JP2012124575A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of imaging a subject in a frame (field angle) intended by a photographer by automatically setting a zoom function in response to a motion of the subject.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: an imaging unit for imaging a dynamic image; a lens control unit for setting a zoom magnification of an imaging field angle for imaging the dynamic image; a storage unit for storing the zoom magnification set by the lens control unit during a first imaging as correlation data by associating the zoom magnification with time information which indicates an elapsed time from start of the first imaging; and a control unit for controlling setting of the zoom magnification by the lens control unit, in which the correlation data stored in the storage unit is read out at a start of a second imaging after the first imaging is finished, so that a zoom magnification from the start of the second imaging is similar to the zoom magnification from the start of the first imaging included in the read-out correlation data based on an elapsed time from the start of the second imaging and the time information of the first imaging included in the read-out correlation data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a function of shooting a moving image, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that includes an optical drive system that can electrically drive a zoom lens and that can automatically set the magnification of the zoom lens.

  In general, a moving image shooting function such as a digital still camera or a video camera has a function of automatically tracking an AF (autofocus) area with respect to a moving subject. This function provides an effect that the operator (photographer) does not have to operate the position of the AF area. As a technique for realizing the function of automatically tracking the AF area, for example, a system using a so-called pattern matching technique for detecting a specific reference pattern image from a source image has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). ). In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, by applying pattern matching technology, an image of a specific target subject is detected from a captured image, and an AF area is moved to the position of the detected target subject. The area is tracked to the subject.

JP 2006-258944 A

  In the technique for automatically tracking the AF area disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the AF area can be tracked in accordance with the target subject, it is necessary to always capture the target subject within the angle of view for shooting. When the movement of the subject is intense, there is a problem that the target subject is out of the angle of view and the AF area cannot be tracked. Therefore, for example, in the case where the same scene continues like an athletic meet, the subject's movement can be predicted, but the zoom magnification is reduced to track the AF area. Had gone. In this way, a moving image shot with a low zoom magnification is not subjected to zoom processing according to the movement of the subject, and therefore, when the movement range of the subject is large, the zoom magnification is not appropriate and difficult to see It becomes an image.

  The present invention has been made based on the above problem recognition. In a scene where the subject moves, the zoom function is automatically set in accordance with the motion of the subject, and the frame (image) intended by the photographer is determined. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of photographing at a corner.

  In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that performs shooting of a moving image, and a lens control unit that sets a zoom magnification of a shooting field angle of shooting of the moving image by the imaging unit. And the zoom magnification set in the lens control unit during the first shooting of the moving image by the imaging unit is used as time information indicating the elapsed time from the start of shooting of the first shooting. A storage unit that associates and stores as correlation data, and the correlation data that is stored in the storage unit when the second imaging of the moving image is performed by the imaging unit after the completion of the first imaging. From the start of shooting of the second shooting based on the elapsed time from the start of shooting of the second shooting and the time information of the first shooting included in the read correlation data The magnification is the read out Seki to be similar to the zoom magnification from imaging start of the first photographing included in the data, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling the setting of the zoom magnification by the lens controller.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus of the present invention calculates a difference between a shooting direction of the imaging unit at the start of shooting of the first shooting and a shooting direction of the imaging unit while the first shooting is being performed. A direction calculation unit that calculates a shift amount, and the storage unit uses the shift amount calculated by the direction calculation unit while the first imaging is being performed as the time information. Further, the correlated data is stored, and the control unit performs the second imaging based on the correlation between the time information of the first imaging and the shift amount included in the correlation data. The setting of the zoom magnification by the lens control unit is controlled.

  Further, the direction calculation unit of the present invention is characterized in that the shift amount is calculated based on information extracted from moving image data captured by the imaging unit in the first imaging.

  Further, the direction calculation unit of the present invention is characterized in that the shift amount is calculated based on change information of the size of the subject to be photographed included in the moving image data.

  In addition, the direction calculation unit of the present invention includes a direction sensor that recognizes a shooting direction shot by the imaging unit, and information on transition from the start of shooting of the first shooting of the shooting direction obtained from the direction sensor. The shift amount is calculated based on the above.

  In addition, the direction calculation unit of the present invention includes a position / direction recognition sensor that recognizes a shooting position and a shooting direction taken by the imaging unit, and the shooting position and the shooting direction obtained from the position / direction recognition sensor. The shift amount is calculated based on transition information from the start of shooting of one shooting.

  Further, the direction calculation unit of the present invention includes a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance between the imaging unit and a subject photographed by the imaging unit, and the first of the distances obtained from the distance measuring sensor. The shift amount is calculated based on transition information from the start of shooting.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention further includes an angle of view confirmation unit for confirming an angle of view of a moving image to be photographed, and the control unit starts from the photographing start of the first photographing included in the correlation data. Based on the correlation between the elapsed time and the shift amount, information for inducing a change in the shooting direction in the imaging unit is displayed on the angle-of-view confirmation unit.

  Further, the control unit of the present invention changes the shooting direction in the imaging unit based on a correlation between an elapsed time from the start of shooting of the first shooting and the shift amount included in the correlation data. The direction control signal is generated, and the generated direction control signal is output to a fixing device that can change the shooting direction of the imaging unit.

  According to the present invention, in a scene where the movement pattern of a subject is repeated, the zoom function can be automatically set according to the movement of the subject, and shooting can be performed with a frame (angle of view) intended by the photographer. An effect is obtained.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the imaging device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the reference direction of the imaging device of the 2nd embodiment, and the amount of shifts of an imaging direction. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the imaging | photography process in the imaging device of the 2nd embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the display which prompts the change of an imaging | photography direction in the imaging device of the 2nd embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus (for example, a digital single-lens reflex camera system) according to the first embodiment. The imaging apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an interchangeable lens 101 and a camera body 110. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a function for capturing a moving image (moving image capturing mode) in addition to a function for capturing a still image (still image capturing mode).

  The interchangeable lens 101 is a replaceable lens system (unit) in a digital single-lens reflex camera. The interchangeable lens 101 is driven and controlled by a photographer (user) or a control signal input from the camera body 110 to drive zoom, focus, aperture, and the like, and the subject image is transferred to an imager (solid-state image sensor) in the camera body 110. Make an image. The interchangeable lens 101 includes a lens group such as an AF lens and a zoom lens, and a motor encoder 102 and a motor encoder 103.

  The motor encoder 102 receives a focus drive control signal from the AF control unit 114 in the camera body 110 and electrically drives the AF lens in accordance with the input focus drive control signal. The motor encoder 102 includes a motor that moves the AF lens in a predetermined direction by driving, and an encoder that controls driving of the motor in accordance with a focus driving control signal. The motor encoder 102 outputs information representing the focus amount to the AF control unit 114 when the position of the AF lens (hereinafter referred to as “focus amount”) is changed by the photographer.

  The motor encoder 103 receives a zoom drive control signal from the zoom control unit 115 in the camera body 110 and electrically drives the zoom lens in accordance with the input zoom drive control signal. The motor encoder 103 includes a motor that moves the zoom lens in a predetermined direction by driving, and an encoder that controls driving of the motor in accordance with a zoom driving control signal. The motor encoder 103 outputs information indicating the zoom magnification to the zoom control unit 115 when the position of the zoom lens (hereinafter referred to as “zoom magnification”) is changed by the photographer.

  The camera body 110 is a body in a digital single-lens reflex camera. The camera body 110 shoots a subject in accordance with a photographer's operation, and stores image data of the photographed subject in an image storage unit such as a memory card (not shown) provided in the camera body 110 or in the image display unit 117. indicate. The camera body 110 includes a viewfinder 111, an imager 112, an AD converter (ADC) 113, an AF control unit 114, a zoom control unit 115, an image processing unit 116, an image display unit 117, an operation unit 118, A pre-shooting setting storage unit 119, a control unit 120, and a distance measuring sensor 121 are provided.

  The control unit 120 controls the components of the imaging apparatus 100, that is, the entire imaging apparatus 100. The operation unit 118 is an operation unit such as buttons and switches for changing settings of the imaging apparatus 100, an information display unit that displays information set in the imaging apparatus 100, and the like. This is a user interface. The viewfinder 111 is a viewfinder for the photographer to check the subject to be photographed. The viewfinder 111 projects subject light incident on the camera main body 110 via the interchangeable lens 101 and displays information such as setting information when photographing with the imaging device 100. Note that the viewfinder 111 may be configured by a display device that displays image data corresponding to a subject image input from the interchangeable lens 101 to the imager 112 instead of projecting incident subject light.

  The imager 112 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type solid-state imaging device. The imager 112 is driven and controlled by the control unit 120 or an imager control unit (not shown), and converts the subject light incident on the camera body 110 via the interchangeable lens 101 into a video signal (electric signal).

  The ADC 113 is an analog / digital conversion circuit that converts a video signal (analog signal) of a subject converted into an electric signal by the imager 112 into an image signal (digital signal) and outputs the converted image signal to the image processing unit 116. . The image processing unit 116 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal input from the ADC 113 to generate image data obtained by photographing the subject. The image processing unit 116 outputs the generated image data to an image data storage unit (not shown) such as a memory card or the image display unit 117, for example. The image display unit 117 displays an image based on image data (subject image) processed by the image processing unit 116 or image data read from an image data storage unit (not shown), for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display Device.

  The AF control unit 114 controls the motor encoder 102 in the interchangeable lens 101 according to the control from the control unit 120. The AF control unit 114 generates a control signal for driving the AF lens in the interchangeable lens 101 when the imaging device 100 captures a subject, and the generated focus drive control signal is used as a motor in the interchangeable lens 101. Output to the encoder 102. In addition, the AF control unit 114 outputs information representing the focus amount input from the motor encoder 102 to the control unit 120. Information representing the focus amount output to the control unit 120 is processed by the control unit 120 and stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119, for example.

  The zoom control unit 115 controls the motor encoder 103 in the interchangeable lens 101 according to the control from the control unit 120. The zoom control unit 115 generates a control signal for driving the zoom lens in the interchangeable lens 101 when the imaging device 100 captures a subject, and the generated zoom drive control signal is used as a motor in the interchangeable lens 101. Output to the encoder 103. In addition, the zoom control unit 115 outputs information representing the zoom magnification input from the motor encoder 103 to the control unit 120. Information representing the zoom magnification output to the control unit 120 is processed by the control unit 120 and stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119, for example.

  The distance measuring sensor 121 is a sensor that measures the distance between the subject to be imaged and the imaging device 100 when the imaging device 100 captures the subject. The pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 performs various settings such as shooting time and shooting conditions for pre-moving image shooting under the control of the control unit 120 when pre-moving image shooting (first shooting) described later is performed by the imaging apparatus 100. Remember. In addition, when performing main movie shooting (second shooting), which will be described later, by the imaging device 100, various settings such as the stored shooting time and shooting conditions of pre-movie shooting are read out under the control of the control unit 120. .

  Here, an outline of the basic operation of the imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In the imaging apparatus 100, the control unit 120 controls the operations of all the components in the imaging apparatus 100, whereby the imaging apparatus 100 operates. In addition, in order to make description easy, in the following description, detailed description regarding control of each component by the control unit 120 is omitted.

  First, an AF operation is performed before shooting by the imaging apparatus 100. In the AF operation, the distance measuring sensor 121 measures the distance between the subject to be imaged that is an optical image by the interchangeable lens 101 and the imaging apparatus 100. The control unit 120 calculates the focus amount based on information representing the distance between the subject measured by the distance measuring sensor 121 and the imaging apparatus 100. Then, the control unit 120 controls the AF control unit 114 based on the calculated focus amount. The AF control unit 114 generates a focus drive control signal in accordance with the control from the control unit 120, and outputs the focus drive control signal to the AF lens drive motor encoder 102. The AF lens is driven in accordance with the focus drive control signal, and the focus is matched (focused) on the subject to be imaged.

  In the AF operation, instead of calculating the focus amount based on the information obtained by the distance measuring sensor 121 measuring the distance between the subject to be imaged and the imaging device 100, for example, from the subject image formed on the imager 112, for example, The image processing unit 116 may extract a contrast component, and the focus amount may be calculated using the extracted contrast component.

  At this time, the photographer can perform a zoom operation as necessary. In the zoom operation, for example, the zoom ring of the interchangeable lens 101 is manually rotated or the zoom control unit 115 is controlled via the operation unit 118 to change the zoom magnification so that a desired frame (view angle) is obtained. can do. When the zoom magnification is changed by manually rotating the zoom ring of the interchangeable lens 101, the motor encoder 103 outputs information on the zoom magnification changed by the photographer to the zoom control unit 115. The zoom magnification information input to the zoom control unit 115 is stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 via the control unit 120 as, for example, shooting conditions for performing pre-moving image shooting described later. Further, when the zoom magnification is changed by controlling the zoom control unit 115 via the operation unit 118, the operation unit 118 outputs information on the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 by the photographer to the control unit 120. Based on the input operation information, the control unit 120 controls the zoom control unit 115 so that the zoom magnification set by the photographer is obtained. The zoom control unit 115 generates a zoom drive control signal according to the control from the control unit 120 and outputs the control signal to the zoom lens drive motor encoder 103. The zoom lens is driven according to the zoom drive control signal, and the zoom magnification set by the photographer is obtained.

  Further, when shooting (shooting operation) by the imaging apparatus 100 is started, the shooting optical path from the subject forms an image on the imager 112 under necessary exposure conditions. The imager 112 converts the formed subject image into a video signal and outputs it to the ADC 113. The ADC 113 converts the input video signal into an image signal, and outputs the converted image signal to the image processing unit 116. The image processing unit 116 performs predetermined image processing on the input image signal, and generates image data obtained by photographing the subject. Thereafter, the generated image data is output to the image display unit 117 via an image storage device (not shown), displayed on the image display unit 117, and stored in an image data storage unit (not shown).

  Note that the AF operation and the zoom operation are continuously performed during the period of the photographing operation by the imaging apparatus 100. Thus, when shooting a moving image in the moving image shooting mode, it is possible to always focus on a moving subject and change the frame (view angle) desired by the photographer.

  Next, shooting processing in the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the imaging process in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart of the shooting process illustrated in FIG. 2 is a flowchart when a moving image is shot by the imaging device 100. In the following description, a case will be described in which the control unit 120 in the imaging apparatus 100 performs setting (control) related to shooting when the photographer operates the operation unit 118. For ease of explanation, in the following description, each configuration based on the operation information of the imaging apparatus 100 output from the operation unit 118 to the control unit 120 and the operation information input to the control unit 120 A detailed description of element control will be omitted.

  First, in the preparation operation, the camera system of the imaging apparatus 100 is activated (step S301), and the imaging apparatus 100 is set to the moving image shooting mode. Then, before the moving image shooting operation (second shooting) in which the recorded moving image needs to be recorded, the pre-moving image shooting operation (first shooting) in which the recorded moving image does not need to be recorded. I do.

  In the pre-movie shooting operation, first, a subject to be shot is recognized by the detection means (step S303). In step S <b> 303, the subject to be imaged is detected by the distance measuring sensor 121 according to the control from the control unit 120. Then, the AF control unit 114 according to the control from the control unit 120 controls the motor encoder 102 for driving the AF lens in accordance with the movement of the subject so that the focus amount of the AF lens follows the optimum amount. Instead of detecting the subject to be photographed by the distance measuring sensor 121, an AF lens driving method is used by adjusting the focus amount to an optimum amount according to the result of the contrast of the subject image formed on the imager 112. The motor encoder 102 can also be controlled.

  Subsequently, the imaging apparatus 100 starts pre-movie shooting in response to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer (step S304). When the pre-movie shooting is started, the photographer operates the shooting direction and the operation unit 118 so that the control unit 120 operates the zoom magnification by the zoom control unit 115 to perform shooting with a desired framing (view angle). Is performed (step S305).

  The pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 stores correlation data between the elapsed time from the start of pre-moving image shooting and the zoom magnification in accordance with the control from the control unit 120 (step S306). The correlation data is data in which information on the zoom magnification controlled by the zoom control unit 115 is associated with the elapsed time of pre-movie shooting. The pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 stores correlation data for each predetermined time interval from the start of pre-movie shooting. Only when the zoom magnification is changed, correlation data in which the changed zoom magnification is associated with the pre-movie shooting elapsed time can be stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119.

  After the desired shooting time has elapsed, the imaging apparatus 100 exits the loop of step S305 and step S306 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer, and ends the pre-moving image shooting (step S307). Thereafter, the moving image shooting operation is performed. The photographer can also perform the pre-movie shooting operation again.

  In the moving image shooting operation, first, a subject to be imaged in the moving image shooting operation corresponding to the object to be imaged in the pre-moving image shooting operation is recognized by the detection unit (step S308). Note that the subject recognition operation in step S308 is the same as the subject recognition operation in step S303.

  Subsequently, the imaging apparatus 100 starts the moving image shooting in response to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer (step S309). When the main moving image shooting, that is, the shooting with the same composition as the pre moving image shooting is started, the control unit 120 reads the correlation data stored in the pre shooting setting storage unit 119. Then, the control unit 120 sets the zoom magnification associated with the elapsed time of the pre-moving image shooting that is the same time as the elapsed time from when the moving image shooting was started in the zoom control unit 115, and Then, the motor encoder 103 for driving the zoom lens is controlled. (Step S310). In step S310, the control unit 120 compares the elapsed time of the main moving image shooting with the elapsed time of the pre moving image shooting included in the read correlation data, and the zoom magnification at the current time of the main moving image shooting is equal to that of the pre moving image shooting. The zoom control unit 115 is set so that the zoom magnification is the same time. As a result, the zoom control unit 115 outputs a zoom drive control signal to the motor encoder 103.

  After the same shooting time as that in the pre-movie shooting has elapsed, the control unit 120 finishes setting the zoom magnification in the zoom control unit 115. Thereafter, in response to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer, the imaging apparatus 100 exits the loop of step S310 and ends the moving image shooting (step S311). Note that even before the same shooting time as the shooting time in pre-moving image shooting has passed, the moving image shooting can be ended according to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer. Further, even after the same shooting time as that in the pre-moving image shooting elapses, the moving image shooting can be continued. However, in this case, automatic setting of the zoom magnification to the zoom control unit 115 by the control unit 120 is not performed.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, before performing the moving image shooting operation, the pre-moving image shooting operation can be performed and the zoom magnification for each shooting elapsed time can be stored. Then, in the video recording operation, the zoom magnification stored in correspondence with the elapsed time from the start of the pre-movie shooting is calculated based on the elapsed time from the start of the video recording. Set automatically for each elapsed time. Thereby, the driving of the zoom lens in the pre-moving image shooting can be reproduced in the moving image shooting. As a result, for example, when shooting a scene in which a similar pattern of subject movement is repeated, the burden on the photographer to change the zoom magnification to shoot at the desired framing (angle of view) is reduced. can do.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus (for example, a digital single-lens reflex camera system) according to the second embodiment. The imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, in the constituent elements of the imaging device 200 of the second embodiment, the same constituent elements as those of the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. . In the following description, only components and operations that are different from those of the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the imaging apparatus 200 is compared with the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 200 is different only in that a direction sensor 122 is newly provided in the camera body 110. The azimuth sensor 122 is a sensor that detects a direction in which the photographing apparatus 200 is photographing (hereinafter, referred to as “photographing direction”) when photographing the subject with the photographing apparatus 200. The direction sensor 122 is also controlled by the control unit 120. The direction sensor 122 outputs information indicating the detected shooting direction of the imaging device 200 to the control unit 120. The information indicating the shooting direction output to the control unit 120 is processed by the control unit 120 and stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 as shooting conditions when pre-moving image shooting is performed by the imaging device 200, for example. Further, when the moving image shooting is performed by the imaging apparatus 200, the image is read from the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119.

  Here, the shooting direction will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the reference direction of the imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment and the shift amount in the shooting direction. In shooting by the imaging device 200, first, the reference direction of the imaging device 200 is set before starting the pre-moving image shooting operation. For example, when the operation unit 118 is operated by the photographer, the control unit 120 sets the reference direction of the imaging apparatus 200 based on the direction detected by the azimuth sensor 122 when the operation unit 118 is operated. Set as direction. Then, the control unit 120 sequentially calculates the difference between the set reference direction of the imaging device 200 and the azimuth sensor 122 currently detected as the shift amount θ in the shooting direction. As a result, the control unit 120 also sets the reference direction of the set imaging apparatus 200 and the direction in which the subject exists, that is, the shooting direction in which the imaging apparatus 200 is currently shooting even during the shooting operation by the imaging apparatus 200. Are sequentially calculated as the shift amount θ. The information of the shift amount θ calculated by the control unit 120 is associated with the elapsed time of pre-moving image shooting, and is stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 together with the zoom magnification information as correlation data. In the main moving image shooting operation of the imaging apparatus 200, the shift amount θ and the zoom magnification associated with the elapsed time of the pre moving image shooting are read from the pre shooting setting storage unit 119 by the control from the control unit 120. . Then, the control unit 120 automatically sets the zoom magnification based on the read shift amount θ and the zoom magnification.

  Instead of calculating the shift amount θ based on the direction detected by the azimuth sensor 122, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor is mounted on the subject and the imaging device 200, and each of the imaging device 200 and the subject is detected by the GPS sensor. By detecting the position, the shift amount θ in the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 can be calculated.

  Further, the shift amount θ between the reference direction and the photographing direction can be calculated using an image photographed by the imaging device 200 without mounting the azimuth sensor 122 or the GPS sensor. A known method can be used for this. For example, in this video shooting operation, the shooting target subject corresponding to the shooting target subject in the pre-movie shooting operation is recognized, and the correlation information between the elapsed time from the start of shooting of this video shooting and the size of the shooting target subject is obtained. Based on this, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the shift amount θ in the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 is calculated. The zoom magnification can be automatically set based on the calculated shift amount θ. Also, for example, based on correlation information between an elapsed time from the start of shooting of the moving image shooting and a position other than the subject using information other than the subject shot in the pre-moving movie shooting operation (for example, information on a fixed object of the background). Thus, the shift amount θ in the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 can be calculated, and the zoom magnification can be set automatically.

  Further, while shooting with the imaging device 200, the distance between the subject to be shot and the imaging device 200 is measured by the distance measuring sensor 121, and the elapsed time from the start of shooting of the moving image shooting and the distance measuring sensor 121 are measured. Based on the correlation information with the measured distance, the shift amount θ in the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 can be calculated, and the zoom magnification can be set automatically.

  Next, shooting processing in the imaging apparatus 200 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing in the imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. The flowchart of the imaging process illustrated in FIG. 5 is a flowchart when a moving image is captured by the imaging apparatus 100. In the following description, as with the shooting process in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 120 in the imaging apparatus 200 is operated by the photographer operating the operation unit 118. A case where setting (control) relating to shooting is performed will be described. Note that, in the following description, in order to facilitate the description, the imaging device 200 output from the operation unit 118 to the control unit 120 is similar to the imaging process in the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. Detailed description regarding the control of each component based on the operation information and the operation information input to the control unit 120 will be omitted.

  Note that the imaging process in the imaging apparatus 200 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the imaging process in the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, in the shooting process of the imaging apparatus 200 of the second embodiment, the same step number is assigned to the same process as the shooting process of the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. . In the following description, only operations different from the shooting process in the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described, and detailed description will be omitted.

  First, in the preparation operation, the camera system of the imaging device 200 is activated (step S301), and the imaging device 200 is set to the moving image shooting mode. Then, the control unit 120 sets the reference direction of the imaging apparatus 200 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer (step S302). Thereby, the control unit 120 starts to calculate the shift amount θ that is a difference between the set reference direction of the imaging apparatus 200 and the current imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 200. Then, a pre-moving image shooting operation is performed before the moving image shooting operation.

  In the pre-movie shooting operation, first, a subject to be shot is recognized by the detection means (step S303). Subsequently, the imaging apparatus 200 starts pre-movie shooting in response to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer (step S304). When the pre-movie shooting is started, the photographer operates the shooting direction and the operation unit 118 so that the control unit 120 operates the zoom magnification by the zoom control unit 115 to perform shooting with a desired framing (view angle). Is performed (step S305).

  The pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 stores correlation data among the elapsed time from the start of pre-moving image shooting, the shooting direction, and the zoom magnification in accordance with the control from the control unit 120 (step S406). The correlation data is the correlation data in which the pre-movie shooting elapsed time and zoom magnification information stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 provided in the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The information of the shift amount θ in the photographing direction with respect to the reference direction calculated by the control unit 120 is data added as a control parameter for driving the zoom lens. By adding information on the shift amount θ to the control parameter of the zoom lens, it is possible to more accurately reproduce the operation of the zoom magnification when pre-moving image shooting is performed. The pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 stores correlation data in which the shift amount θ in the shooting direction and the zoom magnification are associated with the elapsed time of pre-movie shooting at predetermined time intervals from when pre-movie shooting is started. Is done. Note that correlation data in which the changed zoom magnification or shift amount θ is associated with the pre-movie shooting elapsed time is stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 only when the zoom magnification or shift amount θ is changed. It can also be done.

  After the desired shooting time has elapsed, the imaging apparatus 200 exits the loop of step S305 and step S406 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer, and ends the pre-moving image shooting (step S307). Thereafter, the moving image shooting operation is performed. The photographer can also perform the pre-movie shooting operation again.

  In the moving image shooting operation, first, a subject to be imaged in the moving image shooting operation corresponding to the object to be imaged in the pre-moving image shooting operation is recognized by the detection unit (step S308). Subsequently, the imaging apparatus 200 starts the moving image shooting in response to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer (step S309).

  When the main moving image shooting, that is, the shooting with the same composition as the pre moving image shooting is started, the control unit 120 reads the correlation data stored in the pre shooting setting storage unit 119. Then, the control unit 120 automatically controls the zoom magnification and the shooting direction based on the elapsed time from the start of the moving image shooting and the elapsed time of the pre-moving image shooting included in the read correlation data ( Step S410).

  First, in step S <b> 410, the control unit 120 shifts the set reference direction of the imaging apparatus 200 and the current direction detected by the direction sensor 122 in addition to the elapsed time from the start of the moving image shooting. Based on θ, that is, the current shift amount θ in the shooting direction in the main moving image shooting, the zoom control unit 115 sets a zoom magnification associated with the same shooting condition in the pre-moving image shooting. As a result, a zoom drive control signal is sent from the zoom control unit 115 to the motor encoder 103 for driving the zoom lens so that the zoom magnification in the main movie shooting becomes the zoom magnification associated with the same shooting condition in the pre-movie shooting. The motor encoder 103 for driving the zoom lens is controlled.

  In step S410, the control unit 120 shifts the shift amount θ associated with the elapsed time of the pre-moving image shooting that is the same time as the elapsed time from the start of the moving image shooting, and the current shift amount θ in the shooting direction. And compare. Then, the control unit 120 urges (guides) the photographer to change the shooting direction so that the current shift amount θ in the moving image shooting becomes the shift amount θ at the same time in the pre-moving image shooting. Is displayed (hereinafter referred to as “photographing direction guidance display”). For example, when the control unit 120 controls the image processing unit 116, the shooting direction guidance display is displayed on the image display unit 117 or the viewfinder 111.

  After the same shooting time as that in the pre-movie shooting has elapsed, the control unit 120 finishes setting the zoom magnification in the zoom control unit 115. In addition, the control unit 120 sets the image processing unit 116 to end the output of the shooting direction guidance display. Thereafter, in response to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer, the imaging apparatus 200 exits the loop of step S410 and ends the moving image shooting (step S311). Note that even before the same shooting time as the shooting time in pre-moving image shooting has passed, the moving image shooting can be ended according to the operation of the operation unit 118 by the photographer. Further, even after the same shooting time as that in the pre-moving image shooting elapses, the moving image shooting can be continued. However, in this case, the automatic setting of the zoom magnification to the zoom control unit 115 by the control unit 120 and the setting of the shooting direction guidance display to the image processing unit 116 are not performed.

  Here, the shooting direction guidance display will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a display prompting the user to change the shooting direction (shooting direction guidance display) in the imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. As described above, the shooting direction guidance display changes the shooting direction of the imaging device 200 so that the current shooting direction of the imaging device 200 in the moving image shooting becomes the shooting direction at the same time in the pre-moving movie shooting. It is a display for prompting. The shooting direction guidance display indicates, for example, the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 changed by the photographer by the display of the arrow A as shown in FIG. Then, when the shooting direction of the imaging device 200 is changed, that is, when the shooting direction is moved in the pre-moving movie shooting, the display of the arrow A is terminated.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus 200 not only automatically sets the zoom magnification, but also the elapsed time from the start of shooting stored in the pre-movie shooting and the difference (shift) between the reference direction of the imaging apparatus 200 and the current shooting direction. The photographing direction operated by the photographer is guided based on the amount θ). In the shooting direction guidance display, not only the shooting direction but also the display reflecting the comparison result between the current shift amount θ and the shift amount θ in pre-moving image shooting can be used. For example, when the difference between the current shift amount θ and the shift amount θ in the pre-movie shooting is large, that is, when the difference between the current shooting direction and the shooting direction at the same time in the pre-movie shooting is large, the arrow A By increasing the length, the photographer can be guided to change the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 more.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 200 of the second embodiment, similarly to the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, shooting is performed by performing the pre-movie shooting operation before performing the movie shooting operation. The zoom magnification for each elapsed time can be stored. In addition, in the imaging device 200 of the second embodiment, in addition to the zoom lens control parameters in the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment, the reference direction of the imaging device 200 and the reference direction at the time of shooting operation are used. The shift amount θ is stored as a control parameter for driving the zoom lens. As a result, in the imaging apparatus 200 of the second embodiment, when automatically setting the zoom magnification in the moving image shooting operation, based on the elapsed time from the start of the moving image shooting and the current shift amount θ. In the pre-moving image shooting included in the correlation data, the zoom magnification associated with the same shooting condition can be obtained. Thereby, the driving of the zoom lens in the pre-moving image shooting can be more accurately reproduced in the moving image shooting.

  In the imaging apparatus 200 of the second embodiment, the shooting direction in the main moving image shooting is determined based on the information on the shift amount θ stored in the pre moving image shooting and the information on the current shift amount θ in the main moving image shooting. An imaging direction guidance display for guiding the change can be performed. Thereby, in addition to reducing the load related to the operation of changing the zoom magnification in order to take an image with a desired framing (angle of view), it is also possible to reduce the load related to the operation of the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 200 changed by the photographer. .

  In order to accurately reproduce the shooting direction, it is desirable to fix the imaging device 200, for example, by installing the imaging device 200 on a tripod or a pan head. By fixing the imaging apparatus 200, it is possible to reduce a shift in the operation of the imaging direction of the imaging apparatus 200 that is changed by the photographer.

  Further, in the case of a tripod or pan head equipped with a control means (function) capable of automatically changing the shooting direction, a shooting direction guidance display as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the image display unit 117 or the viewfinder 111. Thus, instead of guiding the shooting direction operated by the photographer, the shooting direction can be automatically changed. In this case, for example, the pre-movie shooting elapsed time and shift amount θ included in the read correlation data by the control unit 120, the elapsed time from the start of the main movie shooting, and the current shooting direction shift amount θ. Based on the above, it can be realized by generating a control signal for driving the tripod and the pan head and outputting the generated control signal to the tripod and the pan head. Note that it is possible to output a control signal for driving a tripod or a pan head and to display a shooting direction as shown in FIG. With such a configuration, the shooting direction stored in the pre-moving image shooting based on the elapsed time from the start of the moving image shooting and the current shift amount θ is set to the shooting of the imaging apparatus 200 in the main moving image shooting. The direction can be set automatically. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the load related to the operation in the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 changed by the photographer.

  As described above, according to the mode for carrying out the present invention, by performing the pre-movie shooting operation before performing the main movie shooting operation by the imaging device, the zoom magnification for each shooting elapsed time of the pre-movie shooting can be increased. Can be remembered. Then, in this video shooting operation, by automatically setting the stored zoom magnification corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the pre-movie shooting based on the elapsed time from the start of the main video shooting. Thus, it is possible to reproduce the driving of the zoom lens in pre-movie shooting. For example, pre-movie shooting is performed before shooting this movie when shooting a scene where a similar subject movement pattern is repeated, such as athletic meet athletes, and the framing (angle of view) intended by the photographer Can be stored in the imaging device in advance. Then, it is possible to reproduce the framing (view angle) stored in the image pickup apparatus at the time of the moving image shooting. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the photographer performing an operation to change the zoom magnification at the time of moving image shooting. In this way, as a result of the photographer practicing pre-movie shooting, this movie shooting can be performed with the framing (angle of view) intended by the photographer finally adopted, so the zoom magnification setting is appropriate. An easy-to-see image can be obtained.

  Further, according to the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, based on the information on the shift amount θ stored in the pre-moving image shooting and the information on the current shift amount θ in the main moving image shooting, the shooting direction in the main moving image shooting is determined. By automatically setting the guidance or shooting direction, the shooting direction in pre-moving image shooting can be reproduced. Thus, for example, in addition to reducing the load related to the zoom magnification changing operation when shooting a scene in which a similar subject movement pattern is repeated, the photographer's load related to the operation in the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 is also reduced. Can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when the control unit 120 calculates and controls the shift amount θ in the left and right shooting directions of the imaging apparatus 200, that is, the pan direction, based on the direction detected by the direction sensor 122. Although the example has been described, the photographing direction that can be changed is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, it may be configured to calculate and control a shift amount in the upper and lower shooting directions of the imaging apparatus 200, that is, the tilt direction. In addition, for example, a configuration in which the shift amounts of the panning direction and the tilting direction of the imaging apparatus 200 are respectively calculated and controlled can be employed. With such a configuration, the shooting direction can be freely changed, and the degree of freedom in setting the framing (view angle) desired by the photographer in pre-moving image shooting can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 120 reads the correlation data stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119 and controls the zoom control unit 115 and the image processing unit 116 to automatically set the zoom magnification. Although the case where it performs is demonstrated, the method of setting zoom magnification is not limited to this embodiment. For example, each of the zoom control unit 115 and the image processing unit 116 reads the correlation data stored in the pre-shooting setting storage unit 119, and the components controlled by each of them are the elapsed time from the start of the moving image shooting. It can also be set as the structure controlled according to time. Also, regarding the calculation of the shift amount θ in the shooting direction, the control unit 120 does not calculate based on the direction detected by the direction sensor 122, but the direction sensor 122 itself outputs the shift amount θ. You can also.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the imaging apparatus is a digital single-lens reflex camera system has been described. However, the imaging apparatus to which the same concept can be applied is not limited to the present embodiment, and any configuration is possible as long as the imaging apparatus has a function of capturing a moving image (moving image shooting mode). Even in this case, the concept of the present embodiment can be applied. Further, the concept of the present embodiment can be applied even to an imaging apparatus capable of continuously capturing still images in a function (still image capturing mode) for capturing still images, not limited to moving image capturing. it can.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes various modifications within the scope of the present invention. It is.

100, 200 ... imaging device 101 ... interchangeable lens (imaging unit)
110 ... Camera body (imaging device)
102 ... Motor encoder 103 ... Motor encoder (lens controller)
111 ... finder (view angle confirmation part)
112 ... Imager (imaging part)
113 ... AD converter (ADC) (imaging unit)
114... AF control unit 115... Zoom control unit (lens control unit)
116: Image processing unit (control unit, direction calculation unit)
117... Image display section (view angle confirmation section)
118... Operation unit (control unit)
119: Pre-shooting setting storage unit (storage unit)
120... Control unit (control unit, direction calculation unit)
121 ... Distance measuring sensor (direction calculation unit)
122 .. Direction sensor (direction calculation unit)

Claims (9)

An imaging unit for capturing moving images;
A lens control unit for setting a zoom magnification of a shooting field angle of shooting of the moving image by the imaging unit;
The zoom magnification set in the lens control unit during the first shooting of the moving image by the imaging unit is associated with time information indicating the elapsed time from the start of shooting of the first shooting. A storage unit for storing correlation data,
When the second imaging of the moving image is performed by the imaging unit after the first imaging is completed, the correlation data stored in the storage unit is read out, and the imaging of the second imaging is started. Based on the elapsed time and the time information of the first shooting included in the read correlation data, the zoom magnification from the start of shooting of the second shooting is included in the read correlation data. A control unit for controlling the setting of the zoom magnification by the lens control unit so as to be the same as the zoom magnification from the start of photographing of the first photographing;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A direction calculation unit that calculates a difference between a shooting direction of the imaging unit at the start of shooting of the first shooting and a shooting direction of the imaging unit while the first shooting is being performed as a shift amount. ,
Further,
The storage unit
Storing the correlation data in which the shift amount calculated by the direction calculation unit while the first imaging is being performed is further associated with the time information;
The controller is
Controlling the setting of the zoom magnification by the lens control unit during the second imaging based on the correlation between the time information of the first imaging and the shift amount included in the correlation data;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The direction calculation unit
The shift amount is calculated based on information extracted from moving image data captured by the imaging unit in the first imaging.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The direction calculation unit
Calculating the shift amount based on the change information of the size of the subject to be photographed included in the moving image data;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 3. The direction calculation unit
Comprising an orientation sensor for recognizing a photographing orientation photographed by the imaging unit;
Calculating the shift amount based on transition information from the start of shooting of the first shooting of the shooting direction obtained from the direction sensor;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The direction calculation unit
A position / direction recognition sensor for recognizing a shooting position and a shooting direction for shooting by the imaging unit;
The shift amount is calculated based on transition information from the start of shooting of the first shooting in the shooting position and shooting direction obtained from the position / direction recognition sensor.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The direction calculation unit
A distance measuring sensor for measuring a distance between the imaging unit and a subject photographed by the imaging unit;
Calculating the shift amount based on transition information from the start of shooting of the first shooting of the distance obtained from the distance measuring sensor;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. An angle of view confirmation unit for confirming the angle of view of the moving image to be shot;
The controller is
Based on the correlation between the elapsed time from the start of shooting of the first shooting included in the correlation data and the shift amount, information for inducing a change in shooting direction in the imaging unit is obtained as the angle-of-view confirmation. To display
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The controller is
Generating a direction control signal for changing a shooting direction in the imaging unit based on a correlation between an elapsed time from the start of shooting of the first shooting included in the correlation data and the shift amount; Output the direction control signal to a fixing device that can change the shooting direction of the imaging unit,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

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