Imaging device, focus control method, program

Abstract

This imaging device is configured to be provided with: an auto-focus processing unit that performs auto-focus control of a subject, as a target, in a focus range having been set in a distance range in a depth direction; and a focus range control unit that changes the setting for the focus range after the subject is brought into focus by the auto-focus control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an imaging device, a focus control method, and a program, and particularly relates to autofocus control.

Background Art

[0002] When performing image imaging with an imaging device such as a still camera or a video camera, focus is adjusted on the imaging target. The focus adjustment method is roughly divided into two types. Manual focus, in which the user operating the camera adjusts the focus on the target subject, and autofocus, in which the camera automatically adjusts the focus.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to autofocus control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when an imaging device automatically performs a focus operation as autofocus control, it does not necessarily always focus on the subject desired by the user. Therefore, there is a technique that restricts a specific range so that autofocus is easily applied to the subject desired by the user, and the subject within that range is targeted for autofocus control. However, if the range to which autofocus is applied is limited, there also arises a problem that the followability deteriorates.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique for autofocus control that makes it easy to focus on the subject desired by the user and does not deteriorate the followability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging device related to this technology is As a range control function The system comprises an autofocus processing unit that performs autofocus control on subjects within a focus range set to a distance range in the depth direction, and a focus range control unit that changes the setting of the focus range after focusing on a subject by the autofocus control. When the first mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range control unit does not change the focus range setting after focusing on the subject by the autofocus control. When the second mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range setting is changed after focusing on the subject by the autofocus control. . As a function related to autofocus (hereinafter also referred to as "AF") operation, for example, an AF range control function is provided. This AF range control function is a function that sets a focus range, which is a range of distance in the depth direction, and controls autofocus on subjects within the focus range. In this case, the focus range is set to be different before and after focus is achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the imaging device according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the panel surface of the imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the AF range in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the AF range control function of the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the AF range setting in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of the in-plane setting of the AF range in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the AF range control process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the modification of the AF range in the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the mode switching process in the embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart of the process of the AF range control according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart of the process for the aperture mechanism according to the embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in the following order. <1. Configuration of the imaging device> <2. AF range control function> <3. First embodiment> <4. Second embodiment> <5. Processing related to the aperture mechanism> <6. Summary and modification examples>

[0010] First, the meanings of some terms used in this disclosure are shown. The term "image" is used as a term that includes both "still image" and "moving image". The terms "distance" and "depth" refer to the distance from the imaging device 100 to the subject measured by the imaging device 100. Terms related to distance such as "near" and "far" are used in the sense of being close to or far from the imaging device 100. "Infinity" refers to a state where the distance on the far side is not limited.

[0011] The "range control function" referred to in this disclosure is a function that performs AF control on a subject within a certain distance range set in the depth direction as viewed from at least the imaging device 100. In the embodiment, it is called the "AF range control function". The focus range, which is the distance range set by the AF range control function, is called the "AF range". Also, the terms "front end" and "rear end" are used with respect to the AF range. The "front end" is the limit point of the AF range closer to the imaging device 100, and the "rear end" is the limit point of the AF range farther from the imaging device 100. In addition, the AF range control function may be used not only to set the distance range in the depth direction but also to set the area range in the in-image plane direction.

[0012] <1. Configuration of Imaging Device> A configuration example of the imaging device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device 100. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the panel surface side of the imaging device 100. For example, the imaging device 100 is a so-called digital still camera and can perform both still image shooting and moving image shooting by switching the shooting mode.

[0013] Note that the imaging device 100 of the present embodiment is not limited to a digital still camera, and may be a video camera mainly used for moving image shooting, a camera capable of only still image shooting, a camera capable of only moving image shooting, or of course a professional camera used at a broadcasting station or the like.

[0014] In the imaging device 100, a lens barrel 102 is attached to a main body housing 101 that constitutes the camera body. When configured as a so-called lens interchangeable camera, the lens barrel 102 is detachable from the main body housing 101, and the lens can be exchanged. In some cases, the lens barrel 102 may be non-detachable from the main body housing 101. For example, there are a configuration example in which the lens barrel 102 is fixed to the main body housing 101, and a configuration example in which the lens barrel 102 is configured to transition between a state in which it is retracted and stored in front of the main body housing 101 as a retractable type and a state in which it protrudes and can be used.

[0015] On the panel surface on the user side of the imaging device 100, as shown in FIG. 2, a display panel 41 is provided, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display.

[0016] Furthermore, a display unit formed using an LCD or organic EL display is also provided as a viewfinder 42. The viewfinder 42 is, for example, an electronic viewfinder (EVF). However, it may also be an optical viewfinder (OVF), or a hybrid viewfinder (HVF) using a transmissive liquid crystal display.

[0017] The user can view images and various information through the display panel 41 and the viewfinder 42. In this example, the imaging device 100 is equipped with both the display panel 41 and the viewfinder 42, but it is not limited to this configuration. It may also be configured with only one of the display panel 41 or the viewfinder 42, or both or one of the display panel 41 and the viewfinder 42 may be detachable.

[0018] Various controls 43 are provided on the main housing 101 of the imaging device 100. For example, the control elements 43 can take various forms, such as keys, dials, and press / rotate combined controls, enabling various operating functions. For instance, menu operation, playback operation, mode selection operation, focus operation, zoom operation, and selection of parameters such as shutter speed and f-number are possible.

[0019] While a detailed description of each operator 43 will be omitted, in this embodiment, two custom buttons 43C1 and 43C2 are provided as one of the operators 43. Custom buttons 43C1 and 43C2 are also called assignable buttons, and are buttons that have predetermined operating functions assigned to them in their initial state, and to which the user can assign any operating function. Furthermore, the number of custom buttons is not limited to two; it can be one, three, or more.

[0020] Furthermore, a directional pad 43J is provided as one of the control elements 43. This directional pad 43J can be pressed in the center, up, down, left, and right directions, and is used for purposes such as cursor control and Enter operation.

[0021] Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the imaging device 100, including the lens barrel 102. Figure 3 shows an example where the imaging device 100 is composed of a main housing 101 and a lens barrel 102.

[0022] The imaging device 100 has an image sensor 12, a camera signal processing unit 13, a recording control unit 14, a display unit 15, an output unit 16, an operation unit 17, a sensor unit 18, a camera control unit 30, and a memory unit 33, all housed in a main body casing 101. The lens barrel 102 also includes a lens system 21, a lens system drive unit 22, and a lens barrel control unit 23.

[0023] The lens system 21 in the lens barrel 102 includes lenses such as zoom lenses and focus lenses, as well as an aperture mechanism. This lens system 21 guides light (incident light) from the subject and focuses it onto the image sensor 12.

[0024] The image sensor 12 is configured as, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type. The image sensor 12 performs processes such as CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) on the electrical signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the received light, and further performs A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion. The image signal as digital data is then output to the subsequent camera signal processing unit 13 and camera control unit 30.

[0025] The camera signal processing unit 13 is configured as an image processing processor, for example, by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This camera signal processing unit 13 performs various signal processing on the digital signal (image signal) sent from the image sensor 12. Specifically, the camera signal processing unit 13 performs processing such as correction processing between R, G, and B color channels, white balance correction, aberration correction, and shading correction. In addition, the camera signal processing unit 13 performs YC generation processing to generate (separate) luminance (Y) signals and color (C) signals from R, G, and B image data, as well as processing to adjust luminance and color, knee correction, gamma correction, and other processing.

[0026] Furthermore, the camera signal processing unit 13 may perform conversion to the final output format by performing resolution conversion processing and codec processing for encoding for recording and communication. The image data converted to the final output format is transferred to the recording control unit 14 and the output unit 16. The image data is also output to the display unit 15, so the image is displayed on the display panel 41 and the viewfinder 42.

[0027] The camera signal processing unit 13 also performs image plane phase difference detection processing for AF control. One method for detecting the focus state is to use a photodiode (PD) segmented pixel in the image sensor 12 to make up one pixel of the image. This PD segmented pixel is made up of a pair of PD pixels arranged on the left and right sides. Image plane phase difference detection processing is a process that performs phase difference detection from the output values ​​of the left PD pixel and the right PD pixel of such a PD segmented pixel provided in the image sensor 12. In some cases, a pair of metal light-shielding pixels may be used instead of PD segmented pixels.

[0028] The recording control unit 14 performs recording and playback on a recording medium, for example, a non-volatile memory. The recording control unit 14 performs processing to record, for example, video data, still image data, thumbnail images, etc., on the recording medium. The actual form of the recording control unit 14 can be varied. For example, the recording control unit 14 may be configured as a flash memory built into the imaging device 100 and its write / read circuit, or it may be a card recording and playback unit that performs recording and playback access to a recording medium that can be attached to and removed from the imaging device 100, such as a memory card (portable flash memory, etc.). It may also be implemented as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like when built into the imaging device 100.

[0029] The display unit 15 is a display unit that provides various information to the imager, and specifically refers to the display panel 41 and viewfinder 42 shown in Figure 2. The display unit 15 performs various displays on the display screen based on instructions from the camera control unit 30. For example, the display unit 15 displays a reconstructed image of image data read from the recording medium by the recording control unit 14. The display unit 15 is also supplied with image data of the captured image that has been resolution-converted for display by the camera signal processing unit 13, and the display unit 15 performs displays based on the image data of the captured image in accordance with instructions from the camera control unit 30. In other words, it performs through-image display. Furthermore, the display unit 15, based on instructions from the camera control unit 30, displays various operation menus, icons, messages, etc., that is, GUI (Graphical User Interface) elements, on the screen.

[0030] The output unit 16 performs data communication and network communication with external devices via wired or wireless connections. For example, it transmits captured image data (still image files and video files) to external display devices, recording devices, playback devices, information processing devices, etc. Furthermore, the output unit 16 may be configured as a network communication unit to perform communication over various networks such as the Internet, home network, and LAN (Local Area Network), and to send and receive various types of data with servers, terminals, etc. on the network.

[0031] The operation unit 17 comprehensively represents the input devices for the user to perform various operations. Specifically, the operation unit 17 consists of various control elements 43 (including custom buttons 43C1, 43C2, and a directional pad 43J) provided on the main unit housing 101, and detection circuits for these control elements 43. The operation unit 17 detects user operations, and signals corresponding to the input operations are sent to the camera control unit 30.

[0032] The operation unit 17 may be a touch panel in addition to the control element 43. For example, a touch panel may be formed on the display panel 41, and various operations may be made possible by touch panel operation using icons, menus, etc., displayed on the display panel 41. Alternatively, the control unit 17 may be configured to detect user tap operations, such as those performed via a touchpad. Furthermore, the control unit 17 may also be configured as a receiver for an external control device such as a separate remote controller.

[0033] The camera control unit 30 is composed of a microcomputer (arithmetic processing unit) equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0034] The memory unit 33 stores information used by the camera control unit 30 for processing. The memory unit 33 shown in the diagram comprehensively includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory.

[0035] The RAM in the memory section 33 is used as a workspace for the CPU of the camera control unit 30 during various data processing operations, and is used for the temporary storage of data and programs. The ROM and flash memory (non-volatile memory) in the memory section 33 are used to store the OS (Operating System) for the CPU to control each part, content files such as image files, application programs for various operations, and firmware. The memory section 33 may be a memory area built into the microcomputer chip that serves as the camera control unit 30, or it may be composed of a separate memory chip.

[0036] The camera control unit 30 controls the entire imaging device 100 and lens barrel 102 by executing programs stored in the ROM or flash memory of the memory unit 33. For example, the camera control unit 30 controls the operation of necessary parts such as the shutter speed of the image sensor 12, instructions for various signal processing in the camera signal processing unit 13, imaging and recording operations in response to user operations, playback of recorded image files, and user interface operations. Regarding the lens system 21, the camera control unit 30 performs zoom lens control, changes in the F-number in response to user settings, and auto iris control which automatically controls the F-number.

[0037] In this embodiment, the camera control unit 30 will, for example, be equipped with the functions of an AF processing unit 31 and an AF range control unit 32 through a software program.

[0038] The AF processing unit 31 performs AF control to automatically focus on the target subject. Specifically, based on the defocus amount calculated by the camera signal processing unit 13, it controls the drive of the focusing lens in the lens system 21 via the lens barrel control unit 23 to execute the AF operation. The AF processing unit 31 performs this AF control on the subject set as the focus target when the user instructs the AF operation. This maintains the focus state on the subject that was set as the focus target. Furthermore, it performs what is known as tracking AF, which involves tracking a specific subject while maintaining focus. Therefore, it may also perform subject recognition processing through image analysis. For example, it sequentially performs object recognition processing using face recognition or semantic segmentation technology to determine the subject. By recognizing the subject in each frame of the captured image, or intermittently in each frame, the position of the subject within the image plane can be confirmed, enabling tracking AF processing.

[0039] The AF range control unit 32 performs settings and control for the AF range control function. The AF range control function, as described above, is a function that performs AF control on subjects within a certain distance range set in the depth direction. For this reason, the AF range control unit 32 performs AF range setting processing. Specifically, it sets the distance as the front end and the distance as the rear end, which will be the limit points for the AF range. The AF range setting may be fixed, or multiple AF range settings may be provided for the user to select from. Alternatively, the AF range control unit 32 may automatically set or select an appropriate AF range based on sensing the imaging conditions, subject type, scene type, etc. Alternatively, the AF range setting may be configured so that the AF range control unit 32 performs the setting in response to the user's input of distance values ​​for the front and rear ends. Alternatively, the AF range setting may be configured so that the AF range control unit 32 automatically sets the distance values ​​for the front and rear ends according to information on the subject content, scene type, and distance to the subject (for example, a depth map described later).

[0040] Furthermore, the AF range control unit 32 sets the AF range control function to be on or off according to the user's operation. Furthermore, when the AF range control function is turned on, the AF range control unit 32 ensures that the AF processing unit 31 performs AF control for subjects within the set AF range. Specifically, in response to the AF range control function being turned on, the AF range control unit 32 provides the set AF range to the AF processing unit 31, causing the AF processing unit 31 to target subjects within that AF range. The AF range control unit 32 may also change the AF range while the AF processing unit 31 is performing AF control.

[0041] As described above, the AF processing unit 31 and the AF range control unit 32 may use distance information of the subject for AF control and AF range setting, or they may perform subject recognition processing. To this end, the camera control unit 30 can, for example, generate depth map information for the image and determine the distance to each subject. A depth map is data that shows the distance of each pixel from the imaging device 100 to the subject. For example, by converting the amount of defocus calculated by the camera signal processing unit 13 into subject distance based on the conditions of the optical system and image sensor, a depth map representing the distribution of subject distances can be obtained. By generating such a depth map over the entire image or within the range of the AF area frame 50 described later, the distance to each subject can be determined.

[0042] Furthermore, instead of the entire captured image or the entire AF area frame 50, the depth map may have distance information only for areas such as faces, bodies, animals, and objects obtained through face recognition processing or object recognition processing, while not having distance information for the background, etc. In this embodiment, it is sufficient to determine distance information for at least subjects that can be targeted for autofocus. In that sense, it is not necessary to use a so-called depth map format, but rather to determine the distance information for each subject that is significant as an autofocus target, such as people, faces, eyes, bodies, objects, and animals, within the captured image.

[0043] The sensor section 18 comprehensively represents the various sensors mounted on the imaging device. If, for example, an IMU (inertial measurement unit) is mounted as the sensor unit 18, then angular velocity can be detected using, for example, three-axis angular velocity (gyro) sensors for pitch, yaw, and roll, and acceleration can be detected using an acceleration sensor. The sensor unit 18 may also be equipped with, for example, a position information sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a distance measuring sensor. For example, the camera control unit 30 may generate the depth map and distance information for each subject based on the detection value of a distance measuring sensor such as a TOF (Time of Flight) sensor, enabling the determination of the distance and relative positions of each subject.

[0044] When the lens barrel 102 is attached to the main housing 101, the camera control unit 30 communicates with the lens barrel control unit 23 and issues various instructions. The lens barrel 102 is equipped with, for example, a lens barrel control unit 23, which is a microcomputer, and is capable of various data communications with the camera control unit 30. For example, the camera control unit 30 gives drive instructions to the lens barrel control unit 23 for the zoom lens, focus lens, aperture mechanism, etc. The lens barrel control unit 23 controls the lens system drive unit 22 in response to these drive instructions and executes the operation of the lens system 21.

[0045] The lens drive unit 22 includes, for example, a motor driver for the zoom lens drive motor, a motor driver for the focus lens drive motor, and a motor driver for the aperture mechanism motor. These motor drivers apply drive current to the corresponding drivers in response to instructions from the lens barrel control unit 23, causing the movement of the focus lens and zoom lens, the opening and closing of the aperture blades of the aperture mechanism, and other operations.

[0046] Although Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of an imaging device 100 in which the lens barrel 102 is separate from and detachable from the main housing 101, an imaging device 100 with an integrated lens can be considered to have almost the same configuration. However, in that case, the camera control unit 30 may also have the control function of the lens barrel control unit 23.

[0047] <2. AF Range Control Function> The AF range control function of this embodiment will now be described. Figure 4 shows the AF range in the AF range control function. The Z direction represents the depth direction as viewed from the imaging device 100, and the X and Y directions represent the horizontal and vertical directions within the plane of the captured image.

[0048] The range indicated by the arrow in the Z direction represents the AF range in the AF range control function. In AF control, the camera focuses on subjects within this AF range. The AF range can be set to limit the range only in the Z direction, or it can be set to limit the range in the in-plane direction of the image, as shown by the AF area frame 50 in the XY direction in the diagram.

[0049] When the AF range is set only for the Z direction, AF control is performed targeting subjects within the frame whose distance from the imaging device 100 falls within the range from the front end to the rear end of the AF range in the Z direction. For example, Figure 4 shows a situation in which the photographer is aiming to capture a scene in which the target subject, an athlete, is leaping out of the jump position during a ski competition. In such situations, setting the AF range makes it easier to trigger the AF operation to focus on a player who suddenly appears within a predetermined distance range. In other words, it is effective to use the AF range control function to restrict the AF range in the area where the subject is encroaching.

[0050] However, with such AF range control functions, if the subject moves out of the AF range after being focused on by AF, the AF control may lose track of the subject, and it may no longer be in focus.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the AF range is set using the AF range control function, the AF range is changed after focusing. Figure 5A shows the state where the AF range is defined as the distance range ZW1 from the front end d1 to the rear end d2 as viewed from the imaging device 100. For example, when the AF range control function is turned on, the camera control unit 30 searches for a subject to be AF'd within the AF range of distance ZW1. When a subject H1, such as a skier, appears within the AF range of distance ZW1, the camera control unit performs focusing control on subject H1 as the target.

[0052] After focusing on the subject H1, the camera control unit 30 switches the AF range to a distance range ZW2, for example, from the front end d0 to the rear end d3 in Figure 5B. For example, the front end d0 is 0m from the imaging device 100, and the rear end d3 is a position further away than the rear end d2. For subject H1, a focus frame 51 is displayed to indicate the target of AF focus.

[0053] By changing the AF range in this way, the AF operation continues to track the target subject. If the AF range is left at distance range ZW1, even if the athlete (subject H1) is initially captured as the AF target, if subject H1 moves outside the AF range, subject H1 will no longer be the AF target. In contrast, by expanding the AF range to distance range ZW2 after focusing, the camera can track subject H1's movement and continue to capture it as the AF target.

[0054] Examples of how the user can select or arbitrarily set the AF range are shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C. Figure 6A shows the display panel 41 with the range setting bar 52 displayed. This range setting bar 52 is an example of showing the depth value of the imaging device 100 from 0m to infinity in bar format.

[0055] For example, the AF range is set by the user indicating the front or rear end position through a predetermined operation on the range setting bar 52, as shown in the shaded areas of Figures 6B and 6C. Figure 6B shows an example where the front end is at a position of 15m and the rear end is at a position of 25m. Figure 6C shows an example where the front end is at a position of 20m and the rear end is at infinity.

[0056] Alternatively, these AF ranges may be displayed in a list or switched between on the display panel 41, allowing the user to select one.

[0057] After the user sets the AF range, for example, and then turns on the AF range control function, the imaging device 100 performs an AF operation to search for a target within the AF range as explained in Figure 5A.

[0058] The user may also set the AF range after focusing, as described in Figure 5B. For example, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the user can set any distance range as the AF range after focusing. Alternatively, the camera control unit 30 may automatically set the AF range after focusing to a relatively wide range or full range. For example, the front end may be set to 0m and the rear end to infinity, which is a so-called full range setting. Note that full range effectively disables the AF range control function, but the AF range switching referred to in this disclosure also includes switching the AF range to full range.

[0059] Furthermore, when switching the AF range upon achieving focus, as described above, it is advisable to ensure that the user is aware of the change in the AF range. For example, when AF operation is being performed using the AF range control function, the range setting bar 52 shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C may be displayed, and the user may recognize the change in the AF range (shaded area in the figure) on the range setting bar 52 display. Alternatively, the change in AF range may be recognized through message display, changes in the display of icons, or the display of the focus frame 51. Furthermore, if the AF range is changed to full range, the range setting bar 52 may be removed to allow the user to recognize this change.

[0060] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 4, the AF range may be restricted in the in-plane direction. That is, in addition to the distance range, the condition for targeting an AF subject is added that the subject must be within the range of the AF area frame 50.

[0061] For example, in the case of Figure 4, if the AF range is set to include the range indicated by the AF area frame 50 in the XY direction in addition to the Z direction, then the AF target will be selected within the range constraints of the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0062] This AF area frame 50, which represents the AF range in the in-plane direction, can be set arbitrarily by the user. Alternatively, the AF area frame 50 may be fixed in place or automatically variable.

[0063] For example, Figure 7 shows various AF area frames 50. As shown in the example in Figure 7, the AF area frame 50 can be selected from various sizes such as S, M, L, landscape, and free size. Users may select one of the AF area frame 50 according to the shooting scene, or they may select free size and set any area as the AF area frame 50 by specifying the range. Furthermore, the camera control unit 30 may be configured to automatically set an appropriate AF area based on face recognition or object recognition, even without user selection.

[0064] <3. First Embodiment> A first embodiment will be described. Figure 8 shows the processing related to the AF range control function of the camera control unit 30, which is executed by the functions of the AF processing unit 31 and the AF range control unit 32 as a first embodiment.

[0065] In step S102 of Figure 8, the camera control unit 30 monitors for user-initiated range control activation while the AF range control function is off. The camera control unit 30 continues to keep the AF range control function off when no range control activation is detected, but proceeds to step S103 when a range control activation is detected.

[0066] Range control on operation (hereinafter also simply referred to as "on operation") is the operation to turn on the AF range control function. For example, suppose custom button 43C1 is assigned as the on operation. Custom button 43C1 may be assigned to the on operation by default, or it may have been assigned to custom button 43C1 by the user in the settings.

[0067] In this embodiment, the range control off operation (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "off operation") described later is also performed using the same control element as the on operation. For example, custom button 43C1 serves as both the on and off control element. In other words, the operation of custom button 43C1 is a toggle operation, becoming the on operation when the AF range control function is off, and the off operation when the AF range control function is on. In step S102, the camera control unit 30 will monitor, for example, a one-push operation of the custom button 43C1.

[0068] Note that custom button 43C2 may be used for on or off operations instead of custom button 43C1. Of course, other controls may also be used. Alternatively, operations such as tapping an icon on the display panel 41 screen may also be used. Alternatively, the on and off operations may be assigned to different controls, such as custom button 43C1 and custom button 43C2. Alternatively, the on and off operations could be provided as menu items, allowing the user to navigate through the menu screen using, for example, the directional keys 43J, to perform the operation.

[0069] When the ON operation is detected in step S102, the camera control unit 30 proceeds to step S103, turns on the AF range control function, and sets the AF range before focusing in step S120. The initial AF range at the start of the AF range control function is set as the AF range set by the user as described above, or as an automatically set AF range.

[0070] For example, Figure 9A shows an example of a display in the state where AF control is being performed with the initial AF range set to a distance range of 15m at the front and 20m at the rear, but before focusing on a specific subject.

[0071] Note that, as shown here, the range setting bar 52 is displayed on the display panel 41, etc., when the AF range control function is turned on, but it is not necessary for the range setting bar 52 to be displayed. Also, although the AF area frame 50 is displayed, it is possible that the AF area frame 50 will not be displayed, for example, if the AF range is not restricted in the in-plane direction.

[0072] While the AF range control function is enabled, when AF operation is performed by the user, processing corresponding to that AF range control function is executed. For example, the camera control unit 30 performs AF processing in response to a user's half-press operation of the shutter button. AF processing includes, for example, object recognition processing for the subject, searching for the subject to be focused on, and AF control that drives the focus lens based on the amount of defocus detected in the area of ​​the subject to be focused on. During the period when the AF range control function is turned on, the camera control unit 30, when performing AF processing in this manner, determines the subject to be focused on within the AF range set by the AF range control function and performs the process of focusing on that subject.

[0073] After the AF range control function is turned on, the camera control unit 30 monitors for the off operation in step S121 and for the focus to be achieved in step S122 as part of the processing related to the AF range control function.

[0074] If the camera control unit 30 detects an off operation after the AF range control function has been turned on, it turns off the AF range control function in step S101.

[0075] When the AF control function is turned on and the camera control unit 30 detects that it has achieved focus on a certain subject through AF processing, it proceeds from step S122 to step S123 and branches the processing depending on whether or not tracking AF operation is currently being performed. Tracking AF operation is an AF operation mode in which the camera continues to track the target subject. An AF operation that does not fall under tracking AF operation is an AF operation mode in which the camera performs AF processing on subjects within the AF range without tracking a specific subject.

[0076] If the current AF operation is not in tracking AF mode, the camera control unit 30 returns from step S123 to step S121. In other words, when not using tracking AF, the AF range is not switched before or after focusing. In the example shown in Figure 8, the process proceeds from step S123 to step S124 only in the case of tracking AF operation.

[0077] In step S124, the camera control unit 30 branches the processing depending on whether the mode for the AF range control function is set to the first mode or the second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the AF range setting is not changed even after the subject has been focused on by AF control. The second mode is a mode in which the AF range setting is changed after the subject has been focused on using AF control.

[0078] The user can choose between Mode 1 and Mode 2. These first and second modes may be settings accessible from the menu screen, or they may be assigned to specific controls. Here, we will explain using the example where custom button 43C2 is assigned as the mode switching control. For example, custom button 43C2 may be assigned to the mode switching operation by default, or it may be assigned to custom button 43C1 by the user in the settings. Of course, custom button 43C2 is just an example, and other controls may also be used.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, mode switching operation using custom button 43C2 will be a toggle-type operation. Figure 10 shows an example of the processing performed by the camera control unit 30 (AF range control unit 32) in response to a mode switching operation. The processing shown in Figure 10 is performed regardless of whether the AF range control function is on or off.

[0080] The camera control unit 30 monitors a single push operation of the custom button 43C2 in a sequential step S200. When the custom button 43C2 is detected to be pressed once, the camera control unit 30 proceeds to step S201 to determine whether the camera is currently set to the first mode or the second mode. If the camera control unit 30 is currently in the second mode, it proceeds to step S202 to switch to the first mode setting, or if it is currently in the first mode, it proceeds to step S203 to switch to the second mode setting.

[0081] By enabling mode switching using this toggle method, users can easily select between the first and second modes according to the situation. It should be noted that some users may not frequently switch between the first and second modes. In such cases, it is possible to assign the custom button 43C2 to another operation and leave mode switching to menu operations, providing a user experience tailored to the user's needs.

[0082] If the first mode is set at step S124 in Figure 8, the camera control unit 30 returns to step S121. In other words, in the first mode, the AF range is not switched before or after focusing. If the second mode is selected, the camera control unit 30 proceeds from step S124 to step S130. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 8, if the AF range control function is turned on and focus is achieved during AF operation, and if that AF operation is a tracking AF operation and the second mode is selected, then the process in step S130 will be performed.

[0083] In step S130, the camera control unit 30 performs a setting change process to switch the AF range to the AF range after focusing. For example, Figure 9B shows an example of the display when the AF range after focusing is set to a distance range from 0m at the front to 20m at the rear. Since tracking AF is in progress on subject H1, the focus frame 51 is superimposed on subject H1.

[0084] Note that the AF range before and after focusing as shown in Figures 9A and 9B is just one example. The distance range will vary depending on user settings and automatic settings. For example, Figure 9C shows an example of the display when the AF range in Figure 9A is changed to a distance range of 5m at the front and 30m at the rear after focusing. Figure 9D also shows an example of the display when the AF range in Figure 9A is changed to a distance range where the front end is 0m and the rear end is infinity after focusing.

[0085] If the AF range after focusing is set in step S130 in Figure 8, the camera control unit 30 monitors the range control off operation in step S131 and monitors the completion of focusing in step S132.

[0086] Even if tracking AF continues within the AF range after focusing, the focus may be lost due to the subject's sudden movement or going out of frame. Furthermore, tracking AF may be terminated by the user. When the focus state can no longer be maintained or when focusing is terminated, the camera control unit 30 proceeds from step S132 to step S120 and returns the AF range to the AF range setting before focusing. Then it performs the monitoring process described in steps S121 and S122 above.

[0087] Furthermore, if an off operation is detected in step S131, for example, as an operation of custom button 43C1, the camera control unit 30 turns off the AF range control function in step S101. As a result, AF operation with a limited AF range will no longer be performed.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8 above, when the AF range control function is turned on and the second mode is selected, during tracking AF, the target subject is initially searched using the AF range setting before focusing, and after focusing, the AF range setting is changed. For example, the front end, rear end, or both of the AF range may be changed. In particular, as shown in the examples in Figures 9B, 9C, and 9D above, the AF range is changed to widen. This initially limits the AF range, making it easier to achieve AF operation that targets the desired subject, and after focusing, it can track the subject beyond the initial AF range.

[0089] Therefore, for subjects that move in the direction of the imaging device 100 after focusing, it is desirable to change the AF range setting so that the AF range expands to the near-field after focusing. Furthermore, for subjects that move into the distance after focusing, it is advisable to change the AF range setting so that the AF range expands towards the far distance after focusing.

[0090] It should be noted that this does not necessarily mean widening the AF range; the distance range remains the same at 10m, but for example, it may switch from a pre-focus setting of 10m for the front and 20m for the rear to a post-focus setting of 5m for the front and 15m for the rear.

[0091] Furthermore, it is also possible to narrow the AF range in the Z direction after focusing. For example, if a subject needs to cover a fairly wide distance range when it appears, but then remains in a specific location afterward, narrowing the AF range after focusing can prevent the AF control target from moving away from that subject. In this sense, as shown in the example in Figure 8, it is also useful to narrow the AF range after focusing in AF operations other than tracking AF operations.

[0092] The AF area within the X and Y planes, indicated by the AF area frame 50 in Figure 9A, represents the AF range in the X and Y directions. This AF area, or AF range in the X and Y directions, may be changed after focus is achieved.

[0093] The following are possible examples of how to change the AF range in the X and Y directions. In each example, "restriction" means limiting the range within the image plane, "relaxation" means widening the restricted range, "strengthening" means narrowing the restricted range, and "removal" means removing the restriction. For example, removing the restriction in the X direction means making the range the entire horizontal field of view.

[0094] Before focusing, the AF area is set to be restricted in both the X and Y directions. After focusing, the restriction in the X direction is relaxed, removed, or strengthened, and the restriction in the Y direction is relaxed, removed, or strengthened, resulting in an AF area. Before focusing, the AF area is set to be restricted in both the X and Y directions. After focusing, the restriction in the X direction is maintained, while the restriction in the Y direction is relaxed, removed, or strengthened. Before focusing, the AF area is restricted to the X direction and the Y direction. After focusing, the restriction in the X direction is relaxed, removed, or strengthened, while the restriction in the Y direction is maintained. Before focusing, the AF area is restricted to the X direction. After focusing, the restriction in the X direction is relaxed, removed, or strengthened, and the AF area is restricted to the Y direction. Before focusing, the AF area is restricted to the Y direction. After focusing, the restriction in the Y direction is relaxed, removed, or strengthened, and the AF area is restricted to the X direction. Before focusing, the AF area is set to be restricted in the X and Y directions. After focusing, the restricted range in the X direction, the restricted range in the Y direction, or the range restricted in both the X and Y directions is moved in the in-plane direction.

[0095] Regarding AF areas, by changing the AF range settings before and after focusing, it becomes possible to perform AF operation that is suitable for the shooting scene.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 8, the user can select between Mode 1 and Mode 2. This allows the AF range control function to be operated according to the user's intentions. Mode 1 is suitable when the subject's range of movement does not change much.

[0097] For example, in situations where the subject only moves within a certain range, it is effective to not change the AF range when the AF range control function is turned on. For instance, when photographing martial arts, the athletes often do not deviate from a certain distance range. In this case, maintaining the AF range can prevent the camera from mistakenly focusing on other people or objects that are outside the AF range.

[0098] On the other hand, in ski jumping and alpine skiing, the distance from the imaging device 100 changes significantly and rapidly. In such cases, by narrowing the AF range to a certain extent until focus is achieved, it becomes easier to focus on the desired subject (skier) using AF. After focus is achieved, for example, by setting it to full range, it becomes easier to maintain focus with AF on skiers whose distance changes significantly. Therefore, the second mode is appropriate.

[0099] <4. Second Embodiment> An example of the processing in the second embodiment is illustrated in Figure 11. In Figure 11, the same processing as in Figure 8 is given the same step number and its explanation is omitted. In Figure 11, step S140 is performed instead of step S130 in Figure 8. Step S140 is a process that changes the AF range to full range after focusing. In other words, as shown in Figure 9D, the AF range is set to 0m at the front and infinity at the rear. This could be a process where the AF range control unit 32 actually instructs the AF processing unit 31 to change the settings for the front and rear ends of the AF range, or it could be a process where the AF range is disabled.

[0100] In particular, in situations where you want to perform tracking AF on a subject that has been focused on, it is conceivable that setting the AF range to full range after focusing would be preferable.

[0101] Furthermore, the fact that the AF range becomes full range after focusing means that you don't need to set the AF range after focusing. For example, even if the imaging device 100 is not designed to set the AF range after focusing, the process shown in Figure 11 can still be used.

[0102] Furthermore, even if the imaging device 100 is designed to allow the user to set the AF range after focusing, if the user has not set it, the process shown in Figure 11 is activated to set the AF range after focusing to the full range, which is also useful.

[0103] <5. Processing related to the aperture mechanism> In the AF range control function as described in the first and second embodiments above, it is conceivable to perform control over the aperture mechanism within the lens system 21.

[0104] Figure 12 shows an example of the control of the camera control unit 30. If the AF range control function is turned on, the camera control unit 30 proceeds from step S300 to step S301 in the process shown in Figure 12, controlling the aperture mechanism to open. For example, it controls it to open to a predetermined or greater aperture. It may be set to fully open, or to a predetermined F value on the open side. In other words, it controls the aperture mechanism to open to at least a predetermined F value. While the AF range control function is turned on, the system repeatedly proceeds to step S301, thus maintaining the wide-open state.

[0105] In step S302, the camera control unit 30 determines whether it is time to take an image. If the camera control unit 30 determines that a still image or video will be recorded as an image, for example, due to the user's shutter operation or video recording start operation, it proceeds to step S303, where the aperture mechanism is returned to its set value. In other words, it is returned to the F-number set by the user or the F-number that was automatically set for shooting.

[0106] When the AF range control function is turned on, the aperture mechanism is kept open beyond a predetermined range, allowing for highly accurate acquisition of depth information based on defocus information from the image plane phase detection. Therefore, tracking performance can be improved when performing tracking AF operation on a subject using the AF range control function. Furthermore, improving the accuracy of the defocus information can also improve AF operation performance.

[0107] Furthermore, the aperture mechanism is only opened before the start of image recording. If a shutter release operation or video recording start operation is performed, the aperture mechanism is returned to its original state set by the user, so that the opening of the aperture mechanism does not affect the captured image.

[0108] Furthermore, when the aperture mechanism is open in step S301, the exposure increases, making the image brighter. This increases the brightness of the through-image displayed on the display unit 15. Therefore, exposure adjustment is performed by opening the aperture mechanism, increasing the shutter speed, or lowering the gain applied to the imaging signal. This makes it possible to obtain an image with the brightness intended by the user, such as the through-image.

[0109] <6. Summary and Variations> The following effects can be obtained using the technology described in the embodiment. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment includes an AF processing unit 31 that performs AF control on subjects within an AF range set to a distance range in the depth direction, and an AF range control unit 32 that changes the AF range setting after focusing on a subject by AF control. By turning on the AF range control function, it becomes easier to perform AF operation targeting the desired subject. Furthermore, by changing the AF range according to the focus, it becomes easier to maintain the focused state through AF operation even as the subject moves afterward.

[0110] In the first embodiment, an example was given in which the AF range control unit 32 changes the setting of either the front end or the rear end of the AF range, or both, after focusing on the subject by AF control. For example, after focusing, the AF range is changed from the AF range before focusing to an AF range with a modified front end. Alternatively, it is changed from the AF range before focusing to an AF range with a modified rear end. Alternatively, it is changed from the AF range before focusing to an AF range with both the front and rear ends modified. Depending on the use case and the subject being imaged, the optimal distance range for AF after focusing may differ. Therefore, various range settings are expected after focusing. Such range settings can be expected to allow for continued AF operation tailored to the situation.

[0111] In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the AF range control unit 32 changes the AF range setting to full range after focusing on the subject by AF control. Switching to full range means changing the AF range from the closest focus to infinity, which is equivalent to turning off the AF range control function, as there are no range limitations. By setting the AF range to full range, the AF operation on the focused subject can be continued regardless of the subject's movement. For example, even if a subject that was within the AF range at the time of focusing moves outside the AF range after focusing, the AF operation on that subject can continue by switching to full range. Therefore, in this case, the AF range control function makes it easier to perform AF operation targeting the desired subject, and after focusing, it is possible to achieve AF operation that continues to track that subject. In other words, it is possible to satisfy both the need to easily focus AF operation on the target subject and the need to continue AF operation on that subject.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the first mode is selected, the AF range control unit 32 does not change the AF range setting after focusing on the subject by AF control, and when the second mode is selected, it changes the AF range setting after focusing on the subject by AF control (see Figures 8, 10, and 11). The camera offers two selectable modes: Mode 1 and Mode 2. In Mode 1, the AF range control function remains unchanged before and after focusing. In other words, the AF range does not change. In Mode 2, the AF range changes before and after focusing. This allows the user to operate the AF range control function according to their intentions. In short, by selecting Mode 1 or Mode 2, the user can use the AF range control function in a way that is appropriate for the shooting scene. Alternatively, instead of having a first mode, the second mode processing described in Figures 8 and 11 may always be performed when the AF range control function is turned on. In other words, an example in which the processing in step S124 of Figures 8 and 11 is not performed is also conceivable.

[0113] In this embodiment, the AF range control unit 32 changes the AF range setting after focusing on a subject when AF control is performed using tracking AF control, which tracks and focuses on the subject (see Figures 8 and 11). In other words, the AF range changes to, for example, full range after focusing only when using tracking AF; when not using tracking AF, the AF range does not change even after focusing. The most effective situation where you would want the AF range to change after focusing is when you want to continue tracking the subject. By limiting this to such situations, you can avoid unintended AF operation in other situations where the AF range is switched unintentionally. However, one example is when the AF range is switched only during tracking AF. Even during AF control that is not tracking AF, the AF range may be changed after focus is achieved. In other words, there are also cases where the process in step S123 in Figures 8 and 11 is not performed.

[0114] In the embodiment, an example was given in which a control for turning the AF range control function on and off is provided. By providing a control for turning the AF range control function on and off, the user can turn the AF range control function on or off at any time, including during AF operation. This allows for situations where the user does not want to immediately change the AF range to, for example, full range even after focusing on a subject. Specifically, when using the AF range control function with the setting turned on and then switching to full range after focusing, it is desirable to restart the AF operation if the desired subject is not focused on, or if there are multiple desired subjects within the range. In such cases, if the AF range is set to full range after focusing on an undesirable subject, restarting the AF operation may take time. By providing an on / off operation for the AF range control function, it becomes easy to temporarily turn the AF range control function off and then on again in such situations, allowing the camera to perform AF operation on the desired subject within the specified AF range.

[0115] In this embodiment, an example was described in which a custom button 43C1 (or 43C2) is provided as an operator whose function as an on / off operation for the AF range control function can be selectively set. This allows users to arbitrarily set the on / off operation for the AF range control function, increasing the flexibility of use. Furthermore, if multiple custom buttons are provided, such as custom buttons 43C1 and 43C2, users can select which custom button to use for the on / off operation, tailoring it to their own usage patterns. Furthermore, depending on the custom button 43C1, it may be possible to choose not to perform the on / off operation of the AF range control function. For example, it may be possible to choose to perform the on / off operation of the AF range control function only through menu operation.

[0116] In this embodiment, the on / off operation of the AF range control function is described as being performed by operating a single control element, such as a custom button 43C1. The AF range control function could be switched on or off using a dedicated toggle button, separate from other menu operations. In other words, by enabling the AF range control function to be switched on or off with a single toggle, users can easily and quickly control the AF range control function. For example, it becomes easy to change the subject being AF-focused by temporarily turning the AF range control function off and then immediately turning it back on.

[0117] In the embodiment, an example was given in which an operator for switching between the first mode and the second mode is provided, such as a custom button 43C2. The AF range control function will now allow users to easily select between a first mode, which does not switch the AF range before and after focusing, and a second mode, which does switch the AF range before and after focusing. This will allow users to switch modes at any time depending on the situation and use the AF range control function in a way that is appropriate for the situation.

[0118] In this embodiment, an example was given in which the AF range control unit 32 sets a range of distances in the depth direction as the AF range in response to the operation input. By allowing users to set the AF range to any distance range, AF control can be performed using the AF range that matches the shooting situation, via the AF range control function.

[0119] In the embodiment, an example was also described in which the AF range control unit 32 sets the AF range after focusing in response to the operation input. By allowing users to arbitrarily set the AF range that changes after focusing, it becomes possible to use an AF range after focusing that is suited to the shooting situation. For example, the user may set the AF range after focusing by inputting a distance range, or the user may be able to choose whether to use a specific distance range or the full range.

[0120] In the embodiment, an example was also described in which the AF range control unit 32 also sets the in-plane region of the captured image as the AF range. In the AF range control function, the AF range can be set not only as a distance range in the depth direction (Z direction), but also as an in-plane region, i.e., an area in the X and Y directions (AF area). This allows the AF range to be set in the three dimensions of X, Y, and Z, and AF control will be performed on subjects within that AF range. By restricting the AF range not only in the Z direction but also in the XY direction, it becomes easier to capture the desired subject more accurately.

[0121] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the AF processing unit 31 controls the aperture mechanism to open to a predetermined or greater extent when performing AF control on a subject within the AF range (see Figure 12). In other words, when the AF range control function is turned on, the aperture mechanism is kept open beyond a predetermined range. Keeping the aperture open improves the accuracy of defocus and depth information, thus improving the accuracy of subject detection within the AF range. It also improves AF operation performance.

[0122] The process of switching the subject to be focused on during AF operation and tracking AF operation, as described in each embodiment, can be applied to both still image capture and video capture.

[0123] The program of this embodiment is a program that causes a device, such as a CPU, DSP, or a device containing these, to perform the processes shown in Figures 8, 9, 11, and 12. In other words, the program of this embodiment is a program that, when performing AF control on a subject within an AF range set to a distance range in the depth direction, causes the information processing device to execute a process to change the AF range setting after focusing on the subject.

[0124] Such a program allows the imaging device 100 of this disclosure to be easily realized using an information processing device. For example, by installing such a program on an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer equipped with an imaging function, the AF range control function described in the embodiment can be realized during imaging.

[0125] Such programs can be pre-recorded on storage media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) built into computer devices, or on ROMs within microcomputers with CPUs. Alternatively, the data can be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) on removable recording media such as flexible disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical) disks, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray Discs (registered trademark), magnetic disks, semiconductor memory, and memory cards. Such removable recording media can be provided as so-called packaged software. In addition to installing such programs from removable storage media to personal computers, they can also be downloaded from download sites via networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks) and the Internet.

[0126] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limited to those described herein, and other effects may also occur.

[0127] Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows. (1) An autofocus processing unit that performs autofocus control on subjects within a focus range set in the depth direction, The system includes a focus range control unit that changes the focus range setting after the subject has been focused by the autofocus control. Imaging device. (2) The focus range control unit, After focusing on the subject using the autofocus control described above, the settings for either the front end or rear end of the focus range, or both, are changed. The imaging device described in (1) above. (3) The focus range control unit, After focusing on the subject using the autofocus control described above, the focus range setting is changed to full range. The imaging device described in (1) above. (4) The focus range control unit, When the first mode is selected, after focusing on the subject by the autofocus control, the focus range setting is not changed. When the second mode is selected, the focus range setting is changed after the subject is focused using the autofocus control. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (3) above. (5) The focus range control unit, When the autofocus control is performed as tracking autofocus control that tracks and focuses on the subject, the focus range setting is changed after focusing on the subject. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (4) above. (6) A control is provided to turn on / off the range control function, which is a function that performs autofocus control on subjects within the aforementioned focus range. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (5) above. (7) An operator is provided that allows for the selective setting of the operation function, which is the on / off operation of the range control function. The imaging device described in (6) above. (8) The on / off operation of the aforementioned range control function is performed by toggling a single control element. The imaging device described in (6) or (7) above. (9) An operator is provided to switch between the first mode and the second mode. The imaging device described in (4) above. (10) The focus range control unit, The depth range, which serves as the focus range, is set according to the input. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (9) above. (11) The focus range control unit, The focus range is set after focusing, according to the input. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (10) above. (12) The focus range control unit, The focus range also includes setting the in-plane region of the captured image. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (11) above. (13) When the autofocus processing unit performs autofocus control on a subject within the focus range, it controls the aperture mechanism to open to a predetermined or greater extent. An imaging device as described in any of (1) to (12) above. (14) When performing autofocus control on a subject within a focus range set to a distance range in the depth direction, the process of changing the focus range setting is performed after focusing on the subject. A method for controlling the focus of an imaging device. (15) When performing autofocus control on a subject within a focus range set to a distance range in the depth direction, the process of changing the focus range setting after focusing on the subject is performed. A program to be executed by an information processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 12 Image sensor 13 Camera signal processing unit 18 Sensor section 30 Camera control unit 31 AF Processing Unit 32 AF Range Control Unit 41 Display Panel 43 Operator 43C1, 43C2 Custom Buttons 50 AF area frame 51 Focus Frame 100 Imaging device 101 Main Unit 102 Lens barrel

Claims

1. The autofocus processing unit performs autofocus control on subjects within a focus range set as a distance range in the depth direction as a range control function, The system includes a focus range control unit that changes the focus range setting after the subject has been focused by the autofocus control, The focus range control unit, When the first mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range setting is not changed after the autofocus control has focused on the subject. When the second mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range setting is changed after the subject is focused by the autofocus control. Imaging device.

2. When the second mode is selected, the focus range control unit, After focusing on the subject using the autofocus control described above, the settings for either the front end or rear end of the focus range, or both, are changed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. When the second mode is selected, the focus range control unit, After focusing on the subject using the autofocus control described above, the focus range setting is changed to the full range. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

4. When the second mode is selected, the focus range control unit, When the autofocus control is performed as tracking autofocus control that tracks and focuses on the subject, the focus range setting is changed after focusing on the subject. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

5. An operator is provided to turn the aforementioned range control function on and off. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

6. An operator is provided that allows for the selective setting of the operation function for turning the range control function on or off. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The on / off operation of the aforementioned range control function is performed by toggling a single control element. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5.

8. An operator is provided to switch between the first mode and the second mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The operation to switch between the first mode and the second mode is performed by toggling a single control. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The focus range control unit, The depth range, which serves as the focus range, is set according to the input. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The focus range control unit, Depending on the input, the focus range after focusing is set when the second mode is selected. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The focus range control unit, The focus range also includes setting the in-plane region of the captured image. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

13. When the autofocus processing unit performs autofocus control on a subject within the focus range, it controls the aperture mechanism to open to a predetermined or greater extent. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

14. As a range control function, when performing autofocus control on subjects within a focus range set as a distance range in the depth direction, the focus range control is as follows: When the first mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range setting is not changed after the autofocus control has focused on the subject. When the second mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range setting is changed after the subject is focused by the autofocus control. A method for controlling the focus of an imaging device.

15. As a range control function, when performing autofocus control on subjects within a focus range set as a distance range in the depth direction, the focus range control is as follows: When the first mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the focus range setting is not changed after the autofocus control has focused on the subject. When the second mode is selected as the mode in the range control function, the process of changing the focus range setting after focusing on the subject by the autofocus control is performed. A program to be executed by an information processing device.

Images