JP2014202879A - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus capable of displaying necessity of an ND filter on a display screen to lighten burden of a user in the case where insertion/extraction of the ND filter is manually performed.SOLUTION: A photographing apparatus comprises: a photographing optical system including an aperture diameter variable section; imaging means for receiving a subject image via the photographing optical system and converting the image into an imaging signal; exposure time variable means; control means for adjusting the imaging signal to a predetermined level by setting and controlling a first imaging condition including an aperture diameter and exposure time; and photographing information display means for displaying first photographing information indicating at least one of the aperture diameter and the exposure time included in the first imaging condition on a display screen. The control means calculates a value, which reflects an extinction effect by a predetermined neutral density filter to the first imaging condition regarding the aperture diameter and the exposure time, as a second imaging condition, and the photographing information display means displays second photographing information indicating at least one of the aperture diameter and the exposure time included in the second imaging condition on the display screen together with the first photographing information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus capable of adjusting the luminance of a subject image by controlling the exposure amount of an imaging unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Imaging devices that can photograph a subject, such as a digital still camera, have become widespread. In this type of photographing apparatus, a subject can be photographed with a neutral density filter (ND (Neutral Density) filter) attached. By utilizing the dimming effect of the ND filter, for example, it is possible to shoot a blurred image by opening the open / close diaphragm and reducing the depth of field even outdoors during the daytime, It is possible to take a picture that expresses the movement of the subject by slowing down the shutter speed (while suppressing the deterioration of the image quality due to the diffraction limit).

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a specific configuration of a photographing apparatus equipped with an ND filter. The imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 performs exposure control by driving an ND filter according to a control value input from an exposure control circuit and controlling the amount of incident light of the image sensor. More specifically, the imaging device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the ND filter can be driven independently of the aperture, and prioritizes opening the aperture during exposure control, and the depth of field is reduced. When a shooting mode in which shooting is performed under shallow shooting conditions is selected, exposure control using an ND filter is given priority over exposure control using an electronic shutter and a diaphragm under a high-brightness shooting environment.

JP 2006-135479 A

  As described above, in the photographing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the ND filter is automatically inserted into or retracted from the optical path of the photographing optical system by driving the ND filter according to the brightness of the photographing environment. In the photographing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the ND filter is inserted against the user's intention, the photographing speed is likely to cause unnecessarily camera shake due to the slow shutter speed. On the other hand, in the case of a configuration in which the position of the ND filter is not automatically switched, the user must determine whether or not to use the ND filter for photographing. For example, it is pointed out that such a determination is difficult for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the photographing apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus suitable for allowing a user to determine whether or not an ND filter can be used.

  An imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an imaging optical system including an aperture diameter variable unit capable of changing an aperture diameter, and an imaging unit that receives an object image via the imaging optical system and converts the image into an imaging signal. And an exposure time variable means capable of changing the exposure time of the imaging means, an aperture diameter by the aperture diameter variable portion, and an exposure time of the imaging means by the exposure time variable means are set. Control for adjusting the imaging signal to a predetermined level by controlling, and imaging for displaying first imaging information indicating at least one of an aperture diameter and an exposure time included in the first imaging condition on a predetermined display screen Information display means. The control means calculates, as the second imaging condition, a value reflecting the dimming effect of the predetermined neutral density filter with respect to the first imaging condition for the aperture diameter and the exposure time. The photographing information display means displays second photographing information indicating at least one of an aperture diameter and an exposure time included in the second photographing condition on the display screen together with the first photographing information.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the user can obtain photographing conditions reflecting the dimming effect of the neutral density filter as visual information before actually using the neutral density filter. By visually recognizing the shooting conditions, the user can grasp that, for example, using a neutral density filter enables shooting with an open aperture and shooting for a long time.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus may include a gain value variable unit that can change the gain value of the imaging signal. In this case, the control unit can calculate the second imaging condition in consideration of the gain value changed by the gain value variable unit.

  In addition, the photographing apparatus includes a moving unit that moves the neutral density filter between the optical path of the photographing optical system and the outside of the optical path, an operation button that receives a change operation of a predetermined menu item, the first photographing information, and the second A function of switching the position of the neutral density filter by the moving means between the inside of the optical path and the outside of the optical path during the display of the imaging information may be provided.

  For example, the shooting information display means displays information indicating the operation button between the first shooting information and the second shooting information on the display screen.

  Further, the photographing information display means may be configured to compare the first photographing condition with the second photographing condition and determine whether to display the second photographing information based on the comparison result.

  The imaging information display means displays at least information indicating the aperture diameter of the second imaging information on the display screen when the aperture diameter of the second imaging condition is larger than the aperture diameter of the first imaging condition. It is good also as a structure.

  In addition, when the exposure time of the second shooting condition is longer than the exposure time of the first shooting condition, the shooting information display means displays at least information indicating the exposure time among the second shooting information on the display screen. It is good also as a structure.

  Further, the photographing apparatus may be configured to include a dimming amount input unit that accepts a dimming amount input operation by the dimming filter. In this case, the control means calculates, as the second imaging condition, a value reflecting the reduced light amount input by the reduced light intensity input means with respect to the first imaging condition for the aperture diameter and the exposure time.

  The photographing information display means may be configured to display a predetermined reference image related to the second photographing condition on the display screen.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus suitable for causing a user to determine whether or not an ND filter can be used.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the imaging | photography auxiliary | assistant information display process of Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the LCD monitor in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the imaging | photography auxiliary | assistant information display process of Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows roughly the body back surface of the imaging device in Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the imaging | photography auxiliary | assistant information display process of Example 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the imaging | photography auxiliary | assistant information display process of Example 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows roughly the body back surface of the imaging device in Example 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematically the body back surface of the imaging device in another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the block structure in an imaging device required for description of the production | generation process of a pseudo image. It is a figure which shows the time chart for demonstrating the production | generation process of a pseudo image.

  Hereinafter, a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of Shooting Device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 1 is a mirrorless single-lens camera whose photographing lens can be exchanged. For example, a digital single-lens reflex camera (with a quick return mirror and in a through image display mode), a compact digital camera, a camcorder, a PHS, and the like. (Personal Handy phone System), a smart phone, a feature phone, or a portable game machine, may be replaced with another form of electronic imaging apparatus capable of capturing digital images.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing apparatus 1 includes a lens barrel unit 100. The lens barrel unit 100 includes a photographing optical system 102. The photographing optical system 102 includes a zoom lens group 102a, a focus lens group 102b, a multistage aperture 102c, an ND filter 102d, and a mechanical shutter 102e. The lens barrel unit 100 includes a zoom motor 104a, a focus motor 104b, a multistage aperture motor 104c, an ND filter motor 104d, a mechanical shutter motor 104e, and a motor driver 106. The zoom motor 104a, the focus motor 104b, the multistage aperture motor 104c, the ND filter motor 104d, and the mechanical shutter motor 104e, respectively, according to the drive signal supplied from the motor driver 106, the zoom lens group 102a, the focus lens group 102b, the multistage aperture 102c, The ND filter 102d and the mechanical shutter 102e are driven.

  The photographing apparatus 1 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 108, a front-end IC (Integrated Circuit) 110, a digital still camera processor 112, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 114, an operation key unit 116, a sub CPU ( A central processing unit 118, a distance measuring unit 120, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) driver 122, an LCD monitor 124, a video amplifier 126, a video jack 128, and a built-in memory 130 are provided.

  The front end IC 110 includes a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) block 110a, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) block 110b, an A / D (Analog-to-Digital) conversion block 110c, and a TG (Timing Generator) block 110d.

  The digital still camera processor 112 includes a first signal processing block 112a, a second signal processing block 112b, a CPU block 112c, a local SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 112d, a serial block 112e, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) block 112f, A JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) codec block 112g, a resize block 112h, a TV (Television) signal display block 112i, and a memory card controller block 112j are provided.

  The operation key unit 116 is a user interface that accepts an input operation of the photographing apparatus 1 by the user. Mechanical keys such as operation buttons provided on the back of the body of the photographing apparatus 1 and release buttons provided on the top of the body, various switch circuits. Consists of a substrate and the like. The operation key unit 116 is not limited to a hardware user interface, and may be a software interface such as a touch panel or a combination of a hardware user interface and a software interface. The sub CPU 118 is a CPU in which a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) are built in one chip. The sub CPU 118 outputs an operation signal according to a user operation input from the operation key unit 116 to the CPU block 112c.

  For example, consider a case where the user performs a zoom operation using the operation key unit 116. In this case, the operation key unit 116 outputs a predetermined zoom operation signal to the sub CPU 118. The zoom operation signal is input to the CPU block 112c via the sub CPU 118. The CPU block 112c comprehensively controls each component of the photographing apparatus 1 while calling data temporarily stored in the local SRAM 112d as necessary.

  The CPU block 112 c outputs a predetermined zoom control signal to the motor driver 106 based on the zoom operation signal input from the sub CPU 118. The motor driver 106 generates a predetermined zoom drive signal based on the zoom control signal input from the CPU block 112c and outputs it to the zoom motor 104a. The zoom motor 104a moves the zoom lens group 102a (at least one lens constituting the zoom lens group 102a) along the optical axis in accordance with the zoom drive signal input from the motor driver 106. In this way, zooming of the photographing optical system is performed.

  The CPU block 112c can perform AF (Autofocus) control together with zooming of the photographing optical system. Specifically, the CPU block 112 c outputs a predetermined AF control signal to the motor driver 106 based on the distance measurement signal collected from the distance measurement unit 120. The motor driver 106 generates a predetermined AF drive signal based on the AF control signal input from the CPU block 112c, and outputs it to the focus motor 104b. The focus motor 104b moves the focus lens group 102b (at least one lens constituting the focus lens group 102b) along the optical axis in accordance with the AF drive signal input from the motor driver 106. In this way, the photographing optical system is focused.

  The light beam from the subject passes through each component (zoom lens group 102a, focus lens group 102b, multistage aperture 102c, ND filter 102d, mechanical shutter 102e) of the photographing optical system and is received by the CCD image sensor 108. In the present embodiment, the multistage aperture 102c and the mechanical shutter 102e are separate and independent components. However, in another embodiment (for example, the photographing apparatus 1 is a compact digital camera), a lens shutter having these functions may be replaced. .

  The ND filter 102d is movable between the optical path (insertion position) and the outside of the optical path (retraction position) of the photographing optical system. Specifically, the operation key unit 116 outputs a predetermined switching operation signal to the sub CPU 118 in accordance with the ND filter insertion / extraction operation by the user. The switching operation signal is input to the CPU block 112c via the sub CPU 118. The CPU block 112 c outputs a predetermined switching control signal to the motor driver 106 based on the switching operation signal input from the sub CPU 118. The motor driver 106 generates a predetermined switching drive signal based on the switching control signal input from the CPU block 112c and outputs it to the ND filter motor 104d. The ND filter motor 104d moves the ND filter 102d from the optical path (insertion position) to the outside of the optical path (retracted position) or from the outside of the optical path (retracted position) to the inside of the optical path in accordance with the switching drive signal input from the motor driver 106. Move to (insertion position). The light beam from the subject passes through the ND filter 102d only when the ND filter 102d is disposed in the optical path (insertion position). That is, the luminous flux from the subject is dimmed by the ND filter 102d only when the ND filter 102d is disposed in the optical path (insertion position).

  The TG block 110d generates a timing signal necessary for driving the CCD image sensor 108 and the front end IC 110 based on the vertical synchronization signal VD and the horizontal synchronization signal HD supplied from the first signal processing block 112a.

  The CCD image sensor 108 is, for example, a single-plate color CCD image sensor having a Bayer pixel arrangement. In accordance with the timing signal supplied from the TG block 110d, the CCD image sensor 108 accumulates an optical image formed by each pixel on the imaging surface as a charge corresponding to the amount of light and converts it into an electrical signal (imaging signal). The data is output to the end IC 110 (CDS block 110a).

  The imaging signal input to the front end IC 110 is subjected to correlated double sampling by the CDS block 110a, gain adjustment by the AGC block 110b, and digital signal conversion by the A / D conversion block 110c. The converted digital signal is input to the digital still camera processor 112 (first signal processing block 112a). The CCD image sensor 108 may be another form of imager such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor.

  The first signal processing block 112a performs predetermined signal processing such as white balance adjustment, interpolation processing, enhancement processing, γ correction, and matrix calculation on the digital signal input from the front end IC 110 (A / D conversion block 110c). Apply.

  The second signal processing block 112b performs Y / C separation on the signal processed by the first signal processing block 112a, and describes the luminance signal Y, the color difference signals Cb, Cr (hereinafter referred to as “YUV image data”). .) Is generated.

  The YUV image data generated by the second signal processing block 112b is compressed in the JPEG format by the JPEG codec block 112g. The compressed JPEG image data is stored in a built-in memory 130 or a memory card inserted into a memory card adapter (not shown). The memory card inserted into the memory card adapter is controlled by the memory card controller block 112j.

  Note that the format of an image stored in the internal memory 130 or the memory card is not limited to the JPEG format. The stored image data is, for example, data (RAW-RGB image data) after processing such as white balance adjustment by the first signal processing block 112a and before processing by the second signal processing block 112b, Data after processing by the signal processing block 112b (YUV image data) may be used. JPEG image data, RAW-RGB image data, and YUV image data are temporarily stored in the SDRAM 114, for example, so that they can be used when necessary.

  When the JPEG image data is resized by the user through the operation key unit 116, when the JPEG image data is stored in the built-in memory 130 or the memory card, the resize process according to the setting is performed by the resize block 112h.

  The JPEG image data stored in the built-in memory 130 or the memory card is transferred by serial communication to an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected via the serial block 112e, and via the USB block 112f. To the connected external device via USB communication.

  The JPEG image data is output to the TV signal display block 112i. The TV signal display block 112i converts JPEG image data into a video signal that can be displayed on an external display device such as a monitor or a display, and outputs the converted video signal to the LCD driver 122 and the video amplifier 126. The LCD driver 122 converts the video signal input from the TV signal display block 112 i into a format that can be displayed on the LCD monitor 124, and outputs the converted signal to the LCD monitor 124. As a result, a captured image (still image) or a through image is displayed on the LCD monitor 124. The video amplifier 126 performs 75Ω impedance conversion on the video signal input from the TV signal display block 112 i and outputs the converted signal to the video jack 128. As a result, a captured image (still image) or a through image is displayed on the external display device connected to the video jack 128.

[Shooting auxiliary information display processing]
Next, a photographing auxiliary information display process for displaying a material for determining whether or not to perform photographing using the ND filter 102d on the LCD monitor 124 will be described. Here, four examples (Examples 1 to 4) of the auxiliary photographing information display process will be described.

[Example 1]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the photographing auxiliary information display process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the photographing auxiliary information indicates information when the multistage aperture 102c is closest to the open side under the condition that photographing is performed using the ND filter 102d.

[S1 in FIG. 2 (AE (Automatic Exposure) Processing)]
When the user performs a release operation (half-press) on the operation key unit 116, the CPU block 112c detects the signal level of the through image together with the AF control, so that the detected signal level becomes an appropriate level. The multistage aperture motor 104c is driven via the driver 106 to control the opening diameter of the multistage aperture 102c. More specifically, the drive control of the multistage aperture 102c is performed based on an AE function designated by the operation of the operation key unit 116 by the user, such as a program AE, a shutter speed priority AE, and an aperture priority AE. Note that the CPU block 112c may control the aperture diameter of the multistage aperture 102c so that a proper exposure measured by a TTL (Through The Lens) exposure meter (not shown) built in the photographing apparatus 1 can be obtained. .

  The AE control here is, for example, a program AE, and is control in a state where the ND filter 102d is disposed outside the optical path (retracted position) of the photographing optical system. Therefore, when the ND filter 102d is disposed in the optical path (insertion position), the CPU block 112c temporarily moves the ND filter 102d to the outside of the optical path (retraction position).

In the AE control, an apex system is used. In the Apex system, the F value of the multistage aperture 102c, the shutter speed of the mechanical shutter 102e, the ISO sensitivity, and the subject brightness are converted into the aperture value Av, shutter speed Tv, ISO sensitivity Sv, and subject brightness Bv, respectively. When the aperture value Av, the shutter speed Tv, and the ISO sensitivity Sv when the through image is at an appropriate level are defined as Av ₀ , Tv ₀ , and Sv ₀ , the subject brightness Bv _s is obtained by the following equation.
Bv _s = Av ₀ + Tv ₀ −Sv ₀

CPU block 112c is, when the Sv corresponding to ISO sensitivity or provisions of ISO sensitivity is specified by the operation of the operation by the user key unit 116 is defined as Sv _s, imaging according to the object luminance Bv _s and the ISO sensitivity Sv _s The scheduled aperture value Av _s and the scheduled shutter speed Tv _{s at the time} are calculated. The distribution of the values of the planned aperture value Av _s and the planned shutter speed Tv _s is determined according to the exposure program diagram held in advance in the CPU block 112c. The relationship among the subject brightness Bv _s , the ISO sensitivity Sv _s , the planned aperture value Av _s, and the planned shutter speed Tv _s is expressed by the following equation.
Bv _s + Sv _s = Av _s + Tv _s

[S2 in FIG. 2 (shooting information display process)]
The CPU block 112c displays the shooting information including the F value corresponding to the scheduled aperture value Av _s determined in the processing step S1 (AE process) in FIG. 2 and the shutter speed corresponding to the scheduled shutter speed Tv _s on the LCD monitor. 124 is displayed.

[S3 in FIG. 2 (Display Mode Determination Process)]
The CPU block 112c determines whether or not the current display mode is set to a photographing auxiliary information display mode for displaying photographing auxiliary information. The photographing auxiliary information display mode can be set according to the operation of the operation key unit 116 by the user. When the current display mode is set to the photographing auxiliary information display mode (S3: YES in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S4 (shooting condition calculation processing after ND conversion). . When the current display mode is not set to the photographing auxiliary information display mode (S3: NO in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c ends the process of this flowchart.

[S4 in FIG. 2 (shooting condition calculation process after ND conversion)]
CPU block 112c applies a dimming amount by the ND filter 102d in Apex system calculates the assumed aperture value Av _c and assuming the shutter speed Tv _c by the following equation. The assumed aperture value Av _c and the assumed shutter speed Tv _c indicate the aperture value and the shutter speed when the ND filter 102d is placed in the optical path (insertion position), respectively. In the following equation, a value (a dimming value) obtained by replacing the amount of light reduced by the ND filter 102d with an apex value is defined as N _s, and the ISO sensitivity Sv _s scheduled for photographing at this time or the operation key unit 116 by the user is determined. It is defined as Sv _m the Sv corresponding to the specified ISO sensitivity according to the operation.
Bv _s + Sv _m −N _s = Av _c + Tv _c

The dimming value N _s may be a fixed value common to the products, or may be a value adjusted for each product in the factory. Further, the ISO sensitivity Sv _m is set so that the Ev value (Av _c + Tv _c ) is small (that is, the aperture value Av _c is potentially small and the multistage aperture 102 c is opened). The minimum value that can be controlled with is also possible.

A method for distributing the subject luminance Bv _s , the dimming value N _s, and the ISO sensitivity Sv _m to the assumed aperture value Av _c and the assumed shutter speed Tv _c will be described. CPU block 112c is the Av of the most open in multistage aperture 102c is set to an initial value of the assumed aperture Av _c, we calculate the assumed shutter speed Tv _c corresponding to the initial value. Specifically, CPU block 112c is a mechanical shutter 102e in a state where the combination of wide open the controllable range (e.g. multistage aperture 102c of the assumed aperture Av _c set, the assumed shutter speed Tv _c corresponding thereto If the shutter speed of the a be overexposed) the fastest, increasing the set value of the assumed aperture Av _c by a predetermined value (e.g., 1 / 3Av) increments, increases the setting value of the assumed aperture Av _c each, and calculates the assumed shutter speed Tv _c corresponding to assume the aperture value Av _c the increased. As a result, an assumed aperture value Av _{c that} is a value that allows the assumed shutter speed Tv _{c to} be controlled under the condition that shooting is performed using the ND filter 102d and that is closest to the open side in this case is obtained.

[S5 in FIG. 2 (shooting auxiliary information display process)]
The CPU block 112c displays the F information corresponding to the planned aperture value Av _s displayed when the ND filter 102d is outside the optical path (retracted position) displayed in the processing step S2 (imaging information display process) in FIG. In addition to the shutter speed corresponding to the scheduled shutter speed Tv _s ), the auxiliary photographing information is displayed on the LCD monitor 124. The photographing auxiliary information is information including the F value and the shutter speed when the ND filter 102d is in the optical path (insertion position). More specifically, the processing step S4 in FIG. 2 (shooting condition calculation after ND conversion) is performed. and F value corresponding to the assumed aperture value Av _c obtained in process), comprising a shutter speed corresponding to the assumed shutter speed Tv _c. In the first embodiment, the focus is on the aperture value Av as information presented to the user. Therefore, it is only necessary that at least the aperture value Av is included in the shooting information and shooting assistance information displayed on the LCD monitor 124.

  FIG. 3 shows a display example of photographing auxiliary information in this processing step S5. As shown in FIG. 3, shooting information and shooting assistance information are displayed side by side in the lower screen area of the LCD monitor 124. In the example of FIG. 3, “F5.6 1/500” is displayed as shooting information, and “ND: F2.8 1/250” is displayed as shooting auxiliary information.

  For example, in the photographing apparatus 1, the shutter speed is the fastest “1/1000”, the open F value is “2.8”, and the light attenuation value by the ND filter 102d is “−3 Ev (so-called ND8)”. Consider a case where the appropriate exposure when the ND filter 102d is outside the optical path (retracted position) is calculated as “F5.6, 1/500” based on the AE program. In this case, for example, when the AE mode is switched to the aperture priority AE and the open F value is set to 2.8, even if the maximum speed is 1/1000, 1 Ev is over and appropriate exposure is not achieved. However, by disposing the ND filter 102d in the optical path (insertion position), the light is attenuated by 3 Ev. Therefore, a combination of the open F value 2.8 and the shutter speed 1/250 is possible. Therefore, as shown in the example of FIG. 3, the user can visually recognize an option that an image with appropriate brightness can be taken with an open aperture by using the ND filter 102d. In order to make it easier for the user to recognize that shooting with the wide aperture is possible by using the ND filter 102d, an icon indicating the wide aperture is displayed instead of “F2.8” or together with “F2.8” on the LCD. It may be displayed on the monitor 124.

[S6 in FIG. 2 (ND Filter Position Determination Processing)]
The CPU block 112c determines whether or not the ND filter 102d is disposed outside the optical path (retreat position). The ND filter 102d is initially disposed outside the optical path (retracted position). When the ND filter 102d is disposed outside the optical path (retracted position) (S6: YES in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S7 (selection information determination process). When the ND filter 102d is disposed in the optical path (insertion position) (S6: NO in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S9 (selection information determination process).

[S7 in FIG. 2 (selection information determination process)]
The user can select one of the shooting information and the shooting assistance information by operating the operation key unit 116. As shown in FIG. 3, the selected information is surrounded by a predetermined rectangular frame. The CPU block 112c determines whether or not photographing auxiliary information has been selected by the operation of the operation key unit 116 by the user. When the operation for selecting the photographing auxiliary information is performed (S7: YES in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S8 (ND filter insertion processing). The CPU block 112c performs the process of this flowchart when the operation for selecting the shooting assistance information is not performed (in other words, when the shooting information remains selected) (S7: NO in FIG. 2). Proceed to (release determination processing).

[S8 in FIG. 2 (ND Filter Insertion Processing)]
The CPU block 112c moves the rectangular frame displayed on the LCD monitor 124 from the photographing information to the photographing auxiliary information according to the operation of the operation key unit 116 by the user, and moves the ND filter 102d outside the optical path of the photographing optical system (retraction position). ) To the optical path (insertion position). Next, the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S11 (release determination process).

[S9 in FIG. 2 (Selection Information Determination Process)]
The CPU block 112c determines whether or not shooting information is selected by the operation of the operation key unit 116 by the user. When an operation for selecting shooting information is performed (S9: YES in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S10 (ND filter saving processing). When the operation for selecting the shooting information is not performed (in other words, when the shooting auxiliary information is still selected) (S9: NO in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c performs the process of this flowchart at step S11. Proceed to (release determination processing).

[S10 in FIG. 2 (ND filter save processing)]
The CPU block 112c moves the rectangular frame displayed on the LCD monitor 124 from the photographing auxiliary information to the photographing information according to the operation of the operation key unit 116 by the user, and moves the ND filter 102d in the optical path (insertion position) of the photographing optical system. ) To the outside of the optical path (retracted position). Next, the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S11 (release determination process).

[S11 in FIG. 2 (Release Determination Processing)]
The CPU block 112c determines whether or not a release operation (full press) has been performed. When the release operation (full press) is not performed (S11: NO in FIG. 2), the CPU block 112c returns the process to the processing step S6 (ND filter position determination process) in FIG. When the release operation (full press) is performed (S11 in FIG. 2: YES), the CPU block 112c ends the process of this flowchart.

  According to the example of FIG. 3, the ND filter 102d is positioned outside the optical path (retracted position) by performing the release operation (full press) in a state where the photographing information “F5.6 1/500” is selected. Shooting (aperture value F5.6, shutter speed 1/500) is performed. In addition, a state in which the ND filter 102d is positioned in the optical path (insertion position) by performing a release operation (full press) in a state where the photographing auxiliary information “ND: F2.8 1/250” is selected. Is taken (aperture value F2.8, shutter speed 1/250).

[Example 2]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the auxiliary photographing information display process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted or simplified as appropriate for convenience. For example, the processing steps S101 to S106 and S111 in FIG. 4 are the same as the processing steps S1 to S6 and S11 in FIG.

[S103-1 in FIG. 4 (menu screen display determination process)]
The CPU block 112c determines whether or not a predetermined menu screen is being displayed on the LCD monitor 124 when the photographing auxiliary information display mode is not set. The predetermined menu screen is, for example, a shooting mode selection menu screen or a configuration screen. When the predetermined menu screen is being displayed (S103-1: YES in FIG. 4), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S103-2 (menu screen operation processing). When the predetermined menu screen is not being displayed (S103-1: NO in FIG. 4), the CPU block 112c ends the process of this flowchart.

[S103-2 in FIG. 4 (menu screen operation process)]
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams schematically showing the back of the body of the photographing apparatus 1. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a cross key 116 a constituting the operation key unit 116 is provided on the back of the body of the photographing apparatus 1 in addition to the LCD monitor 124. A function for selecting each item in the menu screen displayed on the LCD monitor 124 is assigned to each direction key constituting the cross key 116a. The CPU block 112c changes the selection item in the menu screen according to the operation of the cross key 116a by the user.

[S107 in FIG. 4 (Selection Information Determination Process)]
When the CPU block 112c is set to the photographing auxiliary information display mode and the ND filter 102d is disposed outside the optical path (retracted position), as shown in FIG. 5A, the screen of the LCD monitor 124 is displayed. Between the shooting information “F5.6 1/500” and the shooting assistance information “ND: F2.8 1/250” displayed in the lower area, an icon (right triangle icon) indicating the right key of the cross key 116a is displayed. At the same time, a function for selecting the photographing auxiliary information “ND: F2.8 1/250” is assigned to the right key of the cross key 116a.

  The CPU block 112c determines whether or not the right key of the cross key 116a has been pressed. When the right key of the cross key 116a is pressed (S107 in FIG. 4: YES), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S108 (ND filter insertion processing). If the right key of the cross key 116a is not pressed (S107 in FIG. 4: NO), the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S111 (release determination process).

[S108 in FIG. 4 (ND Filter Insertion Processing)]
As shown in FIG. 5B, the CPU block 112c changes the rectangular frame displayed on the LCD monitor 124 from the photographing information “F5.6 1/500” to the photographing auxiliary information “ND: F2.8 1/250. , The icon indicating the left key of the cross key 116a (left-pointing triangle icon) is displayed between the shooting information and the shooting auxiliary information, and the shooting information “F5.6 1/500” is selected. The function is assigned to the left key of the cross key 116a. The CPU block 112c also moves the ND filter 102d from the optical path (retracted position) of the photographing optical system to the optical path (inserted position). Next, the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S111 (release determination process).

[S109 in FIG. 4 (selection information determination processing)]
When the CPU block 112c is set to the photographing auxiliary information display mode and the ND filter 102d is disposed in the optical path (insertion position), as shown in FIG. 5B, the screen of the LCD monitor 124 is displayed. An icon indicating the left key of the cross key 116a is displayed between the shooting information “F5.6 1/500” and the shooting assistance information “ND: F2.8 1/250” displayed in the lower area, and shooting is also performed. A function for selecting the information “F5.6 1/500” is assigned to the left key of the cross key 116a.

  The CPU block 112c determines whether or not the left key of the cross key 116a has been pressed. When the left key of the cross key 116a is pressed (S109: YES in FIG. 4), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S110 (ND filter saving processing). When the left key of the cross key 116a is not pressed (S109: NO in FIG. 4), the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S111 (release determination process).

[S110 in FIG. 4 (ND filter save processing)]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the CPU block 112 c changes the rectangular frame displayed on the LCD monitor 124 from the photographing auxiliary information “ND: F2.8 1/250” to the photographing information “F5.6 1/500”. And a function for displaying the icon indicating the right key of the cross key 116a between the shooting information and the shooting assistance information and selecting the shooting assistance information “ND: F2.8 1/250”. Assigned to the right key of the cross key 116a. The CPU block 112c also moves the ND filter 102d from the optical path (insertion position) of the photographing optical system to the outside of the optical path (retraction position). Next, the CPU block 112c advances the process of this flowchart to process step S111 (release determination process).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the shooting information “F5.6 1/500” and the shooting assistance information “ND: F2.8 1/250” are selectively used as the left and right keys of the cross key 116a that can be easily used during shooting. Assign the function to switch to. This improves the operability when switching the ND filter 102d.

[Example 3]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the photographing auxiliary information display process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the description overlapping with the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate for the sake of convenience. For example, the processing steps S201 to S211 in FIG. 6 are the same as the processing steps S1 to S11 in FIG.

[S204-1 in FIG. 6 (open determination processing)]
CPU block 112c determines whether the processing step S204 assuming aperture Av _c obtained in (ND photographing condition calculation process after conversion) of FIG. 6 are open aperture. CPU block 112c, when assuming the aperture value Av _c is open aperture value (in FIG. 6 S204-1: YES), and advances the processing of this flowchart processing step S205 (photographing auxiliary information display process). CPU block 112c, when assuming the aperture value Av _c is not open aperture value (in FIG. 6 S204-1: NO), without displaying the imaging assist information, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

As described above, in the third embodiment, photographing auxiliary information is displayed only when the multistage aperture 102c is opened when the ND filter 102d is used. Further, as a modification of the embodiment 3, CPU block 112c, the processing step S201 in the processing step S204 (ND conversion after the photographing condition calculation process) at the determined assuming aperture value Av _c is 6 in FIG. 6 ( It is determined whether or not the value is smaller than the scheduled aperture value Av _s obtained in the AE process. CPU block 112c is only for a small value towards the assumed aperture Av _c (i.e., if it was possible to increase the aperture diameter of the multistage aperture 102c by using the ND filter 102d), imaging assist information ( At least F value) is displayed.

[Example 4]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the auxiliary photographing information display process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the description overlapping with the first to third embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate for the sake of convenience. For example, the processing steps S301 to S311 in FIG. 7 are the same as the processing steps S1 to S11 in FIG. 7 are the same as the processing steps S103-1 and S103-2 in FIG. 4, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[S303-3 in FIG. 7 (ISO sensitivity display determination processing)]
The CPU block 112c determines whether or not the ISO sensitivity is displayed on the LCD monitor 124 when the photographing auxiliary information display mode is set. As shown in the display screen example of FIG. 8, when the ISO sensitivity is displayed (S303-3 in FIG. 7: YES), the CPU block 112c performs the processing of this flowchart in processing step S303-5 (ISO sensitivity change). Proceed to processing). When the ISO sensitivity is not displayed (S303-3: NO in FIG. 7), the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S303-4 (ISO sensitivity display processing).

[S303-4 in FIG. 7 (ISO sensitivity display processing)]
The CPU block 112c displays the currently set ISO sensitivity on the LCD monitor 124. After displaying the ISO sensitivity, the CPU block 112c advances the processing of this flowchart to processing step S303-5 (ISO sensitivity changing processing).

[S303-5 in FIG. 7 (ISO sensitivity changing process)]
As shown in the display screen example of FIG. 8, the CPU block 112 c displays the shooting information “F5.6 1/500” and the shooting assistance information “ND: F2.8 1/500” displayed in the lower area of the LCD monitor 124. 250 ”, icons indicating the up and down keys of the cross key 116a (upward triangular icon and downward triangular icon) are displayed, and a function for changing the ISO sensitivity is assigned to the up and down keys. CPU block 112c in accordance with the operation of the up and down keys by the user, changes the ISO sensitivity Sv _m. The user, for example, by changing the ISO sensitivity Sv _m to a small value, it is possible to change the assumed aperture value Av _c photographing auxiliary information more open side.

  The above is the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the embodiment of the present application also includes an embodiment that is exemplarily specified in the specification or a combination of obvious embodiments and the like as appropriate.

For example, the ND filter 102d is not limited to the configuration built in the lens barrel unit 100, and can be replaced with another ND filter having a different ND. The user, as shown on the camera body rear view of FIG. 9, by operating the up and down keys of the cross key 116a in configuration screen displayed on the LCD monitor 124, it is possible to specify a dimming value N _s. The user specifies the dimming value N _s which corresponds to the ND filter being studied or the attachment mounted on the lens barrel unit 100, the photographing condition is calculated using the specified dimming value N _s LCD monitor 124 Is displayed, it is possible to grasp imaging conditions (assumed aperture value Av _c and assumed shutter speed Tv _c ) when the ND filter is used.

  In the above embodiment, the user is allowed to determine whether or not the ND filter 102d can be used for the purpose of opening or approaching the multistage aperture 102c. That is, the dimming value by the ND filter 102d is supplemented by the priority of (1) the F value of the multistage aperture 102c and (2) the shutter speed of the mechanical shutter 102e (the F value and the value that cannot be supplemented by the shutter speed are ISO Supplement with sensitivity.) On the other hand, in another embodiment, the user may determine whether or not the ND filter 102d can be used for the purpose of lengthening the shooting time (lowering the shutter speed). That is, the dimming value by the ND filter 102d is supplemented by the priority of (1) the shutter speed of the mechanical shutter 102e and (2) the F value of the multistage aperture 102c (the F value and the value that cannot be supplemented by the shutter speed are ISO values). Supplement with sensitivity.) By making the shooting time longer, for example, the effect of making the river flow look like silk thread can be obtained. The use of the ND filter 102d is effective to lengthen the shooting time with the multistage aperture 102c opened to some extent in order to avoid image degradation due to the light diffraction phenomenon at the small aperture. The former priority mode and the latter priority mode may be appropriately selected by the user through an operation.

In another embodiment, a method for distributing the subject brightness Bv _s , the dimming value N _s, and the ISO sensitivity Sv _m to the assumed aperture value Av _c and the assumed shutter speed Tv _c will be described. CPU block 112c is (for example 1 second, _Tv c = 0) long shot seconds when set to the initial value of the assumed shutter speed Tv _c, calculates the assumed aperture value Av _c corresponding to the initial value. Specifically, CPU block 112c includes assumed shutter speed Tv _c set, in a state combined with the assumed aperture Av _c is that the shutter speed of the controllable range (e.g. mechanical shutter 102e to a low speed corresponding thereto If the multistage aperture 102c is not more throttle minimum becomes overexposed), increasing the set value of the assumed shutter speed Tv _c by a predetermined value (e.g., 1/3 TV) increments, increases the setting value of the assumed shutter speed Tv _c each time calculates an assumed aperture value Av _c corresponding to assume the shutter speed Tv _c the increased. Accordingly, under the condition that performs imaging by using the ND filter 102d, a controllable is assumed aperture Av _c value, and when the photographing seconds is obtained the longest assumed shutter speed Tv _c in this case. The user visually checks the auxiliary shooting information (assumed aperture value Av _c and assumed shutter speed Tv _c ) displayed on the LCD monitor 124 to determine whether or not to perform long-time shooting using the ND filter 102d. can do.

  In another embodiment, the focus is on the shutter speed Tv as information to be presented to the user. Therefore, it is only necessary that at least the shutter speed Tv is included in the shooting information and the shooting assistance information displayed on the LCD monitor 124.

Moreover, each Example of this Example 1-4 is applicable also in another embodiment. For example, consider a case where a modification of the third embodiment is applied. In this case, CPU block 112c determines whether or not a value smaller than the planned assumed shutter speed Tv _c shutter speed Tv _s. CPU block 112c in the case of a small value towards the assumed shutter speed Tv _c (i.e., if it was possible to increase the time photographing seconds by using the ND filter 102d) only, imaging assist information (at least a shutter speed ) Is displayed.

  Alternatively, an image that is expected to be captured when the ND filter 102d is used may be generated in a pseudo manner, and the generated pseudo image may be displayed on the LCD monitor 124 as a reference image.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration in the imaging apparatus 1 necessary for explaining the pseudo image generation process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a time chart for explaining the pseudo image generation process. Here, a generation example of a pseudo image using RAW-RGB image data (a signal after processing by the first signal processing block 112a) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the digital still camera processor 112 includes amplifiers 132 and 134, a buffer 136, and switches SW1 and SW2. The switches SW1 and SW2 connect / block the path indicated by the arrow in FIG. Specifically, the switch SW1 connects or blocks the path (arrow K1-1) from the amplifier 132 to the buffer 136, and connects or blocks the path (arrow K1-2) from the amplifier 134 to the switch SW2. The switch SW2 connects or blocks a path (arrow K2-1) from the first signal processing block 112a to the SDRAM 114, and connects or blocks a path (arrow K2-2) from the switch SW1 to the SDRAM 114.

The first signal processing block 112a performs RAW-RGB image data (exposure image data for 250 μs) constituting one image for each frame period (for example, 250 μs) in a subsequent stage that operates under the following condition 1. The signal is output to a circuit (a circuit between the first signal processing block 112a and the SDRAM 114 in FIG. 10) in synchronization with the imaging synchronization signal.
(Condition 1)
-Set amplification factor of each amplifier 132, 134 to 0.5-Connect the path indicated by arrow K1-1-Cut off the path indicated by arrow K1-2

  Under condition 1, the RAW-RGB image data output from the first signal processing block 112a is dropped to ½ level by the amplifier 132 and then input to the buffer 136 via the switch SW1 and buffered. . In the buffer 136, the input RAW-RGB image data (× amplification factor 0.5) and the RAW-RGB image data (× amplification factor 0.5) buffered in the previous frame period are added.

The subsequent circuit (the circuit between the first signal processing block 112a and the SDRAM 114) operates under the following condition 2 during the blanking period of one frame period.
(Condition 2)
・ Set the amplification factor of each amplifier to 1.0 ・ Connect the paths indicated by arrows K1-2 and K2-2 ・ Block the path indicated by arrows K1-1

  Under condition 2, the RAW-RGB image data added in the buffer 136 is input to the SDRAM 114 via the amplifier 134 and the switches SW1 and SW2, and is sequentially distributed to the buffers 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d. That is, when the four buffers 114a to 114d are combined in the SDRAM 114, the RAW-RGB image data (exposure image data of 250 μs × 4) in a range that goes back about 1 second from the current time is buffered.

Consider a case in which a pseudo image corresponding to 1 second of shooting time (assumed shutter speed Tv _c ) is displayed on the LCD monitor 124 at the timing E in FIG. In this case, after waiting for the completion of the storage of the image data D-1 in the buffer 114d, the image data D-1 after the storage is completed (0.25 seconds at the time of shooting), the image data A in the buffer 114a already stored. -1 (shooting time 0.25 seconds), image data B-1 in the buffer 114b (shooting time 0.25 seconds), and image data C-1 in the buffer 114c (shooting time 0.25 seconds). As a result of the addition, a pseudo image corresponding to 1 second of shooting time is generated. In the case of the timing F, the image data B-1, the image data C-1, the image data D-1, and the image data A-2 are added to generate a pseudo image corresponding to 1 second of the shooting time. Is done. By displaying the generated pseudo image on the LCD monitor 124, the user refers to the pseudo image with more abundant visual information, and then determines whether or not the long time shooting is performed using the ND filter 102d. Can be judged. Pseudo image, instead of the assumed shutter speed Tv _c, or may be displayed on the LCD monitor 124 in conjunction with the assumption shutter speed Tv _c.

  If it takes time to write data from the buffer 136 to the SDRAM 114, the path of the arrow K2-1 (from the first signal processing block 112a to the SDRAM 114) may be blocked by the switch SW2. In this case, for example, a through image can be displayed using image data already stored in the buffers 114a to 114d.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 100 Lens barrel unit 102 Imaging optical system 102a Zoom lens group 102b Focus lens group 102c Multistage aperture 102d ND filter 102e Mechanical shutter 104a Zoom motor 104b Focus motor 104c Multistage aperture motor 104d ND filter motor 104e Mechanical shutter motor 106 Motor driver 108 CCD image sensor 110 Front-end IC
110a CDS block 110b AGC block 110c A / D conversion block 110d TG block 112 Digital still camera processor 112a First signal processing block 112b Second signal processing block 112c CPU block 112d Local SRAM
112e Serial block 112f USB block 112g JPEG codec block 112h Resize block 112i TV signal display block 112j Memory card controller block 114 SDRAM
116 Operation key unit 116a Cross key 118 Sub CPU
120 Ranging Unit 122 LCD Driver 124 LCD Monitor 126 Video Amplifier 128 Video Jack 130 Built-in Memory

Claims (9)

An imaging optical system including an aperture diameter variable portion capable of changing the aperture diameter;
Imaging means for receiving a subject image via the imaging optical system and converting it into an imaging signal;
Exposure time variable means capable of changing the exposure time of the imaging means;
Control means for adjusting the imaging signal to a predetermined level by setting and controlling a first imaging condition including an aperture diameter by the aperture diameter variable section and an exposure time of the imaging means by the exposure time variable means When,
Shooting information display means for displaying first shooting information indicating at least one of an aperture diameter and an exposure time included in the first shooting condition on a predetermined display screen;
With
The control means includes
A value reflecting a dimming effect by a predetermined neutral density filter with respect to the first photographing condition for the aperture diameter and the exposure time is calculated as a second photographing condition,
The photographing information display means includes
An imaging apparatus, wherein second imaging information indicating at least one of an aperture diameter and an exposure time included in the second imaging condition is displayed on the display screen together with the first imaging information. Gain value variable means capable of changing the gain value of the imaging signal,
The control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second imaging condition is calculated in consideration of a gain value changed by the gain value varying unit. Moving means for moving the neutral density filter between the optical path of the photographing optical system and the outside of the optical path;
An operation button for accepting a change operation of a predetermined menu item;
Assigning to the operation button a function of switching the position of the neutral density filter by the moving means between the inside of the optical path and the outside of the optical path while displaying the first imaging information and the second imaging information Means,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus includes: The photographing information display means includes
4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein information indicating the operation button is displayed side by side between the first photographing information and the second photographing information on the display screen. The photographing information display means includes
5. The first imaging condition and the second imaging condition are compared, and whether to display the second imaging information is determined based on a comparison result. The imaging device according to any one of the above. The photographing information display means includes
When the aperture diameter of the second imaging condition is larger than the aperture diameter of the first imaging condition, information indicating at least the aperture diameter of the second imaging information is displayed on the display screen;
The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein: The photographing information display means includes
When the exposure time of the second shooting condition is longer than the exposure time of the first shooting condition, displaying at least information indicating the exposure time among the second shooting information on the display screen;
The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein: A light reduction amount input means for receiving a light reduction input operation by the light reduction filter;
The control means includes
2. The value of the aperture diameter and the exposure time that reflects the amount of reduced light input by the reduced light intensity input unit with respect to the first imaging condition is calculated as the second imaging condition. The imaging device according to claim 7. The photographing information display means includes
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined reference image related to the second photographing condition is displayed on the display screen.

Images