IMAGE DEVICE, IMAGE CONTROL METHODS AND PROGRAM

Abstract

An imaging device has a display control unit that causes a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image, which is an enlarged part of a live-view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction during the display of the enlarged image by the display unit.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present technology relates to an imaging device, an imaging control method and a program, and in particular to a technology for displaying live-view images in magnified view. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Image capture devices (cameras) have been proposed that can display live-view images in a magnified view. For example, in patent document 1, pressing a specific button switches the display of the live-view images from 1x magnification to the magnified view. This allows the user to check the focus position and similar details on the images displayed in the magnified view. REFERENCE LIST PATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese patent application disclosure number 2017-11579 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS THAT THE INVENTION IS INTENDED TO SOLVE.

[0004] If the shutter release is pressed while a live view image is displayed in magnified view, and image processing is performed, the imaging device described above switches the display of the live view images back to the 1x magnification view. Consequently, even in cases where a particular subject is to be continuously displayed in magnified view in order to continuously capture its images, the live view images are displayed at 1x magnification after each image processing.

[0005] In order to examine part of the subject in live view images in the enlarged view, the user must perform an operation for the enlarged view after each image processing, which forces the user into a complicated operation.

[0006] Therefore, the present technology proposes a technique that allows the user to examine live-view images in an enlarged view without forcing complicated operation. SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS

[0007] An imaging device according to the present technology includes a display control unit which causes a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image, which is an enlarged part of a live-view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction during the display of the enlarged image by the display unit.

[0008] Even if imaging processing is performed while the enlarged image is being displayed, the imaging device can still display the enlarged image, allowing the user to check the image portion of the live view image in the enlarged view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of an imaging device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the imaging device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the imaging device. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the recognizable parts of each motif category. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the focus magnification display when a control target part has been detected. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the focus magnification display when a subject is not detected. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the return to focus magnification. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the switching of the return to focus magnification between On and Off. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of the focus magnification display. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the focus magnification display in one modification. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the focus magnification display in one modification. MODE FOR EXECUTING THE INVENTION

[0009] The embodiments are described below in the following order. <1. Configuration of the imaging device> <2. Recognition Processing> <3. Focus Magnification Display Processing> <4. Modifications> <5. Summary> <6. Existing Technology>

[0010] Please note that, within the context of this technology, the term "images" includes both still and moving images. Furthermore, an "image" refers not only to an image displayed on a screen, but also to image data that is not displayed on the screen.

[0011] A “subject” refers not only to a subject to be captured by an imaging device 1, but also includes a subject image that appears in an image. Furthermore, the term “subject” encompasses not only people, but also various objects such as animals, birds, insects, cars, and trains, as well as parts thereof.

[0012] “Motif categories” refer to the categories or types of motifs and include people, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, etc. Furthermore, a motif category can encompass multiple (two or more) motif categories. Additionally, for example, as in the relationship between “birds” and “kingfishers,” a motif category (kingfishers) contained within a motif category (birds) can be specified separately as a motif category.

[0013] “Image processing” refers to a series of processes of reading image signals from an imaging element in response to a predetermined action, such as fully pressing the shutter release, performing a predetermined signal processing, and subsequently recording the processed image signals on a recording medium as image data.

[0014] An “imaging instruction” refers to an action that causes the imaging processing to be carried out, e.g., a fully pressing of the shutter release. <1. Configuration of the imaging device>

[0015] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the external appearance of the imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that in the following description, the image side is referred to as the front and the side facing the imaging operator is referred to as the back.

[0016] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the imaging device 1 comprises a camera housing 2 with the necessary components arranged inside and outside the housing, and a lens tube 3 which is detachable from the camera housing 2 and is attached to a front surface 2a. Fig. Figure 2 shows the camera body 2 with the lens tube removed.

[0017] The detachable lens tube 3 is an example of a so-called interchangeable lens. A lens tube can be used that cannot be removed from the camera body 2.

[0018] The camera housing 2 has a rear surface 2b on which a rear monitor 4 is arranged. Live view images, reproduced images of recorded images, and the like are displayed on the rear monitor 4.

[0019] The rear monitor 4, for example, is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display.

[0020] The rear monitor 4 is rotatable relative to the camera housing 2. For example, if an upper end section of the rear monitor 4 serves as a pivot point, a lower end section of the rear monitor 4 can rotate backwards. Note that either the right or left end section of the rear monitor 4 can serve as the pivot point. Furthermore, the rear monitor 4 can be rotated about a variety of axes.

[0021] The camera body 2 has a top surface 2c on which an electronic viewfinder (EVF) 5 is arranged. The EVF 5 comprises an EVF monitor 5a and a frame-shaped housing 5b that projects backward around the top and the right and left sides of the EVF monitor 5a.

[0022] The EVF monitor 5a is equipped with an LCD, an organic EL display, or similar technology. It should be noted that an optical viewfinder (OVF) may also be present instead of the EVF monitor 5a.

[0023] Various controls 6 are located on the rear surface 2b and the top surface 2c. Examples include a trigger (a release button), a playback menu activation button, a selection button, a cross button, a cancel button, a zoom button, and a slider button.

[0024] The controls include various shapes such as buttons, knobs, and combination controls that can be pressed and rotated. These controls allow, for example, shutter operation, menu navigation, playback control, mode selection / switching, focus control, zoom control, and the selection / adjustment of parameters such as shutter speed and aperture.

[0025] The operating elements 6 include, for example, a trigger 6a, several user keys 6b, an up key 6c, a down key 6d, a right key 6e, a left key 6f, a destination key 6g, a menu key 6h and a function key 6i.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the internal structure of the imaging device 1.

[0027] In the imaging device 1, light from a subject enters an imaging element 12 via an optical imaging system 11, which contains, for example, a CMOS sensor (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD sensor (Charge Coupled Device), and is photoelectrically converted by the imaging element 12, and an analog image signal is obtained by the imaging element 12.

[0028] The optical imaging system 11 is equipped with various lenses, including a zoom lens, a focusing lens, and a condenser lens, as well as an aperture mechanism, a drive mechanism for the zoom lens, and a drive mechanism for the focusing lens. In some cases, a mechanical shutter is provided.

[0029] The imaging element 12, for example, has a CMOS substrate on which a plurality of pixels, each containing a photodiode (a photo-gate), a transfer-gate (a shutter-transistor), a switching-transistor (an address-transistor), a gain-transistor, a reset-transistor (a reset-gate) and the like, are formed in a two-dimensional array, and a vertical sampling circuit, a horizontal sampling circuit and an image-signal output circuit.

[0030] The imaging element 12 can have either a primary color system or a complementary color system. Analog image signals received from the imaging element 12 are primary color signals of the RGB colors or complementary color signals. Alternatively, the imaging element 12 may not contain any color filters, and the analog image signals received from the imaging element 12 may be black and white image signals.

[0031] Analog image signals from the imaging element 12 are sampled and stored for each color signal in an analog signal processing unit 13 designed as an integrated circuit (IC), adjusted in amplitude by automatic gain control (AGC) and converted into digital image signals by analog-to-digital conversion (A / D).

[0032] The digital image signals (hereinafter referred to as image data) from the analog signal processing unit 13 are entered into an intermediate storage unit 14.

[0033] It should be noted that the imaging element 12 and the analog signal processing unit 13, or the imaging element 12, the analog signal processing unit 13, and the buffer unit 14, can be integrated. Furthermore, image storage, described below as buffer unit 14, can be provided in a stacked imaging element.

[0034] In this example, the intermediate storage unit 14 is equipped with two image storage units 14A and 14B.

[0035] The image data from the analog signal processing unit 13 is alternately stored in the image storage units 14A and 14B. This means that the intermediate storage unit 14 stores two consecutively captured images. The image data stored in the intermediate storage unit 14 is output sequentially to a digital signal processing unit 15, starting from the previously stored image. That is, the image data is output alternately from the image storage units 14A and 14B to the digital signal processing unit 15 according to the image sequence.

[0036] Providing the image storage units 14A and 14B in this way enables the continuous display of live view images without interruptions, e.g., even during successive image captures.

[0037] The digital signal processing unit 15 is configured as an image processor, which, for example, uses a digital signal processor (DSP). The digital signal processing unit 15 performs various types of signal processing on the input image data. For example, as a camera process, the digital signal processing unit 15 performs preprocessing, synchronization processing, YC generation processing, and the like.

[0038] Furthermore, the digital signal processing unit 15 performs various types of processing on the image data, such as compression coding for recording or communication, formatting, the generation or addition of metadata, and the like, to create a file for recording or communication. For example, a still image file is created in a format such as JPEG, Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), or Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). Additionally, an image file can be created, for example, in MP4 format, which is used for recording video and audio data according to MPEG-4.

[0039] Note that an image file can be created as raw image data.

[0040] In addition, the digital signal processing unit 15 performs a resolution conversion of the image data (the input image) that has been subjected to the various types of signal processing in order to produce image data with a lower resolution, for example to display a live view image.

[0041] A memory unit 16 is a buffer memory for image data. Memory unit 16 includes, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0042] The image data processed by the digital signal processing unit 15 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 16 and transmitted at a predetermined time to a recording control unit 17, a display unit 18 or a communication unit 19.

[0043] The recording control unit 17, for example, performs the recording to and playback from a recording medium using non-volatile memory. The recording control unit 17, for example, processes the recording of an image file, such as video or still image data, on the recording medium.

[0044] The recording control unit 17 can be implemented in various forms. For example, the recording control unit 17 can comprise a flash memory integrated into the imaging device 1 and a read / write circuit for it. Furthermore, the recording control unit 17 can take the form of a card-based recording / playback unit that performs recording / playback access to a recording medium that is removable and inserted into the imaging device 1, such as a memory card (like a portable flash memory device). Additionally, the recording control unit 17 can be integrated into the imaging device 1 as a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like.

[0045] The display unit 18 provides various types of display for the user and includes, for example, the rear monitor 4 and the EVF 5, which is arranged on the housing of the imaging device 1, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0046] The display unit 18 executes different types of display on a screen based on instructions from a camera control unit 21.

[0047] For example, the display unit 18 shows a reproduced image of image data read from the recording medium in the recording control unit 17.

[0048] In addition, the display unit 18 receives image data about captured images, which have been converted by the digital signal processing unit 15 into a resolution suitable for display, and performs a corresponding display, i.e. a display of live-view images.

[0049] In addition, the display unit 18 displays various operating menus, symbols, messages and the like, i.e. a graphical user interface (GUI), on the screen based on instructions from the camera control unit 21.

[0050] The communication unit 19 performs data and network communication with external devices in a wired or wireless manner.

[0051] For example, image data (a still image file or a moving image file) and metadata are transferred or output to an external information processing device, a display device, a recording device, a playback device or the like.

[0052] Furthermore, the communication unit 19 can serve as a network communication unit to carry out communication over various networks such as the Internet, a home network and a local area network (LAN) to transmit and receive various types of data to and from a server, an end device and the like in the networks.

[0053] The operating unit 20 collectively comprises input devices with which the user can perform various operating actions. The operating unit 20 consists of the various control elements 6 attached to the housing of the imaging device 1. The control elements 6 corresponding to the operating unit 20 include, for example, a touch panel on the rear monitor 4 and a touchpad. Furthermore, the operating unit 20 can be configured to receive operating signals from a remote control.

[0054] The operating unit 20 recognizes the user's operation and sends a signal corresponding to the entered operation to the camera control unit 21.

[0055] The camera control unit 21 includes a microcomputer (computer processing device) with a central processing unit (CPU). The camera control unit 21 is an imaging control device that controls the operation of the imaging device 1.

[0056] A memory unit 22 stores information and the like, which is used for processing by the camera control unit 21. The memory unit 22 includes, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, etc.

[0057] The memory unit 22 can be a memory area built into a microcomputer chip that serves as a camera control unit 21, or it can be configured with a separate memory chip.

[0058] The camera control unit 21 controls the entire imaging device 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM, flash memory or the like of the memory unit 22.

[0059] For example, the camera control unit 21 executes instructions for the various types of signal processing in the digital signal processing unit 15 and controls an imaging operation, a recording operation, an operation to play back a recorded image file, and the like in response to the user's operating operations.

[0060] In addition, the camera control unit 21 performs automatic exposure control, operating control of the aperture mechanism, control of the shutter speed of the imaging element 12 and AGC gain control in the analog signal processing unit 13.

[0061] In addition, the camera control unit 21 performs drive control of the focus lens and the zoom lens in response to autofocus control, manual focus operation, zoom operation and the like.

[0062] In addition, the camera control unit 21 controls the shutter speed, exposure time and the like in the imaging element 12.

[0063] The camera control unit 21 is equipped with functions such as a recognition unit 31, an image control unit 32 and a display control unit 33.

[0064] The recognition unit 31 performs processing to recognize a motif (control target part) based on an input image.

[0065] The imaging control unit 32 controls the individual units for imaging.

[0066] The display control unit 33 takes over the display control for the images to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0067] The processing performed by the recognition unit 31, the imaging control unit 32 and the display control unit 33 will be described in detail later.

[0068] The working memory (RAM) in the memory unit 22 serves for the temporary storage of data, a program and the like as a working area during various types of data processing by the CPU of the camera control unit 21.

[0069] The ROM and flash memory (non-volatile memory) in memory unit 22 are used to store an operating system (OS) for the CPU to control each unit, application programs for various operations, firmware, various types of setting information, and the like.

[0070] The various types of setting information include communication setting information, setting information related to the imaging process, setting information related to image processing, and the like. Setting information related to the imaging process includes exposure settings, shutter speed settings, curtain speed settings of a mechanical or electronic shutter, mode settings, and the like.

[0071] For example, a driver unit 23 is equipped with a motor driver for a zoom lens drive motor, a motor driver for a focus lens drive motor, a motor driver for an aperture mechanism motor, etc.

[0072] These motor drivers supply the corresponding drivers with drive current at the instruction of the camera control unit 21 (the imaging control unit 32), so that they, for example, move the focus and zoom lens and open and close the aperture blades of the aperture mechanism. <2. Recognition Processing>

[0073] The camera control unit 21 performs recognition processing to identify a subject (a control target part) from a live-view image within a subject category, which is a recognition target from a multitude of subject categories. The subject identified here is, for example, an object to be focused on in the autofocus control or an object to be tracked.

[0074] Examples of subject categories include "Human," "Animal," "Bird," "Insect," "Car / Train," etc. "Animal" is a category for subjects that are mammals other than humans, including domestic mammals such as dogs and cats, and mammals in the wild. "Bird" is a category for subjects that are birds. "Car / Train" is a category for subjects that are cars (automobiles) or trains.

[0075] Furthermore, "Animal + Bird" is provided as a motif category. "Animal + Bird" encompasses the motif categories "Animal" and "Bird" described above. That is, "Animal + Bird" is a category for motifs that are mammals other than humans or birds. This allows for a motif category that includes a wide variety of motif categories.

[0076] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram with recognizable parts for each motif category. Note that in Fig. 4 the recognizable parts are enclosed in squares.

[0077] The imaging device 1 has predetermined parts for each subject category that can be detected during recognition processing (hereinafter referred to as detectable parts). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the motif categories “human”, “animal” and “bird” are represented as recognizable parts with “eye”, “face”, “head” and “body”.

[0078] Note that the recognizable parts "face" and "head" are perceived as the same part. Hereinafter, these will be referred to collectively as "head." However, the recognizable parts "face" and "head" may be perceived as distinct parts.

[0079] Furthermore, the motif categories "human", "animal" and "bird" are marked as recognizable parts with "right eye" and "left eye", which can be switched.

[0080] On the imaging device 1, a control target part is selected from the detectable parts and registered for each subject category. The control target part indicates which part of the detectable parts is to be inspected. "Eye," "Head," and "Body" as detectable parts can be selected individually, and combinations of several detectable parts, in particular "Eye + Head" and "Car (Eye + Head + Body)," can also be selected.

[0081] The control target part "eye + head" includes "eye" and "head" as control target parts, and "eye" takes precedence over "head". Furthermore, the control target part "car" includes the control target parts "eye", "head", and "body", with "eye" taking precedence over "head" and "head" taking precedence over "body".

[0082] Please note that the motif categories "Insect" and "Car / Train" also contain one or more recognizable parts. A description is omitted here.

[0083] Recognition unit 31 identifies a motif and a recognizable part of the motif through recognition processing for each motif category. This recognition processing is performed using an algorithm that is learned, for example, through deep learning, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN).

[0084] In the imaging device 1, the algorithm, which was previously learned for each subject category using deep learning or the like, is stored in the memory unit 22. Furthermore, the user has previously selected a subject category and a control target part on the imaging device 1.

[0085] The recognition unit 31 recognizes a motif and a recognizable part using the algorithm for the previously selected motif category. Thus, the recognition processing allows the recognition of the motif within the motif category that is the recognition target, but the recognition of motifs in motif categories that are not the recognition target is not permitted.

[0086] If, for example, the recognizable part that has been defined as the control target part is recognized in the image, the imaging control unit 32 performs the autofocus control to focus on the part. <3. Focus Magnification Display Processing>[3-1. Focus Magnification Display Example]

[0087] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the focus magnification display when a control target part has been detected. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the focus magnification display when a subject is not detected.

[0088] When the user performs a predefined operation while a live view image 40 is displayed based on an input image, the camera control unit 21 performs focus magnification display processing to display a portion of the live view image 40 in magnified view. For example, the execution of the focus magnification display processing has been pre-assigned to one of the user buttons 6b. Then, when the user button 6b assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing is pressed while the live view image 40 is displayed, the camera control unit 21 performs the focus magnification display processing.

[0089] In this case, where a control target part in the live-view image 40 was detected by the recognition unit 31 based on the input image, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5(a), the display control unit 33 displays a recognition frame 50 around the recognized control target part in the live view image 40.

[0090] If, in this state, the user key 6b, which is assigned to the execution of the focus magnification display processing, is pressed as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5(b), when activated, the display control unit 33 displays a magnified frame 51 superimposed on the live-view image 40 to provide a predetermined display magnification around the control target part. Note that the display control unit 33 can continuously display the detection frame 50 while the magnified frame 51 is displayed.

[0091] Furthermore, the display control unit 33 shows a magnification factor symbol 52, which indicates the magnification factor of the image displayed on the display unit 18 (the rear monitor 4) (the live view image 40, a first magnified image 41, or a second magnified image 42). Here, a magnification of "1.0" is displayed as the magnification factor symbol 52.

[0092] In addition, the display control unit 33 shows an operating manual 53, which specifies the types of controls 6 and the operations to be performed by operating the controls 6.

[0093] If, afterwards, the user button 6b, which is assigned to the execution of the focus magnification display processing, or the determination button 6g is pressed, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5(c), the display control unit 33 displays a portion of the image, shown through the magnification frame 51 in the live view image 40, in a magnified view across the entire display unit 18. That is, the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display, as the first magnified image 41, the portion of the image around the control target part in the live view image 40, magnified to a predetermined magnification factor (here a magnification factor of 5.0). In other words, the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display, as the first magnified image 41, the portion of the image centered on the detected control target part of the detectable parts according to the subject category selected by the user. In other words, the display control unit 33 determines an area (a part) of the subject that is displayed as the first magnified image 41 according to the subject category.

[0094] In addition, the display control unit 33 displays the magnification factor symbol 52, an image center marker 54, an enlarged position display area 55 and motion display symbols 56, which are superimposed on the first enlarged image 41.

[0095] The image center marker 54 is a marker indicating the center point of the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42, e.g. a cross marker.

[0096] The enlarged position display area 55 is shown in the lower left corner of the display unit 18. In the enlarged position display area 55, a black portion indicates the imaging area of ​​the live view image 40, and a white frame indicates the display area of ​​the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42. Thus, the enlarged position display area 55 shows the position of the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 within the live view image 40. Note that the enlarged position display area 55 can also show the reduced live view image 40 instead of black. Furthermore, the enlarged position display area 55 on the display unit 18 can be changed depending on the position of the subject in the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42.In particular, the enlarged position display area 55 can be displayed in a position that does not overlap the subject in the first enlarged image 41 or in the second enlarged image 42.

[0097] The display shift symbols 56 are displayed separately on the upper, lower, left and right sides of the display unit 18 and indicate that the part of the live view image 40 displayed as the first enlarged image 41 or as the second enlarged image 42 can be shifted.

[0098] If the user button 6b, which is assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing, or the determination button 6g is pressed in a state in which the Fig. 5(c) shows the first enlarged image 41 displayed on the display unit 18, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5(d), the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the second magnified image 42, which is part of the live-view image 40 that is further magnified (here to a magnification of 10) with respect to the center of the first magnified image 41. In addition, the display control unit 33 displays the magnification factor symbol 52, the image center marker 54, the magnified position indicator area 55, and the display displacement symbols 56, which are superimposed on the second magnified image 42.

[0099] For example, if the shutter release 6a is half-pressed after the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 is displayed on the display unit 18 as described above, the imaging control unit 32 controls each unit to focus on the subject corresponding to the center of the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42. It should be noted that the imaging control unit 32 can control each unit to focus on a focus target determined by the autofocus control on the live view image 40, rather than on the center of the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42.

[0100] Consequently, by checking the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42, the user can check the position to be focused on, the current level of sharpness, and the like on the enlarged image.

[0101] If the position to be focused on is not in the center of the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42, the user presses the up button 6c, the down button 6d, the right button 6e, and the left button 6f to move the position displayed in the enlarged view on the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 in the live view image 40. That is, by moving the portion of the image displayed on the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42, the user can change the position to which they wish to focus, or similar.

[0102] On the other hand, in a case where the control target part was not detected by the detection unit 31 in the live view image 40, as in Fig. 6(a) shown, the recognition frame 50 is not shown in the live view image 40.

[0103] If, in this state, the user key 6b, which is assigned to the execution of the focus magnification display processing, is pressed as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(b), when activated, the display control unit 33 displays the magnification frame 51, which is superimposed on the live view image 40 to provide a predetermined display magnification with respect to the center of the live view image 40.

[0104] Then, when the user button 6b, which assigns the execution of the focus magnification display processing, or the determination button 6g is pressed, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(c), the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display a portion of the image shown by the magnification frame 51 in the live-view image 40 as the first magnified image 41. That is, the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the first magnified image 41 in which the central part of the live-view image 40 is magnified.

[0105] In addition, the display control unit 33 displays the magnification factor symbol 52, the image center marker 54, the magnified position display area 55 and the display shift symbols 56, which are superimposed on the first magnified image 41.

[0106] If the user button 6b, which has been assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing, or the determination button 6g is pressed in a state in which the Fig. 6(c) shows the first enlarged image 41 displayed on the display unit 18, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(d), the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the second magnified image 42, in which a portion of the live-view image 40 is further magnified relative to the center of the first magnified image 41. In addition, the display control unit 33 displays the magnification factor symbol 52, the image center marker 54, the magnified position indicator area 55, and the display displacement symbols 56, which are superimposed on the second magnified image 42.

[0107] In a case where the control target part is not detected, the central part of the live view image 40 is displayed in a magnified view. Then, for example, the up button 6c, the down button 6d, the right button 6e, and the left button 6f are pressed to move the position displayed on the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 in the live view image 40. That is, the user can change the position to be focused, or similar, by moving the position of the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42.

[0108] As described above, during focus magnification display processing, a portion (an image part) of the live view image 40 is displayed in magnified view as either the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42. When the shutter release 6a is then activated (fully pressed) while the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 is displayed on the display unit 18, the image processing is performed. During image processing, image signals are read from the imaging element 12 and subjected to a predetermined image processing procedure, and subsequently, image data is recorded on the recording medium.It should be noted that the image recorded as image data is not the image section shown in the enlarged view of the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42, but the entire image captured by the imaging element 12, which corresponds to the live view image 40.

[0109] This means that the first enlarged image 41 and the second enlarged image 42 are displayed in enlarged view so that the user can check part of the image to be recorded, and are not enlarged in order to record only that part.

[0110] Note that when the display unit 18 displays the live view image 40, the user can double-tap a point to focus on in the live view image 40 via the touch panel or the like, so that the display control unit 33 displays the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 with the double-tapped part of the image in the center.

[0111] Furthermore, the display control unit 33 can also display the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 with the subject in the center if a subject is in focus, even if the control target part has not been detected. [3-2. Return to focus magnification]

[0112] When the trigger 6a is activated (fully pressed) to perform the imaging processing, the display control unit 33 can selectively control whether the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 is continuously displayed after the imaging instruction, depending on whether the preset return to focus magnification is enabled or disabled.

[0113] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the return to focus magnification. Note that the Fig. 7(a) to 7(c) with the Fig. Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are identical, so the description of these figures is omitted.

[0114] For example, if the trigger 6a is half-pressed in a state where the first enlarged image 41 is displayed on the display unit 18, as in Fig. As shown in 7(c), the focus is on the motif corresponding to the center of the first enlarged image 41, as in Fig. 7(d) shown. In addition, the display control unit 33 displays a focus mark 57, indicating that sharpness has been achieved at the relevant point.

[0115] When the trigger 6a is fully pressed, the imaging control unit 32 causes the image focused on the subject, which corresponds to the center of the first magnified image 41, to be captured and recorded as image data on the recording medium.

[0116] In this case, the return to focus magnification is a function for continuously displaying the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 that was displayed up to that point after the imaging instruction was executed.

[0117] If the return to focus magnification is enabled, this will be displayed in Fig. 7(c) shows the first enlarged image 41 continuously displayed on the display unit 18 according to the imaging instruction. It should be noted that in a case where the first enlarged image 41 is displayed continuously, the display control unit 33 once displays the image (the entire image) to be recorded on the display unit 18 during imaging processing for a predetermined time and then displays the first enlarged image 41.

[0118] Thus, "the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 is displayed continuously" means that the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 is displayed on the display unit 18 without user operation. In other words, "the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 is displayed continuously" causes the display unit 18 to resume displaying the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 without user operation. The first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 displayed after the imaging instruction is given is the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 that is displayed when the display resumes.

[0119] Therefore, even if a different image is inserted during the execution of the image processing instruction, e.g., if the image to be recorded during image processing is temporarily displayed, or if a black image (a silent image) is temporarily displayed during image processing, the cases in which the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 is displayed on the display unit 18 without the display switching to the live-view image 40 are also included in the continuous display of the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42. Furthermore, in the imaging device 1, where no so-called blackouts occur during continuous image acquisition (series image acquisition), the live-view image 40 is temporarily displayed before the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 is displayed.Such a case also exists when continuing (resuming) the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42.

[0120] When the first enlarged image 41 is continuously displayed, a portion of the image is also shown that occupies the same area as the area of ​​the first enlarged image 41 in the live-view image 40 that was displayed before the imaging instruction. That is, if the imaging device 1 and the subject have not moved before and after the imaging processing, the same subject as before the imaging processing appears in the first enlarged image 41 that is displayed again.

[0121] On the other hand, the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the live view image 40, as shown in the figure, when the return to focus magnification is switched off. Fig. 7(a) shown, instead of displaying the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 that is displayed after the imaging instruction. In a case where the return to focus magnification is turned off, the display control unit 33 completes the processing of the focus magnification display and displays the live view image 40 on the display unit 18 without resuming the display of the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 after the imaging instruction.

[0122] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the toggling of the return to focus magnification between On and Off. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8(a), the instruction manual 53 indicates that the return to focus magnification can be switched on and off by pressing the function button 6i.

[0123] If then, as in the Fig. 8(b) and Fig. As shown in Figure 8(c), when the function key 6i is pressed while the first magnified image 41 is displayed on the display unit 18, the return to focus magnification is, for example, switched on and off.

[0124] For example, if the function key 6i is pressed while the return to focus magnification is switched off, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8(b), the display control unit 33 displays a display switching instruction 58 with the description “Return to focus magnification: On”, indicating that the return to focus magnification has been turned on.

[0125] However, if the function key 6i is pressed when the return to focus magnification is enabled, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8(c), the display control unit 33 displays the display switching guide 58 with the description “Return to focus magnification: Off”, indicating that the return to focus magnification is switched off. <3-3. Processing of the focus magnification display>

[0126] Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process of focus magnification display processing. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, in step S1 the display control unit 33 determines whether the user button 6b, which is assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing, has been pressed (whether an operation to execute the focus magnification display processing has been performed). Then step S1 is repeated until the user button 6b, which is assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing, is pressed.

[0127] When the user button 6b, which is assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing, is pressed (Yes in step S1), the display control unit 33 determines in step S2 whether there is a control target part (a subject) that has been detected by the detection unit 31 in the live view image 40. Consequently, if there is a detected control target part (Yes in step S2), the display control unit 33 displays the magnification frame 51 in step S3, centered on the detected control target part and superimposed on the live view image 40. Conversely, if there is no detected control target part (No in step S2), the display control unit 33 displays the magnification frame 51 in step S4 relative to the center of the live view image 40.

[0128] In step S5, the display control unit 33 determines whether the user button 6b, which is assigned to execute the focus magnification display processing, or the determination button 6g has been pressed, i.e., whether an operation for the magnified display has been performed. Consequently, if the operation for the magnified display was not performed (No in step S5), the process continues with step S7, and step S6 is skipped.

[0129] On the other hand, in step S6, the display control unit 33 displays the first enlarged image 41 when the live view image 40 is displayed, and displays the second enlarged image 42 when the first enlarged image 41 is displayed, if the operation for the enlarged display has been performed (Yes in step S5).

[0130] In step S7, the display control unit 33 determines whether the up button 6c, the down button 6d, the right button 6e, and the left button 6f have been pressed, i.e., whether an operation to move the portion of the image to be displayed in the enlarged view has been performed. Consequently, if the operation to move the portion of the image to be displayed in the enlarged view has not been performed (No in step S7), the process continues with step S9, and step S8 is skipped.

[0131] On the other hand, in a case where the operation to move the section to be displayed in the enlarged view has been performed (Yes in step S7), in step S8 the image section of the live view image 40 to be displayed in the enlarged view is moved according to the actuation of the up button 6c, the down button 6d, the right button 6e and the left button 6f in order to display the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42.

[0132] In step S9, the imaging control unit 32 determines whether an operation to perform autofocus, such as half-pressing the shutter release button 6a, has been carried out. Consequently, if the operation to perform autofocus was not carried out (No in step S9), the process continues to step S11, and step S10 is skipped.

[0133] On the other hand, in a case where the operation to perform autofocus has been carried out (Yes in step S9), the imaging control unit 32 performs the autofocus control in step S10 to focus on a predetermined subject. The display control unit 33 focuses, for example, on the center of the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42, or on the detected control target part.

[0134] In step S11, the imaging control unit 32 determines whether an operation of the imaging instruction to perform image processing, such as fully pressing the trigger 6a, has been carried out. Consequently, if the operation to perform image processing has not been carried out (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S15, and the processing in steps S12 to S14 is skipped.

[0135] On the other hand, in a case where the process to perform image processing has been carried out (Yes in step S11), the image control unit 32 in step S12 controls each unit to perform image processing in order to record image data on the recording medium.

[0136] In step S13, the display control unit 33 determines whether the return to focus magnification is enabled. If the return to focus magnification is not enabled, i.e., if the return to focus magnification is disabled (No in step S13), the process continues to step S16, and steps S14 and S15 are skipped.

[0137] On the other hand, in a case where the return to focus magnification is enabled (Yes in step S13), in step S14 the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the image to be stored on the storage medium during image processing, and then causes the display unit 18 to continuously display the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 in a similar manner as before the image processing instruction.

[0138] In step S15, the display control unit 33 determines whether a predetermined operation to terminate the focus magnification display processing has been performed. If the operation to terminate the focus magnification display processing has not been performed (No in step S15), the process returns to step S5.

[0139] On the other hand, if the return to focus magnification is turned off (No in step S13) and the operation to exit focus magnification display processing has been performed (Yes in step S15), the display control unit 33 in step S16 causes the display unit 18 to display the live view image 40. <4. Modifications>

[0140] It should be noted that the embodiment is not limited to the specific examples described above and can take on various configurations as modifications.

[0141] In the embodiment described above, for example, the first enlarged image 41 and the second enlarged image 42 are provided as enlarged images. However, an enlarged image can only be one of the first enlarged images 41 and the second enlarged images 42, or enlarged images with three or more different magnifications can be provided.

[0142] In the embodiment described above, the focus is set to the center of the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 when the trigger 6a is half-pressed while the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 is displayed on the display unit 18.

[0143] However, if, for example, the control target part (the subject) has been detected by the detection unit 31, the focus can be set on the detected control target part when the trigger 6a is half-pressed while the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 is displayed on the display unit 18.

[0144] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, in a case where the return to focus magnification is enabled and the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 is displayed after the imaging instruction, an image section in the same area as the area in the live view image 40 that was displayed before the imaging instruction is displayed in the magnified view.

[0145] However, in a case where the control target part (the subject) has been detected by the recognition unit 31, the display control unit 33 can, according to the imaging instruction, display the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 centered on the subject detected by the recognition unit 31 (the detected control target part of the detectable parts according to the subject category).

[0146] This means that the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 can be displayed in such a way that the control target part tracked by the recognition unit 31 appears in the center.

[0147] As in Fig. 10(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 10(b), it is assumed that the control target part (here the bird's left eye) has been detected by the recognition unit 31 and that the first magnified image 41 centered on the control target part is displayed on the display unit 18. In this case, even if the imaging instruction is executed and the bird moves as shown in Figure 10(b), the control target part is not detected by the recognition unit 31 and the first magnified image 41 centered on the control target part is displayed on the display unit 18. Fig. As shown in Figure 10(c), the display control unit 33 moves if the detection unit 31 continues to detect the control target part, as shown in Figure 10(c). Fig. 10(d) shows the image section to be displayed in enlarged view in order to display the first enlarged image 41 centered on the control target part on the display unit 18.

[0148] In this way, the imaging device 1 can provide a magnified display of the control target part.

[0149] Furthermore, when return to focus magnification is enabled, the display control unit 33 can display the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42 centered on an image section that, according to the imaging instruction, is centered on a focused subject.

[0150] Furthermore, in a case where the return to focus magnification is enabled, the display control unit 33 can, after the imaging instruction, display an image section in the same area as the area in the live view image 40 that was displayed before the imaging instruction, or the subject (the control target part) that was detected by the recognition unit 31 in the live view image 40, as the magnified image based on a predetermined condition.

[0151] Note that several conditions can be specified as predefined conditions. For example, the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42 will be displayed based on a user-defined condition.

[0152] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, it is determined whether the live view image 40, the first magnified image 41, or the second magnified image 42 should be displayed according to the imaging instruction, depending on whether the return to focus magnification is switched on or off.

[0153] As in the Fig. 11(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 11(b), the display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the live view image 40 instead of the magnified image (the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42) if the subject (the control target part) disappears from the live view image 40 after the imaging instruction. On the other hand, as shown in the Fig. 11(c) and Fig. 11(d) shown, cause the display unit 18 to display the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41) centered on the subject when the subject (the control target part) is in the live view image 40.

[0154] Furthermore, the display control unit 33 can, for example, in a case where several modes are available, such as a sports mode that is optimal for recording sports scenes and a landscape mode that is optimal for recording landscapes, determine whether the enlarged image should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction in accordance with a set mode or not.

[0155] In addition, the display control unit 33 can decide, depending on the movement of the subject, whether the enlarged image should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction or not.

[0156] If the subject is moving, for example, the focus has to be readjusted with every movement. Displaying the magnified image makes focusing easier. Furthermore, in cases where the subject is hardly moving, such as in a landscape, it is not necessary to readjust the focus. The Live View image thus allows for complete control. <5. Summary>

[0157] The following effects can be achieved with the imaging device 1 of the above embodiment.

[0158] The imaging device 1 of the embodiment comprises the display control unit 33, which causes the display unit 18 to continuously display the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42), which is an enlarged part of the live-view image 40 based on the input image, according to the imaging instruction during the display of the enlarged image by the display unit 18.

[0159] Consequently, for example, in a case where continuous image recording is desired, the imaging device 1 can continue to display the enlarged image even when the imaging instruction is being executed while the enlarged image is displayed, so that the user can check a portion of the live view image displayed in the enlarged view if necessary.

[0160] Therefore, it is possible to allow the user to check the live view image displayed in the enlarged view without forcing complicated operation.

[0161] Furthermore, the display control unit 33 instructs the display unit 18 to resume displaying the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42) according to the image instruction.

[0162] Consequently, the imaging device 1 allows the user to check the live view image displayed in the magnified view without forcing complicated operation.

[0163] Furthermore, the display control unit 33 can selectively control whether the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42) should be displayed continuously after the imaging instruction or not.

[0164] Consequently, the imaging device 1 can cause the display unit 18 to display either the live view image 40 or the magnified image, according to the imaging instruction, depending on the user's preference or usage status.

[0165] Furthermore, the imaging device 1 includes a recognition unit 31, which recognizes the subject (the control target part) based on the input image. The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display an image section centered on the subject recognized by the recognition unit 31 in the live view image 40 as an enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42).

[0166] Consequently, the image capture device 1 enables the user to easily check the subject to be focused on, e.g. by means of autofocus.

[0167] The display control unit 33 determines an area of ​​the motif to be displayed as an enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42), according to the motif category.

[0168] In this way, an optimal range for magnification can be determined depending on the subject category.

[0169] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display, as an enlarged image, a section of the image that is centered on the recognized control target part of the recognizable parts according to the category of the subject.

[0170] This allows some of the recognizable parts, which are considered optimal depending on the motif category, to be enlarged for review by the user.

[0171] The control target part is selected by the user from the identifiable parts.

[0172] This allows the user to enlarge the part they want to inspect.

[0173] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display an image section centered on a sharp subject as an enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42).

[0174] Consequently, the image capture device 1 enables the user to easily check the subject to be focused on, e.g. by means of autofocus.

[0175] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display a section of the image in the same area as the area of ​​the magnified image in the live view image 40, which at the time of the imaging instruction is displayed as the magnified image (the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42) to be displayed after the imaging instruction.

[0176] Consequently, the imaging device 1 allows the user to check the same area in the live view image 40 as the magnified image before and after the imaging instruction, for example when images are continuously being taken.

[0177] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display an image section centered on the subject detected by the recognition unit 31 (the control target part) in the live view image 40 as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42).

[0178] Consequently, the imaging device 1 enables the user to check the image section in which the subject detected by the recognition unit 31 appears in the enlarged image before and after image processing, for example when continuously taking pictures of the same subject.

[0179] The display control unit 33 determines the area of ​​the subject to be displayed as an enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42), according to the subject category.

[0180] This allows the determination of the optimal magnification range depending on the subject category.

[0181] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display an image section centered on the detected control target part of the detectable parts, according to the category of the subject, as the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42) to be displayed according to the imaging instruction.

[0182] This allows some of the recognizable parts, which are considered optimal depending on the motif category, to be enlarged for review by the user.

[0183] The control target part is selected by the user from the identifiable parts.

[0184] This allows the user to enlarge the part they want to inspect.

[0185] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display an image section centered on a sharp subject as an enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction.

[0186] Consequently, the image capture device 1 enables the user to easily check the subject to be focused on, e.g. by means of autofocus.

[0187] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display a section of the image in the same area as the area of ​​the magnified image in the live view image 40 that is displayed at the time of the imaging instruction, or centered on the subject that was detected by the recognition unit 31 in the live view image 40, as the magnified image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction and the predetermined condition.

[0188] Consequently, after image processing, the imaging device 1 can display the original position or subject as an enlarged image, depending on the user's preference or usage status.

[0189] The display control unit 33 causes the display unit 18 to display the live view image 40 instead of the magnified image that is to be displayed according to the imaging instruction when the subject leaves the live view image 40, and causes the display unit 18 to display an image section centered on the subject as the magnified image (the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42) that is to be displayed according to the imaging instruction when the subject is in the live view image 40.

[0190] If the subject disappears from the live view image 40, the imaging device 1 can thus avoid not displaying the subject even when the magnified image is displayed, and instead perform an additional operation, such as moving the portion of the image displayed in the magnified image to search for the subject.

[0191] The display control unit 33 determines whether the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42) should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction or not, depending on the movement of the subject.

[0192] Consequently, the imaging device 1 displays the subject in a magnified view to facilitate focusing, for example, in a case where the subject is moving and therefore the focus must be adjusted for each movement. If the subject hardly moves, such as in a landscape, the imaging device 1 does not need to readjust the focus but displays the live view image 40 so that everything can be checked.

[0193] As described above, the user can check a more suitable image by displaying the live view image 40 or the enlarged image according to the movement of the subject.

[0194] In a case where the imaging instruction is executed according to a set mode, the display control unit 33 determines, according to the set mode, whether the display should be switched from the magnified image (the first magnified image 41 or the second magnified image 42) to the live view image 40 or not, or whether the magnified image should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction.

[0195] Consequently, depending on the mode, the imaging device 1 can optimally display either the live view image or the magnified image.

[0196] An imaging control procedure causes the display unit 18 to continuously display the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42), which is an enlarged part of the live view image 40 based on the input image, according to the imaging instruction during the display of the enlarged image by the display unit 18.

[0197] Furthermore, a program instructs a computer to cause the display unit 18 to continuously display the enlarged image (the first enlarged image 41 or the second enlarged image 42), which is an enlarged part of the live view image 40 based on the input image, according to the imaging instruction during the display of the enlarged image by the display unit 18.

[0198] The program of the embodiment is, for example, a program that causes a processor such as a CPU or a DSP, or a device containing these, to perform the image processing described above.

[0199] Such a program can be pre-recorded on a hard disk as a recording medium, which is installed in a device such as a computer, a ROM in a microcomputer with a CPU, or the like. Alternatively, such a program can be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) on a removable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a read-only compact disc (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or a memory card. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as packaged software.

[0200] Furthermore, such a program can be installed from a removable recording medium on a personal computer or the like, or downloaded from a download site over a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0201] Please note that the effects described in this description are merely examples and are not limited, and that other effects may also be achieved. <6. Existing Technology>

[0202] It should be noted that the present technology can also assume the following configurations.

[0203] (1) Imaging device comprising the following: A display control unit that causes a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image, which is an enlarged portion of a live-view image based on an input image, following an imaging instruction during the display of the enlarged image by the display unit.

[0204] (2) Imaging device according to point (1), the display control unit causes the display unit to resume displaying the enlarged image according to the imaging instruction.

[0205] (3) Imaging device according to point (1) or (2), the display control unit can selectively control whether the enlarged image should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction or not.

[0206] (4) Imaging device according to any of points (1) to (3) further comprising: a recognition unit that recognizes a motif based on the input image, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to show, as an enlarged image, a section of the image centered on the subject detected by the recognition unit in the live view image.

[0207] (5) Imaging device according to point (4), the display control unit determines an area of ​​the subject to be displayed as an enlarged image according to the subject's category.

[0208] (6) Imaging device according to point (5), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display as an enlarged image a section of the image centered on a recognized control target part of recognizable parts according to the category of the subject.

[0209] (7) Imaging device according to point (6), where the control target part is selected by a user from the recognizable parts.

[0210] (8) Imaging device according to one of points (1) to (3), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to show, as an enlarged image, a section of the image centered on a sharply focused subject.

[0211] (9) Imaging device according to one of points (1) to (8), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a portion of the image in the same area as the area of ​​the magnified image in the live view image displayed at the time of the imaging instruction, as the magnified image to be displayed after the imaging instruction.

[0212] (10) Imaging device according to point (4), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the image section centered on the subject detected by the recognition unit in the live view image as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction.

[0213] (11) Imaging device according to point (10), wherein the display control unit determines an area of ​​the subject to be displayed as an enlarged image, which is to be displayed according to the imaging instruction, depending on the category of the subject.

[0214] (12) Imaging device according to point (11), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a portion of the image centered on a detected control target part of detectable parts according to the subject category, as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction.

[0215] (13) Imaging device according to point (12), where the control target part is selected by a user from the recognizable parts.

[0216] (14) Imaging device according to one of points (1) to (3), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image section centered on a focused subject as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction.

[0217] (15) Imaging device according to one of points (3) to (8) and (10) to (14), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a portion of the image in the same area as the area of ​​the magnified image in the live-view image displayed at the time of the imaging instruction, or the portion of the image centered on the subject detected by the recognition unit in the live-view image, as the magnified image to be displayed according to a predetermined condition following the imaging instruction.

[0218] (16) Imaging device according to one of points (3) to (15), wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the live view image instead of the magnified image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction when a subject moves out of the live view image, and causes the display unit to display a subject-centered image portion as the magnified image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction when the subject is in the live view image.

[0219] (17) Imaging device according to one of points (3) to (16), the display control unit determines whether the enlarged image should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction, depending on the movement of a subject, or not.

[0220] (18) Imaging device according to any of points (3) to (17), wherein, in a case where the imaging instruction is carried out according to a set mode, the display control unit determines whether the display should be switched from the magnified image to the live view image according to the mode or not, or whether the magnified image should be displayed continuously according to the imaging instruction in the set mode.

[0221] (19) Imaging control procedure, which includes the following: To cause a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image, which is an enlarged portion of a live-view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction while the display unit is showing the enlarged image.

[0222] (20) Program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: To cause a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image, which is an enlarged portion of a live-view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction while the display unit is showing the enlarged image. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 Imaging device 6 Control element 21 Camera control unit 31 Recognition unit 32 Imaging control unit 33 Display control unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2017-11579

[0003]

Claims

[1] Imaging device comprising: a display control unit that causes a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image that is an enlarged part of a live view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction during display of the enlarged image by the display unit. [2] The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to resume displaying the enlarged image after the imaging instruction. [3] The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit can selectively control whether or not to continuously display the enlarged image according to the imaging instruction. [4] The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a recognition unit that recognizes a subject based on the input image, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display, as the enlarged image, an image portion centered on the subject detected by the detection unit in the live view image. [5] An imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit determines a region of the subject to be displayed as an enlarged image according to a category of the subject. [6] The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display, as the enlarged image, an image portion centered on a recognized inspection target part of recognizable parts according to the category of the subject. [7] An imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inspection target part is selected by a user from the recognizable parts. [8] An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display, as an enlarged image, a portion of the image centered on a subject in focus. [9] The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image portion in the same area as an area of ​​the enlarged image in the live view image displayed at the time of the imaging instruction as the enlarged image to be displayed after the imaging instruction. [10] The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the image portion centered on the subject detected by the detection unit in the live view image as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction. [11] The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display control unit determines a region of the subject to be displayed as the enlarged image to be displayed after the imaging instruction, according to a category of the subject. [12] The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image portion centered on a recognized inspection target part of recognizable parts according to the category of the subject as the enlarged image to be displayed after the imaging instruction. [13] An imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the inspection target part is selected by a user from the recognizable parts. [14] The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image portion centered on a subject in focus as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction. [15] The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image portion in the same area as an area of ​​the enlarged image in the live view image displayed at the time of the imaging instruction or the image portion centered on the subject recognized by the recognition unit in the live view image as the enlarged image to be displayed after the imaging instruction according to a predetermined condition. [16] The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the live view image instead of the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction when a subject goes out of the live view image, and causes the display unit to display an image portion centered on the subject as the enlarged image to be displayed according to the imaging instruction when the subject is in the live view image. [17] An imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit determines whether or not to continuously display the enlarged image after the imaging instruction depending on a movement of a subject. [18] The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, in a case where the imaging instruction is executed according to a set mode, the display control unit determines whether or not to switch the display from the enlarged image to the live view image according to the mode, or whether to continuously display the enlarged image after the imaging instruction according to the set mode. [19] Imaging control method comprising: Causing a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image that is an enlarged portion of a live view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction while the display unit is displaying the enlarged image. [20] Program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: Causing a display unit to continuously display an enlarged image that is an enlarged portion of a live view image based on an input image, according to an imaging instruction while the display unit is displaying the enlarged image.

Images