JP7378953B2 - Imaging device, imaging device control method, program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device that notifies a user of the status of the device.

Conventionally, in many imaging devices and photographic lenses, when the distance to the subject is measured at a certain point on the imaging surface (hereinafter referred to as distance measurement), the current focus lens position is determined at the measured point. It is equipped with a function that notifies you of an in-focus sound when the camera is in focus.

With the focus notification method described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the distance measurement point is in focus at the timing of distance measurement, and the user can know the result at the time of distance measurement. be able to. On the other hand, at times other than the timing of distance measurement, the user cannot know to what extent the object is in focus at the current focus lens position, that is, to what extent the object is in focus.

In Patent Document 1, regarding a focus notification method, mainly in a manual focus mode in which the user changes the focus lens position by himself/herself, a notification sound is continuously emitted, and the volume and frequency of the notification sound are adjusted depending on the degree of focus. There is a disclosure of technology for changing sound characteristics. By changing the notification sound according to the degree of focus in this way, it is possible to notify the user of the degree of focus at the current focus lens position.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-333828

However, if the sound characteristics such as the volume and frequency of the notification sound are changed depending on the degree of focus while continuously emitting the notification sound as in Patent Document 1, depending on the shooting mode set by the user, the user's There is a problem in that it is not possible to notify the desired in-focus state.

For example, in the case of a one-shot AF mode in which the focus lens is automatically driven by a motor etc. so that the focus lens is in focus only once during distance measurement by the user, the subject may move or move outside the depth of field after distance measurement. It is desirable to notify the user in case of a problem. Also, in modes where the focus lens continues to drive to maintain focus during distance measurement by the user (e.g. servo AF mode), it may become impossible to capture the subject within the depth of field, such as when the subject is moving quickly. It is desirable to notify the user when there is a possibility.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the present invention notifies the user of the necessary focusing state by comparing the depth of field with the distance measurement result of the distance measurement point in the imaging plane selected by the user. The purpose is to

The imaging device includes: an imaging device that generates image data by receiving object light through a lens barrel with an imaging element; a distance measuring device that measures a distance between the imaging device and the subject; and the lens barrel. calculation means for calculating the depth of field based on the focal length and aperture value of the distance measuring means, the distance measurement result obtained by the distance measuring means, and the size of the permissible circle of confusion; distance measuring point selection means for selecting whether to perform distance measuring using the distance measuring means; a focus mode selection means for changing a sound to be notified to a user according to the distance measurement result of the means and the depth of field calculated by the calculation means and selecting a driving method of the focus lens in the lens barrel; The sound notified to the user by the voice notification means is changed according to the focus mode selected by the focus mode selection means, and the focus lens is adjusted only once when distance measurement is performed by the distance measurement means in the focus mode selection means. When a one-shot AF mode that drives to focus is selected, the audio notification means notifies the user of sound when the subject position is outside the depth of field at the time of focusing. When the focus mode selection means selects a servo AF mode in which the focus lens continues to be driven so as to maintain a focused state when distance measurement is performed by the distance measurement means, the position of the subject is determined by the position of the subject. When the subject is within the depth of field range, when the position of the subject is moving away from the depth of field range over time, the audio notification means notifies the user of a sound, and the focus mode selection means When the manual focus mode in which the focus lens is manually driven is selected, if the position of the subject is outside the depth of field, An imaging device characterized in that the audio notification means issues a sound when approaching a depth range .

According to the present invention, by comparing the distance measurement result of the distance measurement point selected by the user with the depth of field, it is possible to notify the user of the necessary focusing state.

FIG. 2 is a central sectional view and a block diagram of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of depth of field and a change in notification sound in the first embodiment. Flowchart of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of depth of field and a change in notification sound in the second embodiment. Flowchart of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of depth of field and a change in notification sound in the third embodiment. Flowchart of the third embodiment.

[First embodiment]
An imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 1(a) is a central cross-sectional view of an imaging device equipped with a shake correction means according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration. Components with the same reference numerals in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) correspond to each other.

In FIG. 1, 1 represents a camera body, and 2 represents a lens barrel attached to the camera body 1 in an imaging device. In the first embodiment, a so-called interchangeable lens camera in which a camera body 1 and a lens barrel 2 are each removably provided will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is also effective in an imaging device in which the camera body 1 and lens barrel 2 are fixed and cannot be removed.

In FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), numeral 3 indicates a photographing optical system consisting of a plurality of lenses provided in the lens barrel 2, numeral 4 designates the optical axis of the photographing optical system 3, and numeral 5 designates a camera system control unit. , 6 represents an image sensor, 7 represents an image processing section, and 8 represents a memory means, respectively. 3a represents a focus lens that changes the focal plane in the photographic optical system 3, 5a represents a distance measuring means provided in the camera system control unit 5, and 5b represents a depth of field calculation means. .

The distance measuring means 5a includes, for example, a method of acquiring a plurality of parallax images using the image sensor 6. Specifically, a microlens array (hereinafter referred to as MLA) that divides the pupil of the optical system is arranged in front of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 6, and by acquiring multiple parallax images at once, the distance to the subject can be determined. Examples include calculation methods. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any method may be used as long as it can measure the distance at a certain position on the image sensor 6 selected by the user.

9 represents a display means, 9a represents a rear display device provided on the back surface of the camera body 1, and 9b represents an EVF (electronic view finder) provided within the finder of the camera body 1. Reference numeral 10 represents an operating means including a shutter release button (not shown) and distance measuring point selection means to be described later, and reference numeral 10a represents an imaging surface provided in the operating means 10 for performing distance measurement within the screen of the image sensor 6. It represents distance measuring point selection means for selecting a distance measuring point within. Further, reference numeral 10b represents focus mode selection means provided in the operating means 10 for selecting the drive mode of the focus lens 3a. The focus mode selection means 10b has a selectable mode, for example, a one-shot AF mode in which the focus lens is driven so that it is focused only once when distance measurement is performed by the distance measurement means. Other modes include a servo AF mode in which the focus lens continues to be driven to keep it in focus when the distance measurement device measures the distance, and a manual focus mode in which the focus lens is manually driven. . Reference numeral 11 represents an audio notification means for notifying the user about the status of the imaging device, and specifically represents a speaker provided in the camera body 1.

Further, 12 represents an electrical contact point for communication between the camera body 1 and the lens barrel 2, and 13 represents a lens system control section provided in the lens barrel 2. Reference numeral 14 represents a lens driving means for driving a focus lens for adjusting focus and a blur correction lens for correcting blur.

An imaging device consisting of a camera body 1 and a lens barrel 2 has an imaging means, an image processing means, a recording/reproducing means, and a control means.

The imaging means includes a photographing optical system 3 and an image sensor 6, and the image processing means includes an image processing section 7. Further, the recording/reproducing means includes a memory means 8 and a display means 9 (the display means 9 is a rear display device 9a or an EVF 9b). Similarly, the control means includes a camera system control section 5, an operation means 10, a lens system control section 13, and a lens drive means 14. Note that the lens system control unit 13 and the lens driving means 14 can also drive a blur correction lens (not shown), an aperture, etc. in addition to the focus lens 3a.

The above-mentioned imaging means is an optical processing system that images light from an object (subject light) via the imaging optical system 3 onto the imaging surface of the imaging element 6. Since the focus evaluation amount/appropriate exposure amount is obtained from the image sensor 6, the photographing optical system 3 is appropriately adjusted based on this signal, thereby exposing the image sensor 6 to an appropriate amount of object light, and A subject image is formed near the image sensor 6.

The image processing section 7 includes an A/D converter, a white balance adjustment circuit, a gamma correction circuit, an interpolation calculation circuit, etc., and can generate images for recording. A color interpolation processing means is provided in the image processing section 7, and performs color interpolation (demosaicing) processing from the Bayer array signal to generate a color image. The image processing unit 7 also compresses images, moving images, audio, etc. using a predetermined method.

The memory means 8 comprises the actual storage. The camera system control section 5 outputs image data and the like to the recording section of the memory means 8, and displays an image to be presented to the user on the display means 9.

The camera system control unit 5 generates and outputs timing signals and the like during imaging. It controls the imaging system, image processing system, and recording/playback system in response to external operations. For example, when a press of a shutter release button (not shown) is detected, the camera system control unit 5 controls the driving of the image sensor 6, the operation of the image processing unit 7, compression processing, and the like. Further, the display means 9 controls the state of each segment of the information display device that displays information. Further, the rear display device 9a is a touch panel, and may serve both as the display means 9 and the operation means.

The adjustment operation of the optical system of the control system will be explained. An image processing unit 7 is connected to the camera system control unit 5, and determines an appropriate focal position and aperture position based on signals from the image sensor 6. The camera system control section 5 issues a command to the lens system control section 13 via the electrical contact 12, and the lens system control section 13 appropriately controls a focus lens drive means and an aperture drive means (not shown). Further, in the blur correction mode, the camera system control section 5 appropriately controls the blur correction means based on the signal obtained from the blur detection means.

Next, the audio notification means 11 in the first embodiment will be explained using FIG. 2. In the first embodiment, the sound notified to the user by the voice notification means is changed depending on the focus mode selected by the focus mode selection means 10b. In particular, in the first embodiment, a speaker provided in the camera body 1 will be described as the audio notification means 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be headphones or earphones attached to the imaging device.

In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which a one-shot AF mode is selected as the drive mode of the focus lens, in which the focus lens is driven to focus only once when distance measurement is performed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating depth of field states and notification sounds in each state. FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) show the image sensor 6 at each focus lens position when the focus lens 3a is driven by the autofocus function and the focus plane is moved when the subject is moving. represents a statue. 2A to 2C correspond to images received by the image sensor 6 displayed on the display means 9 (the display means 9 is the rear display device 9a or the EVF 9b). Further, FIG. 2(d) is a diagram showing the subject, the position of the focal plane, and the depth of field in each state of FIGS. 2(a) to (c).

In FIG. 2, 21 represents the distance measuring point selected by the distance measuring point selection means 10a, 22 represents the subject, and 23 represents the background.

FIG. 2(a) shows a display image when the background 23a is in focus instead of the subject 22a, and the distance measurement point 21a at that time is the selected point, that is, the subject 22a is in focus. Since the image is not in focus, it is displayed with a broken line indicating an out-of-focus state.

FIG. 2(b) shows a display image when focusing on the distance measurement point 21 using the autofocus function from the state of FIG. 2(a). Here, since the distance measurement point 21b is in focus on the selected point, that is, the subject 22b, it is displayed as a solid line representing the focused state.

FIG. 2(c) shows the displayed image when the subject 21 moves from the state shown in FIG. 2(b), moves out of the depth of field, and is no longer in focus. . The distance measurement point 21c at this time is not focused on the selected point, that is, the subject 22c, and is therefore displayed as a broken line indicating an out-of-focus state.

The depth of field represents the range of the distance in the optical axis direction on the object side that is considered to be in focus in the photographing optical system 3 in a certain state, and the front end of the depth of field is Dn, and the rear end is Dn. If Df, each is expressed as follows, and the depth of field width D is expressed as the sum thereof.

Dn=δF(s-f)^2/{f^2+δF(s-f)}...(1.1)
Df=δF(s-f)^2/{f^2-δF(s-f)}...(1.2)
D=Dn+Df...(1.3)
Here, δ represents the permissible circle of confusion, F represents the aperture F number, f represents the focal length, and s represents the object (subject) distance.

FIG. 2(d) shows the subject, the position of the focal plane, and the depth of field in each state of FIGS. 2(a) to (c), with the horizontal axis representing time. A broken line 24 represents the position of the subject 22, a solid line 25 represents the position of the focus plane, and a dashed line 26 represents the depth of field position of the focus lens 3a at each time t in chronological order. The dashed-dotted line 26a represents the front end of the depth of field, and the dashed-dotted line 26b represents the rear end of the depth of field. Further, the display image at time t1 represented by 27 is shown in FIG. 2(a), the display image at time t2 represented by 28 is shown in FIG. c) respectively. 30 represents the position of the focus plane that changes when distance measurement is performed again after time t3.

Next, we will explain how the focal plane changes over time.

At time t1 indicated by 27, the background 23a is in focus and is in focus almost infinitely. Next, distance measurement is performed at the distance measuring point 21, and when the focus lens 3a is driven, the focus plane changes like a curve 25 and approaches the subject position 24, and at time t2 represented by 28. In this case, the focal plane coincides with the subject 22, that is, the subject 22 is in focus. At this time, as before, a focus sound is generated to notify the user that the focus has been achieved. After that, when the subject 22 moves toward the camera while kicking the ball, the front edge 26a of the depth of field is exceeded and the subject 22 is out of focus.In other words, the subject 22 is no longer in focus. . Time t3 represented by 29 represents the time when the subject 22 exceeds the front edge 26a of the depth of field, and at that time, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the subject 22c is out of focus and the subject 22c is will result in a slightly blurred image. At this time, audio notification unique to the first embodiment is performed. After that, when distance measurement is performed again, the focus plane moves closer to the subject position 24 as represented by a curve 30.

Conventionally, the focus state is notified to the user by a sound that notifies the user that the focus is in focus at the current position of the focus lens 3a when the user issues a distance measurement instruction using an operating means. Ta. In the first embodiment, the user can receive a photograph according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means 5a at the distance measurement point selected by the distance measurement point selection means 10a and the depth of field calculated by the depth of field calculation means 5b. Change the notification sound. In particular, in the first embodiment, as a specific example, due to the subject 22 moving after being focused, the current position of the focus lens 3a is out of the depth of field, that is, the subject 22 is out of focus. In this case, the user is notified of this using voice.

In the first embodiment, the camera system control unit 5 calculates the depth of field and the distance measurement result of the distance measurement point, so that the distance measurement result deviates from the depth of field at the current focus lens position. When the storage device is stored in the storage device, the user is notified to that effect by a voice notification means.

In other words, even after the focus lens 3a is driven and focused, the distance measurement means 5a calculates the position of the distance measurement point, the depth of field calculation means 5b calculates the depth of field, and the distance measurement result is When the depth is exceeded, the voice notification means 11 notifies the user by voice. As for the audio notification procedure, when focus is achieved, the conventional focusing sound is left, and then, when the distance measurement result falls outside the depth of field, the audio notification unique to the first embodiment is performed. . To explain with reference to FIG. 2(d), at time t3 when the broken line 24 representing the position of the subject exceeds the front edge 26a of the depth of field, the audio notification means 11 notifies that the subject has gone outside the depth of field. do.

Note that the notification sound may be, for example, a notification sound different from the notification sound at the time of focusing, or a voice guidance such as "You have gone outside the depth of field." In order to distinguish it from the notification sound when focusing, it is preferable that the notification sound or notification sound is different from the notification sound when focusing.

Next, a flowchart for performing audio notification in the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining the flow of audio notification in the first embodiment, and this flow starts every time the camera body 1 is powered on.

When the power is turned on in the camera body 1, first in step #3001, the camera system control unit 5 determines the subject while the user looks at the rear display device 9a or the EVF 9b. After selecting a distance measurement point using the distance measurement point selection means 10a, it is determined whether or not a distance measurement instruction has been given. As a result, if the user issues a distance measurement instruction, the process advances to step #3002; otherwise, the process waits in step #3001 until the user issues a distance measurement instruction. The distance measurement instruction here is determined by pressing a distance measurement start button (not shown) or the like.

In step #3002, the camera system control section 5 measures the distance using the distance measuring means 5a, communicates with the lens system control section 13 via the electrical contact 12, drives the focus lens 3a using the lens driving means 14, Proceed to step #3003. In step #3003, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the distance measurement result at the distance measurement point is in focus after the focus drive. As a result, if the image is in focus, the process advances to step #3004; otherwise, the process returns to step #3001.

In step #3004, the camera system control unit 5 uses the audio notification means 11 to notify a focus notification sound, and proceeds to step #3005. In step #3005, the camera system control unit 5 calculates the depth of field using the depth of field calculation means 5b, and proceeds to step #3006.

In step #3006, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the user has issued an exposure start instruction using a shutter release button (not shown) or the like. As a result, if the user has given an instruction to start exposure, the process proceeds to step #3011; otherwise, the process proceeds to step #3007.

Next, the case where exposure is not started in step #3006 will be described first. When entering this flow, audio notification is performed with a different sound at a different timing than the in-focus sound in the first embodiment. In step #3007, the camera system control section 5 uses the distance measuring means 5a to measure the distance again at the distance measuring point selected by the user by the distance measuring point selection means 10a, and proceeds to step #3008. In step #3008, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the distance measurement point is outside the depth of field as a result of the distance measurement performed in step #3007. As a result, if the distance measurement point is outside the depth of field, proceed to step #3009; otherwise, if the distance measurement point is within the depth of field, proceed to step #3006. return.

In step #3009, the camera system control unit 5 notifies the user of sound from the audio notification means 11 when the distance measurement result is outside the range of the depth of field, and proceeds to step #3010.

In step #3010, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the user issues a distance measurement instruction again, such as by pressing the shutter release button (not shown) halfway again. If a distance measurement instruction has been given, the process returns to step #3001; otherwise, the process returns to step #3006. Here, the distance measurement re-instruction by the user is determined by pressing a distance measurement start button (not shown) or the like. In this way, while distance measurement is not performed again and the distance measurement point is outside the depth of field, voice notification is given to the user.

If the process proceeds to step #3011, the camera system control unit 5 starts exposure, and proceeds to step #3012. In step #3012, the camera system control unit 5 performs exposure for a set time, and then Proceed to step #3013.

In step #3013, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether or not shooting has been completed using an operation means including a shutter release button (not shown), and if shooting has been completed, the process proceeds to step #3014; otherwise, the process proceeds to step #3014. If so, return to step #3001.

In step #3014, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether or not the power of the camera body 1 is turned off using an operation means including a power button (not shown), and ends the flow if the power is turned off. , otherwise, return to step #3001.

As described above, if the distance measurement point moves out of the depth of field after focusing once, a voice notification is given to the user until distance measurement is performed again. This allows the user to notice that the distance measurement point he or she has selected has gone outside the depth of field, and allows the user to select whether or not to perform distance measurement again.

As described above, the autofocus function allows the user to be notified of the necessary focus state even after the user is notified of the focus notification.

[Second embodiment]
An imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In the second embodiment, the driving method (drive mode) of the focus lens is different from the first embodiment, but other configurations are basically the same as in the second embodiment, so there are differences. The explanation will focus on the parts.

In the second embodiment, the audio that is notified to the user by the audio notification unit is changed depending on the focus mode selected by the focus mode selection unit 10b. In particular, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which a servo AF mode is selected as the drive mode of the focus lens, in which the focus lens continues to be driven so as to maintain a focused state when distance measurement is performed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating depth of field states and notification sounds in each state in the second embodiment. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) show the image sensor 6 at each focus lens position when the focus lens 3a is driven by the autofocus function and the focus plane is moved when the subject is moving. represents a statue. 4(a) to (d) correspond to images received by the image sensor 6 displayed on the display means 9 (the display means 9 is the rear display device 9a or the EVF 9b). Further, FIG. 4(e) is a diagram showing the subject, the position of the focal plane, and the depth of field in each state of FIGS. 4(a) to (d).

In FIG. 4, 41 represents the distance measuring point selected by the distance measuring point selection means 10a, and 42 represents the subject.

FIG. 4(a) shows a displayed image when the subject 42a is not in focus, and the distance measurement point 41a at that time is not in focus on the selected point, that is, the subject 42a. , is displayed with a broken line indicating an out-of-focus state.

FIG. 4(b) shows a display image when focusing on the distance measurement point 41 using the autofocus function from the state of FIG. 4(a). Here, since the distance measurement point 41b is focused on the selected point, that is, the subject 42b, it is displayed as a solid line representing the focused state.

FIG. 4(c) shows a case where the subject 42 moves from the state of FIG. 4(b), and the focus lens 3a is driven to follow the movement of the subject 42 and continues to focus. represents. Therefore, since the distance measurement point 41c is also in focus on the selected point, that is, the subject 42c, it is displayed as a solid line representing the focused state.

FIG. 4(d) shows a display image when the subject 42 suddenly moves quickly or approaches the front end of the depth of field from the state shown in FIG. 4(c). Here, since the distance measurement point 41d is focused on the selected point, that is, the subject 42d, it is displayed as a solid line representing the focused state. In FIG. 4(d), although the position of the subject is likely to be out of the depth of field, it is barely out of the depth of field, so in the configuration like the first embodiment, no audio notification is given to the user. (However, Fig. 4(d) shows that the focus is weaker than Fig. 4(c).) On the other hand, in actual use, in servo AF mode, it is difficult to fully servo the subject. The user is notified that the camera is about to deviate from the normal state or the depth of field. This allows the user to take actions such as moving the camera so as not to deviate from the depth of field. Therefore, in the second embodiment, even if the subject is within the depth of field, notification is made when the subject approaches the edge of the depth of field.

FIG. 4E shows the subject, the position of the focus plane, and the depth of field in each state of FIGS. 4A to 4D, with the horizontal axis representing time. A broken line 43 represents the position of the subject 42, a solid line 44 represents the position of the focus plane, and a dashed line 45 represents the depth of field position of the focus lens 3a at each time t in time series. The dashed-dotted line 45a represents the front end of the depth of field, and the dashed-dotted line 45b represents the rear end of the depth of field. 46 represents a location where the subject 42 approaches the edge (front edge) of the depth of field. Further, the display image at time t4 represented by 47 is shown in FIG. 4(a), the display image at time t5 represented by 48 is shown in FIG. d) respectively.

Next, we will explain how the focal plane changes over time.

At time t4 indicated by 47, the subject 42a is not in focus. Next, distance measurement is performed at the distance measurement point 41, and when the focus lens 3a is driven, the focus plane changes like a curve 44 and approaches the subject position 43, and at time t5 represented by 48. In this case, the focal plane coincides with the subject 42, that is, the subject 42 is in focus. At this time, as before, a focus sound is generated to notify the user that the focus has been achieved. Thereafter, when the subject 42 moves toward the camera, the focus lens 3a moves in servo mode, and the focal plane also moves in accordance with the movement of the subject. FIG. 4C shows this state, and the subject 42c remains in focus. In such a state, if the moving speed of the subject 42 changes and the servo of the focus lens 3a cannot keep up, the position of the subject 42 will approach the front end of the depth of field. Such a state occurs at time t6 represented by 49. At this time, audio notification unique to the second embodiment is performed.

Conventionally, the focus state is notified to the user by a sound that notifies the user that the focus is in focus at the current position of the focus lens 3a when the user issues a distance measurement instruction using an operating means. Ta. In the second embodiment, the user can receive a photograph according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means 5a at the distance measurement point selected by the distance measurement point selection means 10a and the depth of field calculated by the depth of field calculation means 5b. Change the notification sound. In particular, in the second embodiment, as a specific example, when the focus lens 3a is moving to follow the movement of the subject 42 in the servo AF mode, the distance measurement point is likely to deviate from the depth of field, or the When approaching the edge of depth, the user is notified of this using audio.

In the second embodiment, the camera system control unit 5 calculates the depth of field and the distance measurement result of the distance measurement point, so that the distance measurement result is at the edge of the depth of field at the current focus lens position. When it approaches, the user is notified of this by the audio notification means.

That is, in the servo AF mode, while the focus lens 3a is driven to follow the subject, the distance measuring means 5a calculates the position of the distance measuring point, and the depth of field calculating means 5b calculates the depth of field. Then, when the distance measurement result approaches the edge of the depth of field, the audio notification means 11 provides audio notification to the user. As for the order of the audio notifications, when focus is achieved, the focus sound is left as usual, and then, when the distance measurement result approaches the depth of field edge, the audio notification unique to the second embodiment is issued. It will be done. To explain with reference to FIG. 4(e), at time t6 when the broken line 43 representing the position of the subject approaches the front edge 45a of the depth of field, the audio notification means 11 notifies that the subject has approached the depth of field edge. do.

Note that the notification sound may be, for example, a notification sound different from the notification sound at the time of focusing, or audio guidance such as "You are approaching the edge of the depth of field." In order to distinguish it from the notification sound when focusing, it is preferable that the notification sound or notification sound is different from the notification sound when focusing.

Next, a flowchart for performing audio notification in the second embodiment will be described using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining the flow of audio notification in the second embodiment, and this flow starts every time the camera body 1 is powered on. Components that are the same as those in the flow explained in FIG. 3 are given the same numbers and have the same roles, so explanations are omitted.

In the second embodiment, in step #5001, the camera system control unit 5 uses the audio notification means 11 to notify a focus notification sound, and then starts distance measurement and driving of the focus lens 3a according to the servo AF mode. Then, proceed to step #3005.

In step #5002, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the focus lens 3a is capable of tracking. If tracking is possible, the process proceeds to step #5003; otherwise, the process proceeds to step #5004. Whether or not the focus lens 3a is capable of tracking can be determined by, for example, calculating the speed at which the focus lens 3a is driven from the distance measurement result and the drive sensitivity of the focus lens 3a, and determining the maximum speed of the focus lens 3a that is set. One possible method is to make a determination by comparing.

In step #5003, it is determined whether the distance measurement result at the distance measurement point is close to the depth of field edge. If it is close, the process advances to step #5004; otherwise, the process returns to step #3006. Whether the depth of field is close to the edge can be determined based on, for example, whether the distance measurement result is closer to the edge than a certain percentage of the depth of field, based on the distance measurement result and the depth of field calculation result. There are ways to determine this.

In step #5004, the camera system control unit 5 notifies the voice notification unit 11 of a sound when the distance measurement point is about to move away from the depth of field range, and proceeds to step #3010. At this time, audio notification is performed with a different sound at a different timing than the focusing sound in the second embodiment.

As described above, in the servo AF mode, when the focus lens 3a is tracking the subject and the distance measurement point approaches the edge of the depth of field, an audio notification is provided to the user. be exposed. This makes it possible for the user to notice when the distance measurement point becomes unable to be tracked or when it is about to deviate from the depth of field.

As explained above, when tracking a subject using the autofocus function, it is possible to notify the user of the necessary focus state, such as when tracking becomes impossible or when the subject is approaching the edge of depth of field. It becomes possible.

[Third embodiment]
An imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the drive method (drive mode) of the focus lens, but other configurations are basically the same as in the first embodiment, so there are differences. The explanation will focus on the parts. In the third embodiment, the sound notified to the user by the voice notification means is changed depending on the focus mode selected by the focus mode selection means 10b. In particular, in the third embodiment, a case will be described in which a manual focus mode in which the focus lens is driven only when the user manually operates the focus lens is selected as the focus lens drive mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating depth of field states and notification sounds in each state in the third embodiment. Figures 6(a) to (c) show the results at each time when the user manually operates the focus lens on the subject (flower) and the subject moves due to being blown by the wind, etc. It represents an image on the image sensor 6. 6(a) to (c) correspond to images received by the image sensor 6 displayed on the display means 9 (the display means 9 is the rear display device 9a or the EVF 9b). Further, FIG. 6(d) is a diagram showing the subject, the position of the focal plane, and the depth of field in each state of FIGS. 6(a) to (c).

In FIG. 6, 61 represents the distance measuring point selected by the distance measuring point selection means 10a, and 62 represents the subject.

FIG. 6(a) shows a display image when the subject 62a is not in focus, and the distance measurement point 61a at that time is not in focus on the selected point, that is, the subject 62a. , is displayed with a broken line indicating an out-of-focus state.

FIG. 6(b) shows a display image when the user manually drives the focus lens 3a to focus on the distance measurement point 61 from the state of FIG. 6(a). Here, when distance measurement is performed at the distance measurement point 61b, since the focus is on the distance measurement point selected at that time, that is, the subject 62b, a focus notification is issued, and the distance measurement point 61b is in the focused state. is displayed as a solid line.

FIG. 6(c) shows a case where the subject 61 moves due to the wind from the state of FIG. 6(b), and the focus point 61 on the subject 62 becomes out of focus at the selected location. There is. Therefore, the distance measurement point 61c is out of focus on the selected point, that is, the subject 62c, and is displayed as a solid line indicating an out-of-focus state.

FIG. 6(d) shows the subject, the position of the focus plane, and the depth of field in each state of FIGS. 6(a) to (c), with the horizontal axis representing time. A broken line 63 represents the position of the subject 62, a solid line 64 represents the position of the focus plane, and a dashed line 65 represents the depth of field position of the focus lens 3a at each time t in chronological order. The dashed-dotted line 65a represents the front end of the depth of field, and the dashed-dotted line 65b represents the rear end of the depth of field. The display image at time t7 represented by 66 is shown in FIG. 6(a), the display image at time t8 represented by 67 is shown in FIG. 6(b), and the display image at time t9 represented by 68 is shown in FIG. 6(c). are respectively represented. Further, time t10, indicated by 69, represents the time when the subject 62 is blown by the wind, crosses the rear end of the depth of field, and enters the depth of field again. Here, the arrow 70 represents one of the sections in which the subject 62 is moving toward the curve 64 representing the focus plane (into the depth of field).

Next, we will explain how the focal plane changes over time.

At time t7 indicated by 66, the subject 62a is not in focus. Next, when the user manually drives the focus lens 3a, the focus plane changes like a curve 64 and approaches the subject position 63, and at time t8 represented by 67, the focus plane coincides with the subject 62. In other words, focus. If the user issues a distance measurement instruction at this time, a focus sound notification is performed, but in the third embodiment, there is no need for a focus sound notification. The focusing sound notified at this time is the conventional focusing sound.

After that, when the subject 62 is blown by the wind and moves out of the depth of field, the subject 62 is out of focus. After a while, the subject 62 is blown by the wind, passes the rear edge of the depth of field, and approaches the depth of field again, and the subject 62 is in focus again at the distance measuring point 61. It's changing. In this way, the arrow 70 indicates the section where the subject once out of the depth of field is moving back into the depth of field, and by knowing this section, the user can easily time the shooting. Become. In other words, it becomes easy to take a picture with the subject 62 in focus. Therefore, in the third embodiment, at this time, audio notification unique to the third embodiment is performed.

Conventionally, the focus state is notified to the user by a sound that notifies the user that the focus is in focus at the current position of the focus lens 3a when the user issues a distance measurement instruction using an operating means. Ta. In the third embodiment, the user is informed of the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means 5a at the distance measurement point selected by the distance measurement point selection means 10a and the depth of field calculated by the depth of field calculation means 5b. Change the notification sound. In particular, in the third embodiment, as a specific example, when the user is manually focusing in manual focus mode, the focus state required by the user is such as when the distance measurement point approaches the depth of field range. will be notified to the user using voice.

In the third embodiment, the camera system control unit 5 calculates the depth of field and the distance measurement results of the distance measurement points, so that the distance measurement results are adjusted toward the depth of field at the current focus lens position. When it approaches, the user is notified of this by the audio notification means.

That is, in the manual focus mode, after driving the focus lens and once focusing on the subject, the distance measuring means 5a calculates the position of the distance measuring point, and the depth of field calculating means 5b calculates the depth of field. When the distance measurement result approaches the depth of field, the audio notification means 11 provides audio notification to the user. The audio notification procedure is that when focus is achieved, the focus sound is left as usual, and then when the distance measurement result approaches the depth of field, the audio notification unique to the third embodiment is issued. will be held. To explain with reference to FIG. 6(d), at time t9 when the broken line 63 representing the position of the subject begins to approach the rear edge 65b of the depth of field, the audio notification means 11 indicates that the subject has approached the depth of field edge. Announcement will be made at. Further, after that, it is more preferable that at time t10 when the subject enters the depth of field, the audio notification means 11 stops the audio notification and notifies the user that the subject has entered the depth of field.

Note that the notification sound may be, for example, a notification sound different from the notification sound at the time of focusing, or audio guidance such as "You are approaching the edge of the depth of field." In order to distinguish it from the notification sound when focusing, it is preferable that the notification sound or notification sound is different from the notification sound when focusing.

Next, in the third embodiment, a flowchart for performing audio notification will be described using FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the flow of audio notification in the third embodiment, and this flow starts every time the camera body 1 is powered on. Components that are the same as those in the flow explained in FIG. 3 are given the same numbers and have the same roles, so explanations are omitted.

In the third embodiment, in step #7001, the camera system control unit 5 starts distance measurement at a distance measurement point selected by the user, and proceeds to step #7002. In step #7002, the user performs a focus operation to drive the focus lens 3a, and the process proceeds to step #3005.

In step #7003, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the distance measurement result at the distance measurement point calculated by the distance measurement means 5a is outside the range of the depth of field calculated by the depth of field calculation means 5b. judge. As a result, if the distance measurement point is outside the depth of field, the process advances to step #7004; otherwise, the process returns to step #3006. In step #7004, the camera system control unit 5 determines whether the distance measurement result at the distance measurement point calculated by the distance measurement means 5a is approaching the depth of field calculated by the depth of field calculation means 5b. Determine whether or not. As a result, if the distance measurement point is approaching the depth of field range, the process advances to step #7005; otherwise, the process returns to step #3006.

In step #7005, the camera system control unit 5 notifies the voice notification unit 11 of sound when the distance measurement point approaches the depth of field range, and returns to step #3006. At this time, audio notification is performed with a different sound at a different timing than the focusing sound in the third embodiment.

As described above, in the manual focus mode, when the distance measurement point approaches the depth of field range, an audio notification is given to the user. This allows the user to notice that the distance measurement point is approaching within the depth of field, making it easier to determine the timing for photographing.

As described above, when the user manually focuses using manual focus, it is possible to notify the user of the necessary focus state, such as when the depth of field is approaching.

(Other examples)
The present invention provides a system or device with a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. This can also be achieved by processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Claims (7)

An imaging device,
an imaging device that generates image data by receiving object light through a lens barrel with an imaging device;
distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the imaging device and the subject;
Calculating means for calculating a depth of field based on the focal length and aperture value of the lens barrel, the distance measurement result obtained by the distance measuring means, and the size of an allowable circle of confusion;
distance measurement point selection means for selecting at which position within the imaging plane the distance measurement is to be performed using the distance measurement means;
having a voice notification means;
The audio notification means changes the audio to be notified to the user according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means at the distance measurement point selected by the distance measurement point selection means and the depth of field calculated by the calculation means. death,
comprising a focus mode selection means for selecting a driving method of the focus lens in the lens barrel, and changing the sound notified to the user by the audio notification means according to the focus mode selected by the focus mode selection means;
When the one-shot AF mode is selected in the focus mode selection means in which the focus lens is driven to focus only once when distance measurement is performed by the distance measurement means, the position of the subject is Notifying a sound from the audio notification means when the camera is outside the depth of field at the time;
When the focus mode selection means selects a servo AF mode in which the focus lens continues to be driven so as to maintain a focused state when distance measurement is performed by the distance measurement means, the position of the subject is determined by the position of the subject. When the position of the subject is within the depth of field range, when the position of the subject is moving away from the depth of field range over time, the audio notification means notifies the user of sound;
When a manual focus mode in which the focus lens is manually driven is selected in the focus mode selection means, when the position of the subject is outside the depth of field, the position of the subject is changed in chronological order. The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the audio notification means notifies the user of sound when approaching the range of the depth of field. The audio notification means notifies a focus sound when the distance measurement result is equal to the distance at which an image is formed at the current position of the focus lens in the lens barrel when the distance measurement means performs distance measurement. 2. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a function of changing the sound notified to the user at different timings according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means and the depth of field calculated by the calculation means. The imaging device described. Claim 2, wherein the focus sound notified by the audio notification means and the sound notified according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means and the depth of field calculated by the calculation means are different. The imaging device described in . A method for controlling an imaging device, the method comprising:
an imaging step of generating image data by receiving object light through the lens barrel with an image sensor;
a distance measuring step of measuring the distance between the imaging device and the subject;
a calculation step of calculating a depth of field based on the focal length and aperture value of the lens barrel, the distance measurement result obtained from the distance measurement step , and the size of an allowable circle of confusion;
a distance measurement point selection step of selecting at which position within the imaging plane the distance measurement is to be performed in the distance measurement step;
an audio notification step;
In the audio notification step, the audio to be notified to the user is changed according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement step at the distance measurement point selected in the distance measurement point selection step and the depth of field calculated in the calculation step. death,
The method further comprises a focus mode selection step of selecting a driving method for a focus lens in the lens barrel, and changing a sound to be notified to a user in the audio notification step according to the focus mode selected in the focus mode selection step.
When the one-shot AF mode is selected in the focus mode selection step in which the focus lens is driven so that it is focused only once when distance measurement is performed in the distance measurement step, the position of the subject is Notifying audio in the audio notification step when the camera is outside the depth of field at the time;
When a servo AF mode is selected in the focus mode selection step in which the focus lens continues to be driven to maintain a focused state when distance measurement is performed in the distance measurement step , the position of the subject is When the position of the subject is within the depth of field range, when the position of the subject is moving away from the depth of field range over time, the sound notification step is performed to notify the sound;
When the manual focus mode in which the focus lens is manually driven is selected in the focus mode selection step , when the position of the subject is outside the depth of field, the position of the subject is changed in chronological order. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, characterized in that when the depth of field is approaching the depth of field, an audio notification is provided in the audio notification step. In the audio notification step, a focusing sound is notified when the distance measurement result is equal to the distance at which an image is formed at the current position of the focus lens in the lens barrel when the distance measurement is performed in the distance measurement step. 4. A function of changing the sound to be notified to the user at different timings according to the distance measurement result in the distance measurement step and the depth of field calculated in the calculation step. A method for controlling an imaging device according to . 5. The focus sound notified in the audio notification step is different from the sound reported in accordance with the distance measurement result of the distance measurement step and the depth of field calculated in the calculation step. A method for controlling an imaging device according to . A computer-readable program for causing a computer to function as each means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images