JP2019061028A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus with which it is possible to improve the accuracy of focus control.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 comprises an imaging element 111, an image data reduction unit 122, video signal processing units 135 and 136, an automatic setting unit 151, a threshold determination unit 153, an image data cutout unit 123, and an autofocus control unit 160. The threshold determination unit 153 determines whether or not a focus area FA101 is larger than a threshold and, when determined as being larger than the threshold, generates a setting area signal YS106 on the basis of reduced image data RD105. The image data cutout unit 123 cuts out the focus area FA101 from raw image data RD100 and generates focus area data RD106 when it is determined that the focus area FA101 is not larger than the threshold. The autofocus control unit 160 executes autofocus control on the basis of the setting area signal YS106 or YS107.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device having a focusing function.

  The imaging device sets a focus area from the image captured by the imaging device, drives the lens based on the image in the focus area, and executes focus control. Patent Document 1 describes an example of an imaging device having a focusing function.

International Publication 2012/164896

  In general, the imaging apparatus performs reduction and resizing processing on original image data output from an imaging element to generate reduced image data. The imaging device sets a focus area based on the reduced image data.

  Since the reduced image data has a lower image resolution than the original image data, and the focus area is set to a smaller range than the predetermined range, the resolution of the image in the focus area is further deteriorated, so focus control is performed with high accuracy. It will be difficult to do. In addition, when the imaging apparatus is used for microscopic imaging, the depth of field is shallow, so it is difficult to perform focus control with high accuracy when the resolution of the image is low.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of improving the accuracy of focus control.

  The present invention images an object and generates an original image data, an image data reduction unit that reduces and resizes the original image data, and generates reduced image data, and reduces the reduced image data. A first video signal processing unit for generating an image signal, an automatic setting unit for automatically setting a focus area based on the reduced image signal, and it is determined whether the focus area is larger than a threshold value. A threshold determination unit that generates a first setting area signal based on the original image data when it is determined that the focus area is larger than a threshold, and the focus area is higher than the threshold An image data cutout unit configured to cut out the focus area from the original image data and to generate focus area data when it is determined that the size is not large; A second video signal processing unit that generates a second setting area signal based on the data and an autofocus control unit that performs focus control based on the first or second setting area signal. To provide an imaging device.

  According to the imaging device of the present invention, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

It is a block diagram showing an imaging device of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between original image data and the image data for recording. It is a figure which shows the relationship between original image data and shrinking | reduction image data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the focus control method in the imaging device of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an imaging device of a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the image data for recording, and a focus area | region. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the focus control method in the imaging device of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an imaging device of a 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an imaging device of a 4th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the focus control method in the imaging device of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an imaging device of a 5th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the focus control method in the imaging device of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the imaging device of 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the focus control method in the imaging device of 6th Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an imaging device of a 7th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the focus control method in the imaging device of 7th Embodiment.

First Embodiment
The imaging device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a camera head 110, an image data processing unit 120, video signal processing units 131 to 136, recording units 141 to 144, a focus area setting unit 150, and autofocus control. And a unit 160. The recording units 141 to 144 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 110 includes an imaging element 111, a lens 112, and a lens driving unit 113. The image data processing unit 120 includes an image data division unit 121, an image data reduction unit 122, and an image data cutout unit 123. The focus area setting unit 150 includes an automatic setting unit 151, a manual setting unit 152, and a threshold value determination unit 153.

  The imaging device 111 can capture an object, and can generate an 8K image, for example, about 8000 pixels in the horizontal direction and about 4000 pixels in the vertical direction as a moving image or a still image. When the lens driving unit 113 drives the lens 112, the imaging element 111 can generate an image subjected to focus adjustment.

  The imaging element 111 captures an object, and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD100. The imaging element 111 outputs the original image data RD100 to the image data division unit 121, the image data reduction unit 122, and the image data cutout unit 123.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 121 divides the 8K original image data RD 100 without reduction and records 4K RAW data whose horizontal direction is about 4000 pixels and whose vertical direction is about 2000 pixels. Image data RD101 to RD104 are generated.

  The image data division unit 121 outputs the recording image data RD101 to RD104 to the video signal processing units 131 to 134. The video signal processing units 131 to 134 convert the recording image data RD101 to RD104 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS101 to YS104, and cause the recording units 141 to 144 to record.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 122 reduces and resizes the 8K original image data RD100 arranged in Bayer, and generates reduced 4K RAW data of the Bayer arrangement as reduced image data RD105. R, G, and B in FIG. 3 indicate red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels. The reduced image data RD105 is image data of the entire frame in which the original image data RD100 is reduced and resized. FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD100 and the reduced image data RD105 in association with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 122 outputs the reduced image data RD 105 to the video signal processing unit 135. The video signal processing unit 135 converts the reduced image data RD 105 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 105, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 105 to the automatic setting unit 151. The video signal processing unit 135 is referred to as a first video signal processing unit in the first embodiment.

  The automatic setting unit 151 executes image pattern recognition processing such as face recognition on the reduced image signal YS 105, and automatically sets the focus area FA101. That is, the focus area FA101 is set based on the reduced image data RD105. The user can operate the manual setting unit 152 to set the focus area FA102. When the user operates the manual setting unit 152, the focus area FA102 is set instead of the focus area FA101. The threshold determination unit 153 determines whether the focus area FA101 or FA102 is larger than the threshold. The threshold defines the area of the focus area FA101 or FA102, or the length and width, and the like.

  When it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is larger than the threshold value, the threshold value determination unit 153 sets the focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA101 or FA102 as the setting area signal YS106 that is a YUV signal. , And output to the autofocus control unit 160. That is, the setting area signal YS106 is generated based on the reduced image data RD105. The set area signal YS106 is taken as a first set area signal in the first embodiment.

  When it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is not larger than the threshold value, the threshold value determination unit 153 outputs the setting area signal YS106 to the image data clipping unit 123. The image data cutout unit 123 cuts out the focus area FA101 or FA102 from the original image data RD100 based on the set area signal YS106, and generates non-reduced RAW data as the focus area data RD106.

  The image data cutout unit 123 outputs the focus area data RD106 to the video signal processing unit 136. The video signal processing unit 136 converts the focus area data RD 106 into a YUV signal to generate a set area signal YS 107, and outputs the set area signal YS 107 to the autofocus control unit 160. That is, the setting area signal YS107 is generated based on the original image data RD100. The video signal processing unit 136 is a second video signal processing unit in the first embodiment, and the setting area signal YS 107 is a second setting area signal in the first embodiment.

  The autofocus control unit 160 generates a control signal CS101 based on the setting area signal YS106 or YS107, and outputs the control signal CS101 to the lens drive unit 113. The lens drive unit 113 drives the lens 112 based on the control signal CS101 to execute focus control.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is larger than the threshold value, the autofocus control unit 160 performs focus control based on the reduced image data RD105. When it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is not larger than the threshold value, the autofocus control unit 160 performs focus control based on the non-reduced focus area data RD106.

  An example of a focus control method in the imaging device 100 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S101, the image pickup element 111 picks up an object and generates original image data RD100. In step S102, the image data reduction unit 122 reduces and resizes the original image data RD100 to generate reduced image data RD105. In step S103, the video signal processing unit 135 converts the reduced image data RD105 into a YUV signal, and generates a reduced image signal YS105.

  In step S104, the automatic setting unit 151 sets the focus area FA101 based on the reduced image signal YS105. The user may set the focus area FA 102 by operating the manual setting unit 152 in step S105. In step S106, the threshold determination unit 153 determines whether the focus area FA101 or FA102 is larger than the threshold.

  If it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is larger than the threshold (YES), the threshold value determination unit 153 sets focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA101 or FA102 in step S107. A region signal YS106 is generated and output to the autofocus control unit 160.

  If it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is not larger than the threshold value (NO), the threshold value determination unit 153 outputs the setting area signal YS106 to the image data clipping unit 123 in step S108. In step S109, the image data cutout unit 123 cuts out the focus area FA101 or FA102 from the original image data RD100 based on the set area signal YS106, and generates non-reduced focus area data RD106.

  In step S 110, the video signal processing unit 136 converts the focus area data RD 106 into a YUV signal to generate a set area signal YS 107, and outputs the set area signal YS 107 to the autofocus control unit 160. In step S111, the autofocus control unit 160 generates a control signal CS101 based on the setting area signal YS106 or YS107. In step S112, the lens driving unit 113 drives the lens 112 based on the control signal CS101, and executes focus control.

  When it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is larger than the threshold value, the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment executes focus control based on the reduced image data RD105 subjected to the reduction resizing process. When it is determined that the focus area FA101 or FA102 is not larger than the threshold value, the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment is not reduced and generated by cutting out the focus area FA101 or FA102 from the original image data RD100. Focus control is performed based on the focus area data RD106.

  Therefore, according to the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment, when the focus area FA101 or FA102 is not larger than the threshold value, based on the non-reduced focus area data RD106 having a higher resolution than the reduced image data RD105. Since focus control is performed, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

Second Embodiment
An imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The imaging apparatus 200 includes a camera head 210, an image data processing unit 220, video signal processing units 231 to 235, recording units 241 to 244, a focus area setting unit 250, an autofocus control unit 260, and a read control unit. And 270. The recording units 241 to 244 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 210 includes an imaging element 211, a lens 212, and a lens driving unit 213. The image data processing unit 220 includes an image data division unit 221 and an image data reduction unit 222. The focus area setting unit 250 includes an automatic setting unit 251, a manual setting unit 252, and a threshold value determination unit 253.

  The imaging device 211 can capture an object and generate an 8K image as a moving image or a still image. The lens driving unit 213 drives the lens 212, whereby the imaging element 211 can generate an image that has been subjected to focus adjustment. The imaging element 211 captures an object and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD200. The imaging element 211 outputs the original image data RD 200 to the image data dividing unit 221 and the image data reducing unit 222.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 221 divides the 8K original image data RD 200 without reduction, and generates 4K RAW data as recording image data RD 201 to RD 204. The image data division unit 221 outputs the recording image data RD201 to RD204 to the video signal processing units 231 to 234.

  The video signal processing units 231 to 234 convert the recording image data RD201 to RD204 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS201 to YS204, and cause the recording units 241 to 244 to record. The video signal processing units 231 to 234 are referred to as the first video signal processing unit in the second embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 222 reduces and resizes the 8K original image data RD200 arranged in Bayer, and generates reduced 4K RAW data of the Bayer arrangement as reduced image data RD205. The reduced image data RD 205 is image data of the entire frame in which the original image data RD 200 is reduced and resized. Note that FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD 200 and the reduced image data RD 205 in association with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 222 outputs the reduced image data RD 205 to the video signal processing unit 235. The video signal processing unit 235 converts the reduced image data RD 205 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 205, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 205 to the automatic setting unit 251. The video signal processing unit 235 is referred to as a second video signal processing unit in the second embodiment.

  The automatic setting unit 251 performs image pattern recognition processing such as face recognition on the reduced image signal YS 205, and automatically sets the focus area FA201. The user can set the focus area FA 202 by operating the manual setting unit 252. When the user operates the manual setting unit 252, the focus area FA202 is set instead of the focus area FA201. The threshold determination unit 253 determines whether the focus area FA201 or FA202 is larger than the threshold. The threshold defines the area of the focus area FA 201 or FA 202, or the length and width of the focus area FA 201 or FA 202.

  When it is determined that the focus area FA201 or FA202 is larger than the threshold value, the threshold value determination unit 253 sets the focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA201 or FA202 as the setting area signal YS206 which is a YUV signal. , And output to the autofocus control unit 260. That is, the setting area signal YS206 is generated based on the reduced image data RD205. The set area signal YS 206 is taken as a first set area signal in the second embodiment.

  If it is determined that the focus area FA201 or FA202 is not larger than the threshold value, the threshold value determination unit 253 outputs the setting area signal YS206 to the read control unit 270. The read control unit 270 instructs one of the video signal processing units 231 to 234 based on the setting area signal YS206 to record an image signal for recording corresponding to an image including the focus area FA201 or FA202. Read out from any of 241 to 244.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the focus area FA201 or FA202 is included in the recording image data RD202 and RD204, the read control unit 270 instructs the video signal processing units 232 and 234 to record the recording units 242 and 244. From this, the recording image signals YS 202 and YS 204 are read out.

  The video signal processing units 232 and 234 cut out the focus area FA 201 or FA 202 from the recording image data RD 202 and RD 204 and generate focus area correspondence signals YS 212 and YS 214 which are YUV signals. That is, the focus area correspondence signals YS 212 and YS 214 are generated from the non-reduced recording image data RD 202 and RD 204.

  The read control unit 270 integrates the focus area correspondence signals YS 212 and YS 214 so as to correspond to the focus area FA 201 or FA 202, generates a setting area signal YS 207, and outputs the setting area signal YS 207 to the autofocus control unit 260. That is, the setting area signal YS207 is generated based on the non-reduced recording image data RD201 to RD204. The set area signal YS207 is taken as a second set area signal in the second embodiment.

  The autofocus control unit 260 generates a control signal CS201 based on the setting area signal YS206 or YS207, and outputs the control signal CS201 to the lens drive unit 213. The lens driving unit 213 drives the lens 212 based on the control signal CS201 to execute focus control.

  An example of the focus control method in the imaging device 200 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. In step S201, the imaging element 211 captures an object and generates original image data RD200. In step S202, the image data division unit 221 divides the original image data RD200 without reduction and generates recording image data RD201 to RD204.

  In step S203, the video signal processing units 231 to 234 convert the recording image data RD201 to RD204 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS201 to YS204, and cause the recording units 241 to 244 to record.

  In step S204, the image data reduction unit 222 reduces and resizes the original image data RD200 to generate reduced image data RD205. In step S205, the video signal processing unit 235 converts the reduced image data RD 205 into a YUV signal, and generates a reduced image signal YS 205.

  In step S206, the automatic setting unit 251 sets the focus area FA201 based on the reduced image signal YS205. The user may set the focus area FA 202 by operating the manual setting unit 252 in step S207. The threshold determination unit 253 determines in step S208 whether the focus area FA201 or FA202 is larger than the threshold.

  When it is determined that the focus area FA201 or FA202 is larger than the threshold (YES), the threshold determination unit 253 determines the focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA201 or FA202 in step S209. The setting area signal YS 206 is generated and output to the autofocus control unit 260.

  If it is determined that the focus area FA201 or FA202 is not larger than the threshold value (NO), the threshold value determination unit 253 outputs the setting area signal YS206 to the read control unit 270 in step S210. In step S211, the read control unit 270 instructs one of the video signal processing units 231 to 234 based on the set area signal YS206 to record an image for recording corresponding to the image including the focus area FA201 or FA202. A signal is read from one of the recording units 241 to 244.

  For example, when the focus area FA201 or FA202 is included in the recording image data RD202 and RD204, the read control unit 270 instructs the video signal processing units 232 and 234 to output the recording image signal YS202 from the recording units 242 and 244. The YS 204 is read.

  In step S212, the video signal processing units 232 and 234 cut out the focus area FA201 or FA202 from the recording image data RD202 and RD204, and generate focus area correspondence signals YS212 and YS214. In step S 213, the read control unit 270 integrates the focus area correspondence signals YS 212 and YS 214 so as to correspond to the focus area FA 201 or FA 202, generates a setting area signal YS 207, and outputs the generated setting area signal YS 207 to the autofocus control unit 260.

  In step S214, the autofocus control unit 260 generates a control signal CS201 based on the setting area signal YS206 or YS207. In step S215, the lens drive unit 213 drives the lens 212 based on the control signal CS201, and executes focus control.

  When it is determined that the focus area FA201 or FA202 is larger than the threshold value, the imaging device 200 according to the second embodiment executes focus control based on the reduced image data RD205 subjected to the reduction resizing process. When it is determined that the focus area FA201 or FA202 is not larger than the threshold value, the imaging device 200 according to the second embodiment cuts out the focus area FA201 or FA202 from the non-reduced recording image data RD202 and RD204. Focus control is performed based on the generated setting area signal YS207.

  Therefore, according to the imaging device 200 of the second embodiment, when the focus area FA201 or FA202 is not larger than the threshold value, based on the non-reduced recording image data having a higher resolution than the reduced image data RD205. Since focus control is performed, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

Third Embodiment
An imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device 300 includes a camera head 310, an image data processing unit 320, video signal processing units 331 to 335, recording units 341 to 344, an AE white balance control unit 350, an autofocus control unit 360, and a luminance signal. And a processing unit 370. The recording units 341 to 344 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 310 includes an imaging element 311, a lens 312, and a lens driving unit 313. The image data processing unit 320 includes an image data division unit 321, an image data reduction unit 322, and a G data reduction unit 323.

  The imaging element 311 can capture an object and generate an 8K image as a moving image or a still image. The lens driving unit 313 drives the lens 312, whereby the imaging device 311 can generate an image that has been subjected to focus adjustment. The imaging element 311 captures an object, and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD300. The imaging element 311 outputs the original image data RD 300 to the image data division unit 321, the image data reduction unit 322, and the G data reduction unit 323.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 321 divides the 8K original image data RD300 without reduction and generates 4K RAW data as recording image data RD301 to RD304. The image data division unit 321 outputs the recording image data RD301 to RD304 to the video signal processing units 331 to 334. The video signal processing units 331 to 334 convert the recording image data RD301 to RD304 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS301 to YS304, and cause the recording units 341 to 344 to record.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 322 reduces and resizes the 8K original image data RD300 arranged in a Bayer array, and generates reduced 4K RAW data of the Bayer array as a reduced image data RD305. FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD300 and the reduced image data RD305 in association with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 322 outputs the reduced image data RD 305 to the video signal processing unit 335. The video signal processing unit 335 converts the reduced image data RD 305 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 305, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 305 to the AE white balance control unit 350.

  The AE white balance control unit 350 executes AE (automatic exposure correction) and white balance control based on the reduced image signal YS305. The G data reduction unit 323 cuts out G data from 8K original image data RD300, and generates, for example, 4K non-reduced RAW data as G image data RD306. G data is pixel data of a green component, and G image data RD 306 is image data of a green component. The G image data RD306 is 4K, which is the same as the reduced image data RD305, but has only a non-reduced green component, so it has higher resolution than the reduced image data RD305 in the Bayer array, and is suitable for focus control. .

  The G data reduction unit 323 outputs the G image data RD 306 to the luminance signal processing unit 370. The luminance signal processing unit 370 converts the G image data RD 306 into a YUV signal containing only luminance data to generate a luminance signal YS 306, and outputs the luminance signal YS 306 to the autofocus control unit 360.

  The autofocus control unit 360 generates a control signal CS301 based on the luminance signal YS306, and outputs the control signal CS301 to the lens drive unit 313. The lens driving unit 313 drives the lens 312 based on the control signal CS301 to execute focus control.

  The imaging device 300 according to the third embodiment cuts out G data from the original image data RD300 to generate non-reduced G image data RD306, and executes focus control based on the G image data RD306. Therefore, according to the imaging device 300 of the third embodiment, focus control is performed based on the non-reduced G image data RD 306, so that the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

Fourth Embodiment
An imaging device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging apparatus 400 includes a camera head 410, an image data processing unit 420, video signal processing units 431 to 434, recording units 441 to 444, a focus area setting unit 450, an autofocus control unit 460, and reduction signal processing. A unit 470 and a display unit 480 are provided. The recording units 441 to 444 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 410 includes an imaging element 411, a lens 412, and a lens driving unit 413. The image data processing unit 420 includes an image data division unit 421 and an image data reduction unit 422. The focus area setting unit 450 includes an automatic setting unit 451, a manual setting unit 452, a setting area storage unit 453, and a setting area reading unit 454. The reduction signal processing unit 470 includes an image data cutout unit 471 and video signal processing units 472 and 473.

  The imaging device 411 can capture an object and generate an 8K image as a moving image or a still image. The lens driving unit 413 drives the lens 412, whereby the imaging device 411 can generate an image that has been subjected to focus adjustment. The imaging device 411 captures an object, and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD400. The imaging element 411 outputs the original image data RD400 to the image data division unit 421 and the image data reduction unit 422.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 421 divides the 8K original image data RD 400 without reduction and generates 4K RAW data as recording image data RD 401 to RD 404. The image data division unit 421 outputs the recording image data RD401 to RD404 to the video signal processing units 431 to 434. The video signal processing units 431 to 434 convert the recording image data RD401 to RD404 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS401 to YS404, and cause the recording units 441 to 444 to record.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 422 reduces and resizes the 8K original image data RD400 in Bayer arrangement, and generates 4K RAW data of the reduced Bayer arrangement as reduced image data RD405. FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD400 and the reduced image data RD405 in association with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 422 outputs the reduced image data RD 405 to the video signal processing unit 472 and the image data cutout unit 471. The video signal processing unit 472 converts the reduced image data RD 405 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 405, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 405 to the automatic setting unit 451 and the display unit 480. The video signal processing unit 472 is referred to as a first video signal processing unit in the fourth embodiment.

  The automatic setting unit 451 executes image pattern recognition processing such as face recognition on the reduced image signal YS 405 to automatically set the focus area FA 401 and causes the setting area storage unit 453 to store the focus area FA 401. The user can operate the manual setting unit 452 to set the focus area FA 402 and store the focus area FA 402 in the setting area storage unit 453. When the user operates the manual setting unit 452, the focus area FA402 is set instead of the focus area FA401.

  The setting area readout unit 454 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 402 stored in the setting area storage unit 453, and outputs the focus area data to the autofocus control unit 460 as a setting area signal YS406 that is a YUV signal. . The setting area reading unit 454 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 401 stored in the setting area storage unit 453 as a focus area corresponding signal YS 407 which is a YUV signal, and sends it to the image data cutout unit 471. Output.

  The image data cutout unit 471 cuts out the focus area FA401 from the reduced image data RD405 based on the focus area correspondence signal YS407, and generates focus area data RD406 that is RAW data. The image data cutout unit 471 outputs the focus area data RD406 to the video signal processing unit 473.

  The video signal processing unit 473 performs high-pass filter processing on the focus area data RD406 to extract a high frequency component from the focus area data RD406, and generates a set area signal YS408 that is a YUV signal. The video signal processing unit 473 outputs the setting area signal YS 408 to the autofocus control unit 460 and the display unit 480. The video signal processing unit 473 is referred to as a second video signal processing unit in the fourth embodiment.

  The autofocus control unit 460 generates a control signal CS 401 based on the setting area signal YS 406 or YS 408, and outputs the control signal CS 401 to the lens drive unit 413. The lens driving unit 413 drives the lens 412 based on the control signal CS401 to execute focus control.

  The display unit 480 includes an image combining unit. Display unit 480 displays an image of the entire frame corresponding to reduced image data RD 405 based on reduced image signal YS 405, and based on set area signal YS 408, displays an image of focus area FA 401 corresponding to focus area data RD 406 Synthesize and display the entire image.

  Note that, instead of the image combining unit of the display unit 480, an image combining unit may be disposed in the front stage of the display unit 480. In this case, the image combining unit combines the image of the focus area FA 401 corresponding to the focus region data RD 406 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 405 to generate a combined image signal, and outputs it to the display unit 480. . The display unit 480 displays an image in which the image of the focus area FA 401 is combined with the image of the entire frame based on the combined image signal.

  Since the image of the focus area FA401 is subjected to high-pass filter processing, the display unit 480 can highlight the color or density of the outline of the subject in the focus area FA401 according to the harmonic component. Thus, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 480.

  An example of the focus control method in the imaging device 400 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S401, the imaging device 411 captures an object and generates original image data RD400. In step S402, the image data reduction unit 422 reduces and resizes the original image data RD400 to generate reduced image data RD405. In step S 403, the video signal processing unit 472 performs signal processing on the reduced image data RD 405 to generate a reduced image signal YS 405, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 405 to the automatic setting unit 451 and the display unit 480.

  In step S 404, the automatic setting unit 451 sets the focus area FA 401 based on the reduced image signal YS 405 and causes the setting area storage unit 453 to store the focus area FA 401. In step S405, the setting area reading unit 454 generates focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA 401 stored in the setting area storage unit 453 as the focus area correspondence signal YS407, and the image data cutout unit 471. Output to

  In step S406, the image data cutout unit 471 cuts out the focus area FA401 from the reduced image data RD405 based on the focus area correspondence signal YS407, and generates focus area data RD406. In step S407, the video signal processing unit 473 performs high-pass filter processing of the focus area data RD406, extracts a high frequency component of the focus area data RD406, and generates a set area signal YS408. The autofocus control unit 460 and display Output to the part 480.

  The user may set the focus area FA 402 by operating the manual setting unit 452 in step S408. In step S 409, the setting area reading unit 454 generates focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA 402 stored in the setting area storage unit 453 as the setting area signal YS 406, and sends it to the autofocus control unit 460. Output.

  In step S410, the autofocus control unit 460 generates a control signal CS401 based on the setting area signal YS406 or YS408. In step S411, the lens driving unit 413 drives the lens 412 based on the control signal CS401, and executes focus control.

  In step S421 after step S407, the display unit 480 displays an image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD405 based on the reduced image signal YS405, and based on the set area signal YS408, the focus area data RD406. The image of the focus area FA 401 corresponding to is combined with the image of the entire frame and displayed. The user may perform focus adjustment manually while looking at the display unit 480 in step S422.

  The imaging device 400 according to the fourth embodiment executes focus control based on the set area signal YS 408 generated by extracting a high frequency component in the focus area FA 401 by high-pass filter processing. In addition, the imaging device 400 causes the display unit 480 to combine and display the image of the focus area FA 401 from which the high-frequency component is extracted with the image of the entire frame.

  As a result, the imaging device 400 can change and highlight the color or shade of the outline of the subject in the focus area FA401. Therefore, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 480. Therefore, according to the imaging device 400 of the fourth embodiment, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

Fifth Embodiment
An imaging device according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device 500 includes a camera head 510, an image data processing unit 520, video signal processing units 531 to 534, recording units 541 to 544, a focus area setting unit 550, an autofocus control unit 560, and reduction signal processing. A unit 570 and a display unit 580 are provided. The recording units 541 to 544 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 510 includes an imaging element 511, a lens 512, and a lens driving unit 513. The image data processing unit 520 includes an image data division unit 521 and an image data reduction unit 522. The focus area setting unit 550 includes an automatic setting unit 551, a manual setting unit 552, a setting area storage unit 553, and a setting area reading unit 554. The reduction signal processing unit 570 includes an image data cutout unit 571, video signal processing units 572 and 573, and a high pass image data reduction unit 574.

  The imaging element 511 can capture an object and generate an 8K image as a moving image or a still image. The lens driving unit 513 drives the lens 512, whereby the imaging device 511 can generate an image that has been subjected to focus adjustment. The imaging element 511 captures an object, and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD500. The imaging element 511 outputs the original image data RD 500 to the image data division unit 521, the image data reduction unit 522, and the image data cutout unit 571.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 521 divides the 8K original image data RD 500 without reduction, and generates 4K RAW data as recording image data RD 501 to RD 504. The image data division unit 521 outputs the recording image data RD501 to RD504 to the video signal processing units 531 to 534. The video signal processing units 531 to 534 convert the recording image data RD501 to RD504 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS501 to YS504, and cause the recording units 541 to 544 to record them.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 522 reduces and resizes the 8K original image data RD500 arranged in a Bayer array, and generates reduced 4K RAW data of the Bayer array as a reduced image data RD505. FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD 500 and the reduced image data RD 505 in correspondence with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 522 outputs the reduced image data RD 505 to the video signal processing unit 572. The video signal processing unit 572 converts the reduced image data RD 505 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 505, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 505 to the automatic setting unit 551 and the display unit 580. The video signal processing unit 572 is referred to as a first video signal processing unit in the fifth embodiment.

  The automatic setting unit 551 executes an image pattern recognition process such as face recognition on the reduced image signal YS 505 to automatically set the focus area FA 501 and causes the setting area storage unit 553 to store the focus area FA 501. The user can operate the manual setting unit 552 to set the focus area FA 502 and store the focus area FA 502 in the setting area storage unit 553. When the user operates the manual setting unit 552, the focus area FA 502 is set instead of the focus area FA 501.

  The setting area reading unit 554 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 502 stored in the setting area storage unit 553 as a setting area signal YS 506 which is a YUV signal, and outputs it to the autofocus control unit 560. Do. The setting area reading unit 554 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 501 stored in the setting area storage unit 553, and outputs the focus area data to the image data clipping unit 571 as a focus area correspondence signal YS 507.

  The image data cutout unit 571 cuts out the focus area FA501 from the original image data RD500 based on the focus area correspondence signal YS507, and generates the focus area data RD506. The image data cutout unit 571 outputs the focus area data RD 506 to the video signal processing unit 573.

  The video signal processing unit 573 high-pass filters the focus area data RD 506 to extract a high frequency component from the focus area data RD 506, and generates a set area signal YS 508 that is a YUV signal. The video signal processing unit 573 outputs the setting area signal YS 508 to the high pass image data reduction unit 574 and the autofocus control unit 560. The video signal processing unit 573 is referred to as a second video signal processing unit in the fifth embodiment.

  The high-pass image data reduction unit 574 reduces and resizes the focus area data RD 506 from which the high frequency component is extracted based on the setting area signal YS 508 to generate a YUV signal as a display image signal YS 509 and outputs it to the display unit 580. The autofocus control unit 560 generates a control signal CS 501 based on the setting area signal YS 506 or YS 508 and outputs the control signal CS 501 to the lens drive unit 513. The lens drive unit 513 drives the lens 512 based on the control signal CS501 to execute focus control.

  The display unit 580 includes an image combining unit. Display unit 580 displays an image of the entire frame corresponding to reduced image data RD 505 based on reduced image signal YS 505, and based on display image signal YS 509, the image of focus area FA 501 corresponding to focus area data RD 506 is framed. Synthesize and display the entire image.

  Note that, instead of the image combining unit of the display unit 580, an image combining unit may be disposed upstream of the display unit 580. In this case, the image combining unit combines the image of the focus area FA 501 corresponding to the focus region data RD 506 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 505 to generate a combined image signal and outputs it to the display unit 580 . The display unit 580 displays an image in which the image of the focus area FA 501 is combined with the image of the entire frame based on the combined image signal.

  Since the image of the focus area FA501 is subjected to high-pass filter processing, the display unit 580 can highlight the color or density of the outline of the subject in the focus area FA501 according to the harmonic component. Thus, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 580.

  An example of the focus control method in the imaging device 500 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S501, the imaging element 511 captures an object and generates original image data RD500. In step S502, the image data reduction unit 522 reduces and resizes the original image data RD500 to generate reduced image data RD505. In step S503, the video signal processing unit 572 performs signal processing on the reduced image data RD505 to generate a reduced image signal YS505.

  In step S 504, the automatic setting unit 551 sets the focus area FA 501 based on the reduced image signal YS 505 and causes the setting area storage unit 553 to store the focus area FA 501. In step S505, the setting area reading unit 554 generates focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA 501 stored in the setting area storage unit 553 as a focus area correspondence signal YS507, and the image data cutout unit 571. Output to

  In step S506, the image data cutout unit 571 cuts out the focus area FA501 from the original image data RD500 based on the focus area correspondence signal YS507, and generates the focus area data RD506.

  In step S507, the video signal processing unit 573 high-pass-filters the focus area data RD 506, extracts high frequency components of the focus area data RD 506, and generates a set area signal YS 508. The video signal processing unit 573 outputs the setting area signal YS 508 to the high pass image data reduction unit 574 and the autofocus control unit 560.

  The user may set the focus area FA 502 by operating the manual setting unit 552 in step S508. In step S 509, the setting area reading unit 554 generates focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA 502 stored in the setting area storage unit 553 as the setting area signal YS 506, and sends it to the autofocus control unit 560. Output.

  In step S510, the autofocus control unit 560 generates a control signal CS501 based on the setting area signal YS506 or YS508. In step S511, the lens driving unit 513 drives the lens 512 based on the control signal CS501, and executes focus control.

  The high-pass image data reduction unit 574 reduces and resizes the focus area data RD 506 from which the high-frequency component is extracted in step S 521 after step S 507, generates a display image signal YS 509, and outputs it to the display unit 580. In step S522, display unit 580 displays an image of the entire frame corresponding to reduced image data RD505 based on reduced image signal YS505, and a focus area corresponding to reduced image data RD505 based on display image signal YS509. The image of FA 501 is combined with the image of the entire frame and displayed. The user may manually execute the focus adjustment while looking at the display unit 580 in step S523.

  The imaging device 500 according to the fifth embodiment executes focus control based on the set area signal YS 508 generated by extracting the high frequency component in the focus area FA 501 by high-pass filter processing. Further, the imaging device 500 according to the fifth embodiment causes the display unit 580 to combine and display the focus area FA51 in which the high frequency component is extracted on the entire screen image. Thus, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 580. Therefore, according to the imaging device 500 of the fifth embodiment, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

Sixth Embodiment
An imaging device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device 600 includes a camera head 610, an image data processing unit 620, video signal processing units 631-634, recording units 641-644, a focus area setting unit 650, an autofocus control unit 660, and reduction signal processing. A unit 670 and a display unit 680 are provided. The recording units 641 to 644 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 610 includes an imaging element 611, a lens 612, and a lens driving unit 613. The image data processing unit 620 includes an image data division unit 621 and an image data reduction unit 622. The focus area setting unit 650 includes an automatic setting unit 651, a manual setting unit 652, a setting area storage unit 653, and a setting area reading unit 654. The reduction signal processing unit 670 includes an image data cutout unit 671, video signal processing units 672 and 673, and an image superposition unit 674.

  The imaging element 611 can capture an object and generate an 8K image as a moving image or a still image. The lens driving unit 613 drives the lens 612, whereby the imaging element 611 can generate an image that has been subjected to focus adjustment. The imaging element 611 captures an object, and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD600. The imaging element 611 outputs the original image data RD 600 to the image data division unit 621, the image data reduction unit 622, and the image data cutout unit 671.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 621 divides the 8K original image data RD600 without reduction and generates 4K RAW data as recording image data RD601 to RD604. The image data division unit 621 outputs the recording image data RD601 to RD604 to the video signal processing units 631 to 634. The video signal processing units 631 to 634 convert the recording image data RD601 to RD604 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS601 to YS604, and make the recording units 641 to 644 record them.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 622 reduces and resizes the 8K original image data RD600 arranged in a Bayer array, and generates reduced 4K RAW data of the Bayer array as a reduced image data RD605. FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD600 and the reduced image data RD605 in association with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 622 outputs the reduced image data RD 605 to the video signal processing unit 672. The video signal processing unit 672 converts the reduced image data RD 605 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 605, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 605 to the automatic setting unit 651 and the image overlapping unit 674. The video signal processing unit 672 is referred to as a first video signal processing unit in the sixth embodiment.

  The automatic setting unit 651 executes image pattern recognition processing such as face recognition on the reduced image signal YS 605 to automatically set the focus area FA 601 and causes the setting area storage unit 653 to store the focus area FA 601. The user can operate the manual setting unit 652 to set the focus area FA 602 and store the focus area FA 602 in the setting area storage unit 653. When the user operates the manual setting unit 652, the focus area FA 602 is set instead of the focus area FA 601.

  The setting area reading unit 654 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 602 stored in the setting area storage unit 653 as a setting area signal YS 606 that is a YUV signal, and outputs it to the autofocus control unit 660. Do. The setting area readout unit 654 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 601 stored in the setting area storage unit 653 as a focus area correspondence signal YS 607, and outputs the focus area data to the image data cutout unit 671.

  The image data cutout unit 671 cuts out the focus area FA601 from the original image data RD600 based on the focus area correspondence signal YS607, and generates focus area data RD606 indicating the focus area FA601. The image data cutout unit 671 outputs the focus area data RD 606 to the video signal processing unit 673.

  The video signal processing unit 673 converts the focus area data RD 606 into a YUV signal to generate a set area signal YS 608, and outputs the set area signal YS 608 to the image superimposing unit 674 and the autofocus control unit 660. The video signal processing unit 673 is referred to as a second video signal processing unit in the sixth embodiment.

  The image superimposing unit 674 superimposes the image of the focus area FA 601 corresponding to the focus area data RD 606 on the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 605 to generate a display image signal YS 609 which is a YUV signal. Output to

  The autofocus control unit 660 generates a control signal CS601 based on the setting area signal YS606 or YS608, and outputs the control signal CS601 to the lens drive unit 613. The lens driving unit 613 drives the lens 612 based on the control signal CS601 to execute focus control.

  The display unit 680 displays an image in which the image of the focus area FA 601 corresponding to the focus area data RD 606 is superimposed on the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 605. The display unit 680 may superimpose the image of the focus area FA601 on the image of the entire frame so that the center of gravity of the focus area FA601 in the image of the entire frame coincides with the center of gravity of the focus area FA601 to be superimposed. preferable.

  The display area 680 superimposes the image of the non-scaled focus area FA601 on the image of the whole frame subjected to the reduction and resizing processing, so the focus area FA601 is displayed on the image of the whole frame at a higher resolution than the image of the whole frame. Be done. Therefore, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display portion 680.

  An example of the focus control method in the imaging device 600 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S601, the image pickup device 611 picks up an object to generate original image data RD600. In step S602, the image data reduction unit 622 reduces and resizes the original image data RD600 to generate reduced image data RD605. In step S 603, the video signal processing unit 672 performs signal processing on the reduced image data RD 605 to generate a reduced image signal YS 605, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 605 to the automatic setting unit 651 and the image overlapping unit 674.

  In step S 604, the automatic setting unit 651 sets the focus area FA 601 based on the reduced image signal YS 605 and causes the setting area storage unit 653 to store the focus area FA 601. In step S 605, the setting area reading unit 654 generates focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA 601 stored in the setting area storage unit 653 as a focus area correspondence signal YS 607. Output to

  In step S606, the image data cutout unit 671 cuts out the focus area FA601 from the original image data RD600 based on the focus area correspondence signal YS607, and generates focus area data RD606. In step S 607, the video signal processing unit 673 performs signal processing on the focus area data RD 606 to generate a set area signal YS 608, and outputs the set area signal YS 608 to the image superimposing unit 674 and the autofocus control unit 660.

  The user may set the focus area FA 602 by operating the manual setting unit 652 in step S608. In step S 609, the setting area reading unit 654 generates focus area data including the position and the range of the focus area FA 602 stored in the setting area storage unit 653 as the setting area signal YS 606, and sends it to the autofocus control unit 660. Output.

  In step S610, the autofocus control unit 660 generates a control signal CS601 based on the setting area signal YS606 or YS608. In step S611, the lens driving unit 613 drives the lens 612 based on the control signal CS601 to execute focus control.

  The image superimposing unit 674 superimposes the image of the focus area FA601 corresponding to the focus area data RD 606 on the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 605 in step S 621 after step S 607 and outputs the display image signal YS 609. It is generated and output to the display unit 680.

  At step S 622, display unit 680 displays an image in which the image of focus area FA 601 corresponding to focus area data RD 606 is superimposed on the image of the entire frame corresponding to reduced image data RD 605 based on display image signal YS 609. Do. The user may manually execute the focus adjustment while looking at the display unit 680 in step S623.

  The imaging device 600 according to the sixth embodiment executes focus control based on the non-reduced focus area data RD 606 obtained by cutting out the focus area FA 601 from the original image data RD 600. Further, the imaging device 600 according to the sixth embodiment causes the display unit 680 to superimpose the image of the non-reduced focus area FA601 on the image of the entire frame and display the superimposed image. Thus, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 680. Therefore, according to the imaging device 600 of the sixth embodiment, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

Seventh Embodiment
An imaging device according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging apparatus 700 includes a camera head 710, an image data processing unit 720, video signal processing units 731 to 735, recording units 741 to 744, a focus area setting unit 750, an autofocus control unit 760, and phase data processing. A unit 770, a display unit 780, a switching operation unit 790, and a manual focus operation unit 791. The recording units 741 to 744 are, for example, semiconductor memories.

  The camera head 710 includes an imaging element 711, a lens 712, and a lens driving unit 713. The image data processing unit 720 includes an image data division unit 721 and an image data reduction unit 722. The focus area setting unit 750 includes an automatic setting unit 751, a manual setting unit 752, a setting area storage unit 753, and a setting area reading unit 754. The phase data processing unit 770 includes a phase data reduction unit 771, a phase data extraction unit 772, and a phase data image conversion unit 773.

  The imaging element 711 can capture an object and generate an 8K image as a moving image or a still image. The lens driving unit 713 drives the lens 712, whereby the imaging device 711 can generate an image that has been subjected to focus adjustment. The imaging device 711 has two photodiodes for each pixel. The imaging device 711 captures an image of an object, adds light reception signals generated by two photodiodes for each pixel, and generates 8K RAW data as original image data RD700.

  The imaging element 711 outputs the original image data RD 700 to the image data division unit 721 and the image data reduction unit 722. The imaging element 711 outputs the light reception signals respectively generated by the two photodiodes for each pixel to the phase data reduction unit 771 and the phase data extraction unit 772 as the 8K phase data PD 700 without addition.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 721 divides the 8K original image data RD 700 without reduction, and generates 4K RAW data as recording image data RD 701 to RD 704. The image data division unit 721 outputs the recording image data RD701 to RD704 to the video signal processing units 731 to 734. The video signal processing units 731 to 734 convert the recording image data RD 701 to RD 704 into YUV signals to generate recording image signals YS 701 to YS 704 and cause the recording units 741 to 744 to record them.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image data reduction unit 722 reduces and resizes, for example, the 8K original image data RD 700 in Bayer arrangement, and generates 4K RAW data of the reduced Bayer arrangement as reduced image data RD 705. Note that FIG. 3 shows a part of the frames of the original image data RD 700 and the reduced image data RD 705 in correspondence with each other.

  The image data reduction unit 722 outputs the reduced image data RD 705 to the video signal processing unit 735. The video signal processing unit 735 converts the reduced image data RD 705 into a YUV signal to generate a reduced image signal YS 705, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 705 to the automatic setting unit 751 and the display unit 780.

  The automatic setting unit 751 executes image pattern recognition processing such as face recognition on the reduced image signal YS 705 to automatically set the focus area FA 701 and stores the focus area FA 701 in the setting area storage unit 753. The user can operate the manual setting unit 752 to set the focus area FA 702 and store the focus area FA 702 in the setting area storage unit 753. When the user operates the manual setting unit 752, the focus area FA 702 is set instead of the focus area FA 701.

  The setting area reading unit 754 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 701 or FA 702 stored in the setting area storage unit 753 as a focus area corresponding signal YS 706 which is a YUV signal, and the phase data cutout unit Output to 772.

  The phase data cutout unit 772 cuts out the focus area FA 701 or FA 702 from the phase data PD 700 based on the focus area corresponding signal YS 706, processes the light reception signals of two photodiodes for each pixel according to the phase difference method, and performs non-reduction focusing. Region phase data PD 701 is generated. The phase data cutout unit 772 outputs the focus area phase data PD 701 to the autofocus control unit 760.

  The phase data reduction unit 771 separately reduces and resizes the light reception signals of the two photodiodes for each pixel based on the 8K phase data PD700, and generates, for example, 4K reduced phase data PD702. As a reduction resizing method, an addition method of adding pixel values in a pixel block or a thinning method of cutting out only G data can be used.

  The phase data reduction unit 771 outputs the reduced phase data PD 702 to the phase data image conversion unit 773. The phase data image conversion unit 773 converts the reduced phase data PD 702 into a phase display image signal PS 700 and outputs the signal to the display unit 780.

  The display unit 780 includes an image combining unit. The display unit 780 displays an image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 705 based on the reduced image signal YS 705, and the phase display image corresponding to the reduced phase data PD 702 based on the phase display image signal PS 700 Synthesize and display on the image of.

  Note that, instead of the image combining unit of the display unit 780, the image combining unit may be disposed in the front stage of the display unit 780. In this case, the image combining unit combines the phase display image corresponding to the reduced phase data PD 702 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 705 to generate a combined image signal and outputs it to the display unit 780. The display unit 780 displays an image in which the phase display image is combined with the image of the entire frame based on the combined image signal.

  The user can operate the switching operation unit 790 to select whether to execute focus control automatically or manually. When automatic focus control is selected, the auto-focus control unit 760 generates a control signal CS 701 based on the focus area phase data PD 701 and outputs the control signal CS 701 to the lens drive unit 713.

  The lens drive unit 713 drives the lens 712 based on the control signal CS 701 to execute focus control. When manual focus control is selected, the user operates the manual focus operation unit 791 to drive the lens 712 by the lens drive unit 713 to execute focus control.

  The display unit 780 includes an image combining unit. The display unit 780 combines the phase display image corresponding to the reduced phase data PD 702 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 705 and displays it. Therefore, based on the phase display image, the display unit 780 can change and highlight the color or shade of the outline of the subject. Thus, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 780.

  Note that, instead of the image combining unit of the display unit 780, the image combining unit may be disposed in the front stage of the display unit 780. In this case, the image combining unit combines the phase display image corresponding to the reduced phase data PD 702 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 705 to generate a combined image signal and outputs it to the display unit 780. The display unit 780 displays an image in which the phase display image is combined with the image of the entire frame based on the combined image signal.

  An example of the focus control method in the imaging device 700 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. The user can operate the switching operation unit 790 to select whether to execute focus control automatically or manually.

  The case where automatic focus control is selected will be described. In step S701, the imaging element 711 captures an object and generates original image data RD700 and phase data PD700. In step S702, the image data reduction unit 722 reduces and resizes the original image data RD700 to generate reduced image data RD705. In step S 703, the video signal processing unit 735 performs signal processing on the reduced image data RD 705 to generate a reduced image signal YS 705, and outputs the reduced image signal YS 705 to the automatic setting unit 751 and the display unit 780.

  In step S704, the automatic setting unit 751 sets the focus area FA 701 based on the reduced image signal YS 705, and stores the focus area FA 701 in the setting area storage unit 753. In step S 705, the user may operate the manual setting unit 752 to set the focus area FA 702 and store the focus area FA 702 in the setting area storage unit 753.

  In step S706, the setting area reading unit 754 generates focus area data including the position and range of the focus area FA 701 or FA 702 stored in the setting area storage unit 753 as the focus area corresponding signal YS 706, and extracts phase data. Output to the part 772. At step S 707, phase data cutout unit 772 cuts out focus region FA 701 or FA 702 from phase data PD 700 based on focus region corresponding signal YS 706, generates non-reduced focus region phase data PD 701, and performs autofocus control unit 760. Output to

  In step S 708, the autofocus control unit 760 generates a control signal CS 701 based on the focus area phase data PD 701. In step S709, the lens drive unit 713 drives the lens 712 based on the control signal CS701, and executes focus control.

  The case where manual focus control is selected will be described. The imaging device 700 executes the processing of step S701 to step S703. At step S 721, the phase data reduction unit 771 generates reduced phase data PD 702 based on the phase data PD 700. At step S 722, phase data image conversion unit 773 converts reduced phase data PD 702 into phase display image signal PS 700, and outputs it to display unit 780.

  In step S723, the display unit 780 combines the phase display image corresponding to the reduced phase data PD 702 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 705 and displays it. In step S 724, the user may manually execute focus adjustment while looking at the display unit 780.

  The imaging device 700 according to the seventh embodiment executes focus control based on the non-reduced focus area phase data PD 701 obtained by cutting out the focus area FA 701 or 702 from the phase data PD 700. The imaging device 700 of the seventh embodiment combines the phase display image corresponding to the reduced phase data PD 702 with the image of the entire frame corresponding to the reduced image data RD 705 on the display unit 780 and displays the image. Thus, the user can manually adjust the focus with high precision while looking at the display unit 780. Therefore, according to the imaging device 700 of the seventh embodiment, the accuracy of focus control can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described first to seventh embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the first to seventh embodiments, the original image data is divided into four recording image data and recorded in the four recording units, but the original image data is recorded in one recording unit without being divided. It is also good.

Reference Signs List 100 image pickup apparatus 111 image pickup element 122 image data reduction unit 123 image data cutout unit 135, 136 video signal processing unit 151 automatic setting unit 153 threshold determination unit 160 auto focus control unit RD100 original image data RD105 reduced image data RD106 focus area data YS105 Reduced image signal YS106, YS107 Set area signal FA101, FA102 Focus area

Claims (1)

An imaging element that captures an object and generates original image data;
An image data reduction unit that reduces and resizes the original image data to generate reduced image data;
A first video signal processing unit that generates a reduced image signal based on the reduced image data;
An automatic setting unit that automatically sets a focus area based on the reduced image signal;
It is determined whether the focus area is larger than a threshold, and when it is determined that the focus area is larger than a threshold, a first setting area signal is generated based on the reduced image data. A threshold determination unit;
An image data cutout unit that cuts out the focus area from the original image data and generates focus area data, when it is determined that the focus area is not larger than a threshold value;
A second video signal processing unit that generates a second set area signal based on the focus area data;
An autofocus control unit that executes focus control based on the first or second setting area signal;
An imaging apparatus comprising:

Images