not enter the imaging range GSR0. In this case, in the method of the second embodiment, since it is a limit to set the photometric area A3 to the right end of the imaging range GSR0, highly accurate AF control cannot be performed.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 13B, the imaging range GSL1 is moved to the left side and the imaging range GSR0 is moved to the right side so that the photometric area A3 overlaps the subject CL. By doing so, it is possible to perform imaging with the subject CL in focus. That is, up to a certain moving speed, the method of the second embodiment (method of setting a photometric area according to the moving speed) is performed to maintain AF accuracy, and after the moving speed is exceeded, the method of the third embodiment is performed. A method (a method of moving the optical axis according to the moving speed) may be performed so that the AF accuracy can be maintained. Hereinafter, a digital camera combining the second embodiment and the third embodiment in the fourth embodiment will be described.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera of the fourth embodiment. A digital camera 400 shown in FIG. 14 has a configuration in which the optical axis control unit 23 in the digital camera 300 shown in FIG. 9 is added to the digital camera 200 shown in FIG.

  The operation of the digital camera 400 configured as described above in the panoramic shooting mode will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera shown in FIG. 14 in the panoramic shooting mode. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is obtained by adding steps S140 to S142 between step S54 and step S55 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

After step S54, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the moving speed ω ₀ of the digital camera 400 measured in step S54 exceeds the threshold Th1 (step S140). The threshold value Th1 is a value of the angular velocity ω ₀ when the photometric area is set to the end (here, the right end) of the image signal G in the direction of view angle movement.

When the moving speed ω ₀ of the digital camera 400 is smaller than the threshold value Th1 (step S140: Y), steps S56 and S57 are performed by the AF photometry area control unit 15 to maintain the AF accuracy.

On the other hand, when the moving speed ω ₀ of the digital camera 400 is equal to or higher than the threshold Th1 (step S140: N), the AF photometry area control unit 15 sets the AF photometry area to the view angle end (right end) in the moving direction of the digital camera 400. It is fixed (step S141).

Next, the optical axis control unit 23 performs control to turn the optical axes of the two imaging units outward according to the moving speed ω ₀ of the digital camera 400 measured in step S54 (step S142). After step S142, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S142, the optical axes of the two imaging units are controlled by the following two pattern methods. Hereinafter, a case where the digital camera 400 is rotated to the right will be described as an example.

(Pattern 1)
As shown in FIG. 16, when the angle formed by the optical axis L of the imaging unit SL and the optical axis R of the imaging unit SR is θ, the optical axis control unit 23 determines that the moving speed ω ₀ of the digital camera 400 is Th1 ≦ When ω ₀ ≦ Th2, θ = α1 * ω ₀ (α1 is a proportional coefficient). That is, θ is set to a value proportional to the moving speed, and the optical axis R and the optical axis L are linked (synchronized) and moved by the same angle. The threshold value Th2 is a value obtained by dividing θ by α1 when the optical axis R and the optical axis L are extended to the limit.

Further, the optical axis control unit 23, the moving speed of the digital camera 400, when the Th2 <omega _0, to θ = α1 * Th2. That is, since the optical axes R and L cannot be controlled beyond this, θ is fixed.

(Pattern 2)
When the moving speed ω ₀ of the digital camera 400 is Th1 ≦ ω ₀ ≦ Th2, the optical axis control unit 23 performs control to change only the optical axis R of the AF photometric imaging unit (imaging unit SR in this case). Do. As shown in FIG. 17, an angle θ1 formed by the optical axis L and the optical axis R when the optical axis L is fixed is set to θ1 = α2 * ω ₀ (α2 is a proportional coefficient). That is, when Th1 ≦ ω ₀ ≦ Th2, only the optical axis R spreads outward as the moving speed of the digital camera 400 increases. The threshold value Th2 in this pattern is a value obtained by dividing the angle θ1 when the optical axis R is extended outward to the limit by α2.

When the moving speed of the digital camera 400 is Th2 <ω ₀ ≦ Th3, the optical axis control unit 23 keeps the optical axis of the AF photometric imaging unit extended to the limit, and the recording imaging unit (in this case, imaging) Control is performed to change only the optical axis L of the part SL). As shown in FIG. 18, the angle θ2 formed by the optical axis L and the optical axis R when the optical axis R is fixed at the outer limit position is set to θ2 = α2 * ω ₀ (α2 is a proportional coefficient). . That is, when Th2 <ω ₀ ≦ Th3, only the optical axis L spreads outward as the moving speed of the digital camera 400 increases. The threshold value Th3 in this pattern is a value obtained by dividing the angle θ2 when the optical axis L is extended to the limit to the limit by α2.

The optical axis control unit 23 fixes θ2 = α2 * Th3 because when Th3 <ω ₀ , the optical axes R and L cannot be extended any further.

  According to the pattern 1, the optical axes R and L can be widened or narrowed by the same angle. For this reason, the mechanism for controlling the optical axis of the imaging part SR and the imaging part SL can be shared, and the cost of the digital camera can be suppressed.

According to pattern 2, when Th1 ≦ ω ₀ ≦ Th2, only the optical axis of the imaging unit for AF photometry changes. In some cases, a strobe is mounted on a digital camera. In this case, the direction of the optical axis of the optical system of the image pickup unit for recording can coincide with the direction of the optical axis of the strobe light. For this reason, even a dark subject or the like can be imaged satisfactorily.

  As described above, when the moving speed of the digital camera 400 is smaller than the threshold value Th1, the digital camera 400 improves the AF accuracy by changing the setting of the AF metering area. The AF accuracy is improved by controlling at least one of the optical axes R and L while being fixed to the end of the angle of view. With such a configuration, the upper limit of the moving speed of the digital camera that can obtain an image in which the main subject is in focus can be increased, and even if the digital camera is moved quickly, a panorama without failure Imaging can be performed.

  As described above, the following items are disclosed in this specification.

  The disclosed imaging device is an imaging device having two imaging units in which respective imaging ranges have overlapping portions, and the two imaging units have substantially the same configuration, and the one imaging unit is recorded. Use as a recording imaging unit to obtain image data to be recorded on a medium, and use the other imaging unit to determine imaging conditions for obtaining data for determining imaging conditions of the recording imaging unit The control part which performs control used as an image pick-up part for is provided.

  With this configuration, the imaging condition can be determined by the imaging condition determination imaging unit even while the recording imaging unit is imaging. For this reason, it is possible to shorten the interval between imaging by the imaging unit for recording, and it is possible to prevent missing a photo opportunity.

  In the disclosed imaging apparatus, the imaging unit is configured to perform imaging by the imaging unit for determining imaging conditions while the control unit performs imaging for the recording imaging unit to record image data on the recording medium. Control for continuously performing imaging for obtaining data for determining conditions is performed.

  With this configuration, the imaging condition can be determined by the imaging condition determination imaging unit while the recording imaging unit performs imaging.

  In the disclosed imaging device, the two imaging units are a first imaging unit and a second imaging unit, the control unit uses the first imaging unit as the recording imaging unit, A first mode in which the second imaging unit is used as the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition; the first imaging unit is used as the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition; and the second imaging unit is used as the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition. One of the second modes used as an image pickup unit for recording is selectively switched.

  With this configuration, it is possible to perform imaging in an optimum mode according to the situation.

  The disclosed imaging apparatus generates panoramic image data by combining a plurality of image data obtained by a plurality of imaging operations performed by the recording imaging unit while moving the two imaging units integrally. A panoramic shooting mode for recording on the recording medium; and a moving direction information acquisition unit for acquiring information indicating a moving direction of the two imaging units. Either the mode or the second mode is set according to the information on the movement direction acquired by the movement direction information acquisition unit.

  With this configuration, it is possible to keep focusing on the main subject, for example, in panoramic photography.

  In the disclosed imaging device, when the moving direction is a direction in which the second imaging unit exists when the first imaging unit is used as a reference, the control unit sets the first mode. When the moving direction is a direction in which the first imaging unit is present (preferably a direction opposite to the direction) when the second imaging unit is used as a reference, the control unit The mode is set.

  With this configuration, it is possible to continue focusing on the main subject with high accuracy, for example, in panoramic photography.

  In the disclosed imaging device, the imaging condition includes a focus position of a focus lens included in the recording imaging unit, and a moving speed detection unit that detects a moving speed of the two imaging units; and the imaging condition An in-focus position determining unit that determines the in-focus position based on an imaging signal obtained by imaging with an imaging unit for determination, and the in-focus position determining unit determines the in-focus state according to the moving speed. The position determination process is changed.

  With this configuration, focus adjustment can be performed with high accuracy.

  In the disclosed imaging apparatus, the focusing position determination unit changes the position of the photometric area set in the imaging signal according to the moving speed.

  In the disclosed imaging apparatus, the focusing position determination unit changes the weighting of a plurality of photometric areas set in the imaging signal according to the moving speed.

  In the disclosed imaging device, the focusing position determination unit shifts the photometric area in the movement direction as the movement speed increases.

  In the disclosed imaging apparatus, the in-focus position determination unit increases the weight of an area closer to the moving direction among the plurality of photometric areas as the moving speed increases.

  With these configurations, focus adjustment can be performed with high accuracy.

  The disclosed imaging apparatus includes a movement speed detection unit that detects movement speeds of the two imaging units, and an optical axis change unit that changes the direction of the optical axis of the two imaging units according to the movement speed. Is.

  With this configuration, focus adjustment can be performed with high accuracy.

  In the disclosed imaging apparatus, the optical axis changing unit directs the optical axis outward as the moving speed increases.

  With this configuration, focus adjustment can be performed with high accuracy.

  The disclosed imaging device includes an optical axis changing unit that changes the direction of the optical axis of the two imaging units according to the moving speed.

  In the disclosed imaging device, when the moving speed is lower than a first threshold, the in-focus position determining unit changes the in-focus position determining process according to the moving speed, and the moving speed is When the value is equal to or greater than one threshold, the optical axis changing unit changes the direction of the optical axis according to the moving speed.

  In the disclosed imaging device, when the moving speed is equal to or higher than the first threshold and equal to or lower than the second threshold, the optical axis changing unit moves the optical axis of the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition to the moving speed. When the moving speed exceeds the second threshold value and is equal to or less than the third threshold value, the optical axis changing unit moves the optical axis of the recording image pickup unit to the outside. The larger it is, the more outward.

  In the disclosed imaging device, when the moving speed is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and equal to or lower than the second threshold value, the optical axis changing unit interlocks each of the two optical axes to increase the moving speed. The larger it is, the more outward.

  The disclosed imaging device is one in which information indicating the moving direction is input by a manual operation.

SR, SL Imaging unit 20 Recording medium 11 Control unit 100 Digital camera

Claims (17)

An imaging apparatus having two imaging units each having an overlapping portion between imaging ranges,
The two imaging units have substantially the same configuration,
One imaging unit is used as a recording imaging unit for obtaining image data to be recorded on a recording medium, and the other imaging unit is used to determine imaging conditions of the recording imaging unit. An imaging apparatus including a control unit that performs control used as an imaging unit for determining imaging conditions for obtaining data. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
Data for determining the imaging condition by the imaging condition determining imaging unit while the control unit performs imaging for the recording imaging unit to record image data on the recording medium The imaging device which performs control which performs the imaging which obtains continuously. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The two imaging units are a first imaging unit and a second imaging unit,
A first mode in which the control unit uses the first imaging unit as the recording imaging unit, and the second imaging unit as the imaging condition determination imaging unit; An imaging apparatus that selectively switches between a second mode in which an imaging unit is used as the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition and the second imaging unit is used as the recording imaging unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
A panorama that generates a panoramic image data by combining a plurality of image data obtained by a plurality of imaging operations performed by the recording imaging unit while moving the two imaging units integrally, and records the panorama image data on the recording medium. Has a shooting mode,
A movement direction information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the movement direction of the two imaging units;
The control unit is configured to set either the first mode or the second mode according to the movement direction information acquired by the movement direction information acquisition unit in the panoramic shooting mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
When the moving direction is the direction in which the second imaging unit exists when the first imaging unit is used as a reference, the control unit sets the first mode,
The imaging apparatus in which the control unit sets the second mode when the moving direction is a direction in which the first imaging unit exists when the second imaging unit is used as a reference. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
The imaging condition includes an in-focus position of a focus lens included in the recording imaging unit,
A moving speed detector for detecting the moving speed of the two imaging units;
An in-focus position determining unit that determines the in-focus position based on an imaging signal obtained by imaging with the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition;
The in-focus position determination unit is an imaging apparatus that changes the in-focus position determination process according to the moving speed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
An imaging apparatus in which the in-focus position determination unit changes a position of a photometric area set in the imaging signal according to the moving speed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
The imaging apparatus in which the focusing position determination unit changes the weighting of a plurality of photometric areas set in the imaging signal according to the moving speed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7,
The in-focus position determination unit is an imaging apparatus that shifts the photometric area in the moving direction to a greater extent as the moving speed increases. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The in-focus position determination unit is an imaging apparatus that increases the weight of an area closer to the moving direction among the plurality of photometric areas as the moving speed increases. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
A moving speed detector for detecting the moving speed of the two imaging units;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an optical axis changing unit that changes the direction of the optical axis of the two imaging units according to the moving speed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11,
The imaging apparatus in which the optical axis changing unit directs the optical axis outward as the moving speed increases. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
An imaging apparatus comprising an optical axis changing unit that changes the directions of the optical axes of the two imaging units according to the moving speed. The imaging device according to claim 13,
When the moving speed is lower than the first threshold, the in-focus position determining unit changes the in-focus position determining process according to the moving speed,
The imaging apparatus in which the optical axis changing unit changes the direction of the optical axis according to the moving speed when the moving speed is equal to or higher than the first threshold. The imaging device according to claim 14,
When the moving speed is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and equal to or lower than the second threshold value, the optical axis changing unit turns the optical axis of the imaging unit for determining the imaging condition outward as the moving speed increases.
When the moving speed exceeds the second threshold and is equal to or less than the third threshold, the optical axis changing unit directs the optical axis of the recording imaging unit to the outside as the moving speed increases. . The imaging device according to claim 14,
When the moving speed is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the optical axis changing unit links each of the two optical axes so that the moving speed increases and the imaging apparatus is directed outward. . The imaging device according to any one of claims 4 to 16,
An imaging apparatus in which information indicating the moving direction is input by a manual operation.

Images