Control device, method, and program for imaging device

Abstract

To complete shot operation including focus processing in a specified time while performing appropriate focus processing.SOLUTION: A control apparatus controls an imaging apparatus comprising driving sections (107, 110, and 111) for varying an imaging region. The control apparatus includes: first acquisition means (118) for acquiring target positions of the driving sections (107, 110, and 111); second acquisition means (118) for moving the driving sections (107, 110, and 111) to the target positions and acquiring specified time set as time for performing focus processing; determination means (118) for determining focus processing time, which is time required for the focus processing, on the basis of a photometric result of photometric means included in the imaging apparatus; and calculation means (118) for calculating movement time for moving the driving sections (107, 110, and 111) to the target positions on the basis of the specified time and the focus processing time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, method, and program for an imaging device such as a network camera. [Background technology]

[0002] Some imaging devices, such as network cameras, have a function called "shot operation" that moves the pan, tilt, and zoom drive units to preset positions. Furthermore, some devices perform focus processing during the shot operation. In this case, upon receiving a command to start the shot operation, the pan, tilt, and zoom drive units are controlled to start and stop simultaneously, and then focus processing is performed. Shot operations are required to be completed within a specified time. However, in shot operations that include focusing, the time required for focusing can vary depending on the ambient brightness, which may result in cases where the shot operation cannot be completed within the specified time.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for simultaneously driving and terminating moving parts by specifying the travel time from the current position to the target position, and calculating the optimal travel speed from the specified time and the travel distance of each moving part such as pan, tilt, zoom, and focus. However, in the process of moving the focus mechanism to the target position, as described in Patent Document 1, if the subject is moving, the image may become out of focus, and the focusing process is not always appropriate. For example, in network cameras, the subject can be not only inanimate objects such as buildings, but also moving objects such as people. Therefore, the distance between the subject and the camera changes moment by moment, and in the process of moving the focus mechanism to the target position, it is conceivable that the image will often become out of focus. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to enable a shooting operation including focus processing to be completed within a specified time while executing appropriate focus processing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A control device for controlling an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is a control device for controlling an imaging apparatus including a driving unit that makes a shooting area variable, the control device comprising: first acquisition means for acquiring a target position of the driving unit; second acquisition means for moving the driving unit to the target position and acquiring a specified time set as a time for executing focus processing; determination means for determining a focus processing time, which is a time required for the focus processing, based on a photometry result of photometry means included in the imaging apparatus; and calculation means for calculating a movement time for moving the driving unit to the target position based on the specified time and the focus processing time.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to complete a shooting operation including focus processing within a specified time while executing appropriate focus processing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the network camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the network camera in a second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the shot operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a device that functions as a control device for an imaging device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a network camera 100 according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, the network camera 100 is connected to a client device (information processing device) (not shown) via the network 150, enabling communication between them.

[0010] The network camera 100 includes a lens 101, an image sensor 102, an imaging control circuit 103, a signal processing circuit 104, a memory transfer circuit 105, a memory 106, a zoom drive unit 107, a focus drive unit 108, and a motor control unit 109. Lens 101 is a lens group including a zoom lens, a focus lens, an image stabilization lens, and aperture blades. Under the control of the system control unit 118, the zoom lens, focus lens, image stabilization lens, aperture blades, etc., are controlled. The zoom drive unit 107 drives the zoom lens included in the lens 101. The zoom drive unit 107 is equipped with an electric motor which acts as an actuator. The focus drive unit 108 drives the focus lens included in the lens 101. The focus drive unit 108 includes an electric motor which acts as an actuator. The motor control unit 109 controls the electric motor of the zoom drive unit 107 and the electric motor of the focus drive unit 108 under the control of the system control unit 118. In this embodiment, contrast AF (autofocus) can be performed using the focus lens and the focus drive unit 108. In contrast AF, the amount of defocus is calculated from contrast data based on the imaging signal periodically output from the image sensor 102, and focusing is performed based on that value. When focus is achieved, the drive of the focus lens is stopped.

[0011] The image sensor 102 converts the light formed through the lens 101 into an electric charge and generates an imaging signal. The imaging control circuit 103 controls the image sensor 102 at the same frequency as the image output period under the control of the system control unit 118. Furthermore, if the storage time at the image sensor 102 is longer than the image output period, the imaging control circuit 103 controls the signal processing circuit 104 to hold the image data in the frame memory of the signal processing circuit 104 during the period when the imaging signal cannot be output from the image sensor 102. The signal processing circuit 104, under the control of the system control unit 118, receives the imaging signal generated by the image sensor 102, digitizes it, and generates image data. The memory transfer circuit 105 receives the image data generated by the signal processing circuit 104 and transfers it to the memory 106.

[0012] The network camera 100 also includes a pan drive unit 110, a tilt drive unit 111, a motor control unit 112, a PT mechanical phase detection control unit 113, a pan phase detection unit 114, and a tilt phase detection unit 115. The pan drive unit 110 comprises a pan mechanism that performs the panning motion of the network camera 100 and an electric motor that acts as an actuator. The pan mechanism is composed of, for example, gears and belts. The tilt drive unit 111 comprises a tilt mechanism that performs the tilting operation of the network camera 100 and an electric motor that acts as an actuator. The tilt mechanism is composed of, for example, gears and belts. The motor control unit 112 controls the electric motor of the pan drive unit 110 and the electric motor of the tilt drive unit 111 under the control of the system control unit 118. The PT mechanical phase detection control unit 113 is a control unit for detecting the mechanical phase of mechanical components operated by the pan drive unit 110 and the tilt drive unit 111, and controls the detection of mechanical phase signals from the pan phase detection unit 114 and the tilt phase detection unit 115. For example, the pan phase detection unit 114 and the tilt phase detection unit 115 are PI sensors, and the detection process is performed by a mechanism that either shields the sensors from light using a mechanical phase plate or does not.

[0013] Furthermore, the network camera 100 is equipped with an interface (I / F) 116 for realizing network communication functionality. The network camera 100 communicates with the network device 151 via the network interface 116. Captured image data transferred to the memory 106 is transmitted to the network 150 via the external network device 151 through the network interface 116. The network device 151 not only receives images from the network camera 100 but can also supply power to the network camera 100 via the network cable. For example, it complies with power supply standards from wired LAN cables such as PoE and PoE+. Furthermore, the network camera 100 communicates with the control device 152 via the network I / F 116. The control device 152 is, for example, a joystick, which is connected to the network camera 100 via an RC232C cable, enabling communication between the devices. The joystick also transmits information about the direction and tilt of the lever to the network camera 100, and the network camera 100 determines the speed and direction based on this information, and can move the pan drive unit 110 and the tilt drive unit 111.

[0014] The network camera 100 also includes a power control circuit 117. The power control circuit 117 is, for example, a DC-DC converter and is composed of a switch circuit that switches which control module is powered. Under the control of the system control unit 118, the power control circuit 117 receives power from the network equipment 151 or an external power supply 153 via a network cable or power cable and controls the power supply of the network camera 100. The external power supply 153 is a commercial power supply or a DC power supply and can supply power to the network camera 100.

[0015] Furthermore, the network camera 100 is equipped with a system control unit 118 that is responsible for the overall control of the system. The system control unit 118 distributes captured image data to the client device via the network interface 116. The system control unit 118 also receives camera control commands from the client device via the network interface 116 and sends responses to these commands to the client device. The system control unit 118 analyzes the transmitted camera control commands and performs processing according to the commands. For example, it issues image quality setting instructions to the signal processing circuit 104 and instructions for pan, tilt, zoom, and focus operations to the motor control units 109 and 112. Furthermore, the system control unit 118 uses the image sensor 102 as a photometering sensor to perform photometry. While the image sensor 102 is used as a photometering sensor, a dedicated photometering sensor may also be provided.

[0016] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 1 is just one example and is not limited thereto. For example, in Figure 1, the system control unit 118 controls zoom and focus operations via the motor control unit 109, but this is not the only configuration. For example, a lens unit including various lens groups, a zoom drive unit 107, a focus drive unit 108, a motor control unit 109, etc., may be detachably attached to the main body of the network camera 100. In this case, the lens unit may include a lens control unit, which communicates with the system control unit 118 and controls zoom and focus operations via the motor control unit 109.

[0017] In the network camera 100 configured in this way, a shot operation including focus processing is performed, and as described below, the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, and zoom drive unit 107 are moved to preset positions (pan target position, tilt target position, and zoom target position) within a specified time, and focus processing is performed.

[0018] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the processing performed by the network camera 100 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2 shows an example of the processing when an instruction to start a shot operation is received. The network camera 100 is powered on, and the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, zoom drive unit 107, and focus drive unit 108 are stopped. The network camera 100 is also connected to the control device 152 and is controllable from the control device 152. In this state, if the user, for example, operates from the control device 152 and instructs the start of a shot, this flowchart will begin.

[0019] In step S201, the system control unit 118 performs control such that the imaging signal generated by the imaging element 102 is digitized using the signal processing circuit 104 to generate captured image data, and the captured image data is transferred to the memory 106 via the memory transfer circuit 105. The system control unit 118 acquires a photometric value using the captured image data, and determines the brightness of the environment (ambient light). If it is determined that the environment is bright, the process proceeds to step S202. If it is determined that the environment is dark, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0020] In steps S202 and S203, the system control unit 118 sets a focus processing time T, which is the time required for focus processing f . Here, a method for determining the focus processing time T f will be described. In focus processing for focusing on a subject, the processing time varies under the influence of brightness, the state of the subject, and the like. Contrast AF is a mechanism that periodically detects contrast while moving a focus lens at a constant speed, calculates a contrast difference, and determines an in-focus position while searching for a point where the difference is minimized. For this reason, focusing can be performed with high accuracy even in a dark environment, but the focus processing time is longer in a dark environment than in a bright environment. In consideration of such a difference in focus processing time due to ambient light (brightness), the focus processing time T is set in a bright environment f =T a , and the focus processing time T is set in a dark environment f =T b (>T a ) to determine the focus processing time. The times T a and T b may be set to predetermined times. Although the case is divided into two patterns of bright and dark, the case may be divided into three or more patterns (bright, normal, dark, etc.), and the focus processing time T may be determined for each pattern f . Alternatively, the focus processing time T corresponding to the photometric value may be calculated using a predetermined arithmetic expression f .

[0021] In step S204, the system control unit 118 obtains the specified time T for the set shot operation. The specified time can be arbitrarily set by the user, for example, between 2 seconds and 48 seconds, and is stored in a storage medium accessible to the system control unit 118. In step S205, the system control unit 118 acquires the pan target position, tilt target position, and zoom target position, which are set as preset positions. The pan target position, tilt target position, and zoom target position can be set arbitrarily by the user and are stored in a storage medium accessible to the system control unit 118. In step S206, the system control unit 118 obtains the current position of the pan drive unit 110, the current position of the tilt drive unit 111, and the current position of the zoom drive unit 107.

[0022] In step S207, the system control unit 118 combines the specified time T obtained in step 204 with the focus processing time T determined in steps S202 and S203. f Based on this, the travel time T is used to move the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, and zoom drive unit 107 to their respective target positions. x (=TT f Calculate ). In step S208, the system control unit 118 calculates the movement speed of the pan drive unit 110, the movement speed of the tilt drive unit 111, and the movement speed of the zoom drive unit 107. Specifically, it uses the target positions of each drive unit 107, 110, and 111 acquired in step 205, the current positions of each drive unit 107, 110, and 111 acquired in step 206, and the movement time T acquired in step S207. x Based on this, the drive speeds of each drive unit 107, 110, and 111 are calculated, with the drive of each drive unit 107, 110, and 111 starting and ending simultaneously.

[0023] In step S209, the system control unit 118 executes a movement process to move the pan drive unit 110, the tilt drive unit 111, and the zoom drive unit 107 at the movement speed calculated in step S208. That is, the movement time T calculated in step S207 xThe pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, and zoom drive unit 107 are then moved to their respective target positions. Once the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, and zoom drive unit 107 have moved to their respective target positions, the system control unit 118 stops their operation. In step S210, the system control unit 118 performs focus processing using contrast AF. The time required for the focus processing performed in step 210 is the focus processing time T determined in steps S202 and S203. f This will be approximately the same as the above. Furthermore, once the focus processing is complete, the system control unit 118 considers the shot operation to be complete, exits this flowchart, and transitions to a state where it can accept the next operation instruction.

[0024] As described above, the focus processing time T is determined based on the photometric results. f After determining this in advance, the movement time T is used to move the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, and zoom drive unit 107 to their respective target positions to match the specified time T. x This is how we determine the optimal settings. This makes it possible to complete the shot operation, including the focusing process, within a specified time T while performing appropriate focusing, i.e., focusing without any out-of-focus results.

[0025] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The network camera according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in Figure 1. Hereafter, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted. The explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. In the network camera 100 according to the second embodiment, multiple types of focus processing are possible, specifically, phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF. In phase-detection AF, the distance to the subject is first measured, and the focus lens is moved to a position where the image is in focus based on that distance information, thereby completing the focus process in a short time. In contrast, as described above, contrast-detection AF is a mechanism that searches for the point where the difference in contrast is minimized while moving the focus lens, so it can focus even in dark environments, but the time it takes to achieve focus is longer compared to phase-detection AF.

[0026] Next, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the processes performed by the network camera 100 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 3 shows an example of the process when an instruction to start a shot operation is received. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the shot operation in the second embodiment. The network camera 100 is powered on, and the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, zoom drive unit 107, and focus drive unit 108 are stopped. The network camera 100 is also connected to the control device 152 and is controllable from the control device 152. In this state, if the user, for example, operates from the control device 152 and instructs the start of a shot, this flowchart will begin.

[0027] Step S301 is the same process as step S201 in Figure 2. If it is determined that the environment is bright, the process proceeds to step S302. If it is determined that the environment is dark, the process proceeds to step S303. In step 302, the system control unit 118 selects phase-detection autofocus (AF) as the focus process. Then, in step 304, the system control unit 118 sets the focus processing time T, which is the time required for phase-detection autofocus. f =T g To decide. In step 303, the system control unit 118 selects contrast AF as the focus process. Then, in step 305, the system control unit 118 sets the focus processing time T, which is the time required for contrast AF. f =T t To decide. Here, using Figure 4, we will explain the processing when phase-detection AF is selected and when contrast-detection AF is selected. As shown in Figure 4(a), in phase-detection autofocus, the focus lens moves at speed V g Move it at a speed of V. Also, with contrast AF, the focus lens is moved at a speed of V. g Slower movement speed V t Move it. From the current position of the focus lens, compare the distance D1 for focusing on a far object and the distance D2 for focusing on a near object, and calculate the focus processing time for the longer distance. As shown in Figure 4(b), when phase-detection AF is selected, the focus processing time T g is T g =D2 / V g It is calculated as follows. Also, when contrast AF is selected, the focus processing time T t is T t =(D2+d a +d b +d c ) / V t It is calculated as follows: d a d b d c This is the distance the focusing lens moves to find the point where the contrast difference is minimized. t >T g This is the result.

[0028] Steps S306 to S312 are the same process as steps S204 to S210 in Figure 2. In step S309, as shown in Figure 4(c), when phase-difference AF is selected, the travel time T x is T x =TT g This is the result. Also, when contrast AF is selected, the travel time T x is T x=TT t This is the result. In steps S311 and S312, as shown in Figure 4(d), the pan drive unit 110, the tilt drive unit 111, and the zoom drive unit 107 are moved to their respective target positions, and then the focus processing selected in steps S302 and S303 is executed.

[0029] As described above, the focus processing method is selected based on the photometric results, and the focus processing time T is set. f After determining this in advance, the movement time T is used to move the pan drive unit 110, tilt drive unit 111, and zoom drive unit 107 to their respective target positions to match the specified time T. x This is how we determine the optimal settings. This makes it possible to complete the shot operation, including the focusing process, within a specified time T while performing appropriate focusing, i.e., focusing without any out-of-focus results.

[0030] Note that in steps S303 and S305, select contrast AF and specify the focus processing time T. t When determining this, the focus processing time may be determined according to the brightness of the environment, as described in the first embodiment.

[0031] In Figure 1, the network camera 100 is shown as a standalone imaging device, but it may also be configured to include, for example, an imaging device and a pan / tilt head for driving the imaging device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging device 100 itself is shown as functioning as a control device for the imaging device to which the present invention is applied, but for example, the control device for the imaging device to which the present invention is applied may be configured as a separate device from the imaging device. Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a device that functions as a control device for an imaging device to which the present invention is applied. The computer device comprises a CPU 1, memory 2, storage device 3, input device 4, and output device 5, each of which is interconnected by a bus 6. CPU1 executes the program stored in memory device 3. This executes the functions of acquisition means, determination means, calculation means, and control means as defined in this invention. Memory 2 temporarily stores the program and data read by CPU1 from memory device 3. Memory 2 is also used as an area for CPU1 to execute various programs. Memory device 3 stores the operating system (OS), various programs, and various data. Input device 4 is a functional unit that receives input from the operator, such as a keyboard or mouse. Output device 5 outputs the information input by input device 4 and the execution results of the program executed by CPU1.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described above along with its embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features. In this embodiment, an imaging device equipped with a pan drive unit, a tilt drive unit, and a zoom drive unit as drive units for varying the shooting area has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to some of these devices, for example, an imaging device equipped with a pan drive unit and a tilt drive unit. (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0033] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A control device for controlling an imaging device equipped with a drive unit for varying the imaging area, A first acquisition means for acquiring the target position of the drive unit, A second acquisition means for moving the drive unit to the target position and acquiring a specified time set as the time for performing focus processing, A determination means for determining the focus processing time, which is the time required for the focus processing, based on the photometric result of the photometric means provided in the imaging device, A control device for an imaging device, characterized by comprising: a calculation means for calculating the movement time for moving the drive unit to the target position based on the specified time and the focus processing time. (Configuration 2) A control device for an imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that it includes a control means for controlling the drive unit to move to the target position during the aforementioned travel time, and then executing the focus process. (Composition 3) The imaging device comprises a pan drive unit, a tilt drive unit, and a zoom drive unit as the drive unit. The control device for an imaging apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the target position is the target position of the pan drive unit, the target position of the tilt drive unit, and the target position of the zoom drive unit. (Composition 4) The control device for an imaging apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the movement speed of the pan drive unit, the movement speed of the tilt drive unit, and the movement speed of the zoom drive unit to simultaneously start and simultaneously end the operation of the pan drive unit, the tilt drive unit, and the zoom drive unit, based on the target position of the pan drive unit, the target position of the tilt drive unit, and the target position of the zoom drive unit, the current position of the pan drive unit, the current position of the tilt drive unit, and the current position of the zoom drive unit, and the movement time. (Composition 5) The control device for the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the imaging device performs contrast autofocus as the focus process. (Composition 6) The imaging device is capable of performing multiple types of focus processing as the focus processing, The control device for an imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means selects a focus process from the plurality of focus processing methods based on the photometric result of the photometric means, and then determines the focus processing time. (Composition 7) The imaging device is capable of performing phase-difference autofocus and contrast-based autofocus as the focusing process. The control device for an imaging device according to configuration 6, characterized in that the determination means selects phase-difference autofocus and then determines the focus processing time when the photometric result of the photometric means indicates that it is in a bright environment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 100: Network camera, 101: Lens, 102: Image sensor, 103: Image control circuit, 104: Signal processing circuit, 107: Zoom drive unit, 108: Focus drive unit, 109, 112: Motor control unit, 110: Pan drive unit, 111: Tilt drive unit, 118: System control unit

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an imaging device equipped with a drive unit for varying the imaging area, A first acquisition means for acquiring the target position of the drive unit, A second acquisition means for moving the drive unit to the target position and acquiring a specified time set as the time for performing focus processing, A determination means for determining the focus processing time, which is the time required for the focus processing, based on the photometric result of the photometric means provided in the imaging device, A control device for an imaging device, characterized by comprising: a calculation means for calculating the movement time for moving the drive unit to the target position based on the specified time and the focus processing time.

2. The control device for an imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the drive unit to move to the target position during the aforementioned travel time, and then executing the focus process.

3. The imaging device comprises a pan drive unit, a tilt drive unit, and a zoom drive unit as the drive unit. The control device for an imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the target position is the target position of the pan drive unit, the target position of the tilt drive unit, and the target position of the zoom drive unit.

4. The control device for an imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the calculation means calculates the movement speed of the pan drive unit, the movement speed of the tilt drive unit, and the movement speed of the zoom drive unit to simultaneously start and simultaneously end the operation of the pan drive unit, the tilt drive unit, and the zoom drive unit, based on the target position of the pan drive unit, the target position of the tilt drive unit, and the target position of the zoom drive unit, the current position of the pan drive unit, the current position of the tilt drive unit, and the current position of the zoom drive unit, and the movement time.

5. The control device for the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging device performs contrast autofocus as the focus process.

6. The imaging device is capable of performing multiple types of focus processing as the focus processing, The control device for an imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination means selects a focus process from the plurality of focus processing methods based on the photometric result of the photometric means, and then determines the focus processing time.

7. The imaging device is capable of performing phase-difference autofocus and contrast-based autofocus as the focusing process. The control device for an imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the determination means selects phase-difference autofocus and then determines the focus processing time when the photometric result of the photometric means indicates that it is in a bright environment.

8. The control device for an imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination means determines a first focus processing time when the photometric result is brighter than a predetermined value, and determines a second focus processing time longer than the first focus processing time when the photometric result is darker than the predetermined value.

9. The control device for an imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specified time is set by the user.

10. A control method for controlling an imaging device equipped with a drive unit that makes the imaging area variable, The steps include: acquiring the target position of the drive unit, The steps include moving the drive unit to the target position and obtaining a specified time set as the time for performing the focus process, The steps include determining the focus processing time, which is the time required for the focus processing, based on the photometric result of the photometric means provided in the imaging device, A control method for an imaging device, characterized by comprising the step of calculating a movement time for moving the drive unit to the target position based on the specified time and the focus processing time.

11. A program for controlling an imaging device equipped with a drive unit that makes the imaging area variable, The process of obtaining the target position of the drive unit, The process involves moving the drive unit to the target position and obtaining a specified time set as the time for performing the focus process. A process to determine the focus processing time, which is the time required for the focus processing, based on the photometric result of the photometric means provided in the imaging device, A program that causes a computer to perform a process of calculating the movement time required to move the drive unit to the target position, based on the specified time and the focus processing time.

Images