JP2016186518A - Imaging apparatus, focus control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of properly controlling the operation to adjust the focus while an interval imaging function is activated.SOLUTION: When a user makes a predetermined operation on an operation part 4 to give an instruction to execute a focus adjustment in a state that a focus position which has been adjusted manually or automatically is being set as a focus position to be used during an interval imaging period, a control unit 1 controls to reset a preset focus position to a new focus position while the interval imaging is carried out by the imaging unit 7 according to the instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, an focus control method, and a program that have an interval imaging function for repeatedly executing imaging at a predetermined imaging interval.

  When performing interval shooting at a predetermined shooting interval in a shooting device such as a digital camera, it is common to perform focus adjustment by autofocus when shooting the first image, and repeat shooting at the same focus position as the first image in subsequent shooting It is the target. However, especially during a long interval shooting period, if the position or size of the focus object changes, for example, shooting a growing flower or shooting a growing crystal, the user is not aware. In some cases, an appropriate focus position is shifted. Furthermore, since the mechanism portion may be adversely affected by environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, it may not be possible to cope with the situation only by maintaining a fixed focus position.

  Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known a technique that can cope with a change in the position and size of a focus target object by performing focus adjustment by autofocus for each shooting during an interval shooting period. It has been.

JP 2006-5600 A

  However, in the technique of the above-mentioned patent document, even if it is possible to follow the change in the position and size of the focus object, it is possible to perform focus adjustment by autofocus for each shooting in the interval shooting function. As the shooting period becomes longer, the number of times of shooting increases, so that there is a problem that power consumption increases and battery consumption is accelerated.

  An object of the present invention is to enable appropriate control of the focus adjustment operation during the interval shooting period.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention
An imaging apparatus having an interval imaging function for repeatedly executing imaging at a predetermined imaging interval,
Focus adjusting means for adjusting the focus position manually or automatically;
A focus position setting means for setting the focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
Instructing means for instructing execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means by a predetermined user operation in a state where the focus position is set by the focus position setting means during the interval photographing period;
A focus adjustment control means for performing control to reset the focus position set by the focus position setting means to a new focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means in response to an instruction from the instruction means;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the focus adjustment operation during the interval shooting period.

The block diagram which showed the basic component of the digital camera applied as an imaging device. The figure for demonstrating on what conditions the focus adjustment is restrict | limited when execution of focus adjustment is instruct | indicated by predetermined | prescribed user operation in interval imaging | photography mode. (1) is a focus restriction table 3c, and (2) is a diagram for explaining a state notification table 3d. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera (characteristic operation of the present embodiment) that is started by pressing the shutter key fully in the interval shooting mode. The flowchart following the operation | movement of FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the initialization process (step A1 in FIG. 4) in detail. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the first image capturing process (step A2 in FIG. 4). (1) is a first restriction process (step A10 in FIG. 4), (2) is a second restriction process (step A11 in FIG. 4), and (3) is a monitor display extinguishing process (step in FIG. 4). A flow chart for explaining A12) in detail. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the monitor display lighting process (step A13 in FIG. 4) in detail. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the AF process (step A14 in FIG. 4) in detail. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the MF process (step A15 in FIG. 4).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of a digital camera applied as a photographing apparatus.
The photographing device (digital camera) is, for example, a compact digital camera or a single-lens reflex digital camera that uses a battery as a power source. In addition to still image shooting, it can also shoot moving images, and repeatedly performs shooting at predetermined shooting intervals Interval shooting function, manual focus (MF) function to move the focus lens (focusing lens) to adjust the focus position and manually adjust its position (focus position), and auto focus (AF) to automatically adjust the focus position ) Functions are provided.

  The control unit 1 operates by supplying power from the power source unit (secondary battery) 2 and has a central processing unit, a memory, and the like that control the overall operation of the digital camera according to various programs in the storage unit 3. doing. The storage unit 3 includes, for example, a ROM, a flash memory, and the like, and stores a program and various applications for realizing the present embodiment in accordance with an operation procedure illustrated in FIGS. Program memory 3a, work memory 3b for temporarily storing various information necessary for the camera to operate (for example, shooting conditions, timers, flags, etc.), focus restriction table 3c and status notification table to be described later 3d etc. The storage unit 3 may be configured to include a removable portable memory (recording medium) such as an SD card, for example. Although not shown, the storage unit 3 is connected to a network via a communication function. It may include a storage area on a predetermined server device side.

  An operation unit 4, a display unit 5, a notification unit 6, an imaging unit 7, and the like are connected to the control unit 1 as input / output devices, and the control unit 1 controls the input / output operations thereof. Although not shown, the operation unit 4 is an input operation unit having various keys. In other words, the operation mode (shooting mode) in which shooting can be performed and the operation mode (playback mode) for reproducing captured images (saved images) are switched, and the shooting mode is switched to the interval shooting mode in which the interval shooting function is activated. In addition to a mode change key and a shutter key (two-stage key that can be fully pressed / half-pressed) to start shooting, a “SET” key located at the center of the multi-controller, and its surroundings And a setting key for setting various shooting parameters such as a shutter speed, an aperture, a zoom magnification, and a shooting interval during interval shooting. The control unit 1 executes, for example, a mode change process, a shooting control process, a shooting parameter setting process, and the like as a process according to the input operation signal from the operation unit 4.

  The display unit 5 is a high-definition liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, has a backlight (not shown), and becomes a monitor screen (live view screen) that displays a captured image (live view image). Or a playback screen for playing back captured images. The notification unit 6 has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that notifies various states, and will be described later. In the interval shooting mode, the notification unit 6 reports a state in which automatic adjustment by AF or manual adjustment by MF is limited. In order to do this, the emission color of the LED is changed.

  The imaging unit 7 constitutes a camera unit capable of photographing a subject with high definition. The lens unit 7A includes a zoom lens 7B, a focus lens (focusing lens) 7C, an aperture / shutter 7D, and an image sensor (CCD or CCD). When a subject image from an optical lens system such as a zoom lens 7B and a focus lens 7C is formed on the image sensor 7E, a photoelectrically converted image signal (analog value signal) is read. Is converted into digital value data and displayed on the display unit 5 in real time as a live view image.

  The imaging unit 7 drives the zoom lens 7B, the focus lens 7C, and the aperture / shutter 7D according to a control signal from the control unit 1, thereby performing zoom adjustment, contrast AF adjustment (AF processing), and automatic exposure adjustment (AE processing). ), White balance adjustment (AWB processing), and shooting start / end are controlled. Further, MF processing is performed according to a control signal from the control unit 1 corresponding to focus adjustment performed by a user operation. An image photographed in response to a full press of the shutter key (full shutter operation) is recorded and saved in an SD card or the like of the storage unit 3 after being subjected to various image processing. As the AF process, a contrast value peak value is calculated based on a frequency band component extracted from a captured image signal, and a contrast detection method using the peak position as a focal position is employed. An AF process such as a phase difference detection method may be employed. Whether or not the MF process and the AF process are executed is appropriately limited by a control signal from the control unit 1.

  In this embodiment, when the shutter key is fully pressed (full shutter operation) is performed in the interval shooting mode (when the interval shooting function is in operation), the interval shooting function is activated, and a predetermined shooting interval (for example, an interval of 5 seconds). , 120-second intervals) is repeated a plurality of times (for example, 50 times, 100 times, etc.), but the focus position is automatically adjusted by AF processing when the first picture is taken. Is set as the focus position to be used thereafter. In other words, in the interval shooting mode, the AF process is linked only to the first shooting, but the second and subsequent shootings are not linked to the AF process, and the AF process is performed during the first shooting. The focused focus position is set. Note that the above-described “shooting interval” and “shooting count” in which interval shooting is repeated are arbitrarily set in advance by a user operation.

  In this way, in the interval shooting mode, when execution of focus adjustment is instructed by a predetermined user operation in a state where the focus position focused by the AF processing at the time of shooting the first image is set, the focus position setting is performed. And automatic adjustment by AF processing is temporarily executed, or manual adjustment by MF processing is executed. That is, when a predetermined user operation is performed in the interval shooting mode, depending on the type of the operation, for example, if the shutter key is half-pressed (half-shutter operation), automatic adjustment by AF processing is temporarily performed. If “<” key or “>” key, manual adjustment by MF processing is executed.

  In this case, the focus adjustment by a predetermined user operation is not permitted at any time, but also in order to maintain a reliable interval shooting so that the focus adjustment does not overlap the shooting timing, a certain restriction is imposed and the shooting is performed. When the interval is shorter than a predetermined threshold, or when the remaining time from the time when a predetermined user operation is performed until the next shooting is shorter than the predetermined threshold, the focus adjustment by the predetermined user operation is limited. I have to. In the following description, the “shooting interval” and the “remaining time” are sometimes referred to as “time until the next shooting”.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining under what conditions the focus adjustment is restricted when execution of focus adjustment is instructed by a predetermined user operation in the interval shooting mode as described above.
In the illustrated example, in the shooting interval (for example, 120 seconds) from the N (integer greater than or equal to 1) shooting to the (N + 1) shooting, the second unit is used as a determination criterion according to the type of focus adjustment limitation. A case where a plurality of threshold values (1) and threshold values (2) described later are set is shown, and the relationship of threshold value (1) <threshold value (2) is satisfied. Limit flags “0”, “1”, “2”, which will be described later, indicate thresholds (1) and types of limit states corresponding to the threshold (2). Limit flag “0” indicates no limit, limit flag “1” “,” “2” indicates that there is a restriction, and the severity of the restriction has a relation of restriction flag “1” <“2”.

  That is, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined user operation instructing execution of focus adjustment is performed in a state where the focus position is set to the focus position in the AF processing at the time of shooting the first image, It is determined whether or not to limit the focus adjustment by comparing the remaining time from the time of the operation to the next (N + 1) -th shooting and the threshold value (1) and threshold value (2), which are determination reference times. Or whether to restrict AF or MF as a restriction target. FIG. 2 (1) shows a predetermined user operation in a state where the time until the N + 1th image is between the threshold value (1) and the threshold value (2) and the restriction flag is “1”. This shows a case where a shutter key half-press operation for instructing AF adjustment is performed. FIG. 2 (2) shows an example in which MF adjustment is instructed as a predetermined user operation in a state where the time until the (N + 1) th image is less than the threshold (1) and the restriction flag is “2”. "" Or ">" key operation is performed.

FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a focus restriction table 3c, and FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a state notification table 3d.
The focus restriction table 3c is a table that stores information indicating whether or not to permit execution of focus adjustment when the execution of focus adjustment is instructed by a predetermined user operation in the interval shooting mode. Further, information indicating whether monitor display is permitted (lighted) or restricted (lights off) is also stored. Since the time required for focus adjustment needs to drive the focus lens 7C, for example, it is longer than the time required for exposure adjustment by AE processing and hue adjustment by AWB processing, and AF adjustment and MF adjustment However, since there is a large difference, AF adjustment and MF adjustment cannot be identified. In this way, it takes a considerable amount of time to execute focus adjustment. Therefore, if the time until the next shooting is shorter than the time required for focus adjustment, shooting is performed even if execution of focus adjustment is instructed. In order to give priority to the above, the execution of the focus adjustment is restricted. In this case, since there is a large difference in required time between the AF adjustment and the MF adjustment, different types of restrictions are performed for each AF adjustment and MF adjustment.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the focus restriction table 3c has items of “type”, “threshold value”, “determination target time”, and “restriction contents”, and the contents can be arbitrarily set. ing. “Type” is an item for storing a threshold type that is a determination criterion for restriction as a type for limiting focus adjustment. In the illustrated example, “threshold (1)”, “threshold (2)”, “threshold ( 3) “” is stored. The “threshold” is an item for storing a specific numerical value (time) corresponding to “type”. In the example shown in the figure, “1 second” and “threshold (2)” correspond to “threshold (1)”. In this case, “5 seconds” is stored in correspondence with “60” and “60 seconds” is stored in correspondence with “threshold (3)”.

  “Judgment target time” is an item for storing a time to be a restriction judgment target. In the example shown in the figure, “time until next shooting” corresponds to “threshold (1)” and “threshold (2)”. “No operation time” is stored in correspondence with “threshold (3)”. “Restriction content” indicates the specific content of the restriction. The example shown in the figure corresponds to “limitation of focus adjustment by AF and MF” and “threshold value (2)” corresponding to “threshold value (1)”. In this example, “limit of monitor display (turned off)” is stored corresponding to “limit of focus adjustment by MF” and “threshold (3)”.

  The state notification table 3d is a table that stores a restriction state according to AF adjustment and MF adjustment, and a method for notifying the restriction state in an identifiable manner. As shown in FIG. Each item includes “content” and “notification content”, and the contents can be arbitrarily set. The “restriction flag” is an item for storing flags indicating a plurality of types of restriction states. As the plurality of types of restriction states, a first state in which execution of AF adjustment and MF adjustment is permitted, and execution of AF adjustment is permitted. Thus, the second state in which execution of MF adjustment is restricted and the third state in which execution of AF adjustment and MF adjustment is restricted are stored. The illustrated example shows a case where the limit flag = “0” is stored as the first state, the limit flag = “1” is stored as the second state, and the limit flag = “2” is stored as the third state.

  The “state content” is an item for storing the content of the restriction state. In the example shown in the figure, “unlimited (first state)” corresponding to the restriction flag “0”, “ In this example, “focus adjustment by MF is limited (second state)” and “focus adjustment by AF and MF (third state)” is stored corresponding to the restriction flag “2”. “Notification content” indicates the specific content of the notification. In the example shown in the figure, “None” corresponds to the restriction flag “0”, and the LED of the notification unit 6 turns green corresponding to the restriction flag “1”. In this example, “LED green light” indicating that the LED should be turned on and “LED orange light” indicating that the LED of the notification unit 6 should be lighted in orange corresponding to the restriction flag “2” are stored.

  Next, the operation concept of the digital camera in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and operations according to the program code are sequentially executed. Further, it is possible to sequentially execute the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via a transmission medium such as a network. In other words, in addition to the recording medium, an operation unique to the present embodiment can be executed using a program / data supplied externally via a transmission medium. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an outline of the operation of the characteristic part of the present embodiment in the entire operation of the camera. When the flow of FIG. 4 and FIG. Return to the main flow (not shown).

4 and 5 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the digital camera (characteristic operation of the present embodiment) that is started when the shutter key is fully pressed in the interval shooting mode. In the following description, it is assumed that the shooting interval is set to “120 seconds” and the shooting count is set to “10 times” in advance.
First, when the control unit 1 is switched to the interval shooting mode and is instructed to start interval shooting by fully pressing the shutter key, the controller 1 performs initialization processing (step A1 in FIG. 4). The process proceeds to the first image capturing process (step A2).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the initialization process (step A1 in FIG. 4) in detail. The control unit 1 refers to a preset shooting interval, and the shooting interval is longer than the threshold (2) (step B1) or longer than the threshold (1) when shorter than the threshold (2). (Step B3). Here, as shown in the focus restriction table 3c in FIG. 3 (1), the threshold (1) is “1 second” and the threshold (2) is “5 seconds”, so if the shooting interval is longer than 5 seconds. (YES in step B1), the restriction flag is set to “0” to indicate that it is in an unrestricted state (step B2).

  If the shooting interval is 5 seconds or less (NO in step B1) and longer than 1 second (YES in step B3), that is, if 5 seconds ≧ shooting interval> 1 second, execution of AF adjustment is permitted. However, the restriction flag is set to “1” to indicate that the execution of the MF adjustment is restricted (step B4). Then, in order to clearly indicate that this is the restricted state, the notification unit 6 is controlled to light the LED in green (step B5). If the shooting interval is 1 second or less (NO in step B3), the restriction flag is set to “2” to indicate that the execution of AF and MF adjustment is restricted (step B6). Then, in order to clearly show that this is the restricted state, the notification unit 6 is controlled to perform the process of lighting the LED in orange (step B7), and then the process returns to the flow of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the first image capturing process (step A2 in FIG. 4). The control unit 1 performs automatic focus position adjustment by AF processing, exposure value automatic adjustment by AE processing, and white balance automatic adjustment by AWB processing in response to an instruction to start interval shooting (step C1). In this state, after the imaging unit 7 is instructed to perform imaging and the first imaging is executed, the captured image is processed and recorded and saved (step C2). Thereafter, as a power saving measure, the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned off together with the backlight (step C3). Then, a measurement operation of a remaining time timer (not shown) for measuring the remaining time until the next shooting is started, and a non-operation time timer (not shown) for measuring a non-operation time when no keys are operated. After performing the process for starting the operation (step C4), the process returns to the flow of FIG. The remaining time timer is a subtraction timer from a preset shooting interval (here, “120 seconds”), and the no-operation time timer is an addition timer from “0”.

  When the initialization process (step A1 in FIG. 4) and the first image capturing process (step A2) are completed in this way, it is checked whether the limit flag is “0” (step A3) or the limit flag is “ 1 ″ (step A4), whether the measured value of the no-operation time timer (no-operation time) has reached the threshold (3) (step A5), or the measured value of the remaining time timer (next It is checked whether the remaining time until shooting is “0” (step A6). Further, as some key operation, it is checked whether or not the “SET” key for instructing to turn on the monitor display of the display unit 5 in the interval shooting mode is operated (step A7), or the shutter key halfway operation for instructing AF adjustment is performed. Whether the “<” key or “>” key for instructing the MF adjustment is operated (step A9).

  As a result, if “NO” is determined in each of the above-described steps A3 to A9, the process returns to the above-described step A3, and thereafter, each of the steps A3 to A9 is determined until “YES” is determined in any of the steps A3 to A9. However, if “YES” is determined in any one of Steps A3 to A9, the processes corresponding to them are executed in Steps A10, A11, A12, A13, A14, and A15, and A16 to A20. Move on.

  If the restriction flag is “0” immediately after the first image is taken (YES in step A3), that is, if the preset shooting interval is longer than 5 seconds, the above initialization is performed. Since the restriction flag is “0” in the process (step A1), the process proceeds to a first restriction process (step A10) described later. If the limit flag is “1” (YES in step A4), that is, if the shooting interval is 5 seconds or less and within the range of 5 seconds ≧ shooting interval> 1 second, initialization processing (step A1). Since the restriction flag is “1”, the process proceeds to a second restriction process (step A11) described later.

  FIG. 8A is a flowchart for explaining in detail the first restriction process (step A10 in FIG. 4). This first limiting process detects a change from the first state to the second state, that is, from the unrestricted state to the next state (a state in which focus adjustment by MF is limited), and processing according to the state change First, the control unit 1 determines whether the remaining time timer measurement value ≦ threshold value (2) is satisfied, that is, the remaining time until the next shooting is less than the required time (5 seconds) required for the MF adjustment. (Step D1).

  If the remaining time timer measurement value ≦ threshold value (2) does not hold, that is, if the remaining time until the next shooting is longer than 5 seconds (NO in step D1), it is not necessary to change the limit state 4 and returns to step A3 in FIG. 4. If the remaining time until the next shooting is 5 seconds or less (YES in step D1), the process proceeds to step D2 to change to the next state, and the restriction flag Is changed to a state of “1” (a state in which focus adjustment by MF is limited). And in order to alert | report the state of this restriction flag = "1", after performing the process (step D3) which lights LED of the alerting | reporting part 6 in green, it returns to step A3 of FIG.

  FIG. 8 (2) is a flowchart for explaining the second restriction process (step A11 in FIG. 4) in detail. The second restriction process detects a change from the second state to the third state, that is, a state in which focus adjustment by MF is restricted to a next state (state in which focus adjustment by AF and MF is restricted). The control unit 1 first determines whether the measurement value of the remaining time timer ≦ the threshold value (1) is satisfied, that is, the remaining time until the next shooting is 1 second or less. A check is made (step E1).

  If the measurement value of the remaining time timer ≦ threshold value (1) does not hold, that is, if the remaining time until the next shooting is longer than 1 second (NO in step E1), it is determined that there is no need to change the limit state. Then, the process returns to step A3 in FIG. 4. If the remaining time until the next shooting is 1 second or less (YES in step E1), the process proceeds to step E2 to change to the next state, and the restriction flag is set to “ As 2 ″, the focus adjustment by AF and MF is changed to a limited state. And in order to alert | report the state of this restriction | limiting flag = "2", LED of the alerting | reporting part 6 is lighted orange (step E3). Thereafter, the process returns to step A3 in FIG.

On the other hand, for example, when the non-operation time during which no key operation is performed becomes 1 minute after the first image is shot and the measurement value of the no-operation time timer = threshold (3) is satisfied (step in FIG. 4). YES at A5), the process proceeds to the monitor display extinguishing process (step A12).
FIG. 8 (3) is a flowchart for explaining the monitor display turn-off process (step A12 in FIG. 4) in detail. This monitor display turn-off process is a process for turning off the monitor display when the no-operation time reaches 60 seconds as a power saving measure. The control unit 1 checks whether the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned on (step F1). 4), if it is turned off (NO in step F1), the process returns to step A3 in FIG. 4, but if it is turned on (YES in step F1), the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned off together with the backlight (step F2). Then, the process returns to step A3 in FIG.

  Further, for example, when the remaining time timer measurement value = “0” is satisfied after the first image capturing is completed, and it is detected that the next image capturing timing has passed and the next image capturing timing has been reached (FIG. 4). In step A6, the process proceeds to step A16 in FIG. 5 where the exposure value is automatically adjusted by the AE process and the white balance is automatically adjusted by the AWB process. Unlike the first shooting, the focus position by the AF process is used. Are not automatically adjusted, and the focus position is automatically adjusted and set when the first picture is taken.

  Then, after instructing the image capturing unit 7 to perform image capturing and executing the second image capturing, the captured image is processed and recorded (step A17). Thereafter, the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned off together with the backlight (step A18), and it is checked whether the number of shootings has reached the set number (step A19). Since the set number of times “10” has not been reached (NO in step A19), the process proceeds to the next step A20, the measurement operation of the remaining time timer is started again, and then the process returns to step A3 in FIG.

Subsequently, if no key operation is detected (NO in steps A7 to A9), the above-described operation is repeated. Now, the “SET” key for instructing lighting of the monitor display is operated in the interval shooting mode. If so (YES in step A7), the process proceeds to monitor display lighting processing (step A13).
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the monitor display lighting process (step A13 in FIG. 4) in detail. This monitor display lighting process is a process of lighting the monitor display of the display unit 5 in response to a user operation. The control unit 1 determines whether the monitor display of the display unit 5 is turned off when the “SET” key is operated. In the examination (step G1), if it is lit (NO in step G1), the process returns to step A3 in FIG.

  If the monitor display is turned off when the “SET” key is operated (YES in step G1), the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned on together with the backlight (step G2), and the measured value of the remaining time timer is then displayed. Read and display on the monitor screen (step G3). In this case, the remaining time is displayed superimposed on the live view image displayed on the monitor screen. Since the “SET” key is now operated as some key operation, the measurement operation of the no-operation time timer is stopped and the timer value is reset (step G4). Return to Step A3.

If it is assumed that the shutter key half-press operation for instructing AF adjustment is performed in the interval shooting mode (YES in step A8 in FIG. 4), the process proceeds to AF processing (step A14).
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the AF process (step A14 in FIG. 4) in detail. The control unit 1 checks whether or not the restriction flag is “2”, that is, whether or not the focus adjustment by AF and MF is restricted as shown in the state notification table 3d in FIG. 3B (step H1). ), If the restriction flag = “2” (YES in step H1), the AF adjustment by the current halfway pressing operation of the shutter key is invalidated and the process returns to step A3 in FIG. In this case, the subsequent focus position also remains at the set position automatically adjusted at the time of shooting the first image.

  If the restriction flag is not “2”, that is, if the restriction flag is “0” or “1” (NO in step H1), the focus adjustment by the MF is limited, but the focus adjustment by the MF is restricted. Is not limited, the process proceeds to step H2, and it is checked whether the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned off. If it is turned off (YES in step H2), the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned on together with the backlight. After (Step H3), a process for adjusting the focus by AF is performed (Step H4).

  Now, for example, when the focus position automatically adjusted at the time of shooting the first image is set, if the shutter key is half-pressed and execution of focus adjustment by AF is instructed, the focus position is set. Is canceled and AF processing is executed. Then, after stopping the measurement operation of the no-operation time timer and resetting the timer value (step H5), the process returns to step A3 in FIG. In this case, the subsequent focus position is set to a new position automatically adjusted by the current AF process.

If the “<” key or the “>” key for instructing MF adjustment is operated in the interval shooting mode (YES in step A9 in FIG. 4), the process proceeds to MF processing (step A15).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the MF process (step A15 in FIG. 4) in detail. The control unit 1 determines whether the restriction flag is “1” or more when the “<” key or the “>” key is operated, that is, a state in which focus adjustment by MF is restricted, or a state in which focus adjustment by AF and MF is restricted. (Step I1), and if the limit flag ≧ “1” (YES in step I1), the MF adjustment by the present “<” key or “>” key operation is invalidated and the process proceeds to step A3 in FIG. Return. In this case, the subsequent focus position also remains at the set position automatically adjusted at the time of shooting the first image.

  If the restriction flag ≧ “1” is not operated when the “<” key or the “>” key is operated, that is, if the restriction flag = “0” (NO in step I1), the state is unrestricted, and the process proceeds to step I2. If the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned off, and if it is turned off (YES in step I2), the monitor display on the display unit 5 is turned on together with the backlight (step I3), and then the focus by the MF. Processing for adjustment is performed (step I4). For example, in the state where the focus position automatically adjusted at the time of shooting the first picture is set, if the “<” key or “>” key is operated to instruct execution of focus adjustment by MF, The focus position setting is canceled and MF processing is executed. Then, after stopping the measuring operation of the no-operation time timer and resetting the timer value (step I5), the process returns to step A3 in FIG. In this case, the subsequent focus position is set to a new position automatically adjusted by the current MF process.

  In this way, in the interval shooting mode, when a shutter key half-pressing operation for instructing AF adjustment is performed as a predetermined user operation or the “<” key or “>” key for instructing MF adjustment is operated, The setting of the focus position is canceled and readjusted to a new focus position, and is set until a new focus adjustment is performed next time. Thereafter, when the number of shootings reaches the set number by repeating the above-described operation (YES in step A19), the flow of FIGS. 4 and 5 is exited, the interval shooting is ended, and the main flow is omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 1 sets the focus position adjusted manually or automatically during the interval shooting by the imaging unit 7 as the focus position used during the interval shooting period. When execution of focus adjustment is instructed by a predetermined user operation on the operation unit 4, control is performed to reset the set focus position to a new focus position in response to the instruction. Even if the position or size of the object to be adjusted changes or is adversely affected by environmental changes such as temperature or humidity, focus can be adjusted according to the change without stopping interval shooting. It can be adjusted arbitrarily, and consumes more power than an automatic adjustment by AF for each interval shooting. Etc. can be reduced, it becomes possible to appropriately control the operation of the focus adjustment during operation of the interval shooting function.

  The control unit 1 automatically adjusts the focus position by AF during the first interval shooting by the interval shooting function (at the time of the first shooting) and then focuses on the first shooting even at the second and subsequent shots. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the focused position at the time of the first shooting, and then finely adjust the focused position as necessary. If adjustment is unnecessary, the first AF adjustment is sufficient.

  The control unit 1 permits the execution of adjustment by AF and MF based on the time until the next shooting (limit flag = “0”), permits the execution of automatic adjustment by AF, and performs the adjustment by MF. The second state (restriction flag = “1”) for restricting execution of manual adjustment, or the third state (restriction flag = “2”) for restricting execution of adjustment by AF and MF. Thus, even if there is a large difference in required time between the AF adjustment and the MF adjustment, appropriate restriction can be made according to the AF adjustment and the MF adjustment.

  When the time until the next photographing is a preset photographing interval, the control unit 1 performs the first state to the third state (restriction flag = “0” to “2”) based on the photographing interval. ) Even if the preset shooting interval prior to interval shooting is relatively short, such as 1 to 5 seconds, AF adjustment, MF Adjustment can be appropriately restricted.

  The control unit 1 compares the set shooting interval with a plurality of threshold values (1) and threshold values (2), and enters one of the first state to the third state based on the comparison result. Since the control is performed as described above, it is possible to appropriately limit the AF adjustment and the MF adjustment from the plurality of states according to the current state.

  When the time until the next shooting is the remaining time from when the predetermined user operation is performed until the next shooting is started, the control unit 1 performs the first state to the first state based on the remaining time. Since the control is performed so as to be in any one of the three states, the user can freely perform a predetermined user operation for instructing focus adjustment at any time without being aware of the next shooting timing. Can do. In other words, if there is an adverse effect on the next shooting at the time of a predetermined user operation, the focus adjustment is limited, so the user does not need to be aware of the next shooting timing, and the focus adjustment is not necessary. An instruction operation can be performed.

  The control unit 1 compares the remaining time until the start of the next shooting with a plurality of predetermined threshold values, so that one of the first state to the third state is set based on the comparison result. Since the control is performed, AF adjustment and MF adjustment can be appropriately restricted from a plurality of states according to the current state.

  Since the control unit 1 controls to change from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the third state as the time until the next shooting is shorter, until the next shooting. The shorter the time, the harder the limit.

  Since the control unit 1 notifies the second state and the third state by turning on the LED of the notification unit 6, the control unit 1 can clearly indicate the restricted state to the user. It is possible to respond accordingly.

  The predetermined threshold value includes a first threshold value (threshold value (1)) and a second threshold value (threshold value (2)) that is different from the threshold value (1). The control unit includes a first restriction state (third state) for restricting execution and a second restriction state (second state) for permitting automatic focus adjustment and restricting manual focus adjustment. 1 compares the time until the next photographing with the threshold (1) and the threshold (2), and the restriction state is the first restriction state (third state) or the second restriction state (second). Therefore, AF adjustment and MF adjustment can be appropriately limited according to the time until the next shooting.

  The threshold value (1) is shorter than the threshold value (2), and the control unit 1 determines that the first limited state (third state) when the time until the next shooting is equal to or less than the threshold value (1). On the other hand, when the threshold value (2) is longer than the threshold value (1) and less than or equal to the threshold value (2), the second restricted state (second state) is controlled. Therefore, the AF adjustment and the MF adjustment are performed. Even if there is a large difference in the required time, it is possible to appropriately limit according to AF adjustment and MF adjustment.

  Since the control unit 1 is configured to notify the second state and the third state in an identifiable manner, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user what kind of restriction is imposed.

  As a power saving measure, the control unit 1 is instructed to perform focus adjustment by a predetermined user operation even during the operation of the interval shooting function in which the display unit 5 that displays the live view image on the monitor is turned off. Since the display unit 5 is turned on, the user can immediately confirm the appearance of the live view image with the focus adjusted.

  Since the control unit 1 displays the remaining time until the next shooting is started in the state where the display unit 5 that displays the live view image on the monitor is lit, Whether or not the focus adjustment is restricted and what kind of focus adjustment is restricted can be known by displaying the remaining time.

  As a power saving measure, the control unit 1 restricts execution of focus adjustment when an instruction to perform focus adjustment is given by a predetermined user operation while the interval shooting function with the display unit 5 turned off is in operation. Since the display unit 5 is kept off, unnecessary lighting can be prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, after the focus position is automatically adjusted by AF at the first interval shooting by the interval shooting function (at the time of the first shooting), the first image is also shot at the second and subsequent shots. Although the focus position set at the time of shooting is set to the focus position, the linkage with AF at the time of interval shooting is not limited to the time of shooting the first image, for example, a period arbitrarily designated by a user operation is set to AF. It is good also as a period to interlock. Here, the interlocking period with AF is, for example, the number of times of shooting from the first shooting of the interval shooting or the shooting time, but is not limited to the case of starting from the first shooting.

  In addition, when specifying the interlocking period with AF at the time of interval shooting as described above, for example, if the subject moves at the beginning of interval shooting, the period until the movement of the subject is stabilized (still) is set to AF. May be specified as a period for which the focus position is set. In this case, the control unit 1 may set the focus position automatically adjusted by AF during the last interval shooting in the specified interlocking period. Note that the interlocking period is not limited to arbitrary designation by a user operation. For example, the interlocking period may be automatically designated by detecting a subject or a shooting environment by image analysis, sensor detection, or the like. By making it possible to specify the interlocking period with AF in this way, it is possible to adjust the focus appropriately according to changes in the subject and the shooting environment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the focus position is automatically adjusted by AF at the first interval shooting by the interval shooting function (at the time of shooting the first image), but the focus position may be adjusted by MF by user operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, both the AF function and the MF function during the interval shooting period are limited by different thresholds, but only the AF function is limited by one threshold, and the MF function is not limited. Also good. In addition, the user may be able to set whether to restrict the MF function.

  In the embodiment described above, both the AF function and the MF function during the interval shooting period are limited by different threshold values in order to ensure the shooting interval. However, the AF process is faster than the MF process. Therefore, the focus adjustment is prioritized and the AF function is not limited, and when the AF process overlaps the shooting timing, the shooting may be executed after the AF process is finished.

  In the above-described embodiment, after the focus position is automatically adjusted by AF at the first interval shooting by the interval shooting function (at the time of the first shooting), the second and subsequent shootings are performed at the time of the first shooting. The focus position is set to be in focus, but the linkage with AF at interval shooting is, for example, once every 100 shots or once every 20 minutes of the shooting interval. It's also good.

  In the embodiment described above, as a predetermined user operation, execution of automatic adjustment by AF is instructed by half-pressing the shutter key, and execution of manual adjustment by MF is instructed by operating the “<” key or the “>” key. However, it is not limited to this, the type of operation is arbitrary

  In the above-described embodiment, the remaining time is displayed while being superimposed on the live view image on the monitor screen. Further, the first state to the third state (limit flag = “0” to “2”) are displayed. ”), The display color may be changed, and the restricted state may be displayed. This further facilitates confirmation of the restricted state.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a compact digital camera or a single-lens reflex digital camera is shown as an imaging device. It may be a tablet terminal device, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, an electronic game, a music player, or the like.

  Further, the “apparatus” and “unit” shown in the above-described embodiments may be separated into a plurality of cases by function, and are not limited to a single case. In addition, each step described in the above-described flowchart is not limited to time-series processing, and a plurality of steps may be processed in parallel or separately.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the claims of the present application will be appended.
(Appendix)
(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1
An imaging apparatus having an interval imaging function for repeatedly executing imaging at a predetermined imaging interval,
Focus adjusting means for adjusting the focus position manually or automatically;
A focus position setting means for setting the focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
Instructing means for instructing execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means by a predetermined user operation in a state where the focus position is set by the focus position setting means during the interval photographing period;
A focus adjustment control means for performing control to reset the focus position set by the focus position setting means to a new focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means in response to an instruction from the instruction means;
It is characterized by providing.
(Claim 2)
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect,
The focus position setting means sets the focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means at the start of interval shooting by the interval shooting function as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 3)
The invention according to claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The focus adjustment control means is either a permission state that permits execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means, or a restricted state that restricts execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means, based on the time until the next shooting. Control to be in a state,
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 4)
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to the third aspect,
The time until the next shooting is the shooting interval set in advance,
The focus adjustment control means controls to be in either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the shooting interval.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 5)
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
The focus adjustment control means compares the shooting interval with a predetermined threshold value, and controls to be in either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the comparison result.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 6)
The invention described in claim 6 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
A first measuring unit that measures a remaining time from when the predetermined user operation is performed to when the next shooting is started;
The time until the next photographing is the remaining time measured by the first measuring means,
The focus adjustment control means controls to be in either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the remaining time measured by the first measuring means.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 7)
The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
The focus adjustment control unit compares the remaining time measured by the first measurement unit with a predetermined threshold value, and enters either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the comparison result. Control,
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 8)
The invention according to claim 8 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
The focus adjustment control unit controls to change from the permitted state to the restricted state when the time until the next shooting is shortened.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 9)
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to any one of the third to eighth aspects,
A notification means for notifying the restriction state;
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 10)
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects,
The predetermined threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold different from the first threshold,
The restriction state includes a first control state that restricts manual and automatic execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment unit, and a first control state that permits automatic focus adjustment by the focus adjustment unit and restricts execution of manual focus adjustment. 2 restriction states,
The focus adjustment control unit compares the time until the next shooting with the first threshold and the second threshold, and the restriction state is the first restriction state or the second restriction. Control to be in one of the states,
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 11)
The invention described in claim 11 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 10,
The first threshold is shorter than the second threshold,
When the time until the next photographing is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the focus adjustment control unit performs control so as to be in the first restricted state, while being longer than the first threshold value. If the threshold value is equal to or less than the threshold value, control is performed so that the second restricted state is achieved.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 12)
The invention according to claim 12 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
In addition, the information processing apparatus further includes an informing means for informing the first restriction state and the second restriction state in an identifiable manner,
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 13)
The invention described in claim 13 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Display means for displaying live view images on a monitor;
Display control means for controlling turning on and off of the display means;
Further comprising
The display control means turns on the display means when execution of focus adjustment is instructed by the predetermined user operation during an interval photographing period by the interval photographing function in which the display means is turned off.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 14)
The invention described in claim 14 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 13,
A second measuring means for measuring a remaining time until the next shooting is started during the interval shooting period by the interval shooting function;
The display control means performs control to display the remaining time measured by the second measurement means on the display means in a state where the display means is lit.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 15)
The invention according to claim 15 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 13,
The display control means is executed by the focus adjustment control means when the focus adjustment is instructed by the predetermined user operation during an interval shooting period by the interval shooting function with the display means turned off. Is controlled, the control to keep the display means off is performed.
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 16)
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to the first to fifteenth aspects,
Further comprising a designation means for designating an interlocking period in which the automatic adjustment of the focus adjusting means is performed in conjunction with the interval photographing during the interval photographing period by the interval photographing function,
The focus position setting means sets the focus position automatically adjusted by the focus adjustment means during the interval shooting at the end of the interval period specified by the specifying means as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
It is characterized by that.
(Claim 17)
The invention described in claim 17
A focus control method in an imaging apparatus having an interval imaging function for repeatedly executing imaging at a predetermined imaging interval,
A process of adjusting the focus position manually or automatically;
A process of setting the adjusted focus position as a focus position to be used during the interval shooting period;
A process of instructing execution of focus adjustment by a predetermined user operation during the interval shooting period and in a state where the focus position is set;
A process of performing control to reset the set focus position to the new focus position to be adjusted according to the instruction;
It is characterized by including.
(Claim 18)
The invention described in claim 18
For a computer of an imaging apparatus having an interval shooting function that repeatedly executes shooting at a predetermined shooting interval,
A function to adjust the focus position manually or automatically;
A function of setting the adjusted focus position as a focus position to be used during the interval shooting period;
A function of instructing execution of focus adjustment by a predetermined user operation during the interval shooting period and in a state where the focus position is set;
A function of performing control to reset the set focus position to the new focus position to be adjusted according to the instruction;
It is a program for realizing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Power supply part 3 Memory | storage part 3a Program memory 3b Work memory 3c Focus restriction table 3d Status alerting | reporting table 4 Operation part 5 Display part 6 Notifying part 7 Imaging part

Claims (18)

An imaging apparatus having an interval imaging function for repeatedly executing imaging at a predetermined imaging interval,
Focus adjusting means for adjusting the focus position manually or automatically;
A focus position setting means for setting the focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
Instructing means for instructing execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means by a predetermined user operation in a state where the focus position is set by the focus position setting means during the interval photographing period;
A focus adjustment control means for performing control to reset the focus position set by the focus position setting means to a new focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means in response to an instruction from the instruction means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The focus position setting means sets the focus position adjusted by the focus adjustment means at the start of interval shooting by the interval shooting function as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The focus adjustment control means is either a permission state that permits execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means, or a restricted state that restricts execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment means, based on the time until the next shooting. Control to be in a state,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The time until the next shooting is the shooting interval set in advance,
The focus adjustment control means controls to be in either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the shooting interval.
The imaging device according to claim 3. The focus adjustment control means compares the shooting interval with a predetermined threshold value, and controls to be in either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the comparison result.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: A first measuring unit that measures a remaining time from when the predetermined user operation is performed to when the next shooting is started;
The time until the next photographing is the remaining time measured by the first measuring means,
The focus adjustment control means controls to be in either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the remaining time measured by the first measuring means.
The imaging device according to claim 3. The focus adjustment control unit compares the remaining time measured by the first measurement unit with a predetermined threshold value, and enters either the permitted state or the restricted state based on the comparison result. Control,
The imaging device according to claim 6. The focus adjustment control unit controls to change from the permitted state to the restricted state when the time until the next shooting is shortened.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the photographing apparatus is a first one. A notification means for notifying the restriction state;
The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the photographing apparatus is an image capturing apparatus. The predetermined threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold different from the first threshold,
The restriction state includes a first control state that restricts manual and automatic execution of focus adjustment by the focus adjustment unit, and a first control state that permits automatic focus adjustment by the focus adjustment unit and restricts execution of manual focus adjustment. 2 restriction states,
The focus adjustment control unit compares the time until the next shooting with the first threshold and the second threshold, and the restriction state is the first restriction state or the second restriction. Control to be in one of the states,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the photographing apparatus is a first one. The first threshold is shorter than the second threshold,
When the time until the next photographing is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the focus adjustment control unit performs control so as to be in the first restricted state, while being longer than the first threshold value. If the threshold value is equal to or less than the threshold value, control is performed so that the second restricted state is achieved.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10. In addition, the information processing apparatus further includes an informing means for informing the first restriction state and the second restriction state in an identifiable manner,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the photographing apparatus is characterized. Display means for displaying live view images on a monitor;
Display control means for controlling turning on and off of the display means;
Further comprising
The display control means turns on the display means when execution of focus adjustment is instructed by the predetermined user operation during an interval photographing period by the interval photographing function in which the display means is turned off.
The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the photographing apparatus is characterized in that: A second measuring means for measuring a remaining time until the next shooting is started during the interval shooting period by the interval shooting function;
The display control means performs control to display the remaining time measured by the second measurement means on the display means in a state where the display means is lit.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 13. The display control means is executed by the focus adjustment control means when the focus adjustment is instructed by the predetermined user operation during an interval shooting period by the interval shooting function with the display means turned off. Is controlled, the control to keep the display means off is performed.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 13. Further comprising a designation means for designating an interlocking period in which the automatic adjustment of the focus adjusting means is performed in conjunction with the interval photographing during the interval photographing period by the interval photographing function,
The focus position setting means sets the focus position automatically adjusted by the focus adjustment means during the interval shooting at the end of the interval period specified by the specifying means as a focus position used during the interval shooting period;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein A focus control method in an imaging apparatus having an interval imaging function for repeatedly executing imaging at a predetermined imaging interval,
A process of adjusting the focus position manually or automatically;
A process of setting the adjusted focus position as a focus position to be used during the interval shooting period;
A process of instructing execution of focus adjustment by a predetermined user operation during the interval shooting period and in a state where the focus position is set;
A process of performing control to reset the set focus position to the new focus position to be adjusted according to the instruction;
A focus control method comprising: For a computer of an imaging apparatus having an interval shooting function that repeatedly executes shooting at a predetermined shooting interval,
A function to adjust the focus position manually or automatically;
A function of setting the adjusted focus position as a focus position to be used during the interval shooting period;
A function of instructing execution of focus adjustment by a predetermined user operation during the interval shooting period and in a state where the focus position is set;
A function of performing control to reset the set focus position to the new focus position to be adjusted according to the instruction;
A program to realize

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