Imaging device and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides an imaging device and control method that facilitates the operation of zoom processing. [Solution] The imaging device (1,100) includes an imaging unit (110) that captures an image of a subject via an optical system (200) and generates image data, a control unit (140) that controls zoom processing to extract an image from the image data generated by the imaging unit at a variable magnification, and a setting unit (150) that receives user operations regarding the settings of an operating member provided in the optical system and the device itself. The control unit receives user operations in the setting unit to input setting information that associates the amount of operation of the operating member with the magnification in the zoom processing, and executes zoom processing to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member based on the setting information input by the user operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device having an electronic zoom function and a control method therefor.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing device such as a digital camera related to an electronic zoom technology for electronically changing the angle of view of a captured image. When a user performs a predetermined operation with a zoom operation means, this image processing device shifts from a first electronic zoom process to a second electronic zoom process, and restricts the shift from the first electronic zoom process to the second electronic zoom process when the user does not perform the operation. Such an image processing device of Patent Document 1 aims to improve the usability of the electronic zoom.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an imaging device and a control method that can make zoom processing easier to operate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In this disclosure, the imaging device comprises an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject through an optical system and generates image data, a control unit that controls zoom processing to extract an image from the image data generated by the imaging unit at a variable magnification, and a setting unit that receives user operations regarding the settings of an operating member provided in the optical system and the device itself. The control unit receives user operations in the setting unit that associate the amount of operation of the operating member in the zoom processing with the magnification, and executes zoom processing to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member based on the setting information input by the user operation.

[0006] In this disclosure, the control method is a method for controlling a zoom process that extracts an image from image data at a variable magnification. The image data is generated by capturing an image of a subject through an optical system. The method includes the steps of: a setting unit receiving a user operation that associates the amount of operation of an operating member provided in the optical system with the magnification in the zoom process; and a control unit performing the zoom process based on the setting information input by the user operation, such that the magnification changes according to the amount of operation of the operating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the imaging device and control method described herein, zoom processing can be made easier to operate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Rear view of the camera body in a digital camera. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the configuration of the focus ring on interchangeable lenses for digital cameras. [Figure 4] Timing chart illustrating the detection signal of the focus ring in interchangeable lenses. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the electronic zoom function in digital cameras. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the overview of the operation of the digital camera in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the electronic zoom setting process in a digital camera. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the display of the ring rotation direction selection screen in a digital camera. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display screen for selecting the ring rotation angle in a digital camera. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the process of determining the maximum magnification in a digital camera. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating the data structure of the magnification table for still images in a digital camera. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating the data structure of the magnification table for videos in a digital camera. [Figure 13] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of electronic zoom in a digital camera. [Figure 14] Flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera in Embodiment 2 [Figure 15] Figure showing an example of the display of a digital camera in Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of a digital camera display in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided so that those skilled in the art can fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The configuration and operation of one embodiment of the imaging device according to this disclosure will be described below.

[0011] 1. Structure FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera 1 according to Embodiment 1. The digital camera 1 of the present embodiment is composed of a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens 200 that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 100.

[0012] 1-1. Camera body The camera body 100 (an example of an imaging device) includes an image sensor 110, a display monitor 130, an operation unit 150, a camera control unit 140, a RAM 141, a flash memory 142, a body mount 160, and a card slot 170. Further, the camera body 100 includes a zoom processing unit 145 that realizes an electronic zoom function as a functional configuration of, for example, the camera control unit 140.

[0013] The image sensor 110 is an element that captures a subject image incident through the interchangeable lens 200 and generates image data (also referred to as captured data). The image sensor 110 is, for example, a CMOS image sensor. The generated image data is digitized by an AD converter (ADC) 111. The digitized image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the camera control unit 140. The predetermined image processing is, for example, gamma correction processing, white balance correction processing, defect correction processing, YC conversion processing, electronic zoom processing, and JPEG compression processing. The image sensor 110 may be a CCD or an NMOS image sensor or the like.

[0014] The image sensor 110 operates at a timing controlled by a timing generator (TG) 112. The image sensor 110 generates a still image or a moving image for recording, or a live view image. The live view image is an example of a moving image that is displayed on the display monitor 130 to visualize the real-time imaging result by the image sensor 110 for the user.

[0015] The display monitor 130 is an example of a display unit that displays at least one of various information, such as an image (e.g., a live view image) and a menu screen, on its display screen. The display monitor 130 can be composed of various display devices, such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL device. In addition to, or instead of, the digital camera 1 may also be equipped with, for example, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) having a display screen as another example of a display unit in the camera body 100.

[0016] The operation unit 150 is a general term for a user interface that can receive user input (instructions). When the operation unit 150 receives user input, it transmits operation signals indicating various instructions corresponding to the user input to the camera control unit 140. The operation unit 150 includes, for example, physical buttons, levers, dials, touch panels, switches, etc. The operation unit 150 may also include virtual buttons and icons displayed on the display monitor 130. The operation unit 150 is an example of a setting unit in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of the operation unit 150 of the camera body 100, which includes a shutter release button 151, a directional button 152, a focus selection lever 153, a mode switching dial 156, a video recording button 157, and a touch panel 155. The operation unit 150 allows, for example, the operation of the settings menu of the digital camera 1. The operation unit 150 is an example of a settings unit in this embodiment.

[0018] The focus selection lever 153 is an example of a switch in the setting section of the digital camera 1 that switches the operating mode related to the focusing operation. In the example shown in Figure 2, the focus selection lever 153 is configured to switch between two operating modes, including manual focus (MF) mode and autofocus (AF) mode, but it is not limited to this and may be configured to switch between three or more operating modes. The operating modes that can be switched may include, for example, various operating modes for focusing operations such as AF-S (single-shot AF) mode and AF-C (continuous AF) mode, i.e., focus modes, or other operating modes.

[0019] The mode switching dial 156 is a dial-type operating component that accepts the operation of switching the shooting mode set on the digital camera 1 from among multiple shooting modes. The shooting mode is an operating mode that sets the digital camera 1 to an operating state for various image captures, and includes, for example, a video shooting mode for shooting video. The multiple shooting modes may further include a still image shooting mode for shooting still images, or a shooting mode that can shoot both video and still images.

[0020] The shutter release button 151 is, for example, a two-stage press type operating element that receives an instruction to take an image. The direction button 152 receives an operation to select an option in the settings menu of the digital camera 1, for example. The video recording button 157 receives an operation to start or stop video recording.

[0021] Returning to Figure 1, the camera control unit 140 controls the operation of the entire digital camera 1 by controlling components such as the image sensor 110 in response to instructions from the operation unit 150. The camera control unit 140 may be composed of hardwired electronic circuits or a microcomputer that executes programs. The camera control unit 140 transmits a vertical synchronization signal to the timing generator 112. In parallel with this, the camera control unit 140 generates a synchronization signal synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and transmits this synchronization signal to the lens control unit 230 via the body mount 160 and lens mount 250. The camera control unit 140 uses the RAM 141 as work memory during control operations and image processing operations.

[0022] For example, the zoom processing unit 145 in the camera control unit 140 performs zoom processing to realize an electronic zoom function by cropping an image from the image data from the image sensor 110 and resizing the cropped image. Details of this zoom processing unit 145 will be described later. The zoom processing unit 145 is an example of an image processing unit in this embodiment. The zoom processing unit 145 is not limited to the functional configuration of the camera control unit 140, but may be, for example, a separate image processing circuit from the camera control unit 140. Note that the image cropping position is not limited to the vicinity of the center of the image. For example, the zoom processing unit 145 may crop a position on the image selected by the user.

[0023] The flash memory 142 stores programs and parameters used by the camera control unit 140 when performing control operations.

[0024] The body mount 160 is mechanically and electrically connectable to the lens mount 250 of the interchangeable lens 200. The body mount 160 can send and receive data to and from the interchangeable lens 200 via the lens mount 250. The body mount 160 transmits the exposure synchronization signal received from the camera control unit 140 to the lens control unit 230 via the lens mount 250.

[0025] Furthermore, the body mount 160 transmits other control signals received from the camera control unit 140 to the lens control unit 230 via the lens mount 250. The body mount 160 also transmits signals received from the lens control unit 230 via the lens mount 250 to the camera control unit 140.

[0026] The card slot 170 can accommodate a memory card 171 and controls the memory card 171 based on control from the camera control unit 140. The digital camera 1 can store image data in the memory card 171 and read image data from the memory card 171.

[0027] 1-2. Interchangeable lenses As shown in Figure 1, the interchangeable lens 200 includes an optical system, for example, a focus lens 210, a zoom lens 220, and an aperture 260. The interchangeable lens 200 further includes various drive units 211, 221, 261, a lens control unit 230, a RAM 231, a flash memory 232, and a lens mount 250. In addition to the lenses shown in Figure 1, the interchangeable lens 200 may also include an image stabilization lens.

[0028] Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 200 is further equipped with operating elements such as a focus ring 212 and a zoom ring 222. The operating elements of the interchangeable lens 200 are not limited to these and may also include, for example, levers provided on the exterior.

[0029] The lens control unit 230 controls the operation of the entire interchangeable lens 200. The lens control unit 230 may be composed of hardwired electronic circuits or a microcomputer that executes a program.

[0030] RAM 231 functions as work memory used by the lens control unit 230 during control. Flash memory 232 stores programs, parameters, lens data, etc., used when controlling the lens control unit 230.

[0031] The zoom lens 220 is a lens used to change the magnification of the subject image formed by the optical system of the interchangeable lens 200. The lens configuration of the zoom lens 220 can consist of any number of elements or groups. The zoom lens drive mechanism 221 is a mechanical mechanism (e.g., a cam mechanism) that moves the zoom lens 220 along the optical axis of the optical system based on the user's operation of the zoom ring 222. The position of the zoom lens 220 is detected at any time by the zoom lens position detection unit 223 and notified to the lens control unit 230. These parts 220 to 223 for optical zoom are an example of an optical zoom mechanism in the camera body 100.

[0032] The zoom ring 222 has a predetermined angular range (e.g., 90°) within which the optical focal length of the zoom lens 220 on the interchangeable lens 200 can be moved between the wide-angle end, where the focal length is shortest, and the telephoto end, where it is longest. The zoom ring 222 is an example of an operating member that allows zoom operation to be performed by manipulating it to various rotation angles within that angular range.

[0033] The aperture 260 adjusts the amount of light incident on the image sensor 110. The aperture 260 is driven by an aperture drive unit 261, which controls the size of its opening. The aperture drive unit 261 includes a motor or actuator.

[0034] The focus lens 210 is a lens for changing the focus state of the subject image that is incident from the optical system and formed on the image sensor 110. The lens configuration of the focus lens 210 can be any number of elements or groups. The focus lens drive unit 211 drives the focus lens 210 to move forward and backward along the optical axis of the optical system based on the control of the lens control unit 230. The focus lens drive unit 211 can be implemented by, for example, a stepping motor, DC motor, ultrasonic motor, linear motor, etc.

[0035] The focus ring 212 is an operating member provided in the interchangeable lens 200 for adjusting the focus position of the digital camera 1 by changing the position of the focus lens 210 along the optical axis. The details of the focus ring 212 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0036] 1-2-1. About the focus ring Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of a focus ring 212 in an interchangeable lens 200 of a digital camera 1. The focus ring 212 comprises, for example, a ring member 21r provided along the outer circumference around the optical axis of the interchangeable lens 200, an A-phase photointerrupter 21a, and a B-phase photointerrupter 21b.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, for example, the ring member 21r is provided with a plurality of periodically spaced slits in the circumferential direction, thereby forming periodic light-shielding and light-transmitting sections. The ring member 21r of the focus ring 212 is configured to be rotatable, for example, without restriction on the angular range. Alternatively, the ring member 21r may be configured to be rotatable only within a predetermined angular range.

[0038] The A-phase photointerrupter 21a and the B-phase photointerrupter 21b are positioned so that they have a phase difference of 1 / 4 period relative to each other in the slit arrangement period of the ring member 21r (see Figure 4). Each photointerrupter 21a and 21b comprises a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part that face each other via the ring member 21r. Each photointerrupter 21a and 21b generates a detection signal by receiving light from the light-emitting part with the light-receiving part and outputs it to the lens control unit 230.

[0039] Figure 4 is a timing chart illustrating the detection signals of the focus ring 212 in the interchangeable lens 200. Figure 4 shows the timing of the detection signals from the A-phase photointerrupter 21a and the B-phase photointerrupter 21b in the focus ring 212, respectively. Figure 4 illustrates the detection signals when the focus ring 212 is rotated, for example, clockwise in period T1, stopped in period T2, and rotated in the opposite direction, for example, counterclockwise, in period T3.

[0040] The detection signal of the focus ring 212 has signal levels such as high level (Hi) or low level (Lo), as shown in Figure 4, for example. A high level (Hi) in the detection signal indicates that the corresponding photointerrupters 21a and 21b are facing the light-transmitting portion of the ring member 21r, while a low level (Lo) indicates that they are facing the light-shielding portion of the ring member 21r.

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 4, during the period T1 when the focus ring 212 is rotating forward, the pulse waveform of the detection signal is formed in a phase where the A phase is leading by 1 / 4 period. During the period T2 when the focus ring 212 is stopped, the signal level of each detection signal is constant. During the period T3 when the focus ring 212 is rotating backward, the pulse waveform of the detection signal is formed in a phase where the B phase is leading, the opposite to the above period T1. Based on these detection signals of the focus ring 212, the lens control unit 230 can detect various rotation states of the focus ring 212.

[0042] For example, the lens control unit 230 counts the number of pulses in the detection signal of the focus ring 212, for example, by considering clockwise rotation as positive and counterclockwise rotation as negative. The rotation position of the focus ring 212 can be detected from these counting results. For example, in MF mode, the lens control unit 230 controls the focus lens drive unit 211 to drive the focus lens 210 according to the counted number of pulses. With this MF function, the focus position of the digital camera 1 can be adjusted according to the degree of operation of the focus ring 212 by the user.

[0043] 2. Operation The operation of the digital camera 1, configured as described above, will be explained below.

[0044] 2-1. About the electronic zoom function The basic operation of the electronic zoom function of the digital camera 1 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0045] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the electronic zoom function in the digital camera 1. In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, for example, in addition to the setting of the electronic zoom function, the size of the resulting image can be selectively set by user operation using the operation unit 150 in the setting menu (see Figure 6(A)). For example, the digital camera 1 presents the user with options such as a relatively small S size and a larger M size in the corresponding setting menu.

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates the relationship between the overall range Ri, where pixels are arranged in two dimensions, in the image sensor 110, the M-sized image range Rm, and the S-sized image range Rs. Each image size in the digital camera 1 has a number of pixels Pm and Ps defined within the range of the overall range Ri in the image sensor 110, which is less than or equal to the number of pixels Pi.

[0047] The digital camera 1 of this embodiment implements an electronic zoom function by utilizing, for example, the difference between the number of pixels Pi in the entire range Ri of the image sensor 110 and the number of pixels Pm and Ps for each image size. In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the maximum value ("Zx") of the electronic zoom magnification ("Z") is set according to, for example, the image size selected by the user, and the smaller the image size, the greater the maximum value Zx can be increased (hereinafter also referred to as "maximum magnification Zx").

[0048] For example, if the aspect ratio is the same, and the number of pixels Pi of the image sensor 110 in digital camera 1 is 4096 pixels in the horizontal direction, then the number of pixels Pm for M size can be defined as 2048 pixels in the horizontal direction, and the number of pixels Ps for S size can be defined as 1024 pixels in the horizontal direction. In this example, the maximum value Zx of the electronic zoom magnification Z is Zx = 2.0x for M size and Zx = 4.0x for S size.

[0049] In the electronic zoom operation of the digital camera 1 in this embodiment, the zoom processing unit 145 extracts an image of a region smaller than the entire range Ri of the image sensor 110 by the amount of the electronic zoom magnification Z set by the user. Furthermore, the zoom processing unit 145 performs a resolution conversion process to reduce the number of pixels in the extracted image to the number of pixels Pm,Ps of the selected image size, thereby generating image data of the electronic zoom result.

[0050] For example, when the electronic zoom magnification Z is 1x, the image of the entire range Ri of the image sensor 110 is used as the cropped image. Also, when the electronic zoom magnification Z is the maximum value Zx, the image of the selected image size range Rm,Rs itself is used as the cropped image. In this case, the resolution conversion process can be omitted.

[0051] According to the electronic zoom operation described above, the image cropping by the zoom processing unit 145 is performed within the range between the entire range Ri of the image sensor 110 and the image ranges Rm and Rs of the selected image size. As a result, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment can ensure the number of pixels of the image size in the image cropped by the electronic zoom operation, and can avoid a decrease in image quality.

[0052] In addition, in the digital camera 1, if, for example, a decrease in image quality due to image cropping is acceptable, the maximum value Zx of the electronic zoom magnification Z may be set to a larger value than the example above, depending on the acceptable range. In this case, for example, when the zoom processing unit 145 crops an image from an area smaller than the image range Rm,Rs according to the electronic zoom magnification Z, in the resolution conversion process, it increases the number of pixels in the cropped image to the number of pixels Pm,Ps of the image size by interpolation or the like.

[0053] Furthermore, while Figure 5 illustrates some of the image sizes in the digital camera 1, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment may have image sizes other than those shown in Figure 5. For example, the digital camera 1 may have an L size that is larger than the M size, or an XS size that is smaller than the S size. The number of pixels in the L size is appropriately set to be less than or equal to the number of pixels Pi in the overall range Ri. For example, if an L size smaller than the overall range Ri is set in the digital camera 1, electronic zoom operation can be performed in the L size as well, avoiding a decrease in image quality, similar to the example described above.

[0054] 2-2. Focus Ring Settings for Electronic Zoom Function In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the electronic zoom function can be assigned to an operating element such as the focus lens 210 of the interchangeable lens 200, making it easier for the user to use the electronic zoom. The operation of the digital camera 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0055] 2-2-1. Overview of Operation The operation of the digital camera 1 in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 6.

[0056] Figure 6(A) shows an example of the display of the settings menu screen in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. The digital camera 1 displays the settings menu screen on the display monitor 130 in response to a user operation, for example, to call up the settings menu on the control unit 150. The settings menu screen includes various setting items, such as "still image quality settings," "video quality settings," and "AF focus ring settings," as shown in Figure 6(A).

[0057] In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 can be configured to assign various functions to the focus ring 212 in response to user operations on the control unit 150, for example, regarding the setting item "AF focus ring setting" on the settings menu screen. This allows the focus ring 212, which is used for manual focus adjustment (MF operation) in MF mode, to be effectively utilized in AF mode. Figure 6(B) shows an example of the display transition from the settings menu screen in Figure 6(A) when this setting item is selected.

[0058] Figure 6(B) illustrates the function setting screen for the focus ring 212 for AF mode in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. This setting screen includes setting items such as "Assigned Function," which shows the functions already assigned to the focus ring 212, and "Detailed Settings," which sets the details of the assigned function.

[0059] In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6(B), an example of operation when the electronic zoom function is assigned to the focus ring 212 in the digital camera 1 will be described below. For example, even if the interchangeable lens 200 being used is a fixed-focus lens that does not have an optical zoom function, the user can use the focus ring 212 to utilize the electronic zoom function as if it were a zoom lens. Figure 6(C) shows an example of the display transition that occurs when the setting item "Advanced Settings" is selected from the function setting screen in Figure 6(B).

[0060] Figure 6(C) illustrates the detailed settings screen for the electronic zoom function in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. This settings screen includes setting items such as "ring rotation direction" and "ring rotation angle," as shown in Figure 6(C) (details will be described later). The various settings in Figure 6(C) are examples of user-input setting information.

[0061] The digital camera 1 of this embodiment accepts user-desired detailed settings for the operation of the focus ring 212 to which the electronic zoom function is assigned, as shown in Figure 6(C), and executes the electronic zoom operation according to these user settings. This makes the electronic zoom function using the focus ring 212 easy for the user to use. For example, the user can use the electronic zoom function as if it were a familiar zoom lens by adjusting the detailed settings of the focus ring 212. The operation of the digital camera 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0062] 2-2-2. Electronic Zoom Setting Process In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the process of performing detailed settings for the electronic zoom function assigned to the focus ring 212 of the interchangeable lens 200 in response to user operation will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0063] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the electronic zoom setting process in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. The flowchart illustrated in Figure 7 starts, for example, when the user inputs the menu setting operation shown in Figure 6 while the digital camera 1 is in an operating state for the user to perform a desired shooting, such as taking a still image or taking a video. The process illustrated in this flowchart is executed, for example, by the camera control unit 140 of the camera body 100 in the digital camera 1.

[0064] First, the camera control unit 140 determines the maximum magnification Zx of the electronic zoom function based on the current settings of the digital camera 1 (S1). In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 automatically determines the maximum magnification Zx of the electronic zoom to utilize a range in which no image quality degradation occurs, for example, according to the image quality settings desired by the user (S1). Details of this maximum magnification determination process (S1) will be described later.

[0065] Furthermore, the camera control unit 140 acquires characteristic information of the focus ring 212 of the attached interchangeable lens 200 via data communication between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 in the digital camera 1 (S2). The characteristic information of the focus ring 212 includes, for example, the number of pulses output when the focus ring 212 is rotated within a predetermined range (e.g., one full rotation).

[0066] The characteristic information of the focus ring 212 may be transmitted from the interchangeable lens 200 to the camera body 100 when the digital camera 1 is powered on or when the interchangeable lens 200 is attached. The camera control unit 140 may store the received characteristic information in advance in a flash memory 142 or the like, and read the stored characteristic information in step S2.

[0067] Furthermore, the camera control unit 140 receives user input regarding the setting item "ring rotation direction" on the detailed settings screen for the electronic zoom function (Figure 6(C)) via the operation unit 150, and acquires the user setting for the ring rotation direction (S3). The process of step S3 will be explained using Figures 6(C) to 8.

[0068] In this embodiment, the digital camera 1, for example, in the "Ring Rotation Direction" setting item on the detailed settings screen in Figure 6(C), sets the orientation indicating the correspondence between the direction of rotation of the focus ring 212 and the increase or decrease of the electronic zoom magnification Z, according to user operation (S3). For example, the "Ring Rotation Direction" setting item accepts such user operation by allowing selection from two setting states, such as "Forward Rotation" and "Reverse Rotation".

[0069] Figure 8(A) shows an example of the display of the selection screen for forward rotation of the ring in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. Figure 8(B) shows an example of the display of the selection screen for reverse rotation of the ring. In the example of Figure 6(C), the forward rotation icon 51 is displayed in the setting item "Ring Rotation Direction" as the current setting state.

[0070] In this case, when the user selects the setting item "Ring Rotation Direction" by operating the direction button 152 (Figure 2), the camera control unit 140 transitions the display monitor 130 to the selection screen shown in Figure 8(A), for example. In the digital camera 1, instead of operating the direction button 152, a touch operation using the touch panel 155 on the display monitor 130 may be input (the same applies hereafter).

[0071] The selection screens illustrated in Figures 8(A) and 8(B) each include a forward rotation icon 51 and a reverse rotation icon 52 as options for setting the ring rotation direction, a description field 53 for the selected state, and a back button 50. The selection screens in Figure 8(A) or Figure 8(B) can be switched between by changing the selection of the forward rotation icon 51 or the reverse rotation icon 52 using, for example, the direction buttons 152 on the operation unit 150.

[0072] The forward rotation icon 51 selected in the selection screen in Figure 8(A) is an example of an indicator display for the "forward rotation" setting of the electronic zoom function. In this example, "forward rotation" is a setting where, as shown in the explanation section 53 of Figure 8(A), clockwise rotation of the focus ring 212 is assigned to the telephoto side where the electronic zoom magnification Z increases, and counterclockwise rotation is assigned to the wide-angle side where the electronic zoom magnification Z decreases.

[0073] Furthermore, the inverted icon 52 selected on the selection screen in Figure 8(B) is an example of an indicator for the "inverted" setting state, which is the opposite of the "forward rotation" state described above. In "inverted" mode, for example, as shown in the explanation section 53 of Figure 8(B), the wide-angle side is assigned to clockwise rotation of the focus ring 212, and the telephoto side is assigned to counterclockwise rotation.

[0074] For example, in the ring rotation direction selection screen as shown above (Figure 8(A), (B)), the user can operate the return button 50 with the desired setting selected from "forward rotation" or "reverse rotation". Then, the camera control unit 140 sets the finally selected setting to "ring rotation direction" and returns the display monitor 130 to the detailed settings screen for the electronic zoom function (Figure 6(C)). The camera control unit 140 acquires the "ring rotation direction" setting selected by the user operation as a user setting and stores it as setting information in, for example, the flash memory 142 (S3).

[0075] Furthermore, the camera control unit 140 receives user input regarding the setting item "ring rotation angle" on the detailed settings screen for the electronic zoom function (Figure 6(C)) via the operation unit 150, and acquires the user setting for the ring rotation angle (S4). The process of step S4 will be explained using Figures 6(C) and 9.

[0076] In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 sets, for example, the "ring rotation angle" setting item on the detailed settings screen in Figure 6(C), which determines the correspondence between the angle range in which the focus ring 212 is rotated and the range in which the electronic zoom magnification Z changes to its maximum, according to user operation (S4). For example, in the example in Figure 6(C), a predetermined angle such as "60 degrees" is set as the current setting state for the "ring rotation angle" setting item. When the user selects the "ring rotation angle" setting item by operating the direction button 152, the camera control unit 140 transitions the display monitor 130 to the selection screen shown in Figure 9, for example.

[0077] Figure 9 shows an example of the display of the ring rotation angle selection screen in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. The selection screen illustrated in Figure 9 includes various predetermined angle options such as "30 degrees" to "360 degrees," an option for "maximum," and a back button 50. In such a selection screen, for example, the option "maximum" may be placed on a different page from the predetermined angle options.

[0078] In the selection screen shown in Figure 9, each of the predetermined angle options indicates a setting where the zoom range in which the electronic zoom magnification Z changes from a minimum magnification of 1 to a maximum magnification of Zx is assigned to the angular range corresponding to that predetermined angle. The option "Maximum" indicates a setting where the zoom range of the electronic zoom magnification Z is assigned to the largest angular range, taking into account the resolution required to detect the rotation operation of the focus ring 212, for example, with the interchangeable lens 200 being used and the maximum magnification Zx. These various angular ranges of the focus ring 212 are examples of the operating range of the operating member.

[0079] For example, from the various options on the ring rotation angle selection screen (Figure 9) as described above, the user can operate the return button 50 with the desired setting selected. The camera control unit 140 then sets the finally selected setting to "ring rotation angle" and returns the display monitor 130 to the detailed settings screen for the electronic zoom function (Figure 6(C)). The camera control unit 140 acquires the "ring rotation angle" setting selected by the user operation as a user setting and stores it as setting information in, for example, the flash memory 142 (S4).

[0080] Next, the camera control unit 140 determines whether the ring rotation angle setting is "maximum" or not based on the user setting of the ring rotation angle acquired in step S4 (S5). For example, if the option "maximum" is selected on the selection screen in Figure 9, the camera control unit 140 proceeds to YES in step S5, and if any other predetermined angle option is selected, it proceeds to NO in step S5.

[0081] If the ring rotation angle setting is not at the "maximum" (NO in S5), the camera control unit 140 calculates management parameters for performing electronic zoom operation according to the angle range of a predetermined angle selected by user operation, for example (S6-S7).

[0082] For example, the camera control unit 140 first calculates the zoom stroke (S6) based on characteristic information of the focus ring 212 obtained from the interchangeable lens 200 (S2) and a predetermined angle set in the setting item "ring rotation angle" (S4).

[0083] The zoom stroke, in the electronic zoom operation, represents the operating range of the focus ring 212 received from the interchangeable lens 200, between the wide-angle end corresponding to the minimum magnification 1 and the telephoto end corresponding to the maximum magnification Zx, and is expressed, for example, in units of pulses. For example, the camera control unit 140 calculates the zoom stroke by multiplying the number of pulses for one rotation of the focus ring 212 by a predetermined angle ratio to 360 degrees (S6).

[0084] Furthermore, the camera control unit 140 calculates the zoom change rate in the electronic zoom function (S7) based on, for example, the maximum magnification Zx calculated in step S1 and the zoom stroke calculated in step S6. The zoom change rate is a ratio that indicates the resolution for changing the electronic zoom magnification Z with respect to the amount of rotation of the focus ring 212, and is expressed, for example, as the amount of change in the electronic zoom magnification Z per pulse.

[0085] For example, the camera control unit 140 calculates the zoom change rate by dividing the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum magnification of 1 from the maximum magnification Zx by the zoom stroke (S7). According to this zoom change rate, when the focus ring 212 is rotated within a set predetermined angle range, the electronic zoom magnification Z can be changed linearly, for example, within the range from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. The change in the electronic zoom magnification Z within the zoom range may be nonlinear, and the zoom change rate may not be constant during the zoom stroke.

[0086] On the other hand, if the ring rotation angle setting is "maximum" (YES in S5), the camera control unit 140 calculates the control parameters for performing the electronic zoom operation at the maximum resolution in the digital camera 1 (S8-S9).

[0087] For example, the camera control unit 140 first sets a zoom change rate that represents the maximum resolution of the digital camera 1 (S8). The zoom change rate in step S8 is set to the reciprocal (1 / 1024) of a predetermined value (e.g., 1024) that is set in advance as the maximum resolution for pulses received from the interchangeable lens 200. Such a zoom change rate may be calculated in step S8, or it may be stored in advance as a default value in the flash memory 142.

[0088] Furthermore, the camera control unit 140 calculates a corresponding zoom stroke (S9) based on, for example, the maximum magnification Zx calculated in step S1 and the zoom change rate set in step S8. The zoom stroke in step S9 is obtained, for example, by dividing the difference between the maximum magnification Zx and the minimum magnification 1 by the zoom change rate set to "maximum".

[0089] The camera control unit 140 stores the zoom stroke and zoom change rate obtained in steps S6, S7 or S8, S9 as management information in, for example, the flash memory 142 (S10). The management information saved in step S10 may include the setting state of the ring rotation direction (S3) or the setting state of the ring rotation angle (S4). After saving the settings of the electronic zoom function (S10), for example, the camera control unit 140 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0090] According to the electronic zoom setting process described above, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment can set details such as the direction of ring rotation and the angle of ring rotation for the electronic zoom function using the focus ring 212, according to the user's intentions (S3~S9).

[0091] For example, regarding the setting item "Ring Rotation Direction," in general digital camera technology trends, the rotation direction of the zoom ring for optical zoom differs depending on the manufacturer of the interchangeable lens equipped with a zoom ring (which direction is wide-angle / telephoto). With the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the user can, for example, set the rotation direction of the zoom ring they are familiar with as the "Ring Rotation Direction" for the electronic zoom function, and use the electronic zoom function with a user-friendly feel using the focus ring 212.

[0092] Furthermore, regarding the setting item "ring rotation angle," for example, when taking still images, the user may want to instantly adjust to the desired zoom magnification. In such cases, with the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the user can set the "ring rotation angle" to a relatively narrow predetermined angle, thereby making it easier to take still images.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, when shooting video, if the user wants to include camera work such as zooming in or zooming out, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment allows the user to set the "ring rotation angle" to a relatively wide predetermined angle. It is also conceivable that a device such as a follow focus lens gear may be used for the rotation operation of the electronic zoom function. In such cases as well, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment allows the user to set a ring rotation angle suitable for the device being used.

[0094] In this embodiment, when one of these predetermined angle options (see Figure 9) is selected (NO in S5), the digital camera 1 adjusts the zoom change rate, etc. (S6-S7) so that the operating range of the predetermined angle corresponds to the zoom range, even if the interchangeable lens 200 or the maximum magnification Zx of the electronic zoom is changed. This allows the user setting of the predetermined angle to be reflected even if, for example, the interchangeable lens 200 or the image quality setting is changed, making it easier to use the electronic zoom operation using the focus lens 210.

[0095] Furthermore, in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, by selecting "Maximum" on the ring rotation angle selection screen (see Figure 9) (YES in S5), the operating feel of the focus ring 212 with the highest resolution can be obtained, regardless of the image quality settings or changes to the interchangeable lens 200.

[0096] Figure 9 illustrates a selection screen that includes options for a predetermined angle. However, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment may, instead of or in addition to this, accept user input for, for example, a numerical value of the angle range. Furthermore, the angle range is not limited to 360 degrees or less, but may exceed 360 degrees. It may also be possible to change from the minimum magnification to the maximum magnification over a range exceeding one full rotation.

[0097] Furthermore, in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the flow shown in Figure 7 may be performed when attaching an interchangeable lens 200, changing settings such as image quality, or changing various operating states. In this case, steps S3 and S4 may be performed by referring to setting information that has been stored in advance by user settings on the detailed settings screen of Figure 6(C).

[0098] 2-2-3. Maximum Magnification Determination Process The process of determining the maximum magnification in step S1 of Figure 7 will be explained using Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the maximum magnification (S1) in digital camera 1.

[0099] First, the camera control unit 140 determines, for example, whether the digital camera 1 is currently in operation for video recording (S21). For example, if the video recording mode is selected on the mode switching dial 156 (Figure 2), the camera control unit 140 proceeds to YES in step S21, and to NO in other shooting modes (for example, still image shooting mode). Note that even in shooting modes other than video recording mode, if the digital camera 1 is recording video by operating the video recording button 157, the determination in step S21 is YES.

[0100] If the camera control unit 140 determines, for example, that the digital camera 1 is not in an operating state for video recording (NO in S21), it performs processing to determine the maximum magnification Zx of the electronic zoom for still image shooting (S22-S24). The processing in steps S22-S24 will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0101] Figure 11 illustrates the magnification table D1 for still images in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. The magnification table D1 for the electronic zoom function manages image quality settings such as recording size and recording aspect ratio in association with the maximum magnification Zx of the electronic zoom, as shown in Figure 11, for example.

[0102] Still image recording sizes include various sizes such as "L," "M," "S," and "XS," as shown in Figure 11. For example, the digital camera 1 presents these recording size options from the setting item "Still Image Quality Settings" in the setting menu (Figure 6(A)), and stores the recording size selected by the user as management information in the flash memory 142. In the maximum magnification calculation process (S1), the camera control unit 140 refers to this management information to obtain the still image recording size currently set in the digital camera 1 (S21).

[0103] The aspect ratio for recording still images includes, for example, "4:3", "3:2", and "16:9", as shown in Figure 11. For example, the digital camera 1 presents further options for the recording aspect ratio from the setting item "Still Image Quality Settings" in the setting menu (Figure 6(A)), and stores the recording aspect ratio selected by the user in the management information of the flash memory 142. In step S1, the camera control unit 140 refers to this management information and obtains the recording aspect ratio for still images currently set in the digital camera 1 (S22).

[0104] Next, the camera control unit 140 sets the maximum magnification Zx based on image quality settings such as the recording size and recording aspect ratio of the acquired still image (S24). For example, the camera control unit 140 refers to the magnification table D1 stored in the flash memory 142 in advance and determines the maximum magnification Zx associated with the image quality settings acquired in steps S22 and S23 in the magnification table D1 as the setting result in step S24.

[0105] The magnification table D1 stores the maximum magnification of the electronic zoom, associated with each image quality setting, taking into account the range that can be magnified by the electronic zoom function from the image range Rm~Rs for each image quality setting, based on, for example, the overall range Ri of the image sensor 110 in Figure 5. In step S24, instead of referring to such magnification table D1, the camera control unit 140 may calculate a maximum magnification Zx similar to that in the magnification table D1 using a predetermined calculation formula based on the acquired image quality setting.

[0106] On the other hand, if the camera control unit 140 determines, for example, that the digital camera 1 is in an operating state for video recording (YES in S21), it performs a process to determine the maximum magnification of the electronic zoom for video recording instead of steps S22 to S24 (S25 to S27).

[0107] Figure 12 illustrates the magnification table D2 for video in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. The magnification table D2 for video has a similar configuration to the magnification table D1 for still images (Figure 11), but uses video quality settings instead of still image quality settings. For example, the recording size of video is expressed as resolution such as "8K", "4K", and "FHD".

[0108] These image quality settings, such as the recording size and aspect ratio of the video, are selected by the user in the "Video Image Quality Settings" setting item of the setting menu of the digital camera 1 (Figure 6(A)), similar to the image quality settings for still images, and are pre-stored in the management information of the flash memory 142. In the maximum magnification calculation process (S1), the camera control unit 140 refers to this management information to obtain the image quality settings, such as the recording size and aspect ratio of the video currently set on the digital camera 1 (S25, S26).

[0109] Next, the camera control unit 140 sets the maximum magnification Zx based on the video quality settings acquired in steps S25 and S26 (S27). The process in step S27 is carried out in the same way as in step S24, for example, using the video magnification table D2 instead of the still image magnification table D1.

[0110] After calculating the maximum magnification Zx for still images or videos (S24, S27), the camera control unit 140 completes the maximum magnification determination process (S1) shown in Figure 10 and proceeds to step S2 in Figure 7.

[0111] According to the maximum magnification determination process (S1) described above, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment can determine the zoom range by automatically determining the maximum magnification Zx within a range that does not impair the resolution, according to the image quality setting desired by the user (S22~S27). The digital camera 1 of this embodiment can, for example, calculate the parameters of the electronic zoom function according to this maximum magnification Zx (S6~S9 in Figure 7), so that even if the image quality is changed, the ring rotation angle set by the user can be achieved during electronic zoom operation.

[0112] In the above description, an example of a process in which either the determination of the maximum magnification Zx for still images (S22-S24) or the determination of the maximum magnification Zx for still images (S25-S27) is selectively performed in the maximum magnification determination process (Figure 10). The digital camera 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the above example, and may manage both the maximum magnification Zx for still images and the maximum magnification Zx for video, and may switch the applicable maximum magnification Zx depending on the operating state of the digital camera 1. For example, step S21 may be omitted from the flowchart in Figure 10, and steps S22-S24 and steps S25-S27 may be performed together.

[0113] Furthermore, the above description illustrates an example of a process in which the maximum magnification Zx of the electronic zoom function is set within a range where there is no degradation in image quality. The digital camera 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the above example, and may set the maximum magnification Zx within a range where image quality degradation is acceptable. For example, in steps S24 and S27, the camera control unit 140 may set the maximum magnification Zx calculated based on an appropriate range of acceptable image quality degradation in addition to the image quality setting.

[0114] Furthermore, although the above description has described an example where the minimum magnification of the electronic zoom function is 1x, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the digital camera 1 may deliberately set the minimum magnification of the electronic zoom function to be greater than or less than 1x. For example, if a peripheral area is reserved for image stabilization within the imaging range of the image sensor 110, such a peripheral area may be used for the electronic zoom function depending on the setting of the degree of image stabilization. The camera control unit 140 may further set such a minimum magnification by referring to the settings of the digital camera 1, for example, in the flow chart of Figure 10.

[0115] 2-3. Electronic Zoom Operation In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the electronic zoom after the electronic zoom setting process (Figure 7) will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13.

[0116] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating the electronic zoom operation in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. Figure 13 shows an example of operation when, for example, the AF mode is first selected by the focus selection lever 153 of the digital camera 1, and then the MF mode is selected.

[0117] First, in the camera body 100 of the digital camera 1, the camera control unit 140 sets the digital camera 1 to AF mode in response to a user operation, for example, selecting the AF mode with the focus selection lever 153 (S31). For example, the camera control unit 140 makes various settings on the camera body 100 so that the digital camera 1 can operate in AF mode, and also issues instructions to the interchangeable lens 200 to perform AF operation.

[0118] In this case, for example, the camera control unit 140 instructs the interchangeable lens 200 via the body mount 160 to change the function of the focus ring 212 from the MF function, which allows manual focus adjustment (S32). The instruction to change the MF function (S32) includes, for example, an instruction to disable the MF function and an instruction to respond with the amount of operation of the focus ring 212. Such instructions may be included in the instruction to start the AF operation and transmitted from the camera body 100 to the interchangeable lens 200.

[0119] In the interchangeable lens 200, when the lens control unit 230 receives an instruction to change the MF function (S32) from the camera body 100 via the lens mount 250, it disables the MF function (S33). That is, the lens control unit 230 prohibits the focus adjustment operation that drives the focus lens 210 in response to user operation of the focus ring 212 (S33).

[0120] Furthermore, in response to a function change instruction for the focus ring 212 (S32), the lens control unit 230 sequentially transmits notifications to the camera body 100 via the lens mount 250 indicating the amount of operation of the focus ring 212 (S34). For example, the lens control unit 230 sequentially counts the number of pulses for an example of the amount of operation of the focus ring 212 and issues an operation amount notification indicating the number of pulses of the focus ring 212 at a predetermined communication cycle (e.g., 1 / 60 second) (S34).

[0121] The operation amount notification for the focus ring 212 (S34) can be included in the periodic data communication between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 in the digital camera 1, for example. For example, the lens control unit 230 issues an operation amount notification with a pulse count of "0" when the focus ring 212 is not being operated (for example, the first S34).

[0122] For example, the camera control unit 140 sequentially receives notifications of the amount of operation of the focus ring 212 from the interchangeable lens 200 via the body mount 160 (S34), and functions as a zoom processing unit 145. The camera control unit 140 as a zoom processing unit 145 controls the electronic zoom process so as to continuously change the electronic zoom magnification Z according to the amount of operation in the received notification (S35). In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, this electronic zoom control (S35) is performed based on the saved result of the electronic zoom setting process (Figure 7).

[0123] For example, in step S35, the camera control unit 140 first refers to the management information of the electronic zoom function stored in the flash memory 142 or the like in advance and calculates the electronic zoom magnification Z corresponding to the number of pitches received. For example, the camera control unit 140 determines the sign of the change in the electronic zoom magnification Z based on whether the setting state of the ring rotation direction is "forward rotation" or "reverse rotation" and the sign of the number of pulses received. The change in the electronic zoom magnification Z is calculated by multiplying the zoom change rate by the number of pulses. Furthermore, if the electronic zoom magnification Z reflecting the change is outside the range of the zoom stroke, the camera control unit 140 replaces the calculated electronic zoom magnification Z with the maximum magnification Zx or the minimum magnification 1.

[0124] In step S35, the camera control unit 140 instructs the zoom processing unit 145 to perform electronic zoom processing so that the newly calculated electronic zoom magnification Z changes from the electronic zoom magnification currently set in the zoom processing unit 145.

[0125] As a result, when the focus ring 212 on the interchangeable lens 200 is operated by the user (S36), the amount of operation corresponding to the user operation is notified from the interchangeable lens 200 to the camera body 100 (S34), and electronic zoom processing is performed with an electronic zoom magnification Z corresponding to that amount of operation (S35).

[0126] For example, if the focus selection lever 153 is switched from AF mode to MF mode during subsequent user operation, the camera control unit 140 sets the digital camera 1 to MF mode (S37).

[0127] In this case, for example, the camera control unit 140 instructs the interchangeable lens 200 via the body mount 160 to return the function of the focus ring 212 to the MF function (S38). The instruction to return to the MF function (S38) includes, for example, an instruction to enable the MF function and an instruction to stop the notification of the amount of operation of the focus ring 212.

[0128] In the interchangeable lens 200, when the lens control unit 230 receives an instruction to restore the MF function (S38) from the camera body 100 via the lens mount 250, it activates the MF function (S39). In this way, the lens control unit 230 controls the focus lens drive unit 211 to adjust the position of the focus lens 210 according to the amount of operation of the focus ring 212 by the user.

[0129] According to the above process, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment can, for example, perform electronic zoom operation using the focus ring 212 in AF mode, thereby realizing effective use of the focus ring 212. In this case, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment controls the electronic zoom operation (S35) reflecting the result of the electronic zoom setting process (Figure 7), thereby realizing electronic zoom operation with the user's desired feel.

[0130] Furthermore, by following the above process, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment can disable the MF function of the focus ring 212 (S33), enabling electronic zoom operation by the focus ring 212 without interference with the MF function.

[0131] Steps S31 and S37 described above illustrate an example in which the focus mode of the digital camera 1, such as AF mode or MF mode, is selected using the focus selection lever 153. However, the selection of such operating modes is not limited to the focus selection lever 153; for example, the focus mode may be selected by user operation of the settings menu of the digital camera 1. In this case as well, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment can perform the respective operations by setting the electronic zoom function or MF function on the focus ring 212 according to the selected focus mode, similar to steps S31 to S39 above.

[0132] 3. Summary As described above, the digital camera 1 and camera body 100, which are examples of imaging devices in this embodiment, each comprise an image sensor 110, which is an example of an imaging unit, a camera control unit 140, which is an example of a control unit, and an operation unit 150, which is an example of a setting unit. The image sensor 110 captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens 200, which is an example of an optical system, and generates image data. The camera control unit 140 controls the zoom process, which crops an image from the image data generated by the image sensor 110 at an electronic zoom magnification Z, which is an example of a variable magnification. The setting unit receives user operations regarding the focus ring 212, which is an example of an operating member provided on the interchangeable lens 200, and the settings of the device itself. The camera control unit 140 receives user operations in the setting unit to input setting information that associates the amount of operation of the focus ring 212 in the zoom process with the electronic zoom magnification Z (see S3, S4, Figure 6(C)), and executes the zoom process to change the zoom magnification Z according to the amount of operation, such as the amount of rotation of the focus ring 212, based on the setting information input by the user operation (S35).

[0133] With the imaging device described above, the electronic zoom function using the focus ring 212 can be made easier to operate by reflecting user-desired setting information. In this embodiment, the user operation to input the setting information as described above is performed, for example, by selecting from the various options shown in Figures 8-9.

[0134] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the user input setting information includes at least one of the following: the ring rotation angle, which is an example of the operating range in which the focus ring 212 can be operated so that the electronic zoom magnification Z changes during zoom processing; and the zoom rotation direction, which is an example of the operating direction of the focus ring 212 according to the increase or decrease in the electronic zoom magnification Z. This makes the imaging device of this embodiment easier to operate during zoom processing.

[0135] In this embodiment, the user input setting information may be either the ring rotation angle or the ring rotation direction. The other setting information may be pre-set in the digital camera 1. In addition, the setting information may be, instead of or in addition to the above example, the zoom change rate, which is an example of the rate of change of the electronic zoom magnification Z with respect to the amount of operation of the focus ring 212. The setting of the zoom change rate may correspond to the setting of the ring rotation angle.

[0136] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the focus ring 212 is an operating ring provided around the optical axis of the interchangeable lens 200. The operating range is defined by the rotation angle of the operating ring. The imaging device of this embodiment makes it easier to perform zoom operations using such an operating ring. In this embodiment, the setting unit may accept a user operation to select either an option indicating a rotation angle as the operating range or an option indicating an operating range based on a predetermined resolution with respect to the amount of rotation of the operating ring (see Figure 9).

[0137] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the setting unit accepts user input to set the image quality of the image data (see Figure 6(A)). The camera control unit 140 determines the range of the electronic zoom magnification Z in the zoom process, i.e., the zoom range, based on the set image quality (S1), and controls the zoom process to associate the manipulated amount with the magnification according to the setting information across the magnification range, based on the determined magnification range and the input setting information (S3~S10, S35). As a result, even if the image quality of the imaging device is changed, the zoom process can be controlled in accordance with the user input setting information, making the zoom process easier to operate.

[0138] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the zoom range may have a maximum magnification Zx that does not degrade the image shown by the image data from the set image quality due to the zoom processing. This allows electronic zoom to be performed without degrading the set image quality, making the electronic zoom function easier to use. In this embodiment, the camera control unit 140 may control the zoom processing by switching between the maximum magnification Zx for still image shooting and the maximum magnification Zx for video shooting according to the operating state of the imaging device (S21).

[0139] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the setting unit accepts a user operation to assign one of several functions, including an electronic zoom function which is an example of a zoom processing function, to the focus ring 212 (see Figure 6(B)). When the electronic zoom function is assigned to the focus ring 212, the setting unit accepts a user operation to input zoom processing setting information (see Figure 6(C)). This makes it easier to use the electronic zoom function by reflecting the user input setting information when the electronic zoom function is assigned to the focus ring 212.

[0140] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the focus ring 212 is provided for performing manual focus (MF) operation to adjust the focus position on the interchangeable lens 200 in response to user operation. The camera control unit 140 performs zoom processing according to the amount of movement of the focus ring 212 during AF operation, which automatically adjusts the focus position (S31-S35). This makes it easier to use the electronic zoom function by making effective use of the focus ring 212 during AF operation.

[0141] In the imaging device of this embodiment, the optical system is an interchangeable lens 200 that can be attached to and removed from the camera body 100. The camera body 100 further includes a body mount 160, which is an example of a communication unit that communicates data with the attached interchangeable lens 200. The camera control unit 140 receives characteristic information of the focus ring 212 from the interchangeable lens 200 via the body mount 160 (S2), and performs zoom processing to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the focus ring 212 based on the received characteristic information and the input setting information (S35). This makes it easier to use the electronic zoom function in the interchangeable lens digital camera 1.

[0142] In this embodiment, a control method is provided for controlling a zoom process that extracts an image from image data at a variable magnification. The image data is generated by capturing an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens 200. This method includes the steps of: a setting unit receiving a user input of setting information that associates the amount of operation of an operating member provided in the optical system with the magnification in the zoom process; and a control unit executing the zoom process based on the setting information input by the user input, such that the magnification changes according to the amount of operation of the operating member. This method makes the zoom process easier to operate.

[0143] In this embodiment, a program is provided that causes a processor such as the camera control unit 140 to execute the control method described above. Such a program may be included in a program product, provided via a portable storage medium, or provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0144] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Embodiment 1 described an example of operation of the digital camera 1 when the electronic zoom function is assigned to the focus ring 212. Embodiment 2 describes an example of operation of the digital camera 1 when various functions are assigned to it.

[0145] Hereinafter, descriptions of the configuration and operation similar to those of the digital camera 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate, and the digital camera 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0146] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 1 in this embodiment. Figure 15 shows an example of the display of the digital camera 1 in this embodiment. The process illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 14 starts, for example, when the setting item "Assignment Function" is selected in the function setting screen (Figure 6(B)) for the focus ring 212 for AF mode in the settings menu (Figure 6). Each process in this flowchart is executed, for example, by the camera control unit 140 of the digital camera 1.

[0147] In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, first, the camera control unit 140 assigns a function to the focus ring 212, for example, a function in AF mode, according to user operation (S41). Figure 15(A) illustrates the function assignment selection screen in the digital camera 1. In step S41, the camera control unit 140 receives a user operation, for example, selecting the setting item "Assignment Function" in Figure 6(B) on the operation unit 150, and transitions the display monitor 130 to the selection screen in Figure 15(A).

[0148] The selection screen in Figure 15(A) illustrates the options for assigning functions in the digital camera 1. In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 can assign various functions to the focus ring 212, such as adjusting various control parameters, including "electronic zoom," "aperture," "shutter speed," "ISO," "exposure compensation," "color temperature," "AF mode," "image stabilization mode," and "photo style." The camera control unit 140 displays these various function options on the selection screen, receives a user operation from the operation unit 150 to select one of the options, and acquires the assigned function selected by the user operation (S21). For example, Figure 15(B) shows an example of the display that the display monitor 130 transitions to from Figure 15(A) when the aperture function is selected.

[0149] Figure 15(B) illustrates the function setting screen for the AF mode in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. Such a function setting screen includes a setting item "Detailed Settings" for assigned functions such as aperture function. The camera control unit 140 sets various details for the selected assigned function according to user operation, for example as illustrated in Figures 15(B) and (C) (S42). Figure 15(C) shows an example of the display transition on the display monitor 130 when the setting item "Detailed Settings" is selected in the example of Figure 15(B).

[0150] Figure 15(C) illustrates the detailed settings screen for the aperture function in digital camera 1. This settings screen includes setting items such as "ring rotation direction" and "aperture step," as shown in Figure 15(C).

[0151] In this embodiment, the digital camera 1, for example, sets the relationship between the direction of rotation of the focus ring 212 and the increase or decrease of the aperture value (e.g., F-number) of the aperture function in the setting item "Ring rotation direction" of the detailed settings screen in Figure 15(C), in the same way as in step S3 of Embodiment 1 (S22). For example, the camera control unit 140 accepts user operation to select either the forward rotation icon 55 or the reverse rotation icon 56, similar to the examples in Figures 6(C) to 8.

[0152] In the example in Figure 15(C), the forward / reverse icons 55 and 56 are examples of indicators for identifying the aperture function setting state, "forward" and "reverse," respectively. In this example, "forward" assigns the widest aperture (decreasing F-number) to clockwise rotation of the focus ring 212, and the smallest aperture (increasing F-number) to counterclockwise rotation. On the other hand, in this example, "reverse" assigns the smallest aperture to clockwise rotation of the focus ring 212 and the widest aperture to counterclockwise rotation.

[0153] Furthermore, in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the setting item "aperture step" in the example of Figure 15(C) sets the step width for changing the F value in response to the rotation operation of the focus ring 212 according to the user operation (S22). For example, the camera control unit 140 presents aperture step options such as "1 / 3EV", "1 / 12EV", or "stepless" on the display monitor 130, and accepts the user operation to select one of the aperture steps on the operation unit 150. For example, if the option "stepless" is selected, the aperture value can be changed continuously.

[0154] In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 can be made easier for the user to use the aperture function using the focus ring 212 by performing the user settings described above, for example, when the aperture function is assigned to the focus ring 212.

[0155] Furthermore, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment may assign various functions to the focus ring 212, not limited to aperture function or electronic zoom function (S21), and the detailed settings of the assigned function may be made according to user operation (S22). For example, the camera control unit 140 may set the "ring rotation direction" for the function of increasing or decreasing various control parameters of the digital camera 1, similar to the example above. For example, the correspondence between increasing or decreasing the control parameter and the direction in which the focus ring 212 is rotated may be selectable as "forward rotation / reverse rotation".

[0156] As described above, in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the multiple functions include predetermined functions for adjusting various control parameters in the digital camera 1. The control parameters may be variables such as the electronic zoom magnification Z, the aperture value of the interchangeable lens 200, the shutter speed of the camera body 100, the shooting sensitivity such as ISO, or the exposure value. When a predetermined function is assigned to an operating member such as the focus ring 212 (S21), the setting unit accepts user operations such as setting the direction of operation of the operating member for increasing or decreasing the control parameters (S22). According to the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, for example, it is possible to easily use the function of increasing or decreasing control parameters using the operating member of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0157] In this embodiment, the multiple functions may include, for example, an aperture function for adjusting the aperture value. When the aperture function is assigned to the operating member, the setting unit may accept user input to set at least one of the following: an aperture step, which is an example of the rate of change of the aperture value in response to the operation of the operating member, and a ring rotation direction, which is an example of the direction of operation of the operating member for increasing or decreasing the aperture value (see Figure 15(C)).

[0158] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, substituted, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in each of the above embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

[0159] In the above-described Embodiment 1, a digital camera 1 having separate image quality settings for still images and for video. The digital camera 1 of this embodiment may also allow separate detailed settings for the electronic zoom function for still images and video. Such modifications will be explained with reference to Figure 16.

[0160] Figure 16 shows an example of the display of the detailed settings screen for the electronic zoom function in a modified version of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 of this embodiment may have separate settings for the ring rotation direction for still images and for the ring rotation direction for video, as shown in Figure 16, and the operation unit 150 may accept user settings for each. For example, the user can set the ring rotation angle for still images to a relatively narrow value such as "60 degrees," and the ring rotation angle for video to a relatively wide value such as "360 degrees."

[0161] The camera control unit 140 in this embodiment may switch the setting information for still images and video, as described above, depending on the operating state of the digital camera 1, such as the shooting mode, and use it for electronic zoom control. For example, the camera control unit 140 may sequentially detect whether the digital camera 1 is in an operating state for video recording, similar to step S21 in Figure 10 of Embodiment 1. In the electronic zoom processing (Figure 7) similar to Embodiment 1, the camera control unit 140 may switch the ring rotation angle between video and still images, similar to the switching of the maximum magnification Zx (steps S21, S24, S27), depending on the detection result. As a result, the digital camera 1 can perform electronic zoom operation with a ring rotation angle for video or still images, depending on whether it is in an operating state for video recording, for example.

[0162] Furthermore, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment may allow separate settings for still images and videos, not limited to the "ring rotation angle," but also, for example, the "ring rotation direction." For example, separate detailed setting items for still images and videos may be provided in the higher-level function selection screen of the settings screen shown in Figure 16. Alternatively, separate setting items for still images and videos may be provided in an even higher-level settings screen.

[0163] As described above, in the imaging device of this embodiment, the setting unit may accept input of setting information for still image shooting and setting information for video shooting regarding zoom processing (Figure 16). The camera control unit 140 may switch between setting information for still image shooting and setting information for video shooting according to the operating state of the imaging device and control the zoom processing (see S21, S35). This allows the detailed settings of the electronic zoom function by the focus ring 212 to be automatically switched between still image shooting and video shooting, making it easier to operate the zoom processing.

[0164] In the embodiments described above, the focus ring 212 was explained as an example of an operating member to which the electronic zoom function is assigned on the interchangeable lens 200 of the digital camera 1. However, the operating member to which the electronic zoom function is assigned does not have to be the focus ring 212. For example, the interchangeable lens 200 may have an operating member such as a dedicated control ring to which various functions of the digital camera 1 are assigned. In such a case, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment may assign the electronic zoom function to the control ring. Even in this case, the operation of the electronic zoom can be made easier by performing detailed settings of the electronic zoom function, as in the embodiments described above.

[0165] Furthermore, if the interchangeable lens 200 is equipped with an electrically operated zoom ring, zoom lever, aperture ring, and other operating members, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment may assign the electronic zoom function to the various operating members of the interchangeable lens 200 and accept detailed settings for it. Also, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the function assignment in AF mode was explained. The digital camera 1 of this embodiment is not limited to AF mode, but may also assign the electronic zoom function to the operating members in MF mode, for example. In addition, in each of the embodiments described above, the electronic zoom function was assigned to the operating members of the interchangeable lens 200, but the digital camera 1 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to this, and may use operating members dedicated to the electronic zoom function.

[0166] In each of the embodiments described above, an example was given in which notification of the amount of operation of the focus ring 212, etc., during electronic zoom operation (S34) is performed at a predetermined communication cycle. In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, such notification of the amount of operation is not limited to the above example, and may be performed as an interrupt process at the time the operating member is operated. In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the lens control unit 230 may issue a notification of the amount of operation when the number of pulses changes due to the operation of the focus ring 212 and transmit it to the camera body 100.

[0167] In each of the embodiments described above, a digital camera 1 that performs detailed settings for the electronic zoom function was explained. The digital camera 1 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to the electronic zoom function described above, but may also perform detailed settings for a hybrid zoom function that performs electronic zoom and optical zoom simultaneously. For example, when the hybrid zoom function is assigned to an operating member such as an electric zoom ring in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the setting state such as the direction of ring rotation may be reflected in the control of the optical zoom according to the detailed settings made by the user. With such a digital camera 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to make it easier for the user to operate the hybrid zoom.

[0168] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described an interchangeable-lens digital camera as an example of an imaging device, the imaging device in these embodiments may be a digital camera that is not specifically an interchangeable-lens type. Moreover, the concept of this disclosure is applicable not only to digital cameras but also to movie cameras and various electronic devices having imaging functions.

[0169] (Example of form) The various aspects of this disclosure are listed below.

[0170] A first aspect of the present disclosure comprises an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject through an optical system and generates image data, a control unit that controls a zoom process that extracts an image from the image data generated by the imaging unit at a variable magnification, and a setting unit that receives user operations regarding the settings of an operating member provided in the optical system and the device itself. The control unit receives user operations in the setting unit that associate the amount of operation of the operating member in the zoom process with the magnification, and executes the zoom process to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member based on the setting information input by the user operation.

[0171] A second embodiment is an imaging device according to the first embodiment, wherein the setting information includes at least one of an operating range in which the operating member can be operated so that the magnification changes during zoom processing, and the operating direction of the operating member according to the increase or decrease in magnification.

[0172] A third embodiment is the imaging apparatus described in the second embodiment, wherein the operating member is an operating ring provided around the optical axis of the optical system. The operating range is defined by the rotation angle of the operating ring.

[0173] The fourth embodiment is an imaging device according to any of the first to third embodiments, wherein the setting unit receives user operations to set the image quality of the image data. The control unit determines the range of magnification in the zoom process based on the set image quality, and controls the zoom process to associate the manipulated amount with the magnification according to the setting information over the range of magnification based on the determined range of magnification and the input setting information.

[0174] The fifth embodiment is an imaging device according to any of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the magnification range has a maximum value that does not degrade the image shown by the image data from the set quality due to zoom processing.

[0175] The sixth embodiment is an imaging device described in any of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the setting unit accepts input of setting information for still image shooting and setting information for video shooting regarding zoom processing. The control unit switches between the setting information for still image shooting and the setting information for video shooting according to the operating state of the imaging device and controls the zoom processing.

[0176] The seventh aspect is an imaging device according to any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the setting unit accepts a user operation to assign one of a plurality of functions, including a zoom processing function, to an operating member. When the zoom processing function is assigned to the operating member, the setting unit accepts a user operation to input zoom processing setting information.

[0177] The eighth aspect is the imaging device described in the seventh aspect, wherein the plurality of functions include predetermined functions for adjusting control parameters in the imaging device. The setting unit accepts user input to set the direction of operation of the operating member for increasing or decreasing the control parameters when the predetermined function is assigned to the operating member. The control parameters may include at least one variable from among the zoom magnification, the aperture value of the optical system, the shutter speed of the imaging device, the shooting sensitivity, and the exposure value.

[0178] The ninth embodiment is an imaging device according to any of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the operating member is provided for performing a manual focus operation to adjust the focus position in the optical system in response to user operation. The control unit performs zoom processing according to the amount of operation of the operating member during autofocus operation, which automatically adjusts the focus position.

[0179] The tenth embodiment is an imaging device according to any of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the optical system is a detachable interchangeable lens attached to the imaging device, and the imaging device further comprises a communication unit that communicates data with the attached interchangeable lens. The control unit receives characteristic information of the operating member from the interchangeable lens via the communication unit, and performs zoom processing to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member based on the received characteristic information and input setting information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

[0180] The eleventh aspect is a control method for controlling a zoom process that extracts an image from image data at a variable magnification. The image data is generated by capturing an image of a subject through an optical system. This method includes the steps of: a setting unit receiving a user operation that associates the amount of operation of an operating member provided in the optical system with the magnification in the zoom process; and a control unit performing a zoom process that changes the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member based on the setting information input by the user operation.

[0181] The twelfth aspect is a program for causing a processor to execute the control method described in the eleventh aspect.

[0182] As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology in this disclosure. For this purpose, accompanying drawings and a detailed description have been provided.

[0183] Therefore, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed descriptions may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, provided that they illustrate the technology described above. For this reason, the mere presence of these non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed descriptions should not be immediately assumed to mean that they are essential.

[0184] Furthermore, since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0185] This disclosure is applicable to imaging devices and interchangeable lenses having an electronic zoom function. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0186] 1 Digital camera 100 Camera Body 110 Image Sensor 130 Display Monitor 140 Camera Control Unit 145 Zoom Processing Unit 150 Operation section 153 Focus selection lever 160 Body Mount 200 interchangeable lenses 212 Focus Ring 220 zoom lens 222 Zoom Ring 224 Zoom Lever

Claims

1. An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject through an optical system and generates image data, A control unit controls a zoom process that extracts an image from the image data generated by the imaging unit at a variable magnification, The optical system includes an operating member and a setting unit that receives user input regarding the settings of the device, The control unit, The setting unit receives a user input that associates the amount of operation of the operating member in the zoom process with the magnification, Based on the setting information entered by the user operation, the zoom process is executed so as to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member. Imaging device.

2. The setting information includes at least one of the following: an operating range in which the operating member can be operated so that the magnification changes during the zoom process, and the operating direction of the operating member in accordance with the increase or decrease in magnification. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The operating member is an operating ring provided around the optical axis of the optical system, The operating range is defined by the rotation angle of the operating ring. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The setting unit receives user input to set the image quality of the image data. The control unit, Based on the image quality set above, the range of the magnification in the zoom process is determined. Based on the determined magnification range and the input setting information, the zoom process is controlled to associate the manipulated amount with the magnification within the magnification range according to the setting information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The range of the magnification has a maximum value such that the image shown by the image data does not deteriorate from the set image quality due to the zooming process. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The setting unit receives input of setting information for still image shooting and setting information for video shooting regarding the zoom process, respectively. The control unit switches between the setting information for still image capture and the setting information for video capture according to the operating state of the imaging device, and controls the zoom process. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The setting unit is, The system accepts a user operation to assign one of several functions, including the zoom processing function, to the operating member. When the zoom function is assigned to the operating member, the system accepts user input for setting information of the zoom function. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned plurality of functions include predetermined functions for adjusting control parameters in the imaging device, The setting unit receives user input to set the direction of operation of the operating member for increasing or decreasing the control parameter when the predetermined function is assigned to the operating member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The operating member is provided for performing a manual focus operation, which adjusts the focus position in the optical system in response to user operation. The control unit executes the zoom process according to the amount of operation of the operating member during autofocus operation, which automatically adjusts the focus position. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The optical system is a detachable interchangeable lens attached to the imaging device. The imaging device further comprises a communication unit that communicates data with the attached interchangeable lens, The control unit, The characteristic information of the operating member is received from the interchangeable lens via the communication unit, Based on the received characteristic information and the input setting information, the zoom process is executed to change the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

11. A control method for controlling zoom processing to extract an image from image data at a variable magnification, The aforementioned image data is generated by capturing an image of the subject through an optical system. The setting unit receives a user input that associates the amount of operation of an operating member provided in the optical system with the magnification during the zoom process. The control unit performs the zoom process such that it changes the magnification according to the amount of operation of the operating member, based on the setting information input by the user operation. A control method including

12. A program for causing a processor to execute the control method described in claim 11.

Images