Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

We provide technologies to improve usability. [Solution] An imaging device connectable to a power supply device, comprising control means that disables the autofocus function and enables a manual focus assist function to assist in confirming the focus state during manual focus adjustment, based on information from the power supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method of the imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] The power consumption of an imaging device varies depending on the settings of the imaging device and peripheral devices connected to the imaging device. Due to the variation in power consumption, the supply capacity of the power source that drives the imaging device may be insufficient. When the supply capacity of the power source of the imaging device is insufficient, the imaging device generally performs function restriction. Function restriction is an operation of restricting some functions of the imaging device to suppress power consumption. For example, since the motor that drives the lens device consumes a large amount of power, the imaging device reduces the power supply to the motor. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for restricting the operation of the lens device in order to reduce the power consumption of the lens device when sufficient power cannot be secured from the power source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is a problem that the operability of the imaging device deteriorates when functions related to the operation of the lens device, such as the autofocus (AF) function, are restricted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for improving usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An imaging device according to an aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object is an imaging device connectable to a power supply device, A control means that disables the autofocus function based on information from the power supply device and enables a manual focus assist function to help confirm the focus state during manual focus adjustment. It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, usability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of an imaging device. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the details of an example of components of an imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of an imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the procedure for processing performed by the imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] In the second embodiment, this is an example of a UI displayed on the display unit to allow the user to determine the MF auxiliary function setting to be enabled when the function is restricted. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of an imaging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the imaging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of data stored in the function restriction setting storage unit in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11]This is an explanatory diagram of the focus guide function according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (First Embodiment) <Configuration of the imaging device> Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of an imaging device. The imaging device 100 is a device capable of operating as a digital camera or digital video camera. The imaging device 100 may also be a computer device such as a smartphone, tablet, industrial camera, or medical camera. The imaging device 100 is connectable to a power supply device 110 and a lens device 101.

[0011] The lens device 101 is connected to the imaging device 100 via the lens device connection unit 111, and forms an optical image of the subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor 102. The lens device connection unit 111 has terminals for supplying power and communicating between the imaging device 100 and the lens device 101, and electrically connects the imaging device 100 and the lens device 101. The image sensor 102 generates image data from the optical image formed on the imaging surface. The information processing unit 103 is, for example, one or more CPUs, and processes the image data generated by the image sensor 102 by performing predetermined image processing and predetermined encoding processing. The image data processed by the information processing unit 103 is recorded on the storage medium 105 and displayed on the display unit 107. Furthermore, the information processing unit 103 controls each component of the imaging device 100 by reading and executing a program stored in the information storage unit 104.

[0012] The information storage unit 104 stores a program for controlling each component of the imaging device 100 and various data used by the information processing unit 103. For example, power consumption information for each operation mode, operation mode information, image data for notifying the user of the state of the imaging device 100, etc. are stored in the information storage unit 104. The storage medium 105 is a storage medium (e.g., an SD card, etc.) that stores the image data encoded by the information processing unit 103. The operation unit 106 is a user interface (UI) for the user to operate the imaging device 100.

[0013] The display unit 107 performs displays for confirming the image to be captured, for playing back and confirming the captured image, and for displaying the operation mode of the imaging device 100, etc. The temperature sensor 108 is, for example, a thermistor, and is connected to the information processing unit 103 to detect the temperature of each component. The information processing unit 103 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 108 and calculates the temperature margin until operation stops based on the difference between the operation upper limit temperature pre-stored in the information storage unit 104 and the detected temperature.

[0014] The power supply unit 109 is a circuit that converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply device 110 into an appropriate voltage and supplies power to each component of the imaging device 100. The power supply device 110 is connected to the imaging device 100 via the power supply device connection unit 112 and supplies power to the power supply unit 109. The power supply device connection unit 112 has terminals for performing power supply and communication between the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 110, and electrically connects the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 110.

[0015] Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram that organizes the components shown in FIG. 1 in order to explain the operation of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, for the sake of explanation, it is a diagram that extracts a part of the components of the imaging device 100 and concretizes the components peculiar to the present embodiment. The power supply unit 113 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, and supplies power to the power supply unit 109. The power supply device information storage unit 114 stores information regarding the supplied power of the power supply device 110 (for example, model number, available power value, etc.). The power supply device information storage unit 114 can transmit information regarding the supplied power of the power supply device 110 to the information processing unit 103.

[0016] The lens driving unit 115 is, for example, a motor and is used for moving the focusing lens. The lens driving unit 115 can receive a control signal (for example, the rotation speed of the motor) from the information processing unit 103 and control the focusing operation. The lens information storage unit 116 stores information regarding the power consumption of the lens device 101 (for example, model number, power consumption value, etc.). The lens information storage unit 116 can transmit information regarding the power consumption of the lens device 101 to the information processing unit 103.

[0017] The function limitation determination unit 117 is, for example, one or more CPUs, and may implement dedicated hardware or may be implemented as a part of the functions of the information processing unit 103. The function limitation determination unit 117 receives information regarding the supplied power of the power supply device 110 and information regarding the power consumption of the lens device 101 from the information processing unit 103, and determines whether function limitation is necessary. The function limitation determination unit 117 transmits the result of the determination to the information processing unit 103.

[0018] <Process> Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the procedure of the process executed by the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The imaging device 100 in the first embodiment is controlled by the information processing unit 103. At the start of this flowchart, it is assumed that the imaging device 100 is connected to the power supply device 110 and the lens device 101.

[0019] In S101, the information processing unit 103 determines whether it can communicate with the power supply device 110. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S102. If the result of this step is No, the process ends. In S102, the information processing unit 103 obtains information on the available power value and / or model number from the power supply device 110. After S102 is completed, the process proceeds to S103.

[0020] In S103, the information processing unit 103 determines whether it can communicate with the lens device 101. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S104. If the result of this step is No, the process ends. In S104, the information processing unit 103 obtains power consumption value and / or model number information from the lens device 101. In S105, the information processing unit 103 obtains setting information for the imaging device 100 from the information storage unit 104.

[0021] In S106, the information processing unit 103 acquires information on the power consumption of the imaging device 100 alone, excluding the lens device 101. In this flow, a default value (for example, the expected maximum power consumption value) is used for this power consumption, but a variable value according to the settings of the imaging device 100 may also be used. In S107, the information processing unit 103 inputs the information on the power supplyable power value of the power supply device 110, the power consumption value of the lens device 101, and the power consumption value of the imaging device 100 to the function limitation determination unit 117.

[0022] In S108, the function restriction determination unit 117 determines whether or not a function restriction of the imaging device 100 is necessary, based on the information of the power supply device 110 (supplyable power value and / or model number), the information of the lens device 101 (power consumption value and / or model number), and the information of the imaging device 100 (power consumption value and / or model number). In this determination process, for example, if S is the sum of the power consumption values ​​of the imaging device 100 and the lens device 101, and P is the supplyable power value of the power supply device 110, it determines whether the inequality "S - P > 0" holds. If this inequality holds, it is determined that a function restriction is necessary (Yes in S108), and if it does not hold, it is determined that a function restriction is not necessary (No in S108). If the result of the determination in this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S109. If the result of the determination in this step is No, the process ends. Alternatively, a table may be stored in advance that indicates whether or not functional restrictions are necessary depending on the combination of model numbers of the power supply device 110, lens device 101, and imaging device 100, and the system may be configured to determine whether or not functional restrictions are necessary based on the model number information.

[0023] In S109, the information processing unit 103 stops supplying power from the power supply unit 109 to the lens device 101. This stops the operation of the lens device 101.

[0024] In S110, the information processing unit 103 saves the current settings of the imaging device 100 in the information storage unit 104. In S111, the information processing unit 103 determines whether the AF function of the imaging device 100 is enabled or disabled. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S112. If the result of this step is No, the process ends.

[0025] In S112, the information processing unit 103 disables the AF function of the imaging device 100 and then enables the MF assist function. At this time, the MF assist function may be enabled automatically, or the user may be given the option to enable or disable the MF assist function. For example, a prompt may be displayed to confirm whether to enable the manual focus assist function, and the user may be given the option to select. In that case, the system is controlled to enable the MF assist function only when the user selects to enable it. The MF assist function is, for example, a peaking function that highlights and displays the contour of the in-focus position, and is a function to assist in focus adjustment operations. In other words, the MF assist function is a function to assist in confirming the focus state when adjusting manual focus.

[0026] In S113, the information processing unit 103 determines whether or not it has received a power shutdown instruction from the operation unit 106. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S114. If the result of this step is No, the process returns to S113. In S114, the information processing unit 103 reads the settings saved in S111 from the information storage unit 104 and restores the imaging device 100 to the settings before the function restriction.

[0027] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive stop of the lens device 101 is controlled based on information from the power supply device 110 (e.g., available power value), information from the lens device 101 (e.g., power consumption value), and information from the imaging device 100 (e.g., power consumption value). When the drive of the lens device 101 is stopped, the autofocus function (AF function) is disabled and the manual focus assist function (MF assist function) is enabled. In other words, if the power supplied by the power supply device 110 is insufficient for the power consumption of the imaging device 100, power consumption is suppressed by stopping the power supply to the lens device 101. If the AF function of the imaging device 100 was enabled, the MF assist function is automatically enabled. As a result, usability can be improved when the AF function is limited.

[0028] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, an example is described in which, in an imaging device having multiple MF assist functions (for example, a focus guide function and a peaking function), the MF assist function set in advance by the user is automatically activated when the AF function is limited.

[0029] Here, with reference to Figure 11, an example of the focus guide function according to this embodiment will be explained. The focus guide function is a function that visually displays the adjustment direction and amount from the current focus position to the in-focus position using a guide frame, and is a guide function that guides the user to the in-focus position by displaying various display modes according to the current focus position. In Figure 11, display mode 1101 indicates that the adjustment amount in the infinity direction is large. Display mode 1102 indicates that the adjustment amount in the infinity direction is small. Display mode 1102 indicates that the focus has been achieved. Display mode 1104 indicates that the adjustment amount in the near direction is small. Display mode 1105 indicates that the adjustment amount in the near direction is large. Display mode 1106 indicates that no information for making adjustments has been detected. The user can make adjustments while checking these display modes, aiming for the state of display mode 1103, which indicates the in-focus state.

[0030] <Configuration of the imaging device> Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of the imaging device 100 in the second embodiment. Elements identical to those in the first embodiment will not be described below. The function restriction setting storage unit 201 is, for example, a memory that stores the MF assist functions that the imaging device 100 will enable when the function restriction determination unit 117 determines that function restriction is necessary. The function restriction setting storage unit 201 may store one or more MF assist functions. The function restriction setting storage unit 201 may implement dedicated hardware or it may be implemented as part of the functions of the information storage unit 104.

[0031] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 5, the procedure for processing performed by the imaging device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the imaging device 100 is controlled by the information processing unit 103. At the start of this flowchart, the imaging device 100 is assumed to be connected to the power supply device 110 and the lens device 101. The processing from S101 to S110 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0032] After processing in S110, in S201, the information processing unit 103 determines whether the information for the specified MF auxiliary function is stored in the function restriction setting storage unit 201. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S202. If the result of this step is No, the process proceeds to S203.

[0033] In S202, the information processing unit 103 disables the AF function and then enables the MF assist function by referring to the information in the function restriction setting storage unit 201. After S202 is completed, the process proceeds to S113.

[0034] In S203, the information processing unit 103 displays a UI on the display unit 107 to allow the user to decide which MF assist functions to enable when the function is restricted. Figure 6 shows an example of the UI. In Figure 6, the user interface screen (UI screen) for settings when the AF function is restricted, which is one of the menus, is displayed. In the illustrated example, the system is configured to accept the selection of whether to turn each of the three types of MF assist functions (MF assist functions A to C) on or off. Also, if the user wants to disable all three types of MF assist functions at once, they can do so by selecting "Disable all". The user operates these settings and presses the "OK" button when they want to confirm. On the other hand, if the user wants to cancel the MF assist function on / off control screen and return to the menu screen, they press the "Cancel" button.

[0035] In S204, the information processing unit 103 determines whether the setting of the MF assist function during function restriction has been determined by the operation unit 107. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S205. If the result of this step is No, the process returns to S204. In S205, the information processing unit 103 disables the AF function and then enables the MF assist function determined in S204. In S206, the information processing unit 103 saves the setting of the MF assist function determined in S204 to the function restriction setting storage unit 201. After S206 is completed, the process proceeds to S113. The process from S113 onward is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0036] As described above, in this embodiment, when the AF function is limited in an imaging device having multiple MF assist functions (e.g., focus guide function, peaking function, etc.), the MF assist function desired by the user is automatically activated. As a result, usability can be improved when the AF function is limited.

[0037] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, an example is described in which, in an imaging device having multiple MF assist functions (for example, a focus guide function and a peaking function), the MF assist functions are automatically activated based on the user's usage history when the AF function is limited.

[0038] <Configuration of the imaging device> Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of the imaging device 100 in the third embodiment. Components identical to those in the first and second embodiments will not be described below.

[0039] The setting history storage unit 301 is, for example, a memory that stores the settings of the MF assist function when the MF assist function is used in the imaging device 100. The setting history storage unit 301 may store one or more MF assist functions. The setting history storage unit 301 may be implemented as dedicated hardware or as part of the functions of the information storage unit 104.

[0040] <Processing> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 8, the procedure for processing performed by the imaging device 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the imaging device 100 is controlled by the information processing unit 103. At the start of this flowchart, the imaging device 100 is assumed to be connected to the power supply device 110 and the lens device 101. The processing from S101 to S201 is the same as in the second embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, if the result of the determination in S201 is Yes, the process proceeds to S202. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S201 is No, the process proceeds to S301.

[0041] In S301, the information processing unit 103 refers to the information stored in the setting history storage unit 301. In S302, the information processing unit 103 determines whether or not there is a usage history of the MF auxiliary function in the setting history storage unit 301. If the result of this step is Yes, the process proceeds to S303. If the result of this step is No, the process proceeds to S203.

[0042] In S303, the information processing unit 103 enables the MF support function based on the information stored in the setting history storage unit 301. At this time, it may enable the most recently used MF support function, or the MF support function with the most frequent use. For example, it may enable the most recently used MF support function, or it may enable the MF support function used within a predetermined period retrospectively from the current date and time. Alternatively, it may enable the MF support function that has been used more than a predetermined number of times. Or, one or more of these may be combined. After S303 is completed, the process proceeds to S113. The processing in S113 and from S203 onward is the same as in the second embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, when the AF function is limited in an imaging device having multiple MF assist functions, the MF assist function is automatically enabled based on the user's usage history. As a result, usability can be improved when the AF function is limited.

[0044] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, an example is described in which, in an imaging device having multiple MF assist functions (e.g., focus guide function and peaking function), the MF assist functions are automatically activated based on the shooting mode of the imaging device when the AF function is limited.

[0045] <Configuration of the imaging device> The block diagram illustrating an example of the components of the imaging device 100 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in Figure 7. Below, the same elements as in the third embodiment will not be described.

[0046] The function restriction setting storage unit 201 according to the fourth embodiment can store the settings of the MF assist function according to the shooting mode of the imaging device 100. The shooting mode is, for example, a still image shooting mode or a video shooting mode. Here, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data stored in the function restriction setting storage unit 201 according to the fourth embodiment. There are four types of shooting modes, Mode A to Mode D, and the MF assist function pre-associated with each is Function A to Function D.

[0047] <Processing> Next, the control method of the imaging device 100 in the fourth embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. In the fourth embodiment, the imaging device 100 is controlled by the information processing unit 103. At the start of this flowchart, the imaging device 100 is assumed to be connected to the power supply device 110 and the lens device 101. The processing from S101 to S201 is the same as in the third embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, if the determination result of S201 is Yes, the process proceeds to S401. On the other hand, if the determination result of S201 is No, the process proceeds to S301.

[0048] In S401, the information processing unit 103 refers to the information in the function restriction setting storage unit 201 and enables the MF assist function set according to the shooting mode. Note that the shooting mode information may be acquired in advance or acquired in S401.

[0049] In S402, the information processing unit 103 determines whether the shooting mode of the imaging device 100 has been changed since startup. If the result of this step is Yes, the process returns to S401. If the result of this step is No, the process proceeds to S113. The processes from S113 and S301 onward are the same as in the third embodiment 3, so their explanation is omitted.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, when the AF function is limited in an imaging device having multiple shooting modes and multiple MF assist functions, the MF assist function is automatically enabled based on the shooting mode of the imaging device. As a result, usability can be improved when the AF function is limited.

[0051] This disclosure includes the following imaging device, control method for the imaging device, and program.

[0052] (Item 1) An imaging device that can be connected to a power supply device, A control means that disables the autofocus function based on information from the power supply device and enables a manual focus assist function to help confirm the focus state during manual focus adjustment. An imaging device characterized by comprising:

[0053] (Item 2) The imaging device is connectable to a lens device. The control means is A first control means for controlling the stopping of the drive of the lens device based on information from the power supply device, When the drive of the lens device is stopped by the first control means, a second control means disables the autofocus function and enables a manual focus assist function to assist in confirming the focus state during manual focus adjustment, The imaging device according to item 1, characterized by having the following features.

[0054] (Item 3) The imaging apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that the first control means controls the stopping of the drive of the lens device based on information from the power supply device, information from the lens device, and information from the imaging device.

[0055] (Item 4) The information of the power supply device is the power supply value of the power supply device, The information of the lens device is the power consumption value of the lens device. The imaging device according to item 3, characterized in that the information of the imaging device is the power consumption value of the imaging device.

[0056] (Item 5) The first control means described above is: Based on the power supply capacity of the power supply device, the power consumption value of the lens device, and the power consumption value of the imaging device, it is determined whether or not functional limitations are necessary. The imaging device according to item 4, characterized in that it stops the operation of the lens device when it is determined that the aforementioned functional limitation is necessary.

[0057] (Item 6) The imaging apparatus according to item 5, characterized in that the second control means disables the autofocus function and enables the manual focus assist function when it is determined that the function restriction is necessary and the autofocus function is enabled.

[0058] (Item 7) The imaging apparatus according to item 5 or 6, characterized in that the first control means determines that the function restriction is necessary when the sum of the power consumption value of the lens device and the power consumption value of the imaging device is greater than the power supply value that the power supply device can supply.

[0059] (Item 8) The system further includes a confirmation means that allows the user to select whether or not to enable the manual focus assist function in response to the stopping of the drive of the lens device by the first control means, The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 5, characterized in that the second control means enables the manual focus assist function when the confirmation means selects to enable the manual focus assist function.

[0060] (Item 9) The system further includes a setting save means for saving the settings of the manual focus assist function to be enabled when it is determined that the aforementioned function restriction is necessary. The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 5 to 7, characterized in that the second control means activates the manual focus assist function stored in the setting storage means.

[0061] (Item 10) The second control means described above is: If it is determined that the aforementioned functional restriction is necessary, a user interface screen is displayed to accept the setting for the manual focus assist function to be enabled. The imaging device according to any one of items 5 to 7, characterized in that, when the above setting is accepted, the manual focus assist function set via the user interface screen is activated.

[0062] (Item 11) It further includes a history saving means for saving the usage history of one or more manual focus assist functions, The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means enables the manual focus assist function based on the usage history.

[0063] (Item 12) The imaging apparatus according to item 11, characterized in that the control means enables the most recently used manual focus assist function.

[0064] (Item 13) The imaging apparatus according to item 11, characterized in that the control means enables a manual focus assist function that has been used a predetermined number of times or more.

[0065] (Item 14) The imaging apparatus according to item 11, characterized in that the control means enables the manual focus assist function, which is used most frequently.

[0066] (Item 15) The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 14, characterized in that the control means enables a manual focus assist function associated with the shooting mode of the imaging device.

[0067] (Item 16) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that the manual focus assist function includes at least one of a focus guide function and a peaking function that highlights and displays the contour of the in-focus position.

[0068] (Item 17) The imaging device is Power supply means, The lens device further comprises a lens driving means for driving the aforementioned lens device, The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 10, characterized in that the first control means stops the drive of the lens device by stopping the power supply from the power supply means to the lens drive means.

[0069] (Item 18) A control method for an imaging device that can be connected to a power supply device, A control process that disables the autofocus function based on the information from the power supply device and enables the manual focus assist function to help confirm the focus state during manual focus adjustment. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by having the following features.

[0070] (Item 19) A program to cause a computer to execute the control method for the imaging device described in item 18.

[0071] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0072] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100: Imaging device, 101: Lens device, 102: Image sensor, 103: Information processing unit, 104: Information storage unit, 105: Recording medium, 106: Operation unit, 107: Display unit, 108: Temperature sensor, 109: Power supply unit, 110: Power supply device, 111: Lens device connection unit, 112: Power supply device connection unit, 113: Power supply unit, 114: Power supply device information storage unit, 115: Lens drive unit, 116: Lens information storage unit, 117: Function restriction determination unit, 201: Function restriction setting storage unit, 301: Setting history storage unit

Claims

1. An imaging device that can be connected to a power supply device, A control means that disables the autofocus function based on information from the power supply device and enables a manual focus assist function to help confirm the focus state during manual focus adjustment. An imaging device characterized by comprising:

2. The imaging device is connectable to a lens device. The control means is A first control means for controlling the stopping of the drive of the lens device based on information from the power supply device, When the drive of the lens device is stopped by the first control means, a second control means disables the autofocus function and enables a manual focus assist function to assist in confirming the focus state during manual focus adjustment, The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first control means controls the stopping of the drive of the lens device based on information from the power supply device, information from the lens device, and information from the imaging device.

4. The information of the power supply device is the power supply value of the power supply device, The information of the lens device is the power consumption value of the lens device. The imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the information of the imaging device is the power consumption value of the imaging device.

5. The first control means described above is: Based on the power supply capacity of the power supply device, the power consumption value of the lens device, and the power consumption value of the imaging device, it is determined whether or not functional limitations are necessary. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that it stops the operation of the lens device when it is determined that the aforementioned functional limitation is necessary.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the second control means disables the autofocus function and enables the manual focus assist function when it is determined that the function restriction is necessary and the autofocus function is enabled.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first control means determines that the function restriction is necessary when the sum of the power consumption value of the lens device and the power consumption value of the imaging device is greater than the power supply capacity of the power supply device.

8. The system further includes a confirmation means that allows the user to select whether or not to enable the manual focus assist function in response to the first control means stopping the drive of the lens device, The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the second control means enables the manual focus assist function when the confirmation means selects to enable the manual focus assist function.

9. The system further includes a setting save means for saving the settings of the manual focus assist function to be enabled when it is determined that the aforementioned function restriction is necessary. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the second control means enables the manual focus assist function stored in the setting storage means.

10. The second control means described above is: If it is determined that the aforementioned functional restriction is necessary, a user interface screen is displayed to accept the setting for the manual focus assist function to be enabled. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the above setting is accepted, the manual focus assist function set via the user interface screen is activated.

11. It further includes a history saving means for saving the usage history of one or more manual focus assist functions, The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means enables the manual focus assist function based on the usage history.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control means enables the most recently used manual focus assist function.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control means enables a manual focus assist function that has been used a predetermined number of times or more.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the control means enables the manual focus assist function, which is used most frequently.

15. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means enables a manual focus assist function associated with the shooting mode of the imaging device.

16. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the manual focus assist function includes at least one of a focus guide function and a peaking function that highlights and displays the contour of the in-focus position.

17. The imaging device is Power supply means, The lens device further comprises a lens driving means for driving the aforementioned lens device, The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first control means stops the operation of the lens device by stopping the power supply from the power supply means to the lens drive means.

18. A control method for an imaging device that can be connected to a power supply device, A control process that disables the autofocus function based on the information from the power supply device and enables the manual focus assist function to help confirm the focus state during manual focus adjustment. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by having the following features.

19. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the imaging apparatus described in claim 18.

Images