JP5278564B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which can short a photographing time or a storing time, and energy saving such as the saving of a recording medium and the like by reducing the number of imaging sheets rationally while maintaining the probability of picking up an image which meets the intent of photography. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises an imaging optical system, an electric imaging means, and a means for acquiring a focal point evaluation value dependent on a contrast component by acquiring image signals at a plurality of points in an imaging screen while changing a focus position prior to photography wherein the number of photography sheets of a focus bracket is altered automatically depending on the focal point evaluation value acquired by the focal point evaluation value acquisition means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that electrically images a predetermined subject.

The following are disclosed as techniques related to the present invention.
There is a “camera” that determines the interval between the focus brackets and the number of shots according to shooting conditions (aperture value, focal length, subject distance) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
There is an “imaging device, imaging method, and imaging control computer program” that performs imaging at each point where the focus evaluation value (high-frequency component extraction value) takes a maximum value (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  The autofocus method is used in active systems using infrared projection LEDs that have been used since the days of silver halide cameras, passive systems using phase difference sensors integrated with optical lenses, and single-lens reflex cameras. A TTLAF method that guides light transmitted through a photographic lens to a phase difference sensor is known, but a method that has been used in many compact type digital cameras in recent years is known as an autofocus technology for video cameras in the past. This is called the contrast method (sometimes called the hill-climbing method because of its operation method). The principle of operation of this method is that the subject light is imaged while changing the position of the focus lens in small steps, each imaging data high-frequency part is extracted, calculated as a focus evaluation value, and focused by looking at the change curve of the focus evaluation value Determine the position.

  The most common operation method of this method is to sequentially capture images while moving the focus lens or imaging means step by step before actual shooting, extract the high-frequency part of the imaging data and calculate it as a focus evaluation value. Of the portion where the curve takes the maximum value, the maximum focus position is selected and stored as the focal point, and when the minute step drive operation ends, the focus lens is moved again to that position and actual shooting is performed. Although it takes time to judge, it is generally used as a method for obtaining an accurate in-focus position without an additional sensor.

  The contrast-type autofocus method is convenient because the focus position can be known relatively accurately without a special sensor. However, the lens variation (the difference between the best position of the lens resolving power and the best position of the evaluation value) is still useful. ), Camera shake conditions, subject contrast and frequency components, mechanical and electrical reproducibility of focus storage position (backlash, etc.), and the photographer's intention to shoot. May not always focus exactly on the intended point.

  In order to solve this problem, a system called a focus bracket has been proposed. That is, it is a technique for photographing a plurality of images while changing parameters originally used for exposure, with a technique for photographing before and after the in-focus point determined by the camera.

  Also, within the shooting distance range, the focus is changed at predetermined intervals, and everything within the shooting distance range is shot and saved, so that even if the photographer intends to take a shot after shooting Various techniques have been proposed.

  Among the conventional techniques as described above, the former (simply focus bracket: normal three-frame shooting) always shoots a predetermined number of images at a predetermined interval. If the camera is sufficiently focused at the focus point selected by the camera, an image with a predetermined defocus is always stored. In the latter, the concept of autofocus is eliminated, so even if the focus interval is changed according to conditions, a large amount of shooting and saving of shot images will always be performed, and shooting time, storage time, The amount of memory used is a problem, it is not easy to use, and it can be said that this technology has many problems from the viewpoint of energy saving.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and rationally reduces the number of images to be captured while maintaining the probability of being able to capture an image according to the shooting intention, and reduces the shooting time, storage time, and recording medium. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that realizes energy saving such as saving.

  In Patent Document 1, the depth of field (the depth in the front-rear direction of the in-focus range of the subject) is calculated using the shooting conditions (mainly the aperture value) as a key, and the focus is changed accordingly. A technique to determine the interval and the total number of shots has been proposed, but this technique adjusts the aperture to be within the depth of field (appears to be in focus), or takes pictures when it is within the depth. This is a technique for reducing the number of sheets, and is not a technique for accurately focusing on a part intended for shooting. Further, since the depth of field is a depth based on the measurement distance and the calculation of the aperture on the desk, it is not a value considering the thickness of the subject, and it is unclear whether it is in line with the actual shooting intention.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the focus is most focused for each actual subject in terms of extracting a region having the highest contrast with respect to a plurality of regions in the imaging range while actually operating the focus in a minute step. In addition to the systemic advantage of being able to select the location, rationalize the number of shots by changing the number of shots and the shooting interval according to the accuracy of the selected focus (the size of the focus evaluation value). Can be reduced.

  Further, the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 is an insurance technique for a case where all portions where the focus evaluation value curve has a maximum are photographed and the photographing intention of the photographer cannot be automatically identified.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, basically, the maximum of the maximum values of the focal length evaluation curve is set as the main subject as in the prior art, or the focus on the vicinity of the main subject selected in advance by a touch panel or the like is used. In order to obtain the evaluation value, there is no insurance problem related to determining the main subject. This is a technique that enables the main subject to focus properly as intended, and differs in all tasks, functions, and effects.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.
An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An imaging optical system;
Electrical imaging means;
Focus evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring image evaluation signals of a plurality of locations in the imaging screen while changing the focus position prior to shooting, and acquiring a focus evaluation value according to a contrast component,
In the imaging device that automatically changes the focus interval of the focus bracket according to the size of the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition unit,
When the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition means is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, the focus interval of the focus bracket is made smaller than a predetermined interval and smaller than a second predetermined value. Is characterized in that the focus interval of the focus bracket is made larger than a predetermined interval.

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An imaging optical system;
Electrical imaging means;
A main subject specifying means for specifying in advance the area or point to be focused;
A focus evaluation value acquiring unit that acquires an image signal while changing a focus position with respect to a predetermined range from an area or a point specified by the main subject specifying unit, and acquires a focus evaluation value according to a contrast component; ,
In the imaging device that automatically changes the focus interval of the focus bracket according to the size of the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition unit,
When the magnitude of the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition means is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, the focus interval of the focus bracket is made smaller than the predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value. Is characterized in that the focus interval of the focus bracket is made larger than a predetermined value.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to rationally reduce the number of images to be captured while maintaining the probability of capturing an image according to a shooting intention, and to realize energy saving such as shooting time, saving time, and saving of a recording medium. It becomes possible.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an imaging apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of this invention, and is a figure which shows the example of the condition and positional relationship of a to-be-photographed object. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of this invention, and is a graph which shows the change curve of the focus evaluation value at the time of an autofocus focus position scan. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation after the release is half-pressed according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation after the release is fully pressed according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation after the release is half-pressed according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation after the release is fully pressed according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 3 of this invention and shows operation | movement after a release is half-pressed. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 4 of this invention and shows the operation | movement after a release is half-pressed. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 9 of this invention and shows operation | movement after a release is fully pressed. It is a conceptual diagram which concerns on Example 5 of this invention and shows the shape of a peak value. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 5 of this invention and shows operation | movement after a release is half-pressed. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 6 of this invention and shows operation | movement after a release is half-pressed. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 7 of this invention and shows operation | movement after a release is half-pressed. It is a flowchart which concerns on Example 8 of this invention and shows operation | movement after a release is half-pressed.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Configuration of the present invention>
The configuration of an imaging apparatus (camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the overall block diagram of FIG.

  A control device (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 1 has a control function for controlling all the operations of the imaging device, and internally includes a calculation means 10 for performing various determinations and calculations, and for counting time. A time counting means (timer means) 11 and a volatile or nonvolatile memory (focus bracket drive width setting memory, focus bracket photographing number setting memory) 12 for storing various setting values are included. The configuration may not necessarily be a one-chip configuration, and may be a configuration of a composite element including an image processing chip or a configuration of a control unit including a plurality of elements.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the control device 1 acquires image signals at a plurality of locations in the imaging screen from the photometric sensor 2 while changing the focus position prior to shooting, and acquires a focus evaluation value corresponding to the contrast component. It functions as a focus evaluation value acquisition means. Further, the control device 1 can also function as a main subject specifying means for specifying in advance the area or point that the user wants to focus on, together with the display device 7 (Example 3).

  The photometric sensor 2 is a sensor for detecting the brightness of the subject, and is driven by the control from the control device 1 and is an electric signal related to the brightness of the subject at a plurality of points within the shooting range (in the imaging screen). (Image signal) is detected and input to the control device 1. In addition, as in the present invention, the brightness of a plurality of areas may be obtained using image data obtained by the image sensor 8 without providing the dedicated photometric sensor 2.

  The first release SW (Switch) 3 is a switch that is turned on by half-pressing the release SW for photographing. The second release SW (Switch) 4 is a switch that is turned on when the release SW for photographing is fully pressed (pressed). In FIG. 1, each switch is described as a separate switch, but originally, the above operation is performed by a difference in operation (how to push) on the same switch.

  The focus lens driving device 5 and the shutter driving device 6 are for performing focus driving and shutter driving for photographing. In addition, the focus driving device 5 acquires the imaging data (evaluation data for autofocus) from the imaging element 8 while acquiring the focus driving range (in the normal case, the shortest distance (closest distance) that can be photographed to infinity). ) It also has the role of searching for a focusable point by scanning the area. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which has a diaphragm separately from a shutter mechanism and controls a diaphragm and a shutter separately.

  The display device 7 is a display device such as a liquid crystal element or an organic EL element that performs a monitoring display before photographing, a reproduced image display, a menu display for performing presetting, and the like.

The storage device 9 is a storage device for storing captured image data after the control device 1 converts the image data into a predetermined storage format, and is a built-in flash memory, an external memory card, an HDD, or the like.
The image pickup device 8 is for inputting a signal obtained by electrically picking up a subject image to the control device 1 and is an element such as a CCD or a CMOS.

  Note that each of the peripheral devices 2 to 9 in FIG. 1 includes various devices and drivers necessary for driving.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the operation in the shooting mode in the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In a normal state (when the main SW of the image pickup apparatus is turned on), the operation SW is operated while the camera performs monitoring (shooting preparation state while monitoring a photographed image with an LCD display device or other display means). Waiting for

  That is, in the monitoring state (step S1), when the monitoring state is stopped (step S1 / stopped), after starting the process of monitoring (step S2), it is determined which switch has been operated (step S2). Step S3). When the monitoring state is ON (during step S1 / ON), it is determined which switch is operated as it is (step S3).

  Thereafter, when a release-related operation is performed, a release operation is performed, and when another operation is performed, a predetermined operation is performed, and then the monitoring state is restored.

  That is, when the first release SW3 is operated (step S3 / RL1SW ON process), monitoring is stopped (step S4), AE process (automatic exposure process), and AF process (autofocus process) are performed (step S5). Step S6) performs focus drive processing (step S7), and returns to the monitoring state.

  When the second release SW4 is operated (step S3 / RL2SW ON process), the monitoring is stopped (step S8), the still image recording process is performed (step S9), and the monitoring state is restored.

  When a switch other than the first release SW3 and the second release SW4 is operated (step S3 / other SW ON process), a process corresponding to the switch is performed (step S10), and the process returns to the monitoring state.

  When the invalid operation is performed (step S3 / invalid operation), the monitoring state is returned as it is.

The implementation concept of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 3 shows the situation and the positional relationship of the subject, with a rock on the right side of the foreground, a person placed behind it, and a blackboard placed behind the slanted back on the left side. And (It is assumed that the letters “a (near point)” and “n (far point)” are described on the blackboard so that the near point and the far point can be understood.

  FIG. 4 shows a change curve of the focus evaluation value (calculated by the high-frequency component of the imaging component and indicating the contrast of the image) at the time of autofocus in-focus position scanning. The subject shown in FIG. The example of the focus evaluation value curve at the time of scanning is shown.

  That is, the farthest area E (blackboard far point) in FIG. 3 has the smallest focus evaluation value (low) (that is, it is difficult to focus and there is no confidence in focusing), and area D (blackboard near point) and area C It can be seen that (Rock) has a focus evaluation value larger than that of Area E, at the same level, and Area B (Person) has the largest focus evaluation value (easy to focus and can be focused with confidence). In addition, the farthest area E (blackboard far point) in FIG. 3 has the most gentle focus evaluation value shape (that is, it is difficult to recognize the peak position, and a determination error is likely to occur). C (rock) has a sharper peak shape than area E but is a standard shape, and area B (person) has the sharpest peak shape (higher focus determination accuracy because peak determination is easier). Recognize. Here, it is assumed that the focus evaluation value is larger (higher) than the predetermined threshold value for determining the focus.

  In such a case, which point is selected as a focusing point as a camera is a problem on the system. For example, a point with the highest focus evaluation value may be selected, and the focus evaluation value is predetermined. The closest part (maximum value point on the right side in FIG. 4) that is greater than or equal to the value (lower) may be selected as the in-focus point, or restricted by the shooting mode or pre-regulation (select less than a certain distance) ) (Such that all the maximum values are within the depth of field).

  The above is a general autofocus point detection and selection method called contrast method or hill-climbing method, and other methods (external phase difference measurement) are used to compare the contrast while capturing the actual imaging signal of the subject. It is relatively more accurate than a method of providing a distance element or a method of receiving an infrared LED with a light receiving position sensor), and does not require additional cost.

  However, even in the contrast method, due to the precise reproducibility of the in-focus point, subtle changes in the subject situation, the intention of the photographer (depending on where you want to focus), the focus interval and time constraints during scanning, etc. Since there is a possibility that the photographer's intention cannot be completely reflected, a focus bracket function has been generally used as one means for obtaining a strict meaning of focus in one shooting.

  This function was conceived based on the auto bracket function in automatic exposure. Based on the focus point selected as the camera, images with the focus point shifted around a predetermined amount are continuously shot and saved. Then, the photographer will be asked to select an image that suits his or her intention.

  In the conventional method, usually three shots (some of which can be selected in advance) are taken, and images obtained by shifting the in-focus point selected by the camera by a predetermined amount (some selectable) are continuously shot and stored. .

This method is easy to understand as a shooting mode and has uniformity as an operation mode, but also has the following drawbacks (problems).
The first problem is that since the number of shots is determined in advance, a fixed number of shots are shot and stored even when it is not necessary, which is wasteful in terms of effective use of resources.
The second problem is that the focus interval is determined in advance, so if you do not shoot at a finer focus step, the change will be too large, or conversely, the shoot will end with a small change despite the need for more changes. This is the case when the desired result is not received.

  In either case, it can be solved to some extent by manually setting the number of images and the focus interval in consideration of the depth of field in advance, but it is not automatically set. It requires theoretical learning and experience, which is quite difficult for ordinary photographers.

  The imaging device of the present invention is for solving these problems, and by performing normal focus bracket shooting, depending on the accuracy (reliability) of the in-focus point automatically determined by the camera, If the reliability is high, reduce the number of brackets or set the focus interval finely. If the reliability is low, increase the number of brackets or set the focus interval wide to easily obtain the image intended by the photographer. The main feature is that it has the effect of

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention also has an energy saving effect of reducing power consumption during shooting and effective use of storage media from the viewpoint of not shooting and storing useless shot images.

  Examples of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described below. The operation of each example described with reference to each flowchart is performed by the control device 1 in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. Is done by.

  In the first embodiment, the number setting is changed. It is assumed that the focus bracketing is performed in advance.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described.
When the release is half-pressed (when the first release SW3 is turned ON), after performing the monitoring stop process (step S11) and the AE (photometry, photometry calculation, etc.) process (step S12), AF In order to detect the focal point, AF (scanning process) for moving the focus lens in a predetermined step and acquiring a focus evaluation value is performed (step S13).

  The maximum value (height) of the focus evaluation value (data relating to the high-frequency component of the image signal at each point) is evaluated, and a focusing point as a camera is determined by a predetermined algorithm (step S14). Here, it is assumed that the predetermined algo is set to a value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and that is closest to <it is possible to determine whether the feed amount during scanning is close or far>. Since this part of the algo is not related to the essence of the present invention, various modifications are possible. For example, the maximum value with the highest evaluation value may be used as the in-focus point.

  The magnitude of the focus evaluation value of the focus point determined here is tested (evaluated) (step S15). In the first embodiment, two types of predetermined values (1 <large>, 2 <small>) are provided.

  <1> The predetermined value 1 indicates an upper limit evaluation value (first predetermined value). When the focus evaluation value of the determined focus point is higher than this value (step S15 / ≧ predetermined value 1), the focus lens is When this point is reached, the contrast of the high frequency portion is extremely high, which means that the focus detection reliability is high.

  <2> Predetermined value 2 indicates a lower limit evaluation value (second predetermined value), and when the focus evaluation value of the determined focus point is lower than this value (set above the focus selection criterion) In the case) (step S15 / <predetermined value 1, step S17 / <predetermined value 2), there is no problem as a focus selection (although not so low as to make focusing impossible), the contrast of the high frequency component is low, This means that the reliability of focus detection is relatively low.

  <3> When the value is between the predetermined values 1 and 2 (step S15 / <predetermined value 1, step S17 / ≧ predetermined value 2), the size of the focus evaluation value of the determined in-focus point is standard, Means a normal level of reliability.

  In the first embodiment, after determining which level of <1> to <3>, the normal focus bracket shooting number (standard number, here three) is automatically changed (increased or decreased). This setting change is performed based on the setting contents stored in advance in the focus bracket shooting number setting memory of the memory 12.

  That is, in the case of <1>, which has extremely high reliability (step S15 / ≧ predetermined value 1), it is acceptable to shoot only the in-focus portion (set the number of shots to be one) (step S16). .

  On the other hand, in the case of <2> where the reliability is low (step S15 / <predetermined value 1, step S17 / <predetermined value 2), the number of shots is +2 and set to 5, and the probability of focusing is set. The control automatically increases (sets the number of shots 5) (step S18).

  In the case of standard <3> (step S15 / <predetermined value 1, step S17 / ≧ predetermined value 2), the number of shots is set as usual (a set of three shots) (step S19).

  Note that even if the reliability is high, it is not always possible to reflect the shooting intention by shooting only one image (such as when you want to focus properly on the front eye in high-contrast portrait shooting). The standard number of shots may be set to about 5 to 7 and then reduced by about 2 (by taking 3 or more images), or conversely if the focus evaluation value is low, A configuration in which the number of sheets is increased (such as +10 sheets) may be used, and the number of sheets to be increased or decreased is not necessarily set symmetrically. Here, since the flowchart is complicated and the description is redundant, the description is given with a simple configuration.

  After the setting, a predetermined focus bracket interval is set (here, it is assumed that pulse motor focus control is performed and the focus step interval is used to indicate that the focus is shifted) (step S20). . Here, the interval is usually set to 2 steps. This part varies depending on the camera configuration (focal length, lens configuration, lens F value and aperture value, required focus accuracy, etc., but the two steps are not meaningful, and the focus interval of the normal focus bracket is set. It means to do.

  Next, 1 is set in the current number counter of the focus bracket (step S20), and the focus lens is set (driven) at the determined focus point (step S21).

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.
After step S21 of FIG. 5, when the release is pushed in and fully pressed (when the second release SW4 is turned on), after the monitoring is stopped (step S22), the set number of shots is set in steps S23 to S37. Then, shooting control is performed according to the contents of the current shooting counter. In step S23, a still image is shot and recorded, and the current number is incremented by 1 (the current number of shots “1” is counted in step S20 in FIG. 5). ), +1 is added to the current number of shots “1”, and the current number of shots becomes “2”).

  For example, when the number of shots is set to 1 (in the case of step S16 in FIG. 5), the shooting is ended only by “determined focus point shooting”.

That is, the details are as follows.
After the monitoring is stopped (step S22), the first picture is taken at the determined focus point, the current number of shots is counted as the second (step S23), and whether the number of shots is set to five. Is determined (step S24). Since the number of shots is not set to 5 (step S24 / NO), it proceeds to the next, and it is determined whether or not the number of shots is set to 3 (step S25). Since the number of shots is not set to 3 (step S25 / NO), shooting ends.

  When the number of shots is set to 3 (in the case of step S19 in FIG. 5), “determined focus point shooting” → “−1 × (normal focus interval: 2 steps) shooting” → “+ 1 × (normal focus) Interval: 2 Step) Shooting ”is performed and the shooting ends.

That is, the details are as follows.
After the monitoring is stopped (step S22), the first picture is taken at the determined focus point, the current number of shots is counted as the second (step S23), and whether the number of shots is set to five. Is determined (step S24). Since the number of shots is not set to 5 (step S24 / NO), it proceeds to the next, and it is determined whether or not the number of shots is set to 3 (step S25). Since the number of shots is set to three (step S25 / YES), the process proceeds to the next to determine whether or not the current number of shots is the second (step S26).

  Since the current number of shots is the second (step S26 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (−1 × 2 Step) (step S27), and the number of shots and the current number is counted (step S23). ). Here, the current number of shots is the third. After making the determination again in steps S24, S25, and S26, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the third (step S28).

  Since the current number of shots is the third (step S28 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (+ 1 × 2 Step) (step S29), and the number of shots and the current number of shots is counted (step S23). . Here, the current number of shots is the fourth. The determination is again made in steps S24, S25, S26, and S28, and since the current number of shots is the fourth (step S28 / NO), the shooting ends.

  For example, when the number of shots is set to 5 (in the case of step S18 in FIG. 5), “determined focus point shooting” → “−2 × (normal setting interval: 2 Step) shooting” → “−1 × (Normal focus interval: 2 steps) shooting ”→“ + 1 × (normal focus interval: 2 steps) shooting ”→“ + 2 × (normal focus interval: 2 steps) shooting ”is performed, and the shooting is completed.

That is, the details are as follows.
After the monitoring is stopped (step S22), the first picture is taken at the determined focus point, the current number of shots is counted as the second (step S23), and whether the number of shots is set to five. Is determined (step S24). Since the number of shots is set to 5 (step S24 / YES), the process proceeds to the next, and it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the second (step S30).

  Since the current number of shots is the second (step S30 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (-2 × 2 Step) (step S31), and the number of shots and the current number of shots is counted (step S23). ). Here, the current number of shots is the third. After making the determination again in steps S24 and S30, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the third (step S32).

  Since the current number of shots is the third (step S32 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (−1 × 2 Step) (step S33), and the number of shots and the current number is counted (step S23). ). Here, the current number of shots is the fourth. After making the determination again in steps S24, S30, and S32, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the fourth (step S34).

  Since the current number of shots is the fourth (step S34 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (+ 1 × 2 Step) (step S35), and the number of shots and the current number of shots is counted (step S23). . Here, the current number of shots is the fifth. After making a determination again in steps S24, S30, S32, and S34, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the fifth (step S36).

  Since the current number of shots is the fifth (step S36 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (+ 2 × 2 Step) (step S37), and the number of shots and the current number is counted (step S23). . Here, the current number of shots is the sixth. After making a determination again in steps S24, S30, S32, and S34, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the fifth (step S36). Since the current number of shots is the sixth shot (step S36 / NO), shooting ends.

  As described in the release half-press operation portion of FIG. 5, the number of sheets set here is an example in which the standard number is reduced to simplify the explanation, and even in the case of a highly reliable focusing point, three sheets are used. Since it is configured so that the above shooting can be performed, it matches the original intention of the focus bracket mode of properly focusing on the part intended by the photographer, so it may be configured as such, and the evaluation value and The number of steps for setting the number of shots may be configured in multiple stages instead of three.

  According to the above embodiment, the number of shots is automatically increased / decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point, thereby reducing the number of shots in principle when the possibility of matching (reliability) is relatively high. An intelligent imaging device focusing mechanism that can prevent unnecessary shooting and increase the number of shots when the focusability (reliability) is relatively low, thereby increasing the probability of achieving more focus. can do.

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the focus interval setting is changed. It is assumed that the focus bracketing is performed in advance.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described.
When the release is half-pressed (when the first release SW3 is turned ON), after performing the monitoring stop process (step S41) and the AE (photometry, photometry calculation, etc.) process (step S42), AF In order to detect the focal point, AF (scanning process) is performed in which the focus lens is moved in predetermined steps to obtain a focus evaluation value (step S43).

  The maximum value (height) of the focus evaluation value (data relating to the high-frequency component of the image signal at each point) is evaluated, and a focusing point as a camera is determined by a predetermined algorithm (step S44). Here, it is assumed that the predetermined algo is set to a value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and that is closest to <it is possible to determine whether the feed amount during scanning is close or far>. Since this part of the algo is not related to the essence of the present invention, various modifications are possible. For example, the maximum value with the highest evaluation value may be used as the in-focus point.

  The magnitude of the focus evaluation value of the focus point determined here is tested (evaluated) (step S45). In the second embodiment, two types of predetermined values (1 <large>, 2 <small>) are provided.

  <1> The predetermined value 1 indicates an upper limit evaluation value (first predetermined value). When the focus evaluation value of the determined focus point is higher than this value (step S45 / ≧ predetermined value 1), the focus lens is When this point is reached, the contrast of the high frequency portion is extremely high, which means that the focus detection reliability is high.

  <2> Predetermined value 2 indicates a lower limit evaluation value (second predetermined value), and when the focus evaluation value of the determined focus point is lower than this value (set above the focus selection criterion) (Step S45 / <predetermined value 1, step S47 / <predetermined value 2), there is no problem as the focus selection (although not so low as to make focusing impossible), but the contrast of the high frequency component is low, This means that the reliability of focus detection is relatively low.

  <3> When the value is between the predetermined values 1 and 2 (step S45 / <predetermined value 1, step S47 / ≧ predetermined value 2), the focus evaluation value of the determined in-focus point is standard, Means a normal level of reliability.

  In Example 2, after determining which level of <1> to <3>, the focus interval (2 steps) for normal focus bracket shooting is automatically changed (increased or decreased). This setting change is performed based on the setting contents stored in advance in the focus bracket drive width setting memory of the memory 12.

  That is, in the case of <1> where the reliability is extremely high (step S45 / ≧ predetermined value 1), the focus interval is set to be small (to 1 step), and photographing only before and after the vicinity of the determined in-focus point is performed. (Step S46).

  Conversely, in the case of <2> where the reliability is low (step S45 / <predetermined value 1, step S47 / <predetermined value 2), the focus interval is set wider than usual (to 3 steps) and focused. Control is performed to increase the possible probability as much as possible (step S48).

  In the case of the standard <3> (step S45 / <predetermined value 1, step S47 / ≧ predetermined value 2), the normal focus interval (2 steps) is set (step S49).

  This is a setting with high reliability, and the focus interval is fine, so it is not always possible to reflect the intention of shooting by shooting only the set number of frames before and after (such as when you want to focus properly on the front eye when shooting a high-contrast person For example, a configuration in which the number of shots is increased at the same time (a constant swing is set), or a configuration in which the number of shots is also reduced at the same time (unnecessary shooting is performed as little as possible) may be used. On the other hand, when the focus evaluation value is low, it is possible to increase the number of images at the same time (such as +10), to further increase the probability of focusing, or to decrease the number of shots (with a constant swing width). These may be combined. Since the flowchart is complicated and the description is redundant, the description is made with a simple configuration (the number of focus brackets is fixed at 5).

  Thereafter, a predetermined focus bracket sheet is set (step S50). Here, as in the first embodiment, the standard number is set to five. Note that this part varies depending on the camera configuration (focal length, lens configuration, lens F-number and aperture value, required focus accuracy, etc.), but it does not make sense for five-frame shooting. This means that the number of shots is set.

  Next, 1 is set in the current number counter of the focus bracket (step S50), and the focus lens is set (driven) at the determined focus point (step S51).

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described.
After step S51 in FIG. 7, when the release is pushed in and fully pressed (when the second release SW4 is turned on), after the monitoring is stopped (step S52), the set number of shots is set in steps S53 to S61. Then, shooting control is performed according to the contents of the current shooting counter. Step S53 is the same operation as step S23 of FIG.

  For example, when 2 steps is set as the focus interval (in the case of step S49 in FIG. 7), “determined focus point shooting” → “−2 × (set focus interval: 2 steps) shooting” → “−1 × ( “Set focus interval: 2 Step) shooting” → “+ 1 × (Set focus interval: 2 Step) shooting” → “+ 2 × (Set focus interval: 2 Step) shooting” is performed, and the shooting ends.

That is, the details are as follows.
After monitoring is stopped (step S52), the first shot is taken at the determined focus point, the current shot number is counted as the second shot (step S53), and the current shot number is the second shot. It is determined whether or not (step S54).

  Since the current number of shots is the second (step S54 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (-2 × 2 Step) (step S55), and the number of shots and the current number of shots is counted (step S53). ). Here, the current number of shots is the third. After making the determination again in step S54, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the third (step S56).

  Since the current number of shots is the third shot (step S56 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (−1 × 2 Step) (step S57), and the number of shots and the current number of shots is counted (step S53). ). Here, the current number of shots is the fourth. After making the determination again in steps S54 and S56, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the fourth (step S58).

  Since the current number of shots is the fourth (step S58 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (+ 1 × 2 Step) (step S59), and the number of shots and the current number is counted (step S53). . Here, the current number of shots is the fifth. After making the determination again in steps S54, S56, and S58, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the fifth (step S60).

  Since the current number of shots is the fifth (step S60 / YES), the focus lens is set at the selected focus position (+ 2 × 2 Step) (step S61), and the number of shots and the current number is counted (step S53). . Here, the current number of shots is the sixth. After making the determination again in steps S54, S56, and S58, it is determined whether or not the current number of shots is the fifth (step S60). Since the current number of shots is the sixth shot (step S60 / NO), the shooting ends.

  As described in the release half-press operation portion of FIG. 7, the focus interval set here is described with an appropriate focus interval for the sake of simplicity, and the meaning of the focus interval step number itself is Absent. In addition, the predetermined number of shots is set to a small number to simplify the flow, and it is configured so that five or more shots can be taken even in the case of a highly reliable focus point. You may comprise so that it may match the intention of the new focus bracket mode of adjusting a focus properly. An imaging element reading speed and an increase in image processing speed also serve as a tailwind of this configuration. The number of stages for setting the evaluation value and the focus interval may be configured in multiple stages instead of three.

  According to the above embodiment, the focus interval at the time of the focus bracket is automatically increased or decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point. Narrow the interval to acquire images near the in-focus point more severely, and if the focus possibility (reliability) is relatively low, widen the focus interval to increase the probability of obtaining more in-focus. It is possible to provide a focusing mechanism for an intelligent image pickup apparatus capable of

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  FIG. 5 which is a flowchart of the first embodiment is a case where a focus point and a focus area are designated in advance (assuming that the focus bracketing is set in advance). Since the focus point and focus area prior designation method are not the essence of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, as a general method, the focus is adjusted when the scheduled shooting range is monitored by the touch panel. There are a method of touching and specifying an arbitrary predetermined area to be desired, a predetermined subject, an edge, and the like, a method of displaying a focusable area in advance on a monitor, and selecting it by SW operation or menu operation, etc. . There is also a method of displaying a plurality of faces found by face recognition on a monitor and selecting a face to be focused by SW or a touch panel. In the future, there may be a method in which the subject area is automatically divided by the camera, the area is displayed, and the area to be focused is selected by the SW or the touch panel. It is assumed that the region to be focused is designated in advance by any of the above methods.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described. It is assumed that the focus bracketing is performed in advance.
When the release is half-pressed (when the first release SW3 is turned ON), after performing the monitoring stop process (step S71) and the AE (photometry, photometry calculation, etc.) process (step S72), AF In order to detect the focal point, AF (scanning process) is performed in which the focus lens is moved in predetermined steps to obtain a focus evaluation value (step S73).

  Here, step S73 includes steps S73a to S73c. After the AE process of step S72, it is determined whether or not a focus evaluation value acquisition area has been designated in advance (step S73a). If there is a designation (step S73a / YES), AF ( Scan processing) is performed (step S73c), and if there is no designation (step S73a / NO), AF (scan processing) is performed on the entire area (step S73b). That is, in the third embodiment, unlike the normal case (the first and second embodiments), the focus evaluation value acquisition region is acquisition of one or a plurality of evaluation values only in the designated region, and the in-focus point. Is also determined from that.

  Subsequent operations from Step S74 to S81 are the same as Steps S14 to S21 in FIG.

  Also, after step S81 in FIG. 9 and after the release is pushed in and fully pressed (after the second release SW4 is turned on), FIG. 6 can be applied as it is, and the description thereof is omitted here. .

  According to the above embodiment, the number of shots is automatically increased / decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point, thereby reducing the number of shots in principle when the possibility of matching (reliability) is relatively high. An intelligent imaging device focusing mechanism that can prevent unnecessary shooting and increase the number of shots when the focusability (reliability) is relatively low, thereby increasing the probability of achieving more focus. can do.

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  In the third embodiment, for the sake of simplification of description, the type in which the number of set sheets is increased / decreased (first embodiment) is described. However, the combination with the second embodiment (the first embodiment in which the focus interval is changed) (this embodiment is changed). In this case, the operations from step S74 to S81 in FIG. 9 are replaced with steps S44 to S51 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 is applied as it is after step S81 in FIG. 9) or a combination thereof. The same is true in that AF scanning is performed within a focus range determined in advance, and the number of focus brackets and the focus interval are changed according to the focus evaluation value of the focus point.

  The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the number of shots and the focus bracket interval newly set in the first embodiment are displayed on the display means (the display device 7 in FIG. 1, for example, LCD monitor, organic EL, LED, etc.). is there.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described. Also in the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the focus bracketing is set in advance.
Steps S91 to S101, which are operations after the release is half-pressed (after the first release SW3 is turned on), are the same as steps S11 to S21 in FIG. Is omitted.

  After the setting in step S101, the newly determined number of shots and the focus interval (here, the specified interval) are displayed on the LCD monitor (step S102). With this display, the user can be notified of the reliability of the focus evaluation value and the number of future shots to be taken. Camera holding, etc. (If the number of shots increases, it is necessary to predict the holding time in advance and hold it firmly.) If the set number of sheets and the focus interval are unsatisfactory, it is possible to stop shooting and prevent unnecessary shooting in advance.

  Steps S112 to S127 in FIG. 11, which are operations after the display in step S102 in FIG. 10 is pressed and fully released (after the second release SW4 is turned on), are the same as those in the first embodiment. 6 is the same as steps S22 to S37 in FIG. 6 and will not be described here.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the end of shooting is determined, the number of shots and the focus interval displayed on the display means such as the LCD, the organic EL, and the LED are turned off (step S128). .

  According to the above embodiment, the number of shots is automatically increased / decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point, thereby reducing the number of shots in principle when the possibility of matching (reliability) is relatively high. An intelligent imaging device focusing mechanism that can prevent unnecessary shooting and increase the number of shots when the focusability (reliability) is relatively low, thereby increasing the probability of achieving more focus. can do.

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  Further, it is possible to realize the display without adding cost by using various monitor means such as an LCD, an organic EL, and an LED provided in a normal camera as the display means.

  In the above description of the fourth embodiment, the description has been made based on the first embodiment. However, the present invention can of course be implemented in combination with the second and third embodiments, and the items to be displayed may be only the set number. Then, only the focus interval may be used, or only the focus interval may be changed, or it may be displayed together with other items. In addition, when the number of shots is large, a configuration may be added in which a display that calls for the use of a tripod during the first release SW3 work or a call for holding firmly during the second release SW4 work is added.

  Further, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the user of the imaging apparatus is notified by displaying the number of shots, the distance between the focus brackets, and the like. May be notified. Moreover, you may make it notify the said content by both a display and audio | voice generation | occurrence | production.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the number of shots and the focus bracket interval are set according to the size (height) of the focus evaluation value. However, in the fifth to eighth embodiments described below, the focus evaluation value is set. The number of shots and the focus bracket interval are set according to the peak shape (peak sharpness).

  In the fifth embodiment, the number setting is changed. It is assumed that the focus bracketing is performed in advance.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 13 will be described.
When the release is half-pressed (when the first release SW 3 is turned on), after performing the monitoring stop process (step S131) and the AE (photometry, photometry calculation, etc.) process (step S132), AF In order to detect the focal point, AF (scanning process) is performed in which the focus lens is moved in predetermined steps to obtain a focus evaluation value (step S133).

  The height of the peak value (maximum value) of the focus evaluation value (data relating to the high-frequency component of the image signal at each point) and the lens position at that time are evaluated, and a focusing point as a camera is determined by a predetermined algorithm (step) S134). Here, it is assumed that the predetermined algo is set to a value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and that is closest to <it is possible to determine whether the feed amount during scanning is close or far>. Since this part of the algo is not related to the essence of the present invention, various modifications are possible. For example, the maximum value with the highest evaluation value may be used as the in-focus point.

  The peak shape (peak sharpness) of the focus evaluation value of the focus point determined here is tested (evaluated) (step S135). The verification method is a method for obtaining the inclination near the focus point by calculating the difference between the focus position before and after the focus point and the evaluation value at the focus point in three stages. Here, the difference in the number of steps before and after the in-focus point, which is the X component of the slope, is the same (in the case of a system that scans at equal intervals), so substantially the difference in evaluation value is divided by an appropriate value. The evaluation value difference is rounded to three stages. The slope to be calculated may be only on one side or may be calculated on both sides and averaged (see the peak value shape conceptual diagram in FIG. 12).

  In the fifth embodiment, assuming that the evaluation value range is about 0 to 1200, the sharpness is calculated by dividing the difference between the evaluation values by about 300 in order to round to three stages. There is no meaning and various modifications are possible.

  <1> The peak vicinity slope 3 (shape stage 3) shown in FIG. 12 shows a case where the slope is relatively steep and the shape is sharp, and the determined focus point portion protrudes and is high, so that the focus point. It means that it is easy to detect and relatively reliable.

  <2> Peak vicinity slope 1 (shape stage 1) shown in FIG. 12 indicates that the slope is relatively gentle and the shape is wide, and the determined focus point has no problem as a focus position selection (focus position). Although it is not low enough to make it impossible to focus because it is above the focus threshold), it is difficult to determine the focus position peak, so the value may be below the focus threshold (reliability is relatively low) It may be possible).

  <3> The peak vicinity slope 2 (shape stage 2) shown in FIG. 12 means that the slope is standard and the detection reliability of the determined focus point is at a normal level.

  In the fifth embodiment, after determining which level of the above <1> to <3>, the normal focus bracket shooting number (standard number, here three) is automatically changed (increased or decreased). (Step S136). This setting change is performed based on the setting contents stored in advance in the focus bracket shooting number setting memory of the memory 12.

  That is, in the case of <1> (peak sharpness> 3: first predetermined value) with extremely high reliability, it can be considered that there is no problem in photographing only at the in-focus position. Set on a sheet.

  Conversely, if the reliability is low, such as <2> (peak sharpness <1: second predetermined value), the number of shots is increased by 2 and set to 5 to automatically set the probability of focusing The control is increased to

  In the case of standard <3>, the number of shots is set as usual (a set of 3 shots).

  Note that even if the reliability is high, it is not always possible to reflect the shooting intention by shooting only one image (such as when you want to focus properly on the front eye in high-contrast portrait shooting). The focus interval may be set finely, the standard number of shots may be set to about 5 or more, and the number of shots may be increased or decreased from there. . Here, since the flowchart is complicated and the description is redundant, the description is given with a simple configuration.

  After the setting, in step S136, 1 is set in the current number counter of the focus bracket. Note that the setting of the current number of sheets may be performed in the following step S137.

  After setting as described above, set a predetermined focus bracket interval (here, it is assumed that pulse motor focus control is used and shows how much focus step interval is used for shooting with the focus shifted) (Step S137). Here, the interval is usually set to 2 steps. This part varies depending on the camera configuration (focal length, lens configuration, lens F value and aperture value, required focus accuracy, etc., but the two steps are not meaningful, and the focus interval of the normal focus bracket is set. It means to do.

  The focus lens is set (driven) at the determined in-focus point (step S138).

  Note that, after step S138 of FIG. 13 and after the release is pushed in and fully pressed (after the second release SW4 is turned on), FIG. 6 can be applied as it is, and the description thereof is omitted here. .

  As described in the part of the release half-press operation in FIG. 13, the number of sheets set here is an example in which the standard number is reduced for the sake of simplification of explanation, and even in the case of a highly reliable focus point, for example, 3 Since it is configured to be able to take more than one shot, it matches the original intention of the focus bracket mode, which is to properly focus on the part intended by the photographer. The number of steps for setting the number of shots may be configured in multiple stages instead of three.

  According to the above embodiment, the number of shots is automatically increased / decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point, thereby reducing the number of shots in principle when the possibility of matching (reliability) is relatively high. An intelligent imaging device focusing mechanism that can prevent unnecessary shooting and increase the number of shots when the focusability (reliability) is relatively low, thereby increasing the probability of achieving more focus. can do.

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  In the sixth embodiment, the focus interval setting is changed. It is assumed that the focus bracketing is performed in advance.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 14 will be described.
When the release is half-pressed (when the first release SW3 is turned ON), after the monitoring stop process (step S141) and the AE (photometry, photometry calculation, etc.) process (step S142) are performed, AF In order to detect the focal point, AF (scanning process) is performed in which the focus lens is moved in predetermined steps to acquire a focus evaluation value (step S143).

  The height of the peak value (maximum value) of the focus evaluation value (data relating to the high-frequency component of the image signal at each point) and the lens position at that time are evaluated, and a focusing point as a camera is determined by a predetermined algorithm (step) S144). Here, it is assumed that the predetermined algo is set to a value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and that is closest to <it is possible to determine whether the feed amount during scanning is close or far>. Since this part of the algo is not related to the essence of the present invention, various modifications are possible. For example, the maximum value with the highest evaluation value may be used as the in-focus point.

  The peak shape (peak sharpness) of the focus evaluation value of the focus point determined here is tested (evaluated) (step S145). The verification method is a method for obtaining the inclination near the focus point by calculating the difference between the focus position before and after the focus point and the evaluation value at the focus point in three stages. Here, the difference in the number of steps before and after the in-focus point, which is the X component of the slope, is the same (in the case of a system that scans at equal intervals), so substantially the difference in evaluation value is divided by an appropriate value. The evaluation value difference is rounded to three stages. The slope to be calculated may be only on one side or may be calculated on both sides and averaged (see the peak value shape conceptual diagram in FIG. 12).

  In the sixth embodiment, it is assumed that the evaluation value range is about 0 to 1200, and the sharpness is calculated by dividing the difference between the evaluation values by about 300 in order to round to three stages. There is no meaning and various modifications are possible.

  <1> The peak vicinity slope 3 (shape stage 3) shown in FIG. 12 shows a case where the slope is relatively steep and the shape is sharp, and the determined focus point portion protrudes and is high, so that the focus point. It means that it is easy to detect and relatively reliable.

  <2> Peak vicinity slope 1 (shape stage 1) shown in FIG. 12 indicates that the slope is relatively gentle and the shape is wide, and the determined focus point has no problem as a focus position selection (focus position). Although it is not low enough to make it impossible to focus because it is above the focus threshold), it is difficult to determine the focus position peak, so the value may be below the focus threshold (reliability is relatively low) It may be possible).

  <3> The peak vicinity slope 2 (shape stage 2) shown in FIG. 12 means that the slope is standard and the detection reliability of the determined focus point is at a normal level.

  In the sixth embodiment, after determining which level of <1> to <3>, the focus interval (2 steps) for normal focus bracket shooting is automatically changed (increased or decreased) (step S146). . This setting change is performed based on the setting contents stored in advance in the focus bracket drive width setting memory of the memory 12.

  That is, in the case of <1> (peak sharpness> 3: first predetermined value) with extremely high reliability, the focus interval is set small (in one step), and is very close to the determined in-focus point. Only shooting.

  Conversely, in the case of <2> where the reliability is low (peak sharpness <1: second predetermined value), the focus interval is set wider than usual (in 3 steps) to increase the probability of focusing as much as possible. Control.

  In the case of standard <3>, the normal focus interval (2 steps) is set.

  This is a setting with high reliability, and the focus interval is fine, so it is not always possible to reflect the intention of shooting by shooting only the set number of frames before and after (such as when you want to focus properly on the front eye when shooting a high-contrast person In other cases, a configuration in which the number of shots is increased at the same time (the total swing is constant), or a configuration in which the number of shots is also reduced at the same time (unnecessary shooting is performed as little as possible) may be employed. Conversely, when the focus evaluation value is low, the number of images can be increased at the same time (such as +10), and the probability of focusing more precisely can be increased. The number of shots can be reduced (the total swing is constant). It is good also as a structure and it is good also as those combined structure. Since the flowchart is complicated and the description is redundant, the description is made with a simple configuration (the number of focus brackets is fixed at 5).

  Thereafter, a predetermined focus bracket sheet is set (step S147). Here, as in the fifth embodiment, the standard number is set to five. Note that this part varies depending on the camera configuration (focal length, lens configuration, lens F-number and aperture value, required focus accuracy, etc.), but it does not make sense for five-frame shooting. This means that the number of shots is set.

  Next, 1 is set in the current number counter of the focus bracket (step S147), and the focus lens is set (driven) at the determined focus point (step S148).

  Note that, after step S148 of FIG. 14 and after the release is pushed in and fully pressed (after the second release SW4 is turned on), FIG. 8 can be applied as it is, and the description thereof is omitted here. .

  As described in the release half-press operation part of FIG. 14, the focus interval set here is explained with an appropriate focus interval for the sake of simplicity, and the meaning of the number of focus interval steps is itself. Absent. In addition, the predetermined number of shots is set to a small number to simplify the flow, and it is configured so that five or more shots can be taken even in the case of a highly reliable focus point. You may comprise so that it may match the intention of the new focus bracket mode of adjusting a focus properly. An imaging element reading speed and an increase in image processing speed also serve as a tailwind of this configuration. The number of stages for setting the evaluation value and the focus interval may be configured in multiple stages instead of three.

  According to the above embodiment, the focus interval at the time of the focus bracket is automatically increased or decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point. Narrow the interval to acquire images near the in-focus point more severely, and if the focus possibility (reliability) is relatively low, widen the focus interval to increase the probability of obtaining more in-focus. It is possible to provide a focusing mechanism for an intelligent image pickup apparatus capable of

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  In FIG. 14, which is a flowchart of the sixth embodiment, a focus point and a focus area are designated in advance (assuming that the focus bracketing is set in advance). Since the focus point and focus area prior designation method are not the essence of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, as a general method, the focus is adjusted when the scheduled shooting range is monitored by the touch panel. There are a method of touching and specifying an arbitrary predetermined area to be desired, a predetermined subject, an edge, and the like, a method of displaying a focusable area in advance on a monitor, and selecting it by SW operation or menu operation, etc. . There is also a method of displaying a plurality of faces found by face recognition on a monitor and selecting a face to be focused by SW or a touch panel. In the future, there may be a method in which the subject area is automatically divided by the camera, the area is displayed, and the area to be focused is selected by the SW or the touch panel. It is assumed that the region to be focused is designated in advance by any of the above methods.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 15 will be described. It is assumed that the focus bracketing is performed in advance.
When the release is half-pressed (when the first release SW3 is turned on), after the monitoring stop process (step S151) and the AE (photometry, photometry calculation, etc.) process (step S152) are performed, AF In order to detect the focal point, AF (scanning process) is performed in which the focus lens is moved in predetermined steps to acquire a focus evaluation value (step S153).

  Here, step S153 includes steps S153a to S153c. After the AE process of step S152, it is determined whether or not a focus evaluation value acquisition area is designated in advance (step S153a). If there is designation (step S153a / YES), AF ( Scan processing) is performed (step S153c), and if there is no designation (step S153a / NO), AF (scan processing) is performed on the entire area (step S153b). That is, in the seventh embodiment, unlike the normal case (in the case of the fifth and sixth embodiments), the focus evaluation value acquisition region is acquisition of one or a plurality of evaluation values only in the designated region, and the in-focus point. Is also determined from that.

  The subsequent operations from step S154 to S158 are the same as steps S144 to S148 in FIG.

  Also, after step S158 in FIG. 15 and after the release is pushed in and fully pressed (after the second release SW4 is turned on), FIG. 8 can be applied as it is, and the description thereof is omitted here. .

  According to the above embodiment, the focus interval at the time of the focus bracket is automatically increased or decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point. Narrow the interval to acquire images near the in-focus point more severely, and if the focus possibility (reliability) is relatively low, widen the focus interval to increase the probability of obtaining more in-focus. It is possible to provide a focusing mechanism for an intelligent image pickup apparatus capable of

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  In the seventh embodiment, the type of increasing / decreasing the focus interval (the type of the sixth embodiment) has been described in order to simplify the description, but the combination with the fifth embodiment (the embodiment in which the number of shots is changed) is combined. (In this case, the operations from step S154 to S158 in FIG. 15 are replaced with steps S134 to S138 in FIG. 13, and FIG. 8 is applied as it is after step S158 in FIG. 15). This is the same in that AF scanning is performed within a predetermined in-focus range, and the number of focus bracket shots and the focus interval are changed in accordance with the focus evaluation value of the in-focus point.

  The eighth embodiment is an embodiment in which the number of shots and the focus bracket interval newly set in the fifth embodiment are displayed on the display means (the display device 7 in FIG. 1, for example, LCD monitor, organic EL, LED, etc.). is there.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described. Also in the eighth embodiment, the focus bracketing is set in advance.
Steps S161 to S168, which are operations after the release is half-pressed (after the first release SW3 is turned on), are the same as steps S131 to S138 of FIG. Is omitted.

  After the setting in step S168, the newly determined number of shots and the focus interval (here, the specified interval) are displayed on the LCD monitor (step S169). With this display, the user can be notified of the reliability of the focus evaluation value and the number of future shots to be taken. Camera holding, etc. (If the number of shots increases, it is necessary to predict the holding time in advance and hold it firmly.) If the set number of sheets and the focus interval are unsatisfactory, it is possible to stop shooting and prevent unnecessary shooting in advance.

  Also, after step S169 in FIG. 16 and after the release is pushed in and fully pressed (after the second release SW4 is turned on), FIG. 11 can be applied as it is, and description thereof is omitted here. .

  According to the above embodiment, the number of shots is automatically increased / decreased according to the reliability of the AF in-focus point, thereby reducing the number of shots in principle when the possibility of matching (reliability) is relatively high. An intelligent imaging device focusing mechanism that can prevent unnecessary shooting and increase the number of shots when the focusability (reliability) is relatively low, thereby increasing the probability of achieving more focus. can do.

  Further, since all can be configured by adding processing within the control device in terms of cost, it is possible to configure at low cost without increasing the cost.

  Further, it is possible to realize the display without adding cost by using various monitor means such as an LCD, an organic EL, and an LED provided in a normal camera as the display means.

  In the description of the eighth embodiment, the description has been made based on the fifth embodiment. However, the present invention can of course be implemented in combination with the sixth and seventh embodiments, and the items to be displayed may be only the set number. Then, only the focus interval may be used, or only the focus interval may be changed, or it may be displayed together with other items. In addition, when the number of shots is large, a configuration may be added in which a display that calls for the use of a tripod during the first release SW3 work or a call for holding firmly during the second release SW4 work is added.

  In the description of the eighth embodiment, the user of the imaging apparatus is notified by displaying the number of shots and the distance between the focus brackets. However, the same contents as the display contents described above are generated by the sound generation by the sound generation means. May be notified. Moreover, you may make it notify the said content by both a display and audio | voice generation | occurrence | production.

  In each of the above embodiments, the present invention has been described with an example in which the number of shots and the focus interval are changed according to the focus evaluation value. However, the number of shots and the focus interval are changed according to the focus evaluation value and the shooting distance. Examples are also conceivable. For example, if the shooting distance is short, the depth of field is relatively shallow, so if the focus interval changes a little when the focus interval changes a little, the focus interval will be narrower and the number of shots will not change. In this embodiment, the focus interval and the number of shots are determined in consideration of the focus evaluation value. Also, when the shooting distance is long, the depth of field is relatively deep, so that the focus interval is increased and the number of shots is increased. Similarly, a configuration in which the focal length of the photographing lens and the aperture value are taken into consideration can be considered.

  When the focal length is short (wide-angle lens) or narrowed down, the depth of field is deep, so conversely, the focus interval is increased and the number of shots is increased. If the focal length is long or the aperture is opened, the focus interval is narrowed and the number of shots is set as it is. It is also possible to consider an embodiment in which the value is determined by adjusting. Further, examples of these combinations are also conceivable, but the description is extremely complicated, and therefore, examples are given as combinations of the described examples.

  It is also conceivable that the parameter to be changed is not the number of shots or the focus interval but an aperture value or a combination of aperture values. That is, when the focus evaluation value is large, the diaphragm may be left as it is, and when the focus evaluation value is small, the diaphragm may be narrowed. In the case where the focus evaluation value is high, a configuration in which the aperture is widened to make the blur more prominent, the focus interval is set finely, and a certain number of shots is secured is also conceivable.

  As mentioned above, although each Example of this invention was described, it is not limited to description of each said Example, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary. That is, the present invention is for performing more intelligent focus bracket shooting by changing the number of shots, the focus interval, the aperture value, and the like according to the magnitude of the focus evaluation value determined as the focus point. Can be implemented, and the cost is minimal, contributing to energy and resource savings.

  Further, the peak shape verification method is not an essential part of the present invention, and in addition to the method described as an example (a method obtained from the inclination before and after the peak), conversely, from the focus lens step width per unit evaluation value. The reference value may be calculated, the lens step data at the time of AF scanning, or the method for calculating from the relational expression between the approximate shooting distance-related data calculated from the lens step data and the evaluation value data, or the pattern by plotting the graph Various methods such as a method of checking by matching and a method of obtaining from vector data before and after the peak may be adopted.

  Further, the control operation in the image pickup apparatus in each embodiment described above can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both. In addition, when executing processing by software, a program in which a processing sequence is recorded is installed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and executed, or a general-purpose capable of executing various processing It is possible to install and execute a program on a computer. For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program is temporarily stored on a removable recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory. Or can be stored (recorded) permanently. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. The program is installed on the computer from the removable recording medium as described above, or is wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer, or is wired to the computer via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. On the other hand, the computer can receive the transferred program and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  Further, not only is the processing performed in time series according to the processing operations described in the above embodiments, but also the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or a configuration that is executed in parallel or individually as necessary. It is also possible.

  As can be seen from the description of each of the above embodiments, according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the main effect (automatic number setting according to the in-focus portion reliability and focus interval setting can be used to perform bracket shooting without complicated procedures. In addition to the above, there is no need to prevent useless shooting or to save an image group that is not intended for shooting. Therefore, there is an effect of energy saving and resource saving.

  Further, according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, when the setting result is displayed and the automatic setting result of the camera is unsatisfactory, the release operation and the mode setting can be performed again. can do.

  In addition, according to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, from the viewpoint of operability, all judgments are automatically made, and setting, photographing, and storage are performed. Therefore, photographing based on theoretical support is automatically performed regardless of the ability of the photographer. Can be done.

  The present invention can be applied to a focus mechanism of an imaging apparatus. As an application example, it can be applied to a focus mechanism of a portable device with an imaging function.

1 Control device (CPU)
2 Photometric sensor 3 First release SW
4 Second release SW
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Focus drive device 6 Shutter drive device 7 Display apparatus 8 Image pick-up element (imaging optical system, electrical imaging means)
9 Storage means 10 Calculation means 11 Time counting means (timer means)
12 memory

JP 2004-333924 A JP 2003-333411 A

Claims (3)

An imaging optical system;
Electrical imaging means;
Focus evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring image evaluation signals of a plurality of locations in the imaging screen while changing the focus position prior to shooting, and acquiring a focus evaluation value according to a contrast component,
In the imaging device that automatically changes the focus interval of the focus bracket according to the size of the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition unit,
When the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition means is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, the focus interval of the focus bracket is made smaller than a predetermined interval and smaller than a second predetermined value. The imaging apparatus is characterized in that a focus interval of the focus bracket is made larger than a predetermined interval. An imaging optical system;
Electrical imaging means;
A main subject specifying means for specifying in advance the area or point to be focused;
A focus evaluation value acquiring unit that acquires an image signal while changing a focus position with respect to a predetermined range from an area or a point specified by the main subject specifying unit, and acquires a focus evaluation value according to a contrast component; ,
In the imaging device that automatically changes the focus interval of the focus bracket according to the size of the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition unit,
When the magnitude of the focus evaluation value acquired by the focus evaluation value acquisition means is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, the focus interval of the focus bracket is made smaller than the predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value. The imaging apparatus is characterized in that a focus interval of the focus bracket is made larger than a predetermined value.   The at least one of a numerical value, a language, a figure, and sound data related to the changed focus interval is notified by at least one of a display unit and a sound generation unit. Imaging device.

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