JP2010014883A - Camera - Google Patents
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- JP2010014883A JP2010014883A JP2008173541A JP2008173541A JP2010014883A JP 2010014883 A JP2010014883 A JP 2010014883A JP 2008173541 A JP2008173541 A JP 2008173541A JP 2008173541 A JP2008173541 A JP 2008173541A JP 2010014883 A JP2010014883 A JP 2010014883A
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Abstract
Description
本発明は、カメラに関する。 The present invention relates to a camera.
カメラのオートフォーカス機能は、今日では多種多様な機種に普及しており、様々な方式が提案されている。例えば、複数の焦点検出点から焦点検出領域に対応する所定数の焦点検出点を選択し、選択された焦点検出点についての検出結果に基づいて焦点調整を行う方式がある。 The autofocus function of cameras is now widely used in a wide variety of models, and various methods have been proposed. For example, there is a method of selecting a predetermined number of focus detection points corresponding to a focus detection area from a plurality of focus detection points, and performing focus adjustment based on the detection result for the selected focus detection points.
また、被写体が移動していることを検出した場合に焦点検出領域を拡大し、移動した被写体が焦点検出領域内に捉えられる可能性を高くすることにより、ピント合わせの確実性を向上する技法も提案されている(特許文献１参照)。
しかしながら、従来のカメラでは、焦点検出領域の変更の条件が複雑であるにもかかわらず、被写体像が画面内で占める割合の変化は検出しておらず、被写体像が画面内で占める割合と焦点検出領域の大きさとが対応しないこともあり、所望のオートフォーカス精度を得られないおそれがあった。 However, the conventional camera does not detect a change in the proportion of the subject image in the screen, even though the conditions for changing the focus detection area are complicated. Since the size of the detection area may not correspond, there is a possibility that desired autofocus accuracy cannot be obtained.
本発明は、被写体像が画面内で占める割合と焦点検出領域の大きさとの不適合を解消可能なカメラを提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that can eliminate the incompatibility between the ratio of the subject image in the screen and the size of the focus detection area.
上述した目的は、以下に開示するカメラによって達成することができる。 The above-described object can be achieved by the camera disclosed below.
このカメラの特徴は焦点検出領域に含まれる少なくとも一つの焦点検出位置について、光学系の焦点検出を行う焦点検出手段と、光学系により結像される画面内で主要被写体像が占める割合に応じて、焦点検出が開始された後に焦点検出領域の大きさを変更可能な変更手段とを備える点にある。 This camera is characterized in that at least one focus detection position included in the focus detection area is based on focus detection means for detecting the focus of the optical system and the proportion of the main subject image in the image formed by the optical system. And changing means capable of changing the size of the focus detection area after the focus detection is started.
このように構成されたカメラでは、画面内で被写体像が占める割合に応じて、焦点検出領域を変更することにより、画面内で被写体像が占める割合に見合った大きさの焦点検出領域を、焦点検出手段に適用させることができる。 With a camera configured in this manner, the focus detection area having a size corresponding to the ratio of the subject image in the screen is changed to the focus by changing the focus detection area according to the ratio of the subject image in the screen. It can be applied to detection means.
上述したように、本発明にかかわるカメラによれば、画面内で被写体像が占める割合と焦点検出領域との不適合を確実に解消することができる。これにより、より確実に主要な被写体の焦点検出を行うことができる。 As described above, according to the camera of the present invention, it is possible to reliably eliminate the mismatch between the ratio of the subject image in the screen and the focus detection area. Thereby, the focus detection of the main subject can be performed more reliably.
以下、図面に基づいて、本発明の実施形態について詳細に説明する。
(実施形態１)
図１に、本発明にかかわるカメラの一実施形態を示す。
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.
図１に示したカメラにおいて、撮影光学系１１により、被写体の像が撮像素子１２の受光面に形成され、撮像素子１２における光電変換で得られた電気信号は、撮像処理部１６の処理に供される。露光制御部１５と撮像処理部１６には、例えば、操作パネル１７を介して利用者が入力した設定情報が渡され、露光制御部１５による撮像素子１２の蓄積時間の制御および撮像処理部１６による撮像処理に供されている。また、操作パネル１７に備えられたレリーズボタンの操作状態(例えば、半押し、全押し)を示す情報は、露光制御部１５、撮像処理部１６とともに、オートフォーカス(ＡＦ)制御部２０にも渡されている。このＡＦ制御部２０は、撮影光学系１１を透過した光の一部に基づいて、ＡＦ制御部２０がレンズ駆動部１４による撮影光学系１１の操作を制御することで、上述した撮影光学系１１のピント合わせを行う。 In the camera shown in FIG. 1, an image of a subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 12 by the photographing optical system 11, and the electric signal obtained by photoelectric conversion in the image sensor 12 is used for the processing of the imaging processor 16. Is done. For example, setting information input by the user via the operation panel 17 is passed to the exposure control unit 15 and the imaging processing unit 16, and the exposure control unit 15 controls the accumulation time of the image sensor 12 and the imaging processing unit 16. It is used for imaging processing. Information indicating the operation state (for example, half-pressed or fully-pressed) of the release button provided on the operation panel 17 is also transferred to the autofocus (AF) control unit 20 together with the exposure control unit 15 and the imaging processing unit 16. Has been. The AF control unit 20 controls the operation of the photographing optical system 11 by the lens driving unit 14 based on a part of the light transmitted through the photographing optical system 11, so that the photographing optical system 11 described above. Adjust the focus.
ＡＦ制御部２０において、焦点検出部２１は、検出領域制御部２２からの指示に応じて、図２(ａ)，(ｂ)，(ｃ)に示すような大きさの異なる焦点検出領域(図２において、鎖線で囲んで示した)の一つを採用して焦点検出処理を行う。このとき、焦点検出部２１は、採用した焦点検出領域に含まれる各焦点検出点(図２において、実線の矩形で示した)についての検出結果に基づいて、画面内に捉えられた被写体像についての合焦位置からのずれを検出する。なお、図２においては、それぞれ９点、２１点、５１点の焦点検出点が３段階の焦点検出領域Ｓ，Ｍ，Ｌに含まれている例を示した。 In the AF control unit 20, the focus detection unit 21 has different focus detection regions (see FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C) according to instructions from the detection region control unit 22. In FIG. 2, one of the points (indicated by a chain line) is adopted to perform the focus detection process. At this time, the focus detection unit 21 detects the subject image captured in the screen based on the detection result for each focus detection point (indicated by a solid rectangle in FIG. 2) included in the adopted focus detection region. The deviation from the in-focus position is detected. FIG. 2 shows an example in which 9 focus detection points, 21 focus points, and 51 focus detection points are included in the three focus detection areas S, M, and L, respectively.
図１に示した駆動制御部２３は、上述した焦点検出部２１による検出結果に基づいて、レンズ駆動部１４が撮影光学系１１を操作するための駆動信号を生成する。また、倍率算出部２４は、レンズ駆動部１４から撮影光学系１１における各レンズの位置情報を取得し、この位置情報に基づいて撮影倍率を算出する。算出された撮影倍率は、検出領域制御部２２が条件判断テーブル２５に基づいて、焦点検出領域を変更する処理に供される。 The drive control unit 23 illustrated in FIG. 1 generates a drive signal for the lens driving unit 14 to operate the photographing optical system 11 based on the detection result by the focus detection unit 21 described above. In addition, the magnification calculation unit 24 acquires position information of each lens in the photographing optical system 11 from the lens driving unit 14, and calculates a photographing magnification based on the position information. The calculated imaging magnification is subjected to processing in which the detection area control unit 22 changes the focus detection area based on the condition determination table 25.
以下、図３を参照して、上述した倍率算出部２４で得られる撮影倍率に基づいて、焦点検出領域の大きさを制御する方法について説明する。 Hereinafter, a method for controlling the size of the focus detection area based on the photographing magnification obtained by the magnification calculator 24 will be described with reference to FIG.
検出領域制御部２２は、操作パネル１７から直接あるいは間接的にレリーズボタンが半押しされた旨の通知を受け取ったときに焦点検出領域についての制御動作を開始する(ステップＳ１)。検出領域制御部２２は、まず、撮影設定で選択されたＡＦモードで示された焦点検出領域の初期設定を保持する(ステップＳ２)。 The detection area control unit 22 starts a control operation for the focus detection area when receiving a notification that the release button has been half-pressed directly or indirectly from the operation panel 17 (step S1). First, the detection area control unit 22 holds the initial setting of the focus detection area indicated by the AF mode selected in the shooting setting (step S2).
また、上述したレリーズボタンの半押し操作に応じて、焦点検出部２１により、上述した初期設定の焦点検出領域についての焦点検出処理が開始され、この焦点検出部２１の出力に基づいて、駆動制御部２３およびレンズ駆動部１４によるオートフォーカス動作が行われる。 Further, in response to the half-press operation of the release button described above, the focus detection unit 21 starts the focus detection process for the above-described initially set focus detection region, and drive control is performed based on the output of the focus detection unit 21. An autofocus operation is performed by the unit 23 and the lens driving unit 14.
その後、焦点検出部２１の出力によって合焦(画面内に捉えられた被写体像の合焦位置からのずれ量が所定値以下であること)を検出したときに(ステップＳ３)、倍率算出部２４は、レンズ駆動部１４から取得した位置情報に基づいて、撮影倍率の初期値ｎ０を算出し、検出領域制御部２２は、倍率算出部２４によって求められた初期倍率ｎ０を保持する(ステップＳ４)。 Thereafter, when it is detected by the output of the focus detection unit 21 that the amount of deviation from the in-focus position of the subject image captured in the screen is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S3), the magnification calculation unit 24 Calculates the initial value n 0 of the photographing magnification based on the position information acquired from the lens driving unit 14, and the detection area control unit 22 holds the initial magnification n 0 obtained by the magnification calculating unit 24 (step S1). S4).
倍率算出部２４は、例えば、式(１)に、位置情報で示される撮影光学系１１の焦点距離ｆ＝ｆ０と、焦点検出部２１の出力で示される撮影距離Ｌ＝Ｌ０とを代入して、初期倍率ｎ(＝ｎ０)を算出すればよい。 For example, the magnification calculation unit 24 substitutes the focal length f = f 0 of the photographing optical system 11 indicated by the position information and the photographing distance L = L 0 indicated by the output of the focus detection unit 21 into Expression (1). Then, the initial magnification n (= n 0 ) may be calculated.
ｎ＝Ｌ／ｆ−２ ・・・（１）
半押し状態の継続中は、被写体の移動に応じて撮影倍率が変化するとともにＡＦ動作が行われる(ステップＳ５)。
n = L / f-2 (1)
While the half-pressed state continues, the shooting magnification changes according to the movement of the subject and the AF operation is performed (step S5).
倍率算出部２４は、例えば、所定の時間ごとにレンズ駆動部１４から撮影光学系１１における各レンズの位置情報を取得するとともに、焦点検出部２１や撮影光学系１１などから撮影距離を示す情報を取得し、これらを上述した式(１)に代入して、定期的に撮影倍率ｎを算出する(ステップＳ６)。 For example, the magnification calculation unit 24 acquires position information of each lens in the photographing optical system 11 from the lens driving unit 14 every predetermined time, and information indicating the photographing distance from the focus detection unit 21 or the photographing optical system 11. These are acquired and substituted into the above equation (1) to periodically calculate the photographing magnification n (step S6).
検出領域制御部２２は、撮影倍率ｎと初期倍率ｎ０との関係に基づいて、焦点検出領域の大きさをどのように変更するかを決定する(ステップＳ７)。例えば、図４に示すように、条件判断テーブル２５に、予め、撮影倍率ｎと初期倍率ｎ０との比の値の範囲と、適用すべき変更との対応関係を保持しておき、検出領域制御部２２は、この対応関係に基づいて焦点検出領域を決定することができる。図４(ａ)に示した各範囲の境界となる倍率を示す係数ａ，ｂ，ｃ，ｄの値は、ａ＜ｂ＜１＜ｃ＜ｄの関係が成立しており、例えば、変更前と変更後の焦点検出領域の面積の比に基づいて決定すればよい。例えば、焦点検出領域Ｌから焦点検出領域Ｍへの変更を適用する範囲を、焦点検出領域Ｌに対する焦点検出領域Ｍの面積比２１／５１に基づいて決定することができる。また、様々な撮影倍率と焦点検出領域との組み合わせを適用して撮影する実験により、上述した各係数ａ，ｂ，ｃ，ｄの値を求めることもできる。 The detection area control unit 22 determines how to change the size of the focus detection area based on the relationship between the imaging magnification n and the initial magnification n 0 (step S7). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the condition judgment table 25 in advance, and the range of the ratio value between the photographing magnification n and the initial magnification n 0, holds the correspondence relationship between the change should be applied, the detection region The control unit 22 can determine the focus detection area based on this correspondence. The values of the coefficients a, b, c, and d indicating the magnifications that are the boundaries of the ranges shown in FIG. 4A are in the relationship of a <b <1 <c <d. And the ratio of the area of the focus detection area after the change. For example, the range to which the change from the focus detection region L to the focus detection region M is applied can be determined based on the area ratio 21/51 of the focus detection region M to the focus detection region L. In addition, the values of the respective coefficients a, b, c, and d described above can be obtained through experiments in which various combinations of shooting magnifications and focus detection areas are used for shooting.
このように、被写体の移動につれて変化する撮影倍率ｎと初期倍率ｎ０との関係に基づいて、検出領域制御部２２により、適切な焦点検出領域を決定し、この結果を焦点検出部２１に渡して焦点検出領域を必要に応じて変更する(ステップＳ８)。これにより、被写体像が画面内で大きくなる方向に移動しているか、逆に、小さくなるように移動しているかにかかわらず、被写体像が画面内で占める割合に適合する焦点検出領域を適用したＡＦ動作を行うことが可能となる。 As described above, based on the relationship between the imaging magnification n and the initial magnification n 0 that changes as the subject moves, the detection region control unit 22 determines an appropriate focus detection region, and passes the result to the focus detection unit 21. The focus detection area is changed as necessary (step S8). As a result, a focus detection area that matches the proportion of the subject image in the screen is applied regardless of whether the subject image is moving in the direction of increasing in the screen or conversely. An AF operation can be performed.
なお、ステップＳ８において焦点検出領域の変更が行われた場合には、ステップＳ８の後であって撮影動作に入る前にＡＦ動作を行うこととしても良い。また、撮影倍率ｎは、撮影距離と焦点距離の情報があれば算出可能であるので、ステップＳ５のＡＦ動作を省略するとともにステップＳ８の後にＡＦ動作を行うこととしても良い。 When the focus detection area is changed in step S8, the AF operation may be performed after step S8 and before the photographing operation is started. Further, since the photographing magnification n can be calculated if there is information on the photographing distance and the focal length, the AF operation in step S5 may be omitted and the AF operation may be performed after step S8.
例えば、図５に示す例では、図５(ａ)に示す初期状態(初期設定焦点検出領域Ｓ、初期倍率ｎ０)から、被写体の移動により、図５(ｂ)に示すように、被写体像が画面において占める割合が大きくなり、撮影倍率ｎが初期倍率ｎ０の係数ｃ倍の値を超えたときに、検出領域制御部２２により、初期設定よりも１段階大きい焦点検出領域Ｍへの変更が指示される(図５(ｃ)参照)。逆に、図５(ｃ)に示したように、被写体が画面内に大きく捉えられている状態から、図５(ａ)に示したように、被写体像が画面内で占める割合が小さくなるような移動があった場合には、撮影倍率ｎが初期倍率ｎ０の係数ｂ倍の値より小さくなったときに、初期状態の焦点検出領域Ｍから１段階小さい焦点検出領域Ｓへの変更が指示される。 For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the subject image is moved from the initial state (initial focus detection area S, initial magnification n 0 ) shown in FIG. There increase when the screen, when the photographing magnification n exceeds the coefficient c times the value of the initial ratio n 0, the detection area control unit 22 changes to the one step large focus detection area M from the initial setting Is instructed (see FIG. 5C). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, the ratio of the subject image in the screen is reduced as shown in FIG. 5A from the state in which the subject is largely captured in the screen. when the Do there moves, when the photographing magnification n is smaller than the coefficient b times the value of the initial ratio n 0, changing from the focus detection area M in the initial state to the first stage smaller focus detection area S indicated Is done.
レリーズボタンの半押し状態が継続している間は、ステップＳ５〜ステップＳ９を繰り返して、被写体の移動にあわせて焦点検出領域の変更を行い、レリーズボタンが全押しされたときに、ステップＳ１０の肯定判定として撮像処理が開始される(ステップＳ１１)。一方、レリーズボタンの全押しに至らずに半押し状態が解除された場合は(ステップＳ１０の否定判定)、処理はそのまま終了される。 While the release button is half-pressed, steps S5 to S9 are repeated to change the focus detection area in accordance with the movement of the subject, and when the release button is fully pressed, step S10 is performed. Imaging processing is started as a positive determination (step S11). On the other hand, when the half-pressed state is released without reaching the full release button (No determination in step S10), the process is ended as it is.
上述したようにして、被写体の移動に応じて変化する撮影倍率ｎの初期倍率ｎ０からの変化に応じて、焦点検出領域の大きさを変更することにより、利用者が被写体の撮影を開始した際に適用された焦点検出領域の大きさと被写体像が画面内で占める割合との関係を維持しつつ、被写体の移動に焦点検出領域の大きさを追従させることができる。 As described above, in accordance with the change from the initial magnification n 0 of the photographing magnification n that varies in accordance with the movement of the object, by changing the size of the focus detection area, the user starts photographing of a subject The size of the focus detection area can be made to follow the movement of the subject while maintaining the relationship between the size of the focus detection region applied at this time and the ratio of the subject image in the screen.
ここで、スピードスケートやカーレースなどの撮影では、オートフォーカス機能を利用して移動する被写体に随時ピントを自動調整させながら、シャッターチャンスを狙って撮影する場合がある。 Here, in shooting such as speed skating and car racing, there is a case where shooting is performed aiming at a photo opportunity while automatically adjusting the focus of a moving subject using an autofocus function.
一方、一般に、画面内に被写体が大きく捉えられるような高い被写体倍率で撮影する際に、オートフォーカス機能で利用する焦点検出領域が小さく設定されている場合や、逆に、大きな焦点検出領域が適用されているにもかかわらず、被写体倍率が低くて画面内に捉えられた被写体像が小さい場合に、ピント合わせが不安定になってしまう可能性があった。 On the other hand, in general, when shooting at a high subject magnification that captures a large subject on the screen, if the focus detection area used in the autofocus function is set to a small size, or conversely, a large focus detection area is applied. In spite of this, when the subject magnification is low and the subject image captured on the screen is small, there is a possibility that the focusing becomes unstable.
高い被写体倍率と小さい焦点検出領域との組み合わせでピント合わせが不安定化する原因は、このような撮影では、被写体像のうち、焦点検出領域内に捉えられた部分の空間周波数が低くなるために、コントラストの変化等に基づくオートフォーカス制御が不安定となることにある。一方、低い被写体倍率と大きい焦点検出領域との組み合わせでピント合わせが不安定化する原因は、焦点検出領域に捉えられた所望の被写体以外の像についての検出結果が、オートフォーカス制御におけるノイズとなることにある。 The reason for the instability of focusing due to the combination of a high subject magnification and a small focus detection area is that in such shooting, the spatial frequency of the part of the subject image captured in the focus detection area is low. In other words, autofocus control based on contrast change or the like becomes unstable. On the other hand, the combination of a low subject magnification and a large focus detection area causes the focus to become unstable. The detection result for an image other than the desired subject captured in the focus detection area becomes noise in autofocus control. There is.
例えば、被写体の移動の検出に応じて焦点検出領域を拡大すると、焦点検出領域内に被写体が捉えられる可能性は高まる。しかしながら、被写体倍率が変化する移動と変化しない移動とを区別しないと、被写体倍率が小さくなる方向、すなわち、画面内での被写体像が縮小する方向の移動に応じて、焦点検出領域の大きさを適合させることができないおそれがある。この場合には、所望の被写体像が焦点検出領域内に捉えられるというメリットよりも、被写体像が画面内で占める割合と焦点検出領域の大きさとの不適合によるデメリットのほうが大きくなる可能性があった。 For example, if the focus detection area is enlarged according to the detection of the movement of the subject, the possibility that the subject is captured in the focus detection area increases. However, if the movement in which the subject magnification is changed is not distinguished from the movement in which the subject magnification is not changed, the size of the focus detection area is changed in accordance with the movement in the direction in which the subject magnification is reduced, that is, the direction in which the subject image is reduced in the screen. May not be able to adapt. In this case, there is a possibility that the disadvantage caused by the mismatch between the ratio of the subject image in the screen and the size of the focus detection area may be larger than the advantage that the desired subject image is captured in the focus detection area. .
そこで、上述の焦点検出領域制御方法では、半押し状態で一旦焦点検出が行われた後に、被写体の移動によって画面内で被写体像の占める割合が変化した場合でも、それぞれに適した焦点検出領域を適用して自動焦点検出処理を実行させ、良好なピント合わせ性能を得ることができるようになっている。 Therefore, in the above-described focus detection area control method, after focus detection is performed once in the half-pressed state, even when the ratio of the subject image in the screen changes due to the movement of the subject, a focus detection area suitable for each is selected. It can be applied to execute automatic focus detection processing to obtain good focusing performance.
上述した焦点検出領域制御方法は、被写体が人物や動物のように比較的小さいものであるか、レース中の車両や飛行機のように大きなものであるかにかかわらず、同じように適用可能である。 The focus detection area control method described above is equally applicable regardless of whether the subject is relatively small, such as a person or animal, or large, such as a vehicle or airplane in a race. .
上述した焦点検出領域制御方法は、利用者が被写体の一部に注目して焦点をあわせた撮影を意図している場合に特に有効である。例えば、ＡＦモードの設定を介して、スピードスケート競技中の選手の顔に相当する比較的狭い焦点検出領域を指定しておけば、この初期設定の焦点検出領域を基準として上述した焦点検出領域制御が行われる。これにより、選手の表情に注目したオートフォーカス制御を実現することができる。 The above-described focus detection area control method is particularly effective when the user intends to focus and focus on a part of the subject. For example, if a relatively narrow focus detection area corresponding to the face of a player in a speed skating competition is specified through the setting of the AF mode, the focus detection area control described above with reference to the initially set focus detection area. Is done. Thereby, it is possible to realize autofocus control that pays attention to the player's facial expression.
なお、上述した焦点検出領域制御方法は、図１に示した焦点検出部２１に、位相差検出方式の焦点検出方式を適用した場合でも、コントラスト方式の焦点検出方式を適用した場合でも、同様に適用可能である。 The focus detection area control method described above is the same whether the focus detection method of the phase difference detection method or the focus detection method of the contrast method is applied to the focus detection unit 21 shown in FIG. Applicable.
また、位相差検出方式とコントラスト方式などのように方式の異なる焦点検出方式を組み合わせて焦点検出を行うハイブリッドＡＦに、上述した焦点検出領域制御を適用することもできる。例えば、ＡＦ動作の粗調整段階は位相差検出方式で行い、微調整段階はコントラスト方式で行うハイブリッドＡＦに適用する場合には、画面内で被写体像の占める割合が変化する可能性の高い粗調整段階で上述した焦点検出領域の大きさを変更する制御を行うことが望ましい。なお、コントラスト方式でも焦点検出領域の変更を行ってもよい。 The above-described focus detection area control can also be applied to hybrid AF that performs focus detection by combining different focus detection methods such as a phase difference detection method and a contrast method. For example, when applying the coarse adjustment step of the AF operation by the phase difference detection method and applying the fine adjustment step to the hybrid AF performed by the contrast method, the rough adjustment is highly likely to change the proportion of the subject image in the screen. It is desirable to perform control to change the size of the focus detection area described above in stages. Note that the focus detection area may be changed even with the contrast method.
また、焦点検出領域の大きさの変更方法は、上述した段階的な変更に限られず、例えば、初期倍率ｎ０と撮影倍率ｎとの比に比例する大きさに変更するなど、任意の大きさに変更することもできる。また、焦点検出領域の大きさの変更は、被写体像が画面内で占める割合に比例する等方的な拡大・縮小に限らず、例えば、所定の方向に焦点検出領域を伸展・収縮させる変形や、任意の形状に変形させる変更でもよい。 The size change process of the focus detection area is not limited to stepwise changes described above, for example, such as changing the magnitude proportional to the ratio of the initial magnification n 0 and imaging magnification n, any size It can also be changed. The change in the size of the focus detection area is not limited to isotropic enlargement / reduction proportional to the proportion of the subject image in the screen. For example, the focus detection area may be deformed or expanded or contracted in a predetermined direction. It may be changed to be deformed into an arbitrary shape.
また、主要被写体像が画面内で占める割合を評価する手法としては、上述したように、初期倍率ｎ０と撮影倍率ｎとの関係に基づく手法に限られず、利用者が操作パネルを介して設定した撮影モードと撮影倍率とから推定する方法などを適用することも可能である。 Further, as described above, the method for evaluating the ratio of the main subject image in the screen is not limited to the method based on the relationship between the initial magnification n0 and the shooting magnification n, and is set by the user via the operation panel. It is also possible to apply a method of estimating from the shooting mode and the shooting magnification.
例えば、予め、図７(ａ)，(ｂ)，(ｃ)に示すように、主要被写体像が画面において占める割合が異なっている場合にそれぞれ対応して、適正な焦点検出領域を決めておくことができる。 For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a), 7 (b), and 7 (c), an appropriate focus detection area is determined in advance corresponding to the case where the ratio of the main subject image on the screen is different. be able to.
主要被写体像が画面において占める割合は、主要被写体の大きさと撮影倍率とに基づいて推定することができる。したがって、撮影モードから主要被写体の概略の大きさが推定できる撮影モードでは、主要被写体の撮影倍率と適切な焦点検出領域との対応関係を予め決定しておくことができる。例えば、ポートレート撮影やマクロ撮影など異なる大きさの被写体が想定される撮影モードごとに、図４(ｂ)に示すような条件判断テーブルの撮影倍率についての各閾値Ｔｈ１，Ｔｈ２を決定しておき、この条件判断テーブルを検出領域制御部２２による焦点検出領域の変更制御処理に供することができる。 The ratio of the main subject image to the screen can be estimated based on the size of the main subject and the shooting magnification. Therefore, in the shooting mode in which the approximate size of the main subject can be estimated from the shooting mode, the correspondence between the shooting magnification of the main subject and an appropriate focus detection area can be determined in advance. For example, threshold values Th1 and Th2 for the shooting magnification of the condition determination table as shown in FIG. 4B are determined for each shooting mode in which subjects of different sizes are assumed, such as portrait shooting and macro shooting. The condition determination table can be used for the focus detection region change control process by the detection region control unit 22.
この場合の焦点検出領域変更動作を、図６に示す流れ図を用いて説明する。なお、図６に示したステップのうち、図３に示したステップと同等のものについては、同一の符号を付して示し、その説明は省略する。 The focus detection area changing operation in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Of the steps shown in FIG. 6, the same steps as those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
撮影モードごとに条件判断テーブルを用いる場合は、レリーズボタンの半押しが通知された後(ステップＳ１)、ＡＦ動作と撮影倍率ｎの算出とが行われる(ステップＳ５，Ｓ６)。そして、得られた撮影倍率ｎと条件判断テーブルで示された閾値Ｔｈ１，Ｔｈ２との比較結果に基づいて、検出領域制御部２２により、適合する焦点検出領域が決定される(ステップＳ１２)。 When the condition determination table is used for each shooting mode, the AF operation and the calculation of the shooting magnification n are performed (steps S5 and S6) after the half-press of the release button is notified (step S1). Based on the comparison result between the obtained imaging magnification n and the threshold values Th1 and Th2 shown in the condition determination table, the detection area control unit 22 determines a suitable focus detection area (step S12).
このように、撮影モードごとの条件判断テーブルを用いる手法は、撮影モードで規定された主要被写体像の画面内に占める割合と焦点検出領域の大きさとの関係を適用することにより、簡素なシステムで主要被写体像が画面内に占める割合と焦点検出領域の大きさとの不適合の発生を防ぐことができる。 Thus, the method using the condition determination table for each shooting mode is a simple system by applying the relationship between the ratio of the main subject image stipulated in the shooting mode in the screen and the size of the focus detection area. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of mismatch between the ratio of the main subject image in the screen and the size of the focus detection area.
また、被写体の種類(例えば、人物の全身撮影あるいはポートレートや、動物、自動車など)に応じて、上述した条件判断テーブルを設け、被写体の種類に応じて閾値を適用して焦点検出領域の変更を制御することもできる。また一方、テンプレートマッチングなどの色情報を用いたシーン認識との併用も可能であり、その場合、シーン認識結果などに基づいて、被写体の種類を推定し、この推定結果を条件判断テーブルの各閾値に反映することもできる。 In addition, the condition determination table described above is provided according to the type of subject (for example, whole-body photography or portrait of a person, animal, car, etc.), and a focus detection area is changed by applying a threshold according to the type of subject. Can also be controlled. On the other hand, it is possible to use together with scene recognition using color information such as template matching. In this case, the type of subject is estimated based on the scene recognition result and the like, and this estimation result is used for each threshold of the condition determination table. Can also be reflected.
また、画面の長手方向が縦であるか横であるかに対応するフレーム方向の変化から、主要被写体像が画面内に占める割合が大きくなる傾向あるいは小さくなる傾向を判断し、この判断結果を焦点検出領域の拡大・縮小に反映することもできる。 Also, from the change in the frame direction corresponding to whether the longitudinal direction of the screen is vertical or horizontal, it is determined whether the proportion of the main subject image in the screen tends to increase or decrease, and this determination result is focused. It can also be reflected in the enlargement / reduction of the detection area.
１１…撮影光学系、１２…撮像素子、１４…レンズ駆動部、１５…露光制御部、１６…撮像処理部、１７…操作パネル、２０…オートフォーカス(ＡＦ)制御部、２１…焦点検出部、２２…検出領域制御部、２３…駆動制御部、２４…倍率算出部、２５…条件判断テーブル。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Imaging optical system, 12 ... Imaging device, 14 ... Lens drive part, 15 ... Exposure control part, 16 ... Imaging process part, 17 ... Operation panel, 20 ... Auto-focus (AF) control part, 21 ... Focus detection part, 22 ... detection area control unit, 23 ... drive control unit, 24 ... magnification calculation unit, 25 ... condition determination table.
Claims (9)
前記光学系により結像される画面内で主要被写体像が占める割合に応じて、前記焦点検出が開始された後に前記焦点検出領域の大きさを変更可能な変更手段と
を備えたことを特徴とするカメラ。 Focus detection means for performing focus detection of the optical system for at least one focus detection position included in the focus detection region;
And changing means capable of changing the size of the focus detection area after the focus detection is started according to the ratio of the main subject image in the screen formed by the optical system. Camera.
前記変更手段は、前記割合としての被写体倍率に応じて、前記焦点検出領域の大きさを変更することを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera of claim 1,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the changing means changes the size of the focus detection area according to the subject magnification as the ratio.
前記変更手段は、前記焦点検出を開始したときからの前記割合の変化量に応じて、前記焦点検出領域の大きさを変更することを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera according to claim 1 or 2,
The change means changes the size of the focus detection area in accordance with a change amount of the ratio from the start of the focus detection.
前記変更手段は、前記焦点検出領域の大きさを段階的に変更可能であり、
前記割合と前記焦点検出領域の大きさとの対応関係を記憶する記憶手段を備えた
ことを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The changing means is capable of changing the size of the focus detection area in stages,
A camera comprising: storage means for storing a correspondence relationship between the ratio and the size of the focus detection area.
前記変更手段は、前記焦点検出領域を任意の形に変更可能であることを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the changing means can change the focus detection area into an arbitrary shape.
前記変更手段は、前記焦点検出領域に含まれる前記焦点検出位置の数が変化するように、前記焦点検出領域の大きさを変更することを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The change means changes the size of the focus detection area so that the number of focus detection positions included in the focus detection area changes.
前記焦点検出手段は、前記変更手段により大きさが変更された後の前記焦点検出領域に含まれる少なくとも一つの前記焦点検出位置について前記焦点検出を行う
ことを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The camera, wherein the focus detection unit performs the focus detection on at least one focus detection position included in the focus detection area after the size is changed by the changing unit.
前記焦点検出手段の検出結果に応じて、前記光学系の焦点調節を行う焦点調節手段を備えることを特徴とするカメラ。 The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A camera comprising: a focus adjustment unit that performs focus adjustment of the optical system according to a detection result of the focus detection unit.
前記焦点検出手段による前記焦点検出の開始を指示する第１指示手段と、
前記画面の撮像動作の開始を指示する第２指示手段とを備え、
前記焦点検出手段は、前記第１指示手段により前記焦点検出の開始が指示されてから前記第２指示手段により前記撮像動作の開始が指示されるまでの間、前記焦点検出を所定の時間毎に繰り返すことを特徴とするカメラ。
The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
First instruction means for instructing start of focus detection by the focus detection means;
Second instruction means for instructing the start of the imaging operation of the screen,
The focus detection unit performs the focus detection at predetermined intervals from when the start of the focus detection is instructed by the first instruction unit to when the start of the imaging operation is instructed by the second instruction unit. A camera characterized by repetition.
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