JP5733552B2 - Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, in autofocus, an AF search is started from a short distance, and when the first AF detection peak is detected, the object is located behind a transparent obstacle such as glass or a wire mesh to focus on that point. In this case, the obstacle is in focus and a desired focus result cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, when there is an object beyond a transparent obstacle such as glass or a wire mesh and there are two in-focus points, a technique for selecting one in-focus point according to the brightness (for example, see Patent Document 1), in-focus point When there are two points, a technique for selecting a distant focal point (see, for example, Patent Document 2), a technique for photographing each with a plurality of focal points, and causing a user to select one (for example, see Patent Document 3) A technique for executing photographing with one in-focus point selected by the user from among a plurality of in-focus points (for example, see Patent Document 4), and a technique for detecting through glass by distance measurement by light emission and light reception (for example, Patent Reference 5).

JP 2005-326506 A JP 2007-264536 A JP 2003-333411 A JP 2007-286118 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-072379

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when there is an obstacle in front of the subject, one in-focus point is selected according to the brightness of a plurality of in-focus points with respect to both the subject and the obstacle. However, there is a problem that image features such as brightness are difficult to distinguish from obstacles due to their clothes, weather, lighting, etc. if the subject is a person.

  Further, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, when there is a vehicle or the like behind the subject, there is a problem that the subject may focus on the vehicle behind the subject and the subject may not be focused. In the other prior arts disclosed in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4, when there is an obstacle in front of the subject, it is necessary for the user to select from a plurality of focal points for both the subject and the obstacle. There was a problem that it was.

  Further, in the prior art according to Patent Document 5 other than that, the presence or absence of an obstacle such as glass is detected based on the reflected light from the glass or the like due to light emission, but when there is no reflected light such as a wire mesh, There was a problem that an obstacle could not be detected.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can more accurately determine a situation where there is an obstacle in front of the subject, and can easily shoot an image focused on the subject. An object is to provide a photographing apparatus , a photographing method, and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a focus lens, a photographing means for photographing a subject image, and a range that can be focused by the photographing means, from the near end to the far end. A movement control means for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step, and focusing of a plurality of focusing areas set within a field angle of view by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step. In a case where the focus detection means to detect, and in the entire range from the near end to the far end, when the focus detection means detects a peak indicating focus in one of the plurality of focusing areas, at that time wherein together with the position and the peak of the focus lens is stored in association with the number of the focusing area is detected, the double by the focus detection means in If peak indicating focus 1 Tsumogo of the focusing area is not detected, and storage means anything not stored, since the detection of the full range up to the far end from the proximal end is terminated by the focus detection means An imaging apparatus comprising: subject position specifying means for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on the contents stored in the storage means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 2 has a focus lens, and from a near end to a far end within a range that can be focused by a photographing means for photographing a subject image and the photographing means. A movement control means for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step, and focusing of a plurality of focusing areas set within a field angle of view by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step. A focus detection unit for detecting; and a subject position specifying unit for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection unit; The focusing area is set at a position separated from each other, and the subject position specifying means reaches the far end from the near end by the focus detecting means. In the process up to, is detected focus in one or more focusing area, and, if at all of the plurality of focusing areas matching the condition that focusing is not detected, the focus lens at that time Is set as the in-focus position with respect to the subject, the focus detection operation by the focus detection means after that time is stopped, and when the condition is not met, the focus detection by the focus detection means An imaging apparatus characterized in that the operation is continued.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 3 includes a focus lens, a photographing means for photographing a subject image, and a range that can be focused by the photographing means, from the near end to the far end. A movement control means for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step, and focusing of a plurality of focusing areas set within a field angle of view by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step. A focus detection unit for detecting; and a subject position specifying unit for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection unit. particular means, since the detection of the full range up to the far end from the proximal end is terminated by the focus detection means, said by the focus detection means There is a position of the focus lens in-focus state is detected in all the number of focusing areas, and the near-end side than the position of the focus lens, or, in the far-end-side position, the plurality of by the focus detection means When there is a position of the focus lens in which focusing is detected in any of the focusing areas, the photographing apparatus is characterized in that the position on the near end side or the far end side is set as a focusing position with respect to a subject. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 4 provides a near end in a range in which a computer of a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image can be focused by the photographing means. A movement control function for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the distance to the far end, and a plurality of focusings set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step The focus detection function for detecting the focus of the area, and in the entire range from the near end to the far end, the focus detection function detected a peak indicating focus even in one of the plurality of focusing areas. If the position and the peak of the focus lens at that time is stored in the storage means in association with the number of the focusing area has been detected Both when said peak indicating focus 1 Tsumogo of the plurality of focusing areas by focusing detection is not detected, nothing is stored storage function in the storage means, the far end from the proximal end by the focus detection function A program for executing a subject position specifying function for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on the contents stored in the storage means after the detection operation of the entire range up to is completed. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 5 is a near-end, within a range in which a computer of a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image can be focused by the photographing means. A movement control function for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the distance to the far end, and a plurality of focusings set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step A focus detection function for detecting the focus of the area, and a subject position specifying function for specifying a focus position with respect to the subject based on the focus results in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection function. The plurality of focusing areas are set at positions separated from each other, and the subject position specifying device In the course up to the far end from the proximal end at the focus detection, it is detected focus in one or more focusing area, and focusing is detected in all of the plurality of focusing areas If the condition is not met, the position of the focus lens at that time is set as the in-focus position with respect to the subject, the focus detection function in the focus detection function after that time is stopped, and the above condition is satisfied. If not matched, the program is characterized in that the focus detection operation by the focus detection function is continued.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is a near-end method within a range in which a computer of a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image can be focused by the photographing means. A movement control function for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the distance to the far end, and a plurality of focusings set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step A focus detection function for detecting the focus of the area, and a subject position specifying function for specifying a focus position with respect to the subject based on the focus results in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection function. a program, the object position identification function, the detection of the entire range up to the far end from the proximal end by the focus detection function After work is completed, there is the position of the focus lens in-focus state is detected in all of the plurality of focusing areas by said focus detecting function, and the near-end side than the position of the focus lens, or the far-end side in the position, if by the focus detection function is the position of the focus lens in-focus state is detected in any of the plurality of focusing areas, the proximal side, or, if the position of the far-end side with respect to the object This is a program characterized by a focal position.
To achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 7 is a photographing method by a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image, and can be focused by the photographing means. A moving step of sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end, and at each predetermined step, set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens In the focus detection step for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas, and in the entire range from the near end to the far end, the focus detection step indicates in-focus in one of the plurality of focusing areas. If it detects a peak, in association with the number of the focusing area position and peaks were detected in the focus lens at that time Stores in憶means, if the peak indicating focus 1 Tsumogo of the focusing said plurality of focusing areas by detection step does not detect, a storing step of nothing stored in the storage means, by the focus detection step A subject position specifying step of specifying a focus position with respect to the subject based on the content stored in the storage means after the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed. This is a characteristic shooting method.
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is a photographing method by a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image, and can be focused by the photographing means. A moving step of sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end, and at each predetermined step, set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens A focus detection step for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas, and a subject position specification for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection step The plurality of focusing areas are set at positions separated from each other, and the subject position is specified. Step, in the course up to the far end from the proximal end in the focus detection step, is detected focus in one or more focusing area, and focusing is detected in all of the plurality of focusing areas If the condition is not met, the position of the focus lens at that time is set as the focus position with respect to the subject, the focus detection operation in the focus detection step after that time is stopped, and the condition If it does not match, the focus detection operation in the focus detection step is continued.
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is a photographing method by a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image, as long as the photographing means can focus. A moving step of sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end, and at each predetermined step, set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens A focus detection step for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas, and a subject position specification for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection step and a step, the object position determination step, the total by the focus detection step up to the far end from the proximal end Since the detection of the circumference is completed, there is the position of the focus lens in-focus state is detected in all of the plurality of focusing areas by the focus detection step, and the near-end side than the position of the focus lens, or, in the position of the far end, if by the focus detection step is the position of the focus lens in-focus state is detected in any of the plurality of focusing areas, the proximal side, or the position of the far-end side This is a photographing method characterized in that the in-focus position with respect to the subject is set.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more accurately determine a situation where there is an obstacle in front of the subject, and it is possible to obtain an advantage that an image focused on the subject can be easily taken.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the approximate operation | movement of the digital camera by this 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of AF search (focusing point search) by the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement by the modification of this 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the digital camera by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the digital camera by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the digital camera by this 3rd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of AF search (focus point search) by the digital camera 1 of the 3rd embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of AF search (focus point search) by the digital camera 1 of the 3rd embodiment.

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

A. First embodiment A-1. Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, a lens driving unit 3, an aperture 4, a CCD 5, a TG (Timing).
Generator) 6, unit circuit 7, image processing unit 8, CPU 11, DRAM 12, memory 13, flash memory 14, image display unit 15, key input unit 16, card I / F 22, and memory card 23.

  The taking lens 2 includes a focus lens and a zoom lens, and a lens driving unit 3 is connected thereto. The lens driving unit 3 includes a motor for driving the focus lens and the zoom lens constituting the photographing lens 2 in the optical axis direction, a focus motor driver for driving the focus motor and the zoom motor according to a control signal from the CPU 11, and a zoom motor, respectively. Consists of drivers.

  The diaphragm 4 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the drive circuit operates the diaphragm 4 in accordance with a control signal sent from the CPU 11. The diaphragm 4 controls the amount of light that enters from the taking lens 2. Further, the digital camera according to the present embodiment includes an electronic shutter mechanism (not shown), and controls the time for which light is applied to the CCD 5 by the electronic shutter mechanism.

  A CCD (imaging device) 5 converts light of a subject projected via the photographing lens 2, the diaphragm 4, and an electronic shutter mechanism (not shown) into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the unit circuit 7. The CCD 5 is driven according to a timing signal having a predetermined frequency generated by the TG 6.

The unit circuit 7 is a CDS (Correlated) that holds the imaging signal output from the CCD 5 by correlated double sampling.
Double Sampling) circuit, AGC (Automatic) for automatic gain adjustment of the imaged signal after sampling
(Gain Control) circuit and an A / D converter for converting an analog image pickup signal after the automatic gain adjustment into a digital signal. The imaging signal of the CCD 5 is sent to the image processing unit 8 as a digital signal (image data) through the unit circuit 7. The unit circuit 7 is connected to the TG 6.

  The image processing unit 8 performs image processing (pixel interpolation processing, γ correction, luminance color difference signal generation, white balance processing, exposure correction processing, etc.) of image data sent from the unit circuit 7, and compression / decompression of image data ( For example, JPEG format, M-JPEG format, or MPEG format compression / decompression processing is performed. Note that a TG 6 is connected to the image processing unit 8.

  The CPU 11 is a one-chip microcomputer that controls each part of the digital camera 1. In particular, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of autofocus (AF) areas A1 to A5 are provided within the shooting angle of view, and the CPU 11 performs a near-end point at a predetermined step. 1 to a far end point (infinity) and AF search (focusing point search) is performed. Based on the position of the focus lens and the peak of AF detection (number of focused AF areas), 1 is selected from a plurality of in-focus points. By selecting one focal point (the in-focus position of the subject 30), as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, obstacles such as a wire mesh or a fence existing between the digital camera 1 and the subject 30 40 is excluded, and the subject 30 is focused and photographed.

  The DRAM 12 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data sent to the CPU 11 after being photographed by the CCD 5 and also as a working memory for the CPU 11. The memory 13 stores a program necessary for controlling each part of the digital camera 1 by the CPU 11 and data necessary for controlling each part. The CPU 11 performs processing according to this program. The flash memory 14 and the memory card 23 are recording media for storing image data taken by the CCD 5.

  The image display unit 15 includes a color LCD and its driving circuit, and displays the subject photographed by the CCD 5 as a through image when in the photographing standby state. When reproducing the recorded image, the flash memory 14 or the memory card 23 is displayed. The recorded image read out and decompressed is displayed. The key input unit 16 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter SW, a zoom SW, a mode key, a SET key, and a cross key, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's key operation to the CPU 11. The card I / F 22 is connected to a memory card 23 that is detachably attached to a card slot (not shown) of the digital camera 1 main body.

A-2. Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the first embodiment described above will be described.
3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment. First, initialization processing such as initial position setting of various lenses is performed (step S10), and it is determined whether the shutter SW is half-pressed (step S12). Half-pressing the shutter SW is equivalent to a focus instruction. If the shutter switch is not half-pressed, other processing is performed (step S14), and the process proceeds to a main routine (not shown) or returns to step S12.

  On the other hand, when the shutter SW is half-pressed, the memory is cleared (step S16), and the focus lens is moved to the near end point (step S18). Next, it is determined whether or not at least one of the AF areas A1 to A5 having a focus is detected at that point (position on the optical axis of the focus lens) (step S20). Then, when at least one of the AF areas A1 to A5 is detected to indicate a focus peak, the point (position) and the number of AF areas where the peak is detected are stored in the memory (step S22). . On the other hand, if no peak is detected, nothing is stored and the process proceeds to step S24.

  Next, the focus lens is moved to the next point in a predetermined step (step S24), and it is determined whether or not it is the far end point (step S26). If it is not the far end point, the process returns to step S20, and as described above, if there is at least one peak detection indicating focus at that point, the point (position) and the AF area where the peak is detected. The number is stored in memory.

  The above-described operation is continued until the position of the focus lens reaches the far end point. When the far end point is reached (YES in step S26), it is determined whether there is stored data in the memory (step S28). That is, in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the point (position) where the peak indicating focus is detected and the number of AF areas where the peak is detected (hereinafter referred to as data) Is stored in the memory.

  When no data is stored in the memory, that is, when there is no in-focus point in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the time until the far end point is reached. Indicates that the subject does not exist, the far end point is adopted as the focal point (step S30).

  On the other hand, if data is stored in the memory, it is determined whether data of two or more points is stored in the memory (step S32). If there is no data of two points or more in the memory, that is, if there is only one in-focus point in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the digital camera 1 Since there is no obstacle between the subject and the subject and the point is assumed to be the subject position, the stored point is adopted as the subject position (focus point) (step S34).

  On the other hand, when two or more points of data are stored in the memory, that is, when it is assumed that there is an obstacle between the digital camera 1 and the subject or that there is some object behind the subject, It is determined whether or not there are five AF areas in which the peak of the point on the closest end side (the side closest to the digital camera 1) is detected among the data of two or more points stored in the memory (step) S36).

  That is, when peaks are detected in five AF areas at a point on the closest end side (the side closest to the digital camera 1) among data of two or more points, between the digital camera 1 and the subject, In other words, it is assumed that there is an obstacle that covers most of the angle of view in front of the subject. On the other hand, if the peak is not detected in the five AF areas at the point closest to the digital camera 1 among the data of two points or more, the data on the closest end (digital It is assumed that the point on the side closest to the camera 1 is the position of the subject.

  If two or more points of data have peaks detected in the five AF areas at the closest end (closest to the digital camera 1), the second closest end is This is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S38). On the other hand, if the peak is not detected in the five AF areas at the closest end point (side closest to the digital camera 1) among the data of 2 points or more, the closest end point The position (focusing point) is adopted (step S40).

  Next, the focus lens is moved to the point adopted as the position of the subject (focusing point) in any of the above steps S30, S34, S38, or step S40 (step S42), and notification (display) that the focus is achieved. (Step S44). Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter SW has been released (step S46). If the shutter SW has been released at this point, the process returns to step S10 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the shutter SW has not been released, it is determined whether or not the shutter SW has been fully pressed (step S48). If the shutter SW has not been fully pressed, the process returns to step S46. On the other hand, when the shutter SW is fully pressed, the subject image that has passed through the photographing lens 2 is captured as a photographed image by the CCD 5, subjected to predetermined processing by the unit circuit 7 and the image processing unit 8, and then stored in the flash memory 14. Save (step S50). Then, it returns to step S12 and repeats the process mentioned above.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of AF search (focusing point search) by the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment. The example of FIG. 5 shows a situation in which an obstacle (such as a wire mesh) 40 exists between the digital camera 1 and the subject 30. In the first embodiment, in the process of performing the AF search (focusing point search) from the near end point to the far end point (infinity) in a predetermined step, focusing is performed at the position of the obstacle 40 (point A). Peaks are detected in the five AF areas A1 to A5. Furthermore, since focusing is performed at the position of the subject 30 existing behind the obstacle 40 (point B), peaks are detected in the three AF areas A1, A3, and A5.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, two points of data are stored in the memory, and among the two points, five AF areas A1 to A1 are the points on the closest end side (side closest to the digital camera 1). Since the peak is detected at A5, the second closest point, that is, the point B is adopted as the subject position (focus point), and the subject 30 is in focus. Will be.

  According to the first embodiment described above, even if there is an obstacle 40 that covers the angle of view, such as a wire mesh or a fence, between the digital camera 1 and the subject 30, an image in focus on the subject 30 is displayed. You can shoot.

A-3. Next, a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation according to the modification of the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, after steps S10 to S26 shown in FIG. 3 are executed, the process proceeds to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, at the stage of moving to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the point (position) where the peak indicating focus is detected and the peak are detected. The number of detected AF areas is stored in the memory.

  First, when the far end point is reached in step S26 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether there is stored data in the memory (step S60). That is, in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the point (position) where the peak indicating focus is detected and the number of AF areas where the peak is detected are stored in the memory. Judge whether or not.

  When no data is stored in the memory, that is, when there is no in-focus point in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the time until the far end point is reached. Indicates that the subject does not exist, the far end point is adopted as the focal point (step S62).

  On the other hand, when data is stored in the memory, it is determined whether or not there is a point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5 among the data stored in the memory (step S64). That is, in the stored data, when there is a point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5, it is assumed that there is an obstacle that covers most of the angle of view at that point. . On the other hand, in the stored data, when there is no point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5, it is assumed that there is no obstacle between the digital camera 1 and the subject. .

  If there is a point where the peak is detected in all of the AF areas A1 to A5 among the stored data, it is determined whether there is stored data of a point on the near end side from the point (step S66). ).

  That is, when there is a point where the peak is detected in all of the AF areas A1 to A5, as described above, it is assumed that there is an obstacle that covers most of the angle of view at the point. May exist on the near end side on the digital camera 1 side from the obstacle or on the far end side from the obstacle. Therefore, first, it is determined whether a point indicating the subject is detected on the near end side from the obstacle.

  If there is no stored data of points nearer to the points detected at the peaks in all AF areas A1 to A5, stored data of points farther than the points detected at the peaks in all AF areas A1 to A5. It is determined whether or not there is (step S68). That is, since there is no point indicating the subject on the near end side of the digital camera 1 from the obstacle, it is determined whether a point indicating the subject is detected on the far end side of the obstacle.

  If there is stored data of the far end point from the point where the peaks are detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5, it is assumed that the subject exists at the far end side point. The point is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S70).

  On the other hand, when there is no stored data of points farther than the points detected in the AF areas A1 to A5, the far end is also located at the near end of the points detected in the AF areas A1 to A5. Since there is no stored data on the side, the point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5 is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S72).

  On the other hand, in the data stored in the memory, when there is no point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5 (NO in step S64), or closer to the point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5. If there is stored data of the end point (YES in step S66), the point on the closest end of the stored data is adopted as the subject position (focus point) (step S74).

  That is, in the stored data, when there is no point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5, it is assumed that there is no obstacle between the digital camera 1 and the subject. The point on the near end may be adopted as the subject position (focus point). Also, if there is a point where the peak is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5 among the stored data and there is stored data of a point on the near end side from the point, the near end side from the obstacle Since the subject is assumed to exist, the point at the closest end may be adopted as the subject position (focus point).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S42 shown in FIG. 4, and the focus lens is moved to the point adopted as the subject position (in-focus point) in any of steps S62, S70, S72, or step S74. In step S44, the focus lens is adjusted. Notify (display) that you have burnt. If the shutter SW is fully pressed, the subject image that has passed through the photographing lens 2 is captured as a photographed image by the CCD 5 and subjected to predetermined processing by the unit circuit 7 and the image processing unit 8 in step S50. Save in the flash memory 14.

  Further, according to the modification of the first embodiment described above, first, after detecting the point (position) of the obstacle based on the stored data, the point (position) of the subject is specified before and after that. Therefore, even if there is an obstacle 40 that covers the angle of view, such as a wire mesh or a fence, between the digital camera 1 and the subject 30, an image in focus on the subject 30 can be taken.

B. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, even when the focused point is not an obstacle, it is necessary to perform an AF search to the far end (infinity), and it takes time to specify the position of the subject. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when a focusing point that is assumed to be the position of the subject is detected, it is possible to shift to shooting processing at that time, thereby shortening the time until shooting. It is characterized by The configuration of the digital camera 1 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment. First, initialization processing such as initial position setting of various lenses is performed (step S80), and it is determined whether the shutter SW is half-pressed (step S82). Half-pressing the shutter SW is equivalent to a focus instruction. If the shutter switch is not half-pressed, other processing is performed (step S84), and the process proceeds to a main routine (not shown) or returns to step S82.

  On the other hand, when the shutter SW is half-pressed, the memory is cleared (step S86), and the focus lens is moved to the near end point (step S88). Next, it is determined whether or not at least one of the AF areas A1 to A5 indicating the focus is detected at that point (position on the optical axis of the focus lens) (step S90).

  If none of the AF areas A1 to A5 has detected a peak indicating in-focus, the focus lens is moved to the next point in a predetermined step (step S96), and is it the far end point? It is determined whether or not (step S98). If the point is not the far end point, the process returns to step S90, and the above-described process of performing peak detection indicating in-focus at that point is repeated.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the AF areas A1 to A5 has detected a peak indicating in-focus, whether or not the number of AF areas in which the peak indicating in-focus is detected is five, that is, the AF area It is determined whether or not all of A1 to A5 have been detected (step S92). That is, it is determined whether or not the point where the peak is detected is the position of the obstacle.

  When a peak indicating focus is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5, the point is stored (overwritten) in the memory (step S94). Next, the focus lens is moved to the next point in a predetermined step (step S96), and it is determined whether or not it is the far end point (step S98). If the point is not the far end point, the process returns to step S90, and the above-described process (AF search) of performing peak detection indicating in-focus at that point is repeated.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the AF areas A1 to A5 has detected a peak indicating focus but has not detected a peak indicating focus in all of the AF areas A1 to A5, the point where the peak is detected is The position of the subject is determined, and the point is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S100). In this case, the AF search described above is exited and the process proceeds to step S106.

  That is, when a peak is not detected or when a peak indicating focus is detected in all AF areas A1 to A5, the above-described operation is repeated until the position of the focus lens reaches the far end point, and the AF areas A1 to A1 are repeated. When a peak indicating focus is detected in all A5, the point is stored (overwritten) in the memory.

  When the far end point is reached (YES in step S98), it is determined whether there is stored data in the memory (step S102). That is, in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, it is determined whether or not there is a point at which a peak indicating focus is detected in all the AF areas A1 to A5. If there is stored data, the stored point is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S104). On the other hand, when there is no stored data, it indicates that the subject did not exist while reaching the far end point, so the far end point is adopted as the focal point (step S106).

  Next, the focus lens is moved to the point adopted as the position of the subject (focusing point) in any one of steps S100, S104, or S106 (step S108), and notification (display) of the in-focus state is given (step S108). Step S110). Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter SW has been released (step S112). If the shutter SW has been released at this point, the process returns to step S80 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the shutter SW has not been released, it is determined whether or not the shutter SW has been fully pressed (step S114). If the shutter SW has not been fully pressed, the process returns to step S112. On the other hand, when the shutter SW is fully pressed, the subject image that has passed through the photographing lens 2 is captured as a photographed image by the CCD 5, subjected to predetermined processing by the unit circuit 7 and the image processing unit 8, and then stored in the flash memory 14. Save (step S116). Then, it returns to step S82 and repeats the process mentioned above.

  According to the second embodiment described above, when the in-focus point assumed to be the position of the subject is detected, it is possible to shift to the photographing process at that time, so the time until photographing is shortened. can do.

C. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, whether or not the focused point is the obstacle 40 is determined based on the number of AF areas in which the AF peak is detected. As described above, when the peak is detected in the same AF area between the subject and the obstacle, the obstacle 40 cannot be excluded.

  Therefore, the third embodiment eliminates the obstacle 40 and ensures that the subject 30 is reliably attached to the subject 30 even when such a subject 30 and the obstacle 40 detect a peak in the same AF area. It is characterized by being able to focus. The configuration of the digital camera 1 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera according to the third embodiment. As in the first embodiment, after steps S10 to S26 shown in FIG. 3 are executed, the process proceeds to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, at the stage of moving to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the point (position) and peak where the peak indicating focus is detected are detected. The number of AF areas thus recorded is stored in the memory.

  First, when the far end point is reached in step S26 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether there is stored data in the memory (step S120). That is, in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the point (position) where the peak indicating focus is detected and the number of AF areas where the peak is detected are stored in the memory. Judge whether or not.

  When no data is stored in the memory, that is, when there is no in-focus point in the process of moving the focus lens from the near end point to the far end point in a predetermined step, the time until the far end point is reached. Indicates that the subject does not exist, the far end point is adopted as the focal point (step S122). On the other hand, if data is stored in the memory, it is determined whether or not there is a point where the peak is detected in three or more AF areas among the data stored in the memory (step S124).

  If there are points detected in the peak in three or more AF areas, whether or not the point detected in the peak nearer to the nearest end (MKP) is stored in the memory. Is determined (step S126). That is, it is determined whether or not there is another object (for example, a person) on the near end side from the point assumed to be the subject 30 or the obstacle 40.

  If there is no point detected on the near end side from the nearest end point (MKP) among the points detected at the peak in three or more AF areas, the far end side from the MKP side. It is determined whether or not the point is stored in the memory (step S128). That is, it is determined whether or not there is another object (for example, a person) on the far end side from the point assumed to be the subject 30 or the obstacle 40.

  If the point is stored on the far end side from the point assumed to be the subject 30 or the obstacle 40, the far end side point (CEP) closest to the MKP is stored in the stored data. It is determined (step S130), and it is determined whether or not the distribution state of the AF area where the peak is detected by the CEP has high similarity to the distribution state of the AF area where the peak is detected by the MKP. (Step S132).

  When the distribution state of the AF area where the peak is detected by the CEP does not have high similarity to the distribution state of the AF area where the peak is detected by the MKP, three or more AF areas are used. The point (MKP) closest to the peak detected in (1) is adopted as the subject position (focus point) (step S134).

  On the other hand, when the distribution state of the AF area in which the peak is detected in the CEP is highly similar to the distribution state of the AF area in which the peak is detected in the MKP, the far end closest to the MKP is used. The side point (CEP) is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S136).

  Further, among the points detected in the peak in three or more AF areas, there is no point detected nearer than the nearest end point (MKP) (NO in step S126), and the nearest end side. If there is no point on the far end side of the point (MKP) (NO in step S128), the stored closest point (MKP) is adopted as the subject position (focus point) ( Step S138).

  Further, there is no point detected in the peak in three or more AF areas (NO in step S124), or there is a point detected in the peak in three or more AF areas, but from the nearest end point (MKP). If there is a point whose peak is detected on the near end side (YES in step S126), the point on the closest end side among the stored data is adopted as the position (focus point) of the subject (step S140). ).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S42 shown in FIG. 4, and the focus lens is moved to the point adopted as the subject position (in-focus point) in any of the above steps S122, S134, S136, S138, or step S140, and in step S44. , Notify (display) that the camera is in focus. If the shutter SW is fully pressed, the subject image that has passed through the photographing lens 2 is captured as a photographed image by the CCD 5 and subjected to predetermined processing by the unit circuit 7 and the image processing unit 8 in step S50. Save in the flash memory 14.

  10 and 11 are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of an AF search (focusing point search) by the digital camera 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, when a part of the obstacle 40 on the near end side overlaps the subject 30, according to the processing described above, as shown in FIG. Peaks are detected in the AF areas A1, A3, A4, and A5. On the other hand, the subject 30 has peaks detected in the AF areas A1, A2, A3, and A5.

  Accordingly, in the example shown in the figure, the obstacle 40 and the subject 30 match the AF areas A1, A3, and A5, but do not match in the AF areas A2 and A4, so it is determined that the similarity is low. On the other hand, even if a peak is detected in only a part of the AF area, the point of the subject 30 is adopted as the focal point.

  According to the third embodiment described above, even if a peak is not detected in a part of the AF area with respect to the obstacle 40, the obstacle 40 existing between the digital camera 1 and the subject 30 is avoided. An image in focus on the subject 30 can be taken.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the digital camera has been described as the imaging device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any electronic device having an imaging function can be applied to, for example, a mobile phone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Shooting lens 3 Lens drive part 4 Aperture 5 CCD
6 TG
7 Unit Circuit 8 Image Processing Unit 11 CPU
12 DRAM
13 Memory 14 Flash Memory 15 Image Display Unit 16 Key Input Unit 22 Card I / F
23 Memory card

Claims (9)

A photographing means having a focus lens and photographing a subject image;
A movement control means for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing means;
Focus detection means for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
In the entire range from the near end to the far end, when the focus detection unit detects a peak indicating in-focus in any one of the plurality of focusing areas, the position of the focus lens at that time and Storage means for storing the number of focusing areas in which peaks are detected in association with each other, and storing no data when no focus peak is detected from the plurality of focusing areas by the focus detection means; ,
After the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed by the focus detection means, subject position specification for specifying the focus position with respect to the subject based on the contents stored in the storage means An imaging apparatus comprising: means. A photographing means having a focus lens and photographing a subject image;
A movement control means for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing means;
Focus detection means for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
Subject position specifying means for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on the focus results in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection means; and
The plurality of focusing areas are set at positions separated from each other,
The object position determination unit, in the process leading up to the far end from the proximal end by the focus detection means, it is detected focus in one or more focusing area, and, in all of the plurality of focusing areas When the condition that the in-focus is not detected is met, the position of the focus lens at that time is set as the in-focus position with respect to the subject, and the in-focus detection operation by the in-focus detection unit after that time is stopped. At the same time, when the condition is not met, the focus detection operation by the focus detection means is continued. A photographing means having a focus lens and photographing a subject image;
A movement control means for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing means;
Focus detection means for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
Subject position specifying means for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on the focus results in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection means; and
The subject position specifying unit is configured to focus on all of the plurality of focusing areas by the focus detection unit after the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed by the focus detection unit. There is the position of the detected focus lens, and its near-end side than the position of the focus lens, or, in the far-end-side position, any focus at the detection of the plurality of focusing areas by said focus detecting means When there is a position of the focused lens, the photographing apparatus is characterized in that the position on the near end side or the far end side is set as a focus position with respect to the subject. A computer of a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image,
A movement control function for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing means;
A focus detection function for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
In the entire range from the near end to the far end, when the focus detection function detects a peak indicating focus in one of the plurality of focusing areas, the position of the focus lens at that time and When the number of the focusing areas in which the peaks are detected is associated and stored in the storage unit, and when no peak indicating one of the plurality of focusing areas is detected by the focus detection function, the storage unit stores Memory function that remembers nothing ,
After the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed by the focus detection function, subject position specification for specifying the focus position with respect to the subject based on the contents stored in the storage means A program characterized by executing a function. A computer of a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image,
A movement control function for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing means;
A focus detection function for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
A program for executing a subject position specifying function for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection function;
The plurality of focusing areas are set at positions separated from each other,
The subject position determination function, in the process up to the far end from the proximal end at the focus detection, is detected focus in one or more focusing area, and, in all of the plurality of focusing areas When the condition that the focus is not detected is met, the focus lens position at that time is set as the focus position with respect to the subject, and the focus detection operation by the focus detection function after that time is stopped. At the same time, if the condition is not met, the focus detection operation by the focus detection function is continued. A computer of a photographing apparatus having a focus lens and having photographing means for photographing a subject image,
A movement control function for sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing means;
A focus detection function for detecting the focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within the field angle of view taken by the photographing means at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
A program for executing a subject position specifying function for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection function;
The subject position specifying function performs focusing in all of the plurality of focusing areas by the focus detection function after the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed by the focus detection function. There is the position of the detected focus lens, and its near-end side than the position of the focus lens, or, in the far-end-side position, any focus at the detection of the plurality of focusing areas by the focus detection function When there is a position of the focused lens, the program sets the near-end side or far-end side position as a focus position with respect to the subject. A photographing method by a photographing device having a focus lens and comprising photographing means for photographing a subject image,
A moving step of sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing unit;
A focus detection step for detecting a focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within a field angle of view by the photographing unit at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
In the entire range from the near end to the far end, when at least one of the plurality of focusing areas is detected by the focus detection step, the focus lens position at that time is detected. When the number of the focusing areas in which the peak is detected is associated and stored in the storage unit, and when no peak indicating one of the plurality of focusing areas is detected by the focus detection step, the storage unit stores A memory step that remembers nothing ,
After the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed by the focus detection step, subject position specification for specifying the focus position with respect to the subject based on the contents stored in the storage means A photographing method comprising: steps. A photographing method by a photographing device having a focus lens and comprising photographing means for photographing a subject image,
A moving step of sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing unit;
A focus detection step for detecting a focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within a field angle of view by the photographing unit at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
A subject position specifying step for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection step; and
The plurality of focusing areas are set at positions separated from each other,
The subject position specifying step, in the process up to the far end from the proximal end in the focus detection step, focusing is detected by one or more focusing area, and, in all of the plurality of focusing areas When the condition that the focus is not detected is met, the focus lens position at that time is set as the focus position with respect to the subject, and the focus detection operation in the focus detection step after that time is stopped. At the same time, when the condition is not met, the focus detection operation in the focus detection step is continued. A photographing method by a photographing device having a focus lens and comprising photographing means for photographing a subject image,
A moving step of sequentially moving the focus lens in a predetermined step from the near end to the far end within a range that can be focused by the photographing unit;
A focus detection step for detecting a focus of a plurality of focusing areas set within a field angle of view by the photographing unit at the position of the focus lens at each predetermined step;
A subject position specifying step for specifying a focus position with respect to a subject based on a focus result in the plurality of focusing areas detected by the focus detection step; and
In the subject position specifying step, after the detection operation of the entire range from the near end to the far end is completed by the focus detection step, the focus detection step performs focusing in all of the plurality of focusing areas. There is the position of the detected focus lens, and its near-end side than the position of the focus lens, or, in the far-end-side position, any focus at the detection of the plurality of focusing areas by the focus detection step If there is a position of the focused lens, the photographing method is characterized in that the near-end side or far-end side position is set as a focus position with respect to the subject.

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