Focus adjustment control device and method, imaging apparatus, program and recording medium

Abstract

To perform focus adjustment control more according to the user's intention.SOLUTION: A focus adjustment control device includes: acquisition means which acquires operation information of operation means for operating a focus lens; detection means which detects a subject on the basis of an image signal obtained from an imaging element; and control means which selects one of first focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment on the basis of the image signal and second focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment on the basis of the operation of the operation means. The control means selects one of the first focus adjustment means and the second focus adjustment means on the basis of the motion of the subject and the operation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a focus adjustment control device and method, an imaging device, and a program and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with imaging devices such as mirrorless cameras, shooting while viewing the live view screen has become mainstream, and the demand for video shooting is also increasing. In video shooting, the stability and quality of the focusing operation are important, and there is a demand for a stable focus and smooth focus shifting.

[0003] On the other hand, with the increase in the number of pixels of imaging devices and improvements in subject detection technology, when it is difficult for a user to keep the focus by manual operation, assist technology that automatically compensates for the focusing operation of the camera as necessary is becoming important. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose methods for automatically switching between manual focus and autofocus according to the defocus amount detected by the camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-130793 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-218161 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both automatically switch to autofocus when the detected defocus amount is small, which causes the following problems: In other words, the user may move onto an unintended subject during manual focus operation, or the focus may become unstable due to variations in focus detection results.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to enable focus adjustment control to be performed in accordance with the user's intentions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the focus adjustment control device of the present invention has an acquisition means for acquiring operation information of an operating means for operating a focus lens, a detection means for detecting a subject based on an image signal obtained from an imaging element, and a control means for selecting either a first focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment based on the image signal or a second focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment based on operation of the operating means, and the control means selects either the first focus adjustment means or the second focus adjustment means based on the movement of the subject and the operation information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform focus adjustment control that is more in line with the user's intention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a pixel array of an image sensor according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart of focus adjustment control in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of focus adjustment control in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]5A to 5C are diagrams showing a specific example of focus adjustment control in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of focus adjustment control in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <First embodiment> 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image capture device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image capture device according to this embodiment has the configuration of an interchangeable lens camera in which a lens unit 10 and a camera body 20 are detachably connected via a mount unit (not shown). A lens control unit 106 that controls the overall operation of the lens unit 10 and a camera control unit 212 that controls the overall operation of the image capture device communicate information with each other via terminals provided in the mount unit.

[0012] First, the configuration of the lens unit 10 will be described. The lens unit 10 includes a fixed lens 101, an aperture 102, a focus lens 103, an aperture drive unit 104, a focus lens drive unit 105, a lens control unit 106, and a lens operation unit 107. The fixed lens 101 to the focus lens 103 constitute an imaging optical system. The aperture 102 is driven by the aperture drive unit 104, and controls the amount of light incident on an image sensor 201, which will be described later. The focus lens 103 is driven by the focus lens drive unit 105, and adjusts the focus of an image formed on the image sensor 201, which will be described later. The aperture drive unit 104 and the focus lens drive unit 105 are controlled by the lens control unit 106, and move the opening amount of the aperture 102 and the position of the focus lens 103.

[0013] The lens operation unit 107 is a group of input devices that allow the user to make settings related to the operation of the lens unit 10, such as switching between AF (autofocus) mode and MF (manual focus) mode, adjusting the position of the focus lens by MF, setting the image stabilization mode, etc. When the lens operation unit 107 is operated, the lens control unit 106 performs control according to the operation.

[0014] The lens control unit 106 controls the aperture driving unit 104 and the focus lens driving unit 105 in accordance with control commands and control information received from a camera control unit 212 (described later), and also transmits lens control information to the camera control unit 212.

[0015] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the camera body 20. The camera body 20 is configured to photoelectrically convert a light beam that has passed through the photographing optical system of the lens unit 10, and obtain an image signal.

[0016] The image sensor 201 is composed of a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like. A light beam incident via the photographing optical system of the lens unit 10 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 201, and is converted into a signal charge according to the amount of incident light by a photodiode provided in each pixel arranged in the image sensor 201. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out from the image sensor 201 as a voltage signal according to the signal charge, based on a drive pulse output by a timing generator 214 in accordance with a command from a camera control unit 212.

[0017] Here, a configuration example of the image sensor 201 and signals to be read out will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the pixel array of the image sensor 201 in this embodiment, and shows the pixel array of a two-dimensional CMOS sensor used as the image sensor 201 in a range of 4 columns x 4 rows of imaging pixels (a range of 8 columns x 4 rows as the array of focus detection pixels).

[0018] In this embodiment, the pixel group 300 is composed of pixels arranged in 2 columns by 2 rows, and is covered with color filters in a Bayer array. In each pixel group 300, a pixel 300R having a spectral sensitivity of R (red) is arranged at the upper left position, a pixel 300G having a spectral sensitivity of G (green) is arranged at the upper right and lower left positions, and a pixel 300B having a spectral sensitivity of B (blue) is arranged at the lower right position. Furthermore, in the image sensor 201 of this embodiment, in order to perform focus detection using an image plane phase difference method, each pixel holds multiple photodiodes (photoelectric conversion units) for one microlens 315. In this embodiment, each pixel is composed of two photodiodes 311 and 312 arranged in 2 columns by 1 row.

[0019] The image sensor 201 is capable of acquiring image signals and AF signals by arranging a large number of pixel groups 300, each of which is made up of 2 columns x 2 rows of pixels (4 columns x 2 rows of photodiodes) as shown in FIG. 2, on the imaging surface.

[0020] In each pixel having such a configuration, the light beams passing through different pupil regions of the photographing optical system of the lens unit 10 are separated by the microlens 315 and imaged on the photodiodes 311 and 312. Then, a signal (A+B signal) obtained by adding the signals from the two photodiodes 311 and 312 is used as an image signal for recording, and two signals (A signal, B signal) read out from each of the photodiodes 311 and 312 are used as focus detection signals. Note that the image signal and the focus detection signal may be read out separately, but in consideration of the processing load, the following may be used. That is, the image signal (A+B signal) and one of the focus detection signals (e.g., A signal) of the photodiodes 311 and 312 are read out, and the difference is taken to obtain the other focus detection signal (e.g., B signal) having parallax. Using the focus detection signal obtained in this way, focus detection by the image plane phase difference method (image plane phase difference AF) can be performed.

[0021] In this embodiment, each pixel has two photodiodes 311 and 312 for one microlens 315, but the number of photodiodes is not limited to two and may be more than two. The pupil division direction is not limited to the horizontal direction and may be the vertical direction. A plurality of pixels having different opening positions of the light receiving portion with respect to the microlens 315 may be provided. In other words, it is sufficient that the configuration results in two signals for phase difference detection, such as A signal and B signal, being obtained. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which all pixels have a plurality of photodiodes as shown in FIG. 2, and may be a configuration in which focus detection pixels as shown in FIG. 2 are discretely provided within normal pixels constituting the image sensor 201. A plurality of types of pixels divided by different division methods may be included in the same image sensor.

[0022] 1, the image signal and the focus detection signal read out from the image sensor 201 are input to a CDS / AGC / AD converter 202, which performs correlated double sampling to remove reset noise, gain adjustment, and AD conversion. The CDS / AGC / AD converter 202 outputs the processed image signal to an image input controller 203, and outputs the focus detection signal to an AF signal processing unit 204.

[0023] The image input controller 203 stores the image signal output from the CDS / AGC / AD converter 202 in the SDRAM 209 via the bus 21 . The image signal stored in the SDRAM 209 is displayed on the display unit 206 by the display control unit 205 via the bus 21. When recording the image signal, the image signal is recorded in a recording medium 208 such as a semiconductor memory by the recording medium control unit 207.

[0024] Furthermore, the ROM 210 connected via the bus 21 stores control programs and processing programs executed by the camera control unit 212, as well as various data required for executing these programs. The flash ROM 211 stores various setting information related to the operation of the camera body 20 set by the user.

[0025] Furthermore, the subject detection unit 2121 in the camera control unit 212 detects a predetermined subject based on the image signal stored in the SDRAM 209, and specifies the position of the detected subject in the image indicated by the image signal. Furthermore, the image capture signal is continuously input from the image input controller 203, and when the detected subject moves, the position of the destination is specified and the subject is tracked. Note that the predetermined subject is, for example, a person's face, or a subject that exists at a position specified by the user on the screen on which the image is displayed by the camera operation unit 213. As will be described later, information on the position and size of the detected subject can be used to set an area for performing AF.

[0026] The AF signal processing unit 204 performs correlation calculation between an image A formed by collecting A signals of focus detection signals within a preset focus detection area and an image B formed by collecting B signals from a pair of focus detection signals output from the CDS / AGC / AD converter 202. Then, the AF signal processing unit 204 calculates the image shift amount and reliability between the images A and B obtained by the correlation calculation, and outputs them to the camera control unit 212. The reliability is calculated using the degree of coincidence between the two images and the steepness of the correlation change amount. Note that the correlation calculation and the calculation method of the reliability performed here may be performed by using a known method, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the AF signal processing unit 204 sets the position and size of the focus detection area for performing the image plane phase difference AF based on the following information and instructions obtained from the camera control unit 212.

[0027] First, the AF control unit 2122 in the camera control unit 212 instructs the AF signal processing unit 204 to change settings as necessary based on the amount of image shift and reliability determined by the AF signal processing unit 204 and information indicating the states of the lens unit 10 and the camera body 20. For example, when the amount of image shift is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the AF control unit 2122 instructs the AF signal processing unit 204 to set a wide focus detection area, or changes the type of bandpass filter applied to the focus detection signal according to the contrast between a pair of focus detection signals. Furthermore, in order to set the focus detection area, a specific subject detected by the subject detection unit 2121 in the camera control unit 212 and the position and size specified within the imaging screen by the user via the camera operation unit 213 are passed to the AF signal processing unit 204.

[0028] The camera control unit 212 controls each unit in the camera body 20 while exchanging information with them. In addition, the camera control unit 212 executes various processes corresponding to user operations such as power ON / OFF, changing various settings, selecting still image shooting mode / video shooting mode, image capture process, AF process, playback process of recorded images, etc., in response to an input from a camera operation unit 213 based on a user operation. Furthermore, the camera control unit 212 transmits control commands for the lens unit 10 (lens control unit 106) and information on the camera body 20 to the lens control unit 106, and acquires information on the lens unit 10 from the lens control unit 106. The camera control unit 212 is configured with a microcomputer or the like, and controls the entire imaging device including the interchangeable lens 10 by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 210.

[0029] In addition, the camera control unit 212 calculates the defocus amount by a known method, such as multiplying the image shift amount calculated by the AF signal processing unit 204 by a conversion coefficient, and controls the driving of the focus lens 103 via the lens control unit 106 based on the calculated defocus amount.

[0030] Next, when a moving image shooting mode is set in the imaging device having the above configuration, The focus adjustment control to be performed will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. However, it can also be performed during live view shooting in still image shooting mode. This focus adjustment control is performed by the camera control unit 212 executing a focus adjustment control processing program, which is a computer program.

[0031] First, in S301, the camera control unit 212 detects a subject to be subjected to focus adjustment from a captured image by the subject detection unit 2121. In this embodiment, the subject can be a person, an animal such as a dog or a wild bird, a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle, and a main part of the subject. Note that the main part refers to the pupils, face, body, and vehicle body of a person or animal. Known techniques such as a learning method using deep learning and image processing means can be used for these detection processes, so details are omitted.

[0032] Next, in S302, the camera control unit 212 causes the AF signal processing unit 204 to perform focus detection processing. In the focus detection processing performed here, a correlation calculation is performed using the focus detection signal obtained from the image sensor 201 to obtain information on the amount of image shift and reliability, and the focus detection area within the imaging screen is also set according to instructions and information from the camera control unit 212.

[0033] Next, in S303, the camera control unit 212 converts the image shift amount calculated in the focus detection process in S302 into a defocus amount, and then performs a moving object determination process to determine whether or not the image plane position is continuously moving in the optical axis direction of the photographing optical system based on the history of the converted defocus amount.

[0034] Next, in S304, the camera control unit 212 acquires the current focus detection mode, and transitions to S305 if the mode is the MF mode, or to S311 if the mode is the AF mode.

[0035] In S305, the camera control unit 212 determines whether or not a subject was detected in S301, and if a subject was detected, the process proceeds to S306, and if a subject was not detected, the process proceeds to S310.

[0036] In S306, the camera control unit 212 determines whether or not the image plane position of the detected subject is moving continuously in the optical axis direction as a result of the moving object determination process in S303, and transitions to S307 if it is determined that the subject is moving, and transitions to S310 if not.

[0037] In S307, camera control unit 212 acquires operation information related to the focus ring operation of lens operation unit 107 via lens control unit 106. Next, in S308, camera control unit 212 determines whether or not the focus ring operation is performed so that the moving direction of the image plane position of the subject and the moving direction of the focal position of focus lens 103 are the same with respect to the optical axis direction. If it is determined that the focus ring operation is performed so that the moving directions are the same, the process proceeds to S309, and if it is determined that the focus ring operation is performed in the opposite direction, the process proceeds to S310.

[0038] In S309, the focus detection mode is changed from MF mode to AF mode. Then, a UI display indicating the AF mode and image plane phase difference AF control are executed. On the other hand, if any of the following applies: no subject is detected (NO in S305), the image plane position of the subject is not moving continuously in the optical axis direction (NO in S306), or the moving direction of the image plane position of the subject is opposite to the moving direction of the focal position of the focus lens 103 due to the focus ring operation (NO in S308), the MF mode is maintained in S310. Then, a UI display indicating the MF mode and MF control according to the user operation are executed.

[0039] In this way, when it is determined that the subject is moving in the optical axis direction and the user is trying to keep the subject in focus by operating the focus ring, the focus detection mode is automatically switched to AF mode, thereby improving the focus adjustment accuracy.On the other hand, when AF is not possible because the subject is not detected, when there is no movement of the subject in the optical axis direction, or when the detected movement of the subject and the focus ring operation are inconsistent, the MF mode is maintained, allowing focus adjustment according to the user's intention.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in S304 that the focus detection mode is the AF mode because the focus detection mode is set to the AF mode in S309, the process proceeds to S311, where the camera control unit 212 determines whether or not a subject was detected in S301. If a subject was detected, the process proceeds to S312, and if not, the process proceeds to S314.

[0041] In S312, the camera control unit 212 determines whether or not the image plane position of the detected subject is moving continuously in the optical axis direction as a result of the moving object determination process in S303, and transitions to S313 if it is determined that the subject is moving, and transitions to S314 if not.

[0042] In S313, the camera control unit 212 maintains the AF mode, displays a UI indicating the AF mode, and executes image plane phase difference AF control. On the other hand, if the subject is not detected (NO in S311) or the image plane position of the subject is not continuously moving in the optical axis direction (NO in S312), the focus detection mode is changed from the AF mode to the MF mode in S314. Then, the UI displays the MF mode and executes MF control according to the user operation.

[0043] In this way, when the subject is moving along the optical axis, the AF mode can be maintained to continue to focus on the subject being detected with high accuracy. On the other hand, when the subject is no longer detected and focus detection by AF is no longer possible, or when the image plane position of the subject no longer moves along the optical axis, the focus can be adjusted according to the user's intention by switching to the MF mode.

[0044] The above-described control allows automatic focusing when necessary, and also allows automatic reversion to MF mode when automatic focusing is not possible or when it is presumed that the user wishes to focus manually.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of applying the focus adjustment control described in Fig. 3 in time series with the movements of the subject and the lens, and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example. Note that here, the initial value of the focus detection mode is set to MF mode (MF mode in S304).

[0046] When shooting starts at time t0, a subject has not yet been detected, and at time t1, a target subject such as a human face is detected (YES in S305). At this point, the subject has not yet moved (NO in S306), so the focus detection mode remains in MF mode (MF mode is maintained in S310). Thereafter, as the subject moves toward the camera (FIGS. 5(a) to 5(b)), it is detected at time t2 that the image plane position has moved from the defocus amount history (YES in S306), but because the user has not yet operated the focus ring (NO in S308), the focus detection mode remains in MF mode (MF mode is maintained in S310).

[0047] Thereafter, when the user operates the focus ring during the period from time t3 to time t4 (YES in S308, FIG. 5(c)), the condition of S308 is satisfied at time t3, so the focus detection mode is changed to AF mode (changed to AF mode in S309), and the camera enters a state in which it automatically tracks the focus on the subject (FIG. 5(d)). This state continues even if the user stops operating the focus ring at time t4 (AF in S304, AF mode maintained in S313). The AF mode is released when the subject stops moving at time t5 (NO in S312) and is no longer determined to be a moving object, and the focus detection mode returns to MF mode (changed to MF mode in S314, FIG. 5(e)).

[0048] During the above processing, a frame 500 indicating the detected subject, character string 501 indicating MF mode, character string 502 indicating AF mode, focus guides 503 and 504 for MF, etc. may be displayed as shown in Fig. 5. Note that focus guides 503 and 504 indicate the focus state of the subject based on the defocus amount, with focus guide 503 indicating the illumination state as the focus state, and focus guide 504 indicating the direction and amount of operation of the focus ring.

[0049] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by switching the focus detection mode taking into consideration the subject detection state, movement, and focus detection mode, as well as the operation state of the focus ring by the user, it is possible to perform focus adjustment control that is more in line with the user's intentions.

[0050] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the imaging device has the same configuration as that described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, so the description will be omitted here.

[0051] Next, the focus adjustment control performed when the video shooting mode is set in the imaging device in this second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. However, it can also be performed during live view shooting in still image shooting mode. This focus adjustment control is performed by the camera control unit 212 executing a focus adjustment control processing program, which is a computer program. In addition, in the processing in Fig. 6, the same reference numbers are used for processing similar to the processing shown in Fig. 3, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0052] The difference between the control in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and the control in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is the process when it is determined in S304 that the focus detection mode is the AF mode. If it is determined in S304 that the focus detection mode is the AF mode, the process proceeds to S601, and the camera control unit 212 acquires operation information related to the focus ring operation of the lens operation unit 107 via the lens control unit 106.

[0053] Next, in S602, camera control unit 212 determines whether or not a focus ring operation is being performed so that the moving direction of the image plane position of the subject is opposite to the moving direction of the focal position of focus lens 103. If it is determined that the focus ring operation is being performed so that the moving directions are opposite to each other, the process proceeds to S314, and if it is determined that the focus ring operation is being performed so that the moving directions are the same, the process proceeds to S313.

[0054] In S314, the camera control unit 212 changes the focus detection mode from AF mode to MF mode. Then, the camera control unit 212 displays a UI indicating the MF mode and executes MF control in response to a user operation. On the other hand, in S313, the camera control unit 212 maintains the AF mode and executes a UI indicating the AF mode and image plane phase difference AF control.

[0055] In this way, when the focus ring is operated in the opposite direction to the movement of the subject in the optical axis direction, it is presumed that the user is trying to focus on a subject other than the one currently being tracked, etc. In such a case, by returning the focus detection mode to MF mode, it is possible to perform focus adjustment according to the user's intention.

[0056] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the focus detection mode is switched taking into consideration the subject detection state, movement, and focus detection mode, as well as the operation state of the focus ring by the user, thereby enabling focus adjustment control to be performed in line with the user's intentions.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, an image capture device in which the lens unit 10 is detachable from the camera body 20 has been described; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied, for example, to an image capture device in which the lens unit and the camera body are integrated.

[0058] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0059] <Summary> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0060] (Item 1) An acquisition means for acquiring operation information of an operation means for operating the focus lens; A detection means for detecting a subject based on an image signal obtained from the imaging element; a control means for selecting either a first focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on the image signal or a second focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on an operation of the operation means; The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means selects either the first focus adjustment means or the second focus adjustment means based on the movement of the subject and the operation information. (Item 2) The focus adjustment control device described in item 1, characterized in that when the second focus adjustment means is selected, the control means switches to the first focus adjustment means when a movement direction of the subject relative to the optical axis direction of the focus lens and a movement direction of the focal position of the focus lens due to operation of the operation means are the same. (Item 3) The focus adjustment control device described in item 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means switches to the second focus adjustment means when at least one of the following occurs while the first focus adjustment means is selected: when the subject is no longer detected; and when the movement of the subject in the optical axis direction of the focus lens stops. (Item 4) The focus adjustment control device described in any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that when the first focus adjustment means is selected, the control means switches to the second focus adjustment means when the direction of movement of the subject and the direction of movement of the focus position of the focus lens due to operation of the operating means are opposite to each other. (Item 5) The focus adjustment control device described in any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that when the first focus adjustment means is selected, the control means controls the display means to display that the first focus adjustment means is selected. (Item 6) The focus adjustment control device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that, when the second focus adjustment means is selected, the control means controls the display means to display that the second focus adjustment means is selected. (Item 7) The imaging device further includes a focus detection unit that detects a focus state of the subject based on an image signal obtained from the imaging device, The focus adjustment control device described in any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that when the second focus adjustment means is selected, the control means controls to display the operation direction and operation amount of the operation means based on the focus state. (Item 8) The camera further includes a setting unit for setting either a still image shooting mode for shooting still images or a moving image shooting mode for shooting moving images, The focus adjustment control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means switches between the first focus adjustment means and the second focus adjustment means when the video shooting mode is set. (Item 9) An imaging element; a first focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on an image signal obtained from the imaging element; An operating means for operating the focus lens; A second focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on the operation of the operation means; A focus adjustment control device according to any one of items 1 to 8, An imaging device comprising: (Item 10) an acquisition step of acquiring operation information of an operation means for operating the focus lens; a detection step of detecting a subject based on an image signal obtained from the imaging element; a selection step of selecting either a first focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment based on the image signal or a second focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment based on an operation of the operation means, A focus adjustment control method, characterized in that in the selection step, either the first focus adjustment means or the second focus adjustment means is selected based on the movement of the subject and the operation information. (Item 11) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the focus adjustment control device according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 12) Item 12. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to item 11.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10: lens unit, 103: focus lens, 105: focus lens driving section, 106: lens control section, 107: lens operation section, 20: camera body, 201: image sensor, 204: AF signal processing section, 205: display control section, 206: display section, 212: camera control section, 2121: subject detection section, 2122: AF control section, 213: camera operation section

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring operation information of an operation means for operating the focus lens; A detection means for detecting a subject based on an image signal obtained from the imaging element; a control means for selecting either a first focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on the image signal or a second focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on an operation of the operation means; a control unit that selects either the first focus adjustment unit or the second focus adjustment unit based on the movement of the subject and the operation information;

2. 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches to the first focus adjustment means when, with the second focus adjustment means selected, a direction of movement of the subject relative to the optical axis direction of the focus lens is the same as a direction of movement of the focal position of the focus lens due to operation of the operation means.

3. 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches to the second focus adjustment means when the first focus adjustment means is selected and at least one of the following occurs: the subject is no longer detected; and the movement of the subject in the optical axis direction of the focus lens stops.

4. 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches to the second focus adjustment means when the first focus adjustment means is selected and the direction of movement of the subject is opposite to the direction of movement of the focus position of the focus lens due to operation of the operation means.

5. 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display means to display, when the first focus adjustment means is selected, that the first focus adjustment means is selected.

6. 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display means to display, when the second focus adjustment means is selected, that the second focus adjustment means is selected.

7. The imaging device further includes a focus detection unit that detects a focus state of the subject based on an image signal obtained from the imaging device, 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs control so as to display an operation direction and an operation amount of the operation means based on the focus state when the second focus adjustment means is selected.

8. The camera further includes a setting unit for setting either a still image shooting mode for shooting still images or a moving image shooting mode for shooting moving images, 2. The focus adjustment control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches between the first focus adjustment means and the second focus adjustment means when the moving image shooting mode is set.

9. An imaging element; a first focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on an image signal obtained from the image sensor; An operating means for operating the focus lens; A second focus adjustment means for performing focus adjustment based on an operation of the operation means; A focus adjustment control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An imaging device comprising:

10. an acquisition step of acquiring operation information of an operation means for operating the focus lens; a detection step of detecting a subject based on an image signal obtained from the imaging element; a selection step of selecting either a first focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment based on the image signal or a second focus adjustment means that performs focus adjustment based on an operation of the operation means, a focus adjustment control method, characterized in that in the selection step, either the first focus adjustment means or the second focus adjustment means is selected based on the movement of the subject and the operation information.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the focus adjustment control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 11.

Images