JPH10108057A - Image-pickup device, camera and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily provide photographs in the state of being focused for all objects in different distances by photographing plural images to be the base of composite images for focusing on the all of a specified range and composting them in a post processing. SOLUTION: Respective conditions such as a focusing range or the like are set by the switching operations of the respective kinds of switches connected to a switch circuit 9. A multiple range finding circuit 4 finds the range of the object and further, transmits the setting information of the focusing range to a CPU 1 by being combined with the switching operations. A photometry circuit 3 detects the lightness information of the object and transmits it to a CPU 1. Then, an ISO detection circuit 10 transmits the sensitivity information of a film to the CPU 1. The CPU 1 sets an optimal exposure conditions from the information and controls the photographing of the plural sheets, while changing the focus state of a photographing lens 2 so as to turn the focusing range into a focused state by the exposure conditions. A magnetic recording circuit 5 records the information capable of discriminating the related plural sheets in the magnetic part of the film.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, a camera, and an image processing apparatus for easily obtaining a photograph in which all subjects at different distances are in focus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of electronic image technology today, various processes which cannot be conventionally performed by a camera using a photographic film, can be performed only by devising the camera. Is becoming possible.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-21111 discloses an automatic focusing device, an automatic exposure device, and a power zoom lens, and a focusing lens position and an aperture so that two or more subjects are within a depth of field. A technique relating to a "camera having a depth-first zoom mode" characterized by adjusting a value and a focal length is disclosed. Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
In Japanese Patent No. 284813, it is possible to select an arbitrary distance measurement field of view in a shooting screen by a selection instruction operation means, and a subject located in the distance measurement field of view at a position corresponding to the selected distance measurement field in the shooting screen. There is disclosed a technology relating to a "single-lens reflex camera" characterized by performing a display for notifying whether or not the camera is within the depth of the camera. All of these technologies are technologies for keeping all main subjects within the depth of focus of the subject, but in order to focus on subjects at different distances measured, the subject enters the depth of field. The aperture was narrowed down as follows.

[0004]

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 4-21111 and 1-284813 describe the above.
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, there is a problem that a shutter speed is reduced due to a reduction in the aperture, thereby causing camera shake and subject shake. Furthermore, in a dark state, it was difficult to shoot with the aperture stopped down. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to easily obtain a photograph in a state where all subjects at different distances are in focus.

[0005]

To achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention obtains an appropriate exposure based on a photographic optical system for forming a subject image and a subject brightness. Aperture value setting means for setting an aperture value by calculating an aperture value or inputting a manually set aperture value; storage means for storing information on a plurality of subject distances; With the aperture value set by the means, when it is determined that the plurality of stored object distances do not fall within the depth, shooting is repeated a plurality of times while shifting the focus position of the imaging optical system by a predetermined aperture value. And control means.

An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect is an image processing apparatus for synthesizing one image from a plurality of frames exposed to a silver halide film while changing a focus position. Image conversion means for converting the image signal into image signals; storage means for storing the image signals converted by the image conversion means; and a depth of focus for a plurality of points based on the image signals of the plurality of frames stored in the storage means. 1 inside
Image synthesizing means for synthesizing two images.

Further, a photographing apparatus according to a third aspect has a photographing optical system for forming a subject image, an image pickup means having a photoelectric conversion element for photoelectrically converting the subject image, and an image pickup means which is provided in advance by the image pickup means. Pre-display means for photoelectrically converting and displaying an image, instructing means for instructing an area to be focused from the subject image displayed by the pre-display means, and a focus position with respect to the area instructed by the instructing means Image capturing means for capturing an image a plurality of times while changing the number of images.

That is, in the camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, a subject image is formed by a photographing optical system, and an aperture value for obtaining an appropriate exposure is calculated by an aperture value setting means based on the brightness of the object. Alternatively, by inputting a manually set aperture value, the aperture value is set, information regarding a plurality of subject distances is stored by the storage unit, and the control unit controls the aperture value set by the aperture value setting unit. When it is determined that the stored plurality of object distances do not fall within the depth, shooting is repeated a plurality of times while shifting the focus position of the shooting optical system with a predetermined aperture value.

In the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the image is converted into an image signal for each of a plurality of frames by the image conversion means, and the image signal converted by the image conversion means is stored by the storage means. Based on the image signals of the plurality of frames stored in the storage unit, one image included within the depth of focus at a plurality of points is synthesized by the synthesizing unit.

Further, in the photographing apparatus according to the third aspect,
The subject image is formed by the photographing optical system, the subject image is photoelectrically converted by the imaging means, the subject image is photoelectrically converted by the imaging means in advance and displayed by the pre-display means, and displayed by the pre-display means by the instruction means. An area to be focused is specified from the subject image, and the image capturing means captures an image a plurality of times while changing the focus position with respect to the area specified by the specifying means.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment relates to a camera that obtains photographs in which all subjects at different distances are in focus, and an image processing apparatus that synthesizes a plurality of images captured by the cameras.

First, FIG. 1 shows the structure of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention and will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the inputs of the CPU 1 include a photometric circuit 3 for measuring the brightness of a subject, a multi-ranging circuit 4 for measuring the distance of a plurality of points of the subject, and a switch circuit 9 for detecting a plurality of switch inputs. An input of an ISO detection circuit 10 for detecting ISO information of the film is connected. An output of the CPU 1 is a photographing lens 2 capable of adjusting a focus, a magnetic recording circuit 5 for recording information at the time of photographing on the film, an aperture stop. , A shutter circuit 7 for controlling the exposure shutter, and an input of a display circuit 8 for displaying information on photographing. The switch circuit 9 has a plurality of switches for setting conditions for photographing.

In such a configuration, the operator sets various conditions such as a focusing range by operating various switches connected to the switch circuit 9. The multi-ranging circuit 3 measures the distance to the subject, and transmits setting information of the focusing range to the CPU 1 in combination with a switch operation. The photometric circuit 3 detects the brightness information of the subject, and
Transmit to 1. Then, the ISO detection circuit 10 is connected to the CPU 1
To inform the sensitivity information of the film. The CPU 1 determines optimal exposure conditions (aperture, shutter speed, etc.) from information from the switch circuit 9, information from the multi-ranging circuit 4, and information from the photometric circuit 3.
Is set, and the photographing control of a plurality of images is performed while changing the focus state of the photographing lens 2 so that the focus range is in focus under the exposure conditions. Instead of the focus range by the focus setting, the focus range can be set by the aperture. The magnetic recording circuit 5 records information related to a plurality of related discs on a magnetic portion of the film.
The display circuit 8 displays information on the focus state of the CPU 1.

Hereinafter, the operation of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When the camera sequence starts (step S1), the CPU
1 judges the main switch (step S2). Here, when the main switch is OFF, the present sequence is ended (step S5), and when the main SW is ON,
Subsequently, initialization is performed. Here, ISO information is obtained, and flags Ff, FAF, Fc, data Lmax,
Lmin, F1, and F2 are set to 0, the number of times of photographing N is set to 1, and Pi (i is in) is set to 0 (step S3).

Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines again the main switch (step S4). Here, the main switch is off
In this case, the present sequence is terminated (step S5),
When the main SW is ON, subsequently, various modes (manual focus (MF) /
Auto Focus (AF), Spot AF / Multi A
F, depth mode ON / OFF) is set (step S6). Next, the MF / AF state is determined (step S7), and if the AF mode is selected, the spot AF / multi AF is determined (step S17).

First, a sequence when the spot AF is set will be described. In the case of spot AF, it is determined whether or not the aperture value has been reset. In this embodiment, since the aperture is set manually, it is determined whether the aperture is set manually (step S1).
8). If the aperture value has been reset, the process proceeds to S20 after setting the aperture value to F1 (step S1).
9) If the aperture value has not been reset, the process directly proceeds to step S20.

Subsequently, the state of the AFRSW which is a switch for inputting distance information is detected (step S20). Here, since the spot AF mode is selected, the photographer can arbitrarily select a desired position by operating the AFRSW, but at the moment when the AFRSW is pressed, the subject distance is measured by the spot AF. In particular,
Since the camera according to this embodiment employs the TTL passive method, the amount of drive of the lens when the distance is actually measured is measured.

When the AFRSW is ON, distance measurement (data Ls) at one center and lens driving are performed (step S).
21), distance measurement data Lma according to a subroutine described later
x and Lmin are set. That is, data is input each time the AFRSW is input, and the CPU 1 obtains the maximum value Lmax and the minimum value Lmin among the plurality of data (step S22). Then, 1 is stored in a flag Fc indicating whether or not the distance measurement data has been captured (step S23). Here, since the distance measurement data has been taken in, Fc = 1.

Subsequently, the CPU 1 sets the first release SW
Is determined (step S24), the first release SW
Is OFF, the process returns to step S18,
If the release SW is ON, it is determined whether or not the flag Fc = 0 (step S25). Then, the flag F
When c = 0, that is, when the AFRSW is not pressed, the process proceeds to the sequence in FIG.

In the sequence of FIG. 4, the distance measurement flag L
s is set to L (step S37), the photographing lens is driven to the distance L (step S38), and the number of times of photographing is set according to the depth of the aperture value F1 according to a subroutine described later (step S39), and FIG. To the sequence of
Such processing is performed so that the operation is performed based on the predetermined distance measurement data even when the distance measurement data is not captured by the AFRSW.

Moving to the sequence of FIG.
The second release is determined (steps S60 and S6).
1) 1st release SW, 2nd release SW is ON
In the case of, the process proceeds to the next step, and the variable i is set to “1” (step S62). Then, set the shooting lens to P
(I) After driving to the position (step S63), photographing with the aperture value F (step S64), winding up the film (step S65), and recording magnetic information such as related continuous photographing information. (Step S66), the variable i is determined (Step S67). This is repeated by the number of times of photographing N (step S68). When the set number of times of photographing is reached, the flag FAF is determined. This flag FAF
Is set to 1 when the AF operation is interrupted in the state where the MF mode is set (step S69). If the flag FAF is not 1, the process proceeds to step S71.
When the flag FAF = 1, the operation state of the photographing lens is returned to the MF operation (step S70), and the predetermined data is reset. Here, the flag FAF,
Set Ff to 0, Lmax, Lmin, P (i), F1, F
2 is set to 0 and N is set to 1 (step S71). Thus, the process returns to step S4. The reason for returning to the MF mode in step S70 is that the initial state of the camera operation is the MF mode.

At step S25, if Fc = 1, that is, if the distance measurement data has been obtained by operating the AFRSW, the sequence proceeds to the sequence of FIG. This figure 5
In this sequence, after the lens is driven to the Lmin position (step S40), photometry is performed (step S40).
41), the optimal exposure (aperture value F based on photometric information and ISO information)
2) is calculated (step S42), the manually set aperture value F1 is compared with F2 obtained by photometry (step S43), and if F1 <F2, the aperture value F1 is determined (step S42). S44).

If F1 is not equal to 0, F1 is substituted for the final aperture value F, and the process proceeds to step S47 (step S45). If F1 <F2 is not satisfied, and if F1 = 0, the final aperture value is set to F. F2 is substituted (step S46).
Next, the shutter speed value is reset with the final aperture value F. As a result, a shutter speed at which a proper exposure can be obtained is obtained (step S47).

Subsequently, the photographing depth is determined by judging | Lmax-Lmin | <F depth (step S48). When | Lmax-Lmin | <F depth, the focus position of the photographing lens is set to P ( i) (focus setting A), and the process proceeds to step S52 (step S4).
9). On the other hand, when | Lmax−Lmin | <F depth is not satisfied, the number N of continuous shootings is set (step S50), and the focus position P (i) of the shooting lens is set (focus setting B) (step S51), and FIG. The photographing information is displayed as shown in (1), and the process proceeds to the sequence of FIG. 7 (step S52). Since the sequence of FIG. 7 is as described above, the description is omitted.

In the display of FIG. 10, the shooting range is indicated by two rectangles, and the focus range, that is, the depth of field is indicated by two triangles. This display shows that the shooting distance is within the focus range. It should be noted that the flower mark shown in the figure indicates a short distance, and the mountain mark indicates infinity. The number of times of continuous shooting is also displayed in the viewfinder.

Here, referring to FIG.
A calculation method of the focus setting B of 51 will be described. In the focus setting B, the number of times of photographing and the lens focus position are determined for the focus range using a table reference. FIG. 11A shows the state of the table. The vertical axis indicates subject distance information (division into each distance zone), and the horizontal axis indicates the aperture value at the time of shooting. Data D0 and D1 specified on the vertical and horizontal axes
Indicates focus setting position information (D0) of the photographing lens and a distance (D1) on the far side within the aperture depth range.

FIG. 11 (b) shows a specific example. When the focus range is set from A (near side) to B (far side) and the aperture value is H, first, the subject distance zone to which A belongs is determined. Next, a corresponding focus setting distance C of the aperture value H and a distance D on the far side within the depth are obtained. Similarly, for the distance D, the focus set distance E and the distance F on the far side within the depth are obtained. This process ends when D, F or the corresponding D1 exceeds B. The number of times of the set focus position of the photographing lens until the end is the number of continuous photographing.

Further, referring to FIG.
A method of calculating the distance range of the focus setting A of 49 will be described.
In the focus setting A, the distance range for focusing on the aperture is also calculated using the table reference, and the calculated distance range is used to determine the number of times of shooting and the lens focus position in the focus setting B. FIG. 12A shows the state of the table. The vertical axis represents subject distance information (divided into zones), and the horizontal axis represents aperture values (F1, F). The data D2 and D3 specified by the vertical axis and the horizontal axis are a distance on the near side (D2) in the aperture depth range and a distance on the far side in the aperture depth range (D3).
Is shown.

Specifically, FIG. First, the subject distance zone to which the subject distance A belongs is determined. Next, distances B and C within the depth corresponding to the aperture value F1 set by the photographer are obtained. The following is the shooting aperture F as shown in FIG.
By performing the same processing as described above, the number of times of shooting and the focus position of the shooting lens can be set.

Next, a sequence when the multi AF mode is set will be described. In step S17, in the case of multi AF, it is determined whether or not the aperture value has been reset (step S26). Here, if the aperture value has been reset, the aperture value is set to F1 and step S2
Go to step 8 (step S27). If the aperture value has not been reset, the process directly proceeds to step S28.

Next, the CPU 1 sets the first release SW
Is determined (step S28), the first release SW
Is OFF, the process returns to step S4, and if the first release SW is ON, multi-ranging is performed (step S4).
29). Then, Lmax and Lmin are set in accordance with a subroutine described later from the information of the multi-ranging (step S30), and the depth mode ON / OFF is determined (step S31). If the depth mode is ON, the sequence shown in FIG. Transition. Since the sequence of FIG. 5 is as described above, the description is omitted.

On the other hand, in step S31, the depth mode O
In the case of FF, the distance L is set to Lmin (step S
32), the photographing lens is driven to L (step S33),
Move to the sequence of FIG.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 6, if the aperture value is manually determined, the distance is measured based on the value. If the aperture value is not determined, the distance is measured based on the aperture value obtained by photometry. Specifically, photometry is first performed (step S53), and the optimal exposure (aperture value F2) is calculated from the photometry information and the ISO information (step S54), and the aperture values F1, F2 are calculated.
Are compared (step S55). If F1 <F2, the aperture value F1 is determined (step S56), and F1 =
If it is not 0, F1 is substituted for the final aperture value F and step S
The process moves to 59 (step S57). On the other hand, F1 <F2
If not, and if F1 = 0, the final aperture value F is substituted for F2 (step S58). Then, the shutter speed value is reset with the final aperture value F, and the flow shifts to the sequence of FIG. 7 (step S59). The sequence of FIG. 7 is as described above, and thus the description is omitted.

Next, a sequence when the MF mode is set will be described. If the MF mode has been set in step S7, it is determined whether the aperture value has been reset (step S8). If the aperture value has been reset, the process proceeds to step S10 after setting the aperture value to F1, and if the aperture value has not been reset, the process directly proceeds to step S10. Then, it is determined whether or not the distance data has been changed by manual focus (step S10). If there is no distance data, the process proceeds to the sequence of FIG. 3 and the state of the first release SW is determined (step S34). If is turned off, the process returns to step S8. If it is turned on, the subroutine "set multiple times" described later is executed, and then the process moves to the sequence of FIG. 7 (step S35). The sequence of FIG. 7 is as described above, and thus the description is omitted.

On the other hand, when setting the distance, the distance is set by manual focus (step S1).
1) detecting the state of AFRSW (step S12),
When the AFRSW is changed from OFF to ON, the lens position information Ls is fetched as distance information (step S13). Then, according to a subroutine described later, the distance measurement data Lma
x and Lmin are set (step S14), 1st
A release is determined (step S15). Where 1
When the first release SW is OFF, the process returns to step S11, and when the first release SW is ON, the mode is changed to the AF mode (the flag FAF is set to 1), and the process proceeds to the sequence of FIG. 5 (step S16). Since the sequence of FIG. 5 is as described above, the description is omitted here.

Here, the sequence of the subroutine "setting of the number of times of photographing" will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When this sequence starts (step S10)
1) First, photometry is performed (step S102), and an optimal exposure value is set (aperture value F2) (step S103).
The aperture values F1 and F2 are compared (step S104).
Here, if F1 <F2 is not satisfied, the final aperture value F is set to F2.
(Step S112), reset the shutter speed with the final aperture F (step S113), and set the number N of continuous shootings and the focus position of each shooting lens to P (i) (focus setting B) ( Step S114, S11
5).

On the other hand, if F1 <F2, the aperture value F1 is determined (step S105), and if F1 = 0, F2 is substituted for the final aperture value F, and the process proceeds to step S108 (step S107). If = 0, F1 is substituted for the final aperture value F (step S106). Then
The shutter speed is reset with the final aperture value F (step S
108), the focus position of the photographing lens is set to P (i) (focus setting A) (step S109), the number of times of photographing and the pinch state are displayed (step S110), and the sequence exits (step S111).

Next, the sequence of the subroutine "Lmax / Lmin (photographing focus range) setting" will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When this sequence is started (step S121), first, the flag Ff is determined. This flag Ff is set to Ff = 0 at the time of the first distance information.
Is set to Ff = 1 from the second time (step S12).
2). If Ff = 0 (first distance information Ls), Lmi
Substitute Ls for both n and Lmax (step S12
3). Subsequently, 1 is substituted for the flag Ff (step S1).
24), detecting the state of AFRsw (step S12)
5). If the AFRSW is ON, that is, if the AFRSW is kept pressed, the process returns to step S125, and A
The sequence exits this sequence when the FRSW is OFF, that is, when the FRSW is released (step S130).

On the other hand, if Ff = 0 is not satisfied (distance information Ls after the second time), Lmin and Ls are compared (step S126). If Lmin <Ls, Ls is substituted for Lmin, and the routine goes to Step S130 (Step S127). On the other hand, Lmin <L
If it is not s, Lmax and Ls are compared (step S128), and if Lmax <Ls, step S1 is not performed.
30, and if Lmax <Ls, Lmax is set to Ls.
Is substituted (step S129), and the process returns to the main sequence (step S130).

The configuration and operation of the camera according to the first embodiment have been described above. Next, an image processing apparatus for processing an image captured by the camera will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a film image processing apparatus.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit R
ISC (Reduced instruction set computer) 11
An image input circuit 13 for inputting an image, a magnetic input circuit 12 for reading magnetic information of a film, and a memory 1 for recording an image
4. A film drive circuit 16 for moving the film stored in the cartridge and a display circuit 15 for displaying information (image information may be displayed) are connected to each other.

In such a configuration, a required image is input from the image input circuit 13 according to the information read by the magnetic input circuit 12 and stored in the memory 14. RISC11
Combines the read images into one in-focus image by performing addition processing and filtering processing.

Hereinafter, the sequence of the film image reading scanner will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the scanner sequence starts (step S2)
01), after initializing each flag and data (step S202), the magnetic information of the film is read (step S203), and the variable i is set to 1 (step S204). Subsequently, the film image is read and recorded in the memory (step S205), and the image is displayed (step S206). Next, the variable i is compared with the number of continuous shots N (step S208). If i = N is not set, i + 1 is stored in the variable i (step S20).
9) The film is advanced by one frame, and the process returns to step S205 (step S210). On the other hand, when i = N, the images recorded in the memory are combined (added) (step S210), and filtering processing such as edge enhancement is performed (step S211), and the combined image is displayed (step S211). (S212), this sequence ends (step S213).

As described above, in the first embodiment, an image serving as a base of a composite image that focuses on the entire range specified by the distance information or the aperture value is converted into a plurality of images without blur. Can be provided. Further, the number of times of shooting and information can be known in advance at the time of shooting. Since information at the time of photographing is recorded on the film, the related image can be easily determined at the time of image composition.

The information may be recorded on the film not by magnetism but by optical (bar code). Further, a sensor capable of detecting camera shake such as an angular velocity sensor may be provided to detect a deviation of an image during continuous shooting, record the image on a film, and correct the deviation during composition. Further, by optically recording the reference position of the film on the film, it is possible to easily locate the image at the time of composition.

When the photographing magnification changes due to the focus movement during photographing, it is preferable to leave the information on the film (magnetism or the like) and correct the magnification with a scanner to combine. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The second embodiment relates to an imaging apparatus for detecting a high-resolution image by scanning using a line sensor as an imaging element. FIG. 15 shows the second
1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment.

As shown in the figure, when not photographing, the light beam from the subject is guided to the finder optical system 26 via the photographing optical system 24 and the mirror 25 which has been moved down. Each member is disposed so as to be guided to the line imaging circuit 28 by the system 24 and the mirror 25 that has been raised. The line imaging circuit 28 is connected to the scan drive circuit 27 for scanning the sensor and the CPU 21.
Imaging optical system 24, mirror 25 and scan drive circuit 27
Are connected to the CPU 21. In addition, the CPU 21 is connected with an AE circuit 22 for measuring the brightness of the subject, an AF circuit 23 for measuring the distance to the subject, a switch circuit 31 for instructing a sequence, a memory 30 for recording an image, and a display monitor 29. I have.

In such a configuration, the photographer observes the photographing composition through the photographing optical system 24, the mirror 25 in the down state, and the finder optical system 26. In photographing, the mirror 25 is brought up and the line sensor of the line imaging circuit 28 scans and stores an image in the memory 30. By operating the switch circuit 31, a subject to be focused is specified with reference to the display monitor 29. The CPU 21 detects the focus range at the designated position so that all designated regions are in focus, and the line imaging circuit 28 and the photographing optical system 2
The focus position of No. 4 is set, and shooting is performed. The AE circuit 22 performs photometry, and the CPU 21 sets an aperture value and an integration time suitable for photographing according to the photometry information. The AF circuit 23 provides focus information of the first photographing optical system 24.

Hereinafter, the photographing sequence will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the photographing sequence is started (step S301), the main switch is determined (step S302). Here, if the main switch is OFF, the present sequence is terminated (step S318). On the other hand, when the main switch is ON, initialization is performed. Here, N is set to 1 for the number of continuous shootings, and distance data Lmax and Lmin are set to 0 (step S3).
03).

Subsequently, the main switch is determined again (step S304). If the main switch is off, this sequence is terminated (step S318). If the main switch is on, the state of the AFSW is subsequently changed. Judgment is made (step S305), and if AFSW is OFF, step S305
The flow shifts to 308, where if AFSW is ON, distance measurement (data L0) is performed by the AF circuit, the imaging optical system is driven to the distance measurement point (step S306), and brightness of the subject is measured by the AE circuit, The optimum aperture value and the integration time of the sensor are determined (step S307), and the process proceeds to step S308.

Subsequently, the prescan switch is determined (step S308), and the prescan switch is turned off.
In the case of F, the process proceeds to step S312. If the prescan switch is ON, an image is captured while roughly scanning the licensor (step S309). Then
The captured image is displayed (step S310), and an arbitrary position to be focused is selected while watching the display according to a subroutine described later (step S311).
The main scan switch is determined (step S31).
2). Here, when the main scan switch is OFF, the process returns to step S304, and when the main scan switch is ON, the imaging process is performed according to a subroutine described later (step S313).

Subsequently, the captured image is subjected to a synthesis (addition) process (step S314), and a filtering process such as edge enhancement is performed on the synthesized image (step S3).
15) The processed image is recorded in the long-term recording memory 30 (step S316), the processed image is displayed (step S317), and the photographing sequence ends (step S318).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Subroutine "A" executed in step S311
The sequence of “F area selection” will be described. In this sequence, a position to be focused is designated in the image read by the pre-scan, and the licensor is moved there.
Further, by scanning the photographing optical system, a position having a high contrast value is detected, and an image in which the positions of a plurality of points are in focus is obtained while obtaining the distance.

That is, when the present sequence is started (step S320), the state of the selection switch (operation for designating an arbitrary display position) is determined (step S321).
If the selection switch has not been operated, this sequence is exited (step S334), and if the selection switch has been operated, an area mark is displayed on the monitor (step S322). This is as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the decision of the decision switch is made (step S323). When the decision switch is turned on from OFF, the area mark is fixedly displayed (step S324), and the line sensor is moved to the area mark position (step S3).
25), the sensor signal is read out while scanning the entire area of the imaging optical system, a high-contrast imaging optical system position is detected (step S326), and distance information Ls is detected from the contrast peak position (step S327).

Then, it is determined whether the detected data is the first time (step S328).
Substitute Ls for n and Lmax, and return to step S321 (step S329). Lma if it is the second time or later
x and Ls are compared (step S330), and Lmax
If it is not> Ls, Ls is substituted for Lmax, the process returns to step S321 (step S331), and Lmax> Ls
In the case of, Lmin and Ls are compared (step S33).
2). If Lmin> Ls is not satisfied, step S
321 and when Lmin> Ls, Lmin is added to Lmin.
And returns to step S321 (step S33).
3).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The sequence of the subroutine "imaging" executed in step S313 will be described. When this imaging sequence is started (step S340), the number of image captures N
(Same as focus setting B of the first embodiment) (step S341), and the number of readings N is determined (step S342). Here, if N = 1, L0 is substituted for the driving position P (i) of the photographing optical system, and step S3 is performed.
The process moves to 45 (step S344). On the other hand, when N is not 1, one or more driving positions of the photographing optical system are set to P
(I) is substituted (similar to the focus setting B of the first embodiment) (step S343).

Subsequently, 1 is substituted for a variable i (step S).
345), and the photographing optical system is driven to P (i) (step S).
346), the image is captured and recorded in the temporary recording memory 30 (step S347), the captured image is displayed (step S348), and the variable i is determined (step S3).
49). Here, if i = N, the variable i is set to i + 1
And returns to step S346 (step S35).
0). On the other hand, if i = N, the process exits this sequence (step S351).

As described above, in the second embodiment, by specifying a subject to be focused, an image serving as a base of a composite image focused on the entire range specified by the distance information is specified. By photographing a plurality of images and synthesizing them, it is possible to provide an image in which all necessary areas are in focus.
Instead of having the entire configuration of FIG. 15 in a line camera, the portion indicated by the broken line A may be replaced by a general-purpose personal computer. Further, a sensor such as an angular velocity sensor capable of detecting camera shake may be provided to detect a shift of an image during continuous shooting and correct it during synthesis.

When the photographing magnification is changed by moving the focus during photographing, it is preferable to correct the magnification of the photographing lens during photographing or to perform magnification correction during image processing to combine images. The above embodiments of the present invention also include the following inventions. (1) a photographing optical system, photometric means for measuring the brightness of an object, distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the object, and at least one or more distance measurement values of the distance measuring means in one photographing operation , An exposure determining means for determining a shutter speed and an aperture in accordance with the photometric means, and an exposure determining means for focusing all the distance measuring ranges of the distance measuring means. A camera having: a number of times of continuous shooting with the determined aperture value; and a shooting control unit that determines a focus position of a shooting optical system for each continuous shooting and controls shooting.

According to this, it is possible to provide a plurality of images without blurring, which are the basis of the composite image for focusing on the entire range specified by the distance measuring means. (2) The camera according to (1), further comprising display means for displaying a depth and a photograph based on an aperture value determined by the distance measuring means and the exposure means.

According to this, it is possible to provide, as a plurality of images without blur, an image which is a base of a composite image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused. Furthermore, the number of times of shooting and information can be known in advance during shooting. Also,
Since the information at the time of photographing is recorded on the film, the related image can be easily determined at the time of image composition. (3) The camera according to (1) or (2), further comprising film recording means for recording on the film that a series of continuous shootings has been performed.

According to this, it is possible to provide, as a plurality of blur-free images, an image which is the basis of a composite image that focuses on all of the plurality of points measured by the distance measuring means. Furthermore, the number of times of shooting and information can be known in advance during shooting. Since information at the time of photographing is recorded on the film, the related image can be easily determined at the time of image composition. (4) a photographing optical system, photometric means for measuring the brightness of the subject, distance measuring means for measuring the distance of the subject at a plurality of points, and exposure determining means for determining a shutter speed and an aperture according to the photometric means. The number of times of continuous shooting with the aperture value determined by the exposure determining means and the focus position of the shooting optical system for each continuous shooting are determined so that the entire range of the distance measurement by the distance measuring recording means is in focus. A photographing control unit for controlling photographing; a display unit for displaying a depth and a photographing based on an aperture value determined by the distance measuring unit and the exposure unit; and recording a series of continuous photographing on the film. A camera having film recording means.

According to this, it is possible to provide, as a plurality of images without blur, a base image of a synthesized image focused within the depth of the aperture value set by the aperture setting means by the photographer. . (5) According to the photographic optical system, the photometric means for measuring the brightness of the subject, the aperture setting means for setting the first aperture, the focus setting means for setting the focus position of the photographic optical system, and the photometric means Exposure determination means for determining a shutter speed and a second aperture value, and continuous photographing with the aperture value determined by the exposure means so as to cover the depth range of the aperture value set by the aperture setting means. A camera comprising: a number of times; and photographing control means for determining a focus position of a photographing optical system for each successive photographing and controlling photographing.

According to this, it is possible to provide a plurality of images without blurring, which are the basis of the composite image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused. Further, since the information at the time of photographing is recorded on the film, the image processing apparatus only has to perform image synthesis based on the information of the film.

Further, an image serving as the basis of a composite image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused is photographed by a plurality of blur-free photographing and composited to obtain a desired range. An in-focus image is obtained. Further, at the time of photographing, the number of times of photographing and information can be known in advance, and a photographed image and a composite image can be confirmed. (6) A system comprising a camera for exposing a subject image on a silver halide film and a film scanner for converting a film image into an electronic image and converting it into an image signal, and detects a photographic optical system and film ISO information. Film information detecting means, a photometric means for measuring the brightness of a subject, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the subject, and at least one or more distance measuring values of the distance measuring means in one photographing operation. Distance measurement recording means for recording, exposure determination means for determining a shutter speed and aperture according to the information of the photometry means and the information of the film information detection means, and focusing on the entire range of the distance measurement recording means As described above, the number of times continuous shooting is performed with the aperture value determined by the exposure determining means, the focus position of the shooting optical system for each continuous shooting, and shooting control means for performing shooting control, Film recording means for recording on the film that the photographing is being performed, an information reading means having the camera, and reading information other than the image recorded on the film, and a plurality of images according to the information of the information reading means. And a synthesizing means for synthesizing the film.

According to this, a desired image can be obtained by shooting a plurality of images without blurring and forming a base image of a synthesized image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused. An image with focus in the range is obtained. Further, at the time of photographing, the number of times of photographing and information can be known in advance, and a photographed image and a composite image can be confirmed. (7) The camera according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the exposure determination unit preferentially sets a shutter speed at which camera shake does not occur.

According to this, the influence of camera shake can be reduced. (8) a photographing optical system, imaging means for converting an optical image into an electronic image, photometric means for measuring the brightness of the subject, distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject, and Distance measurement recording means for recording at least one of the distance measurement values of the distance measurement means; exposure determination means for determining the integration time and aperture of the image pickup means according to the information of the photometry means; The number of times continuous shooting is performed with the aperture value determined by the exposure determining means so that the entire range is in focus,
A camera comprising: a photographing control unit that determines a focus position of a photographing optical system for each continuous photographing and controls photographing; an image recording unit that records a photographed image; and a combining unit that combines a plurality of photographed images.

According to this, a desired image can be obtained by shooting a plurality of images without blurring and forming a base image of a synthesized image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused. An image with focus in the range is obtained. (9) The camera according to (8), wherein the exposure determining means sets the integration time so as not to be longer than a predetermined time.

According to this, the processing for determining the integration time and the aperture of the imaging means by the exposure determining means can be performed quickly without making the processing unnecessarily long. (10) A photographing optical system for forming a subject image and an aperture value for obtaining a proper exposure based on the subject luminance are obtained by calculation.
Alternatively, a manually set aperture value is input, an aperture value setting means for setting an aperture value, a storage means for storing information on a plurality of subject distances, and an aperture value set by the aperture value setting means, Control means for repeating photographing a plurality of times while shifting the focus position of the photographing optical system at a predetermined aperture value when it is determined that the plurality of subject distances do not fall within the depth. Camera.

According to this, it is possible to provide a plurality of images without blurring as a base image of a composite image for focusing on the entire range specified by the distance measuring means. (11) The camera according to (10), wherein the predetermined aperture value is an aperture value that is more open than an aperture value that falls within the depth of all of the plurality of subject distances. (12) The camera according to (10) or (11), wherein the predetermined aperture value is a value that provides an appropriate exposure for a shutter speed that does not cause camera shake.

According to this, a proper exposure can be obtained. (13) The camera according to (10), wherein the camera has multi-point distance measuring means capable of measuring a plurality of points, and the storage means stores a plurality of object distances measured by the multi-point distance measuring means. The described camera.

According to this, even in multi-point distance measurement, it is possible to provide, as a plurality of images without blurring, an image serving as a base of a composite image for focusing on the entire range specified by the distance measurement means. it can. (14) The camera according to (10), wherein the camera has a distance measuring unit that measures a subject distance, and the storage unit stores the subject distance from a focus detecting unit every time a photographer instructs. .

According to this, the subject distance can be appropriately read. (15) The camera according to (10), wherein the camera has input means for reading distance information set manually, and the storage means stores the distance information input by the input means.

According to this, based on the manually input distance information, a plurality of images without blurring are provided as the base images of the composite image for focusing on the entire range specified by the distance measuring means. can do. (16) The camera according to (10), wherein the camera has a display unit that displays at least one of the number of times of shooting controlled by the control unit and the aperture value at the time of shooting.

According to this, the photographer can be informed in advance about the number of times of photographing, the aperture value at the time of photographing, and the like. (17) The camera according to (10), wherein the camera has recording means for recording at least one of the number of times of photographing controlled by the control means and an aperture value at the time of photographing on a film or a film cartridge.

According to this, the number of times of photographing, the aperture value at the time of photographing, and the like can be read out as needed. (18) The camera according to (10), wherein the control means has a table indicating a set distance and a depth range distance with respect to a subject distance and an aperture value, and performs drive control of the photographing lens based on the table.

According to this, by using a table,
The drive control of the photographing lens can be easily performed. (19) If the aperture value of the photographing lens does not allow focusing on a plurality of distances, a plurality of frames are photographed while changing the focus position, and the plurality of frames are focused on the plurality of frames based on the plurality of frames. An image processing system that combines images that match each other.

According to this, a desired image can be obtained by shooting a plurality of images without blurring, which are the basis of a synthesized image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused, and performing synthesis processing. An image with focus in the range is obtained. (20) In an image processing apparatus for synthesizing one image from a plurality of frames exposed to a silver halide film while changing a focus position, image conversion means for converting an image into an image signal for each of the plurality of frames, Storage means for storing the image signal converted by the conversion means; and a single image contained within the depth of focus for a plurality of points, based on the image signals of the plurality of frames stored in the storage means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image synthesizing unit.

According to this, a desired image can be obtained by shooting a plurality of images without blurring, which are the basis of a synthesized image in which the entire range specified by the distance measuring means is focused, and performing synthesis processing. An image with focus in the range is obtained. (21) The image synthesizing means has at least one of a synthesizing processing means and a filter processing means.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

According to this, by performing predetermined processing such as synthesis processing or filtering processing, an image in which a desired range is focused can be obtained. (22) A photographing optical system for forming a subject image, an image pickup unit having a photoelectric conversion element for photoelectrically converting the subject image, and a pre-display for subjecting the subject image to photoelectric conversion by the image pickup unit and displaying the image in advance. Display means; instruction means for designating an area to be focused on from the subject image displayed by the pre-display means; and an image taken a plurality of times while changing the focus position with respect to the area designated by the instruction means. An image capturing device, comprising:

According to this, it is possible to provide a plurality of images without blurring, which are the basis of the composite image that focuses on the entire range displayed by the pre-display means. (23) The image capturing means includes image synthesizing means for synthesizing an image focused on the region based on the plurality of captured images.
The imaging device according to 2).

According to this, after obtaining a plurality of images without blurring, which are the basis of a synthesized image for focusing on the entire range displayed by the pre-display means, the images are synthesized and blur-free. Images can be obtained. (24) The imaging device according to (22), wherein the imaging unit has a line sensor, and obtains a two-dimensional image by scanning the line sensor.

According to this, an image with higher precision can be obtained as compared with the case where an area sensor is used. (25) The imaging device according to (22), wherein the image capturing unit changes a focus position so that a plurality of points fall within a depth. According to this, all of the plurality of points can be within the depth of field.

[0086]

According to the present invention, by specifying a region to be focused, a plurality of images serving as a basis of a composite image focused on the entire range specified by the distance information are taken, and post-processing is performed. Thus, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus, a camera, and an image processing apparatus that can easily obtain an image in which all necessary areas are in focus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sequence of a subroutine “number of photographing times setting 1”.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of a subroutine “Lmax / Lmin”.

FIG. 10 shows a display circuit 8 of the camera according to the first embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the display content by.

11 is a diagram for explaining focus setting B performed in step S51 and the like in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing focus setting A performed in step S49 and the like in FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an imaging sequence according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine “AF area selection” executed in step S311 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine “imaging” sequence executed in step S313 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the appearance of display on the display monitor 29 of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Photographing lens 3 Photometry circuit 4 Multi-ranging circuit 5 Magnetic recording circuit 6 Aperture circuit 7 Shutter circuit 8 Display circuit 9 Switch circuit 10 ISO detection circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] An aperture is obtained by calculating an imaging optical system for forming an image of a subject and an aperture value for obtaining an appropriate exposure based on the brightness of the object, or by inputting a manually set aperture value. Aperture value setting means for setting a value; storage means for storing information on a plurality of subject distances; and the aperture values set by the aperture value setting means, the stored plurality of subject distances do not fall within the depth. When it is determined, control means to repeat shooting a plurality of times while shifting the focus position of the shooting optical system at a predetermined aperture value,
A camera comprising: 2. An image processing apparatus for synthesizing one image from a plurality of frames exposed on a silver halide film while changing a focus position, comprising: image conversion means for converting an image into an image signal for each of the plurality of frames; Storage means for storing the image signal converted by the image conversion means; and one image included in the depth of focus at a plurality of points based on the image signals of the plurality of frames stored in the storage means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing. 3. A photographing optical system for forming a subject image, an image pickup device having a photoelectric conversion element for photoelectrically converting the subject image, and a pre-display for subjecting the subject image to photoelectric conversion by the image pickup device and displaying the image in advance. Display means; instruction means for instructing an area to be focused on from the subject image displayed by the pre-display means; and images taken a plurality of times while changing the focus position with respect to the area instructed by the instruction means. Image capture means
An imaging device comprising: