JP5063249B2 - Focus control device and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as an electronic still camera having a focus adjustment function, an imaging method, and a computer program.

  Conventionally, when performing autofocus (AF), a photographer can select an arbitrary focus adjustment area from a plurality of focus adjustment areas. In addition, there is a method in which a focus adjustment area is displayed at a screen position in the viewfinder corresponding to the focus adjustment area, and the selectable focus adjustment area and the selected area are displayed in different forms of focus detection frames (AF frames). It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, the photographer selectively or freely sets the AF frame indicating the focus adjustment area at any position on the screen, and performs autofocus so as to focus on the focus adjustment area corresponding to the position of the AF frame. The method is known. For example, the initial position of the AF frame is set at the center of the screen, and the AF frame is moved vertically and horizontally by operating a cross switch or the like. As a result, it is possible to perform focus control so as to focus on the region intended by the photographer, and the degree of freedom in composition of shooting is improved.

JP-A-4-109232

  However, when a plurality of AF frames are set as described above, if all the AF frames are always displayed on the screen, the display becomes complicated and it is difficult to check the subject on the screen. As the number of AF frames increases, it becomes more difficult to see. However, if the AF frame is not displayed, the position of the focus adjustment area cannot be confirmed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the visibility of a screen when moving a plurality of AF frames to an arbitrary position on the screen and performing autofocus in a focus adjustment region corresponding to the position is achieved. It aims at improving.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the focus control device of the present invention is focused on at least one of a plurality of preset focus adjustment regions of an image obtained from an image sensor. Focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment, display control means for displaying a display representing the plurality of focus adjustment areas on the display device so as to be superimposed on the image, and a state in which the states of the plurality of focus adjustment areas can be changed. A mode switching means for switching between one mode and a second mode that cannot be changed; and a changing means for moving the plurality of focus adjustment areas when the first mode is set by the mode switching means. When the mode switching means switches from the first mode to the second mode, the second mode is moved in the first mode. Serial and can not be changed the position of the plurality of focus control area, wherein the display control unit, wherein in the first mode, to display of the plurality of focus control area by the first embodiment, each representing a respective focusing areas In the second mode, the second mode is simplified in comparison with the first mode and represents the overall position and size of the plurality of focus adjustment regions moved in the first mode .

The focus control method of the present invention includes a display control step in which the display control unit superimposes an image obtained from the image sensor and a display representing a plurality of focus adjustment areas and displays the superimposed image on the display device. A determination step for determining whether one of a first mode in which states of the plurality of focus adjustment regions can be changed and a second mode in which the state cannot be changed is set; When the mode is set, the changing step of moving the plurality of focus adjustment regions, and the focus adjustment means at least of the plurality of focus adjustment regions moved in the changing step of the image obtained from the image sensor A focus adjustment step of performing focus adjustment so that one of them is in focus, and when the determination step determines that the first mode has been switched to the second mode, the second step The over de should not be changed the position of the moving said plurality of focusing regions in the first mode, the display control step, wherein in the first mode, the display of the plurality of focusing areas, each The first mode represents each focus adjustment region, and the second mode represents the overall position and size of the plurality of focus adjustment regions moved in the first mode, which is simpler than the first mode. This is performed according to the second mode.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both the visibility when the photographer changes the position and size of the AF frame and the visibility when shooting after the change.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera which is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes a focus lens for focusing on an image sensor 112 to be described later. Reference numeral 102 denotes a photo interrupter that detects an initial position of the focus lens 101. Reference numeral 103 denotes a focus lens drive motor that drives the focus lens 101, and reference numeral 104 denotes a focus lens drive circuit that inputs a drive signal to the focus lens drive motor 103 to move the focus lens 101.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a light amount control member (hereinafter referred to as “aperture / shutter”) such as an aperture and a shutter, and reference numeral 106 denotes an aperture / shutter drive motor that drives the aperture / shutter 105. Reference numeral 107 denotes an aperture / shutter drive circuit that inputs a drive signal to the aperture / shutter drive motor 106 and moves the aperture / shutter 105.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a zoom lens that changes the focal length of the photographic lens, and reference numeral 109 denotes a photo interrupter that detects the initial position of the zoom lens 108. A zoom lens drive motor 110 drives the zoom lens 108, and a zoom lens drive circuit 111 moves the zoom lens 108 by inputting a drive signal to the zoom lens drive motor 110.

  An image sensor 112 converts reflected light from the subject into an electrical signal, and an A / D converter 113 converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 112 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 114 denotes a timing signal generation circuit (TG) that generates a timing signal necessary for operating the image sensor 112 and the A / D converter 113.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes an image processor that performs predetermined processing on the image data input from the A / D converter 113, and 116 denotes a buffer memory that temporarily stores the image data processed by the image processor 115. Reference numeral 117 denotes an interface for connecting to a recording medium 118 described later, and 118 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  Reference numeral 119 denotes a microcontroller (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) for controlling the entire system.

  A zoom switch (SW) 120 inputs a signal for instructing the start and stop of the zoom operation to the CPU 119. Reference numeral 121 denotes a switch for instructing shooting preparation such as AF and AE (represented as “SW1” in FIG. 1), and 122 denotes shooting processing such as main exposure and recording operation after the operation of the shooting preparation instruction switch 121. Is a photographing processing instruction switch (indicated as “SW2” in FIG. 1). Reference numeral 123 denotes a main switch (SW) for powering on the system, and reference numeral 124 denotes a mode switch (SW) for setting the operation mode of the camera.

  125 is a program memory in which a program executed by the CPU 119 is stored, and 126 is a work for temporarily storing various data necessary for the CPU 119 to perform processing according to the program stored in the program memory 125. It is memory. Reference numeral 127 denotes an operation display unit that displays the operation state of the camera and various warnings. Reference numeral 128 denotes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that is a display device that displays an image, an AF frame, and the like. The display content is controlled by the CPU 119. That is, the CPU 119 plays a role as display control means. Reference numeral 129 denotes a setting switch (SW) for performing various settings. A cross switch 130 is used to select a menu item displayed on the operation display unit 127 or the EVF 128, or to move the position of a focus detection frame (AF frame) indicating a focus adjustment area. 131 is a captured image signal (image ) To detect a face. Reference numeral 132 denotes an AF frame setting switch (SW) which is a mode switching means for changing to an AF frame setting mode (first mode) for changing the position and size of the AF frame. Each time the AF frame setting switch 132 is pressed, a transition to the AF frame setting mode (first mode) and a release from the AF frame setting mode (second mode) are alternately performed. Reference numeral 133 denotes an AF frame size change switch (SW) for changing the size of the AF frame. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, nine (3 × 3) AF frames exist and are set adjacent to each other.

  In the first embodiment, in the digital camera having the above-described configuration, when SW1 is pressed by the photographer, the CPU 119 controls the AF processing operation based on the program stored in the program memory 125. That is, the CPU 119 functions as a focus adjustment unit. The AF processing operation will be briefly described below.

  First, the focus lens 101 is moved to the scan start position. The scan start position is, for example, the infinite end of the focusable area.

  Next, the analog video signal read from the image sensor 112 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 113. Then, from the output, the image processor 115 extracts a high-frequency component of the luminance signal for each AF frame, and stores this in the work memory 126 as a focus evaluation value.

  Next, the current position of the focus lens 101 is acquired and stored in the work memory 126. When a stepping motor is used as the focus lens drive motor 103, the position of the focus lens 101 may be determined by the number of relative drive pulses detected from the initial position detected by the photo interrupter 102. Further, the absolute position may be measured using a rotary encoder or the like.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the current position of the focus lens 101 is equal to the scan end position. If they are equal, the maximum focus evaluation value is calculated from the acquired focus evaluation values. Otherwise, the focus lens 101 is moved by a predetermined amount in the scanning end direction, the analog video signal is read again from the image sensor 112, and the focus evaluation value is acquired as described above.

  The AF processing operation as described above is performed for all AF frames (9 in the present embodiment), and the optimum in-focus position is obtained from the AF frames for which the maximum value has been obtained. For example, the closest focus position is selected and set as the focus position. By selecting the closest one, it is possible to avoid so-called hollows where the background is in focus and the subject in front is blurred in a scene where two people are standing apart. . In addition, it is possible to appropriately change whether to select the AF frame for obtaining the in-focus position, such as selecting an AF frame with the largest maximum value or selecting an intermediate value. .

  As described above, the CPU 119 automatically determines which AF frame of the plurality of AF frames is actually subject to focus control based on a preset program.

  Next, a procedure for changing the state of the AF frame (position and size in the first embodiment) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S101, a variable STATUS indicating the state of the AF frame setting mode (that is, whether or not it is in the AF frame setting mode) is set to “confirmed”. “Confirm” indicates a mode (second mode) in which the AF frame setting mode is not set, that is, the position and size of the AF frame are not changed. This STATUS is stored in the work memory 126. In step S102, the AF frame size is set to “small” as an initial state, and the position of the AF frame is set to the center of the screen and stored in the work memory 126. In the first embodiment, the AF frame size can be changed to three levels of “large”, “medium”, and “small”. Needless to say, you can do it.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not the AF frame setting switch 132 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S104. If not, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S104, the state of the variable STATUS stored in the work memory 126 is checked. If it is “confirmed” (that is, not in the AF frame setting mode), the process proceeds to step S105. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S105, STATUS is changed to “setting” and stored in the work memory 126. “Setting” indicates an AF frame setting mode (first mode), and the position and size of the AF frame can be changed when STATUS is “setting”. Next, in step S106, all of the plurality of AF frames are displayed as a full frame display on the EVF 128, and are superimposed and displayed on the image obtained by imaging. In the initial state (size “small”, position is in the center), the display as shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Here, a case is shown in which there are nine AF frames in total, three vertically and horizontally.

  On the other hand, if STATUS is not “confirmed”, STATUS is changed to “confirmed” in step S 107 and stored in work memory 126. Subsequently, in step S108, the display of the AF frame displayed on the EVF 128 is changed to the display of an index so that the overall positions and sizes of the plurality of AF frames can be understood. For example, when the display as shown in FIG. 5 is performed, as shown in FIG. 8, a total of nine AF frames, one in three in the vertical and horizontal directions, are taken as one group, and the position and size of the entire group can be known. The display is changed to a simplified display as an index and superimposed on an image obtained by imaging.

  In step S109, the status of the STATUS stored in the work memory 126 is checked. If it is “setting”, the process proceeds to step S110 to shift to the process of changing the position and size of the AF frame. finish.

  In step S110, the operation state of the cross switch 130 is checked. If operated, the process proceeds to step S111, and if not operated, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S111, the position of the AF frame is moved according to the procedure described later with reference to FIG. 3, and then the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the operation state of the AF frame size change switch 133 is checked. If operated, the process returns to step S113, and if not operated, the process returns to step S103. In step S113, the size of the AF frame is changed according to a procedure described later with reference to FIG. 4, and then the process returns to step S103.

  Thus, when the STATUS is “set”, the entire AF frame is displayed and the position and size of the AF frame can be changed. In the “determined” state, the observation of the subject is not hindered. A display is provided so that the size and position of the AF frame can be understood.

  Next, the AF frame position movement process performed in step S111 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 119 according to the operation of the cross switch 130 according to the program stored in the program memory 125. Therefore, the CPU 119 and the cross switch 130 function as changing means when changing the position.

  First, in step S121, the size of the AF frame stored in the work memory 126 is checked. If it is “large”, the process proceeds to step S122. If it is “medium”, the process proceeds to step S123. If it is “small”, the process proceeds to step S124. In step S122, the vertical and horizontal movement end positions (movement limit positions of the AF frame within the EVF 128 screen) of the AF frame are set to those when the AF frame size is “large” and stored in the work memory 126. In step S123, the upper, lower, left and right moving end positions of the AF frame are set to those at the time when the size of the AF frame is “medium” and stored in the work memory 126. In step S124, the vertical and horizontal movement end positions of the AF frame are set to those when the AF frame size is “small” and stored in the work memory 126. Since these moving end positions are constant for each size of the AF frame, they are stored in advance in association with the size of the AF frame in the program memory 125 or the internal memory (not shown) of the CPU 119 and set by reading. Can do.

  Note that the moving end position of the AF frame in steps S122 to S124 in FIG. 3 is set as follows.

  First, when the AF frame size is “large”, the edge of the screen is set as the moving end position in both the upper, lower, left and right directions (FIG. 11A). When the AF frame size is “medium”, the moving end position is defined so that the center positions of the nine AF frames coincide with the center positions of the nine AF frames when the AF frame size is “large”. To do. That is, the left moving end position of the nine AF frames when the AF frame size is “medium” is the position of the alternate long and short dash line indicated by (1) in FIG. Similarly, when the AF frame size is “small”, the center positions of the nine AF frames move to positions that match the center positions of the nine AF frames when the AF frame size is “large”. Define the end position. That is, the left moving end position of the nine AF frames when the AF frame size is “small” is the position of the alternate long and short dash line indicated by (2) in FIG. Although FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the moving end position in the lower left direction, the right and upper positions are defined in the same manner.

  In this way, by defining the moving end position based on the center position regardless of the size of the AF frame, the subject can be easily captured when the AF frame size is changed at the edge of the screen. In other words, even if the AF frame size is changed when the subject is captured at the center of the nine AF frames, the center position of the nine AF frames does not change. It can be prevented from approaching the edge.

  In step S125, the operating state of the cross switch 130, that is, which button on the top, bottom, left, and right is pressed is determined. In step S126, the AF frame starts to move in the direction determined in step S125. For example, if the right button of the cross switch 130 is pressed, the AF frame is moved rightward. In step S127, it is checked whether the position of any corner of the nine AF frames started to move in step S126 has reached the moving end position set in any of steps S122 to S124. If so, the process proceeds to step S129. If not reached yet, the process proceeds to step S128. In step S128, it is checked whether or not the cross switch 130 is continuously pressed. If it continues, the AF frame continues to move, and the flow returns to step S127 to check whether the movement end position has been reached. On the other hand, if the cross switch 130 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S129, and the movement of the AF frame is stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the AF frame illustrated in FIG. 5 is moved to the upper right by the operation of the cross switch 130 described above. When the AF frame setting switch 132 is pressed in this state, the process proceeds from step S103 in FIG. 2 to step S104, STATUS is changed to “determined”, and the display as shown in FIG. 9 is changed in step S108.

  Next, the AF frame size changing process performed in step S113 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 119 according to the operation of the AF frame size change switch 133 according to the program stored in the program memory 125. Accordingly, the CPU 119 and the AF frame size change switch 133 function as changing means when changing the size.

  First, in step S131, the current AF frame size stored in the work memory 126 is checked. If “large”, the process proceeds to step S135, and the AF frame size is changed from “large” to “medium”. The changed AF frame size is stored in the work memory 126. If it is not “large”, the process advances to step S132 to determine whether or not the current AF frame size stored in the work memory 126 is “medium”. If “medium”, the process proceeds to step S 133, the AF frame size is changed from “medium” to “small”, and the changed AF frame size is stored in the work memory 126. If it is determined in step S132 that the current AF frame size is not “medium”, the process proceeds to step S134, the AF frame size is changed from “small” to “large”, and the AF frame after the change is changed. Are stored in the work memory 126.

  In this way, every time the AF frame size change switch 133 is pressed, the AF frame size is changed from large → medium → small → large.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example when the AF frame of the “small” AF frame size is changed to “medium” in the state illustrated in FIG. 6. When the AF frame setting switch 132 is pressed in this state, the process proceeds from step S103 in FIG. 2 to step S104, STATUS is changed to “determined”, and the display as shown in FIG. 10 is changed in step S108.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the position and size of the AF frame are changed (AF frame setting mode), since all the AF frames are displayed, the positions and sizes of all the AF frames are visually determined. Can be confirmed. Therefore, the photographer can easily set the AF frame to a desired position and size. In addition, after the position and size are determined (when not in the AF frame setting mode), a plurality of AF frames are displayed as one group, and are displayed as an index so that the position and size of the entire group can be understood. Thereby, it is possible to perform framing without disturbing the visibility of the subject while confirming the approximate position and size of the AF frame at the time of shooting.

  In the above description, the case of nine AF frames is described, but it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if the number of AF frames changes. The same applies to the case of one AF frame.

  Further, the configuration may be such that the user can change the type and number of AF frames.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the AF frame is moved, the end position is defined based on the center position regardless of the AF frame size. However, any AF frame size can be moved to the edge of the screen. Anyway. Processing in the case of such a configuration will be described.

  The configuration of the imaging device and the basic procedure for changing the position and size of the AF frame in the second embodiment are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. Omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the AF frame position movement process performed in step S111 of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment, and is performed instead of the process described in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

  First, in step S201, the moving end position of the AF frame is set to the end of the screen and stored in the work memory 126. In step S202, the operation state of the cross switch 130, that is, which button on the top, bottom, left and right is pressed is determined. In step S203, the AF frame starts to move in the direction determined in step S202. For example, if the right button of the cross switch 130 is pressed, the AF frame is moved rightward. In step S204, it is checked whether the position of any corner of the nine AF frames started to move in step S203 has reached the moving end position set in step S201. If it has reached, step S206 has not yet been reached. If not, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is checked whether the depression of the cross switch 130 is continued. If it continues, the AF frame continues to move, and the process returns to step S204 to check whether the movement end position has been reached. On the other hand, if the cross switch 130 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S206 to stop the movement of the AF frame.

  By controlling as described above, the AF frame can be moved to the end of the screen regardless of the AF frame size.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the AF frame size changing process performed in step S113 of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment, and is performed instead of the process described in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment.

  First, in step S211, the current AF frame size stored in the work memory 126 is checked. If “large”, the process proceeds to step S215, and the AF frame size is changed from “large” to “medium”. The changed AF frame size is stored in the work memory 126. If it is not “large”, the process proceeds to step S212, and it is determined whether or not the current AF frame size stored in the work memory 126 is “medium”. If “medium”, the process proceeds to step S 213, the AF frame size is changed from “medium” to “small”, and the changed AF frame size is stored in the work memory 126. If it is determined in step S212 that the current AF frame size is not “medium”, the process proceeds to step S214, where the AF frame size is changed from “small” to “large”, and the AF frame after the change is changed. Is stored in the work memory 126, and the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S216, when “small” is changed to “large”, it is checked whether the end position of the AF frame exceeds the edge of the screen, that is, it protrudes from the screen. If it protrudes, the process proceeds to step S217. This process ends. In step S217, the AF frame is moved inward to a position where the AF frame end does not protrude from the screen.

  By doing so, when the AF frame is moved to the edge of the screen regardless of the size of the AF frame, when the AF frame size is changed from “small” to “large”, the edge position of the AF frame is changed from the screen. It does not stick out and fits on the screen. As a result, regardless of which AF frame size is selected, the AF frame can be aligned with the subject located at the edge of the screen, so that the degree of freedom of framing is increased and the operability of the camera is improved. improves.

  In the above example, the case where the AF frame is moved to a position that does not protrude when the AF frame is changed from the screen after changing the size of the AF frame has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the size is not changed when protruding from the screen, or the size is adjusted to the maximum size that does not protrude from the screen if the size of the focus adjustment area can be arbitrarily set. Anyway. Furthermore, in the case of a plurality of AF frames, it is possible to reduce the number of AF frames so that an AF frame that protrudes from the screen is not used.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a camera head, etc.), or a device (for example, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, etc.) composed of a single device. You may apply to.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved as follows. First, a storage medium (or recording medium) that records a program code of software that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. Then, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the following can be achieved. That is, when the operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the read program code, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. It is. Examples of the storage medium for storing the program code include a flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, and the like. Can be considered. Also, a computer network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) can be used to supply the program code.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure to change the position and size of AF frame in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating AF frame position movement processing of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining AF frame size change processing of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how to display an AF frame in an AF frame setting mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example when an AF frame is moved in an AF frame setting mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the size of the AF frame is changed in the AF frame setting mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display method when an AF frame is confirmed in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display method when an AF frame is determined after movement in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display method when the AF frame is moved and the size is changed after being changed in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining AF frame moving end position in AF frame position moving processing of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining AF frame position movement processing of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating AF frame size change processing in FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Focus lens 102 Photo interrupter 103 Focus lens drive motor 104 Focus lens drive circuit 112 Image pick-up element 119 CPU
130 Cross switch 132 AF frame setting switch 133 AF frame size change switch

Claims (7)

Focus adjusting means for performing focus adjustment so that at least one of a plurality of preset focus adjustment regions of an image obtained from the image sensor is in focus;
Display control means for displaying on the display device a display representing the plurality of focus adjustment areas superimposed on the image;
Mode switching means for switching between a first mode in which the state of the plurality of focus adjustment regions can be changed and a second mode in which the state cannot be changed;
Changing means for moving the plurality of focus adjustment areas when the first mode is set by the mode switching means;
When the mode switching means switches from the first mode to the second mode, the second mode prevents the positions of the plurality of focus adjustment areas moved in the first mode from being changed,
Wherein the display control unit, in the first mode, the display of the plurality of focus control area performed by the first embodiment, each representing a respective focusing areas, and in the second mode, is moved in the first mode In addition , the focusing control apparatus is characterized by performing the second form which is simplified from the first form and represents the overall position and size of the plurality of focus adjustment regions. The changing means can further change the size of the plurality of focus adjustment regions,
When the mode switching unit switches from the first mode to the second mode, the second mode prevents the size of the plurality of focus adjustment areas changed in the first mode from being changed. The focusing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focusing control apparatus is characterized.   The center of the plurality of focus adjustment regions when the size is the maximum regardless of the size of the plurality of focus adjustment regions, the moving end position being the movement limit of the plurality of focus adjustment regions within the screen of the display device. 3. The focus control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the center of the plurality of focus adjustment regions is defined to be coincident with each other.   An imaging apparatus comprising: the focusing control apparatus according to claim 1; and the imaging element. A display control step in which the display control means superimposes an image obtained from the image sensor and a display representing a plurality of focus adjustment areas and displays the display on the display device;
A determining step for determining whether a first mode in which a state of the plurality of focus adjustment regions can be changed and a second mode in which the state cannot be changed is set;
A changing step for changing the plurality of focus adjustment areas when the first mode is set;
A focus adjusting unit that performs focus adjustment so that at least one of the plurality of focus adjustment regions moved in the changing step of the image obtained from the image sensor is in focus, and
In the determination step, when it is determined that the mode has been switched from the first mode to the second mode, the positions of the plurality of focus adjustment regions moved in the first mode cannot be changed in the second mode. ,
Wherein the display control step, in the first mode, the display of the plurality of focus control area, performs the first embodiment, each representing a respective focusing areas, and in the second mode, moving said first mode has been representing the overall position and size of the plurality of focus control area, focus control method, which comprises carrying out the second embodiment is simplified more than the first embodiment.   The program for making a computer perform each process of the focusing control method of Claim 5.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 6.

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