Display control device and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To perform guide display of a stable focus state.SOLUTION: A display control device includes: display control means for performing control so as to display a live view image captured by imaging means and so as to superimpose and display a display item indicating a subject whose focus state is detected on the live view image; detection means capable of detecting a plurality of parts of the subject in the live view image; selection means for selecting one from among the plurality of parts detected by the detection means on the basis of priority; and focus detection means for detecting the focus state in a focus detection area corresponding to the part selected by the selection means. The selection means makes a selection method based on the priority different between when automatic focus adjustment is performed and when focus adjustment by MF operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device and a control method thereof, and in particular to a technique for displaying information relating to focus. [Background technology]

[0002] In focusing devices for high-definition video cameras compatible with 4K, 8K, and other resolutions, it is not easy for a photographer to achieve precise focus when manually adjusting the focus (MF operation) on a subject. In particular, when adjusting the focus while checking a viewfinder or panel, the focus may become out of focus to an extent that cannot be confirmed through the viewfinder or panel. To address this issue, a display device has been proposed that calculates an evaluation value indicating the focus state and, based on this evaluation value, displays the focus state, such as the front focus / back focus state and the degree of focus out of focus, of the captured subject. This display function is called a focus assist function. Patent Document 1 proposes a method of superimposing an indicator indicating the focus state on the face and eye areas of a detected person.

[0003] Also, an imaging device has been proposed that is equipped with means for detecting more detailed parts of a detected subject such as a person, such as the head, pupils, or torso, and performs automatic focusing (AF) based on the amount and direction of defocus detected from the phase difference of the image signal in that area (Patent Document 2).Furthermore, in the function of detecting a subject from a captured image, the types of subjects to be detected are increasing, including not only people but also animals such as dogs, cats, and birds, as well as vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-197179 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-128652 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When focusing by AF or MF using the detailed parts of the subject detected as described above, the detected position and size may vary, the part to be detected may change frequently, or the detection may be unstable, depending on the orientation and size of the subject and the exposure conditions of the imaging device. For example, the part to be detected may frequently switch between the face and the eyes, and the eyes may only be detected for a moment.

[0006] When focusing using AF, it is generally desirable to focus on a more specific area (for example, the pupil). Conventionally, when detection is unstable as described above, AF is often performed based on the amount and direction of defocus at the area detected at the time the switch for focusing is operated.

[0007] On the other hand, when focusing using manual focusing with the focus assist function described above, it is assumed that the user will perform manual focusing while looking at an index that shows the focus status, such as the front focus / back focus status and the degree of focus deviation. In this case, if the detected position or size of the subject varies, or the detected part changes frequently and detection is unstable, there is a problem that the position of the index will not be fixed, making it difficult to focus. In particular, when detecting animals such as dogs and cats, whose postures and movements change more drastically than people, the detected position and size will vary, or the detected part will not be stable, making it even more difficult to focus.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a display control device, a control method for a display control device, a program, and a recording medium that are capable of providing guide display in a stable focus state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the display control device of the present invention has a display control means that displays a live view image captured by an imaging means and controls the display so that a display item indicating a subject whose focus state is being detected is displayed superimposed on the live view image; a detection means that can detect multiple parts of the subject in the live view image; a selection means that selects one part from the multiple parts detected by the detection means based on priority; and a focus detection means that detects the focus state in a focus detection area corresponding to the part selected by the selection means, wherein the selection means uses a selection method based on the priority that differs between when automatic focus adjustment is performed and when focus adjustment is performed by MF operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a guide display for a stable focus state can be performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interchangeable lens camera. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pixel configuration of an imaging surface phase difference method. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a frame display control process. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a focus detection area. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the shape of a focus assist frame. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing focus detection processing. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image signal obtained from a focus detection area. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a correlation calculation method. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an AF frame setting process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing a focus assist frame setting process in the first embodiment. [Figure 11]5A to 5C are diagrams showing examples of AF frame and focus assist frame display in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a focus assist frame setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of AF frame and focus assist frame display in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a focus guide display form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention will be described in detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0013] In the following embodiments, the present invention will be described with respect to an imaging device such as a digital camera. However, imaging functionality is not essential to the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented with any display control device. Such display control devices include computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), mobile phones, smartphones, game consoles, robots, drones, and drive recorders. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with other electronic devices.

[0014] (First embodiment) <Overall structure> Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an interchangeable lens camera as an example of a display control device of the present invention. The interchangeable lens camera in this embodiment comprises a lens unit and a camera body. A lens control unit 106 that controls the overall operation of the lens unit 10 and a camera control unit 207 that controls the overall operation of the camera communicate with each other via data. Note that this can also be implemented in a digital camera in which the lens and camera are integrated.

[0015] First, the configuration of lens unit 10 will be described. Lens unit 10 has an imaging optical system including a fixed lens 101, aperture 102, focus lens 103, and zoom lens (not shown). Aperture 102 is driven by aperture drive unit 104 and controls the amount of light incident on image sensor 201 (described later). Focus lens 103 is driven by focus lens drive unit 105 and performs focus adjustment. The zoom lens (not shown) is driven by the zoom lens drive unit to adjust the zoom. Note that in this embodiment, the zoom lens and zoom lens drive unit are not essential components.

[0016] The diaphragm driver 104, focus lens driver 105, and zoom lens driver are controlled by a lens controller 106, which determines the aperture size of the diaphragm 102 and the positions of the focus lens 103 and zoom lens. When a user performs an operation such as focusing or zooming via a lens operation unit 107, the lens controller 106 performs control in accordance with the user operation. The lens controller 106 controls the diaphragm driver 104, focus lens driver 105, and zoom lens driver in accordance with control commands and control information received from a camera controller 207 (described later), and also transmits lens information to the camera controller 207.

[0017] Next, the configuration of a camera body 20 equipped with an automatic focusing device according to this embodiment will be described. The camera body 20 is configured to be able to acquire an imaging signal from a light beam that has passed through the imaging optical system of the lens unit 10. The imaging element 201 is configured with a CCD or CMOS sensor. The light beam that has passed through the imaging optical system is focused on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 201, and the formed subject image is converted by photodiodes into charges corresponding to the amount of incident light (photoelectric conversion). The charges accumulated in each photodiode are sequentially read out from the imaging element 201 as voltage signals corresponding to the charges based on drive pulses provided by a timing generator 209 in accordance with commands from a camera control unit 207.

[0018] An image sensor that does not support image-sensor phase-difference focus adjustment (hereinafter referred to as image-sensor phase-difference) has a Bayer pixel configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A. On the other hand, the image sensor 201 of this embodiment has multiple photodiodes (two in this embodiment) per pixel, as shown in FIG. 2B, to perform image-sensor phase-difference focus detection. A light beam is separated by a microlens and focused on the two photodiodes, thereby obtaining two signals: one for image capture and one for focus detection. The signal (A+B) obtained by adding the signals from the two photodiodes is the image signal, and the signals (A, B) from the individual photodiodes are two image signals for focus detection. This embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which two image signals are read out separately. For example, in consideration of the processing load, a configuration may be adopted in which the added signal (A+B) and one of the image signals (e.g., A) are read out, and the other image signal (e.g., B) is obtained from the difference between the added signal (A+B) and one of the image signals (e.g., A). An AF signal processing unit 204 (described later) performs correlation calculations on two image signals for focus detection, and calculates the amount of image shift and various reliability information.

[0019] In this embodiment, one pixel has two photodiodes, but the number of photodiodes is not limited to two and may be more. Furthermore, the configuration of an image sensor compatible with focus detection using image-surface phase difference is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment in which one pixel has multiple photodiodes, but may also be a configuration in which a pixel for focus detection is provided within the image sensor.

[0020] The imaging signal and focus detection signal read out from the image sensor 201 are input to a CDS / AGC converter 202, which performs correlated double sampling to remove reset noise, adjusts the gain, and digitizes the signal. The CDS / AGC converter 202 outputs the imaging signal to a camera signal processing unit 203 and a subject detection unit 210, and outputs a signal for focus detection using an imaging surface phase difference to an AF signal processing unit 204.

[0021] The camera signal processing unit 203 transmits the imaging signal output from the CDS / AGC converter 202 to the display unit 205. The display unit 205 is a display device such as an LCD or organic EL, and displays the imaging signal as a live view image. In addition, in a mode in which the imaging signal is recorded, the imaging signal is recorded in the recording unit 206. The display unit 205 can also display the recorded imaging signal.

[0022] The AF signal processing unit 204 performs correlation calculation based on the two image signals for focus detection output from the CDS / AGC converter 202, and calculates the amount of image shift and reliability information (degree of coincidence between the two images, steepness between the two images, contrast information, saturation information, scratch information, etc.). Then, it outputs the calculated amount of image shift and reliability information to the camera control unit 207. Details of the correlation calculation will be described later using FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0023] The camera control unit 207 exchanges information with and controls each component within the camera body 20. In addition to processing within the camera body 20, it also executes camera functions operated by the user, such as power on / off, changing settings, starting recording, starting focus detection control, checking recorded images, and selecting a focus detection frame, in response to input from the camera operation unit 208. As mentioned above, it also exchanges information with the lens control unit 106 within the lens unit 10, sending control commands and control information for the photographic optical system and acquiring information within the lens unit.

[0024] The subject detection unit 210 is a detection system block capable of detecting multiple body parts, such as the face, pupils, and torso of a person, and the face, pupils, and torso of an animal such as a dog or cat. The subject detection unit 210 performs known detection processing on the image signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 107 to detect a specific subject area within the shooting screen. In other words, the subject detection unit 210 constitutes a detection means for detecting a predetermined subject from the image signal. Note that the detection method is not the gist of the present invention, and therefore will not be described here.

[0025] <Overall frame display control> Next, the overall sequence executed by the camera control unit 207 to display a frame for AF or a frame for focus assist on a detected subject will be described with reference to FIG.

[0026] First, in step S301, the camera control unit 207 issues a command to the subject detection unit 210 to detect a specific subject area within the shooting screen. In this embodiment, the specific subject area is described as the face, pupils, or torso (or the whole body) of an animal, but it is not limited to this and may also be the face, pupils, or torso (or the upper body or the whole body) of a person, or the whole or a local part (for example, the driver's seat) of a vehicle such as a car or motorcycle.

[0027] Next, in step S302, the camera control unit 207 determines whether the setting is AF or MF. If the setting is AF, then in step S303, a focus detection area (hereinafter referred to as an AF frame) used for AF focusing is set for the AF signal processing unit 204. Then, the process proceeds to step S305. If the setting is MF, then in step S304, a focus detection area (hereinafter referred to as a focus assist frame) is set for the AF signal processing unit 204 to calculate a defocus amount and direction that serve as indicators for focusing through MF operation by the user. Then, the process proceeds to step S305. Details of the AF frame setting process in step S303 will be described later using FIG. 9, and details of the focus assist frame setting process in step S304 will be described later using FIG. 10. Note that in this embodiment, the determination of whether the setting is AF will be described based on the state of an AF / MF selector switch (not shown) on the camera operation unit 208. However, this is not limited to this, and the determination may also be based on the selection state of a menu, or the AF / MF selector switch (not shown) may be configured to be included in the lens operation unit 107.

[0028] Next, in step S305, focus detection processing is performed in the AF frame set in step S303 or the focus assist frame set in step S304, and the process proceeds to step S306. Defocus is calculated in the focus detection processing performed by the AF signal processing unit 204. Details of the focus detection processing will be described later using FIGS.

[0029] Next, in step S306, a display process is performed to show the user the AF frame set in step S303 or the focus assist frame set in step S304, and then the frame display control ends. The display modes of the AF frame and the focus assist frame will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 11.

[0030] Steps S301 to S306 are executed periodically based on the operation cycle of the camera.

[0031] <Defocus detection frame setting process> Next, the process of setting the area for detecting defocus will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an area where an image signal indicating the focus detection range used in the focus detection process in step S305 is acquired. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing a focus detection range 402 on a pixel array 401. The area 404 required for correlation calculation is the combination of the focus detection range 402 and a shift area 403 required for correlation calculation. In FIG. 4(a), p, q, s, and t each represent coordinates in the x-axis direction. p to q represent the area 404, and s to t represent the focus detection range 402.

[0033] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing five focus detection areas 405-409 obtained by dividing the focus detection range 402. As an example, in this embodiment, the amount of focus deviation is calculated for each focus detection area, and focus detection is performed. In this embodiment, the focus detection result of the most reliable area is selected from among the divided focus detection areas. The amount of focus deviation calculated in that area is then used when driving the focus to the in-focus position using AF (AF control), or when displaying the amount of focus deviation on the screen as a focus assist display. Note that the number of divisions and the direction of division of the focus detection range are not limited to those described above.

[0034] Fig. 4(c) is a diagram showing a provisional focus detection area 410 formed by connecting the focus detection areas 405 to 409 in Fig. 4(b). As an example of an embodiment, the amount of focus deviation calculated from the area formed by connecting the focus detection areas in this way may be used for AF control or when displaying the amount of focus deviation on the screen as a focus assist display.

[0035] In the above description, the focus detection range 402 is set relative to a fixed-size AF frame or focus assist frame. However, in this embodiment, the following description will be given assuming that the layout and size of the focus detection area are changed according to the position and size of the subject area (face, eyes, body, etc.) detected in step S301. The layout and size of the focus detection area are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and may be any format that does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0036] <Focus assist frame display format> Next, the format of the focus assist frame display in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] Reference numeral 402 denotes an example of a display item showing a focus assist frame, which is the same area as the focus detection range in FIG.

[0038] A broken line 501 is a line along which figures 502 to 507, which will be described later, move, and is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor.

[0039] Next, figures 502 to 507 are indicators (display items) used to visually represent the defocus amount and defocus direction.

[0040] The following will explain in detail the different defocus conditions using FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c).

[0041] 5(a) is a diagram showing defocus when the focus is on the close side (front focus) for a subject within the focus detection range 402. When the focus is on the close side, the index 502 does not move, and the indexes 503 and 504 move symmetrically about the center line along the dashed line 501 according to the amount of defocus. The greater the defocus, the more the indexes move away from the index 502.

[0042] Next, Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing defocus when the focus is on the infinity side (back focus) for a subject in the focus detection range 402. When the focus is on the infinity side, the index 507 does not move, and the indexes 505 and 506 move symmetrically about the center line along the dashed line 501 according to the amount of defocus. The greater the defocus, the more they move away from the index 507. In this way, the amount of defocus is expressed by changing the spacing between the indexes (changing the relative positions of the indexes), and the focus direction is expressed by changing the orientation of the indexes.

[0043] 5C is a diagram showing defocus when the focus is at the in-focus position for the subject in the focus detection range 402. When the focus is at the in-focus position, the index 502 and the index 507 are closest to each other.

[0044] As described above, the amount of defocus is indicated by changing the relative positions of the first (503 / 505) and second index (504 / 506) to indicate the state of front focus and the state of back focus, and the direction of defocus is indicated by the display orientation of the first index and the second index.

[0045] However, the focus assist frame display format in this embodiment is not limited to the above format as long as it is a method that allows the defocus amount and defocus direction to be visually recognized. For example, a frame indicating the in-focus state, whose size corresponds to the magnitude of the defocus amount, may be displayed separately. In this case, when the subject is in focus, the focus frame and the frame indicating the in-focus state may be displayed so as to overlap. When the subject is determined to be in-focus, the frame may be displayed in a color (e.g., green) different from the colors (e.g., white) of other display modes. When the in-focus state is unknown, a display item indicating the unknown state may be displayed.

[0046] The present invention can also be applied to a display format such as that shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), which displays a bar indicating the range from front focus to back focus, a display item indicating the current focus state, and a display item indicating the reference position (focus position). Although Figures 14(a) and 14(b) do not have a display like the focus detection range 402 in Figure 5, the positional relationship between the bar, the display item, and the subject's parts can indicate which parts of the dog's eyes, face, and entire body (torso) are in focus. Specifically, it can be understood that the focus state of the parts closest to the display item on the screen is indicated.

[0047] <Defocus detection processing> Next, the focus detection process using the phase difference for calculating the defocus in step S303 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] First, in step S601, the camera control unit 207 acquires a pair of image signals from an arbitrarily set focus detection range.

[0049] Next, in step S602, the camera control unit 207 calculates the amount of correlation between the pair of image signals acquired in step S601.

[0050] Next, in step S603, the camera control unit 207 calculates the amount of change in correlation from the amount of correlation calculated in step S602.

[0051] Next, in step S604, the camera control unit 207 calculates the amount of defocus from the amount of correlation change calculated in step S603.

[0052] Next, in step S605, the camera control unit 207 calculates reliability, which indicates how reliable the amount of focus deviation calculated in step S604 is.

[0053] Steps S601 to S605 are repeated for each focus detection area present within the focus detection range.

[0054] Next, in step S606, the camera control unit 207 converts the amount of focus deviation into a defocus amount for each focus detection area.

[0055] <Detailed explanation of correlation calculation> Next, the focus detection process based on the phase difference explained in FIG. 6 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0056] Figure 7 shows the image signal acquired from the focus detection area set in Figure 4. s to t represent the focus detection range, and p to q represent the range required for focus detection calculations based on the shift amount. Furthermore, x to y represent one divided focus detection area.

[0057] 7A is a diagram showing the waveform of the image signal before shifting. A solid line 701 represents image signal A, and a dashed line 702 represents image signal B. Areas 705 to 709 represent the divided focus detection areas in FIG. 4.

[0058] Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing the image waveform shifted in the positive direction relative to the image waveform before shift in Fig. 7(a), and Fig. 7(c) is a diagram showing the image waveform shifted in the negative direction relative to the image waveform before shift in Fig. 7(a). When calculating the correlation amount, image signal A701 and image signal B702 are shifted by one bit in the direction of the arrow, respectively.

[0059] Next, we will explain how to calculate the correlation amount COR. First, as explained in Figures 7(b) and (c), image signals A and B are shifted one bit at a time, and the sum of the absolute values ​​of the differences between image signals A and B at that time is calculated. Note that the shift amount is represented by i, the minimum shift number is ps in Figure 7, and the maximum shift number is qt in Figure 7. Also, x is the start coordinate of the focus detection area, and y is the end coordinate of the focus detection area. Using these, the correlation amount COR can be calculated using the following equation (1).

[0060]

number

[0061] 8(a) is a diagram showing the correlation amount as a waveform. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the shift amount, and the vertical axis represents the correlation amount. In the correlation amount waveform 801, 802 and 803 represent the vicinity of the extreme value. Among these, the smaller the correlation amount, the higher the degree of match between image A and image B.

[0062] Next, we will explain how to calculate the correlation change amount ΔCOR. First, from the correlation amount waveform in Figure 8(a), the correlation change amount is calculated from the difference in correlation amount every other shift. In this case, the shift amount is represented by i, the minimum number of shifts is ps in Figure 7, and the maximum number of shifts is qt in Figure 7. Using these, the correlation change amount ΔCOR can be calculated using the following equation (2).

[0063]

number

[0064] 8(b) is a diagram showing the correlation change amount ΔCOR as a waveform. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the shift amount, and the vertical axis represents the correlation change amount. In the correlation change amount waveform 804, points 805 and 806 are the areas where the correlation change amount changes from positive to negative. The point where the correlation change amount becomes 0 from 805 is called the zero crossing, where the degree of match between image A and image B is highest, and the shift amount at this point represents the amount of focus deviation.

[0065] FIG. 8(c) is an enlarged view of portion 805 in FIG. 8(b), and portion 807 is a portion of the correlation change amount waveform 804. Using FIG. 8(c), a method for calculating the defocus amount PRD will be explained. First, the defocus amount is divided into an integer portion β and a decimal portion α. ​​The decimal portion α can be calculated using the following equation (3) based on the similarity relationship between triangles ABC and ADE in FIG. 8(c).

[0066]

number

[0067] Next, the integer part β can be calculated from FIG. 8(c) using the following equation (4).

[0068]

number

[0069] As described above, the defocus amount PRD can be calculated from the sum of α and β.

[0070] Furthermore, when there are multiple zero crossings, as in Figure 8(b), the point where the steepness (maxder) of the change in correlation amount at the zero crossing is large is determined to be the first zero crossing. This steepness is an index that indicates the ease of AF, and the larger the value, the easier it is to AF. The steepness can be calculated using the following equation (5):

[0071]

number

[0072] As described above, when there are multiple zero crossings, the first zero crossing is determined based on steepness.

[0073] Next, we will explain how to calculate the reliability of the amount of focus deviation. Reliability can be defined by the steepness and the degree of coincidence fnclvl between the two images, image signals A and B (hereinafter referred to as the degree of two-image coincidence). The degree of two-image coincidence is an index that represents the accuracy of the amount of focus deviation, and the smaller the value, the better the accuracy.

[0074] Fig. 8(d) is an enlarged view of the portion 802 in Fig. 8(a), and 808 is a part of the correlation amount waveform 801. The degree of coincidence between the two images can be calculated by the following equation (6).

[0075]

number

[0076] <AF Frame Setting Process and Focus Assist Frame Setting Process in First Embodiment> Next, the AF frame setting process performed in AF setting and the focus assist frame setting process performed in MF setting, which are characteristic processes of the present invention, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.

[0077] Figure 9 shows the flow of the AF frame setting process performed when setting AF.

[0078] First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 detected the eyes of an animal such as a dog or cat in the processing of step S301 described above. If the eyes of an animal are detected, the process proceeds to step S902, and if not, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0079] Next, in step S902, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range described above so as to center the position of the detected animal's eye and cover the size of the detected eye, and then proceeds to step S912, where the process ends. Generally, when photographing a subject such as an animal or a person, it is desirable to have the eye in focus. Therefore, if an eye is detected using AF settings, the AF frame can be set to either the detected left or right eye, thereby maintaining focus on the eye. Incidentally, if both eyes are detected, the AF frame may be set to the eye in the foreground depending on the direction of the face, or the AF frame may be set to the eye closer to the center of the screen, or the AF frame may be set to the eye that has been determined in advance by selection using a menu, for example.

[0080] Next, in step S903, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected an animal's face. If an animal's face is detected, the process proceeds to step S904; if not, the process proceeds to step S905. In this embodiment, even if a face cannot be detected because the subject is facing away from the camera, if the head can be detected, the process is considered to be equivalent to a state in which a face has been detected, and the subsequent processing is carried out.

[0081] Next, in step S904, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so that it is centered on the position of the detected animal's face (or head) and covers the size of the detected face (or head), and then proceeds to step S912 and ends the processing.

[0082] In step S905, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the body of an animal (or the whole body). If the body of an animal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S906; if not, the process proceeds to step S907.

[0083] Next, in step S906, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected body of the animal, with the position of the detected body of the animal as the center, and proceeds to step S912 to end the process.

[0084] In step S907, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the eyes of a person. If the eyes of a person have been detected, the process proceeds to step S908, and if not, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0085] Next, in step S908, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected pupil, centered on the position of the detected pupil of the person, and proceeds to step S912 to end the process.

[0086] In step S909, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected a person's face (or head). If a person's face (or head) has been detected, the process proceeds to step S910; if not, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0087] Next, in step S910, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so that it is centered on the position of the detected person's face (or head) and covers the size of the detected face (or head), and then proceeds to step S912 and ends the processing.

[0088] In step S911, if the subject detection unit 210 cannot detect a specific area such as the eyes or face of an animal or person, a focus detection range of a predetermined size is set at an arbitrary position set by the user or a preset position, and the process proceeds to step S912, where it ends. In this embodiment, the pre-stored position is the center of the screen, and the size of the focus detection range is set based on a value selected in a menu (large, small, etc.) not shown, but this is not limiting.

[0089] In this embodiment, the setting of the focus detection range is described as setting multiple focus detection frames within a range that is N times the size of a detected specific area such as an eye or face, but it is also possible to set only one focus detection frame within a range that is the same size as the detected specific area.

[0090] Note that when an AF frame is set based on the size of the pupil or face, the smaller the detected pupil or face size, the smaller the detectable defocus amount range, so this is not suitable for when you want to focus from a significantly blurred state. Therefore, it is desirable to limit the minimum size of the AF frame to be set so that it is no smaller than a specified size that ensures focus detection performance.

[0091] Next, FIG. 10 shows the flow of the focus assist frame setting process performed when MF is set.

[0092] First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 detected the eyes of an animal such as a dog or cat in the processing of step S301 described above. If the eyes of an animal are detected, the process proceeds to step S1002; if not, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0093] In step S1002, it is determined whether the animal's eyes detected in step S1001 have been continuously detected for a predetermined time T1. If they have been continuously detected for the predetermined time T1 or more, the process proceeds to step S1003; if they have been detected for less than the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0094] Next, in step S1003, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range described above so as to cover the size of the detected pupil centered on the position of the detected animal's pupil, and proceeds to step S1017 to end the process.

[0095] Next, in step S1004, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the face (or head) of an animal. If the face (or head) of an animal is detected, the process proceeds to step S1005; if not, the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0096] In step S1005, it is determined whether the face (or head) of the animal detected in step S1004 has been continuously detected for a predetermined time T2. If the face (or head) of the animal has been continuously detected for the predetermined time T2 or more, the process proceeds to step S1006, and if the time is less than the predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0097] Next, in step S1006, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so that it is centered on the position of the detected animal's face (or head) and covers the size of the detected face (or head), and then proceeds to step S1017 and ends the processing.

[0098] Next, in step S1007, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the body of an animal (or the whole body). If the body of an animal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1008; if not, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0099] In step S1008, it is determined whether the body of the animal detected in step S1007 has been continuously detected for a predetermined time T3, and if it has been continuously detected for more than the predetermined time T3, the process proceeds to step S1009, and if it has been detected for less than the predetermined time T3, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0100] Next, in step S1009, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected body of the animal, with the position of the detected body of the animal as the center, and proceeds to step S1017 to end the process.

[0101] Next, in step S1010, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the eyes of a person. If the eyes of a person have been detected, the process proceeds to step S1011; if not, the process proceeds to step S1013.

[0102] In step S1011, it is determined whether the eyes of the person detected in step S1010 have been detected continuously for a predetermined time T4. If the eyes have been detected continuously for the predetermined time T4 or more, the process proceeds to step S1012; if the time is less than the predetermined time T4, the process proceeds to step S1013.

[0103] Next, in step S1012, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected pupil, centered on the position of the detected pupil of the person, and proceeds to step S1017 to end the process.

[0104] In step S1013, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected a person's face (or head). If a person's face (or head) has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1014; if not, the process proceeds to step S1016.

[0105] In step S1014, it is determined whether the face (or head) of the person detected in step S1013 has been continuously detected for a predetermined time T5. If the face (or head) has been continuously detected for the predetermined time T5 or more, the process proceeds to step S1015, and if the time is less than the predetermined time T5, the process proceeds to step S1016.

[0106] Next, in step S1015, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to center on the position of the detected person's face (or head) and cover the size of the detected face (or head), and proceeds to step S1017.

[0107] In step S1016, if the subject detection unit 210 cannot detect a specific area such as the eyes or face of an animal or person, a focus detection range of a predetermined size is set at an arbitrary position set by the user or a preset position. Then, the process proceeds to step S1017, where it ends. In this embodiment, the pre-stored position is the center of the screen, and the size is the smallest size that can be set as a focus detection area. However, the pre-stored focus assist frame information is not limited to the content described in this embodiment, and may be in any format that does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0108] Here, the reason for determining whether the detection state continues for a predetermined time T1, T2, T3, T4, or T5 in steps S1002, S1005, S1008, S1011, and S1014 is to determine whether the detection of each specific area is stable. This allows a focus assist frame to be set in the area where the detection is stable for the first time. For example, if a focus assist frame is set on the eye or face according to the detection results when the pupil detected in step S1001 is unstable, the positions of the indices 502 to 507 will fluctuate significantly each time the detection area is switched. This makes focusing with MF operation difficult. Therefore, a focus assist frame is not set in that detection area unless the detection state is stable. This allows the positions of the indices 502 to 507, which visually represent the defocus amount and defocus direction of the focus assist frame, to be relatively stable, making it easier to focus with MF operation. Here, the state in which the pupils detected in step S1001 are unstable refers to a case in which the pupils are detected only for an instant, and then the detection is frequently switched to the face or torso.

[0109] Here, the detection of the eyes is more likely to be unstable compared to the face or torso because they may be hidden by changes in the subject's orientation or posture, or because their area size relative to the screen is small. Taking this into consideration, this embodiment makes it easier to continuously set a focus assist frame on the face or torso rather than the eyes. To achieve this, for example, T1 is set to 0.5 seconds, T2 and T3 to 0.1 seconds, T4 to 0.5 seconds, and T5 to 0.1 seconds. However, the predetermined times T1 to T5 may be set to the same value, or T2 and T3 may be set longer than T1, or different values ​​may be set for each. Incidentally, the longer these times are set, the more stable and continuous detection is required for the frame to be set in that area. The shorter these times are set, the more quickly a frame is set in a high-priority area once detection is detected.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if both the AF frame and the focus assist frame can be detected stably, the smaller area (pupil) of the detected area, the pupil, the face, or the torso, is most likely to be selected. In other words, the process of setting a frame on the pupil is given high priority. This is based on the idea that it is generally desirable to focus on more detailed parts. However, this is not limited to this.

[0111] As mentioned above, it is thought that in MF operation, it is better for the positions of the indicators 502 to 507 that visually represent the defocus amount and defocus direction of the focus assist frame to be stable. For this reason, unlike when setting the AF frame, when setting the focus assist frame, it is checked whether detection has continued for a predetermined period of time.

[0112] The reason why it is easier to set a focus assist frame on the face or torso than on the eyes is as follows. That is, as mentioned above, the eyes can be hidden and unable to be detected depending on the orientation or posture of the subject, and their detection tends to be unstable because their area on the screen is small. In comparison, the face and torso are less affected by the orientation of the subject, and their area on the screen is also relatively large. For this reason, making it easier to set a focus assist frame on the face or torso than on the eyes allows for more stable focus assist frame setting.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the AF frame and the focus assist frame are set so that the eyes, face, and torso of an animal are more likely to be selected than the eyes and face of a person, but the AF frame and the focus assist frame may be set with priority given to the eyes and face of a person. For example, a menu (not shown) may be configured to allow selection of person priority or animal priority, and the priority (determination order) of the detection areas in the setting process of the AF frame and the focus assist frame may be changed according to the setting.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the subject detection unit 210 cannot detect a specific region, such as the eyes or face of an animal or person, it determines whether the next lowest priority region has been detected. However, this is not limiting. It is also possible to determine whether tracking is possible even when detection is not possible, and only check the status of the lower priority region when detection and tracking are no longer possible. Note that tracking refers to a state in which a specific region of a subject transitions from a state in which it has been detected to a state in which it has not been detected, and estimates the most likely part of the detected region based on information (such as color information or pattern information) immediately before detection became impossible and general feature information. In the tracking state, if no specific region is detected near the tracking position for a predetermined period of time, or if the feature information decreases and it is detected that the possibility of a specific region is low, the tracking state is terminated. When the tracking state is terminated, if another specific region is detected in a position different from the tracking position, an AF frame or focus assist frame may be set in the detected region. Furthermore, if there are no other detected areas when the tracking state ends, the AF frame and focus assist frame may be set to a predetermined position and size that is pre-recorded in the camera control unit 207, or may be set while maintaining the position and size at the time when the tracking state ended.

[0115] <Frame display process of the first embodiment> Next, a frame display format for showing the user the position and size of the frame set in the AF frame setting process in step S303 and the focus assist frame setting process in step S304 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] (a) to (f) of FIG. 11 show conceptual diagrams of the display forms of the AF frame and focus assist frame when the dog's eyes, face, and entire body (torso) are detected. (a) to (c) of FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams of the display forms of the AF frame set in the AF frame setting process in step S303 described above. In (a) to (c) of FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes the detected animal's eye area, 1102 denotes the detected animal's face area, and 1103 denotes the detected animal's entire body area. (a) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the eye, face, and entire body have all been detected, and an AF frame (shown as a lock frame in the figure) has been set and displayed in the eye area 1101, which has a high priority for focusing. (b) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the eye has not been detected, but the face and entire body have been detected, and an AF frame has been set and displayed in the face area 1102, which has a high priority for focusing. In FIG. 11C, the eyes and face cannot be detected, but the whole body can be detected, and an AF frame is set and displayed in the whole body area 1103.

[0117] 11(d) to (f) are schematic diagrams showing the display forms of the focus assist frame set in the focus assist frame setting process in step S304 described above. 1101, 1102, and 1103 in FIGS. 11(d) to (f) indicate the same areas as those in FIGS. 11(a) to (c) described above. FIG. 11(d) shows a state in which the pupil, face, and whole body have been detected, and the focus assist frame has been set and displayed in the pupil area 1101, which has a high priority for focusing. FIG. 11(e) shows a state in which the pupil has not been detected, but the face and whole body have been detected, and the focus assist frame has been set and displayed in the face area 1102, which has a high priority for focusing. FIG. 11(f) shows a state in which the pupil and face have not been detected, but the whole body has been detected, and the focus assist frame has been set and displayed in the whole body area 1103.

[0118] Next, (g) to (j) of FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams showing the display forms of the AF frame and focus assist frame when a person's eyes and face are detected. (g) to (h) of FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams showing the display forms of the AF frame set in the AF frame setting process in step S303 described above. In (g) to (h) of FIG. 11, reference numeral 1104 denotes the area of ​​the detected person's eyes, and reference numeral 1105 denotes the area of ​​the detected person's face. (g) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the eyes and face have been detected, and an AF frame (shown as a lock frame in the figure) has been set and displayed in the eye area 1104, which has a high priority for focusing. (h) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the eyes have not been detected, but the face has been detected, and an AF frame has been set and displayed in the face area 1105.

[0119] 11(i) to (j) are schematic diagrams showing the display forms of the focus assist frame set in the focus assist frame setting process in step S304 described above. 1104 and 1105 in Figs. 11(i) to (j) indicate the same areas as those in Figs. 11(g) to (h) described above. Fig. 11(i) shows a state in which the pupil and face have been detected, and the focus assist frame has been set and displayed in pupil area 1104, which has a high priority for focusing. Fig. 11(j) shows a state in which the pupil has not been detected, but the face has been detected, and the focus assist frame has been set and displayed in face area 1105.

[0120] Although this embodiment does not mention the detection of a person's torso (whole body), if the face or head cannot be detected, the detection state of the torso (whole body) may be checked.

[0121] The display format of the AF frame and the focus assist frame does not have to be limited to this.

[0122] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0123] The same items as those in the first embodiment are given the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] <AF Frame Setting Process and Focus Assist Frame Setting Process in Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, in the focus assist frame display process when MF is set in step S304, the duration of detection is checked to determine whether detection is stable. Then, a focus assist frame is set on either the eyes, face, or torso, whichever is stable. In contrast, in this embodiment, a focus assist frame is set according to a priority determined based on the size of the detection area. Specifically, a basic priority order is set in descending order of detection size: torso > face > eyes. For example, even if the eyes or face have been detected, a focus assist frame is basically set on the torso.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows the flow of the focus assist frame setting process (step S304 in FIG. 3) performed when MF is set in the second embodiment.

[0126] First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the body (or the whole body) of an animal such as a dog or cat in the process of step S301 described above. If the body of an animal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1202, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1203.

[0127] Next, in step S1202, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range described above so as to cover the size of the detected animal's body, centered on the position of the detected body, and proceeds to step S1212, where the process ends. Here, the reason why determining whether the body has been detected is given top priority is as follows: Among the eyes, face, and body, the body is often stably detectable without being affected much by the subject's orientation or posture. For this reason, if the focus assist frame is basically set on the body, as in this embodiment, the specific area does not switch frequently, and a stable focus assist frame display can be achieved. Furthermore, by setting and displaying a focus assist frame on a large-sized part among multiple detected parts, even in situations where a subject that moves vigorously, such as an animal, moves out of the frame, the effect is less than when setting and displaying a focus assist frame on a small part.

[0128] Next, in step S1203, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected an animal's face. If an animal's face has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1204; if not, the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0129] Next, in step S1204, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected face, with the position of the detected animal's face as the center, and proceeds to step S1212 to end the process.

[0130] In step S1205, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the eyes of an animal. If the eyes of an animal have been detected, the process proceeds to step S1206, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0131] Next, in step S1206, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected pupil, centered on the position of the detected pupil of the animal, and proceeds to step S1212 to end the process.

[0132] In step S1207, it is determined whether or not a human face has been detected by subject detection unit 210. If a human face has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1208, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1209.

[0133] Next, in step S1208, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected face, with the position of the detected person's face as the center, and proceeds to step S1212 to end the process.

[0134] In step S1209, it is determined whether or not the subject detection unit 210 has detected the eyes of a person. If the eyes of a person have been detected, the process proceeds to step S1210, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1211.

[0135] Next, in step S1210, the camera control unit 207 sets the focus detection range so as to cover the size of the detected pupil, centered on the position of the detected pupil of the person, and proceeds to step S1212 to end the process.

[0136] In step S1211, as a process to be performed when the subject detection unit 210 cannot detect a specific area such as the eyes or face of an animal or person, a focus detection range of a predetermined size is set at an arbitrary position set by the user or a preset position, as in the first embodiment. Then, the process proceeds to step S1212 and ends.

[0137] <Frame display process of the second embodiment> Next, the display form of the focus assist frame in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0138] 13(a) to 13(f) are conceptual diagrams showing the display forms of the AF frame and focus assist frame when the pupils, face, and entire body (torso) of a dog are detected. 13(a) to 13(c) are schematic diagrams showing the display forms of the AF frame, with 1301 indicating the area of ​​the detected animal's pupils, 1302 indicating the area of ​​the detected animal's face, and 1303 indicating the area of ​​the detected animal's entire body. Since the setting and display of the AF frame in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] 13(d) to (f) are schematic diagrams showing the display form of the focus assist frame in the second embodiment, and 1301, 1302, and 1303 in the diagrams indicate the same areas as those in FIGS. 13(a) to (c) described above. FIG. 13(d) shows a state in which the pupils, face, and entire body have been detected, and the focus assist frame is set and displayed in the torso area 1303, which has a higher priority. FIG. 13(e) shows a state in which the pupils have not been detected, but the face and entire body have been detected, and the focus assist frame is set and displayed in the torso area 1303, which has a higher priority. FIG. 13(f) shows a state in which the pupils and face have not been detected, but the entire body has been detected, and the focus assist frame is set and displayed in the entire body area 1103.

[0140] Note that this embodiment has been described on the assumption that the angle of view is such that the animal's body can be detected at the correct size. However, depending on the shooting magnification (which can be calculated by dividing the focal length by the subject distance), the animal's body (or entire body) may not fit within the angle of view, and the body may not be detected, or may not be detected at the correct size even if it is detected. Therefore, when the shooting magnification is high, step S1201 for determining whether the body has been detected may not be performed, and the determination may be made from step S1203 onwards. In other words, when the shooting magnification is high, the focus assist frame may be set and displayed with priority on the face rather than the body.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the focus assist frame is set and displayed using the results of the torso, which has minimal changes in position and size, as much as possible. This reduces variations in the position and size of the focus assist frame. However, in cases such as when switching between the pupil and face, where changes in the detected position and size are small compared to when changes are large, such as when switching between the pupil and face, the setting and display may be performed according to the results of the pupil and face, not just the torso.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the same processing is performed when an animal is detected and when a person is detected, but this is not limiting, and the frame setting and display processing may be changed between when AF is set and when MF is set only when an animal is detected.

[0143] Furthermore, although the above description has been given in connection with the case where one animal or one person is detected as a subject, this embodiment can also be applied to the case where multiple animals or people are detected. However, even when multiple subjects are detected, only one of them is the main subject on which focus is adjusted. For this reason, the main subject is selected from the multiple subjects using a known method (for example, selecting a subject with a large detection size near the center of the screen), and AF settings and focus assist frame settings are performed only on the main subject.

[0144] At this time, a frame may be displayed so that it is clear that detection has been performed on subjects other than the main subject as well. In this case, to stabilize the frame display, it may be set to a portion where detection is stable, as in the setting and display of the focus assist frame in the first embodiment, or it may be set to a portion of large size as in the second embodiment.

[0145] With the above processing, when the subject has multiple parts (characteristic parts) and the detected part changes depending on the subject's orientation, posture, or shooting environment, the camera can quickly focus on the detected part when set to AF. Also, when set to MF, the camera makes focusing easier by displaying a stable focus status (focus assist frame display) according to the subject's detection status.

[0146] (Other embodiments) The object of the present invention can also be achieved as follows: A storage medium storing software program code describing procedures for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device. A computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) in the system or device then reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel functions of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code and the control program constitute the present invention.

[0147] Furthermore, examples of storage media for supplying the program code include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, etc. Also usable are CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RAMs, DVD-RWs, DVD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, etc.

[0148] The functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer reading and executing the program code. Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by an operating system (OS) or the like running on a computer performing some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code.

[0149] The following case is also included: First, program code is read from a storage medium and written into memory on an expansion board inserted into a computer or on an expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of the program code, a CPU or other device on the expansion board or unit performs some or all of the actual processing.

[0150] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the invention that do not deviate from the gist of the invention are also included in the present invention.

[0151] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0152] (Configuration 1) a display control means for controlling the display of a live view image captured by the imaging means and the display of a display item indicating a subject for which a focus state is to be detected, superimposed on the live view image; a detection means for detecting a plurality of parts of a subject in the live view image; a selection means for selecting one of the plurality of regions detected by the detection means based on priority; a focus detection unit that detects a focus state in a focus detection area corresponding to the portion selected by the selection unit, The display control device is characterized in that the selection means uses different selection methods based on the priority depending on whether automatic focus adjustment is performed or focus adjustment is performed by MF operation.

[0153] (Configuration 2) The apparatus further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the detection of each of the plurality of regions is stable, 2. The display control device according to configuration 1, wherein the selection means makes it difficult to select a portion that is determined by the determination means to be unstable.

[0154] (Configuration 3) 2. The display control device according to configuration 1, wherein the selection means makes it difficult to select any of the plurality of portions whose size is determined to be smaller than a predetermined size.

[0155] (Configuration 4) 4. The display control device according to configuration 3, wherein the predetermined size is changed according to the imaging magnification.

[0156] (Configuration 5) Further, a calculation means for calculating a change in the position or size of the plurality of parts is provided, 2. The display control device according to configuration 1, wherein the selection means makes it difficult to select an area where there is a large variation in the position or size of the area.

[0157] (Method 1) a display control step of displaying a live view image captured by the imaging means and controlling the display to display a display item indicating a subject for which a focus state is to be detected, superimposed on the live view image; a subject detection step of detecting a plurality of parts of a subject in the live view image; a selection step of selecting one region based on priority from among the plurality of regions detected by the subject detection step; a focus detection step of detecting a focus state in a focus detection area corresponding to the portion selected by the selection step, A control method for a display control device, wherein the selection step uses different selection methods based on the priority depending on whether automatic focus adjustment is performed or focus adjustment is performed by MF operation.

[0158] (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the display control device described in configuration 1.

[0159] (Storage medium 1) A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the display control device described in configuration 1.

Claims

1. a display control means for controlling the display of a live view image captured by the imaging means and the display of a display item indicating a subject for which a focus state is to be detected, superimposed on the live view image; a detection means for detecting a plurality of parts of a subject in the live view image; a selection means for selecting one of the plurality of regions detected by the detection means based on priority; a focus detection unit that detects a focus state in a focus detection area corresponding to the portion selected by the selection unit, The display control device is characterized in that the selection means uses different selection methods based on the priority depending on whether automatic focus adjustment is performed or focus adjustment is performed by MF operation.

2. The apparatus further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the detection of each of the plurality of regions is stable, 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means makes it difficult to select a portion that is determined by the determination means to be unstable.

3. 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means makes it difficult to select any of the plurality of portions whose size is determined to be smaller than a predetermined size.

4. 4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined size is changed in accordance with a shooting magnification.

5. Further, a calculation means for calculating a change in the position or size of the plurality of parts is provided, 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means makes it difficult to select an area where the position or size of the area varies greatly.

6. a display control step of displaying a live view image captured by the imaging means and controlling the display to display a display item indicating a subject for which a focus state is to be detected, superimposed on the live view image; a subject detection step of detecting a plurality of parts of a subject in the live view image; a selection step of selecting one region based on priority from among the plurality of regions detected by the subject detection step; a focus detection step of detecting a focus state in a focus detection area corresponding to the portion selected by the selection step, A control method for a display control device, wherein the selection step uses different selection methods based on the priority depending on whether automatic focus adjustment is performed or focus adjustment is performed by an MF operation.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the display control device according to claim 1.

8. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the display control device according to claim 1.

Images