Imaging device and imaging method

Abstract

This imaging device is provided with: a lens drive unit (102); an imaging element (106); an evaluation value calculation unit (117); a determination unit (117); a focal position calculation unit (117); and a control unit (105). The lens drive unit (102) drives a focusing lens (101). The imaging element (106) images a subject and obtains an image signal. The evaluation value calculation unit (117) reads the image signal by interlacing and calculates an AF evaluation value from the image signal. The determination unit (117) determines whether or not a sequential plurality of AF evaluation values is a distribution that repeatedly increases and decreases. When the plurality of AF evaluation values is determined to be a distribution that repeatedly increases and decreases, the focal position calculation unit (117) finds an interpolation curve from intermediate values for the plurality of adjacent AF evaluation values and calculates the focal position. When the AF evaluation values are determined not to be a distribution that repeatedly increases and decreases, and interpolation curve is found for the AF evaluation values and the focal position is calculated. The control unit (105) drives the focusing lens to the focal position.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device having an imaging element for interlacing image signals and an imaging method using such an imaging device. Background technique [0002] In recent years, the popularity of digital cameras has attracted attention, and their performance has also been improved. In addition, digital cameras in recent years are provided with various functions, whereby photographers can take high-quality photographs without relying on skills. Autofocus functionality is also one of those features. In order not to miss the shutter opportunity, it is necessary to minimize the time required to detect the focus position when using the autofocus function. [0003] Autofocus methods can be broadly classified into active methods and passive methods. [0004] The active method is a method of irradiating auxiliary light such as infrared rays from the camera to the subject, detecting the reflected light of the auxiliary light from ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

If the wrong peak position is calculated, the focusing lens will be driven at a position deviated from the true focusing position, so the AF accuracy will be reduced

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