Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus or the like capable of properly displaying a focus guide even when an imaging condition different from that during advance preparation is obtained.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus which has a manual focus function and can display a subject and a guide index for focusing assist for the subject includes a storage part for storing the position information of the guide index, the focusing position of manual focusing with respect to the subject, and imaging information indicating a value relating to imaging in association with each other, in setting, a determination part for determining whether a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage part and the present imaging information is within a second predetermined range, when the focusing position stored in the storage part and the present focus position are within a predetermined range, and a display control part for displaying the guide index with respect to the subject in the position indicated by the position information stored in the storage part on a display part, when it is determined that the difference between both imaging information is within the second predetermined range by the determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the production of video works, there is a shooting technique in which the focus on the subject is adjusted manually. "Manual Focus (MF)" refers to the operation of adjusting the focus of the camera by the user's own hand. Among them, there is a technique in which the position of the index display for the desired focus position is registered in advance. A "Focus Position Guide" function has been proposed that allows the user to perform manual focus operation while viewing the relationship between the current focus position and the position displayed by the index.

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for switching the amount of displacement of the focus position in response to the amount of user operation in order to improve the accuracy of manual focusing, while Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for displaying a focus guide that allows the user to visually confirm the degree of focus and make adjustments easily.

[0004] The following is a combination of these technologies: A focus guide frame is displayed when the focus position is registered, and focus guide frame position information is stored in association with the in-focus position of the focus position. When the focus position approaches the registered in-focus position during image capture, the focus guide frame stored in association with the focus position is displayed during image capture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-124497 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Application No. 2021-119408 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when attempting to capture an image under different imaging conditions (distance, zoom state, AF mode, etc.) from those used during preparation, displaying the focus guide causes the following problems. That is, the subject the user is trying to focus on may have a different angle of view, or the focus guide frame may simply hide the image near the subject. In such cases, displaying the focus guide frame may cause problems such as interfering with imaging.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of appropriately displaying a focus guide even when imaging conditions differ from those at the time of advance preparation, and a control method and program for the imaging apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, the imaging device comprising: a memory unit that stores position information of the guide indicator at the time of setting, a manual focus focus position for the subject, and imaging information indicating a value related to imaging, in association with each other; a determination unit that determines whether or not a difference between the imaging information stored in the memory unit and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range, when the focus position and a current focus position stored in the memory unit are within a predetermined range; and a display control unit that displays a guide indicator for the subject on a display unit at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit, when the determination unit determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within the second predetermined range. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the focus guide can be appropriately displayed even when the imaging conditions are different from those at the time of advance preparation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a video camera 100. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a screen on which a focus position is displayed. [Diagram 3] 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display patterns of focus guides. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen of a focus guide in the imaging device of the third embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. In this embodiment, a video camera 100 will be described as an example of an imaging device.

[0012] First Embodiment <Figure 1: Configuration diagram of video camera 100> Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a video camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a video camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video camera 100 has a lens 101, a CMOS image sensor 102, a camera signal processing unit 103, a recording medium 104, a power supply 105, an operation unit 106, a lens communication unit 107, and an input I / F 108. The video camera 100 further has a ROM 109, a RAM 110, a CODEC 111, and an OSD drawing unit 112. The video camera 100 further has an LCD panel 113, an EVF 114, an external output terminal 115, an output I / F 116, an external I / F 117, a CPU 118, a communication unit 119, and a data bus 120.

[0013] <Data Bus 120> Each component is controlled by a CPU 118 which operates according to a program recorded in a ROM 109. Each component is configured to be able to transmit and receive required data (information) to and from each other via a data bus 120.

[0014] <Lens 101: CMOS image sensor 102> The lens 101 is an imaging lens group including a focus and aperture mechanism, and forms an optical image of a subject on a CMOS imaging element 102, which will be described below. The CMOS imaging element 102 is an imaging element in which each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix is ​​composed of one photodiode and a CMOS transistor having a switching function, and amplifies a signal for each pixel. The CMOS imaging element 102 is equipped with an A / D converter, and converts an optical image formed by the lens 101 into an analog electric signal, which is then converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter and output. Note that the imaging element is not limited to the CMOS imaging element 102, and other imaging elements such as a CCD may be used. The CMOS imaging element 102 converts the optical image input from the lens 101 into an analog electric signal by the A / D converter, and then converts it into a digital signal.

[0015] <Camera signal processing unit 103: recording medium 104> The camera signal processing unit 103 performs resizing, color conversion, various correction processes, etc. on the digital signal output from the CMOS image sensor 102. Furthermore, the image data that has been subjected to various processes by the camera signal processing unit 103 is image-compressed and encoded at a predetermined bit rate and in a predetermined format by a CODEC 111 (described later). Conversely, the CODEC 111 can also decode image data from image-compressed and encoded data. The recording medium 104 is a storage device that records captured images and metadata associated with the captured images, and is realized by, for example, a smart card, a USB memory, etc.

[0016] <Power supply 105: Operation unit 106: Lens communication unit 107; Input I / F 108> The power source 105 is composed of an AC power source, a battery, etc., and is configured to supply the necessary power to each part of the video camera 100. The operation unit 106 is composed of buttons and a touch panel for performing various operations on the video camera 100. The operation unit 106 has a switch for controlling the on / off of the power source 105, a button for displaying a menu, a cross key for moving a cursor up, down, left, and right, an assignment button to which a desired function can be assigned, a touch panel for selecting and operating desired information, etc. The video camera 100 is equipped with a plurality of assignment buttons, and it is possible to assign a desired function of the user to each assignment button. The settings in which functions are assigned to the assignment buttons are stored in both or either of the ROM 109 and the RAM 110. The operation information accepted by the operation unit 106 is input to the CPU 118 and the external I / F 117 via the input I / F 108 and the data bus 120. The lens communication unit 107 communicates with the lens 101 information such as mounting information of the lens 101, focus position, and angle of view.

[0017] <rom109:ram110:codec111:cpu118> The ROM 109 stores a program for controlling the video camera 100 and the like, and the CPU 118 controls each part by executing this program. The CPU 118 executes the program expanded from the ROM 109 to the RAM 110. The RAM 110 functions as a work area for the CPU 118. The CODEC 111 reproduces the image and audio data recorded in the RAM 110 and the recording medium 104. The reproduced image is displayed on the LCD panel 113, the EVF 114, and the monitor connected to the external output terminal 115, which will be described later.

[0018] <OSD drawing unit 112> The OSD drawing unit 112 renders (draws) "OSD" such as the state of the video camera 100, a string representing the settings, icons, various frames, markers, and a menu for performing various settings, and writes it to a VRAM (not shown) on the RAM 110. The resource data such as characters and icons constituting the OSD (On-Screen Display) is recorded in the ROM 109, and the OSD drawing unit 112 reads it and writes it to the VRAM to perform rendering. In this way, the OSD (On-Screen Display) rendering function by the OSD drawing unit 112 is a function of superimposing and displaying various objects such as "drawings such as marks, frames, and arrows" in the captured image.

[0019] <Output I / F 116> The output I / F 116 functions as an interface for outputting data to the LCD panel 113, the EVF 114, the external output terminal 115, and the external I / F 117. Specifically, it functions as follows. The output I / F 116 outputs the captured image data obtained by the CMOS image sensor 102 and the like and the display data such as the OSD generated by the OSD drawing unit 112 to the LCD panel 113, the EVF 114, the external output terminal 115, and the external I / F 117.

[0020] <External output terminal 115> The external output terminal 115 is a terminal for outputting the image signals generated by the CMOS image sensor 102 and the camera signal processing unit 103 that meet the SDI and HDMI (registered trademark) standards to an external device. The output I / F 116 includes a mixer circuit and superimposes and outputs the captured image data and the OSD. Also, it can output signals resized according to each output. The same content OSD can be displayed for each output, or different contents can be displayed by the method described later.

[0021] <External I / F 117> The external I / F 117 is an interface for mounting an external extension unit (not shown) and performing input / output of display signals, audio signals, and control signals with the extension unit. The extension unit has a CPU, ROM, RAM, necessary control circuits, etc. mounted on an electronic board and improves the functions and quality of the video camera 100.

[0022] <LCD panel 113: EVF 114: Communication unit 119> The LCD panel 113 (display device) is a display device such as a liquid crystal display for displaying various image data, etc., and has a touch operation function. The LCD panel 113 displays the captured image captured by the video camera 100. When the user selects one or more subjects to be focused by manual focus operation in this captured image (touch operation), the following processing is executed by the CPU 118. That is, the CPU 118 is configured to store the desired focus position (focus position) for this one or more subjects in the RAM 110 (storage unit). The EVF 114 (electronic viewfinder) is for checking the captured image by projecting the captured image to be captured into the viewfinder. The communication unit 119 performs transmission and reception of captured signals, audio signals, and other various information with an external device connected by a wireless or wired cable. Note that the wireless or wired cable is connected to the external output terminal 115, for example.

[0023] <Figure 2: Example of a screen with the focus position displayed> 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an OSD drawn by OSD drawing unit 112, which is output and displayed to each output destination via external output terminal 115. Screen 200 displays the following items superimposed on an image captured by CMOS image sensor 102 and camera signal processing unit 103. This is an example in which a focus position meter 201, focus position 202, focus position 203, focus position 204, and focus guide 300 are superimposed.

[0024] A focus position meter 201 is displayed on the right side of the screen 200. Focus positions 202 and 203 are positions where the subjects "house (A)" and "person (B)" are in focus, respectively. The user manually selects "house (A)" and "person (B)" as the subjects to be focused on. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 202 is the focus position for "house (A)," and reference numeral 203 is the focus position for "person (B)." The focus position with a relatively light display as indicated by reference numeral 202 is for the relatively distant subject "(house A)," and the focus position with a relatively dark display as indicated by reference numeral 203 is for the relatively close subject "(person B)."

[0025] Furthermore, the focus position indicated by reference numeral 204 moves up and down by manual position movement operation of the imaging lens. The focus position 204 may coincide with the focus position 203 or may coincide with the focus position 202. In Fig. 2, a rectangular frame-shaped focus guide 300 is displayed for the subject B. As described above, the focus guide 300 is a guide for the user to perform manual focus operation while viewing the relationship between the current focus position 204 and the position displayed by the index (in this case, "203").

[0026] <Figure 3: Example of focus guide display pattern> 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the above-mentioned focus guide 300. The focus guide 300 performs display based on a "defocus amount" acquired from a corresponding imaging range at a position (within the frame) where a frame 301, which is one of the display elements of the focus guide 300, is superimposed on the OSD. Specifically, the focus guide 300 indicates a "degree of focus" based on a defocus amount calculated based on output values ​​from a pixel group within a range corresponding to the position of the frame 301, among pixels capable of acquiring a defocus amount (pixels capable of detecting an imaging surface phase difference).

[0027] That is, the focus guide 300 displays the "degree of focus" of the subject at the position where the frame 301 is superimposed on the live view screen using information such as an index and color. In this embodiment, the "degree of focus" is expressed by the indexes 302 to 312 in Fig. 3. The indexes 302 to 312 are displayed to move along the dotted circle shown in Fig. 3(a), Fig. 3(b), Fig. 3(c), and Fig. 3(d).

[0028] <Figure 3(a): Focused state> In FIG. 3(a), the positions of the indices 302 and 303 arranged above the frame 301 are aligned and displayed. This indicates an in-focus state (a state in which the subject in the focus detection area is in focus), and indices 305 and 306, which will be described later, overlap and become one, and are displayed in a position adjacent to the index 304 (the position indicated by the index 304). The alignment of the indices 302 and 303 indicates that the frame 301 is in an "in-focus state" at the position where it is displayed. At this time, the frame 301, the indices 302, and the indices 303 are displayed in a color different from that when the frame 301 is not in-focus. For example, when the frame 301 is not in-focus, they are displayed in "white," and when the frame 301 is in an in-focus state as shown in FIG. 3(a), they are displayed in "green."

[0029] Also, when the frame 301 is not in focus, only the four corners are displayed (90-degree corner display) as shown in Fig. 3(b) to Fig. 3(d) so that the subject at the in-focus position can be visually recognized. On the other hand, when the subject is in focus, the frame is displayed in a closed state, like a rectangular frame surrounded by a solid line all around, as shown in Fig. 3(a). The user is highly likely to capture an image when the desired subject is in focus. Therefore, in particular, when the subject is in focus, the display color is changed, the display mode of the frame indicating the in-focus position is changed, etc., so that the user can easily recognize. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize that the subject is in focus, and makes it less likely that the user will miss the timing to capture an image. Also, the frame 301 indicates an area corresponding to the distance measurement position in the live view image.

[0030] <Figure 3(b): Front focus state> FIG. 3(b) shows the display state of the focus guide when the subject is in "front focus state." "Front focus state" is a state in which the focus is set in front of the targeted location. Indicator 304 indicates the target points of indicators 305 and 306 for achieving the in-focus state. Indicators 305 and 306 are indicators that indicate the "degree of focus" of the distance measurement position according to their respective display distances. The "degree of focus" changes due to a change in the focal length caused by the user performing a focusing operation on lens 101, a change in the distance between the subject and video camera 100, and the like. As a result, the distance between indicators 305 and 306 (the angle they form with the center of the circle) narrows or widens.

[0031] The distance (angle) between the index 305 and the index 306 is based on the "degree of focus" information, and the display distance is smaller (narrower) when the deviation from the "focused state" in the focal length area is small compared to when it is large. In other words, the distance (angle) between the index 305 and the index 306 increases according to the magnitude of deviation from the "focused state."

[0032] <Figure 3(c): Rear focus state> FIG. 3(c) shows the display state of the focus guide when the subject is in a "back focus state." The "back focus state" is a state in which the focus is set behind the targeted location. Unlike the display state of the focus guide shown in FIG. 3(b), the indicators 305 and 306 in FIG. 3(b) are integrated to form the indicator 307 in FIG. 3(c). Furthermore, the indicator 304 in FIG. 3(b) becomes the indicators 308 and 309 in FIG. 3(c). As shown in FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c), the user can visually confirm at a glance whether the "degree of focus" of the subject on which the focus guide is superimposed is in a "front focus state" or a "back focus state."

[0033] <Figure 3(d): Extremely blurred state> FIG. 3(d) shows the display mode of the focus guide when the subject is in a "highly blurred state". The indices 310, 311, and 312 are different from the indices 302 to 309 in that each of the indices 310, 311, and 312 is expressed in a rectangular shape (bar shape) rather than a triangular shape. In this case, the indices are displayed in dark gray rather than in white, which is the display color of the indices 302 to 309. The display color is changed in this way to indicate a "highly blurred state", which is different from the display colors of the "focused state", "front focus state", and "back focus state", and in particular, the user can easily visually recognize that the distance measurement has failed. This allows the user to recognize that it is necessary to increase the amount of operation required to focus the lens 101, for example.

[0034] Thus, the focus guide (guide index) 300 of this embodiment is a display object made up of a frame-shaped object (301) and a plurality of index objects (302 to 309) surrounding it. The color of the entire display object changes between the in-focus state and the out-of-focus state. Note that, in this embodiment, the display form of the focus guide 300 has been described with reference to Figs. 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), and 3(d), but the display form is not limited to these.

[0035] Also, the focus guide 300 has been described as displaying the "degree of focus" based on the defocus amount based on the signal (imaging surface phase difference signal) obtained from the CMOS image sensor 102, but is not limited to this. It may display the "degree of focus" based on the output value from a focus detection sensor (phase difference sensor, etc.) set in a location different from the imaging surface, or may display the "degree of focus" based on a contrast value.

[0036] <FIG. 4: Flowchart showing the process of the first embodiment> Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the first embodiment of the present invention by the video camera 100. This processing is realized by the CPU 118 executing a program stored in the ROM 109 or the recording medium 104, or a program acquired via the communication unit 119. This realizes control of each unit of the video camera 100, for example. The flowchart of Fig. 4 is started by starting up the video camera 100. The first embodiment is characterized in that the focus guide is not displayed when the zoom position differs by a predetermined amount between when the focus position is set and when imaging is performed.

[0037] <Figure 4(a): Focus position setting process> In the preparation stage (setting) before imaging, the user can set multiple focus positions as shown in Fig. 2. At the same time, the CPU 118 stores the set focus positions and "zoom position information" at the time of setting the focus positions in the RAM 110, etc. The following explanation shows the process when the user sets the focus positions.

[0038] First, in S401, the CPU 118 renders the following on the image captured by the CMOS image sensor 102 and the camera signal processor 103. The OSD rendering unit 112 renders a "focus position meter (201)", a "focus position (202, 203)", and a "focus position (204)". These are displayed at each output destination via the external output terminal 115.

[0039] Next, in S402, CPU 118 determines whether or not the focus guide 300 has been designated to be displayed by the user. If CPU 118 determines that the focus guide 300 has been designated to be displayed (Yes), it advances the process to S403, whereas if CPU 118 determines that the focus guide 300 has not been designated to be displayed (No), it advances the process to S404. Note that the user may designate the focus guide to be displayed using a menu or the like, or the operation unit 106 may accept a touch operation on the LCD panel 113 to designate the focus guide to be displayed.

[0040] Next, in S403, CPU 118 causes OSD drawing unit 112 to draw focus guide 300 in a superimposed manner and displays it at each output destination via external output terminal 115. Next, in S404, CPU 118 determines whether or not a focus position confirmation instruction has been issued by the user. That is, CPU 118 determines whether or not a focus position has been set by the user and confirmed. If CPU 118 determines that a confirmation instruction has not been issued (No), it returns the process to S401 and repeats the drawing process and the process of receiving the confirmation instruction. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that a confirmation instruction has been issued (Yes), it advances the process to S405.

[0041] Next, in S405, the CPU 118 again determines whether or not focus guide display has been designated in S402, and if it is determined that display has been designated (Yes), the process proceeds to S406. On the other hand, if it is determined that display has not been designated (No), the CPU 118 proceeds to S408.

[0042] Next, in S406, CPU 118 stores in RAM 110 "focus guide frame position information" which is information indicating the position of frame 301 of focus guide 300, and proceeds to S407. Next, in S407, CPU 118 associates the current "zoom position" with the "focus guide frame position information" stored in S406, stores it in RAM 110, and proceeds to S408. In S408, CPU 118 sets the current focus position as "focus position information (focus position)". Then, CPU 118 associates the "focus guide frame position information" of S406 and S407 with the "zoom position", stores it in RAM 110, and ends the process.

[0043] 4A, the term "storing focus position" refers to storing "focus guide frame position information" and "zoom position" as information on "focus position" in the RAM 110. Thus, the "focus guide frame position information," "zoom position," and "focus position information" are stored in the RAM 110 in a linked manner.

[0044] The relationship between "focus information (synonymous with "focus degree" described later)" indicating the degree to which the subject is in focus and the frame shape mode of the focus guide 300 and the surrounding indicator display mode is recorded in advance in, for example, ROM 109. CPU 118 is capable of displaying focus guide 300 in a display mode according to "focus information" at a position indicated by "focus guide frame position information" by referring to the recorded contents of ROM 109. For example, CPU 118 changes "focus information" according to the distance between the focus position and the current focus position, but CPU 118 can also display focus guide 300 in a corresponding display mode based on the recorded contents of ROM 109.

[0045] <Figure 4(b): Focus position during imaging and focus guide processing> After the focus position setting process, the user captures an image. The operation of the focus position and the focus guide process at that time will be described. First, in S411, CPU 118 determines whether or not to continue the focus guide display, and if it is determined that the focus guide display should be ended (No), the series of processes ends. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that the focus guide display should be continued (Yes), the process proceeds to S412.

[0046] In S412, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, CPU 118 causes OSD drawing unit 112 to draw focus position meter 201, focus positions 202, 203, and focus position 204. These are displayed at each output destination via external output terminal 115. Next, in S413, CPU 118 compares the current focus position with the "focus position information (focus position)" stored in S408. Then, CPU 118 determines whether the current focus position is within a predetermined range or not. If CPU 118 determines that the current focus position and the focus position indicated by the "focus position information" are within the predetermined range (Yes), it determines that the current focus position is in the "near focus position" and proceeds to S414. Otherwise (N7), CPU 118 returns to S411.

[0047] Next, in S414, the CPU 118 searches whether there is "focus guide frame position information" and "zoom position" of the focus guide 300 that are stored in association with the currently nearby "focus position information," and proceeds to S415. In S415, the CPU 118 determines whether there is stored "focus guide frame position information" as a result of the search in S414. If the CPU 118 determines that there is such information (Yes), it proceeds to S416, whereas if it determines that there is not such information (No), it returns to S411.

[0048] In S416, the CPU 118 determines whether the "zoom position" stored as a result of the search in S414 and the current zoom position are within a predetermined range. That is, the CPU 118 determines whether the zoom position at the time of setting and the current zoom position are within a predetermined range. If the CPU 118 determines that they are within the predetermined range (Yes), the process proceeds to S417, whereas if the CPU 118 determines that they are not within the predetermined range (No), the process returns to S411. Then, in S417, the CPU 118 displays the focus guide 300 shown in FIG. 3 at the position indicated by the "focus guide frame position information" searched and acquired in S414, and returns to S411.

[0049] As described above, if the difference between the time of setting and the current zoom position exceeds a predetermined range, focus guide 300 is hidden, and if the subject is clearly different between when the focus position is set and when imaging is performed, frame 301 of focus guide 300 is not displayed. Also, in this embodiment, the process is such that focus guide 300 is displayed only within a predetermined range near the focus position, but focus guide 300 may be displayed if other imaging information such as the zoom position is within a predetermined range.

[0050] <FIG. 5: Flowchart showing the process of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment, an embodiment in which the focus position is not displayed when the degree of focus is equal to or greater than a predetermined level will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that the configuration of a video camera (imaging device) 100, a display screen example 200 of a focus position guide, and a focus guide 300 are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore repeated description will be omitted.

[0051] <Figure 5(a): Focus position setting process> In the preparation stage (setting) before imaging, the user can set multiple focus positions as shown in Fig. 2. At the same time, the CPU 118 stores the set focus positions and the "zoom positions" when the focus positions are set in the RAM 110. The process when the user sets the focus position will be described below.

[0052] First, in S501, the CPU 118 causes the following to be drawn on the image captured by the CMOS image sensor 102 and the camera signal processing unit 103. That is, the CPU 118 causes the OSD drawing unit 112 to draw a "focus position meter (201)," a "focus position (202, 203)," and a "focus position (204)." These are displayed at each output destination via the external output terminal 115.

[0053] Next, in S502, CPU 118 determines whether or not the focus guide 300 has been designated by the user. If CPU 118 determines that the focus guide has been designated to be displayed (Yes), it advances the process to S503, whereas if it determines that the focus guide has not been designated to be displayed (No), it advances the process to S504. Note that the user may designate the focus guide to be displayed using a menu or the like, or the operation unit 106 may accept a touch operation on the LCD panel 113 to designate the focus guide to be displayed.

[0054] Next, in S503, CPU 118 causes OSD drawing unit 112 to draw focus guide 300 in a superimposed manner and display it at each output destination via external output terminal 115. Next, in S504, CPU 118 determines whether or not a focus position confirmation instruction has been issued by the user. That is, CPU 118 determines whether or not a focus position has been set by the user and confirmed. If CPU 118 determines that a confirmation instruction has not been issued (No), it returns the process to S501 and repeats the drawing process and the process of receiving the confirmation instruction. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that a confirmation instruction has been issued (Yes), it advances the process to S505.

[0055] Next, in S505, CPU 118 again determines whether focus guide display has been designated in S502, and if it is determined that display has been designated (Yes), the process proceeds to S506. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that display has not been designated (No), the process proceeds to S507.

[0056] Next, in S506, the CPU 118 stores the "focus guide frame position information" of the focus guide 300 in the RAM 110 and proceeds to S507. Then, in S507, the CPU 118 associates the current focus position with the "focus guide frame position information" of S506 as "focus position information" and stores it in the RAM 110, and ends the process. In the illustration of S507 in FIG. 5(a), storing the "focus position" and the "focus guide frame position information" in the RAM 110 in association with each other is described as "storing the focus position". Thus, the "focus guide frame position information", the "zoom position" and the "focus position information" are associated with each other and stored in the RAM 110. Note that, although a step corresponding to S407 in FIG. 4 is not illustrated in FIG. 5, it is described that the "zoom position" is stored in the RAM 110 first.

[0057] <Figure 5(b): Focus position during imaging and focus guide processing> After the focus position setting process, the user captures an image. The operation of the focus position and the focus guide process at that time will be described. First, in S511, CPU 118 determines whether or not to continue the focus guide display, and if it is determined that the focus guide display should be ended (No), the series of processes ends. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that the focus guide display should be continued (Yes), the process proceeds to S512.

[0058] In S512, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, CPU 118 causes OSD drawing unit 112 to draw focus position meter 201, focus positions 202, 203, and focus position 204. These are displayed at each output destination via external output terminal 115. Next, in S513, CPU 118 compares the current focus position with the "focus position information (focus position)" stored in S507. CPU 118 determines whether or not the current focus position and the "focus position information" are within a predetermined range. If CPU 118 determines that the current focus position and the "focus position information" are within the predetermined range (Yes), it determines that the current focus position is in the "near focus position" and proceeds to S514. On the other hand, in other cases (No), CPU 118 returns to S511.

[0059] Next, in S514, CPU 118 searches whether there is "focus guide frame position information" and "zoom position information" of focus guide 300 that are stored in association with the currently nearby "focus position information". Then, the process proceeds to S515. In S515, CPU 118 determines whether there is stored "focus guide frame position information" as a result of the search in S514. If CPU 118 determines that there is (Yes), the process proceeds to S516, whereas if it determines that there is not (No), the process returns to S511.

[0060] Next, in S516, the CPU 118 judges whether or not the "focus degree" in the focus guide frame position indicated by the stored "focus guide frame position information" as a result of the search in S514 is within a predetermined range. If the CPU 18 judges that the "focus degree" is within the predetermined range (Yes), the process proceeds to S517, whereas otherwise the process returns to S511. The "focus degree" is information indicating the degree to which the subject is in focus, and changes according to the difference between the current focus position and the corresponding focus position. For example, the CPU 118 calculates the "focus degree" so that the closer the "focus position" is to the current focus position, the smaller the value becomes. Then, in S517, the CPU 118 displays the focus guide 300 shown in FIG. 3 at the position indicated by the "focus guide frame position information" obtained by the search in S514, and returns to S511.

[0061] As described above, if the "focus level" at the focus guide frame position stored when the focus position was set is outside a predetermined range, the focus guide 300 is hidden. This makes it possible to not display the focus guide frame if the subject is clearly different when the focus position is set and when imaging is performed.

[0062] <FIG. 6: Flowchart showing the process of the third embodiment> In the third embodiment, when the focus guide is displayed in "face detection mode" when setting the focus position, an example of focus guide display control in the case where a face cannot be detected at the "focus guide frame position" during imaging will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Note that the configuration of a video camera (imaging device) 100, a focus position guide display screen example 200, and a focus guide 300 are similar to those in the first embodiment, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0063] <Figure 6(a): Focus position setting process> In the preparation stage (setting) before imaging, the user can set multiple focus positions as shown in Fig. 2, and at the same time, the CPU 118 stores the set focus positions and the "zoom positions" at the time of setting the focus positions in the RAM 110. The following explanation shows the process when the user sets the focus positions.

[0064] First, in S601, the CPU 118 causes the following to be drawn on the image captured by the CMOS image sensor 102 and the camera signal processing unit 103. That is, the CPU 118 causes the OSD drawing unit 112 to draw a "focus position meter (201)", a "focus position (202, 203)", and a "focus position (204)". These are displayed at each output destination via the external output terminal 115.

[0065] Next, in S602, CPU 118 determines whether or not the focus guide 300 has been designated by the user. If CPU 118 determines that the focus guide has been designated to be displayed (Yes), it advances the process to S603, whereas if CPU 118 determines that the focus guide has not been designated to be displayed (No), it advances the process to S604. Note that the user may designate the focus guide to be displayed using a menu or the like, or the operation unit 106 may accept a touch operation on the LCD panel 113 to designate the focus guide to be displayed.

[0066] Next, in S603, CPU 118 causes OSD drawing unit 112 to draw the focus guide 300 in a superimposed manner, and causes it to be displayed at each output destination via external output terminal 115. Next, in S604, CPU 118 determines whether or not the user has issued an instruction to confirm the focus position. That is, CPU 118 determines whether or not the user has set a focus position and confirmed it. If CPU 118 determines that a confirmation instruction has not been issued (No), it returns the process to S601 and repeats the drawing process and the process of receiving the confirmation instruction. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that a confirmation instruction has been issued (Yes), it advances the process to S605.

[0067] Next, in S605, the CPU 118 again determines whether or not focus guide display has been designated in S602, and if it is determined that display has been designated (Yes), the process proceeds to S606. On the other hand, if the CPU 118 determines that display has not been designated (No), the process proceeds to S608.

[0068] Next, in S606, the CPU 118 stores in the RAM 110 "focus guide frame position information" which is information indicating the position of the frame 301 of the focus guide 300, and proceeds to S607. In S607, the CPU 118 stores one or more pieces of information including at least "face" among "information on the type of subject recognized such as a face or moving object, information on the recognized scene, and face registration information for identifying a previously registered individual, as "face information". However, the "face registration information" and the like are stored in the ROM 109, since they need to be stored in a non-volatile manner, not in the RAM 110. Note that these are merely examples of "face information", and other information may be used as long as it is information that can accurately detect a "face". In addition, when storing the "face information" in the RAM 110 in S607, the CPU 118 associates the "focus guide frame position information" and the "face information" stored in S606 and stores them in the RAM 110.

[0069] Then, in S608, the CPU 118 stores the current focus position as "focus position information" in the RAM 110 in association with the "focus guide frame position information" and "face information" as "focus position information", and ends the process. The "focus guide frame position information", "face information", and "focus position information" are stored in the RAM 110 in association with each other.

[0070] <Figure 6(b): Focus position during imaging and focus guide processing> After the focus position setting process, the user captures an image. The operation of the focus position and the focus guide process at that time will be described below. First, in S611, CPU 118 determines whether or not to continue the focus guide display, and if it is determined that the focus guide display should be ended (No), the series of processes ends. On the other hand, if CPU 118 determines that the focus guide display should be continued (Yes), the process proceeds to S612.

[0071] Next, in S612, CPU 118 causes OSD drawing unit 112 to draw focus position meter 201, focus positions 202, 203, and focus position 204, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. These are displayed at each output destination via external output terminal 115. Next, in S613, CPU 118 compares the current focus position with the "focus position information (focus position)" stored in S608. Then, CPU 118 determines whether or not the current focus position and the "focus position information" are within a predetermined range. If CPU 118 determines that the current focus position and the "focus position information" are within the predetermined range (Yes), it determines that the current focus position is in the "near focus position" and proceeds to S614. On the other hand, CPU 118 returns to S611 in other cases (No).

[0072] Next, in S614, the CPU 118 searches whether there is "focus guide frame position information" and "face information" of the focus guide that are stored in association with the "focus position information" currently in the vicinity state, and proceeds to S615. In S615, the CPU 118 determines whether there is stored "focus guide frame position information" as a result of the search in S614, and if it is determined that there is (Yes), proceeds to the process in S616. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 determines that there is not (No), the process returns to S611.

[0073] In S616, the CPU 118 detects a "face" again in a re-detection area 700, which is an area expanded by a predetermined range around the face detection position indicated by the image information of the "face", and proceeds to S617. For example, the reference numeral 700 in Fig. 7(b) corresponds to the re-detection area. In Fig. 7, a focus position meter 201 is displayed on the right edge of the screen 200, and focus positions 202, 203 and the current focus position 204 are superimposed and displayed, and a focus guide 300 is also displayed.

[0074] FIG. 7(a) shows a state where the "face" is in focus and in focus, that is, the "face" is accurately present within the focus guide 300. On the other hand, FIG. 7(b) shows a state where the "face" is not present within the focus guide 300, so the CPU 118 needs to redetect the "face" in the redetection area 700. FIG. 7(b) shows a "back focus state," so the user needs to operate and change the focus position 204 to achieve a focused state. However, in the present invention, the CPU 118 redetects the "face" in the redetection area 700, which is expanded by a predetermined range around the face detection position shown in the image information of the "face," and grasps the accurate position of the "face." Next, the CPU 118 controls the movement, enlargement, and reduction of the focus guide 300 to match the "face," and displays it. This is shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0075] Next, in S617, CPU 118 reads out the "face information" stored as a result of the search in S614. CPU 118 compares one or more of the type information of the subject in which a face or moving object is recognized, the recognized scene information, and face registration information for identifying a previously registered individual, from the "face information" read out from RAM 110 with the "face information" detected again in S616. If the comparison results in a match (Yes), CPU 118 advances the process to S618, whereas if the comparison results in a mismatch (No), CPU 118 returns the process to S611.

[0076] Then, in S618, the CPU 118 displays the focus guide 300 as shown in Fig. 7(c) in accordance with the face position of the "face information" detected in S616 again, and returns to S611. In Fig. 7(c), the focus state is not as accurate as that shown in Fig. 7(a), but the subject is in a substantially in-focus state. To achieve accurate focus, the user needs to perform an operation to slightly change the focus position 204.

[0077] Through the above-described processing, if no "face information" is detected within a predetermined range from the position set when the focus position is set, CPU 118 can hide focus guide 300. Furthermore, if "face information" is detected within a predetermined range, CPU 118 can move, enlarge or reduce the position of the detected "face information" to display focus guide 300 in accordance with the "face information."

[0078] Furthermore, even if multiple pieces of "face information" are detected within a predetermined range, it is possible to display the focus guide 300 for the same person as when the focus position was set by comparing the detected pieces of "face registration information" that identifies a previously registered individual. For example, if multiple "faces" are detected by the redetection area 700 or the like, the face of a person that matches the face registration information stored in the ROM 109 can be determined as the subject and the focus guide 300 can be displayed. In this case, it is necessary to store at least "face, face registration information" as "face information" in the RAM 110, the ROM 109, or the like.

[0079] Also, it is possible to add "pupil frame information" that indicates the degree of focus on a person's "pupils" to the "face information" and compare this to display the degree of focus on the "pupils" in focus guide 300. For example, it is possible to determine whether the degree of focus that indicates the degree to which the "pupils" are in focus is within a predetermined range or not, and to display it in focus guide 300 if it is within the predetermined range.

[0080] During setting, CPU 118 stores one or more pieces of information including "face information" from among "face information," "information on the type of subject recognized as a moving object," "recognized scene information," and "registration information for identifying a previously registered individual" in ROM 109. Then, CPU 18 can hide frame 301 of focus guide 300 when the previously recognized subject cannot be captured in the current image capture. Furthermore, CPU 118 can also not display frame 301 of focus guide 300 when frame 301 of focus guide 300 indicates a large blur.

[0081] Furthermore, CPU 118 (display control unit) may display focus guide 300 for the subject on LCD panel 113 or the like provided in the device itself at a position indicated by the position information stored in RAM 110, or in another manner. That is, CPU 118 (display control unit) may cause a display unit external to the device itself connected via external output terminal 115 to display focus guide 300 for the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in RAM 110.

[0082] <Modification> Furthermore, CPU 118 stores the distance to the subject in RAM 110 at the time of setting (distance storage section). CPU 118 can also execute the following process when the difference between the distance to the subject stored in RAM 110 and the current distance to the subject is equal to or less than a (fourth) predetermined value. That is, CPU 118 can also be configured to display focus guide 300 (guide indicator) for the current subject at a position indicated by "focus guide frame position information" stored in RAM 110. This allows the focus guide to be appropriately displayed with simple processing even when imaging conditions are different from those at the time of advance preparation.

[0083] <Other embodiments> Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and alterations within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. In addition, the present invention also includes a case where a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is obtained directly from a recording medium or by wired / wireless communication, and is supplied to a system or device having a computer and the program is executed.

[0084] Therefore, the program code itself that is supplied and installed to a computer to realize the functions and processing of the present invention also realizes the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for realizing the functions and processing of the present invention is also subject to the present invention. In this case, as long as it has the functions of a program, various program forms such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to an OS or middleware are included.

[0085] The recording medium for supplying the program may be, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. As a method for supplying the program, the computer program of the present invention may be stored in a server on a computer network. Then, the server may download the program to a client computer that requests it, and install and execute the program.

[0086] <Additional Notes> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, a storage unit that stores position information of the guide indicator, a manual focus position for a subject, and imaging information indicating values ​​related to imaging, in association with each other at the time of setting; a determination unit that determines whether a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage unit and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range when the in-focus position stored in the storage unit and the current focus position are within a predetermined range; and a display control unit that, when the determination unit determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within a second predetermined range, causes a display unit to display a guide indicator for a subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit. (Configuration 2) The judgment unit is When the in-focus position stored in the storage unit and the current focus position are within the predetermined range, it is determined whether or not a difference between a zoom position as the imaging information stored in the storage unit and the current zoom position is within a third predetermined range; The display control unit further The imaging device described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the determination unit determines that the difference between the two zoom positions is within a third predetermined range, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator with respect to the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit. (Configuration 3) The display control unit The imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide indicator for the subject is displayed on an external display unit connected via an external output terminal provided on the imaging device, at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit. (Configuration 4) The display control unit The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide indicator for the subject is displayed on a display device as a display unit provided in the imaging device itself, at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit. (Configuration 5) The camera further includes a focus degree determination unit that determines whether a focus degree indicating a degree to which a subject is in focus at a position indicated by the position information stored in the storage unit is within a fourth predetermined range, The display control unit further The imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that when the focus degree determination unit determines that the focus degree is within a fourth predetermined range, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator on the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a re-detection section for detecting a face of a subject in a re-detection area expanded by a predetermined range around the face of the subject. (Configuration 7) The camera further includes a subject information storage unit that stores face information including a face of the subject at the time of the setting, The display control unit further The imaging device described in configuration 6, characterized in that when the face information detected by the re-detection unit is included in the face information stored in the subject information storage unit, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator so as to match the face information. (Configuration 8) The subject information storage unit includes: The imaging device according to configuration 7, characterized in that as the face information, information including at least face information among face information, information on the type of subject recognized as a moving object, recognized scene information, and face registration information for identifying a previously registered individual, is stored. (Configuration 9) The subject information storage unit includes: As the face information, at least information including face information and face registration information among face information, information on the type of subject recognized as a moving object, recognized scene information, and face registration information for identifying a previously registered individual is stored; The display control unit further The imaging device described in configuration 7, characterized in that when multiple faces are detected by the re-detection unit, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator for a face whose face registration information matches that stored in the subject information storage unit. (Configuration 10) The guide indicator is 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the display object is composed of a frame-shaped object and a plurality of index objects surrounding it, and the color of the entire display object changes between an in-focus state and an out-of-focus state. (Method) A method for controlling an imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, comprising the steps of: a storage step of storing the position information of the guide index, the in-focus position of the manual focus for the subject, and imaging information indicating values ​​related to imaging, in association with each other, at the time of setting; a determination step of determining whether or not a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage step and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range when the focus position stored in the storage step and the current focus position are within a predetermined range; and a display control step of causing a display unit to display a guide indicator for the subject at the position indicated by the position information stored in the storage step when the determination step determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within a second predetermined range. (Program) A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, the program comprising: The control method includes: a storage step of storing the position information of the guide index, the in-focus position of the manual focus for the subject, and imaging information indicating values ​​related to imaging, in association with each other, at the time of setting; a determination step of determining whether or not a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage step and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range when the focus position stored in the storage step and the current focus position are within a predetermined range; and a display control process for causing a display unit to display a guide indicator for the subject at the position indicated by the position information stored in the storage process when the determination process determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within a second predetermined range.

[0087] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiment to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and having a computer processor of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 100 Video Camera 101 Lens 102 CMOS type image sensor 103 Camera signal processing unit 104 Recording media 105 Power supply 106 Operation section 107 Lens Communication Department 108 Input I / F 109 ROM 110 RAM 111 CODEC 112 OSD drawing section 113 LCD Panel 114EVF 115 External output terminal 116 Output I / F 117 External I / F 118 CPU 119 Communications Department 120 Data Bus

Claims

1. An imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, a storage unit that stores position information of the guide indicator, a manual focus position for a subject, and imaging information indicating values ​​related to imaging, in association with each other at the time of setting; a determination unit that determines whether a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage unit and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range when the in-focus position stored in the storage unit and the current focus position are within a predetermined range; and a display control unit that, when the determination unit determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within a second predetermined range, causes a display unit to display a guide indicator for the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit.

2. The determination unit is When the in-focus position stored in the storage unit and the current focus position are within the predetermined range, it is determined whether or not a difference between a zoom position as the imaging information stored in the storage unit and the current zoom position is within a third predetermined range; The display control unit further 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the determination unit determines that the difference between the two zoom positions is within a third predetermined range, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator with respect to the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit.

3. The display control unit is The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide indicator for the subject is displayed on a display unit external to the device connected via an external output terminal of the device, at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit.

4. The display control unit is The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide indicator for the subject is displayed on a display device as a display unit provided in the imaging device itself, at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit.

5. a focus degree determination unit that determines whether or not a focus degree indicating a degree to which a subject is in focus at a position indicated by the position information stored in the storage unit is within a fourth predetermined range; The display control unit further The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the focus degree determination unit determines that the focus degree is within a fourth predetermined range, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator with respect to the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the memory unit.

6. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a re-detection section for detecting a face in a re-detection area expanded by a predetermined range around the face of the subject.

7. a subject information storage unit that stores face information including a face of the subject at the time of the setting, The display control unit further The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when face information detected by the re-detection unit is included in the face information stored in the subject information storage unit, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator so as to match the face information.

8. The subject information storage unit The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that the facial information stored includes at least facial information from among facial information, information on the type of subject recognized as a moving object, recognized scene information, and facial registration information for identifying a previously registered individual.

9. The subject information storage unit As the face information, at least information including face information and face registration information among face information, information on the type of subject recognized as a moving object, recognized scene information, and face registration information for identifying a previously registered individual is stored; The display control unit further 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that, when a plurality of faces are detected by the re-detection unit, the display unit is caused to display the guide indicator for a face whose face registration information matches that stored in the subject information storage unit.

10. The guide indicator is 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the display object is made up of a frame-shaped object and a plurality of index objects surrounding the frame-shaped object, and the color of the entire display object changes between an in-focus state and an out-of-focus state.

11. 1. A method for controlling an imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, comprising: a storage step of storing the position information of the guide index, the in-focus position of the manual focus for the subject, and imaging information indicating values ​​related to imaging, in association with each other, at the time of setting; a determination step of determining whether or not a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage step and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range when the in-focus position stored in the storage step and the current focus position are within a predetermined range; and a display control process for causing a display unit to display a guide indicator for the subject at the position indicated by the position information stored in the storage process when the judgment process determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within a second predetermined range.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device having a manual focus function and capable of displaying a subject and a guide indicator for assisting focusing on the subject, the program comprising: The control method includes: a storage step of storing the position information of the guide index, the in-focus position of the manual focus for the subject, and imaging information indicating values ​​related to imaging, in association with each other, at the time of setting; a determination step of determining whether or not a difference between the imaging information stored in the storage step and the current imaging information is within a second predetermined range when the in-focus position stored in the storage step and the current focus position are within a predetermined range; and a display control process for causing a display unit to display a guide indicator for the subject at a position indicated by the position information stored in the storage process when the determination process determines that the difference between the two pieces of imaging information is within a second predetermined range.

Images