Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a display having better ease of focusing, for example, during a rehearsal.　An imaging device comprising a focal point distance display control unit that performs a control so as to display, on a display unit, a current focal point distance indicating a position currently being focused on, and a plurality of previous-filming-time focal point distances that are displayed in the order to be focused and that indicate the positions that were focused on at previous filming times.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, a control method for an imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a rehearsal image. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for displaying a marker (symbol) on a focus bar. With these techniques, it becomes possible to perform shooting with the same focus and angle of view as during rehearsal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004]

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, with the techniques described in the above-mentioned patent documents, it has not been possible to provide a more user-friendly display for the focus during rehearsal.

[0006] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device, a control method for an imaging device, and a program that provide a more user-friendly display for the focus during rehearsal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present disclosure is, for example, A focus distance display control unit is provided to control the display unit to display a current focus distance indicating the current focal length, a plurality of pre-shooting focus distances indicating the focus distances recorded during pre-shooting, and being displayed in the order registered during pre-shooting. 、 The display method for the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length includes a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths by a focus bar. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths together with the focus bar. It is an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, equipped with a focal length display control unit that controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during pre - shooting. The display method for the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length includes a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The focal length display control unit selects one of the plurality of display methods according to the shooting mode. The shooting mode includes a shooting mode for drama / cinema and a shooting mode for reporting / news. It is an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, equipped with a focal length display control unit that controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during pre - shooting. The focal length display control unit displays the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length by a focus bar, and when the difference between the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length is equal to or less than a threshold value, it enlarges and displays the part including the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length of the focus bar. It is an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, equipped with a focal length display control unit that controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during pre - shooting. The focal length display control unit controls to display the focal length transition required time, which is the time required when the focal length is shifted from the first pre - shooting focal length registered at the first timing during pre - shooting to the second pre - shooting focal length registered at a second timing later than the first timing. It is an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, A focus distance display control unit that controls the display unit to display the current focus distance indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. When at least one of the image being currently captured and the angle of view and the position of the subject at the time of pre - shooting is different, the focus distance display control unit performs an alarm display. An imaging device. The present disclosure is, for example, A focus distance display control unit that controls the display unit to display the current focus distance indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. The pre - shooting focus distance and information related to the pre - shooting focus distance are stored in association with each other. The information related to the pre - shooting focus distance includes at least one of a thumbnail image corresponding to the pre - shooting focus distance and the time required for focus distance transition. An imaging device.

[0008] This disclosure is, for example, The focus distance display control unit controls the display unit to display a current focus distance indicating the current focal length, a plurality of pre-shooting focus distances indicating the focus distances recorded during pre-shooting, and being displayed in the order registered during pre-shooting. And The display methods for the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distance include a plurality of display methods. The focus distance display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying the current focus distance and the plurality of pre - shooting focus distances by a focus bar. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focus distances together with the focus bar. It is a control method for an imaging device. The present disclosure is, for example, The focus distance display control unit controls the display unit to display the current focus distance indicating the current focal length, a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting, and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. The display methods for the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distance include a plurality of display methods. The focus distance display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The focus distance display control unit selects one of the plurality of display methods according to the shooting mode. The shooting modes include a shooting mode for drama / cinema and a shooting mode for reporting / news. A control method of an imaging device. The present disclosure is, for example, The focus distance display control unit controls the display unit to display the current focus distance indicating the current focal length, a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting, and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. The focal length display control unit displays the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length on the focus bar, and when the difference between the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length is equal to or less than a threshold value, enlarges and displays the portion of the focus bar that includes the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length. It is a control method of an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, controlled such that the focal length display control unit displays on the display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting, The focal length display control unit controls to display the focal length transition required time, which is the time required when shifting the focal length from a first pre - shooting focal length registered at a first timing at the time of pre - shooting to a second pre - shooting focal length registered at a second timing later than the first timing. It is a control method of an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, controlled such that the focal length display control unit displays on the display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting, The focal length display control unit gives an alarm display when at least one of the angle of view and the position of the subject in the currently captured image is different from that at the time of pre - shooting. It is a control method of an imaging device. This disclosure is, for example, controlled such that the focal length display control unit displays on the display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting, The pre - shooting focal length and information related to the pre - shooting focal length are stored in association with each other. The information related to the pre - shooting focal length includes at least one of a thumbnail image corresponding to the pre - shooting focal length and the focal length transition required time. It is a control method of an imaging device.

[0009] The present disclosure is, for example, The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length, the focal lengths at the time of pre-shooting recorded at the time of pre-shooting, and a plurality of focal lengths at the time of pre-shooting displayed in the order registered at the time of pre-shooting And The display method of the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length includes a plurality of display methods. The focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying the current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths on the focus bar. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths together with the focus bar. It is a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order. <SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE> <ONE EMBODIMENT> <MODIFIED EXAMPLE> The embodiments and the like described below are preferred specific examples of the present disclosure, and the content of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and the like.

[0012] <SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE> First, to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, an overview of the present disclosure will be described. Generally, in movie or drama shooting, rehearsal shooting is performed before the actual shooting. If the focal length during rehearsal can be used during the actual shooting, an image substantially similar to the image during rehearsal can be obtained during the actual shooting. Therefore, for example, a current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre-shooting and displayed in the order registered during pre-shooting are displayed on the display unit. Note that the focal length can be specified by various methods such as a method of detecting the position of the lens in addition to information on how much the lens is driven, and can also be referred to as the focal position.

[0013] Also, in news gathering shooting, although not as elaborate a rehearsal as in drama shooting etc. is performed, before the actual shooting, the camera may be pointed at a key subject and the manual operation of focusing may be confirmed in advance. In such a case, by recording the image of the subject to be shot and the focal length at that time in the camera body during the pre-shooting confirmation of the focusing operation, and displaying the focal length and the image at that focal length in the viewfinder during the actual shooting, it becomes easier for the photographer to focus on that focal length and image as a target.

[0014] As described above, the present disclosure, for example, displays on the display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre-shooting and displayed in the order registered during pre-shooting. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0015] <One Embodiment> [Configuration Example of Imaging Device] First, while referring to FIG. 1, a configuration example of an imaging device (imaging device 1) according to an embodiment will be described. The imaging device 1 includes an optical system 101, an imaging element 102, a signal processing unit 103, a recording unit 104, a control unit 105, a driving unit 106, a recognition unit 107, a display unit 108, an output unit 109, and an operation unit 110. The control unit 105 includes, as functional blocks, a focus detection unit 105A, a focal length display control unit 105B, a focus control unit 105C, and a display control unit 105D.

[0016] The optical system 101 includes an imaging lens or the like for condensing light from a subject onto the imaging element 102. Generally, the optical system 101 has a plurality of lenses such as an entrance lens, a zoom lens, a focus lens, and a condenser lens.

[0017] The imaging element 102 includes an imaging element that photoelectrically converts incident light from a subject obtained through the optical system 100 into an electric charge amount and outputs an imaging signal, and an image signal processing unit that performs known image processing such as correcting gain and luminance. As the imaging element, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like is used.

[0018] The signal processing unit 103 performs sample hold, AGC (Auto Gain Control) processing, A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion, etc. on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 102 to maintain a good S / N (Signal / Noise) ratio by CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) processing, and generates an image signal.

[0019] The recording unit 104 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The video data recorded in the recording unit 104 is stored in a compressed state or an uncompressed state based on a predetermined standard. The recording control for the recording unit 104 and the reading control from the recording unit 104 are performed by the control unit 105. The recording unit 104 records the captured video data, and information related to the pre-shooting focal length including at least one of the pre-shooting focal length, the thumbnail image corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length, and the time required for focal length transition described later, etc.

[0020] The control unit 105 controls the imaging device 1 in an overall manner. The focus detection unit 105A detects the focal length. The focal length may be detected based on a signal indicating how much the lens is driven by the focus control unit 105C, may be detected based on the lens position, or may be detected based on edge detection information or depth information. Also, the focal length may be detected for each frame, or may be detected when it is detected that the position of the lens included in the optical system 101 has moved.

[0021] The focal length display control unit 105B controls the display unit 108 to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length, the focal lengths recorded at the time of pre-shooting, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered at the time of pre-shooting.

[0022] The focus control unit 105C generates focus control data for performing focus control. The focus control unit 105C generates control data when operating autofocus or when the user performs an operation related to focus on the operation unit 110 and when operating manual focus for controlling the focus based on the user's operation.

[0023] The display control unit 105D performs control to display the image signal subjected to signal processing by the signal processing unit 103, the video data recorded in the recording unit 104, etc. on the display unit 108.

[0024] The drive unit 106 acquires focus control data by communicating with the control unit 105, and performs autofocus so as to focus on a target subject by moving the lens along the optical axis direction by a predetermined amount based on the focus control data. Further, in accordance with the control from the control unit 105, it controls the operations of the drive mechanism, shutter mechanism, iris mechanism, etc. of the optical system 101. Thereby, adjustment of the exposure time (shutter speed), adjustment of the aperture value (F value), etc. are performed.

[0025] The recognition unit 107 performs subject recognition based on the image signal on which signal processing has been performed by the signal processing unit 103. For example, as a result of subject recognition by the recognition unit 107, the recognized subject and the focal length when focused on that subject are associated with each other.

[0026] The display unit 108 is a display device such as a display that displays a live view image which is a display image signal subjected to display processing, an image / video stored in the recording unit 104 after being subjected to recording image processing, a GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc.

[0027] The output unit 109 is an interface with other devices, the Internet, etc. The output unit 109 may include a wired or wireless communication interface. More specifically, the wired or wireless communication interface may include cellular communication such as 3GPP, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Ethernet (registered trademark), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.

[0028] Incidentally, the imaging device 1 may be provided with a communication unit that can be connected to the Internet such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), and other devices. Further, the communication between the imaging device 1 and an external device may be a short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or ZigBee (registered trademark), or a tethering connection such as WiFi tethering, USB (Universal Serial Bus) tethering, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) tethering.

[0029] The operation unit 110 is for the user to give various instructions to the imaging device 1. When an operation input is made by the user to the operation unit 110, a control signal corresponding to the operation input is generated and supplied to the control unit 105. Then, the control unit 105 performs various processes corresponding to the control signal. As the operation unit 110, there are a shutter button for shutter input, physical buttons for various operations, a touch panel, a touch screen integrated with the display as the display unit 108, a microphone for receiving voice input, and the like. Further, the operation unit 110 includes a focus ring used for manual focus. Note that the manual focus may be set by a touch panel or a button-type operation mechanism.

[0030] As described above, the configuration example of the imaging device 1 has been explained, but the configuration of the imaging device 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the imaging device 1 may have a sensor for acquiring depth information, or may have a communication unit for communicating with other devices.

[0031] [Operation Example of Imaging Device] (Operation Example in Pre-imaging) Next, an operation example of the imaging device 1 will be described. First, an operation example of the imaging device 1 in pre-shooting will be described while referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2. The pre-shooting may be rehearsal shooting or shooting performed before rehearsal shooting. The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, the flow of a workflow performed by a focus puller who is in charge of focusing.

[0032] In step ST11, the angle of view and the subject to be photographed are determined. Then, the process proceeds to step ST12.

[0033] In step ST12, the most appropriate focal length is determined. For example, the focus ring of the imaging device 1 is appropriately operated, and the focal length is determined while being finely adjusted. Then, the process proceeds to step ST13.

[0034] In step ST13, an operation of registering the best focal length and the image corresponding to the focal length in the imaging device 1 in advance is performed. A trigger is given by this operation. The operation is an operation of pressing an assignable switch or a trigger such as voice input. The registered focal length is the pre-shooting focal length.

[0035] In step ST14, the time corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length is determined and registered. Such a time is, for example, the elapsed time from the timing of starting recording. The time corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length is, for example, associated with the image data corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length and stored in the recording unit 104.

[0036] Note that a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths may be set. In this case, the above-described processing is repeated the number of pre-shooting focal lengths. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it will be described assuming that three pre-shooting focal lengths (pre-shooting focal length A, pre-shooting focal length B, and pre-shooting focal length C) are set.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of specific processing performed by the imaging device 1 according to the above-described operation.

[0038] In step ST21, the control unit 105 determines whether the mode of the imaging device 1 is the focal length recording mode for recording the focal length. If the mode of the imaging device 1 is not the focal length recording mode, the process of step ST21 is repeated. If the mode of the imaging device 1 is the focal length recording mode, the process proceeds to step ST22.

[0039] In step ST22, the focus detection unit 105A detects the focal length. The detection of the focal length may be performed for each frame, may be performed when a change in the position of the lens included in the optical system 101 is detected, or may be performed at other timings. Then, the process proceeds to step ST23.

[0040] In step ST23, it is determined whether there is a user operation. Such a user operation is an operation for recording the focal length. For example, the control unit 105 determines whether there is a user operation based on the presence or absence of an operation signal from the operation unit 110. If there is no user operation, the process returns to step ST23. If there is a user operation, the process proceeds to step ST24.

[0041] In step ST24, the focal length detected in step ST22 is saved as the pre - shooting focal length. Specifically, the control unit 105 records the focal length detected by the focus detection unit 105A in the recording unit 104 as the pre - shooting focal length. Then, the process proceeds to step ST25.

[0042] In step ST25, the control unit 105 determines whether the process has ended. For example, it is determined that the process has ended at the timing when the power of the imaging device 1 is turned off or the focal length recording mode ends. If it is determined that the process has ended, the series of processes ends. If it is determined that the process has not ended, the process returns to step ST22.

[0043] (Example of operation in post - shooting) Next, while referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, an operation example of the imaging device 1 in post-capture will be described. Post-capture is imaging performed after pre-capture, and specifically includes main shooting and rehearsal shooting. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is also, for example, the flow of a workflow performed by a focus puller who is in charge of focusing.

[0044] In step ST31, a user operation to record video is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step ST32.

[0045] In step ST32, the current focal length and the pre-capture focal length are displayed on the display unit 108. The user performs a focus operation so that the current focal length matches the pre-capture focal length. Then, the process proceeds to step ST33.

[0046] In step ST33, it is determined whether shooting has ended. If shooting has not ended, the process returns to step ST32. If shooting has ended, the process proceeds to step ST34.

[0047] In step ST34, the user stops the process of recording video.

[0048] (Operation example of displaying the current focal length, etc.) Next, while referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, an operation example of displaying the current focal length, etc. in the imaging device 1 will be described. The current focal length, etc. are displayed, for example, when a display mode for displaying the current focal length, etc. is set.

[0049] In step ST41, a process of reading the saved pre-capture focal length is performed. For example, the focal length display control unit 105B reads the pre-capture focal length from the recording unit 104. Also, the focal length display control unit 105B acquires the current focal length from the focus detection unit 105A. Then, the process proceeds to step ST42.

[0050] In step ST42, the focal length display control unit 105B performs control to display information including the current focal length and the focal length at the time of pre - shooting on the display unit 108. Then, the process ends.

[0051] [Specific example of the display method of the current focal length and the focal length at the time of pre - shooting] (First example) Next, a specific example of the display method of the current focal length and the focal length at the time of pre - shooting will be described. The display method of the current focal length and the focal length at the time of pre - shooting includes a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit 105B selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. Then, the focal length display control unit 105B executes control to realize the selected display method. Note that the focal length display control unit 105B may execute control to realize a display method combining a plurality of display methods.

[0052] In the first example, as shown in FIG. 6, consider the case where the user (photographer) U changes the focal length from the subject HA → the subject HB → the subject HC at the same angle of view. Let the focal length corresponding to the subject HA be the pre - shooting focal length A, the focal length corresponding to the subject HB be the pre - shooting focal length B, and the focal length corresponding to the subject HC be the pre - shooting focal length C.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the information displayed on the display unit 108 in the first example. In the lower region AR from the approximate center of the display unit 108, the currently captured video (image) is displayed. Also, a focus bar FB is displayed above the display unit 108, and a rehearsal video RV captured in pre - shooting (rehearsal shooting in this example) is displayed below the focus bar FB.

[0054] The focus bar FB indicates the focal length and is a rectangular bar extending in the horizontal direction of the display unit 108. The focus bar FB may be a rectangular bar extending in the vertical direction of the display unit 108, or may have a shape other than a rectangle. Above the focus bar FB, black triangle marks indicating the respective pre-shooting focal lengths A, B, and C are displayed together with order information (alphabetical order) indicating the order of the pre-shooting focal lengths. The information indicating the order of the focal lengths may be numbers instead of alphabets. Also, in the focus bar FB, a mark 11 indicating the current focal length corresponding to the current focal length acquired by the focus detection unit 105A is displayed. The mark 11 according to this example is, for example, a black line extending in the vertical direction, but other display modes may be used.

[0055] Also, transition information 12 is displayed above the focus bar FB. The transition information 12 according to this example is indicated by, for example, a black triangle, but other display modes may be used. The transition information 12 is information indicating the transition of the focal length during rehearsal shooting and moves on the focus bar FB. The transition information 12 may move to the right or left on the focus bar FB. Note that the transition information can be displayed, for example, by associating the focal length with each frame of the video data shot during rehearsal shooting and reading out the focal length associated with each frame during the playback of the pre-shooting video.

[0056] When the main shooting is started, the video being shot is displayed in the area AR of the display unit 108. Also, the video data shot during rehearsal shooting is reproduced by the control unit 105 from the recording unit 104. Further, the focal length for each frame of the video data shot during rehearsal shooting is supplied to the focal length display control unit 105B. The focal length display control unit 105B displays it above the focus bar FB while moving the display position of the transition information 12 based on the focus position for each such frame.

[0057] In addition, the video data captured during rehearsal shooting is time-adjusted by the control unit 105 and then displayed on the display unit 108 as a rehearsal video RV by the display control unit 105D. Further, images corresponding to the pre-shooting focal lengths A, B, and C are read from the recording unit 104 by the focal length display control unit 105B. The focal length display control unit 105B displays the images corresponding to the pre-shooting focal lengths A, B, and C as thumbnail images SA, SB, and SC at predetermined locations of the rehearsal video RV based on the time associated with the images corresponding to the pre-shooting focal lengths A, B, and C respectively. An arrow 13 indicating the playback position is displayed above the rehearsal video RV.

[0058] Note that since it is only necessary to know the total recording time of the rehearsal video RV, the video between the thumbnail images may be subsampled and displayed, or if the recording time of the rehearsal video RV is very long, the middle part may be omitted and not displayed.

[0059] The rehearsal video RV is played back simultaneously with the start of recording. The user U adjusts the focus position so that the mark 11 indicating the current focal length coincides with the transition information 12.

[0060] Note that the focus may be temporarily stationary at each pre-shooting focal length. In the case of movie or drama production, recording often starts before the start of acting according to the director's instructions (e.g., the instruction of "action"). Therefore, instead of the time from the start of recording to the focal length, an imaging device 1 is provided inside with a block capable of detecting the start of acting by the director's instructions as a reference, and the start point of the video may be aligned between rehearsal and the actual performance.

[0061] By displaying the transition information 12 as in this example, it is possible to reproduce the same change in focal length as during pre-shooting during the actual shooting.

[0062] (Second example) Next, a second example will be described. The second example is an example of a display method considering the use case of shooting in news coverage. In shooting for news coverage, although a detailed rehearsal is not conducted before the actual shooting, the camera work is checked in advance before the actual shooting. The captured image of the subject to be shot and the focal length at that time are recorded in the memory of the imaging device 1 main body. Different from the first example, since the time from the focal length at the start of recording to the recorded focal length and the time interval between the focal lengths are not particularly determined, they are set as a guide during shooting using the menu screen or the like of the imaging device 1 and recorded in the recording unit 104. The pre-shooting focal length registered in advance before the actual shooting and the corresponding image are displayed on the time axis, and the shooter, for example, operates the focus ring with the pre-shooting focal length as a guide, performs focusing such that the current focal length coincides with the pre-shooting focal length and stops there.

[0063] Taking the case where a reporter explains on the scene as an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the user U first adjusts the shooting angle to the reporter HD, and then adjusts the shooting angle to the house 20A on the near side and then to the house 20B on the far side. Before the actual shooting, the user U registers the pre-shooting focal lengths A, B, and C as the target positions to stop the focus operation in association with the shooting angles using the menu or the assignable buttons.

[0064] Thereafter, the time corresponding to each pre-shooting focal length is acquired by the control unit 105 and registered in association with the pre-shooting focal length. The time is acquired, for example, based on the counter of the control unit 105. The user U moves the current focus position so as to match the movement of the pre-shooting focal length and stops the focus operation at each pre-shooting focal length.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the information displayed on the display unit 108 in the second example. Basically, it is substantially the same as the first example, but in the case of news coverage, only the thumbnail images SA, SB, and SC corresponding to each pre-shooting focal length are displayed instead of the rehearsal video RV.

[0066] [Example 3] This example relates to a method of displaying a thumbnail image displayed together with the focus bar FB. Whether the focus is on the foreground subject or the background subject may not be well understood because the image is too small or there is not much difference in the defocus degree just from the thumbnail image. Therefore, in the thumbnail image, in order to clearly show which subject or part is in focus, the subject and part in focus are emphasized, such as by enhancing the outline, and the subject and part out of focus are strongly blurred. In addition, the subject in focus is left in color or color is added by color picking or the like, and the subject out of focus has its hue lowered to approach black and white or is completely made black and white. By performing the above processing, the user can easily recognize the in-focus part even in a small thumbnail image of the subject and part in focus.

[0067] For example, when there are two flowers, one in the foreground and one in the background, assume that at the pre-shooting focal length A, the foreground flower is in focus, and at the pre-shooting focal length B, the background flower is in focus. In this case, for the thumbnail image displayed during the actual shooting, the thumbnail image SA corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length A has the foreground flower highlighted as shown in FIG. 10A, and the thumbnail image SB corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length B has the background flower highlighted as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0068] The generation of the thumbnail images shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is performed, for example, by the display control unit 105D. Since the video read from the recording unit 104 has substantially the same angle of view and subject position as the captured image, the display control unit 105D generates a thumbnail image after performing emphasis on focus and defocus on the image data associated with the focal length in the rehearsal video RV. The generated thumbnail image is displayed together with the video during shooting.

[0069] [Example 4] Next, a fourth example of the display method will be described. Depending on the aspect size of the imaging effective image, the outside of the effective image may appear as a black image when viewed in the display image displayed on the display unit 108. As shown in FIG. 11, the thumbnail image in the above-described example can be displayed in the black image area ARB. For example, in movie shooting, shooting may be performed in a landscape aspect such as 2.4:1, and when using a 16:9 display unit 108, it may be displayed in a letterbox with black images inserted above and below. By displaying the thumbnail image in the area of the upper and lower black images, it is possible to simultaneously display the video in the effective area and the thumbnail image.

[0070] When there are multiple pre-shooting focal lengths, it is easy to associate the thumbnail image with the images for each pre-shooting focal length. However, it is also assumed that there may be a case where there is only one focal length or the association with the subject is made in the user U's mind and the thumbnail image is unnecessary. Considering this point, the thumbnail image may be made non-displayable.

[0071] [Fifth Example] Next, a fifth example of the display method will be described. In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, it was displayed below the focus bar FB, that is, in parallel in the vertical direction of the display unit 108. However, as shown in FIG. 12, it may be displayed beside the focus bar FB, that is, in parallel in the horizontal direction of the display unit 108.

[0072] When there is no black image area outside the video effective area (the area corresponding to the area AR), the focus bar FB may be displayed in the video effective area. In this case, arranging the thumbnail image below the focus bar FB makes it difficult to see the video displayed in the area AR. By arranging the thumbnail image beside the focus bar FB, the area occupied by the focus bar FB and the thumbnail image can be reduced. The control regarding these displays is performed by the display control unit 105D.

[0073] In the case of drama shooting or news shooting, it is also important to indicate the current shooting position with respect to the total recording time of the rehearsal video. In that case, in an area smaller than the thumbnail image, the position may be indicated with a marker or characters, etc.

[0074] Also, under the control of the display control unit 105D, the display mode of the thumbnail image may be changed according to the passage of the order of the pre-shooting focal lengths to be adjusted. For example, after the timing when the current focal length should be set to the pre-shooting focal length A has passed, the thumbnail image SB corresponding to the next pre-shooting focal length B may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other thumbnail images. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the thumbnail image SB may be displayed so as to be surrounded by a frame of a predetermined color (for example, a red frame). In this case, the thumbnail image SA for which the shooting of the focal length has already been completed may be displayed surrounded by a frame of another color (for example, a green frame). The user U can recognize the order of the focal lengths to be adjusted by the color frame. The thumbnail image for which the order has already passed may be erased. When displaying characters in the center of the thumbnail image, since the subject in the image also needs to be visible, the characters may be displayed semi-transparently.

[0075] Note that if there is no black screen area, the thumbnail image may be displayed as a picture-in-picture image within the effective area.

[0076] [Example 6] Next, a sixth example of the display method will be described. This example is an example regarding the display method of the focus bar FB. When the difference between the mark 11 which is the current focal length and the pre-shooting focal length becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, the portion of the focus bar FB that includes the mark 11 may be enlarged and displayed. The determination as to whether the difference has become equal to or less than the threshold value and the enlarged display are performed by the focal length display control unit 105B. Some of the display control may be performed by the display control unit 105D.

[0077] For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, assume that mark 11 approaches the focal length B. When the difference between mark 11 and the pre-photography focal length B becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, as shown in FIG. 14B, the portion including mark 11 and the focal length B may be enlarged and displayed. Note that the focal length display control unit 105B obtains, for example, the difference between mark 11 and the pre-photography focal length B based on the time corresponding to mark 11 (e.g., the time from the start of recording) and the elapsed time when the pre-photography focal length B was set, and determines whether the obtained difference is equal to or less than the threshold value. According to the display method of this example, it is possible to facilitate fine adjustment of focus when the current focal length approaches a predetermined pre-photography focal length.

[0078] [Seventh Example] Next, a seventh example of the display method will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the display mode according to this example. As shown in FIG. 15, it is not necessary to display the thumbnail image. When the thumbnail image is not displayed, since the subject corresponding to each pre-photography focal length is not known, the subjects HA1, HB1, and HC1 that are in focus at each pre-photography focal length are surrounded by a square frame so that the position of the subject at each pre-photography focal length can be known based on the rehearsal video RV. In this case, the subjects HA, HB1, and HC1 that were in focus at each pre-photography focal length during pre-photography are recorded in association with the pre-photography focal length. The subjects HA1, HB1, and HC1 may be displayed by making the rehearsal video RV semi-transparent and superimposing it on the current captured image. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, among the subjects HA1, HB1, and HC1 in the current shooting, the in-focus subject may be highlighted. For example, the outline of the in-focus subject is emphasized and displayed, or the image portion other than the in-focus subject is blurred. These processes are performed, for example, by the display control unit 105D.

[0079] Also, as shown in FIG. 15, (1), (2), (3) may be displayed near each pre-photography focal length of the focus bar FB so that the shooting order can be known.

[0080] Also, the focus transition time required when moving the focus position from the first pre - shooting focal length registered at the first timing during pre - shooting to the second pre - shooting focal length registered at the second timing later than the first timing may be displayed. For example, the focus transition time 31 measured when changing the focal length from focal length A to focal length B is displayed on the display unit 108. In the example shown in FIG. 15, 2 seconds is displayed on the right side of the focus bar FB as the focus transition time 31. By such display, when the current focus position is at focal length A, the user U can be aware of the quantitative time until the focus position is moved to focal length B. In the case of this example, the first timing (for example, the elapsed time from the start time of pre - shooting) when the first pre - shooting focal length is recorded is recorded in association with the first pre - shooting focal length. The same applies to the second timing. For example, the focal length display control unit 105B calculates the time between the first timing and the second timing and displays the calculation result as the focus transition time 31.

[0081] Also, the time 32 measured from the start of shooting until the transition to each pre - shooting focal length may be displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, as the time 32 until the transition to each pre - shooting focal length, the time of 3 - 6 seconds until the transition to the pre - shooting focal length A, the time of 8 - 15 seconds until the transition to the pre - shooting focal length B, and the time of 20 - 30 seconds until the transition to the pre - shooting focal length C are displayed.

[0082] [Example 8] Next, the eighth example of the display method will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the display mode according to this example. In this example, the focal length is displayed not only by the focus bar FB but also in a graph.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 16, the graph G is a graph with the vertical axis representing the focus position and the horizontal axis representing time, for example. The speed of change of the focal length is indicated by the gradient (slope) of the graph G, which is different from that in FIG. 15. On the line of the graph G, for example, two circular marks 41 and 42 that move along the line of the graph G are displayed. The mark 41 corresponds to the mark 11, and the mark 42 corresponds to the current focal length. The user U may adjust the focus so that the mark 41 is aligned with the mark 42. At this time, the speed of movement of the focus position may be adjusted according to the gradient of the graph G. The graph G is, for example, largely superimposed on the subject being currently photographed.

[0084] [Example 9] Next, the ninth example of the display method will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the display mode according to this example. In this example, the focus bar FB is not displayed, and thumbnail images SA to SB corresponding to each pre-photography focal length are displayed.

[0085] The square frames surrounding the outside of the subjects HA1, HB1, and HC1 shown in FIG. 17 indicate the subjects that are the pre-photography focal lengths. However, in this example, since the thumbnail images SA to SC are displayed, the frames surrounding the outside of each subject may not be displayed.

[0086] In this example, the pre-photography focal length at that time is indicated numerically together with the number indicating the order of the pre-photography focal lengths at the upper part of each thumbnail image. By indicating the pre-photography focal length numerically, the user U can know how much the current focal length needs to be moved quantitatively to match the next pre-photography focal length. In the example shown in FIG. 17, similar to the example shown in FIG. 15, the focal length transition required time 31 and the time 32 from the start of shooting to the transition to each pre-photography focal length are displayed.

[0087] Each display element in the plurality of display methods described above can also be combined.

[0088] Note that the focal length display control unit 105B may select one of the above-described plurality of display methods according to the shooting mode. The shooting mode is, for example, a shooting mode in which the recording formats are different from each other. Specifically, it is a shooting mode for dramas and movies, and a shooting mode for news reporting. The former is generally recorded as RAW data (data recorded in the RAW mode, data recorded with no compression or a compression rate equal to or lower than a threshold value), and the latter is recorded after being compressed in an appropriate format.

[0089] A specific example will be described. In the case of shooting movies or dramas, the focus puller often performs focus operations. The monitor that the focus puller looks at may be a small monitor attached to the upper part of the imaging device 1, or a medium-sized monitor placed on a movable tripod. In some cases, a distance measuring sensor is connected and its output is superimposed on the captured image. As described above, since there may be a shortage of the area on the screen where the focal length and the thumbnail image can be displayed and visually recognized, it is desirable to provide a menu that allows switching of the display according to the preference of the user U, or to allow switching of the display by operating an assignable switch. Considering this point, when the shooting mode is the shooting mode for dramas / movies, the display methods shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 are preferable. However, even in the case of shooting movies or dramas, if a large-screen monitor for focus operation can be used, there may be a case where an area where the focal length at the time of pre-shooting and the thumbnail image can be simultaneously displayed can be secured. Therefore, in the case of the shooting mode for dramas / movies, other display methods may be adopted.

[0090] On the other hand, in the case of newsgathering photography, basically, a cameraman operates the imaging device 1 and the lens alone. In this case, focus operation is performed while looking at a small viewfinder. For this reason, it is highly likely that the monitor screen is small, and it is desirable to be able to switch the display between the focal length at the time of pre-shooting and the thumbnail image, or to temporarily hide these displays. In addition, since the aspect ratio of the effective image area is often 16:9, it is difficult to display the focal length at the time of pre-shooting and the thumbnail image outside the video effective area as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Considering this point, in the case of the shooting mode for news, for example, the display methods shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 where the thumbnail image is not displayed are adopted.

[0091] [Regarding the switching of focus control] The method of focusing on the focal length at the time of pre-shooting in the previous explanations assumed manual focus, but it is also possible to move it automatically by autofocus. In the case of drama shooting etc., when it is desired to make the movement of the focus exactly the same as that of the rehearsal shooting during the actual shooting, set the autofocus by operating the menu screen or the assign button to set the focus movement to automatic. Also, the switching of focus control may be performed automatically.

[0092] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of automatically switching focus control. The switching control of focus control is performed by, for example, the control unit 105. Also, the explanation will be made assuming that the focus control at the start of the process is manual control.

[0093] In step ST51, the control unit 105 acquires the current focal length acquired by the focus detection unit 105A. Then, the control unit 105 determines whether the difference (absolute value) between the current focal length and the focal length at the time of pre-shooting is smaller than the threshold ThA. If the difference is larger than the threshold ThA (No), the process returns to step ST51 and the process of step ST51 is repeated. If the difference is smaller than the threshold ThA (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST52.

[0094] In step ST52, the focus control unit 105C switches the focus control from manual focus (MF) to autofocus (AF). The reason for switching to autofocus is that when the current focal length approaches the pre-shooting focal length, it is more likely that the focal length can be adjusted appropriately automatically rather than manually. Then, the process proceeds to step ST53.

[0095] In step ST53, the control unit 105 determines whether there is an operation to switch the focus control to manual. Such operations include pressing a dedicated switch for focus control switching or touching the focus ring (specifically, touching a sensor such as a touch sensor provided on the focus ring). If there is no operation, the process returns to step ST53, and the determination process of step ST53 is repeated. If there is an operation, the process proceeds to step ST54.

[0096] In step ST54, the focus control unit 105C switches the focus control from autofocus to manual focus. The above-described process is repeated during pre-shooting such as live shooting. For example, when shooting is completed, the above-described process ends.

[0097] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in response to an operation to manually switch the focus control. In step ST61, the control unit 105 determines whether there is an operation. Such an operation is, for example, an operation of pressing a dedicated switch. The operation may also be an operation in which the focus ring is not touched for a predetermined time or more. If the determination result is No, the process returns to step ST61, and the determination process of step ST61 is repeated. If the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step ST62.

[0098] In step ST62, the focus control unit 105C switches the focus control from manual focus to autofocus. Then, the process proceeds to step ST63.

[0099] In step ST63, the control unit 105 determines whether there is an operation. Such an operation is the same as the operation whose presence or absence is determined in step ST61. If the determination result is No, the process returns to step ST63, and the determination process of step ST63 is repeated. If the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step ST64.

[0100] In step ST64, the focus control unit 105C switches the focus control from autofocus to manual focus. The processes described above are repeated during pre-shooting such as actual shooting. For example, when shooting is completed, the process ends.

[0101] In the above-described process, when a function such as a touch sensor is incorporated into the focus ring, a manual focus operation may be performed while touching the focus ring, and an autofocus operation may be performed when the hand is removed from the focus ring. Thereby, the advantage that it is not necessary to use other fingers to perform button operations other than the operation of the focus ring is obtained.

[0102] [Effects Obtained by the Present Embodiment] According to the present embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained. It becomes possible to provide a more user-friendly display for the focus during rehearsal. These days, autofocus performance has been improving. However, it is difficult to achieve the focusing intended by the photographer using only autofocus. Especially in the production of movies and dramas, focusing is one aspect of the visual expression of the videographer. It involves slowly or quickly focusing on the subject according to the shooting scene, and it is difficult to incorporate the videographer's intention into the autofocus operation each time, or to require the same reproducibility of the focus operation and the accuracy of focusing as in a rehearsal. In recent years, regardless of the shooting workflow, there has been an increasing tendency to shoot with a combination of a lens with a shallow depth of field and a camera, or to use a camera equipped with a high-resolution image sensor. On the other hand, the screen of the shooting monitor attached to the camera is often a low-resolution and small monitor compared to the resolution of the image sensor, making it difficult for the photographer to confirm the accuracy of focusing. However, according to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to shoot while simultaneously checking a plurality of focal lengths and the images at that time with the shooting image. Therefore, when performing manual focusing, it is possible to improve the reproducibility of the focus operation and accurately align the current focal length with the focal length at the time of pre-shooting. In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, the focal length at the time of pre-shooting and the image at that time are simultaneously displayed, and even when the image is a small thumbnail image, the focus position is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, when there are a plurality of focal lengths at the time of pre-shooting, it is possible to easily associate the focal length at the time of pre-shooting with the subject or part thereof. In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, since the focal length at the time of pre-shooting and the image at that time can be confirmed on the same monitor as the shooting video that the photographer views, focusing by the user becomes easier.

[0103] <Modification Example> As described above, one embodiment of the present disclosure has been specifically described. However, the content of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described one embodiment, and various modifications based on the technical idea of the present disclosure are possible.

[0104] [First Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment, the position of the registered pre-photographing focal length and the order of the pre-photographing focal lengths may be changeable later. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the imaging device 1 in response to an operation of correcting the focal length later. The processing shown in FIG. 20 is, for example, processing performed when a mode for correcting the pre-photographing focal length is set.

[0105] In step ST71, the control unit 105 reads out representative images (for example, thumbnail images) corresponding to each of the plurality of pre-photographing focal lengths recorded in the recording unit 104. The display control unit 105D displays all the read images on the display unit 108. Then, the process proceeds to step ST72.

[0106] In step ST72, the display control unit 105D displays, on the display unit 108, the representative image selected by the user U as the target for fine correction. Then, the process proceeds to step ST73.

[0107] In step ST73, the control unit 105 records, in the recording unit 104, the corrected representative image in association with the pre-photographing focal length that was associated with the image before correction.

[0108] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example related to the above-described processing. Thumbnail images corresponding to a predetermined pre-photographing focal length are displayed on the left side of the display unit 108. Such a thumbnail image is an image focused on the nose. Also, an image being currently photographed is displayed on the right side of the display unit 108. For example, when the user corrects the focal length A from the position 51 of the nose of the face to the position 52 of the eyes, the corrected focal length A' is recorded in the recording unit 104.

[0109] [Second Modification Example] It is also assumed that there may be cases where the position of the subject of the imaging device 1 currently shooting a drama or movie does not match the position of the subject during pre-shooting such as rehearsal shooting. By automatically detecting the shooting start timing instruction by the sound of the pachinko machine, video, or the voice of the director used at the start of movie or drama shooting from the viewpoints of sound and video, the video synchronization of the subjects of the rehearsal video and the currently shot video is achieved. Furthermore, delay adjustment is performed in terms of frames.

[0110] When the currently shot video is significantly different from the rehearsal video due to a change in the acting movements of the actor or a change in the shooting environment, the focal length also changes. In such cases, an alarm display such as adding a color to the outer frame of the screen and blinking it may be displayed so that the person shooting can notice the change in the angle of view or the subject.

[0111] For example, as shown in FIG. 22, let the position of the actor 61 at the rehearsal time be position P1 and the position of the actor 61 in the current shooting be position P2. For example, the recognition unit 107 performs subject recognition to recognize positions P1 and P2 respectively, and sends the recognition results to the control unit 105. The control unit 105 may be configured to display an alarm display when it determines that the positions P1 and P2 sent from the recognition unit 107 are separated by a threshold value or more.

[0112] Note that since there may be cases where the photographer intentionally changes the shooting angle of view or the subject from the rehearsal time, a user interface for updating the original rehearsal video after shooting may be provided. Also, when the imaging device 1 is equipped with a gyro sensor or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), since the shooting position and the shooting direction of the imaging device 1 can be known, if they are recorded as such metadata during rehearsal shooting, the difference between the shooting position and the shooting direction of the camera at the current shooting time can be obtained. An alarm display may be displayed when the difference is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0113] Further, when the angle of view of the imaging device 1 currently being photographed does not match (differs by a predetermined amount or more) the angle of view during pre-photographing such as during rehearsal photographing, an alarm display may be shown, or when the position and angle of view of the subject differ by a predetermined amount or more, an alarm display may be shown. Further, an alarm display may be shown when the difference between the current focus position and the focal length becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0114] [Other Modifications] The configuration of the imaging device according to the above-described embodiments and modifications can be changed as appropriate. Further, some of the processing in the imaging device may be performed by a server device or the like on the cloud.

[0115] The configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, and numerical values etc. given in the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and different configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, and numerical values etc. may be used as necessary, and it is also possible to replace them with known ones. Further, the configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, and numerical values etc. in the embodiments and modifications can be combined with each other within a range where no technical contradiction occurs.

[0116] Note that the content of the present disclosure is not limitedly interpreted by the effects exemplified in this specification.

[0117] The present disclosure can also adopt the following configurations. (1) An imaging device including a focal length display control unit that controls the display unit to display a current focal length indicating the current focal length and a plurality of pre-photographing focal lengths indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre-photographing and displayed in the order registered during the pre-photographing. (2) The display methods of the current focal length and the pre-photographing focal length include a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods The imaging device according to (1). (3) The plurality of display methods includes a display method of displaying the current focal length and the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths by a focus bar. The imaging device according to (2). (4) The plurality of display methods includes a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths together with the focus bar. The imaging device according to (3). (5) According to the passage of the order, the display mode of the thumbnail image is changed. The imaging device according to (4). (6) The plurality of display methods includes a display method of displaying order information indicating the order of the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths. The imaging device according to (2). (7) The plurality of display methods includes a method of displaying a graph in which the vertical axis is the focus position and the horizontal axis is time. The imaging device according to (2). (8) The focal length display control unit selects one of the plurality of display methods according to the shooting mode. The imaging device according to (2). (9) The shooting mode includes a shooting mode for drama / cinema and a shooting mode for reporting / news. The imaging device according to (8). (10) The focal length display control unit controls to also display the currently shot image on the display unit. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) When the focal length display control unit displays the currently shot image on the display unit, it controls to emphasize and display the currently focused subject. The imaging device according to (10). (12) The focal length display control unit displays by emphasizing the contour of the in-focus subject, or displays after performing a blurring process on the image portions other than the in-focus subject. The imaging device according to (11). (13) When the difference between the current focal length and the pre-shooting focal length becomes equal to or less than a threshold value, the focal length display control unit enlarges and displays the portion including the current focal length and the pre-shooting focal length of the focus bar. The imaging device according to (1). (14) The focal length display control unit controls to display the focal length transition required time, which is the time required when shifting the focal length from the first pre-shooting focal length registered at the first timing during pre-shooting to the second pre-shooting focal length registered at the second timing later than the first timing. The imaging device according to (1). (15) When the difference between the current focal length and the pre-shooting focal length becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, the focal length display control unit performs an alarm display. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (14). (16) When at least one of the angle of view and the position of the subject in the currently captured image and at the time of pre-shooting is different, the focal length display control unit performs an alarm display. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (15). (17) The focal length recorded at the time of pre-shooting and the information related to the focal length are stored in association with each other. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (16). (18) The information related to the focal length includes at least one of a thumbnail image corresponding to the focal length and the focal length transition required time. The imaging device according to (17). (19) A control method for an imaging device, wherein a focal length display control unit controls a display unit to display a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a focal length recorded during pre-shooting, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre-shooting. (20) A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device, wherein a focal length display control unit controls a display unit to display a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a focal length recorded during pre-shooting, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre-shooting.

Explanation of Signs

[0118] 1 ··· Imaging device 104 ··· Recording unit 105 ··· Control unit 105B ··· Focal length display control unit 108 ··· Display unit

Claims

1. A focus distance display control unit that controls a display unit to display a current focus distance indicating a current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting, The display methods of the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distances include a plurality of display methods, and the focus distance display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods, The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying the current focus distance and the plurality of pre - shooting focus distances by a focus bar, The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focus distances together with the focus bar An imaging device.

2. According to the passage of the order, the display mode of the thumbnail image is changed The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. A focus distance display control unit that controls a display unit to display a current focus distance indicating a current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting, The display methods of the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distances include a plurality of display methods, and the focus distance display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods, The focus distance display control unit selects one of the plurality of display methods according to the shooting mode, The shooting mode includes a shooting mode for drama / cinema and a shooting mode for reporting / news An imaging device.

4. A focus distance display control unit that controls a display unit to display a current focus distance indicating a current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting, The focus distance display control unit displays the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distances by a focus bar, and when the difference between the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distances is equal to or less than a threshold value, enlarges and displays the part including the current focus distance and the pre - shooting focus distance on the focus bar An imaging device.

5. A focus distance display control unit that controls a display unit to display a current focus distance indicating a current focal length and a plurality of pre - shooting focus distances indicating the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting and displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting, The focal length display control unit controls to display the focal length transition required time, which is the time required when shifting the focal length from the first pre-shooting focal length registered at the first timing during pre-shooting to the second pre-shooting focal length registered at the second timing later than the first timing. Imaging device. **Claim 6**: A focal length display control unit is provided for controlling to display on a display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a focal length recorded during pre-shooting, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre-shooting. When at least one of the currently captured image, the angle of view, and the position of the subject during pre-shooting is different, the focal length display control unit performs an alarm display. Imaging device. **Claim 7**: A focal length display control unit is provided for controlling to display on a display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a focal length recorded during pre-shooting, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre-shooting. The pre-shooting focal length is stored in association with information related to the pre-shooting focal length. The information related to the pre-shooting focal length includes at least one of a thumbnail image corresponding to the pre-shooting focal length and the focal length transition required time. Imaging device. **Claim 8**: The focal length display control unit controls to also display the currently captured image on the display unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. **Claim 9** When the focal length display control unit displays the currently captured image on the display unit, it controls to highlight the currently focused subject. The imaging device according to claim 8. **Claim 10** The focal length display control unit highlights and displays the contour of the focused subject, or displays the image portion other than the focused subject after performing a blurring process. The imaging device according to claim 9. **Claim 11** When the difference between the current focal length and the pre-shooting focal length becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, the focal length display control unit performs an alarm display. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. **Claim 12** The focal length display control unit controls to display on the display unit a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a focal length recorded during pre-shooting, and a plurality of pre-shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre-shooting. The method for displaying the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length includes a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying the current focal length and the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths by a focus bar. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths together with the focus bar. A control method for an imaging device.

13. The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length, the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting, and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting. The method for displaying the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length includes a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying the current focal length and the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths by a focus bar. The plurality of display methods include a display method of displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths together with the focus bar. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device.

14. The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length, the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting, and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting. The method for displaying the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length includes a plurality of display methods, and the focal length display control unit selects at least one of the plurality of display methods. The focal length display control unit selects one of the plurality of display methods according to the shooting mode. The shooting mode includes a shooting mode for drama / cinema and a shooting mode for reporting / news. A control method for an imaging device.

15. The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display the current focal length indicating the current focal length, the focal lengths recorded during pre - shooting, and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered during the pre - shooting. The focal length display control unit displays the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length on a focus bar, and when the difference between the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length becomes equal to or less than a threshold value, enlarges and displays the portion of the focus bar that includes the current focal length and the pre - shooting focal length. A control method for an imaging device. **Claim 16**: The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a pre - shooting focal length recorded at the time of pre - shooting, and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. The focal length display control unit controls to display the focal length transition required time, which is the time required when the focal length is shifted from a first pre - shooting focal length registered at a first timing at the time of pre - shooting to a second pre - shooting focal length registered at a second timing later than the first timing. A control method for an imaging device. **Claim 17**: The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a pre - shooting focal length recorded at the time of pre - shooting, and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. When at least one of the angle of view and the position of the subject in the currently captured image is different from that at the time of pre - shooting, the focal length display control unit performs an alarm display. A control method for an imaging device. **Claim 18**: The focal length display control unit controls the display unit to display a current focal length indicating the current focal length, a pre - shooting focal length recorded at the time of pre - shooting, and a plurality of pre - shooting focal lengths displayed in the order registered at the time of pre - shooting. The pre - shooting focal length is stored in association with information related to the pre - shooting focal length. The information related to the pre - shooting focal length includes at least one of a thumbnail image corresponding to the pre - shooting focal length and the focal length transition required time. A control method for an imaging device.

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