JP2015211296A - Imaging device, imaging method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control a measurement system appropriately.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 1 includes a photographic processing section 51, a state transition discriminating section 53, and a display control section 52. The photographic processing section 51 identifies a measurement system for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment. When an identified measurement system is spot measurement for measuring a limited measurement range in a captured image, the state transition discriminating section 53 determines whether or not a transition from a state displaying a live view to a state for making the limited measurement range changeable is required, depending on whether or not predetermined conditions are satisfied. When a determination is made that a transition is required, the display control section 52 performs the processing for transiting to a state for making the limited measurement range changeable.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, and a program.

  Conventional exposure control methods for digital cameras include average metering that averages the brightness of the entire shooting range, center-weighted metering that focuses on the center of the shooting range, and spot metering that measures a portion of the shooting range. Such a photometric method is known. Although such a photometric method is appropriately selected by the user according to the shooting situation, there are problems that it is difficult to select and that the operation is troublesome. As in Patent Document 1, an appropriate photometric method is automatically selected from the captured image. The technique to select is disclosed.

JP 2002-204388 A

  However, when spot metering is selected, there is a problem that the default metering area is not an appropriate metering area or it is difficult to automatically detect an appropriate metering area. There is a similar problem with focus control.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to appropriately control a measurement method.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention includes:
A measurement method specifying means for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement in which measurement is performed with respect to a limited measurement range in the captured image, the live view image is displayed depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. Determining means for determining whether or not it is necessary to shift to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed;
A state transition means for performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that the transition is necessary;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, the measurement method can be appropriately controlled.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hardware of the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing the imaging process according to an imaging scene among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the imaging | photography setting table memorize | stored in an imaging | photography information storage part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transition of the display screen which concerns on the spot measurement displayed on an output part. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a shooting process for each shooting scene executed by the imaging device of FIG. 1 having the functional configuration of FIG. 2. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a state transition discrimination | determination process among the imaging processes according to an imaging scene. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a measurement range position change process among the imaging processes according to an imaging scene. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of an imaging process among the imaging processes according to an imaging scene.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The imaging device 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

  The imaging apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an imaging unit 16, and an input unit 17. An output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 20, and a drive 21.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 19 to the RAM 13.

  The RAM 13 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An imaging unit 16, an input unit 17, an output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 20, and a drive 21 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

  Although not shown, the imaging unit 16 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor.

The optical lens unit is configured by a lens that collects light, for example, a focus lens or a zoom lens, in order to photograph a subject.
The focus lens is a lens that forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens that freely changes the focal length within a certain range.
The optical lens unit is also provided with a peripheral circuit for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as necessary.

The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element, AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.
The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element or the like. A subject image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element from the optical lens unit. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the subject image, accumulates the image signal for a predetermined time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal as an analog signal to the AFE.
The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the analog image signal. Through various signal processing, a digital signal is generated and output as an output signal of the imaging unit 16.
Hereinafter, the output signal of the imaging unit 16 is referred to as “captured image data”. Data of the captured image is appropriately supplied to the CPU 11 or an image processing unit (not shown).

  The imaging unit 16 configured as described above has functions of AF (Auto Focus) and AE (Automatic Exposure).

The input unit 17 includes, for example, various buttons and keys such as a cross key and a SET key, and inputs various types of information according to user instruction operations.
The output unit 18 includes a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs images and sounds.
The storage unit 19 is composed of a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or the like, and stores various image data.
The communication unit 20 controls communication performed with other devices (not shown) via a network including the Internet.

  A removable medium 31 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 21. The program read from the removable medium 31 by the drive 21 is installed in the storage unit 19 as necessary. The removable medium 31 can also store various data such as image data stored in the storage unit 19 in the same manner as the storage unit 19.

  The imaging apparatus 1 configured as described above has a function of appropriately controlling the measurement method and performing shooting suitable for the shooting scene. The imaging device 1 has a function that can appropriately determine whether or not the measurement range needs to be changed when focus adjustment or exposure adjustment in spot measurement described later is appropriate. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 1 can appropriately determine whether the shift to the changeable state of the measurement range is performed manually or automatically when the focus adjustment or exposure adjustment in spot measurement is an appropriate shooting scene. Have

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for executing the shooting process for each shooting scene among the functional configurations of the imaging apparatus 1.
The shooting process for each shooting scene refers to a process until shooting is performed by changing a measurement method of focus measurement and exposure measurement (photometry) according to a selected shooting scene.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the shooting process for each shooting scene, the CPU 11 functions as a shooting processing unit 51, a display control unit 52, a state transition determination processing unit 53, and a measurement range position change processing unit 54.

  Also, a shooting information storage unit 71 and an image storage unit 72 are set in one area of the storage unit 19.

  In the photographing information storage unit 71, as information necessary for photographing for each photographing scene, a photographing setting table, a threshold value of an AE luminance value for estimating whether or not a moon is captured, and measurement of spot measurement at the time of interval photographing Information on the range and measurement position, and information such as the measured AF value and AE value are stored.

Here, the photographing setting table will be described.
FIG. 3 is a shooting setting table stored in the shooting information storage unit 71.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the shooting setting table is a setting table for performing shooting settings in which shooting scenes are associated with measurement methods and transition methods for each shooting scene.

  In this embodiment, “standard”, “landscape”, “flower”, and “moon” shooting scenes are provided. “Shooting Scene: Standard” is a normal shooting scene, “Shooting Scene: Landscape” is a shooting scene when shooting a landscape, and “Shooting Scene: Flower” is a shooting scene when shooting a flower. “Shooting scene: moon” is a shooting scene when shooting the moon.

  In the shooting scene, the shooting method is divided into “single shot” and “interval shooting” in which a predetermined number of shots are taken at a predetermined interval.

  The measurement method defines a focus measurement method for AF and a photometry (exposure measurement) method for AE. In this embodiment, the “center emphasis” for measuring the vicinity of the center, the whole It is divided into “average” for measuring on average and “spot” for measuring a specific area.

  The transfer method is a spot measurement method in which the measurement range and measurement position are changed manually (hereinafter referred to as “measurement range position change screen”) (“transition method: manual”) or automatically. ("Migration method: Automatic").

  In the shooting setting table, specifically, in “shooting scene: standard”, both “single shot / interval shooting” are “measurement method: center emphasis”. In “shooting scene: landscape”, both “single shot / interval shooting” are “measurement method: average”. In “shooting scene: flower”, both “single shot / interval shooting” are “measurement method: spot” and “transition method: manual”. In “shooting scene: month”, both “single shot / interval shooting” are “measurement method: spot” and “transition method: automatic”.

  The reason why “shooting scene: flower” is set to “transition method: manual” is because it is difficult to automatically detect the flower, and it is preferable to have the user determine the position of the flower.

  “Scene: Moon” is set to “Measuring method: Spot” because the focus cannot be fixed at infinity due to the specifications of the equipment, etc., and it must be set by AF. This is because it is difficult to discriminate the moon when there is a subject brighter than the moon (for example, a streetlight), and the range needs to be limited to the moon. As for AE, if the exposure is adjusted to the black part as judged from the whole, the surface of the moon is crushed and the moon pattern does not appear, so it is necessary to limit the range to the moon.

Here, the transition of the display screen in the spot measurement with the transition method will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing transition of a display screen related to spot measurement displayed on the output unit 18.
In this example, the case of “shooting scene: month” (“measurement method: spot”, “transition method: automatic”) will be described.

  First, on the live view screen on which the output unit 18 displays captured image data sequentially output from the imaging unit 16, the current measurement range and measurement position are displayed in a superimposed manner on the live view screen. In the example of FIG. 4A, the month H is located at the lower left of the screen, and the measurement position is at the center as indicated by the current measurement area R1 (hereinafter also referred to as “measurement area R1”) at the center. Thus, the measurement range is one area. In the present embodiment, all selectable areas are composed of a total of 25 areas of 5 × 5. Further, although the measurement area R1 is one in this embodiment, a plurality of areas can be selected.

  In such a state, the measurement is performed in the measurement area R1 to capture the month H. When the month H cannot be captured, the screen is automatically shifted to the measurement range position change screen. That is, the screen shifts from the live view screen of FIG. 4A to the measurement range position change screen of FIG.

In the measurement range position change screen shown in FIG. 4B, an area R2 that can be selected as a measurement prediction area (hereinafter, “selectable area R2”) is displayed together with the current measurement area R1.
On the measurement range position change screen, use the cross keys [<(left)] [> (right)] [∧ (up)] [∨ (down)] to select a predetermined area of the selectable area R2 as the measurement area. R1 can be selected, and the [SET] key completes the selection, that is, confirms the selected measurement area R1.

  In the example of FIG. 4B, the cross key is operated to select the selectable area R2 at the position of the month H at the lower left of the screen as the measurement area R1 from the center measurement area R1, and the [SET] key. To confirm. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the measurement area R1 including the month H within the range is displayed.

  Thereafter, further, a predetermined operation (in this embodiment, an operation on the release button) is performed, so that photographing is started.

Note that “shooting scene: month” is configured to manually shift to the measurement range position change screen when “shooting scene: flower” is different from “manual”.
Specifically, in the case of “shooting scene: flower”, the measurement range position is manually set by performing a predetermined operation (in this embodiment, the operation of the cross key [<]) from the live view screen. Move to the change screen. Thereafter, as in the case of “shooting scene: month”, the operation is performed, and the measurement range and the measurement position can be changed.
In the case of “shooting scene: flower”, the same operation is performed for the transition from the live view screen to the measurement range position change screen and the change of the measurement range and measurement position (in this embodiment, the cross key). Can be done.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the image storage unit 72 stores the captured image acquired by the imaging process. In the present embodiment, the image storage unit 72 stores a photographed image photographed by interval photographing and a photographed image photographed by one photographing by photographing processing.

The shooting processing unit 51 performs shooting processing according to the shooting scene in interval shooting or single shooting.
The “imaging process” is a process from measuring the AF value and the AE value within the set measurement range and measurement position and performing imaging with the measured AF value and AE value. Further, in the shooting process, in the case of interval shooting, the AF value and AE value measured for the first time are maintained, and the subsequent shooting is performed.
Specifically, the imaging processing unit 51 performs imaging by performing AF and AE by controlling the imaging unit 16 within the measurement range at the set position. Further, in the case of interval shooting, the shooting processing unit 51 controls the imaging unit 16 to perform subsequent shooting with the first AF value and AE value.

  In addition, the photographing processing unit 51 detects various operations such as an operation for selecting a photographing scene with respect to the input unit 17, a release operation, and a photographing end operation.

The display control unit 52 controls display output in the output unit 18. Specifically, the display control unit 52 controls the output unit 18 so as to display and output a live view screen and a measurement range position change screen as shown in FIGS.
Specifically, the display control unit 52 shifts to the live view screen, arranges the measurement range at a position (for example, the previous position or the center position) stored in the shooting information storage unit 71, or shifts to the live view screen. The output unit 18 is controlled so as to determine necessity or to switch the screen from the live view screen shown in FIG. 4A to the measurement range position change screen shown in FIG.

The state transition determination processing unit 53 executes state transition determination processing.
The “state transition determination process” is a process from estimating the presence / absence of capturing a month and determining whether or not it is necessary to shift from the live view screen to the state transition screen.
Specifically, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines the transition method and the like based on the imaging setting table reference result. Further, the state transition determination processing unit 53 detects an operation of the cross key [<] on the input unit 17. Further, the state transition determination processing unit 53 controls the imaging unit 16 to perform AF and AE at the current measurement range position. As a result, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines the acquired AF value and AE value to determine whether or not a month is captured. More specifically, whether or not the moon is captured is determined by whether AF is not determined or is less than a predetermined threshold value (a value that is assumed to be black).

The measurement range position change processing unit 54 performs measurement range position change processing.
“Measurement range position change processing” means that a subject is detected within the set measurement range and measurement position, and if the subject cannot be detected, the process until the measurement range and measurement position are changed by user operation. It is.
Specifically, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 detects a subject using a known image analysis technique. The measurement range position change processing unit 54 detects various operations such as an operation of a cross key for moving the measurement range with respect to the input unit 17 and a [SET] operation. In addition, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 changes and updates the measurement range position to the determined measurement range position.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the shooting process for each shooting scene executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 having the functional configuration of FIG.
The shooting process for each shooting scene is started by an operation for starting the shooting process for each shooting scene to the input unit 17 by the user.

  In step S11, the photographing processing unit 51 selects a photographing scene. That is, the photographing processing unit 51 detects an operation for selecting a photographing scene with respect to the input unit 17. As a result, a shooting scene is selected.

  In step S12, the photographing processing unit 51 refers to the photographing setting table based on the selected photographing scene. Specifically, the shooting processing unit 51 refers to the shooting setting table shown in FIG. 3 and, for example, when [shooting scene: month / interval shooting], [measurement method: spot] / [migration method] : Automatic] parameter is referred to.

In step S13, the imaging processing unit 51 determines whether or not spot measurement is being performed. Specifically, the imaging processing unit 51 determines whether or not “measurement method: spot” in the imaging setting table illustrated in FIG. 3.
In the case of spot measurement, YES is determined in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S15. The processing after step S15 will be described later.
If not spot measurement, NO is determined in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S <b> 14, the shooting processing unit 51 executes processing according to other shooting scenes. Specifically, for example, in the case of [shooting scene: standard / single shot] other than [measurement method: spot], the shooting processing unit 51 performs the shooting process with [measurement method: center weight]. The process is terminated.

  In step S15, the display control unit 52 shifts to the live view screen and outputs the measurement range at a position (for example, the previous position or the center position of the screen) stored in the shooting information storage unit 71. 18 is controlled.

In step S16, the state transition determination processing unit 53 executes a state transition determination process.
As a result, a determination result as to whether or not the state transition should be shifted is output. The detailed flow of the state transition determination process will be described later.

In step S <b> 17, the display control unit 52 determines whether or not it is necessary to shift to the measurement range position change screen. That is, the display control unit 52 determines the result of the state transition determination process.
If it is not determined that the shift to the measurement range position change screen is necessary, it is determined as NO in Step S17, and the process proceeds to Step S20. The processing after step S20 will be described later.
If it is determined that it is necessary to shift to the measurement range position change screen, YES is determined in step S17, and the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the display control unit 52 shifts to the measurement range position change screen. Specifically, the display control unit 52 switches the screen from the live view screen illustrated in FIG. 4A to the measurement range position change screen illustrated in FIG.

  In step S19, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 executes measurement range position change processing. As a result, a measurement range and a measurement position are set. The detailed flow of the measurement range position changing process will be described later.

  In step S20, the imaging processing unit 51 detects a release operation. That is, the imaging processing unit 51 detects an operation for starting the imaging process on the input unit 17.

  In step S21, the photographing processing unit 51 executes a photographing process. As a result, a captured image is acquired and stored in the image storage unit 72. The detailed flow of the photographing process will be described later.

In step S22, the imaging processing unit 51 detects an imaging end operation. That is, the photographing processing unit 51 detects an operation for ending photographing with respect to the input unit 17.
Thereafter, the shooting process for each shooting scene ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the state transition determination process in the shooting process for each shooting scene.

In step S41, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines whether or not the transition method is manual. Specifically, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines whether or not “transition method: manual” is set in the shooting setting table shown in FIG.
If the transition method is not manual, NO is determined in step S41, and the process proceeds to step S43. The processing after step S43 will be described later.
If the transfer method is manual, YES is determined in step S41, and the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines whether or not a [<] operation is detected. That is, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines whether or not the operation of the cross key [<] is detected for the input unit 17.
If an [<] operation is detected, YES is determined in step S42, and the process proceeds to step S47. The processing after step S47 will be described later.
[<] If the operation is not detected, NO is determined in step S42, and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S43, the state transition determination processing unit 53 performs AF and AE at the current measurement range position. The state transition determination processing unit 53 controls the imaging unit 16 to perform AF and AE at the current measurement range position.

In step S44, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines whether AF is indefinite or the AE result is less than a predetermined luminance value. In other words, the state transition determination processing unit 53 is in a state where the focus is not determined as a result of AF (a state where the in-focus state is not achieved) or a state where the AE value is below the threshold luminance value (a state where the image is completely dark). Determine whether or not.
If AF is indefinite or the AE result is less than the predetermined luminance value, YES is determined in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the state transition determination processing unit 53 estimates that the month has not been captured. That is, the state transition determination processing unit 53 estimates that the moon is not captured because it is not in focus or dark.

  On the other hand, if AF is indefinite or the AE result is not less than the predetermined luminance value, NO is determined in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines that the transition to the measurement range position change screen is unnecessary. That is, since the state transition determination processing unit 53 is [transition method: manual] and [<] operation is not detected, or [transition method: automatic], it is in focus and not dark. Then, it is estimated that the moon is captured, and it is determined that the transition to the measurement range position change screen is unnecessary.

In step S47, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines that transition to the measurement range position change screen is necessary. That is, the state transition determination processing unit 53 is [transition method: manual] and [<] operation is detected, or [transition method: automatic], and it is estimated that the month is not captured. Then, it is determined that the transition to the measurement range position change screen is necessary.
Thereafter, the process returns to the shooting process for each shooting scene.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the measurement range position changing process in the shooting process for each shooting scene.

In step S61, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 determines whether or not the setting is to perform automatic detection.
If it is not set to perform automatic detection, NO is determined in step S61, and the process proceeds to step S64. The processing after step S64 will be described later.
If it is set to perform automatic detection, YES is determined in step S61, and the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S62, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 detects the target subject. That is, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 detects a target subject using known image analysis.

In step S63, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 determines whether or not the subject has been detected.
If the subject has been detected, YES is determined in step S63, and the process returns to the shooting process for each shooting scene.
If the subject cannot be detected, NO is determined in step S63, and the process proceeds to step S64.

In step S64, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 determines whether or not a cross key operation has been detected. That is, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 determines whether an operation of the cross key for moving the measurement range with respect to the input unit 17 is detected.
If the cross key operation is not detected, NO is determined in step S64, and the process proceeds to step S66. The processing after step S66 will be described later.
If a cross key operation is detected, YES is determined in step S64, and the process proceeds to step S65.

  In step S65, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 moves the measurement range based on the operation result of the cross key. Specifically, on the measurement range position change screen shown in FIG. 4B, the measurement area R1 is moved to the selection scheduled area R2 to which the month H belongs.

In step S66, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 determines whether or not a [SET] operation is detected. That is, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 detects the operation of the [SET] key on the input unit 17.
If the [SET] operation is not detected, NO is determined in step S66, and the process returns to step S64.
If a [SET] operation is detected, YES is determined in step S66, and the process proceeds to step S67.

  In step S67, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 determines the measurement range position based on the operation of the [SET] key.

In step S68, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 updates the stored measurement range position. That is, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 changes and updates the measurement range position stored in the imaging information storage unit 71 to the determined measurement range position.
Thereafter, the process returns to the shooting process for each shooting scene.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the shooting process in the shooting process for each shooting scene.

  In step S81, the imaging processing unit 51 performs AF and AE within the measurement range of the current position. Specifically, the imaging processing unit 51 performs AF and AE within the measurement range of the position in FIG. 4C, and as a result, the imaging processing unit 51 calculates the AF value and AE value within the measurement range of the current position. get.

  In step S <b> 82, the imaging processing unit 51 executes imaging processing with the AF value and AE value measured by controlling the imaging unit 16. Thereafter, the imaging processing unit 51 stores the acquired captured image in the image storage unit 72.

In step S83, the imaging processing unit 51 determines whether or not the interval imaging is performed. In other words, the shooting processing unit 51 determines whether or not the interval shooting is performed from [shooting scene] in the referenced shooting setting table.
If it is not interval shooting, NO is determined in step S83, and the process returns to the shooting process for each shooting scene.
If it is interval shooting, YES is determined in step S83, and the process proceeds to step S84.

  In step S84, the imaging processing unit 51 stores the measurement AF and AE values as initial values. The imaging processing unit 51 stores the measurement AF and AE values used for imaging in the imaging information storage unit 71 as initial values for subsequent interval imaging.

In step S85, the imaging processing unit 51 determines whether or not the set imaging interval has elapsed.
If the set shooting interval has elapsed, YES is determined in step S85, and the process proceeds to step S86.
If the set shooting interval has not elapsed, NO is determined in step S85, and the process returns to step S85.

  In step S <b> 86, the imaging processing unit 51 executes imaging processing with the initial AF and AE values stored in the imaging information storage unit 71. Thereafter, the imaging processing unit 51 stores the acquired captured image in the image storage unit 72.

In step S87, the photographing processing unit 51 determines whether or not the set number of photographing has been photographed.
If the set number of shots has not been taken, NO is determined in step S87, and the process returns to step S85.
If the set number of shots has been shot, YES is determined in step S87, and the process returns to the shooting process for each shooting scene.
Therefore, the imaging apparatus 1 can shoot the moon without difficult settings by combining a UI (selection of a shooting scene and selection of a focus position) that allows easy selection of appropriate settings.

The imaging apparatus 1 configured as described above includes an imaging processing unit 51, a state transition determination processing unit 53, and a display control unit 52.
The imaging processing unit 51 specifies a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment.
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement for measuring within a limited measurement range in the captured image, the state transition determination processing unit 53 determines whether the live view image is in accordance with whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to shift from the state of displaying the state to the state in which the limited measurement range can be changed.
When it is determined that a shift is necessary, the display control unit 52 performs a process of shifting to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, when the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment in the spot measurement is appropriate, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the measurement range needs to be changed. Therefore, in the imaging device 1, it is possible to appropriately control the measurement method and perform shooting suitable for the shooting scene.

The imaging apparatus 1 further includes a measurement range position change processing unit 54 that changes the measurement range in a state where the measurement range can be changed.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, the measurement range can be changed.

In the imaging device 1, the limited measurement range is arranged at a predetermined initial position in a state where the live view image is displayed.
The measurement range position change processing unit 54 changes the limited measurement range arranged at the initial position.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, the measurement range can be changed from the initial position.

In the imaging apparatus 1, the predetermined condition is whether or not an operation member common to the operation member that changes the measurement range in a state where the measurement range can be changed is operated.
The state transition determination processing unit 53 determines that a transition is necessary when an operation with the same operator as that of the operator is performed.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, for example, a transition operation from the display state of the live view image to the changeable state of the measurement range is performed by an operation with the same operation member as the measurement range change operation member (cross key). Can do.

In addition, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 performs automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment by the specified measurement method in a state where the live view image is displayed.
Further, in the imaging apparatus 1, the predetermined condition is whether or not it is estimated that the measurement range does not capture the predetermined imaging target from the adjusted automatic focus adjustment result or the automatic exposure adjustment result.
The state transition determination processing unit 53 determines that the transition is necessary when it is estimated that the measurement range does not capture the predetermined imaging target.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, when it is estimated that the measurement range does not capture the predetermined imaging target, it is appropriately determined whether or not the measurement range needs to be changed in order to determine that the shift is necessary. can do.

Further, in the imaging apparatus 1, the predetermined photographing target is an object having a high luminance value at night.
The state transition determination processing unit 53 captures a predetermined imaging target when it is determined that the result of automatic focus adjustment in the measurement range is indefinite or the result of automatic exposure adjustment is less than a predetermined luminance value. It is assumed that there is no migration, and it is determined that there is no migration.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, it is possible.

The measurement range position change processing unit 54 detects a predetermined imaging target in a state where the measurement range can be changed.
Further, the measurement range position change processing unit 54 changes the measurement range to the detected position.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, the measurement range can be automatically changed.

The imaging apparatus 1 further includes a shooting information storage unit 71 in which a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target and a measurement method are stored in association with each other.
When the shooting scene is specified, the shooting processing unit 51 specifies the stored measurement method according to the specified shooting scene.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, a measurement method can be set in advance for each shooting scene.

In addition, the shooting information storage unit 71 stores the position of the measurement range at the time of shooting.
The initial position of the measurement range at the next shooting is set as a position stored in the shooting information storage unit 71.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, the tendency of the past imaging | photography can be utilized.

In addition, the imaging apparatus 1 includes an imaging processing unit 51, a state transition determination processing unit 53, and a display control unit 52.
The shooting processing unit 51 identifies a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target.
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement in which measurement is performed with respect to a limited measurement range in the captured image, the state transition determination processing unit 53 starts displaying the live view image. Then, it is determined whether to shift manually or automatically to the state in which the limited measurement range can be changed according to the specified shooting scene.
The display control unit 52 performs a process of shifting to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed according to the determination result.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, when the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment in the spot measurement is an appropriate shooting scene, it is appropriately determined whether the shift to the changeable state of the measurement range is performed manually or automatically. it can.

The imaging apparatus 1 further includes a shooting information storage unit 71 in which shooting scenes, measurement methods, and transition methods are stored in advance in association with each other.
The state transition determination processing unit 53 determines the stored transition method according to the shooting scene specified by the shooting processing unit 51.
Thereby, in the imaging device 1, it is possible to set a transition method for each shooting scene in advance.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, The deformation | transformation in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention, improvement, etc. are included in this invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the cross key [<(left)] key is used as an operation key for shifting from the live view screen to the measurement range position change screen, and the cross key [<(left)] [> (right)]. Although the [∧ (up)] [∨ (down)] key is configured as an operation key for changing the measurement range position, the present invention is not limited to this. Use the [<(Left)] [> (Right)] [∧ (Up)] and [∨ (Down)] keys to move to the measurement range position change screen, or at least from the Live View screen. The operation element for shifting to the range position change screen and the input means for changing the measurement range position may be the same type of operation element (for example, operation keys).

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation key for changing the measurement range position is configured by a physical key such as a cross key, but may be configured by a software key by mounting a touch panel.

  In the above-described embodiment, the measurement range position is set automatically. However, it may be configured to automatically perform the photographing operation after the measurement range position is set.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is configured to automatically determine whether or not the moon is located in the measurement area. However, the measurement area is manually reset and the measurement area is manually reset. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user selects the shooting scene. However, the shooting scene may be automatically determined by analyzing the live view image using a known technique. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the position of the measurement range may not be stored, and may be configured to be a predetermined initial position such as the center of the live view screen each time.

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied has been described using a digital camera as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto.
For example, the present invention can be applied to general electronic devices having a shooting processing function for each shooting scene. Specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, a printer, a television receiver, a video camera, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable game machine, and the like.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software.
In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 2 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the imaging apparatus 1 has a function capable of executing the above-described series of processing as a whole, and what functional blocks are used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example of FIG.
In addition, one functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

  The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by the removable medium 31 of FIG. 1 distributed separately from the apparatus main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. The recording medium etc. provided in The removable medium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The optical disc is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc (Blu-ray Disc), and the like. The magneto-optical disk is configured by an MD (Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the recording medium provided to the user in a state of being preliminarily incorporated in the apparatus main body includes, for example, the ROM 12 in FIG. 1 in which a program is recorded, the hard disk included in the storage unit 19 in FIG.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series along the order, but is not necessarily performed in time series, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an illustration and does not limit the technical scope of this invention. The present invention can take other various embodiments, and various modifications such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification and the like, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application will be appended.
[Appendix 1]
A measurement method specifying means for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement in which measurement is performed with respect to a limited measurement range in the photographed image, the live view image is displayed depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. Determining means for determining whether or not it is necessary to shift to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed;
A state transition means for performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that the transition is necessary;
An imaging apparatus comprising:
[Appendix 2]
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, further comprising changing means for changing the measurement range in a state where the measurement range can be changed.
[Appendix 3]
In the state where the live view image is displayed, the limited measurement range is arranged at a predetermined initial position,
The changing means changes the limited measurement range arranged at the initial position.
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein
[Appendix 4]
The predetermined condition is whether or not an operation element common to the operation element used in the changing unit is operated,
The determination means determines that a transition is necessary when an operation of the same operator as the operator is performed.
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 2 or 3, characterized by the above.
[Appendix 5]
In a state where a live view image is displayed, the image processing apparatus further includes an adjustment unit that performs automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment according to the specified measurement method.
The predetermined condition is whether or not it is estimated from the adjusted result of the automatic focus adjustment or the result of the automatic exposure adjustment that the measurement range does not capture a predetermined photographing target,
The determination means determines that a transition is necessary when it is estimated that the measurement range does not capture the predetermined imaging target;
The imaging apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein:
[Appendix 6]
The predetermined photographing object is an object having a high luminance value at night,
The determination unit captures the predetermined photographing target when it is determined that the result of the automatic focus adjustment in the measurement range is indefinite or the result of the automatic exposure adjustment is less than a predetermined luminance value. Guess that it ’s not, determine that a migration is necessary,
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 5, which is characterized in that.
[Appendix 7]
In a state in which the measurement range can be changed, the apparatus further comprises detection means for detecting the predetermined photographing object,
The adjusting means changes the measurement range to the position detected by the detecting means;
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 5 or 6, characterized by the above.
[Appendix 8]
Further provided is a measurement method storage means in which a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target and the measurement method are stored in association with each other.
The measurement method specifying means specifies the stored measurement method according to the specified shooting scene when the shooting scene is specified,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 7, wherein:
[Appendix 9]
It further comprises position storage means for storing the position of the measurement range at the time of shooting execution,
The initial position of the measurement range at the next shooting is the position stored in the position storage means,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 10]
A shooting scene specifying means for specifying a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target;
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, the limited measurement range is changed from the live view image displayed. According to the specified shooting scene, a determination unit that determines whether to shift manually or automatically, to a state that enables
In accordance with the determination result by the determination unit, a state transition unit that performs a process of shifting to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed;
An imaging apparatus comprising:
[Appendix 11]
A transition method storage means in which the shooting scene, the measurement method, and the transition method are associated and stored in advance;
The determining means determines a stored transition method according to the shooting scene specified by the shooting scene specifying means.
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 10, characterized by comprising:
[Appendix 12]
An imaging method executed by an imaging device,
A measurement method specifying step for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, from the state where the live view image is displayed, A determination step for determining whether or not a transition to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed is necessary;
A state transition step for performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that transition is necessary; and
An imaging method comprising:
[Appendix 13]
A computer that controls the imaging device;
A measurement method specifying function for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, from the state where the live view image is displayed, A discriminating function for discriminating whether or not it is necessary to shift to a state where the limited measurement range can be changed;
A state transition function for performing processing for transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that transition is necessary;
A program characterized by having executed.
[Appendix 14]
An imaging method executed by an imaging device,
A shooting scene specifying step for specifying a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target;
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, the limited measurement range is changed from the live view image displayed. A determination step for determining a transition method of whether to shift manually or automatically according to the specified shooting scene,
A state transition step of performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed according to the determination result of the determination step;
An imaging method comprising:
[Appendix 15]
A computer that controls the imaging device;
A shooting scene specifying function for specifying a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target;
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, the limited measurement range is changed from the live view image displayed. A determination function for determining whether to shift manually or automatically according to the specified shooting scene, to a state to enable,
According to the determination result by the determination function, a state transition function for performing a process of shifting to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed,
A program characterized by having executed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... Input-output interface, 16 ... Imaging part, 17 ... Input unit, 18 ... output unit, 19 ... storage unit, 20 ... communication unit, 21 ... drive, 31 ... removable media, 51 ... shooting processing unit, 52 ... display Control unit, 53... State transition determination processing unit, 54... Measurement range position change processing unit, 71.

Claims (15)

A measurement method specifying means for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement in which measurement is performed with respect to a limited measurement range in the captured image, the live view image is displayed depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. Determining means for determining whether or not it is necessary to shift to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed;
A state transition means for performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that the transition is necessary;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising changing means for changing the measurement range in a state in which the measurement range can be changed. In the state where the live view image is displayed, the limited measurement range is arranged at a predetermined initial position,
The changing means changes the limited measurement range arranged at the initial position.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The predetermined condition is whether or not an operation element common to the operation element used in the changing unit is operated,
The determination means determines that a transition is necessary when an operation of the same operator as the operator is performed.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein In a state where a live view image is displayed, the image processing apparatus further includes an adjustment unit that performs automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment according to the specified measurement method.
The predetermined condition is whether or not it is estimated from the adjusted result of the automatic focus adjustment or the result of the automatic exposure adjustment that the measurement range does not capture a predetermined photographing target,
The determination means determines that a transition is necessary when it is estimated that the measurement range does not capture the predetermined imaging target;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. The predetermined photographing object is an object having a high luminance value at night,
The determination unit captures the predetermined photographing target when it is determined that the result of the automatic focus adjustment in the measurement range is indefinite or the result of the automatic exposure adjustment is less than a predetermined luminance value. Guess that it ’s not, determine that a migration is necessary,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5. In a state in which the measurement range can be changed, the apparatus further comprises detection means for detecting the predetermined photographing object,
The adjusting means changes the measurement range to the position detected by the detecting means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5 or 6. Further provided is a measurement method storage means in which a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target and the measurement method are stored in association with each other.
The measurement method specifying means specifies the stored measurement method according to the specified shooting scene when the shooting scene is specified,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. It further comprises position storage means for storing the position of the measurement range at the time of shooting execution,
The initial position of the measurement range at the next shooting is the position stored in the position storage means,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. A shooting scene specifying means for specifying a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target;
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, the limited measurement range is changed from the live view image displayed. According to the specified shooting scene, a determination unit that determines whether to shift manually or automatically, to a state that enables
In accordance with the determination result by the determination unit, a state transition unit that performs a process of shifting to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A transition method storage means in which the shooting scene, the measurement method, and the transition method are associated and stored in advance;
The determining means determines a stored transition method according to the shooting scene specified by the shooting scene specifying means.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: An imaging method executed by an imaging device,
A measurement method specifying step for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement in which measurement is performed with respect to a limited measurement range in the captured image, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, from the state where the live view image is displayed, A determination step for determining whether or not a transition to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed is necessary;
A state transition step for performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that transition is necessary; and
An imaging method comprising: A computer that controls the imaging device;
A measurement method specifying function for specifying a measurement method for automatic focus adjustment or automatic exposure adjustment;
When the specified measurement method is spot measurement in which measurement is performed with respect to a limited measurement range in the captured image, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, from the state where the live view image is displayed, A discriminating function for discriminating whether or not it is necessary to shift to a state where the limited measurement range can be changed;
A state transition function for performing processing for transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed when it is determined that transition is necessary;
A program characterized by having executed. An imaging method executed by an imaging device,
A shooting scene specifying step for specifying a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target;
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, the limited measurement range is changed from the live view image displayed. A determination step for determining a transition method of whether to shift manually or automatically according to the specified shooting scene,
A state transition step of performing a process of transitioning to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed according to the determination result of the determination step;
An imaging method comprising: A computer that controls the imaging device;
A shooting scene specifying function for specifying a shooting scene in which appropriate shooting conditions are set for a predetermined shooting target;
When the measurement method for focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is spot measurement that performs measurement over a limited measurement range in the captured image, the limited measurement range is changed from the live view image displayed. A determination function for determining whether to shift manually or automatically according to the specified shooting scene, to a state to enable,
According to the determination result by the determination function, a state transition function for performing a process of shifting to a state in which the limited measurement range can be changed,
A program characterized by having executed.

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