JP6488545B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device.

  There has been proposed an electronic apparatus provided with an imaging element in which a back-illuminated imaging chip and a signal processing chip are laminated (hereinafter, this imaging element is referred to as a laminated imaging element) (for example, see Patent Document 1). The multilayer imaging element is laminated so that the back-illuminated imaging chip and the signal processing chip are connected via a micro bump for each block unit including a plurality of pixels.

JP 2006-49361 A

  However, there are not many proposals for acquiring an image by capturing an image for each of a plurality of block units in an electronic device equipped with a conventional stacked image sensor, and for example, capturing a still image, a moving image, etc. using the entire imaging region. When doing so, it has been difficult to generate an image for display. For this reason, the usability of the electronic device provided with the multilayer image sensor is not sufficient.

  An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that is easy to use.

According to the aspect of the present invention, a plurality of first imaging regions having a plurality of pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges and a plurality of discretely arranged in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. A monitoring region having fewer pixels than the pixels of the first imaging region in each region, the timing of reading the charge accumulated in the first imaging region, and the charge accumulated in the monitoring region There is provided an electronic device including a control unit that changes the timing of reading.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of discretely arranged first imaging regions having pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges, and a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, An imaging element having an area smaller than the first imaging area and having a monitoring area provided with a focus detection pixel for detecting the focus of the imaging optical system; a timing for reading the charge accumulated in the first imaging area; and a monitoring area There is provided an electronic device including a control unit that varies the timing of reading the charge accumulated in the battery.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of discretely arranged first imaging regions having pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges, and a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, An imaging device having a monitoring area whose area is smaller than the first imaging area, a timing for reading the charge accumulated in the first imaging area, and a timing for reading the charge accumulated in the monitoring area are made different There is provided an electronic apparatus including a control unit, and a display control unit that superimposes and displays a first image captured by the first imaging region and a second image captured by the monitoring region on the display unit. The
According to the aspect of the present invention, a plurality of first imaging regions having a plurality of pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges and a plurality of discretely arranged in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. , An image sensor having a second imaging region having fewer pixels than the pixels of the first imaging region in each region, a timing for reading out the charge accumulated in the first imaging region, and accumulation in the second imaging region There is provided an electronic device including a control unit that varies the timing of reading out the generated charge.
According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit capable of imaging a first region and a plurality of discrete regions arranged in the first and second directions, each of which is smaller than the first region, There is provided an electronic apparatus including a control unit that makes a timing for reading out charges accumulated in one area different from a timing for reading out charges accumulated in a monitoring area.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic device that is easy to use can be provided.

It is sectional drawing of the image pick-up element which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the pixel arrangement | sequence and unit group of an imaging chip. It is a circuit diagram corresponding to the unit group of an imaging chip. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an image pick-up element. It is a figure which shows a block area | region and several area | region in a block area | region. It is a cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the digital camera which is an example of an electronic device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the imaging | photography operation | movement which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in a display part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other example of imaging | photography operation | movement which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in a display part. It is a figure which shows the several area | region in the block area | region which concerns on a modification.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the drawings, in order to describe the embodiment, the scale may be appropriately changed and expressed, for example, a part of the drawing may be enlarged or emphasized. In each of the following embodiments, a digital camera with interchangeable lenses will be described as an example of an electronic device.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the image sensor 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 100 is processed by an imaging chip 113 that outputs a pixel signal corresponding to incident light, a signal processing chip 111 that processes a pixel signal output from the imaging chip 113, and a signal processing chip 111. And a memory chip 112 for storing the pixel signals. The imaging chip 113, the signal processing chip 111, and the memory chip 112 are stacked. The imaging chip 113 and the signal processing chip 111 are electrically connected to each other by conductive bumps 109a and 109b such as Cu. Further, the signal processing chip 111 and the memory chip 112 are electrically connected to each other by bumps 109c and 109d having conductivity such as Cu.

  Hereinafter, in the description of the image sensor 100, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system as shown in FIG. 1 is set, and the positional relationship of each part will be described with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. Here, the incident direction of incident light is defined as a Z-axis direction, one direction in a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is defined as an X-axis direction, and a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction in the plane is defined as a Y-axis direction. Note that in some of the drawings after FIG. 2, the coordinate axes are displayed so that the orientation of each figure can be determined with reference to the coordinate axes of FIG.

  An example of the imaging chip 113 is a back-illuminated MOS image sensor. The PD layer 106 is disposed on the back side of the wiring layer 108. The PD layer 106 includes a plurality of photodiodes (Photodiode; hereinafter referred to as PD) 104 that are two-dimensionally arranged and accumulate electric charges according to incident light, and a transistor 105 provided corresponding to the PD 104. .

  A color filter 102 is provided on the incident side of incident light in the PD layer 106 via a passivation film 103. The color filter 102 is a filter that passes a specific wavelength region of visible light. The color filter 102 has a plurality of types that transmit different wavelength regions, and has a specific arrangement corresponding to each of the PDs 104. The arrangement of the color filter 102 will be described later. A set of the color filter 102, the PD 104, and the transistor 105 forms one pixel.

  On the incident light incident side of the color filter 102, a microlens 101 is provided corresponding to each pixel. The microlens 101 condenses incident light toward the corresponding PD 104.

  The wiring layer 108 includes a wiring 107 that transmits the pixel signal from the PD layer 106 to the signal processing chip 111. The wiring 107 may be multilayer, and a passive element and an active element may be provided. A plurality of bumps 109 a are disposed on the surface of the wiring layer 108. The plurality of bumps 109 a are aligned with the plurality of bumps 109 b provided on the opposing surface of the signal processing chip 111. Then, when the imaging chip 113 and the signal processing chip 111 are pressed or the like, the aligned bump 109a and the bump 109b are joined and electrically connected.

  Similarly, a plurality of bumps 109c and 109d are disposed on the mutually facing surfaces of the signal processing chip 111 and the memory chip 112. The bump 109c and the bump 109d are aligned with each other. Then, when the signal processing chip 111 and the memory chip 112 are pressed or the like, the aligned bumps 109c and 109d are joined and electrically connected.

  Note that the bonding between the bump 109a and the bump 109b and the bonding between the bump 109c and the bump 109d are not limited to Cu bump bonding by solid phase diffusion, but microbump bonding by solder melting may be employed. Further, for example, about one bump 109a to 109d may be provided for one unit group described later. Therefore, the size of the bumps 109a to 109d may be larger than the pitch of the PD 104. Further, bumps larger than the bumps 109a to 109d corresponding to the pixel area may be provided in the peripheral area other than the pixel area where the pixels are arranged (the imaging area 114 shown in FIG. 1).

The signal processing chip 111 is a TSV (Through-Silicon) that connects circuits provided on the front and back surfaces to each other.
Via (silicon through electrode) 110 is provided. The TSV 110 is provided in the peripheral area. The TSV 110 may be provided in the peripheral area of the imaging chip 113 or the memory chip 112.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a pixel array and a unit group of the imaging chip 113. FIG. 2 shows a state where the imaging chip 113 is observed from the back surface (the surface on the −Z side).
As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging chip 113 is provided with an imaging region 114. In the imaging region 114, a plurality (for example, 20 million or more) of pixels P are arranged in a matrix along the X direction and the Y direction. Hereinafter, the direction along the X direction among the directions in which the pixels P are arranged is referred to as a first direction D1, and the direction along the Y direction is referred to as a second direction D2.

  A partial enlarged view of the imaging region 114 is shown in a part of FIG. As shown in this partially enlarged view, the imaging region 114 includes a red pixel (R pixel) Pr, a green pixel (G pixel) Pg, and a blue pixel (B pixel) Pb. These three types of pixels P (red pixel Pr, green pixel Pg, and blue pixel Pb) are arranged in a so-called Bayer array.

  The red pixel Pr is a pixel having a red filter as the color filter 102. The red pixel Pr receives light in the red wavelength band. The green pixel Pg is a pixel having a green filter as the color filter 102. The green pixel Pg receives light in the green wavelength band of incident light. The blue pixel Pb is a pixel having a blue filter as the color filter 102. The blue pixel Pb receives light in the blue wavelength band.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the imaging region 114, four adjacent pixels of 2 × 2 pixels form one unit group 131. In FIG. 2, for example, one red pixel Pr, two green pixels Pg, and one blue pixel Pb are included in the unit group 131. The number of pixels forming the unit group 131 is not limited to this. For example, 16 pixels of 4 pixels × 4 pixels adjacent to each other may be used as a unit group, or 1024 pixels of 32 pixels × 32 pixels adjacent to each other may be used as a unit group. Also good. Note that the number of pixels included in the unit group may be more or less.

  FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram corresponding to the unit group 131 of the imaging chip 113. In FIG. 3, a rectangle surrounded by a dotted line represents a circuit corresponding to one pixel P. Note that at least some of the transistors described below correspond to the transistor 105 in FIG.

  As described above, the unit group 131 is formed of four pixels P. Four PDs 104 corresponding to the respective pixels P are connected to the transfer transistors 302, respectively. A TX wiring (transfer unit control line) 307 for controlling each transfer transistor 302 is connected to the gate of each transfer transistor 302. A transfer pulse is supplied to the TX wiring 307. In the present embodiment, the TX wiring 307 is commonly connected to the four transfer transistors 302.

  The drain of each transfer transistor 302 is connected to the source of each corresponding reset transistor 303. A so-called floating diffusion FD (charge detection unit) is formed between the drain of each transfer transistor 302 and the source of each reset transistor 303. This floating diffusion FD is connected to the gate of the amplification transistor 304.

  The drain of each reset transistor 303 is connected to the Vdd wiring 310. A power supply voltage is supplied to the Vdd wiring 310. The gate of each reset transistor 303 is connected to the reset wiring 306. A reset pulse is supplied to the reset wiring 306. In the present embodiment, the reset wiring 306 is connected in common to the four reset transistors 303.

  The drain of each amplification transistor 304 is connected to the Vdd wiring 310 described above. The source of each amplification transistor 304 is connected to the drain of each corresponding selection transistor 305.

  A decoder wiring 308 is connected to the gate of each selection transistor 305. A selection pulse is supplied to the decoder wiring 308. In the present embodiment, the decoder wiring 308 is provided independently for each of the four selection transistors 305. The source of each selection transistor 305 is connected to a common output wiring 309.

  The load current source 311 supplies current to the output wiring 309. That is, the output wiring 309 for the selection transistor 305 is formed by a source follower. Note that the load current source 311 may be provided on the imaging chip 113 side or may be provided on the signal processing chip 111 side.

  Here, the flow from the start of charge accumulation to pixel output after the end of accumulation will be described. A reset pulse is applied to the reset transistor 303 through the reset wiring 306. At the same time, a transfer pulse is applied to the transfer transistor 302 through the TX wiring 307. As a result, the potentials of the PD 104 and the floating diffusion FD are reset.

  When the application of the transfer pulse is canceled, the PD 104 converts the incident light to be received into electric charge and accumulates it. After that, when the transfer pulse is applied again without the reset pulse being applied, the charge accumulated in the PD 104 is transferred to the floating diffusion FD, and the charge is read out. As a result, the potential of the floating diffusion FD changes from the reset potential to the signal potential after charge accumulation. When a selection pulse is applied to the selection transistor 305 through the decoder wiring 308, the change in the signal potential of the floating diffusion FD is transmitted to the output wiring 309 through the amplification transistor 304 and the selection transistor 305. By such an operation of the circuit, a pixel signal corresponding to the reset potential and the signal potential is output from the unit pixel to the output wiring 309.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the reset wiring 306 and the TX wiring 307 are common to the four pixels P forming the unit group 131. For this reason, the reset pulse and the transfer pulse are simultaneously applied to all four pixels P, respectively. Therefore, all the pixels P forming the unit group 131 start charge accumulation at the same timing and end charge accumulation at the same timing. However, the pixel signal corresponding to the accumulated charge is selectively output to the output wiring 309 for each pixel P by sequentially applying a selection pulse to each selection transistor 305. In addition, the reset wiring 306, the TX wiring 307, and the output wiring 309 are provided separately for each unit group 131.

  By configuring the circuit with the unit group 131 as a reference in this way, the charge accumulation time can be controlled for each unit group 131. Pixel signals with different charge accumulation times can be output between different unit groups 131. Further, while one unit group 131 performs one charge accumulation, the other unit group 131 repeats the charge accumulation many times and outputs a pixel signal each time, so that these unit groups can be output. Each frame for a moving image can be output at a different frame rate between 131.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image sensor. The analog multiplexer 411 sequentially selects the four PDs 104 that form the unit group 131. Then, the multiplexer 411 outputs each pixel signal of the four PDs 104 to the output wiring 309 provided corresponding to the unit group 131. The multiplexer 411 is formed on the imaging chip 113 together with the PD 104.

  The analog pixel signal output through the multiplexer 411 is amplified by an amplifier 412 formed in the signal processing chip 111. Then, the pixel signal amplified by the amplifier 412 is processed by a signal processing circuit 413 that performs correlated double sampling (CDS) / analog / digital (Analog / Digital) conversion, which is formed in the signal processing chip 111. Correlated double sampling signal processing is performed, and A / D conversion (conversion from an analog signal to a digital signal) is performed. The pixel signal is subjected to correlated double sampling signal processing in the signal processing circuit 413, whereby noise of the pixel signal is reduced. The A / D converted pixel signal is transferred to the demultiplexer 414 and stored in the pixel memory 415 corresponding to each pixel. The demultiplexer 414 and the pixel memory 415 are formed in the memory chip 112.

  The arithmetic circuit 416 processes the pixel signal stored in the pixel memory 415 and passes it to the subsequent image processing unit. The arithmetic circuit 416 may be provided in the signal processing chip 111 or may be provided in the memory chip 112. Although FIG. 4 shows connection of one unit group 131, these units actually exist for each unit group 131 and operate in parallel. However, the arithmetic circuit 416 may not exist for each unit group 131. For example, one arithmetic circuit 416 may perform sequential processing while sequentially referring to the values in the pixel memory 415 corresponding to each unit group 131.

  As described above, the output wiring 309 is provided corresponding to each of the unit groups 131. The image sensor 100 is formed by stacking an image pickup chip 113, a signal processing chip 111, and a memory chip 112. For this reason, by using the electrical connection between the chips using the bumps 109 for the output wirings 309, the wirings can be routed without enlarging each chip in the surface direction.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the imaging region 114, and various controls are performed by a system control unit 70 (imaging control unit 72) described later.
As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging region 114 is partitioned into a plurality of block regions 115. Each block region 115 is formed in a rectangular shape, for example. A plurality of block regions 115 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 of the imaging region 114. Each block region 115 is set to have the same area and shape, but is not limited to this, and can be set to any area and shape. Each block area 115 includes at least one unit group 131. In each block region 115, for example, the number of pixels P and the arrangement of red pixels Pr, green pixels Pg, and blue pixels Pb are equal to each other. However, the arrangement is not limited to this, and the arrangement differs between the block regions 115. It is good.

  The system control unit 70 can control the pixels P included in the imaging region 114 with different control parameters for each block region 115. That is, it is possible to acquire pixel signals having different control parameters between a pixel group included in one block region 115 and a pixel group included in another block region 115. The control parameters include, for example, charge accumulation time or accumulation count, frame rate, gain, decimation rate (pixel decimation rate), number of addition rows or addition columns (pixel addition number) for adding pixel signals, digitization bit Numbers are listed. Furthermore, the control parameter may be a parameter in image processing after obtaining an image signal from a pixel.

  Each block region 115 is provided with a first region 115a and a monitoring region 115b. The first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b are regions set so that charges can be read out at different timings. Each of the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b is set to include one or more pixels P. The monitoring area 115b is set to be smaller than the first area 115a. In this case, the number of pixels P included in the monitoring region 115b is smaller than the number of pixels P included in the first region 115a.

  For example, the monitoring area 115b is composed of one unit group 131. Therefore, the monitoring region 115b includes four pixels P, one red pixel Pr, two green pixels Pg, and one blue pixel Pb. As described above, since the monitoring region 115b includes one or more red pixels Pr, green pixels Pg, and blue pixels Pb, a full-color image can be obtained when an image is captured using only the monitoring region 115b. The first region 115a includes pixels P other than the pixels P included in the monitoring region 115b among the plurality of pixels P included in the block region 115. For example, the first region 115 a is configured by a plurality of unit groups 131.

  As described above, each of the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b includes one or a plurality of unit groups 131. In the present embodiment, the system control unit 70 to be described later can change the charge reading for each unit group 131. For this reason, the system control unit 70 can vary the charge readout timing between the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b. The form of the pixel P included in the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b is not limited to the above, and the system control unit 70 can read out charges between the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b. Any form can be used as long as the timing can be varied. For example, the monitoring area 115b may be composed of a plurality of unit groups 131. Further, the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b may be configured to include a predetermined number of red pixels Pr, green pixels Pg, and blue pixels Pb regardless of the unit group 131, for example.

  In each block region 115, the monitoring region 115b is arranged at, for example, the corners on the + X side and the + Y side among the four corners of the block region 115. As described above, the imaging region 114 is provided with a plurality of monitoring regions 115b. The individual monitoring regions 115b are discretely arranged with regularity in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The arrangement of the monitoring region 115b is not limited to an arrangement having regularity in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

  Next, control parameters will be described. The charge accumulation time refers to the time from when PD 104 starts to accumulate charge until it ends. This charge accumulation time is also referred to as exposure time or shutter speed (shutter speed). The number of times of charge accumulation refers to the number of times the PD 104 accumulates charges per unit time. The frame rate is a value representing the number of frames processed (displayed or recorded) per unit time in a moving image. The unit of the frame rate is represented by fps (Frames Per Second). The higher the frame rate, the smoother the movement of the subject (that is, the object to be imaged) in the moving image.

  The gain means a gain factor (amplification factor) of the amplifier 412. By changing this gain, the ISO sensitivity can be changed. This ISO sensitivity is a photographic film standard established by ISO and represents how much light the photographic film can record. However, generally, ISO sensitivity is also used when expressing the sensitivity of the image sensor 100. In this case, the ISO sensitivity is a value representing the ability of the image sensor 100 to capture light. Increasing the gain improves the ISO sensitivity. For example, when the gain is doubled, the electrical signal (pixel signal) is also doubled, and the brightness is appropriate even when the amount of incident light is half. However, when the gain is increased, noise included in the electric signal is also amplified, so that noise increases.

  The thinning-out rate is the ratio of the number of pixels that do not read out pixel signals with respect to the total number of pixels in a predetermined area. For example, when the thinning rate of a predetermined area is 0, it means that pixel signals are read from all the pixels in the predetermined area. Further, when the thinning rate of the predetermined area is 0.5, it means that the pixel signal is read from half of the pixels in the predetermined area. For example, when the unit group 131 is a Bayer array, every other unit of the Bayer array in the vertical direction, that is, a pixel from which pixel signals are alternately read and a pixel that is not read out every two pixels (two rows) in a pixel unit. And can be set. It should be noted that the resolution of the image is lowered when the pixel signal reading is thinned out. However, since 20 million or more pixels are arranged in the image sensor 100, for example, even if thinning is performed at a thinning rate of 0.5, an image can be displayed with 10 million or more pixels.

  Further, the number of added rows refers to the number of vertical pixels (number of rows) to be added when pixel signals of pixels adjacent in the vertical direction are added. Further, the number of added columns refers to the number of horizontal pixels (number of columns) to be added when pixel signals of pixels adjacent in the horizontal direction are added. Such addition processing is performed in the arithmetic circuit 416, for example. The arithmetic circuit 416 performs the process of adding the pixel signals of a predetermined number of pixels adjacent in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, thereby obtaining the same effect as the process of reading out the pixel signals by thinning out at a predetermined thinning rate. In the addition process described above, the average value may be calculated by dividing the added value by the number of rows or columns added by the arithmetic circuit 416.

  The number of bits for digitization refers to the number of bits when the signal processing circuit 413 converts an analog signal into a digital signal in A / D conversion. As the number of bits of the digital signal increases, brightness, color change, and the like are expressed in more detail.

  In the present embodiment, the accumulation condition refers to a condition related to charge accumulation in the image sensor 100. Specifically, the accumulation condition refers to the charge accumulation time or number of accumulations, the frame rate, and the gain among the control parameters described above. Since the frame rate can change according to the charge accumulation time and the number of times of accumulation, the frame rate is included in the accumulation condition. Further, the amount of light for proper exposure changes according to the gain, and the charge accumulation time or number of times of accumulation can also change according to the amount of light for proper exposure. For this reason, the gain is included in the accumulation condition.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the accumulation condition may be referred to as an exposure condition (exposure condition) because the amount of light for proper exposure changes according to the charge accumulation time or accumulation count, the frame rate, and the gain. .

  In the present embodiment, the imaging condition refers to a condition related to imaging of a subject. Specifically, the imaging condition refers to a control parameter including the above accumulation condition. The imaging conditions include control parameters (for example, charge accumulation time or accumulation count, frame rate, gain) for controlling the image sensor 100, as well as control parameters (for controlling signal readout from the image sensor 100). For example, a thinning rate, the number of addition rows or addition columns for adding pixel signals, and control parameters for processing signals from the image sensor 100 (for example, the number of bits for digitization, the image processing unit 30 described later performs image processing) Is also included.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera 1 which is an example of an electronic apparatus. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the digital camera 1.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment includes a lens unit 10 and a camera body 2.

  The lens unit 10 is an interchangeable lens. The digital camera 1 may not include the lens unit 10. The lens unit 10 may be integrated with the digital camera 1. The lens unit 10 guides the luminous flux from the subject to the imaging unit 20 in a state where the lens unit 10 is connected to the camera body 2.

  The lens unit 10 is provided with a lens side mount unit 80b. The lens side mount portion 80b is attached to a body side mount portion 80a provided in the camera body 2. The lens unit 10 is attached to the camera body 2 when the user joins the body side mount part 80a and the lens side mount part 80b. When the lens unit 10 is attached to the camera body 2, the electrical contact 81a provided on the body-side mount 80a and the electrical contact 81b provided on the lens-side mount 80b are electrically connected.

  The lens unit 10 includes an imaging optical system 11, a diaphragm 14, and a lens drive control device 15. The imaging optical system 11 includes a lens 11a, a zooming lens 11b, and a focusing lens 11c. The lens drive control device 15 includes a lens side CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a drive control circuit. The lens drive control device 15 is electrically connected to the system control unit 70 on the camera body 2 side via the electrical contacts 81a and 81b, and transmits lens information relating to the optical characteristics of the imaging optical system 11 provided in the lens unit 10. Control information for driving the zooming lens 11b, the focusing lens 11c, and the aperture stop 14 is received.

  The lens side CPU of the lens drive control device 15 causes the drive control circuit to execute drive control of the focusing lens 11c based on control information transmitted from the system control unit 70 in order to adjust the focus of the imaging optical system 11. . The lens side CPU of the lens drive control device 15 causes the drive control circuit to execute drive control of the zooming lens 11b based on control information transmitted from the system control unit 70 in order to perform zooming adjustment. The diaphragm 14 is disposed along the optical axis of the imaging optical system 11. The aperture 14 forms an aperture with a variable aperture diameter at the center of the optical axis in order to adjust the amount of light and the amount of blur. The lens side CPU of the lens drive control device 15 causes the drive control circuit to execute drive control of the diaphragm 14 based on control information transmitted from the system control unit 70 in order to adjust the aperture diameter of the diaphragm 14.

Subsequently, the camera body 2 includes an imaging unit 20, an image processing unit 30, a work memory 40, a display unit 50, an operation unit 55, a recording unit 60, and a system control unit 70.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the imaging unit 20 includes an imaging element 100 and a driving unit 21. The imaging element 100 has an imaging region 114 that photoelectrically converts a light beam emitted from the imaging optical system 11 of the lens unit 10 for each pixel and generates a pixel signal (the pixel signal is included in the image data). . The imaging area 114 includes a first area 115a and a monitoring area 115b. The imaging unit 20 can capture images in the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b.

  The drive unit 21 is a control circuit that controls driving of the image sensor 100 in accordance with an instruction from the system control unit 70. Here, the drive unit 21 can control the timing (or timing cycle) at which the reset pulse and the transfer pulse are applied to the reset transistor 303 and the transfer transistor 302, respectively. By this control, it is possible to control the charge accumulation time or the number of times of accumulation as a control parameter and the charge readout timing. The drive unit 21 can drive the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b independently of each other. Therefore, charges can be read out at different timings between the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b.

  In addition, the drive unit 21 controls the frame rate by controlling the timing (or timing cycle) at which the reset pulse, the transfer pulse, and the selection pulse are applied to the reset transistor 303, the transfer transistor 302, and the selection transistor 305, respectively. To do. The drive unit 21 controls the thinning rate by setting pixels to which the reset pulse, the transfer pulse, and the selection pulse are applied.

  Further, the drive unit 21 controls the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor 100 by controlling the gain of the amplifier 412. In addition, the driving unit 21 sends an instruction to the arithmetic circuit 416 to set the number of added rows or the number of added columns to which the pixel signals are added. Further, the drive unit 21 sets the number of bits for digitization by sending an instruction to the signal processing circuit 413. Furthermore, the drive unit 21 sets an area in block units in the imaging area 114 of the imaging element 100. In this way, the drive unit 21 functions as an image sensor control unit that causes the image sensor 100 to capture an image under different image capturing conditions for each of a plurality of blocks and output a pixel signal. The system control unit 70 instructs the drive unit 21 on the block position, shape, range, and the like. The imaging unit 20 sends RAW data (RAW data is also included in the image data) composed of pixel signals of each pixel to the image processing unit 30.

  The image processing unit 30 performs various image processing on the RAW data including the pixel signals generated by the imaging unit 20 to generate image data in a predetermined file format (eg, JPEG format). Note that “image data” may be referred to as “image signal”. The images include still images, moving images, live view images, and partial images. The live view image is an image displayed on the display unit 50 by sequentially outputting the image data generated by the image processing unit 30 to the display unit 50. The live view image is used for the user to confirm the image of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 20. The live view image is also called a through image or a preview image.

  The image processing unit 30 executes the following image processing. For example, the image processing unit 30 generates an RGB image signal by performing color signal processing (color tone correction) on a signal obtained by the Bayer array. The image processing unit 30 performs image processing such as white balance adjustment, sharpness adjustment, gamma correction, and gradation adjustment on the RGB image signal. Further, the image processing unit 30 performs a process of compressing in a predetermined compression format (JPEG format, MPEG format, etc.) as necessary. The image processing unit 30 outputs the generated image data to the recording unit 60. In addition, the image processing unit 30 outputs the generated image data to the display unit 50.

  Parameters that are referred to when the image processing unit 30 performs image processing are also included in the control parameters (imaging conditions). For example, parameters such as color signal processing (tone correction), white balance adjustment, gradation adjustment, and compression rate are included in the control parameters. The signal read from the image sensor 100 changes according to the charge accumulation time, and the parameters referred to when performing image processing also change according to the change in the signal. The image processing unit 30 sets different control parameters for each block, and executes image processing such as color signal processing based on these control parameters.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 30 includes an image generation unit and a detection unit (not shown) as shown in FIG. The image generation unit generates image data by performing various types of image processing on the RAW data including the pixel signal of each pixel output from the imaging unit 20. In the present embodiment, the image generation unit can generate not only moving image (including live view images) and still image image data, but also the above-described partial moving image data. The detection unit detects a subject from the image data generated by the image generation unit. In the present embodiment, the detection unit has a function of detecting a moving subject (moving subject) by comparing a plurality of image data (frames) obtained in a time series from the image generation unit. The detection unit has a function of detecting the subject by specifying the boundary of the subject based on the contrast and color change between the bright part and the dark part in the image data. Note that the detection unit may detect a human body included in the image data as a subject as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-16621 (US2010 / 0002940).

  Here, the subject that is an object to be imaged by the imaging unit 20 is not limited to a single object in the image data, and there may be a plurality of objects. Further, among the subjects, a subject that is noticed by the user (photographer) or a subject that is estimated to be noticed by the user is referred to as a “main subject”. The number of main subjects is not limited to one in the image data, and there may be a plurality of main subjects.

  The work memory 40 temporarily stores image data and the like when image processing by the image processing unit 30 is performed. The display unit 50 displays images (still images, moving images, live view images, partial moving images) captured by the imaging unit 20 and various types of information. The display unit 50 includes a display panel 51 such as a liquid crystal display panel. A touch panel may be formed on the display panel 51 of the display unit 50. In this case, the touch panel outputs a signal indicating the position touched by the user to the system control unit 70 when the user performs an operation such as menu selection.

  The operation unit 55 includes a release switch 55a (a switch that is pressed when a still image is shot), a preview switch 55b (a switch that is pressed when a still image or a movie is displayed), and a movie switch (a button that is pressed when shooting an operation). Switch) and various operation switches. The release switch 55a can be pressed halfway and fully. The preview switch 55b may be set, for example, on a touch panel (not shown), or may be provided on the camera body 2 as a button. The operation unit 55 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation by the user to the system control unit 70.

  The recording unit 60 has a card slot into which a storage medium such as a memory card can be mounted. The recording unit 60 stores the image data and various data generated by the image processing unit 30 in a recording medium mounted in the card slot. The recording unit 60 has an internal memory. The recording unit 60 can also record the image data and various data generated by the image processing unit 30 in the internal memory.

  The system control unit 70 controls the overall processing and operation of the digital camera 1. The system control unit 70 has a body side CPU (Central Processing Unit). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the system control unit 70 includes a display control unit 71 and an imaging control unit 72. The display control unit 71 causes the display unit 50 to output the image data generated by the image processing unit 30 and display an image (live view image, still image, moving image, partial moving image) on the display panel 51 of the display unit 50. Take control. The display control unit 71 can display a plurality of images superimposed on the display panel 51.

  The imaging control unit 72 sets imaging conditions (control parameters such as color signal processing, white balance adjustment, gradation adjustment, and compression rate) in the imaging area 114 of the imaging device 100. The imaging control unit 72 can individually set imaging conditions for the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b. In addition, the imaging control unit 72 performs control to record the image data of the moving image, the still image, and the partial moving image generated by the image generating unit 31 in the recording unit 60.

  The system control unit 70 can acquire an image in the imaging region 114 of the imaging device 100 (imaging chip 113) with a different charge accumulation time (or charge accumulation number), frame rate, and gain for each block region 115. . In this case, the system control unit 70 instructs the drive unit 21 about the block position, shape, range, and accumulation condition for each block. In addition, the system control unit 70 causes the image to be acquired with different thinning rates between the block regions 115, the number of added rows or added columns to which the pixel signals are added, and the number of digitization bits. Therefore, the system control unit 70 instructs the drive unit 21 on the imaging conditions for each block region 115 (thinning rate, number of added rows or added columns to which pixel signals are added, and number of digitization bits). . The system control unit 70 instructs the image processing unit 30 on imaging conditions (control parameters such as color signal processing, white balance adjustment, gradation adjustment, and compression rate) for each block region 115.

  Further, the system control unit 70 causes the recording unit 60 to record the image data generated by the image processing unit 30. Further, the system control unit 70 causes the display unit 50 to display an image by causing the display unit 50 to output the image data generated in the image processing unit 30. Further, the system control unit 70 causes the display unit 50 to display an image by reading out the image data recorded in the recording unit 60 and causing the display unit 50 to output the image data. The images displayed on the display unit 50 include still images, moving images, live view images, and partial moving images.

  In addition, the system control unit 70 executes a focus adjustment process (AF process) called a contrast detection method so that the contrast of the subject is maximized based on the half-press operation of the release switch 55a. Specifically, the system control unit 70 moves the focusing lens 11c to the lens drive control device 15 by transmitting control information to the lens drive control device 15 via the electrical contacts 81a and 81b. In addition, the system control unit 70 indicates the contrast of the image of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 20 (when the image processing unit 30 detects the main subject, the contrast evaluation value of the image of the main subject). A signal is acquired from the image processing unit 30. Based on the contrast signal from the image processing unit 30, the system control unit 70 detects the position of the focusing lens 11c where the contrast of the subject image is the highest as the focus position while moving the focusing lens 11c. The system control unit 70 transmits a control signal to the lens drive control device 15 so as to move the focusing lens 11c to the detected focal position.

  The system control unit 70 transmits control information indicating an aperture value corresponding to the appropriate exposure to the lens drive control device 15 to execute drive control for adjusting the aperture diameter of the aperture 14. Further, the system control unit 70 outputs an instruction signal for instructing a shutter speed (charge accumulation time), a frame rate, and a gain (ISO sensitivity) according to appropriate exposure to the drive unit 21. The drive unit 21 drives and controls the image sensor 100 with the shutter speed, frame rate, and gain indicated by the instruction signal. The system control unit 70 is realized by the body side CPU executing processing based on the control program.

<Example of shooting operation>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the photographing operation executed by the system control unit 70 of the first embodiment.
When the user turns on the power to the digital camera 1 and performs a predetermined operation for starting shooting with the operation unit 55 or the like, the system control unit 70 causes the imaging unit 20 to perform an imaging operation. . First, the system control unit 70 causes the drive unit 21 to drive the image sensor 100. Based on this control, the drive unit 21 causes the live view image to be captured using both the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b in the imaging region 114 (step S1). In step S1, the system control unit 70 causes the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b to perform charge accumulation and readout of the accumulated charge at a predetermined frame rate. A pixel signal is output to the image processing unit 30 from each pixel P in the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b. In the image processing unit 30, image data is generated from the pixel signal, and the image data is sequentially output to the display unit 50. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, the live view image 151 is displayed on the display panel 51 (step S2). For example, an animal face 52 is imaged on the display panel 51 as the live view image 151.

  Next, the system control unit 70 determines in the imaging control unit 72 whether or not the user has performed a half-press operation (operation of SW1) of the release switch 55a (step S3). When it is determined that the half-press operation has been performed (YES in Step S3), the system control unit 70 causes the AF operation to be performed by the contrast detection method (Step S4). The system control unit 70 can display on the display panel 51 a display for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform the AF operation. In this case, the system control unit 70 causes the AF operation to be performed when the user operates to perform the AF operation. If the system control unit 70 determines that the half-press operation of the release switch 55a has not been performed, the system control unit 70 returns to step S3 again, and repeatedly determines whether or not the half-press operation has been performed. Note that the AF operation may not be performed.

  After the AF operation is performed, the system control unit 70 determines in the imaging control unit 72 whether or not the user has fully pressed the release switch 55a (operation of SW2) (step S5). When it is determined that the full-press operation has been performed (YES in Step S5), the system control unit 70 causes the monitoring region 115b to capture a live view image (Step S6), and displays the captured live view image on the display panel 51. Are displayed on the entire surface (step S7).

  As a result, the display state of the display panel 51 is changed from the state in which the live view image 151 captured in the first area 115a and the monitoring area 115b is displayed on the display panel 51, as shown in FIG. 9B. Only the live view image 152 captured in the region 115b is switched to the state displayed on the display panel 51. In this case, although the resolution is lower than that of the live view image 151 (see FIG. 9A), the animal face 52a that is the same target is continuously displayed on the display panel 51 as the live view image 152. If the system control unit 70 determines that the release switch 55a is not fully pressed (NO in step S5), the system control unit 70 returns to step S5 again and repeatedly determines whether or not the full press operation has been performed. The At this time, if the full-press operation is not performed for a predetermined time after the AF operation ends, the system control unit 70 may return to step S3 again and perform the operations of steps S3 to S5.

  Next, the system control unit 70 causes a still image to be captured using the first region 115a (step S8). In capturing a still image, the system control unit 70 sets an imaging condition such as a charge accumulation time only for the first region 115a, and controls the drive unit 21 to perform imaging under the set imaging condition. As a result, the charge accumulated in each pixel P in the first region 115a is reset, the first region 115a is exposed, and the charge is accumulated in the first region 115a. At this time, the system control unit 70 determines whether or not long-time shooting is performed by the user in the imaging control unit 72, and when it is determined that the long-time shooting is performed, the AF control is always performed. You may make it perform. In this case, the AF operation can be performed so as to track the subject, for example, by photographing the moving subject for a long time. The system control unit 70 determines, for example, whether or not the set charge accumulation time is longer than a predetermined threshold (eg, 1 second). If the charge accumulation time is longer than the predetermined threshold, It can be determined that shooting has been performed. Next, the charge accumulated in each pixel P is read, a pixel signal is generated in each pixel P, and this pixel signal is transmitted to the image processing unit 30. After the charge accumulated in the first region 115a is read, a reset signal is supplied to each pixel P in the first region 115a.

  The system control unit 70 causes each monitoring area 115b to continuously store and read charges at a predetermined frame rate while the above imaging operation is being performed, and the imaging is performed in the monitoring area 115b. The live view image 152 (see FIG. 9B) is displayed on the display panel 51. Accordingly, the live view image 152 is displayed on the display panel 51 during the imaging operation.

  Of the imaging region 114, the region used for capturing a still image cannot read out charges during a period when the charges are reset, for example. For this reason, for example, when a still image is captured using the entire region of the imaging region 114, the live view image 151 cannot be displayed during the period when the charge is reset.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the first region 115a that is a part of the imaging region 114 is used for the still image capturing operation, the charge in the first region 115a is reset during the period in which the first region 115a is reset. Cannot be read. On the other hand, in the imaging area 114, the charge can be read independently in the first area 115a and the monitoring area 115b. In addition, the system control unit 70 can make the timing for reading the charges accumulated in the first region 115a different from the timing for reading the charges accumulated in the monitoring region 115b. Therefore, the system control unit 70 reads the charge accumulated in the monitoring region 115b when the charge cannot be read in the first region 115a, for example, when the first region 115a is reset as described above. To do. Accordingly, the system control unit 70 can capture the live view image 152 using only the monitoring region 115b and display the live view image 152 on the display panel 51, for example. Therefore, the system control unit 70 can display the live view image 152 without interruption even when a still image is captured. Since the user can check the state of the subject on the display panel 51 even when taking a still image, the convenience is enhanced when performing continuous shooting. When the user performs continuous shooting, the system control unit 70 may capture a still image in the monitoring area 115 b and display the captured still image on the display panel 51. Further, when shooting for a long time in the above shooting operation, the display control unit 71 may cause the display panel 51 to display the live view image 152 captured in the monitoring region 115b.

  After the reset signal is supplied to the first region 115a and the imaging operation is completed, the charge can be read in the first region 115a. Therefore, the system control unit 70 switches from the state of capturing the live view image 152 to the state of capturing the live view image 151 using both the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b (step S9). In this case, the system control unit 70 causes both the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b to continue to store and read charges at a predetermined frame rate. Then, the system control unit 70 displays the live view image 151 captured in both the first area 115a and the monitoring area 115b on the display panel 51 (step S10).

  After switching the live view image to be displayed on the display panel 51, the system control unit 70 stores the image data of the still image generated by the image processing unit 30 in the recording unit 60 (step S11). Thereby, the captured still image is stored in the recording unit 60 as image data. The system control unit 70 may cause the image processing unit 30 to display on the display panel 51 a display for allowing the user to select whether to record or delete the captured still image. In this case, the system control unit 70 may store the image data in the recording unit 60 when it is selected to record a still image. Further, the system control unit 70 may delete the image data when it is selected to delete the still image.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the imaging unit 20 capable of imaging the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b, the timing of reading the charge accumulated in the first region 115a, and the monitoring region 115b Since the system control unit 70 for differentiating the timing of reading out the accumulated charge is provided, even if the charge is not read out in one of the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b, the charge is read out on the other side. It can be performed.

  For example, even when the charge cannot be read from the first region 115a, the charge can be read from the monitoring region 115b. Therefore, for example, even when the first area 115a is reset when capturing a still image in the first area 115a, the system control unit 70 captures the live view image 152 using only the monitoring area 115b. And can be displayed on the display panel 51. Therefore, the live view image 152 can be displayed without interruption even when a still image is captured. Thereby, the user-friendly digital camera 1 can be provided.

<Example 2 of shooting operation>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the photographing operation executed by the system control unit 70 of the first embodiment. In this example, the operation when a plurality of screens are set on the display panel 51 and a live view image is displayed on each screen will be described as an example.
First, when the power is turned on by the user and the digital camera 1 is turned on and a predetermined operation for starting shooting is performed on the operation unit 55 or the like, the system control unit 70, like the step S1, the imaging unit 20. Is imaged to capture a live view image using both the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b (step S21), and the captured live view image is displayed on the display unit 51 (step S21). S22).

  Next, the system control unit 70 determines whether or not the user has operated the preview switch 55b (step S23). When it is determined that the operation of the preview switch 55b has been performed (YES in step S23), the system control unit 70 performs live display on the main screen 51a and the sub screen 51b of the display panel 51 as illustrated in FIG. Each view image is displayed (step S24). In this case, the system control unit 70 causes the main screen 51a to display an image (hereinafter, referred to as a first image) 151A captured by the first region 115a in the imaging region 114. In addition, the system control unit 70 (display control unit 71) displays an image (hereinafter referred to as a second image) 152A captured by the monitoring region 115b in the imaging region 114 on the sub screen 51b. As described above, the display control unit 71 superimposes and displays the second image 152A on the first image 151A displayed on the display panel 51. The first image 151A and the second image 152A are live view images obtained by imaging the same target (animal faces 52 and 52a). For example, the second image 152A may be an image (partial image) obtained by capturing an area corresponding to a part of the first image 151A. The first image 151A has a higher resolution than the second image 152A.

  Accordingly, the user can compare and view the first image 151A displayed on the main screen 51a and the second image 152A displayed on the sub screen 51b. For example, when the user changes imaging conditions (including shutter speed, gain, frame rate, white balance, gradation, and tone correction), the first image captured under the imaging conditions before the change is displayed on the main screen 51a. An operation of displaying the image 151A and displaying the second image 152A reflecting the changed imaging condition on the sub screen 51b is possible. When performing this operation, the system control unit 70 first determines whether or not the imaging condition has been changed by the user (step S25). If it is determined that the imaging condition has been changed (YES in step S25), for example, the system control unit 70 causes the monitoring region 115b to capture the second image 152A under the changed imaging condition, and the second image 152A. Is displayed on the sub-screen 51b (step S26). The user can compare the images before and after the change of the imaging condition by looking at the first image 151A on the main screen 51a and the second image 152A on the sub screen 51b. Thereafter, the system control unit 70 may set the changed imaging condition for the first region 115a.

  If the system controller 70 determines that the preview switch 55b has not been operated (NO in step S25), the system controller 70 determines whether or not the user has pressed the release switch 55a halfway (step S25). S27). When it is determined that the half-press operation has been performed (YES in step S27), the operations after step S29 described later are performed. When it is determined that the half-pressing operation has not been performed (NO in step S27), the operations after step S25 are repeatedly performed.

  Next, the system control unit 70 determines in the imaging control unit 72 whether or not the user has performed a half-press operation (operation of SW1) of the release switch 55a (step S28). When it is determined that the half-press operation has been performed (YES in step S28), the system control unit 70 performs an AF operation (step S29). This step S29 is the same operation as step S4 shown in the flowchart of FIG. If the system control unit 70 determines that the half-press operation of the release switch 55a has not been performed (NO in step S28), the system control unit 70 returns to step S25 again and repeats the operations in steps S25 to S28.

  After the AF operation is performed, the system control unit 70 determines in the imaging control unit 72 whether or not the user has pressed the release switch 55a fully (operation of SW2) (step S30). If the system control unit 70 determines that the full-press operation has been performed (YES in step S30), the system control unit 70 causes the monitoring region 115b to capture the second image 152A (step S31). Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the system control unit 70 deletes the display of the sub screen 51b and displays the second image 152A on the main screen 51a of the display panel 51 (step S32). If the system control unit 70 determines that the release switch 55a is not fully pressed (NO in step S30), the system control unit 70 returns to step S5 again and repeatedly determines whether or not the release switch 55a has been fully pressed. The At this time, if the full-press operation is not performed for a predetermined time after the AF operation is completed, the system control unit 70 may return to step S25 again and perform the operations of steps S25 to S29.

  Next, the system control unit 70 causes the still image to be captured using the first region 115a (step S33). At this time, the system control unit 70 determines whether or not long-time shooting is performed by the user in the imaging control unit 72, and when it is determined that the long-time shooting is performed, the AF control is always performed. You may make it perform.

  Note that the system control unit 70 continues to display the second image 152A on the main screen 51a for each monitoring region 115b while the above-described imaging operation is performed. Therefore, the system control unit 70 displays the second image 152A captured in the monitoring area 115b on the main screen 51a during the imaging operation. Note that, when shooting for a long time in the above shooting operation, the display control unit 71 may display the second image 152A captured in the monitoring region 115b on the main screen 51a.

  After the still image capturing operation is completed, the system control unit 70 causes the first region 115a to start capturing the first image 151A. Further, the system control unit 70 displays the first image 151A as shown in FIG. 11 (a) from the state where the second image 152A is displayed on the main screen 51a as shown in FIG. 11 (b). To the state in which the second image 152A is displayed on the sub screen 51b (step S34).

  After switching the display, the system control unit 70 stores the image data of the still image generated by the image processing unit 30 in the recording unit 60 (step S35). Thereby, the captured still image is stored in the recording unit 60 as image data.

  As described above, in this example, the system control unit 70 displays the first image captured in the first area 115a on the main screen 51a of the display panel 51, and displays the second image captured in the monitoring area 115b on the display panel. 51, the user can compare the first image on the main screen 51a with the second image on the sub screen 51b. In addition, the system control unit 70 causes the imaging conditions of the first area 115a and the imaging conditions of the monitoring area 115b to be different, and displays the captured images superimposed on the main screen 51a and the sub-screen 51b, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to compare two images obtained by imaging the same object and having different imaging conditions. In this case, for example, it is possible to compare the motion expression by the shutter speed, light and darkness, white balance, image effect, and the like.

  In the present example, the system control unit 70 has been described with an example in which one sub screen 51b is arranged and the second image 152A is superimposed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the system control unit 70 may arrange two or more sub-screens 51b so that the second image 152A is superimposed on the first image 151A. In addition, although the system control unit 70 has been described with an example in which the second image 152A is displayed on the sub screen 51b, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the system control unit 70 may display the still image stored in step S22 on the sub screen 51b. In this case, for example, the system control unit 70 may display the latest still image while updating it to one sub screen 51b, or may provide a plurality of sub screens 51b and display them side by side. Further, in this example, the case of capturing a still image has been described as an example, but the same description can be applied to the case of capturing a moving image. When capturing a moving image, a portion of the moving image may be extracted to obtain a still image.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the AF operation is performed by the contrast detection method has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the AF operation may be performed by the phase difference detection method.

FIG. 12A illustrates an example of the monitoring area.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the block region 215 is provided with a first region 215a and a monitoring region 215b. The 1st field 215a is the same composition as the 1st field 115a in the above-mentioned embodiment. The monitoring area 215b includes one red pixel Pr, two green pixels Pg and PgA, and one blue pixel Pb. One of the two green pixels Pg1 and Pg2 (for example, the green pixel Pg2) can be used as the focus detection pixel Pf. In the monitoring region 215b, the red pixel Pr, the green pixel Pg, and the blue pixel Pb other than the focus detection pixel Pf are used for capturing a live view image or the like.

  The focus detection pixel Pf is used to detect the focus of the imaging optical system 11. The focus detection pixel Pf is provided with two photodiodes (PDs 104a and 104b). The PDs 104a and 104b are arranged side by side in the X direction, for example, and can read charges independently of each other. Such focus detection pixels Pf are provided for each monitoring region 215b. Further, for example, a separator lens (not shown) that generates an image of a subject passing through the imaging optical system 11 on the two PDs 104a and 104b is provided.

  In this configuration, the amount of focus shift is detected by obtaining the image interval between two images of a subject that have been passed through the imaging optical system 11 and divided on the two PDs 104a and 104b by the separator lens. . For example, in a focused state (in-focus state), the interval between two images matches a predetermined value. In addition, when the focused surface is on the focus detection pixel Pf side with respect to the imaging surface, the interval between the two images becomes smaller than a predetermined value. In addition, when the in-focus surface is closer to the imaging optical system 11 than the imaging surface, the interval between the two images is larger than a predetermined value. Therefore, the system control unit 70 focuses the imaging optical system 11 by moving the focusing lens 11c so that the interval between the two images detected by the Pd 104a and 104b of the focus detection pixel Pf matches a predetermined value. be able to.

  Note that the focus detection pixel Pf is not limited to the focus detection of the imaging optical system 11, and can be used for imaging similarly to the other pixels P, for example. In this case, the system control unit 70 can appropriately switch whether the focus detection pixel Pf is used for focus detection or imaging. For example, the focus detection pixel Pf is used for focus detection when an AF operation by the phase difference detection method is performed, and the focus detection pixel Pf is used for imaging when the AF operation by the phase difference detection method is not performed. be able to.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the first region 115a and the monitoring region 115b are provided in the block region 115 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of the block area 315. As shown in FIG. 12B, a configuration in which the first region 315a, the second region 315b, and the monitoring region 315c are provided in the block region 315 may be employed.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 12B, the first region 315a, the second region 315b, and the monitoring region 315c can read out charges at different timings. Further, the imaging control unit 72 (see FIG. 7) of the system control unit 70 can individually set the imaging conditions of the first region 315a, the second region 315b, and the monitoring region 315c.

  According to this configuration, the light flux from the subject is received by the first region 315a and the second region 315b, and the first region 315a and the second region 315b are imaged under different conditions. Imaging can be performed under a plurality of imaging conditions, and highly accurate photometry can be performed. As a result, it is possible to capture an image with a wide dynamic range. In addition, since it is possible to perform imaging under imaging conditions in which the evaluation value of the contrast of the subject image is high, when performing AF processing by the contrast detection method, the accuracy of focus position adjustment is improved.

  Further, for example, in the above-described example, the system control unit 70 is configured to execute the AF process based on the half-pressing operation of the release switch 55a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the system control unit 70 may execute the AF process during shooting of a live view image and shooting of a moving image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the plurality of monitoring regions 115b are the same size and shape has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the size and shape of at least one monitoring region 115b are not limited thereto. May be different. Further, the configuration in which the monitoring region 115b is regularly arranged has been described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the monitoring region 115b may be irregularly arranged.

  In the above configuration, each monitoring region 115b includes a red pixel Pr, a green pixel Pg, and a blue pixel Pb. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and each monitoring region 115b includes a red pixel Pr, Any configuration that includes at least one kind of pixel among the green pixel Pg and the blue pixel Pb may be used.

  Further, in the above configuration, the image processing unit 30 may generate an image by complementing the portion for the monitoring region 115b based on the pixel signal in the region around the monitoring region 115b in the first region 115a. Good. Thereby, since the pixel defect | deletion of the 1st area | region 115a by providing the monitoring area | region 115b can be suppressed, the image quality fall of the image imaged in the 1st area | region 115a can be suppressed.

  Further, in the above configuration, the system control unit 70 will be described by taking an example in which the live view image captured in the monitoring area 115b is displayed on the display panel 51 when the release switch 55a is fully pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the live view image of the monitoring area 115b may be displayed on the display panel 51 when the release switch 55a is half-pressed.

  D1 ... 1st direction D2 ... 2nd direction Pf ... Focus detection pixel 1 ... Electronic device 10 ... Lens part (imaging optical system) 20 ... Imaging part 50 ... Display part 70 ... System control part 71 ... Display control part 72 ... Imaging control Part 115a ... 1st area | region 115b ... Monitoring area | region 115c ... 2nd area | region 151A ... 1st image 152A ... 2nd image

Claims (9)

A plurality of first imaging regions having a plurality of pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges, and a plurality of discretely arranged in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. An imaging device having a monitoring region having fewer pixels than pixels of one imaging region;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a control unit that makes a timing for reading out charges accumulated in the first imaging area different from a timing for reading out charges accumulated in the monitoring area.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reads out the electric charge accumulated in the monitoring region when the first imaging region cannot be read out.   3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reads out the electric charge accumulated in the monitoring area when the first imaging area is reset. 4. A plurality of first imaging regions having pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges and a first direction and a second direction that is different from the first direction are discretely arranged, and each region is the first imaging region. A monitoring region provided with focus detection pixels that detect a focus of the imaging optical system,
An electronic apparatus comprising: a control unit that makes a timing for reading out charges accumulated in the first imaging area different from a timing for reading out charges accumulated in the monitoring area.   The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the monitoring region includes an R pixel, a G pixel, and a B pixel. A plurality of first imaging regions having pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges and a first direction and a second direction that is different from the first direction are discretely arranged, and each region is the first imaging region. An imaging device having a smaller monitoring area;
A control unit for differentiating the timing of reading the charge accumulated in the first imaging region and the timing of reading the charge accumulated in the monitoring region;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to superimpose a first image captured by the first imaging region and a second image captured by the monitoring region on a display unit.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the individual areas of the monitoring area are discretely arranged with regularity. The imaging device can capture a second imaging region different from the first imaging region and the monitoring region;
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an imaging control unit capable of individually setting imaging conditions of the first imaging region, the second imaging region, and the monitoring region. A plurality of first imaging regions having a plurality of pixels that generate signals by photoelectrically converted charges, and a plurality of discretely arranged in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. A second imaging region having fewer pixels than pixels of the one imaging region;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a control unit that makes a timing for reading out charges accumulated in the first imaging area different from a timing for reading out charges accumulated in the second imaging area.