JP2006020279A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device capable of exposure control of the higher degree of freedom, which is capable of imaging an object in the optimum exposure state and in a state where a predetermined dynamic range is ensured while emphasizing either exposure amount control or dynamic range control. <P>SOLUTION: Priority order indicating that priority is given to any one of exposure amount control by an exposure amount control parameter calculator 511 (511a) (exposure amount control means) and dynamic range control by a dynamic range control parameter calculating unit 512 (512a) (dynamic range control means) is set in a calculated priority order setting section 5111 (5111a). Then, an exposure evaluation value detected in an evaluation value detector 405 is used to perform the exposure amount control based on the photoelectric conversion characteristic, and to perform the dynamic range control on the basis of the set priority order, thereby performing exposure control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including an imaging sensor that generates an electrical signal corresponding to an incident light quantity, and in particular, as a photoelectric conversion characteristic thereof, a linear characteristic in which the electrical signal is linearly converted with respect to an incident light quantity and output. An image sensor that includes a region and a logarithmic characteristic region in which the electrical signal is logarithmically converted with respect to the amount of incident light (a linear characteristic operation and a logarithmic characteristic operation can be switched) The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus using the.

  Conventionally, by adding a logarithmic conversion circuit having a MOSFET or the like to a solid-state image pickup device in which photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes are arranged in a matrix, and utilizing the sub-threshold characteristics of the MOSFET, An imaging sensor (also referred to as “LOG sensor”) is known in which an electrical signal is logarithmically converted with respect to an incident light amount as an output characteristic. In such an image sensor, it is possible to switch between a linear operation state in which an electrical signal is linearly converted and output according to the original output characteristics of a solid-state image sensor, that is, an incident light amount, and the logarithmic operation state described above. An image sensor is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that can automatically switch from a linear operation state to a logarithmic operation state by applying a specific reset voltage to a MOSFET, and that makes the switching points of the pixels equal. Yes. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses an imaging apparatus that can automatically switch from a linear operation state to a logarithmic operation state and that can adjust the potential state of the MOSFET by adjusting the reset time of the MOSFET.

By the way, when the imaging sensor is used in a linear operation state, an output proportional to the amount of electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element can be obtained, so that even a low-luminance subject has a high contrast (high gradation) image signal. However, there is an inconvenience that the dynamic range becomes narrow. On the other hand, when the image sensor is used in a logarithmic operation state, an output that is naturally logarithmically converted with respect to the amount of incident light can be obtained, which has the advantage of ensuring a wide dynamic range, but the image signal is logarithmically compressed. Therefore, there is an inconvenience that the contrast is deteriorated.
JP 2002-77733 A JP 2002-300476 A

  The imaging devices according to Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 only disclose that the imaging sensor can be automatically switched from the linear operation state to the logarithmic operation state. However, in view of the advantages and disadvantages of the above-described linear operation state and logarithmic operation state, the image capturing operation is performed not only by automatic switching but also by actively utilizing the advantages of each operation state. Is desirable. For example, even in the case of performing automatic exposure control, if the control is performed by associating the luminance of the target subject with the switching point from the linear operation state to the logarithmic operation state of the image sensor, each operation state has the advantages. There is a possibility that the optimum automatic exposure control using the can be performed.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the exposure control of the imaging device is performed in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the imaging sensor included in the imaging device, so that the subject is in an optimal exposure state according to the amount of light from the subject (subject brightness). Images can be taken with a predetermined dynamic range secured, and exposure control is performed with emphasis placed on either exposure (control) or dynamic range (control) depending on the situation during shooting. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing exposure control with a higher degree of freedom, which can cope with a case where the user wants to.

  The imaging device according to claim 1 of the present invention generates an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of incident light, and has a photoelectric conversion characteristic in which the electrical signal is linearly converted with respect to the amount of incident light and is output. And an image sensor that logarithmically converts the electrical signal with respect to the amount of incident light and outputs a logarithmic characteristic region, and an exposure evaluation value when imaging the subject based on luminance information obtained from the subject. An exposure evaluation value detecting means for detecting, and an exposure control means for determining subject brightness for exposure setting based on the exposure evaluation value detected by the exposure evaluation value detecting means and performing exposure control of the imaging apparatus, Exposure control means comprising exposure amount control means for controlling the exposure amount for the sensor, and dynamic range control means for controlling photoelectric conversion characteristics of the imaging sensor; and And exposure amount control that, characterized in that it comprises a priority setting means for setting a priority order that indicates that priority is given to any of the dynamic range control by the dynamic range control means.

  According to this configuration, the exposure evaluation value is detected by the exposure evaluation value detection unit based on the luminance information of the subject, and the exposure amount control by the exposure amount control unit is performed based on the photoelectric conversion characteristics using the exposure evaluation value. In addition, exposure control is performed by performing dynamic range control by the dynamic range control means. In the priority order setting means, a priority order indicating that priority is given to either the exposure amount control by the exposure amount control means or the dynamic range control by the dynamic range control means is set. As described above, the exposure amount control by the exposure amount control unit and the dynamic range control by the dynamic range control unit are performed in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor included in the imaging apparatus, and the exposure amount control according to the priority order is performed. And exposure control of the imaging device by dynamic range control is possible, so that the subject can be imaged in an optimal exposure state and a predetermined dynamic range is secured according to the subject brightness, and further, shooting can be performed. Depending on each situation, exposure control with a higher degree of freedom can be handled even if you want to perform exposure control with emphasis on either exposure amount (control) or dynamic range (control). A possible imaging device can be provided.

  Here, the definition relating to the concept of “exposure control” (hereinafter referred to as “AE control” as appropriate) in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike so-called silver-salt cameras, in imaging devices such as digital cameras and digital movies, the control element for AE control is related to the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor (by changing the photoelectric conversion characteristics artificially). There is a method of controlling and a method of adjusting the total amount of light reaching the imaging surface of the imaging sensor and the integration time of the photoelectric conversion current after photoelectric conversion. In the present specification, the former is called “dynamic range control” and the latter is called “exposure amount control”. The “dynamic range control” is executed, for example, by controlling a switching point (hereinafter referred to as an inflection point) between a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region of the imaging sensor. The “exposure amount control” is executed, for example, by adjusting the aperture amount of the aperture, adjusting the shutter speed of the mechanical shutter, or controlling the integration time of charges by controlling the reset operation of the image sensor.

  The imaging apparatus according to a second aspect is the imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the priority is given to either the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control unit or the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control unit. The priority order setting means sets a priority order for giving priority to the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter, and the exposure control means is based on the priority order set in the priority order setting means. Thus, the exposure amount control parameter is calculated by the exposure amount control unit, and the dynamic range control parameter is calculated by the dynamic range control unit. According to this configuration, priority order information that prioritizes the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter is set in the priority order setting unit, and based on this setting, the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter is performed first. Since the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter is performed, the required (for example, the minimum required) dynamic range is also secured while placing importance on the exposure amount (control), that is, giving priority to securing the desired exposure amount. Such exposure control is possible.

  An imaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the priority is given to either the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control means or the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control means. The priority order setting means sets a priority order for giving priority to the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter, and the exposure control means is based on the priority order set in the priority order setting means. Thus, the dynamic range control parameter is calculated by the dynamic range control means, and the exposure amount control parameter is calculated by the exposure amount control means. According to this configuration, priority order information that prioritizes the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter is set in the priority order setting means, and based on this setting, the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter is performed first, followed by Since the exposure amount control parameter is calculated, the required (for example, the minimum necessary) exposure amount is also secured while placing importance on the dynamic range (control), that is, giving priority to securing the desired dynamic range. Such exposure control is possible.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the exposure amount control means is configured such that the output level of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount is a predetermined target output level (Vtarget) in the linear characteristic region. ) And an exposure amount setting value as an exposure amount control parameter corresponding to the calculated photoelectric conversion property, and the dynamic range control means sets the exposure amount setting by the exposure amount control means. After the value is calculated, a photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained in which the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance for setting the dynamic range (Lm20) becomes a predetermined saturation output level (Vmax), and a dynamic corresponding to the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic is calculated. A photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value as a range control parameter is calculated. According to this configuration, first, the exposure amount is controlled so that the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to a certain subject luminance for exposure amount setting in the linear characteristic region becomes a predetermined target output level. It is possible to preferentially secure a desired exposure amount in imaging in a linear characteristic region where a high-contrast image signal can be obtained even for a subject, and output of an imaging sensor for subject luminance for dynamic range setting (for example, maximum subject luminance) It is possible to secure a required dynamic range (subject luminance range) so that the level becomes the saturation output level, that is, the sensor output corresponding to the subject luminance (subject luminance range) falls within the output level range of the imaging sensor. it can.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the dynamic range control means is configured such that the inflection point output level (Vth2) at the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic obtained by the calculation is a predetermined comparison set in advance. The dynamic range control parameter is calculated so as not to fall below the output level (Vlimit). According to this configuration, the dynamic range control parameter is calculated by the dynamic range control means so that the inflection point output level is equal to or higher than the comparison output level. The exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control is lost by dynamic range control (calculation of the dynamic range control parameter) after the parameter calculation, that is, the above-described subject luminance (for setting the exposure amount) It is possible to prevent the exposure amount at which the output level of the image sensor with respect to Lt1) becomes the target output level (Vtarget) from being secured, and it is possible to perform exposure control with priority given to exposure amount control.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the dynamic range control means temporarily sets the output level of the imaging sensor for the dynamic range setting subject luminance (Lm20) for the dynamic range setting in the priority order. The photoelectric conversion characteristic that becomes the predetermined temporary saturation output level (Vmax1) is calculated, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value as the dynamic range control parameter corresponding to the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic is calculated, and the exposure amount control means After the calculation of the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value by the dynamic range control means, the photoelectric level at which the output level of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level (Vtarget) in the linear characteristic region. In addition to calculating the conversion characteristics, the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristics And calculating the exposure amount setting value as a corresponding exposure amount control parameter. According to this configuration, first, the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject brightness for dynamic range setting (for example, the maximum subject brightness) is a predetermined provisional saturation output level (the provisional saturation output level changes in the subsequent exposure amount control). , Assuming that the desired dynamic range is preferentially secured so that the sensor output for the subject brightness (subject brightness range) falls within the output level range of the image sensor. In addition, the exposure amount is controlled so that the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject brightness for exposure amount setting is a predetermined target output level in the linear characteristic region, and a high-contrast image signal can be obtained even for a low-luminance subject. It is possible to secure a required exposure amount in imaging in the obtained linear characteristic region.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the exposure amount control means compares the output level (Vmax2) of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range in the photoelectric conversion characteristics obtained by calculation. ) Is calculated such that the exposure amount control parameter does not exceed a predetermined saturation output level (Vmax). According to this configuration, the exposure amount control parameter is calculated by the exposure amount control means so that the comparison output level is equal to or lower than the saturation output level. Therefore, after the dynamic range control is performed (calculation of the dynamic range control parameter Later, exposure control (calculation of exposure control parameters) will damage (narrow) the dynamic range preferentially secured by the previous dynamic range control, that is, subject brightness for dynamic range setting. It can be prevented that the output level of the image sensor with respect to (Lm20) exceeds the saturation output level (Vmax), and it becomes impossible to secure a wider dynamic range using the output level range of the image sensor to the maximum. Ensure exposure control that prioritizes control It is possible.

  An imaging apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the imaging sensor is configured to be able to perform photoelectric conversion in a logarithmic characteristic region without depending on an exposure time. The exposure amount control means further includes an aperture control means for controlling the exposure amount based on an aperture setting value relating to adjustment of an aperture opening area for the aperture device and / or an exposure time setting value relating to adjustment of an exposure time for the imaging sensor. Exposure time control means for controlling the exposure amount, wherein the priority order setting means is an exposure control parameter for indicating calculation of an aperture control parameter by the aperture control means and / or calculation of an exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control means. A priority order for giving priority to the calculation is set, and the exposure control means includes an aperture control means configured to be able to control exposure independently, and / or In the exposure control by the exposure time control means and the dynamic range control means, the aperture control parameter calculation and / or the exposure time control parameter calculation are sequentially performed based on the priority set by the priority setting means. A range control parameter is calculated.

  According to this configuration, the imaging sensor is configured to be able to execute photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region without depending on the exposure time, and the aperture control unit included in the exposure amount control unit can reduce the aperture opening area with respect to the aperture device. The exposure amount is controlled based on the aperture setting value relating to the adjustment, and the exposure amount is controlled based on the exposure time setting value relating to the adjustment of the exposure time for the image sensor by the exposure time control means provided in the exposure amount control means. The priority setting means sets a priority order for giving priority to the calculation of the exposure control parameter indicating the calculation of the aperture control parameter by the aperture control means and / or the calculation of the exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control means, and the exposure control means. In the exposure control by the aperture control means and / or the exposure time control means and the dynamic range control means configured to be able to control the exposure independently of each other, in order based on the priority set by the priority setting means The aperture control parameter and / or exposure time control parameter and the dynamic range control parameter are calculated. In this way, in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor (photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region is performed without depending on the exposure time), the aperture control parameter is calculated and / or sequentially based on a predetermined priority order. Or, since exposure time control parameters and dynamic range control parameters are calculated, it is possible to handle exposure control with emphasis on aperture control and / or exposure amount control by exposure time control. Furthermore, in the exposure amount control prioritized over the dynamic range control, the priority order for the aperture control and / or the exposure time control can be set (priority when the exposure amount control is performed by either one of the controls). The imaging apparatus is capable of performing exposure control with higher degree of freedom and efficient efficiency according to the priority order. It is possible to provide.

  An imaging apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the imaging device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the dynamic range control means has a predetermined comparison in which an inflection point output level (Vth2) at an inflection point of photoelectric conversion characteristics obtained by calculation is set in advance. The dynamic range control parameter is calculated so as not to fall below the output level (Vlimit). According to this configuration, since the dynamic range control parameter is calculated by the dynamic range control means so that the inflection point output level is equal to or higher than the comparison output level, the aperture control is sequentially performed according to the predetermined priority order. And / or dynamic range control (after aperture control parameter and / or exposure time control parameter calculation) after exposure amount control (even when exposure time control and dynamic range control are performed). The calculation of the dynamic range control parameter) impairs the exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control, that is, the output level of the image sensor with respect to the subject brightness (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount is the target output level. (Vtarget) can be prevented from being unable to secure an exposure amount, exposure, The exposure control which gives priority control can be reliably performed.

  An imaging apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the imaging sensor is configured to be able to execute photoelectric conversion in a logarithmic characteristic region without depending on an exposure time. The exposure amount control means further includes an aperture control means for controlling the exposure amount based on an aperture setting value relating to adjustment of an aperture opening area for the aperture device and / or an exposure time setting value relating to adjustment of an exposure time for the imaging sensor. Exposure time control means for controlling the exposure amount, wherein the priority order setting means is an exposure control parameter indicating the calculation of the aperture control parameter by the aperture control means and / or the calculation of the exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control means. Priority is given to calculation of dynamic range control parameters over calculation, and the exposure control means are independent of each other. In the exposure control by the aperture control means and / or exposure time control means and the dynamic range control means configured to be capable of exposure control, the dynamic range control parameters are sequentially set based on the priority set by the priority setting means. , Calculating the aperture control parameter and / or calculating the exposure time control parameter.

  According to this configuration, the imaging sensor is configured to be able to execute photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region without depending on the exposure time, and the aperture control unit included in the exposure amount control unit can reduce the aperture opening area with respect to the aperture device. The exposure amount is controlled based on the aperture setting value relating to the adjustment, and the exposure amount is controlled based on the exposure time setting value relating to the adjustment of the exposure time for the image sensor by the exposure time control means provided in the exposure amount control means. The priority setting means gives priority to the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter over the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter indicating the calculation of the aperture control parameter by the aperture control means and / or the calculation of the exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control means. In the exposure control by the aperture control means and / or the exposure time control means and the dynamic range control means, which are configured so that the exposure control means can independently control the exposure by the exposure control means. Based on the priority order, calculation of the dynamic range control parameter, calculation of the aperture control parameter, and / or calculation of the exposure time control parameter are sequentially performed. In this way, in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor (photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic area is performed without depending on the exposure time), the dynamic range control parameter is calculated in order based on a predetermined priority order. Since aperture control parameter calculation and / or exposure time control parameter calculation are performed, it is possible to handle exposure control with emphasis on dynamic range control, and to be executed after the dynamic range control. In the exposure amount control to be performed, the priority order for the aperture control and / or the exposure time control can be set (the priority order is not set when the exposure amount control is performed by any one of the controls). It is possible to provide an imaging device that has a high degree of freedom and that enables efficient exposure control according to the priority order. That.

  An imaging apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the exposure amount control means compares the output level (Vmax2) of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range in the photoelectric conversion characteristics obtained by the calculation. However, the exposure amount control parameter is calculated so as not to exceed the saturation output level (Vmax) of the image sensor. According to this configuration, since the exposure amount control parameter is calculated by the exposure amount control means so that the comparison output level is equal to or lower than the saturation output level, the dynamic range control, in order according to the predetermined priority order, Even when each of the aperture control and / or exposure time control is performed, exposure amount control (aperture control parameter and / or exposure) after dynamic range control (after calculation of dynamic range control parameters) is performed. The dynamic range preferentially secured in the previous dynamic range control is impaired by the time control parameter calculation, that is, the output level of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range is the saturation output level (Vmax). ) Over and the imaging sensor output level range is Securing a wide dynamic range than the limited use can be prevented such that can not, it is possible to reliably exposure control which gives priority to the dynamic range control.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the imaging sensor accumulates charges from a photodiode that generates a photocurrent with respect to incident light, and converts the charges into a voltage. A floating diffusion and a transistor for applying a reset bias to the floating diffusion, and the gate voltage of the transistor is set to an intermediate potential between a high potential and a low potential, thereby forming a photoelectric characteristic composed of the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region. A signal having a conversion characteristic is output. According to this configuration, the imaging sensor includes the floating diffusion and the reset bias applying transistor, and the gate voltage of the transistor is set to the intermediate potential, thereby allowing the photoelectric conversion characteristic including the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region to be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a photoelectric conversion characteristic having a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region by using an imaging sensor with a simple configuration, and each control is independent for exposure control (each It is possible to realize exposure control by aperture control and / or exposure time control and dynamic range control in which different photoelectric conversion characteristics can be obtained for each control) and priority of control is set.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, the exposure amount control by the exposure amount control unit and the dynamic range control by the dynamic range control unit are performed in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the imaging sensor included in the imaging device, and the priority is given. Since the exposure control of the imaging device can be controlled by the exposure amount control and the dynamic range control according to the order, the subject can be imaged in an optimal exposure state and a predetermined dynamic range according to the subject brightness. In addition, depending on each situation in shooting, it is possible to respond to cases where you want to control exposure with emphasis on either exposure amount (control) or dynamic range (control). It is possible to provide an imaging apparatus capable of exposure control with a high degree of freedom.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the second aspect, a required (for example, minimum required) dynamic range is also secured while placing importance on the exposure amount (control), that is, giving priority to securing a desired exposure amount. Exposure control is possible.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the third aspect, the required (for example, the minimum necessary) exposure amount is also secured while placing importance on the dynamic range (control), that is, giving priority to securing the desired dynamic range. Exposure control is possible.

  According to the imaging device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to preferentially secure a desired exposure amount in imaging in a linear characteristic region where a high-contrast image signal can be obtained even with a low-luminance subject, and for dynamic range setting So that the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject brightness (for example, the maximum subject brightness) becomes the saturation output level, that is, the sensor output with respect to the subject brightness (subject brightness range) falls within the output level range of the imaging sensor. The dynamic range can be secured.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent the exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control from being damaged by the dynamic range control after performing the exposure amount control. It is possible to perform exposure control with priority given to.

  According to the imaging device of the sixth aspect, a desired dynamic range can be preferentially secured and linear so that the sensor output with respect to the subject luminance (subject luminance range) falls within the output level range of the imaging sensor. A linear characteristic area in which the exposure amount is controlled so that the output level of the image sensor for the subject brightness for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level in the characteristic area, and a high-contrast image signal can be obtained even for a low-luminance subject. Therefore, it is possible to secure a required exposure amount in imaging with the above.

  According to the imaging device of the seventh aspect, the exposure range control after the dynamic range control prevents the dynamic range preferentially secured by the previous dynamic range control from being damaged (narrowed). It is possible to perform exposure control with priority given to dynamic range control.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to claim 8, in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the imaging sensor (photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic area is performed without depending on the exposure time), in order based on a predetermined priority, When aperture control parameters and / or exposure time control parameters are calculated and dynamic range control parameters are calculated, exposure control should be performed with emphasis on exposure control by aperture control and / or exposure time control. In the exposure amount control prioritized over the dynamic range control, priority can be set for the aperture control and / or the exposure time control. It is possible to provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing efficient exposure control according to the order.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the ninth aspect, since the dynamic range control parameter is calculated by the dynamic range control means so that the inflection point output level is equal to or higher than the comparison output level, according to a predetermined priority order. In this case, the aperture control and / or the exposure time control and the dynamic range control are sequentially performed after the exposure amount control is performed (after the aperture control parameter and / or the exposure time control parameter is calculated). The exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control is impaired by the dynamic range control (calculation of the dynamic range control parameter), that is, the output of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount. The amount of exposure at which the level reaches the target output level (Vtarget) cannot be secured. Preventing possible, the exposure control can be performed reliably exposure control which gives priority.

  According to the imaging device according to claim 10, in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the imaging sensor (photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region is performed without depending on the exposure time), in order based on a predetermined priority, Since dynamic range control parameter calculation, aperture control parameter calculation and / or exposure time control parameter calculation are performed, it is possible to cope with cases where exposure control is to be performed with emphasis on dynamic range control. In exposure amount control executed after the dynamic range control, priorities for aperture control and / or exposure time control can be set, and exposure control with a higher degree of freedom and efficient according to the priorities is possible. It is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that can perform the above.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the eleventh aspect, since the exposure amount control parameter is calculated by the exposure amount control means so that the comparison output level is equal to or lower than the saturation output level, the exposure amount control parameter is sequentially changed according to a predetermined priority order. Even when dynamic range control, aperture control and / or exposure time control are performed, exposure amount control (aperture control) after dynamic range control (after calculation of dynamic range control parameters) is performed. The dynamic range preferentially secured in the previous dynamic range control is impaired by the parameter and / or exposure time control parameter calculation), that is, the output level of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range is reduced. The saturation output level (Vmax) is exceeded, and the imaging sensor The force level range it is possible to prevent that it becomes impossible to secure a wide dynamic range from the maximum use can be reliably exposure control which gives priority to the dynamic range control.

  According to the imaging device of the twelfth aspect, the imaging sensor includes a floating diffusion and a reset bias applying transistor, and the gate voltage of the transistor is set to a medium potential so that the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region are removed. Since a signal having a photoelectric conversion characteristic is output, it is possible to obtain a photoelectric conversion characteristic having a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region by using an imaging sensor having a simple configuration, and the exposure control is independent of each other. It is possible to realize exposure control by aperture control and / or exposure time control and dynamic range control, which is control (a change in photoelectric conversion characteristics different for each control can be obtained) and control priority is set. Become.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Description of external structure of imaging device)
1A and 1B are views showing the appearance of a small digital camera 1 to which the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment is preferably applied. FIG. 1A is a top view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. Each show a rear view. The digital camera (imaging device) 1 includes a power switch 101 and a release switch 102 on the top surface of the camera body 10, a flash light emitting unit 103 and a photographing lens window 104 on the front side, and a back side. Various operation buttons such as a mode setting switch 105 and an LCD display unit 106 including a liquid crystal monitor (LCD) are arranged. In addition to the various main body devices, a bent lens barrel 20 is disposed inside the main body 10.

  The power switch 101 is a push switch for turning on (starting) and turning off (starting and stopping) the power of the camera 1, and the camera power is turned on and off sequentially by the pressing operation. The mode setting switch 105 is for setting various modes such as a still image shooting mode for shooting a still image and a moving image shooting mode for shooting a moving image, or an exposure control parameter calculation priority mode and a dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, which will be described later. belongs to.

  The release switch 102 is a push switch that can be operated in a “half-pressed state” that is depressed halfway and further in a “full-pressed state”. For example, in the still image shooting mode, when the release switch 102 is pressed halfway, a preparatory operation for capturing a still image of the subject (preparation operations such as automatic exposure control and automatic focus control described later) is executed, and the release switch When 102 is fully pressed, a photographing operation (a series of operations for exposing an imaging sensor described later, performing predetermined image processing on an image signal obtained by the exposure, and recording the image signal on a memory card or the like) is performed. In addition, in the moving image shooting mode, when the release switch 102 is fully pressed, a predetermined moving image shooting operation is executed, and when the release switch 102 is fully pressed again, the moving image shooting operation is ended.

  The flash light emitting unit 103 emits light to illuminate the subject when the subject image is dark when the release switch 102 is half-pressed (still image shooting mode). The photographic lens window 104 is an opening for taking an optical image of a subject into the bending lens barrel 20 disposed inside the main body 10. The display unit 106 reproduces and displays a recorded image recorded on a built-in recording medium, and displays a through image (live view image) of a subject that has been video-recorded during shooting standby or in the video shooting mode. is there. In addition to the mode setting switch 105, a push switch group such as a zoom switch, a menu selection switch, and a selection determination switch is provided.

  The bendable lens barrel 20 constitutes a photographic lens system that takes a subject image through the photographic lens window 104 and guides it to an image sensor 30 disposed inside the main body 10. The lens barrel 20 is a lens barrel whose length does not vary even during zooming or focusing drive, that is, the lens barrel 20 does not protrude outward from the main body 10. Inside the lens barrel 20 are a lens group 21 (see FIG. 2) constituting a photographing optical system composed of a zoom lens block and a fixed lens block arranged in series along the optical axis, and the lens group 21. And a diaphragm 22 arranged in place. Further, a shutter 23 is disposed at an appropriate position of the lens group 21, and the optical path of the photographing optical system is shielded or transmitted by the opening / closing operation of the shutter 23. That is, the exposure amount of the image sensor 30 is controlled by the degree of opening area setting of the diaphragm 22 and the opening / closing operation control of the shutter 23.

(Overall description of the electrical configuration of the imaging device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an imaging process in the digital camera 1 according to the present invention. The digital camera 1 includes an operation unit 100, the above-described bending lens barrel 20, an image sensor 30, a signal processing unit 40, an overall control unit 50, a drive unit 60, and the like. The operation unit 100 includes the power switch 101, the release switch 102, the mode setting switch 105, and the like described above.

  The image sensor 30 is an image signal (image sensor 30) of each component of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) in accordance with the amount of light of the subject light image formed by the lens group 21 in the lens barrel 20. The signal is a photoelectric conversion into a signal consisting of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel of (1) and output to the signal processing unit 40. In the present embodiment, the imaging sensor 30 is a logarithmic conversion type solid-state imaging device that outputs an output pixel signal (an output electrical signal generated by photoelectric conversion) with respect to an incident light amount, not linearly but logarithmically. Is used. Note that the imaging sensor 30 has a characteristic in which an output pixel signal is linearly converted and output when the amount of incident light is small, and an area where the photoelectric conversion characteristic is linear (linear characteristic area = dark Time) and a logarithmic area (logarithmic characteristic area = light time). Further, the switching point (inflection point) between the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region can be arbitrarily controlled by a specific control signal (dynamic range control signal). The configuration and operation of the image sensor 30 will be described in detail later.

  The timing generation circuit (timing generator) 31 controls a photographing operation (charge accumulation based on exposure, reading of accumulated charge, etc.) by the image sensor 30. The timing generation circuit 31 generates predetermined timing pulses (pixel drive signal, horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, horizontal scanning circuit drive signal, vertical scanning circuit drive signal, etc.) based on the imaging control signal from the overall control unit 50. In the moving image shooting mode (through image display mode), for example, a frame image is captured every 1/30 (seconds) and sequentially output to the signal processing unit 40. Further, during exposure in the still image shooting mode, charges are accumulated in conjunction with the exposure operation of the image sensor 30 (that is, the subject light image is photoelectrically converted into an image signal), and the accumulated charges are stored in the signal processing unit 40. Output. Further, the timing generation circuit 31 also generates an A / D conversion clock used in an A / D converter 402 described later.

  The signal processing unit 40 performs predetermined analog signal processing and digital signal processing on the image signal sent from the image sensor 30, and the signal processing of the image signal is performed for each pixel signal constituting the image signal. Done. The signal processing unit 40 includes an analog signal processing unit 401, an A / D converter 402, a black reference correction unit 403, an FPN correction unit 404, an evaluation value detection unit 405, a white balance (WB) control unit 406, and a color interpolation unit 407. A 3 × 3 color correction unit 408, a gradation conversion unit 409, a noise cancellation unit 410, and an image memory 411 are provided.

  The analog signal processing unit 401 performs predetermined analog signal processing on the image signal output from the image sensor 30 (analog signal group received by each pixel of the image sensor 30), and includes reset noise included in the analog image signal. A CDS circuit (correlated double sampling circuit) for reducing the image quality, and an AGC circuit (auto gain control circuit) for correcting the level of the analog image signal. Note that the AGC circuit amplifies the analog image signal with an appropriate amplification factor so as to match the input voltage range of the A / D converter 402 in the subsequent stage when appropriate exposure cannot be obtained, etc. It also has an amplifier function to compensate for this.

  The A / D converter 402 serves to convert the analog image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 401 into, for example, a 12-bit digital image signal (image data). The A / D converter 402 converts an analog image signal into a digital image signal based on an A / D conversion clock input from the timing generation circuit 31.

The black reference correction unit 403 uses the black level (image signal level in the dark) of the digital image signal input from the A / D converter 402 as a reference value (for example, 0 at the digital signal level after A / D conversion). When the image signal level input from the A / D converter 402 is SD1 and the image signal level in the dark is SD2,
SD1-SD2
Perform the operation. Such black reference correction is performed based on imaging dynamic range information corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the imaging sensor 30 input from the overall control unit 50. This is because, in the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 can be controlled, and therefore the image signal level in the dark of the digital image signal input from the A / D converter 402. However, since it fluctuates due to a change in the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30, it is possible to perform accurate black reference correction following the fluctuation.

An FPN (Fixed Pattern Noise) correction unit 404 is for removing FPN (fixed pattern noise) of the image signal input from the black reference correction unit 403. The fixed pattern noise is noise caused by variations in output values of image signals generated by the respective pixels, which are caused by variations in the threshold values of the FETs included in the respective pixel circuits of the image sensor 30. When the image signal level input from the black reference correction unit 403 is SD3 and the fixed pattern component of the image signal input from the black reference correction unit 403 is SD4, the FPN correction unit 404
SD3-SD4
Perform the operation.

The evaluation value detection unit 405 performs automatic exposure control (AE), automatic focus control (AF; autofocus), white balance control (WB control), or the like from an image signal actually captured by the image sensor 30. An evaluation value serving as a base value, that is, an AE evaluation value, an AF evaluation value, a white balance evaluation value (hereinafter referred to as a WB evaluation value), and the like are detected. For example, when performing AE control,
(1) Measure the luminance level and luminance range of the subject to be imaged,
(2) A necessary exposure control amount is calculated so that an output conforming to the luminance level and luminance range can be obtained from the imaging sensor,
(3) The exposure amount and the like are specifically adjusted based on the calculation result, and the main imaging is started.
In this evaluation value detection unit 405, the luminance level and luminance range of the subject are determined from the image signal actually captured by the image sensor 30 in order to perform the role of step (1). This is obtained and output to the overall control unit 50 as an AE evaluation value, and provided for AE control operation in the subsequent step.

  In the case of AF control, for example, a focus lens in which the contrast of an image obtained by the imaging operation is maximized while alternately driving the focus lens (lens group 21) in the optical axis direction and imaging operation by the imaging sensor 30. Is obtained (so-called hill-climbing detection method), and this is output to the overall control unit 50 as an AF evaluation value and used for AF control operation in the subsequent step. Further, the white balance control is intended to correct the color of the output image to a color suitable for the light source color of the subject. In this case, R, R based on the image signal input from the FPN correction unit 404 in the previous stage. The evaluation value detection unit 405 calculates the luminance ratio and the luminance difference between the G and B colors, and outputs them to the overall control unit 50 as WB evaluation values. A specific method for obtaining these evaluation values will be described in detail later.

  Based on the dynamic range information given from the overall control unit 50 and the WB evaluation value, the white balance control unit 406 sets each color component R, G, B so that the color balance of the image signal becomes a predetermined color balance. Correction for converting the level of the pixel data is performed. In this embodiment, since the imaging sensor 30 includes a linear characteristic area and a logarithmic characteristic area, a WB evaluation value is acquired for each linear characteristic area and logarithmic characteristic area, and a white balance suitable for each area is obtained. It is desirable to make corrections.

  The color interpolation unit 407 interpolates data of pixel positions where the frame image is insufficient for each color component R, G, B of the image signal input from the white balance control unit 406. That is, the color filter structure of the logarithmic conversion type image sensor 30 used in the present embodiment lacks color information because of the so-called Bayer system in which G is a checkered pattern and R and B are line-sequentially arranged. Therefore, the color interpolation unit 407 interpolates pixel data at non-existing pixel positions using a plurality of existing pixel data.

  Specifically, for a G color component frame image having pixels up to a high band, the color interpolation unit 407 masks the image data constituting the frame image with a predetermined filter pattern, and then applies a median (intermediate value) filter. The average value of the pixel data from which the maximum value and the minimum value are removed from the pixel data actually existing around the pixel position to be interpolated is calculated, and the average value is interpolated as the pixel data at the pixel position. For the R and B color components, after the image data constituting the frame image is masked with a predetermined filter pattern, an average value of pixel data actually existing around the pixel position to be interpolated is calculated, and the average value is calculated. Is interpolated as pixel data at the pixel position.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the color filter structure of the image sensor 30. In such a color filter structure, the image signals of the color components R, G, and B in each pixel by the color interpolation are generated as follows, for example.
(A) Color interpolation formula of address 11 (B11) R11 = (R00 + R20 + R02 + R22) / 4
G11 = (Gr10 + Gb01 + Gb21 + Gr12) / 4
B11 = B11
(B) Color interpolation formula of address 12 (Gr12) R12 = (R02 + R22) / 2
G12 = Gr12
B12 = (B11 + B13) / 2
(C) Color interpolation formula of address 21 (Gb21) R21 = (R20 + R22) / 2
G21 = Gb21
B21 = (B11 + B31) / 2
(D) Color interpolation formula for address 22 (R22) R22 = R22
G22 = (Gb21 + Gr12 + Gr32 + Gb23) / 4
B22 = (B11 + B31 + B13 + B33) / 4

The 3 × 3 color correction unit 408 corrects the saturation of the image signals of the color components R, G, and B input from the color interpolation unit 407 (corrects the hue). The 3 × 3 color correction unit 408 has three types of conversion coefficients that convert the level ratio of the image signals of the color components R, G, and B, and converts the level ratio with a conversion coefficient according to the shooting scene to generate an image. Correct the saturation of the data. For example, using a total of nine transform coefficients a1 to c3, the image signal is linearly transformed as follows.
R ′ = a1 * R + a2 * G + a3 * B
G '= b1 * R + b2 * G + b3 * B
B ′ = c1 * R + c2 * G + c3 * B

  The gradation converting unit 409 changes the level of the image signal for each color component to a predetermined gamma characteristic so that the image signals of the color components R, G, and B input from the 3 × 3 color correcting unit 408 have an appropriate output level. Is used for nonlinear conversion and offset adjustment. That is, the tone conversion unit 409 corrects the tone characteristics (γ curve and digital gain) of the image signal that has been subjected to white balance adjustment and color correction to the tone characteristics of the LCD display unit 106, an externally output monitor TV, and the like. To do. The tone conversion unit 409 changes the tone characteristics of the image signal based on the dynamic range information input from the overall control unit 50, the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, and the like.

  The noise canceling unit 410 corrects the sharpness of the image to a good state by removing the noise component of the image signal input from the gradation converting unit 409 and extracting and enhancing only the edge component. Based on the dynamic range information input from the overall control unit 50, the noise canceling unit 410 changes the coring coefficient (the coefficient for extracting only the noise component of the image signal and extracting the edge component and the coefficient to be enhanced). Then, make an appropriate correction.

  The image memory 411 is composed of a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, and temporarily stores the image data after the signal processing by the signal processing unit 40. The image memory 411 has a capacity capable of storing, for example, one frame of image data. is doing.

  The memory card I / F unit 412 is an interface for outputting the memory card recording image data generated by the signal processing unit 40 so as to be recorded on the memory card 107. The memory card 107 is a memory for recording and storing image data such as still images and moving images. The memory card 107 is detachable from the digital camera 1 and can be used as an image with an external recording medium. Data exchange is possible. The LCD display I / F unit 413 is an interface for converting the LCD display image data generated by the signal processing unit 40 into, for example, an NTSC or PAL image signal and outputting the image signal to the LCD display unit 106.

  The overall control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and centrally controls the photographing operation of the digital camera 1. That is, the overall control unit 50 generates signals based on information sent from each unit of the signal processing unit 40 (the above-described AE evaluation value, AF evaluation value, WB evaluation value, etc.) and the operation mode of the digital camera 1. The operation of each processing unit is controlled by calculating and transmitting operation information such as parameters required by each unit of the processing unit 40. In addition, the overall control unit 50 controls the timing generation circuit 31 for photographing operation, zooming and focusing drive of the lens group 21, and control of the drive unit 60 for driving the aperture 22 and the shutter 23, and output of image signals. Control and so on.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions of the overall control unit 50. The overall control unit 50 includes an information reception unit 501, an information transmission unit 502, a calculation unit 510 including a memory unit 515, a control signal generation unit 520, an output level determination unit 530, and an input / output unit 540.

  The information receiving unit 501 acquires the AE evaluation value, the AF evaluation value, and the WB evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405 of the signal processing unit 40, and distributes them to each parameter calculation unit included in the calculation unit 510. Send. On the other hand, the information transmission unit 502 appropriately extracts information (photoelectric conversion characteristic information, coring coefficient, etc.) required in the signal processing unit 40 from the memory unit 515, and distributes the information to each processing unit of the signal processing unit 40 in a timely manner for transmission. To do.

  The calculation unit 510 performs an operation of calculating a control parameter based on the evaluation value given from the information receiving unit 501, and calculates an AE control parameter including an exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 and a dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512. A unit 5110, an AF control parameter calculation unit 513, a white balance (WB) control parameter calculation unit 514, and a memory unit 515.

  The memory unit 515 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and information on photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 (information for obtaining desired photoelectric conversion characteristics at the time of photographing), that is, an exposure time setting value and an aperture setting value described later, Alternatively, a photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 that stores a photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value (dynamic range information corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristic) and a coring coefficient storage unit that stores an installation position of a coring coefficient used in the noise cancellation unit 410 517, from the LUT storage unit 518 or the like for storing conversion information for performing data conversion (mutual conversion) on the data obtained in the linear characteristic region and logarithmic characteristic region of the image sensor 30, that is, LUT (Look Up Table) and the like. It is configured.

  The photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 may be configured to store the photoelectric conversion characteristic itself (a photoelectric conversion characteristic curve as shown in FIG. 10 described later). In addition to the above LUT, the LUT storage unit 518 includes an LUT that performs data conversion between an exposure time (T1) and an aperture area (S2), which will be described later, and an exposure time setting value and an aperture setting value. LUT that performs data conversion between inflection point value (output level) of characteristic and photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value, LUT that outputs photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value from maximum luminance output level, or photoelectric conversion from change amount of maximum luminance output level Various LUTs for data conversion are stored, such as an LUT that outputs a change amount of the characteristic setting value, or an LUT that converts data between the value of the saturation pixel number and the value of the inflection point change amount (ΔVth). Further, as described above, the data values stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, the coring coefficient storage unit 517, and the LUT storage unit 518 are appropriately transmitted from the information transmission unit 502 to the appropriate position of the signal processing unit 40. It is like that.

  The AE control parameter calculation unit 5110 calculates control parameters for setting the optimal exposure amount at the time of shooting and the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 in order to perform exposure control (AE control) according to the luminance of the subject. To do. That is, the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 of the AE control parameter calculation unit 5110 calculates a control parameter for optimizing the exposure time and aperture, and the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 is an evaluation value detection unit. Based on the AE evaluation value detected at 405 and the photoelectric conversion characteristic information of the imaging sensor 30 at the time of acquisition of the AE evaluation value stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, exposure according to subject luminance is performed. Calculate the time setting value and aperture setting value.

  The dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 calculates a control parameter for optimizing the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 according to the subject brightness. The dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 calculates a photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value such that, for example, the subject luminance for dynamic range setting becomes a desired saturation output level in the imaging sensor 30. Also in this calculation, the photoelectric conversion characteristic information of the image sensor 30 at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 is referred to.

  Further, the AE control parameter calculation unit 5110 sets a calculation priority order of control parameters that prioritizes either the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter or the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter during AE control. 5111. The setting of the priority order in the calculation priority order setting unit 5111 is performed according to an instruction input (input signal) from the operation unit 100 such as the mode setting switch 105 by the user. The case where the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter has priority (mode) is referred to as the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, and the case where the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter has priority (mode) is referred to as the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when performing AE control by the calculation priority setting unit 5111 in the AE control parameter calculation unit 5110, exposure amount control (exposure amount control parameter calculation) and dynamic range control are performed. It is characterized in that one of the (dynamic range control parameter calculation) is given priority.

  The AF control parameter calculation unit 513 calculates a control parameter for setting an optimum focal length for shooting a subject based on the AF evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405. In calculating the control parameter, the AF evaluation value to be referred to is acquired in each of the logarithmic characteristic area and the linear characteristic area of the imaging sensor 30, and rough ranging (obtained from the logarithmic characteristic area by utilizing the characteristics of each characteristic area). (AF evaluation value) and control parameters for detailed distance measurement (AF evaluation value obtained from the linear characteristic region) are preferably calculated.

  The white balance control parameter calculation unit 514 calculates a control parameter for setting the color balance of the image signal to a predetermined color balance based on the WB evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405. In calculating the control parameter, the AF evaluation value to be similarly referred to is acquired in each of the logarithmic characteristic area and the linear characteristic area of the imaging sensor 30, and the control parameter corresponding to each characteristic area is calculated. preferable.

  The control signal generator 520 generates a control signal for driving each control operation element according to various control parameters calculated by the arithmetic unit 510. The control signal generator 520 has a dynamic range. A control signal generation unit 521, a sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522, a shutter control signal generation unit 523, a zoom / focus control signal generation unit 524, and an aperture control signal generation unit 525 are configured.

  The dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 outputs an output level point at which the photoelectric conversion characteristic is switched from the linear characteristic region to the logarithmic characteristic region according to the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value of the image sensor 30 calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512. A drive signal for the image sensor 30 for adjusting (inflection point) is generated and transmitted to the timing generation circuit 31. The timing generation circuit 31 generates a timing signal for controlling the dynamic range of the image sensor 30 according to the input drive signal, and drives the image sensor 30. Specifically, as will be described later, the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor 30 is controlled by controlling the signal φVPS (the height of the voltage VPH at φVPS or the length of time ΔT) for the image sensor 30. Therefore, the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 controls the driving signal for the timing generation circuit 31 for controlling the signal φVPS according to the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value, so that the dynamics of the image sensor 30 can be changed. Control the range to suit the brightness of the subject.

  The sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522 generates a control signal for controlling the exposure time (integration time) of the imaging sensor 30 by an electronic circuit control operation without depending on the mechanical operation of the diaphragm 22 and the shutter 23. To do. The sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522 generates a drive signal (specifically, the image sensor 30 so as to ensure an intended exposure time based on the optimum exposure amount calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511. In this case, as will be described later, a signal for controlling the time ΔS when the signal φVPS to the image sensor 30 becomes the medium potential M) is generated and transmitted to the timing generation circuit 31. The timing generation circuit 31 generates a timing signal for controlling the exposure time of the image sensor 30 according to the input drive signal, and drives the image sensor 30.

  Similarly, the shutter control signal generation unit 523 sets the shutter speed (shutter opening time) of the shutter 23 in accordance with the exposure time based on the optimum exposure amount calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511. Is generated. The zoom / focus control signal generation unit 524 generates a control signal for driving the lens group 21 based on the optimum focal length calculated by the AF control parameter calculation unit 513. Further, the aperture control signal generation unit 525 generates a control signal for setting the aperture area of the aperture 22 based on the optimum exposure amount calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511. The control signals generated by the shutter control signal generation unit 523, the zoom / focus control signal generation unit 524, and the aperture control signal generation unit 525 are transmitted to corresponding portions of the drive unit 60, respectively.

  The output level determination unit 530 outputs the output level (Vth2 and Vmax2 described later) of the imaging sensor 30 with respect to a certain parameter when calculating the exposure amount control parameter and the dynamic range control parameter, and a predetermined output level (Vlimit and Vmax described later). Are compared to determine the magnitude of both. The output level determination unit 530 regulates an excessive change in photoelectric conversion characteristics in the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter and the dynamic range control parameter by monitoring a certain output level (a desired exposure amount and dynamic range can be ensured). It can be said that the photoelectric conversion characteristics are adjusted so as not to change.

  The input / output unit 540 is connected to the memory card I / F unit 412 and the LCD display I / F unit 413, and performs predetermined image processing on the captured image in response to an instruction signal from the operation unit 100. Thereafter, the captured image signal is recorded on the memory card 107, displayed on the LCD display unit 106, or conversely, an image signal is taken in from the memory card 107.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the drive unit 60 actually operates the mechanical drive unit included in the digital camera 1 based on the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit 520. The shutter drive unit 61, A zoom / focus drive unit 62 and an aperture drive unit 63 are provided.

  The shutter drive unit 61 opens and closes the shutter 23 according to the control signal supplied from the shutter control signal generation unit 523 so that the shutter 23 is opened for a predetermined time. The zoom / focus driving unit 62 operates a zoom lens block or a motor for operating the focus lens block of the lens group 21 in accordance with a control signal given from the zoom / focus control signal generation unit 524, and focuses the lens block. Move to position. Further, the diaphragm driving unit 63 drives the diaphragm 22 in accordance with a control signal given from the diaphragm control signal generating unit 525, and sets the diaphragm to a predetermined opening amount.

(Description of overall flow of operation)
An overall flow of the operation of the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described first. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall operation of the digital camera 1. As shown in the figure, when the operation is roughly divided, an evaluation value detecting step (step S1) for detecting an evaluation value such as an AE evaluation value, an AF evaluation value, and a WB evaluation value, and various parameters based on the obtained evaluation value. Control parameter calculation step (step S2) for calculating the parameters, and the calculated parameters are set in the respective sections of the corresponding digital camera 1, and the control parameters for driving the respective sections of the digital camera 1 so as to obtain a shooting state corresponding to the parameters are set. And a control parameter setting step (step S3) to be set.

Specifically, in each of the steps S1 to S3, the following processing is performed.
First, in the evaluation value detection step S1, evaluation value information serving as a base for various controls is acquired, and an evaluation value is calculated based on the evaluation value information. In the case of AE control, the luminance level of the subject that is the imaging target is measured (detected), and the AE evaluation value is calculated from the measured value. In the detection of the luminance level and the luminance range, it is reasonable to obtain from a captured image actually captured by the imaging sensor 30, and the imaging sensor 30 can capture still images and moving images.
(Step S1-1) Detection from a still image: The image sensor 30 acquires an image for evaluation value detection as a still image before actual photographing, and measures a luminance level and a luminance range.
(Step S1-2) Measurement from a moving image: The image sensor 30 acquires an image for evaluation value detection as a moving image before actual photographing, and measures a luminance level and a luminance range.
The two types of luminance information acquisition steps can be exemplified. After that,
(Step S1-3) Calculation of Evaluation Value: The evaluation value detecting unit 405 calculates various evaluation values including the AE evaluation value based on the acquired luminance information of the image.
The steps are performed.

Next, in step S2, various parameters are calculated based on the evaluation value. In the case of AE control, since the exposure amount or the dynamic range is an element of AE control, these control parameters are converted into the AE evaluation value. Calculated based on That is, as step S2,
(Step S2-1) Calculation of exposure amount control parameter: The overall control unit 50 calculates an exposure amount control parameter based on the AE evaluation value.
(Step S2-2) Calculation of dynamic range control parameter: The overall control unit 50 calculates the dynamic range control parameter based on the AE evaluation value.
Two parameter calculation steps can be exemplified.

Finally, in step S3, control parameters for driving each part of the digital camera 1 are set. In the case of AE control, control parameters are set based on (Step S2-1) or (Step S2-2), that is, as Step S3,
(Step S3-1) Setting of exposure amount control parameter: Based on the calculated exposure amount control parameter, the parameter is set in the memory unit 515, the control signal generation unit 520, etc., and the timing generation circuit 31 and the drive unit 60 are operated. Let
(Step S3-2) Setting of dynamic range control parameter: Based on the calculated dynamic range control parameter, the parameter is set in the memory unit 515, the control signal generation unit 520, etc., and the timing generation circuit 31 is operated.
The following two parameter setting steps can be exemplified.

(Basic characteristics of the image sensor used in this embodiment)
Hereinafter, each step described above will be described in detail, but in this embodiment, as the photoelectric conversion characteristics, a linear characteristic region in which the electric signal is linearly converted with respect to the incident light amount and output, and the incident light amount. On the other hand, since it is assumed that an image sensor 30 having a logarithmic characteristic region in which the electrical signal is logarithmically converted and output is used, first, basic characteristics of the image sensor 30 used in the present embodiment are used. A specific example will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a two-dimensional MOS solid-state imaging device which is an example of the imaging sensor 30. In the figure, G11 to Gmn indicate pixels arranged in a matrix. A vertical scanning circuit 301 and a horizontal scanning circuit 302 are disposed in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the pixel unit composed of the pixels G11 to Gmn. The vertical scanning circuit 301 sequentially scans row lines (signal lines) 304-1, 304-2,... 304-n (collectively referred to as row lines 304). The horizontal scanning circuit 302 applies the photoelectric conversion signal derived from each pixel to the output signal lines 306-1, 306-2,... Read sequentially. Each pixel is supplied with power by the power supply line 305. Each pixel is connected not only to the lines and output signal lines but also to other lines (for example, a clock line), but is not shown in FIG.

  The output signal lines 306-1, 306-2,... 306-m are respectively connected to constant current sources 307-1, 307-2,. 307-m (these are collectively referred to as a constant current source 307) is provided. However, as this amplifier circuit, a resistor or a transistor (MOS transistor) may be provided instead of the constant current source 307. The image data at the time of imaging and the correction data at the time of reset of each pixel output via the output signal line 306 are sequentially selected as selection circuits (sample hold circuits) 308-1, 308-2,... 308-m. (They are collectively referred to as a selection circuit 308). The selection circuit 308 outputs image data and correction data for each row and samples and holds them. The sampled and held image data and correction data are output to the correction circuit 309 for each column, and the correction circuit 309 corrects the image data based on the correction data so that noise components due to sensitivity variations are removed. Is called. Then, the image data in which the sensitivity variation of each pixel is corrected is output serially from the correction circuit 309 for each pixel.

  FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of each of the pixels G11 to Gmn illustrated in FIG. As shown in the figure, the pixel includes a photodiode PD, transistors T1 to T6 as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors), and a capacitor C as an integrating capacitor. Here, P-channel MOSFETs are employed as the transistors T1 to T6. φVD, φV, φVPS, φRST, φS, and RSB indicate signals (voltages) to the respective transistors and capacitors C, and GND indicates ground.

  The photodiode PD is a photosensitive part (photoelectric conversion part) and outputs an electrical signal (photocurrent IPD) corresponding to the amount of incident light from the subject. The transistor T5 is paired with the constant current source 307 shown in FIG. 7 to constitute an amplification circuit (source follower amplifier) for source follower amplification, and performs amplification (current amplification) on the voltage VOUT described later. The transistor T6 is a signal readout transistor that operates as a switch that is turned on and off in accordance with the voltage applied to the gate. That is, the source of the transistor T6 is connected to the output signal line 306 shown in FIG. 7, and when turned on, the current amplified by the transistor T5 is led to the output signal line 306 as an output current.

  The transistor T2 generates a voltage obtained by linear conversion or logarithmic conversion with respect to the photocurrent IPD at the gate of the transistor T2. By the way, in the MOSFET, a minute current called a subthreshold current flows when the gate voltage is equal to or lower than a threshold value. The transistor T2 performs the linear conversion or logarithmic conversion using this subthreshold characteristic.

  Specifically, when the luminance of the subject to be imaged is low (the subject is dark), that is, when the amount of incident light incident on the photodiode PD is small, the gate potential of the transistor T2 becomes higher than the source potential of the transistor. The transistor T2 is in a so-called cut-off state, the subthreshold current does not flow through the transistor T2 (the transistor T2 does not operate in the subthreshold region), and the photocurrent generated in the photodiode PD becomes a parasitic capacitance of the photodiode PD. The charge flows and accumulates, and a voltage corresponding to the amount of accumulated charge is generated. At this time, since T1 is turned on, a voltage corresponding to the amount of charge accumulated in the parasitic capacitance is generated as the voltage VG at the gates of the transistors T2 and T3. The voltage VG causes a current to flow through the transistor T3, and an amount of charge proportional to the voltage VG is accumulated in the capacitor C (the transistor T3 and the capacitor C constitute an integration circuit). A voltage linearly proportional to the integral value of the photocurrent IPD appears at the connection node a between the transistor T3 and the capacitor C, that is, the output VOUT. At this time, the transistor T4 is in an off state. When the transistor T6 is turned on, the charge stored in the capacitor C is led to the output signal line 306 as an output current through the transistor T5. This output current is a value obtained by linearly converting the integrated value of the photocurrent IPD. This is the operation of the imaging sensor 30 in the linear characteristic region.

  On the other hand, when the luminance of the subject to be imaged is high (the subject is bright) and the amount of incident light incident on the photodiode PD is large, the gate potential of the transistor T2 becomes equal to or lower than the source potential of the transistor T2, and the subthreshold current flows in the transistor T2. Flows (the transistor T2 operates in the subthreshold region), and a voltage VG having a value obtained by natural logarithmically conversion of the photocurrent IPD is generated at the gates of the transistors T2 and T3. The voltage VG causes a current to flow through the transistor T3, and a charge equivalent to a value obtained by natural logarithmically converting the integrated value of the photocurrent IPD is accumulated in the capacitor C. As a result, a voltage proportional to a value obtained by natural-logarithmically converting the integral value of the photocurrent IPD is generated at the connection node a (output VOUT) between the capacitor C and the transistor T3. At this time, the transistor T4 is in an off state. When the transistor T6 is turned on, the charge stored in the capacitor C is led to the output signal line 306 as an output current through the transistor T5. This output current is a value obtained by natural logarithmically converting the integral value of the photocurrent IPD. This is the operation of the imaging sensor 30 in the logarithmic characteristic region. As described above, a voltage that is linearly or naturally logarithmically proportional to the amount of incident light (subject luminance) is output by each pixel.

  The transistor T1 is a switch used for extracting noise data at reset (noise signal generated due to manufacturing variation of the transistor T2). The transistor T1 is turned on except during reset, and a photocurrent IPD flows between the transistor T2 (the drain thereof) and the photodiode PD. At the time of reset, the photocurrent IPD of the photodiode PD is cut off and only the variation is taken out. The extracted variation (noise signal) is subtracted from the video signal described later.

  The transistor T4 is a transistor for resetting the capacitor C, which operates as a switch that is turned on and off according to a voltage applied to the gate of the transistor T4. When the transistor T4 is turned on, a reset voltage (the voltage of the signal RSB) is applied, and the charge (charge amount) accumulated in the capacitor C is returned to the original state, that is, the state before the start of integration.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a timing chart regarding the imaging operation of the imaging sensor 30 (pixel). Here, due to the polarity of the P-channel MOSFET, it is turned off at Hi (High) and turned on at Low (Low) as follows. First, the signal φV becomes Low at the position indicated by reference numeral 311, the transistor T 6 is turned on, and the video signal is read, that is, the charge accumulated in the capacitor C is led to the output signal line 306 as an output current (video signal). The Next, the signal φS becomes Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 312, the transistor T1 is turned off, and the photodiode PD is disconnected. Next, the signal φVPS becomes Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 313, and the transistor T2 is reset. At the same time when the transistor T2 is reset, the signal φRST becomes Low at the position indicated by reference numeral 314, the transistor T4 is turned on, and the reset voltage by the signal RSB is applied to the capacitor C (connection node a) (connection node). The potential of a becomes the potential of RSB (VRSB)), and the capacitor C is reset (charged). After the transistor T2 and the capacitor C are thus reset, the signal φV becomes Low again at the position indicated by reference numeral 315, the transistor T6 is turned on, and a noise signal is derived to the output signal line 306.

  Next, the signal φS becomes Low at the position indicated by reference numeral 316 (the transistor T1 is turned on), and the separation of the photodiode PD is released. Then, the signal φVPS becomes the intermediate potential M at the position indicated by reference numeral 318, and the parasitic capacitance of the photodiode PD is reset to reduce the afterimage. Further, in order to make the integration start voltage of the next frame constant, the signal φRST becomes Low again at the position indicated by reference numeral 317, the transistor T4 is turned on, and the capacitor C is reset again.

  Thereafter, the signal φVPS changes from M to Low at the position indicated by reference numeral 319, and the reset of the parasitic capacitance of the photodiode PD is completed. At the same time, the signal φRST changes from Low to Hi, and the reset operation of the capacitor C is also completed. The integration of the capacitor C is started from time t1 at this time, and the integration continues until the position indicated by reference numeral 311 where the signal φV is changed from Hi to Low, that is, until the time t2 when reading of the video signal in the next frame is started. Is done. The time between the times t1 and t2 is the integration time of the capacitor C, that is, the exposure time in imaging. This exposure time is controlled by controlling the time ΔS (length) for applying the signal φVPS at the medium potential M. This time ΔS is controlled by the sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522 via the timing generation circuit 31.

  The signal φVD is used to perform a potential operation in order to adjust to the operating range of the amplifier circuit (source follower amplifier) or to adjust an offset generated in the video signal or noise signal. Vh, Vm, and Vl of the signal φVD indicate high potential, medium potential, and low potential, respectively.

  As described above, the image sensor 30 can obtain an output signal that is linearly or logarithmically converted according to the luminance of the subject, and has a photoelectric conversion characteristic 320 as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 320 is divided into a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region with an inflection point 321 as a boundary. The inflection point 321 is a point where the linear characteristic region is switched to the logarithmic characteristic region, and the value of the sensor output at the inflection point 321 is indicated by Vth. In general, in a linear characteristic region, it is impossible to image a subject with a wide luminance range (the dynamic range is narrow), but the gradation of the entire image can be increased (high contrast can be obtained). In addition, a high-quality image with rich gradation can be obtained even for a dark subject (for example, a subject in cloudy weather or shade). On the other hand, in the logarithmic characteristic region, gradation at high luminance is poor, but it is possible to image a subject with a wide luminance range (wide dynamic range) and a bright subject (for example, exposed to direct sunlight or direct sunlight). Even if it is a subject in which sunlight is present behind), a high-quality image having a deep depth can be obtained including a dark part.

  By the way, this photoelectric conversion characteristic 320 (inflection point 321) can be changed (moved) by changing the difference between the Hi and Low voltages of the signal φVPS input to the source of the transistor T2. That is, assuming that the voltage at the time of Hi is VPH and the voltage at the time of Low is VPL, by changing the voltage difference ΔVPS (= VPH−VPL) (see FIG. 9), as shown in FIG. The characteristic 320 (inflection point 321) can be arbitrarily changed to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 322 (inflection point 324) or the photoelectric conversion characteristic 323 (inflection point 325). As the photoelectric conversion characteristics change in this manner, the ratio between the linear characteristic area and the logarithmic characteristic area changes, and as shown in the photoelectric conversion characteristics 322, the photoelectric conversion characteristics or the photoelectric conversion characteristics 323 have a large ratio of the linear characteristic areas. As shown in FIG. 3, photoelectric conversion characteristics having a large ratio of the logarithmic characteristic region can be obtained. In this case, you may change so that all the photoelectric conversion characteristics may become a linear characteristic area | region or a logarithmic characteristic area | region.

  In the present embodiment, ΔVPS is changed by changing the voltage VPH, and the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 are changed. In FIG. 11, as the VPH increases (the ΔVPS increases), the ratio of the linear characteristic region increases and changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 322 side, and as the VPH decreases (the ΔVPS decreases), the ratio of the logarithmic characteristic region increases. Thus, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 323 changes. This voltage VPH is controlled by a dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 via the timing generation circuit 31.

  In order to change the photoelectric conversion characteristics as described above, the time ΔT for applying the signal φVPS that becomes the voltage VPH may be changed. In this case, the photoelectric conversion characteristics change so that the proportion of the linear characteristic region increases as the time ΔT increases, and the proportion of the logarithmic characteristic region increases as the time ΔT decreases. In FIG. 11, the case where the time ΔT is long corresponds to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 322, and the case where the time ΔT is short corresponds to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 323.

(Evaluation Value Detection Step S1)
Next, a specific method for obtaining an evaluation value such as an AE evaluation value in the evaluation value detection unit 405 of the signal processing unit 40 will be described.
(Step S1-1) Evaluation Value Detection Example from Still Image FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example when the above-described imaging sensor 30 detects an AE evaluation value or the like of a subject from a still image actually captured. . That is, when a still image is shot (main shooting) with the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, a still image for acquiring an AE evaluation value is shot (preliminary shooting) before the main shooting, and the preliminary shooting is performed. The flow which calculates AE evaluation value based on an image is shown. This evaluation value detection method is a method suitable for an imaging apparatus such as a digital single-lens reflex camera or the like in which a subject light image is incident on the optical viewfinder and does not enter the imaging sensor 30 in the shooting preparation stage.

  First, in the state where the power switch 101 of the digital camera 1 is pressed and the power is turned on, it is confirmed whether an operation for starting shooting has been performed (step S111), and the release switch 102 is operated (for example, half-pressed). (YES in step S111), the preliminary shooting preparation operation is started (step S112).

  In step S112, the dynamic range control for the preliminary shooting is performed when the preliminary shooting is performed in order to calculate the AE evaluation value. In this dynamic range control, the imaging sensor 30 is controlled to have the maximum dynamic range so that the luminance of the subject can be sensed in a wide range. That is, in a digital single-lens reflex camera or the like, since there is only one chance for preliminary shooting before the main shooting, a wide dynamic range is set so that the luminance of any subject can be reliably detected.

  For this reason, the operation state of the image sensor 30 is controlled so that the image sensor 30 performs a logarithmic conversion output operation in the entire region. Specifically, when the release switch 102 is half-pressed, an instruction to shift to the preliminary photographing mode is issued from the overall control unit 50 to each unit, and the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 receives the instruction, for example, as shown in FIG. The signal φVPS input to the source of the transistor T2 shown in FIG. 9 changes the difference between the Hi and Low voltages (in this case, the aforementioned ΔVPS is reduced, see FIG. 9). Control is performed so that the ratio of the logarithmic characteristic region is increased. Note that, from the viewpoint of securing a wide dynamic range, it is desirable that the entire region be a logarithmic characteristic region, but it is not always necessary to convert the entire region into a logarithmic characteristic region, and a linear characteristic region may remain to some extent. .

  Subsequently, exposure control for preliminary shooting is performed, and preliminary shooting is performed (step S113). Specifically, for example, the sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522 generates a drive signal that sets the length of the time ΔS at which the signal φVPS becomes the medium potential M in accordance with a predetermined exposure time, and generates the timing thereof. By sending it to the circuit 31, exposure control for pre-shooting (exposure amount control) of the image sensor 30 is performed. In addition, adjustment of the shutter speed of the shutter 23 by the shutter drive unit 61 based on the control signal generated by the shutter control signal generation unit 523 and by the aperture drive unit 63 based on the control signal generated by the aperture control signal generation unit 525 Exposure control is also performed by adjusting the aperture 22. After such exposure control is performed, a preliminary image of a still image is performed. Based on the photographed preliminary photographed image, the evaluation value detection unit 405 calculates an AE evaluation value (step S114). This AE evaluation value calculation step will be described in detail later. When the AE evaluation value is calculated, the preliminary shooting ends (step S115), and the exposure control based on the AE evaluation value is performed, and then the main shooting is started (step S116). Although the case where the AE evaluation value is acquired has been described above, the AF evaluation value and the white balance evaluation value can be acquired in the same manner.

(Step S1-2) Evaluation Value Detection Example from Moving Image FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example in the case of detecting an AE evaluation value or the like of a subject from a moving image continuously captured by the image sensor 30. . That is, when the digital camera 1 is in a shooting standby mode, in a moving image shooting mode, or when the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is applied to a digital movie, all frame images captured by the imaging sensor 30 are captured. The flow which calculates AE evaluation value using is shown.

  First, it is confirmed whether or not an operation for starting shooting has been performed (step S121). For example, when the mode setting switch 105 is operated to enter the moving image shooting mode and the start of shooting is confirmed (YES in step S121), shooting of a moving image is performed. The process is started (step S122). Control values such as an imaging dynamic range, an exposure time, and an aperture at the start of imaging are set as initial setting values.

  Subsequently, an AE evaluation value is calculated by the evaluation value detection unit 405 based on the image captured in step S122 (step S123). Based on the detected AE evaluation value, the dynamic range control signal generator 521 changes the setting of the signal φVPS to control the dynamic range, and the shutter drive signal generator 523 and the aperture control signal generator 525 generate the dynamic range. The predetermined imaging AE control is performed by controlling the diaphragm by the control signal to be performed (step S124).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the photographing has been completed (step S125). If there is no photographing termination command (NO in step S125), the process returns to step S123 and the same AE evaluation value calculation and imaging AE control in step S124 are repeated. It is what That is, when moving image shooting is being performed, all of the captured images are used as evaluation images for AE evaluation value detection, and imaging AE control for the next shooting is performed based on the obtained AE evaluation values. The cycle of being performed is repeated. Note that not all of the photographed images are evaluated images, but a part of the photographed images (for example, a ratio of one image per several frames of the photographed images) may be used as an evaluation image, and an AE evaluation value may be acquired from the evaluation image. .

(Step S1-3) Calculation of Evaluation Value Next, the step of calculating the evaluation value in the above flow (the above steps S114 and S123) will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram for explaining the function of the evaluation value detection unit 405. The evaluation value detection unit 405 includes a divided photometry unit 4051, a histogram calculation unit 4052, and a saturation determination unit 4055.

  The split photometry unit 4051 performs photometry on a subject using a split photometry (multi-pattern photometry) method. That is, the division photometry unit 4051 divides a captured image obtained by imaging by the imaging sensor 30 into a predetermined number of regions (and sections), and the luminance in the captured image (each region or section) is an image signal (image data). It is to detect from. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a division state of an imaging region (photometric range) when performing division photometry with the imaging sensor. Reference numeral 330 denotes an imaging region (imaging region 330) obtained by imaging by the imaging sensor 30, and a subject is photographed (captured) in the imaging region 330. The imaging region 330 includes a large number of pixel information corresponding to the imaging elements constituting the imaging sensor 30, that is, luminance information of the subject. The imaging region 330 is divided into, for example, a central region that is the central portion of the imaging region 330 and a peripheral region that is a peripheral portion of the central region, and each of the central region and the peripheral region has a predetermined number of detection blocks (detection Divided into compartments). The central area is divided into 36 detection blocks such as A, B, C,... Z, AA, AB,... AJ blocks (A to AJ blocks). -It is divided into 16 detection blocks such as the 16th block. In the present embodiment, the subject imaged in the central area is referred to as the main subject (hereinafter, the central area is referred to as the main subject area 331), and the subject imaged in the peripheral area is referred to as the peripheral subject (hereinafter referred to as the peripheral object). The area is referred to as a peripheral subject area 332). Note that an area formed from the O, P, U, and V blocks in the central portion of the main subject area 331 is an AF area (AF area 333) where an AF evaluation value for focus control is detected. The luminance in the main subject area 331 (taken image) is referred to as main subject luminance, and the luminance in the peripheral subject area 332 is referred to as peripheral subject luminance.

  The histogram calculation unit 4052 calculates a main subject luminance histogram (distribution) for each of the A to AJ blocks, and uses the main subject luminance histogram for each of the A to AJ blocks, as shown in FIG. A main subject overall luminance histogram in the entire subject region 331 is calculated. Further, a peripheral subject luminance histogram for each of the first to sixteenth blocks is calculated, and a peripheral subject region 332 as shown in FIG. 16B is used by using the main subject luminance histogram for each of the first to sixteenth blocks. A luminance histogram of the entire surrounding subject is calculated.

  In addition, the histogram calculation unit 4052 calculates the luminance range of the entire main subject and the entire luminance range of the peripheral subject using the calculated main subject overall luminance histogram and surrounding subject overall luminance histogram. In this calculation, a cut-off is performed using a predetermined threshold, that is, luminance data having a frequency smaller than this threshold is not used. As shown in FIG. 16A, the main subject is cut off at the threshold D1, and the range of the minimum value L1 to the maximum value L8 of the luminance having a frequency equal to or higher than D1 is set as the entire main subject luminance range. Similarly, in the peripheral subject, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the threshold D2 is cut off, and the range from the minimum luminance value L12 to the maximum value L19 having a frequency equal to or higher than D2 is defined as the entire main subject luminance range. To do. The “foot cut” by this threshold is performed in order to reduce an error due to noise or the like. Note that the brightness (image (brightness) data) of each brightness histogram shown in FIG. 16 is set to L1 to L19 and the like here for convenience of explanation, but actually, for example, when handling image data of 8 bits, for example. 256 levels (gradations), for example, L1 to L256.

  The histogram calculation unit 4052 includes an average luminance calculation unit 4053 and a maximum / minimum luminance calculation unit 4054. The average luminance calculation unit 4053 calculates the average luminance of the main subject for each of the A to AJ blocks and the average luminance of the peripheral subjects for each of the first to sixteenth blocks. This average luminance is calculated for each of R, G, and B colors. In calculating the average luminance, the main subject luminance histogram and the peripheral subject luminance histogram are calculated for each of the A to AJ blocks and the first to sixteenth blocks, respectively, and a predetermined threshold value is set in the same manner as described above. The average luminance is obtained by performing “cutting” and averaging the luminance values after the cut.

  The maximum / minimum luminance calculation unit 4054 calculates the maximum / minimum luminance of the main subject for each of the A to AJ blocks and the maximum / minimum luminance of the peripheral subject for each of the first to sixteenth blocks. Similarly, in this case, the main subject luminance histogram or the peripheral subject luminance histogram calculated for each block is “cut off” at a predetermined threshold value, and the maximum or Calculate the minimum luminance.

  The histogram calculation unit 4052 calculates an entire region luminance histogram in the entire imaging region (imaging region 330) including the main subject region 331 and the peripheral subject region 332 to be used for saturation determination by a saturation determination unit 4055 described later. However, the whole area luminance histogram may be calculated by combining the main subject whole luminance histogram and the peripheral subject whole luminance histogram.

  The saturation determination unit 4055 determines whether or not the output of the image sensor 30 is saturated at the time of detecting the AE (AF, WB) evaluation value, based on the whole region luminance histogram calculated by the histogram calculation unit 4052. is there.

  FIG. 17 is a graph showing an example of the entire region luminance histogram when the output of the image sensor is saturated. Pmax in the figure indicates the sensor incident luminance (saturated luminance) when the image sensor 30 is at the saturation output level Vmax (the maximum value of the output level of the image sensor 30), and Pmaxth is saturated / unsaturated. The sensor incident luminance (luminance threshold value) with respect to the sensor output Vmaxth set as a predetermined threshold value for discrimination is shown. Similarly, Dth indicates a frequency (frequency threshold) that is set in advance as a threshold value in order to similarly determine saturation / non-saturation. However, the Vmax may be a saturated output level as an actual maximum output level, or may be an arbitrarily set saturated output level (for example, an output level set somewhat lower than the actual maximum output level). Good.

  The saturation determination unit 4055 has a total frequency in the shaded area (referred to as a saturated area 342) indicated by reference numeral 342 in the entire area luminance histogram 341 that is equal to or higher than the luminance threshold Pmaxth and the frequency threshold Dth, that is, the total number of pixels (saturation). When the number of saturated pixels is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it is determined that the output level of the image sensor 30 is saturated (if less than the predetermined number) It is not saturated). Saturation / non-saturation may be determined using only the frequency (number of pixels) of the saturation luminance Pmax.

  As described above, the evaluation value detection unit 405 performs split photometry, and calculates the average luminance, maximum / minimum luminance, luminance histogram, luminance range, etc. from luminance information (image data) in each detection block of the main subject and the surrounding subject area. Is detected as an AE (AF, WB) evaluation value. This evaluation value data is sent to the parameter calculation unit corresponding to various evaluation values of the calculation unit 510 via the information receiving unit 501, for example, the AE control parameter calculation unit 5110 if it is an AE evaluation value, and AF control if it is an AF evaluation value. If it is a WB evaluation value, it is output to the parameter calculation part 513 to the white balance control parameter calculation part 514, and various control parameters are calculated in each calculation part based on this evaluation value.

(AE control parameter calculation step S2)
Subsequently, AE control by exposure amount control and dynamic range control based on the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below. FIG. 18 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor change when AE control is performed. FIG. 18A shows changes when exposure amount control is performed, and FIG. 18B shows dynamics. It is a figure which shows the change in the case of performing range control. 18A and 18B, the horizontal axis represents sensor incident luminance, the vertical axis represents sensor output, and the horizontal axis represents logarithmic coordinates (logarithmic value of sensor incident luminance). However, the sensor incident luminance indicates the luminance of the subject incident on the image sensor 30, and is hereinafter simply referred to as luminance.

Specifically, the exposure amount control and the dynamic range control are performed based on the following controls (A) and (B).
(A) Exposure amount control based on controlling the exposure time in the shutter 23 and / or the image sensor 30, that is, the opening time of the shutter 23 and / or the integration time of the image sensor 30, and / or the opening area of the aperture 23.
(B) Dynamic range control based on control of photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 (specifically, control of the inflection point position of the photoelectric conversion characteristics; see FIG. 22).

  In the present embodiment, when performing the AE control, priority is given to either the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter related to the exposure amount control (A) or the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter related to the dynamic range control (B). This is a characteristic point. First, each of the controls (A) and (B) will be described, and the priority given to the calculation of one of the control parameters will be described in detail later.

(Step S2-1) Calculation of Exposure Amount Control Parameter First, exposure amount control in the case of (A) will be described with reference to FIG. The photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 is the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor 30 stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value. The photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 is divided into a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region with an inflection point 603 (sensor output at this time is Vth) as a boundary. This photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 is an exposure amount control parameter for obtaining an exposure amount that changes to a photoelectric conversion property 602 that provides a predetermined sensor output with respect to a predetermined luminance for exposure amount setting (brightness for exposure amount setting). Exposure amount setting value), that is, an exposure time setting value for controlling the exposure time and an aperture setting value for controlling the aperture area of the aperture are calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511.

  Here, the sensor output value (sensor output at point 605) with respect to a predetermined luminance Lt1 (corresponding to the exposure amount setting luminance) in the linear characteristic region of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 is Vtarget (sensor output at point 606). In other words, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 602 is changed in the direction indicated by the arrow 608 (the direction of the arrow 608) so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 becomes the photoelectric conversion characteristic 602 passing through the point 606 ( (At this time, the inflection point 603 is translated to the inflection point 604 and the value of the sensor output Vth does not change). Note that Vtarget is a target output that is a certain target of sensor output, and is a preset value. This Vtarget is stored in the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 or the like.

  In this case, the sensor output at the luminance Lt1 increases from the sensor output at the point 605 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 to the sensor output (Vtarget) at the point 606 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 602, that is, a sensor for the same luminance. An exposure time setting value and an aperture setting value that can increase the exposure amount are calculated so that the output increases. From another viewpoint, the luminance corresponding to Vtarget changes from Lt2 (luminance at the point 607) to Lt1, that is, the exposure amount is such that the luminance for obtaining the sensor output of Vtarget is Lt1 smaller than Lt2. Increased exposure time setting values and aperture setting values are calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511. At this time, based on the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value, the opening time of the shutter 23 or the integration time by the imaging sensor 30 is increased, and the opening area of the aperture 22 is controlled to be increased.

  When the photoelectric conversion characteristic 601 changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 602, the luminance at Vmax changes (decreases) from Lm2 to Lm1, and the dynamic range decreases. Vmax is the maximum value of the sensor output in the image sensor 30, that is, the saturation output level. However, the Vmax may be a saturation output level as a physical maximum output level, or an arbitrarily set saturation output level (for example, an output level set somewhat lower than the physical maximum output level). It is good.

  In the case of FIG. 18A, the photoelectric conversion characteristic is changed in the direction of the arrow 608 in order to obtain Vtarget with respect to the exposure amount setting luminance (Lt1). (Direction) may be changed (moved). Further, when the photoelectric conversion characteristic at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value has already obtained Vtarget with respect to the exposure amount setting luminance as described above, the photoelectric conversion characteristic is not changed (moved). However, in this case, even if the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value at the time of the previous acquisition of the AE evaluation value become the same value, the current exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value are calculated. Good.

(Step S2-2) Calculation of Dynamic Range Control Parameter Next, dynamic range control in the case of (B) will be described with reference to FIG. The photoelectric conversion characteristic 701 is the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the imaging sensor 30 stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 when the AE evaluation value is acquired. The photoelectric conversion characteristic 701 is divided into a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region with an inflection point 703 (sensor output at this time is Vth1) as a boundary. The dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value) is a photoelectric conversion characteristic 702 in which the photoelectric conversion characteristic 701 provides a predetermined sensor output with respect to predetermined dynamic range setting luminance (dynamic range setting luminance). The control value of the photoelectric conversion characteristic that can be changed, specifically, the setting relating to the position of the inflection point (inflection point 704) in the photoelectric conversion characteristic (702) after the change (output level for the inflection point). Calculated as a value. This photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512.

  Here, the luminance Lm20 set as the maximum luminance in the dynamic range is set as the subject luminance for dynamic range setting, and the value of the sensor output for the luminance Lm20 is the saturation output level Vmax (shown in FIG. 18A). The photoelectric conversion characteristic curve 702 is calculated so as to be the same as Vmax. In other words, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 701 is changed in the direction indicated by the arrow 705 (in the direction of the arrow 705) so as to become the photoelectric conversion characteristic 702 passing through the point 704. At this time, the inflection point 703 moves to the inflection point 704, and the sensor output for the inflection point also changes from Vth1 to Vth2.

  In this case, a photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated such that the sensor output at luminance Lm20 is reduced from the sensor output at point 706 (Vover: sensor output value exceeding Vmax) to the sensor output at point 707 (Vmax). . From another point of view, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value such that the maximum luminance capable of obtaining the sensor output Vmax increases from Lm10 (luminance at the point 708) to Lm20 (expands the dynamic range) Calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512.

  Note that when the photoelectric conversion characteristic 701 changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 702, the luminance in Vtarget changes (increases) from Lt10 to Lt20, and the exposure amount decreases. However, the Vtarget shown in FIG. 18B is set to explain the change in the exposure amount, and may be different from the value of Vtarget shown in FIG.

  In the case of FIG. 18B, in order to obtain Vmax with respect to the dynamic range setting luminance (Lm20), the photoelectric conversion characteristic is changed in the arrow 705 direction. The direction may be changed. In addition, when the photoelectric conversion characteristic at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value is such that Vmax is obtained with respect to the dynamic range setting luminance as described above, the photoelectric conversion characteristic is not changed. However, in this case, even if it becomes the same value as the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value at the time of the previous AE evaluation value acquisition, the configuration in which the current photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated may be used.

  As described above, the exposure amount setting brightness is photographed in the linear characteristic region of the photoelectric conversion characteristic by the AE control by the exposure amount control of (A) and the dynamic range control of (B), and output at a predetermined sensor output level. At the same time, it is possible to take a picture so that the dynamic range setting brightness (here, the maximum brightness of the subject; the maximum brightness in the dynamic range) is equal to or lower than the sensor saturation output level.

(Detailed explanation of exposure amount control parameter calculation method)
Here, in the case of the exposure amount control of FIG. 18A, the exposure amount control parameter (exposure time setting value and the exposure time control value) by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 based on the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405. The calculation of (aperture setting value) will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a calculation method for causing the sensor output value to be Vtarget with respect to the luminance Lt1 (exposure amount setting luminance) in FIG. A photoelectric conversion characteristic α1 in the figure is a photoelectric conversion characteristic at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value, and is divided into a linear characteristic region 612 and a logarithmic characteristic region 613 with an inflection point 611 (sensor output corresponding thereto is Vth) as a boundary. . The photoelectric conversion characteristic β1 indicates a photoelectric conversion characteristic when the logarithmic characteristic region 613 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic α1 is converted into a linear characteristic (linear characteristic region 614), that is, all of which become a linear characteristic region.

  LtLin at point A shown in FIG. 19 is the average luminance (linear characteristic region average luminance) in the linear characteristic region 612 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic α1, and the sensor output for this luminance LtLin is VtLin. LtLog at point B is the average luminance in the logarithmic characteristic region 613 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic α1 (logarithmic characteristic region average luminance), and the sensor output for this luminance LtLog is VtLog. First, the point B for LtLog in the logarithmic characteristic region 613 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic α1 moves to the point C on the linear characteristic region 614, that is, the sensor output value (VtLog) for LtLog in the logarithmic characteristic region 613 is a linear characteristic. Data conversion is performed so as to be the value (VtLogLin) in the region 614 (by this, each data in the photoelectric conversion characteristic α1 can be unified and handled as data in the linear characteristic region). Data conversion from the logarithmic characteristic region 613 (photoelectric conversion characteristic α1) to the linear characteristic region 614 (photoelectric conversion characteristic β1) is performed using the LUT stored in the LUT storage unit 518. Then, the sensor output VtAve at the point D is calculated from the VtLin at the point A and the VtLogLin at the point C by the following formula. Note that the luminance LtAve in VtAve corresponds to Lt1 as the exposure amount setting luminance shown in FIG.

VtAve = (VtLin * k1) + (VtLogLin * (1-k1))
However, k1 = m / (m + n)
m: the total number of pixels used when calculating the luminance LtLin of point A n: the total number of pixels used when calculating the luminance LtLog of point B VtAve is calculated from the values of VtLin and VtLogLin.

  Next, the exposure gain A gain such that this VtAve becomes the V target shown in FIG. 18A, the exposure time gain Gt based on the exposure gain A and the aperture gain Gs. Further, the exposure time T2 and the aperture area S2 of the stop based on the amplification factors Gt and Gs are calculated by the following equations. However, the calculation of the values of Gt and Gs using the respective equations is determined by case classification according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Gain = Vtarget / VtAve
Gt * Gs = Gain

≪Formula for calculating amplification factor for exposure time≫
Tmax / T1 = Gtmax (maximum amplification factor of exposure time)
Tmin / T1 = Gtmin (minimum gain of exposure time)
Gain / Gtmax = GGtmax (amplification factor to compensate for the shortage at the maximum amplification factor)
Gain / Gtmin = GGtmin (amplification factor to compensate for the shortage at the minimum amplification factor)
T2 = T1 * Gt
T1: Exposure time when AE evaluation value is detected
T2: Exposure time after AE correction
Tmax: Maximum exposure time of the image sensor 30
Tmin: Minimum exposure time of the image sensor 30

≪Formula for calculating the gain related to the aperture≫
Smax / S1 = Gsmax (maximum aperture gain)
Smin / S1 = Gsmin (minimum aperture gain)
Gain / Gsmax = GGsmax (amplification factor to compensate for the shortage at the maximum amplification factor)
Gain / Gsmin = GGsmin (amplification factor to compensate for the shortage at the minimum amplification factor)
S2 = S1 * Gs
However, S1: Aperture aperture area when AE evaluation value is detected
S2: Aperture aperture area after AE correction
Smax: Maximum aperture ratio of the diaphragm 22
Smin: Minimum aperture ratio of the diaphragm 22

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, when VtAve is the same value as the value of Vtarget, that is, the exposure amount gain Gain = 1.0, the exposure amount control (change of the exposure amount control parameter) is performed. If not necessary (YES in step S11), the exposure time gain Gt = 1.0 and the aperture gain Gs = 1.0 (step S12), and the exposure time and aperture aperture area are not changed. When the gain Gain is not 1.0 (NO in step S11), and Gain> 1.0 (YES in step S13) and Gain> Gtmax is not satisfied (NO in step S14), that is, Gain is If the exposure amount control is larger than 1.0 and the exposure amount gain Gain can be dealt with by the exposure time gain Gt (the gain Gt below the maximum gain Gtmax), Gt = Gain. And Gs = 1.0 (step S15).

  In Step S13, if Gain> 1.0 is not satisfied (NO in Step S13) and Gain <Gtmin is not satisfied (NO in Step S16), Gain is smaller than 1.0 as in Step S15. The exposure amount needs to be controlled, and the exposure amount gain Gain can be handled by the exposure time gain Gt (amplification rate Gt greater than or equal to the minimum gain Gtmin), so that Gt = Gain and Gs = 1.0. (Step S17).

If Gain> Gtmax in step S14 (YES in step S14) and Gsmax> GGtmax (YES in step S18), Gt = Gtmax and Gs = GGtmax are satisfied (step S19). In this step S19, the amplification factor Gain of the exposure amount becomes a value larger than the maximum amplification factor Gtmax of the exposure time, and without changing the aperture amplification factor Gs (Gs = 1.0), Since the amplification rate Gt alone cannot be used, the shortage of the amplification rate of Gt relative to the gain is handled (supplemented) by changing the aperture amplification rate Gs. However, as the value of the aperture gain Gs, the gain GGtmax for compensating for the shortage of the exposure time with the maximum gain Gtmax is used. This is because the amplification factor GGtmax is smaller than the maximum aperture amplification factor Gsmax (it is not necessary to use the maximum aperture amplification factor Gsmax), and therefore the amplification factor GGtmax related to the exposure time is used. This saves the effort of calculating the value (amplification factor) for controlling the diaphragm using the formula for calculating the amplification factor for the diaphragm.

  If Gain <Gtmin in step S16 (YES in step S16) and Gsmin <GGtmin (YES in step S21), Gt = Gtmin and Gs = GGtmin are satisfied (step S22). In this case as well, as in step S19, the gain of the exposure amount is smaller than the minimum gain Gtmin of the exposure time, and the aperture gain Gs is not changed (Gs = 1.0). ) Since the exposure time gain Gt cannot be dealt with alone, the shortage of the gain gain of Gt relative to Gain is dealt with by changing the aperture gain Gs. However, an amplification factor GGtmin for compensating for the shortage of the minimum amplification factor Gtmin of the exposure time is used as the value of the amplification factor Gs of the diaphragm. This is because the gain GGtmin is smaller than the minimum aperture gain Gsmin (it is not necessary to use the minimum aperture gain Gsmin), and therefore the gain GGtmin related to the exposure time is used. In this case as well, the effort to calculate the value (amplification factor) for controlling the diaphragm using the formula for calculating the amplification factor for the diaphragm is saved.

  If Gsmax> GGtmax is not satisfied in step S18 (NO in step S18), Gt = Gtmax and Gs = Gsmax are satisfied (step S20). In step S21, when Gsmin <GGtmin is not satisfied (NO in step S21), Gt = Gtmin and Gs = Gsmin are satisfied (step S23). In step S20, when the gain GGtmax is equal to or greater than the maximum aperture gain Gsmax, the maximum gain Gsmax is used as the aperture gain Gs. Similarly, in step S23, when the gain GGtmin is equal to or less than the minimum gain Gsmin of the aperture, the minimum gain Gsmin is used as the value of the aperture gain Gs.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, when selecting a control parameter for obtaining the exposure amount gain Gain, priority is given to the exposure time gain Gt (exposure time control). (Prioritized) may be configured to prioritize the aperture gain Gs (prioritize aperture control). In this embodiment, the amplification factors Gt and Gs are calculated for one exposure amount setting luminance (Lt1), but the same calculation is performed for two or more exposure amount setting luminances. In this case, an average value of the amplification factors (Gt, Gs) calculated respectively, or a configuration using a maximum value or a minimum value may be used.

  In this way, the amplification factors Gt and Gs are calculated, and the exposure time T2 after AE correction and the aperture area S2 of the stop after AE correction are calculated from the Gt and Gs, respectively. Then, a setting value (exposure time setting value) for the image sensor 30 and the shutter 23 according to T2 and S2, or a setting value (aperture setting value) for the aperture 22 is calculated by data conversion using the LUT, respectively. Then, the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value obtained by the data conversion are stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 (or the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value at the time of the previous AE evaluation value acquisition are The configuration may be such that it is updated with the newly obtained same set value (the same applies to the following photoelectric conversion characteristic set values).

  The shutter control signal generation unit 523 and the aperture control signal generation unit 525 are based on the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511, respectively. A control signal for the shutter drive unit 61 and the aperture drive unit 63 is generated such that (integration time) becomes T2 or the aperture area of the aperture 22 becomes S2.

  Here, a specific calculation method of the sensor output level VtLin corresponding to the linear characteristic region average luminance LtLin and the logarithmic characteristic region average luminance LtLog shown in FIG. 19 will be described. First, a method for calculating the sensor output level VtLin corresponding to the linear characteristic region average luminance LtLin will be described. Based on the luminance information of the subject detected by each detection block (A to AJ blocks) in the main subject region 331 shown in FIG. 15, the average luminance (referred to as block linear average luminance) in the linear characteristic region for each detection block is calculated. calculate. The calculation of the block linear average luminance is performed using an average value (referred to as a color linear average value) of linear characteristic regions of the three colors R, G, and B. That is, the color linear average values of the R colors obtained from the A to AJ blocks are calculated as AveRA, AveRB,... AveRAJ, and similarly, the color linear average values of the G color and the B color are respectively AveGA, AveGB, ... AveGAJ, AveBA, AveBB, ... AveBAJ are calculated. Then, using the color linear average value of each of the RGB colors, the block linear average luminance for each of the A to AJ blocks is calculated by the following formula for performing color space conversion. For example, when the block linear average luminance for the A block is AveYA, AveYA can be obtained by the following equation.

AveYA = AveRA * K1 + AveGA * K2 + AveBA * K3
However, K1, K2, K3: coefficients used for color space conversion from RGB to YCbCr, for example, K1 = 0.22989, K2 = 0.5866, and K3 = 0.1145.

  The same calculation is performed for the other B to AJ blocks, and as a result, block linear average luminances AveYA, AveYB,... AveYAJ for each of the A to AJ blocks are calculated. Further, an average value of these block linear average luminances AveYA, AveYB,... AveYAJ is calculated. When this average value is MainY, MainY becomes a sensor output level VtLin corresponding to the linear characteristic region average luminance LtLin.

  On the other hand, the calculation of the sensor output level VtLog corresponding to the logarithmic characteristic region average luminance LtLog is also performed in the same manner as in the case of the linear characteristic region average luminance LtLin. That is, based on the luminance information of the subject detected by the A to AJ blocks in the main subject region 331 shown in FIG. The block logarithmic average luminance is calculated using the average value (referred to as the color logarithmic average value) of the logarithmic characteristic areas of the three colors R, G, and B. That is, the average logarithm values of R colors obtained from the A to AJ blocks are calculated as AveRLogA, AveRLogB,... AveRLogAJ, respectively, and similarly, the average logarithm values of G color and B color are respectively AveGLLogA, AveGLLogB ... AveGLogAJ, AveBlogA, AveBlogB, ... AveBlogAJ.

  By the way, the color logarithm average value of each color of RGB in these logarithmic characteristic areas is temporarily converted into values in the linear characteristic area using the LUT stored in the LUT storage unit 518, and is set as linear data. Using the color space conversion formula as described above, the block logarithmic average brightness AveYLogA, AveYLogB,... AveYLogAJ is calculated for each of the A to AJ blocks. Further, the average value of these block logarithmic average luminances AveYLogA, AveYLogB,... AveYLogAJ is calculated. When this average value is MainYLog, MainYLog becomes the sensor output level VtLogLin corresponding to the linear characteristic region average luminance LtLog. The color linear average value (color logarithm average value) of each color in each of the A to AJ blocks calculates a luminance histogram in the linear characteristic region (logarithmic characteristic region) for each of the A to AJ blocks and also calculates the luminance histogram. May be calculated by averaging the luminance values after the cut.

  By the way, the specific calculation method of the gain Gain (exposure amount control parameter) described in FIGS. 19 and 20 may be as follows. First, the maximum luminance value (referred to as the color maximum value) for each RGB color in each of the A to AJ blocks in the main subject region 331 is calculated. That is, the maximum value of R color is calculated as MaxRA, MaxRB,... MaxRAJ, and similarly, the maximum value of G color and B color is set to MaxGA, MaxGB,... MaxGAJ, MaxBA, MaxBB,.・ ・ Calculated as MaxBAJ. Then, by using the maximum value of the luminance for each color, the block maximum luminance for each of the A to AJ blocks is calculated by the following equation for performing color space conversion. For example, when the block maximum luminance for the A block is MaxYA, MaxYA can be obtained by the following equation.

MaxYA = MaxRA * K1 + MaxGA * K2 + MaxBA * K3
However, similarly to the above, for example, K1 = 0.22989, K2 = 0.5866, and K3 = 0.1145. The same calculation is performed for the other B to AJ blocks, and as a result, the block maximum brightness MaxYA, MaxYB,... MaxYAJ for each of the A to AJ blocks is calculated. Further, the maximum value of these block maximum luminances MaxYA, MaxYB,... MaxYAJ (referred to as the maximum luminance value in the main subject region 331) is calculated. When this maximum luminance value is MaxY, MaxY becomes a sensor output level VtAve2 corresponding to the luminance Ltmax shown in FIG.

  Similarly, the minimum luminance value (color minimum value) of each RGB color in each of the A to AJ blocks is set to MinRA, MinRB, ... MinRAJ, and MinGA, MinGB, ... MinGAJ, and MinBA, MinBB,. ... Calculated as MinBAJ, and using these minimum values, block minimum luminance MinYA, MinYB,... MinYAJ for each of the A to AJ blocks is calculated by the same color space conversion formula as described above. Further, the minimum value of the entire block minimum brightness MinYA, MinYB,... MinYAJ (referred to as the minimum brightness value in the main subject area a2) is calculated. When this minimum luminance value is MinY, MinY becomes a sensor output level VtAve1 corresponding to the luminance Ltmin shown in FIG.

  However, among the maximum color value and the minimum color value, the value in the logarithmic characteristic region is similarly converted to the linear characteristic region using the LUT and then subjected to color space conversion. The maximum color value and the minimum color value of each color in each of the A to AJ blocks are calculated by calculating a luminance histogram for each of the A to AJ blocks and performing “cut off” of the luminance histogram. You may calculate from a luminance value.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 21, an amplification factor (Vtarget1 / VtAve1; referred to as a first amplification factor) is calculated such that the sensor output value VtAve1 with respect to the luminance Ltmin becomes Vtarget1 that is a preset target output value. An amplification factor (Vtarget2 / VtAve2; referred to as a second amplification factor) is calculated such that the sensor output value VtAve2 with respect to the luminance Ltmax becomes Vtarget2 that is a preset target output value, and the smaller one of these two amplification factors 20 is selected, and the selected amplification factor is set as the gain of the exposure amount, and the cases are classified as shown in FIG. 20, and the gain Gt of the exposure time and the gain Gs of the aperture are calculated. It may be a configuration.

  As described above, the larger one of the first and second amplification factors may be selected, or the first or second amplification factor may be selected instead of comparing the first and second amplification factors. A configuration may be used in which only two amplification factors are calculated and used. Moreover, the structure using what averaged these 1st and 2nd amplification factors may be used. The values of Vtarget1 and Vtarget2 are stored in the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 and the like.

  Further, the minimum luminance value MinY and the maximum luminance value MaxY may be calculated from the entire luminance histogram of the entire A to AJ block obtained by collecting the luminance histograms of the respective A to AJ blocks. In this case, the “luminance range” in the entire luminance histogram is calculated by performing “foot cut” in the same manner, and the minimum luminance value MinY and the maximum luminance value MaxY are calculated from the luminance range. At the time of the calculation, the minimum luminance value MinY = maximum luminance value MaxY−luminance range, or the maximum luminance value MaxY = minimum luminance value MinY + luminance range. The other luminance value may be obtained.

(Detailed explanation of dynamic range control parameter calculation method)
Subsequently, the dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value) by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 based on the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405 in the case of the exposure amount control in FIG. ) Will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 22 is a graph for explaining a method of calculating the position of the inflection point in the photoelectric conversion characteristic when calculating the dynamic range control parameter. FIG. 22A shows a predetermined sensor output with respect to the luminance Lmax. It is a figure at the time of changing a photoelectric conversion characteristic, (b) is a figure at the time of modeling a photoelectric conversion characteristic. First, in FIG. 22A, the luminance Lmax is the dynamic range setting luminance, and corresponds to, for example, Lm20 shown in FIG. The photoelectric conversion characteristic α2 indicates the photoelectric conversion characteristic before the change having the inflection point 711, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic β2 indicates the photoelectric conversion characteristic after the change having the inflection point 712. Vmax2 indicates the saturation output level (maximum output level) of the image sensor 30. The photoelectric conversion characteristic is changed so that the value of the sensor output with respect to the luminance Lmax shifts from Vmax1 at the point E on the photoelectric conversion characteristic α2 to Vmax2 at the point F on the photoelectric conversion characteristic β2. In this case, the photoelectric conversion characteristic α2 changes from the sensor output Vth1 at the inflection point 711 to the state of the photoelectric conversion characteristic β2 in accordance with the change amount ΔVth of the inflection point that becomes the sensor output Vth2 at the inflection point 712.

  By the way, the Vth2 is calculated from the sensor output ΔVmax (= Vmax2−Vmax1) between the points E and F. This will be described. As shown in FIG. 22B, when the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region in the photoelectric conversion characteristics α2 and β2 are modeled (graphed) and expressed by functions (formulas), they are expressed as follows.

Function modeling the linear characteristic region: V = K2 * L (common to photoelectric conversion characteristics α2 and β2)
Function modeling logarithmic characteristic region: V = K1 * ln (L) + Wα (photoelectric conversion characteristic α2)
: V = K1 * ln (L) + Wβ (photoelectric conversion characteristic β2)
However, K1 and K2 are constants, L is the sensor incident luminance (horizontal axis coordinates in FIG. 22), and Wα and Wβ are intercepts.

  Here, since ΔVmax is expressed as ΔVmax = Wβ−Wα, the formula of V = K1 * ln (L) + Wβ is expressed as V = K1 * ln (L) + Wα + ΔVmax. The sensor output value at the intersection 713 between this equation and the equation V = K2 * L is Vth2. Therefore, the simultaneous expression of the two formulas for calculating the intersection point 713 (coordinates thereof); a value of “L” that satisfies K1 * ln (L) + Wα + ΔVmax = K2 * L, that is, the luminance L shown in FIG. Vth2 of the sensor output corresponding to the luminance L is calculated. However, when the calculated output level Vth2 is higher than the saturation output level Vmax2, the imaging sensor 30 has a photoelectric conversion characteristic only in a linear characteristic region without a logarithmic characteristic region.

  Then, a setting value for the image sensor 30 corresponding to Vth2 calculated as described above, that is, a setting value (photoelectric conversion characteristic) for changing the photoelectric conversion characteristic so that the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic becomes the position of Vth2. Setting value) is calculated by data conversion of the Vth2 using the LUT. Then, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value corresponding to the inflection point Vth2 obtained by the data conversion is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516. The dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 has the photoelectric conversion characteristic (the inflection point position) of the image sensor 30 based on the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 as described above. A control signal for the timing generation circuit 31 that changes is generated.

  Incidentally, a specific calculation method of the sensor output level Vmax1 corresponding to the luminance Lmax which is the dynamic range setting luminance shown in FIG. 22 is as follows. First, similar to the calculation of the sensor output level VtLog corresponding to the logarithmic characteristic area average luminance LtLog in FIG. 19, the logarithmic characteristic area average luminance in the main subject area 331 (A to AJ blocks) shown in FIG. 15 is calculated. The logarithmic characteristic area average luminance in the peripheral subject area 332 (first to sixteenth blocks) is calculated in the same manner as in the main subject area 331. Then, the logarithmic characteristic area average luminance calculated in the main subject area 331 and the peripheral subject area 332 is compared to select the larger logarithmic characteristic area average luminance, and the sensor output level corresponding to the selected logarithmic characteristic area average luminance is selected. Is Vmax1.

  Note that, in the main subject region 331 and the peripheral subject region 332, not only the logarithmic characteristic region average luminance but also the sensor output corresponding to the linear characteristic region average luminance similar to the linear characteristic region average luminance LtLin in FIG. A total characteristic area average luminance obtained by averaging the linear characteristic area average luminance and the logarithmic characteristic area average luminance is calculated for each of the subject area 331 and the peripheral subject area 332, and the larger of the total characteristic area average luminance in each of these areas is calculated. The sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax may be used. However, if the luminances are the same, any luminance value may be used as the sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax (and so on).

  In addition, the sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax may be obtained from the logarithmic characteristic area average luminance (or the total characteristic area average luminance combined with the linear characteristic area average luminance) only in the main subject area 331, or a peripheral object. The sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax may be obtained from the logarithmic characteristic area average luminance only in the area 332 (or the total characteristic area average luminance combined with the linear characteristic area average luminance).

  Further, a specific method for calculating the sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax may be as follows. That is, first, similarly to the calculation of the sensor output corresponding to the maximum luminance value Ltmax (MaxY) in FIG. The calculation is performed in the same manner as in the main subject area 331. Then, the maximum luminance values calculated in the main subject region 331 and the peripheral subject region 332 are compared to select a larger maximum luminance value, a sensor output level corresponding to the selected maximum luminance value is obtained, and this output level The luminance corresponding to is defined as luminance Lmax. The sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax may be obtained from the maximum luminance value only in the main subject region 331, or the sensor output corresponding to the luminance Lmax may be obtained from the maximum luminance value only in the peripheral subject region 332. It may be a configuration.

  Incidentally, the control of the photoelectric conversion characteristic (inflection point position) based on the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value as shown in FIG. 22 is actually the saturation determination unit 4055 (see FIG. 14) as described in FIG. ) Is performed when it is determined that the output level of the image sensor 30 is not saturated, and when it is determined that the output level is saturated, according to the number of saturated pixels, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the photoelectric conversion characteristics are changed so that the output level at the inflection point is reduced by ΔVth, that is, the dynamic range is expanded by the imaging sensor 30 so as to enable shooting on the higher luminance side. Let Here, the photoelectric conversion characteristic α3 is changed to the photoelectric conversion characteristic β3. However, as shown in FIG. 23B, the value of ΔVth is set to increase as the number of saturated pixels increases, and ΔVth corresponding to the number of saturated pixels is calculated by data conversion by LUT. It is the structure performed by. Then, the calculated ΔVth is subtracted from the output level Vth1 at the inflection point 721 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic α3 at the time of calculation at the time of the AE evaluation value, so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic β3 after the change (compared with the photoelectric conversion characteristic α3). Thus, the output level Vth2 at the inflection point 722 of the characteristic that the dynamic range becomes wide is obtained. Further, a set value (photoelectric conversion characteristic set value) for the image sensor 30 corresponding to the obtained Vth2 is calculated by data conversion by the LUT. Then, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value corresponding to the inflection point Vth2 obtained by the data conversion is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516.

  As described above, the AE control is performed by the exposure amount control (A) and the dynamic range control (B). Here, in the exposure amount control and the dynamic range control, that is, the exposure amount control parameter and the dynamic range control. Prioritizing either one in the parameter calculation will be described in detail below.

In performing the AE control by the exposure amount control and the dynamic range control, calculation of either the exposure amount control parameter or the dynamic range control parameter is performed with priority (emphasis), that is, as the order (priority order) in which the parameter calculation is performed. In some cases (1) and (2) below.
(1) Exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode: First, the exposure amount control parameter is calculated, and then the dynamic range control parameter is calculated.
(2) Dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode: First, after calculating the dynamic range control parameter, the exposure amount control parameter is calculated.

  First, a case where priority is given to the calculation of the exposure control parameter (1) will be described. FIG. 24 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 change when performing AE control in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode. FIG. 24A shows the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter. (B) shows the change when the dynamic range control parameter is calculated. However, the parameter calculation in FIG. 24A is first performed, and then the parameter calculation in FIG. 24B is performed.

  In FIG. 24 (a), the image sensor for the subject brightness (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount in the linear characteristic region by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 using the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405. Calculation of exposure amount control parameters (exposure amount setting value; exposure time setting value and aperture setting value) such that 30 sensor outputs become a predetermined target output level (Vtarget) (such a photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained) Is done. The method for calculating the exposure amount control parameter is the same as that in the case of FIG. When calculating the exposure amount control parameter in FIG. 24A, the exposure amount is changed so as to change from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 621 at the time of detecting the AE evaluation value to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 622 so that the sensor output of the luminance Lt1 is Vtarget. An exposure amount control parameter capable of increasing (exposure time and aperture opening area) is calculated. However, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 621 may be a photoelectric conversion characteristic that is fixed (stored) in advance and stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, or a photoelectric conversion characteristic that was set in the previous AE control. May be.

  Subsequently, after the exposure amount control parameter is calculated in FIG. 24A, the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 24B is calculated. At this time, by using the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 outputs the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30 to the subject luminance for setting the dynamic range (Lm20 which is the maximum subject luminance). However, the dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value) is calculated such that the predetermined output level (saturated output level Vmax of the image sensor 30) is obtained (such a photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained). The method for calculating the dynamic range control parameter is the same as that in the case of FIG. When calculating the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 24B, the output level of the inflection point is changed so as to change from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 731 to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 732 so that the sensor output of the luminance Lm20 is Vmax. The dynamic range control parameter is calculated such that is reduced from Vth1 to Vth2. However, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 731 corresponds to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 622 after the exposure amount control parameter calculation in FIG.

Incidentally, when the dynamic range control parameter is calculated in FIG. 24B (when the photoelectric conversion characteristic 731 is changed to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 732), the output level Vth2 of the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 732 after the change. When the value of Vth2 is lower than a predetermined output level Vlimit, correction of the output level of Vth2, specifically, the output level Vth2 is set so that the output level Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit. An operation of raising (increasing) by a predetermined output level is performed. This Vlimit is preset based on Vtarget in FIG. 24A as shown in the following equation.
Vlimit = Vtarget + ΔV
ΔV: Predetermined output level amount As this ΔV, for example, the exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control (FIG. 24A), that is, the exposure whose output level with respect to the subject luminance Lt1 becomes the target output level Vtarget. An amount of output level sufficient to ensure the amount is set.

  As described above, in the exposure control in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, there is a limit on the calculation of the parameter (Vth2, dynamic range control parameter) for controlling the photoelectric conversion characteristics.

  The predetermined output level in the correction may be increased by calculating a difference amount (output level difference) between Vth2 and Vlimit and increasing the difference amount at a time, or by a predetermined output level. A configuration in which the voltage is pulled up step by step may be employed (if Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit, the pulling operation may be completed once). In addition, instead of calculating the output level once and comparing it with the comparison level, the calculation may be performed so that the output level Vth2 obtained as a result of the calculation does not fall below Vlimit. Further, instead of calculating the output level Vth2 itself at the inflection point and comparing it with the output level Vlimit, the photoelectric conversion characteristic having the comparison level as the inflection point is obtained in advance, and control parameters for obtaining the photoelectric conversion characteristic are obtained. The stored control parameter is compared with the control parameter obtained by the calculation, and the control parameter calculated when the output level Vth2 is in a relative relationship below Vlimit is stored. You may make it replace with the control parameter which exists.

  Next, the case where the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter (2) is given priority will be described. FIG. 25 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 change when AE control is performed in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. FIG. 25A shows calculation of dynamic range control parameters. (B) shows the change when the exposure amount control parameter is calculated. However, the parameter calculation in FIG. 25A is first performed, and then the parameter calculation in FIG. 25B is performed.

  In FIG. 25A, an image sensor for subject brightness for dynamic range setting (Lm20 which is subject maximum brightness) is obtained by a dynamic range control parameter calculator 512 using an AE evaluation value detected by an evaluation value detector 405. The calculation of the dynamic range control parameter such that the sensor output of 30 becomes the saturation output level (hereinafter referred to as temporary saturation output level) Vmax1 temporarily set for the dynamic range control (this photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained). Done. The calculation method of the dynamic range control parameter in this case is also the same as in the case of FIG. 18B, and the description thereof is omitted. The provisional saturation output level Vmax1 changes (moves) the entire photoelectric conversion characteristic as shown by the arrow in FIG. 25B by performing the subsequent exposure amount control (FIG. 25B), and the dynamic range here Since it is assumed that the output level (temporary saturation output level Vmax1) with respect to the luminance Lm20 after the control is changed, it is set as a temporary value. However, the value of the temporary saturation output level Vmax1 may be the value of the saturation output level Vmax.

  When calculating the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 25A, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 741 at the time of AE evaluation value detection is changed to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 742 so that the sensor output of the luminance Lm20 is set to the temporary saturation output level Vmax1. That is, a dynamic range control parameter is calculated so that the output level of the inflection point is increased from Vth1 to Vth2. However, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 741 may be a photoelectric conversion characteristic that is previously fixed (set) and stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, or is a photoelectric conversion characteristic that was set in the previous AE control. May be.

  Subsequently, after calculating the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 25A, the exposure amount control parameter in FIG. 25B is calculated. At this time, by using the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 outputs the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30 with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount in the linear characteristic region. Then, an exposure amount control parameter that achieves a predetermined target output level (Vtarget) (such a photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained) is calculated. The calculation method of the exposure amount control parameter in this case is also the same as in the case of FIG. 18A, and the description thereof is omitted. In the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter in FIG. 25B, the exposure amount (exposure time and aperture opening) is changed so as to change from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 631 to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 632 in order to set the sensor output of the luminance Lt1 to Vtarget. An exposure amount control parameter that increases the area is calculated. However, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 631 corresponds to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 742 after the dynamic range control parameter calculation in FIG.

  Incidentally, in the case where the exposure amount control parameter is calculated in FIG. 25B (when the photoelectric conversion characteristic 631 is changed to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 632), the output level Vmax2 with respect to the subject luminance Lm20 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic 632 after the change. When the value of Vmax2 is greater than the saturation output level Vmax of the image sensor 30, the output level Vmax2 is corrected so that the output level Vmax2 is equal to or lower than Vmax, specifically, the output level Vmax2 Is reduced (decreased) by a predetermined output level.

  The calculation for reducing Vmax2 by a predetermined output level is such that the sensor output at the luminance Lt1 becomes Vtarget (the sensor output at the luminance Lm20 becomes Vmax2). Gain Gain (Gain = Vtarget / VtAve; FIG. 18A) (Refer to the description of the above) may be a calculation for decreasing the amplification factor by a predetermined amplification factor, or a calculation for reducing the amplification factor Gt of the exposure time and the amplification factor Gs of the aperture.

  As described above, in the exposure control in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, there are limitations on the calculation of the parameters for controlling the exposure amount (amplification factor, exposure amount control parameter).

  Note that the reduction by a predetermined level such as the amplification factor in the correction is performed by calculating a difference amount (amplification factor difference) between the amplification factor (VmGain) at which the sensor output of the luminance Lm20 is Vmax and the amplification factor Gain. The difference amount may be lowered at a time, or may be reduced step by step by a predetermined output level (if the gain is less than VmGain, the lowering operation is completed once). You may). Also, instead of calculating the output level Vmax2 for the subject brightness Lm20 once and comparing it with the saturated output level Vmax, the calculation is performed so that the output level Vmax2 obtained as a result of the calculation does not exceed the saturated output level Vmax. It doesn't matter. Further, as described in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode (1) above, the output level Vmax2 itself is not calculated and compared with the saturated output level, but the control parameters may be compared. Good.

  Next, the flow of calculating each control parameter in the exposure control parameter calculation priority mode (1) and the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of each control parameter calculation in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode shown in FIG. First, based on an instruction input from the operation unit 100 such as the mode setting switch 105 by the user, the calculation priority setting unit 5111 sets the calculation priority of the control parameter, that is, exposure amount control giving priority to the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter. A parameter calculation priority mode is set (step S31). Next, an exposure amount control parameter (exposure amount setting value; exposure time setting value and aperture) such that the sensor output of the image sensor 30 with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level (Vtarget). The setting value is calculated (step S32). Then, the calculated exposure time setting value and aperture setting value are stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value are set for the digital camera 1 (step S33). Next, a dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting) such that the sensor output of the image sensor 30 with respect to the subject brightness for setting the dynamic range (Lm20 which is the subject maximum brightness) becomes a predetermined output level (saturation output level Vmax). Value) is calculated (step S34). Then, the output level determination unit 530 determines whether or not the output level Vth2 of the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic after the change is equal to or higher than Vlimit, and when it is determined that Vth2 is not equal to or higher than Vlimit (step S35). NO), the process returns to step S34, the calculation of raising Vth2 by a predetermined output level (correction of the output level Vth2) is performed, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value corresponding to the corrected Vth2 is calculated. When it is determined that Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit (YES in step S35), the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the digital camera 1 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is stored. Is set (step S36).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of each control parameter calculation in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode illustrated in FIG. First, based on an instruction input from the operation unit 100 such as the mode setting switch 105 by the user, the calculation priority order setting unit 5111 gives priority to setting the calculation priority order of the control parameter, that is, the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter. A parameter calculation priority mode is set (step S41). Next, a dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting) such that the sensor output of the image sensor 30 with respect to the subject brightness for setting the dynamic range (Lm20 which is the subject maximum brightness) becomes a predetermined output level (saturation output level Vmax). Value) is calculated (step S42). Then, the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is set for the digital camera 1 (step S43). Next, an exposure amount control parameter (exposure amount setting value; exposure time setting value and aperture value) such that the sensor output of the image sensor 30 with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level (Vtarget). The setting value is calculated (step S44). Then, the output level determination unit 530 determines whether or not the output level Vmax2 at the luminance Lm20 with respect to the photoelectric conversion characteristic after the change is greater than the saturation output level Vmax, and when it is determined that Vmax2 is greater than Vmax (step) (YES in S45), the process returns to the above step S44, and an operation for reducing Vmax2 by a predetermined output level (for example, correction for reducing the gain Gain) is performed, and the exposure time setting value and aperture setting corresponding to the corrected Gain are performed. A value is calculated. When it is determined that Vmax2 is not larger than Vmax (NO in step S45), the calculated exposure time setting value and aperture setting value are stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the exposure time setting value and aperture value are stored. A setting value is set for the digital camera 1 (step S46).

  26 and 27, each control parameter is calculated and each control parameter is set for each calculation. However, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, all control parameters are calculated. The configuration may be such that each control parameter is set. That is, first in FIG. 28, the exposure priority control parameter calculation priority mode is set in the calculation priority order setting unit 5111 (step S51), and similarly to step S32 shown in FIG. (Aperture setting value) is calculated (step S52). Next, as in steps S34 and S35, dynamic range control parameters (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting values) are calculated (step S53), and the output level determination unit 530 determines whether the output level Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit. When it is determined that Vth2 is not equal to or higher than Vlimit (NO in step S54), the process returns to step S53 to perform an operation for raising Vth2 by a predetermined output level, and according to the corrected Vth2 The photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated. If it is determined that Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit (YES in step S54), the exposure time setting value and aperture setting value calculated in steps S52 and S53 (NO in step S54), and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting are set. The value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and each setting value is set for the digital camera 1 (step S55).

  Next, in FIG. 29, a dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode is set in the calculation priority setting unit 5111 (step S61), and the dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value) is set in the same manner as in step S42 shown in FIG. ) Is calculated (step 62). Next, as in steps S44 and S45, the exposure control parameters (exposure time setting value and aperture setting value) are calculated (step S63), and the output level determination unit 530 sets the output level Vmax2 to the saturation output level Vmax. If it is determined whether or not Vmax2 is greater than Vmax (YES in step S64), the process returns to step S63 to perform an operation for lowering Vmax2 by a predetermined output level and perform the correction. The light time setting value and the aperture setting value corresponding to the gain obtained are calculated. If it is determined that Vmax2 is not greater than Vmax (NO in step S64), the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value calculated in steps S62 and S63 (YES in step S64), the exposure time setting value, and the aperture setting are determined. The value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and each setting value is set for the digital camera 1 (step S65). In the present embodiment, the exposure amount control parameter calculation and the dynamic range control parameter calculation are performed in two steps in both the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode (1) and the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode (2). Since the photoelectric conversion characteristics to be used for imaging are determined by calculation, processing up to the determination of the photoelectric conversion characteristics can be performed easily and quickly. In the above-described embodiment, priority control is executed first. However, this is not necessarily limited. For example, if the following modification is adopted, control that does not have priority is executed first. You can also. (Modification 1) Although control is performed in the order of exposure amount control → dynamic range control, inflection points are not restricted in the dynamic range control. In this way, the dynamic range control can be prioritized as a result. (Modification 2) Although control is performed in the order of dynamic range control → exposure amount control, the saturation output level is not restricted in the exposure amount control. If it does in this way, priority can be given to exposure amount control as a result.

(Step S3-1) Setting of exposure amount control parameter If the exposure amount control parameter for AE control is calculated by the method described in step S2-1 above, AE control is performed based on the exposure amount control parameter. And an actual imaging operation is performed. That is, when shooting a still image, the main shooting is performed after AE control is performed based on the AE evaluation value acquired from the preliminary shooting image. When shooting a moving image, for example, moving image shooting is performed sequentially after AE control based on the AE evaluation value acquired from the shot image shot immediately before is performed.

  Specifically, the exposure amount control parameter calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 of the overall control unit 50 is input to the control signal generation unit 520 to generate a drive signal for performing an actual exposure amount control operation. A control signal for operating the generation circuit 31 and the drive unit 60 is generated by each unit of the control signal generation unit 520. That is, the sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522 of the control signal generation unit 520 generates a control signal of the image sensor 30 so as to ensure an intended exposure time according to the exposure amount control parameter, and timings this. Transmit to the generation circuit 31. For example, in the timing chart shown in FIG. 9, the control signal here is a signal that sets the time ΔS when the signal φVPS to the imaging sensor 30 becomes the medium potential M to an appropriate time according to the exposure amount control parameter (that is, photo Signal for setting the integration time from the time t1 when the parasitic capacitance of the diode PD is reset to the time t2 when the reading of the video signal of the next frame is started to an appropriate time). The timing generation circuit 31 generates a timing signal for controlling the exposure time of the image sensor 30 according to the input drive signal, and drives the image sensor 30.

  Similarly, the shutter control signal generator 523 generates a control signal for setting the shutter speed (shutter opening time) of the shutter 23 in accordance with the exposure time, based on the exposure amount control parameter. This control signal is sent to the shutter drive unit 61 of the drive unit 60. The shutter drive unit 61 generates a drive signal for the shutter 23 based on the control signal, and performs the shutter opening operation of the shutter 23 according to the exposure amount control parameter. Let it be done.

  Further, the aperture control signal generator 525 similarly generates a control signal for setting the aperture area of the aperture 22 based on the exposure amount control parameter. This control signal is sent to the aperture drive unit 63, and the aperture drive unit 63 generates a drive signal for the aperture 22 based on the control signal, and performs an aperture area setting operation of the aperture 22 according to the exposure amount control parameter.

  As described above, the exposure amount control (integration time control) includes the drive control of the image sensor 30, the shutter speed control, and the aperture control by the timing generation circuit 31, and these three controls are all performed. However, from the viewpoint of achieving control at high speed, it is desirable to prioritize the electronic circuit exposure amount control by the timing generation circuit 31 as described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S3-2) Setting of Dynamic Range Control Parameter On the other hand, when performing AE control according to the present embodiment by dynamic range control, the dynamic range control parameter calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 of the overall control unit 50 is The control signal generation unit 520 inputs the control signal, and the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 generates a control signal for performing an actual dynamic range control operation.

  That is, the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521 outputs an output level point at which the photoelectric conversion characteristic is switched from the linear characteristic region to the logarithmic characteristic region in accordance with the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value of the imaging sensor 30 calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512. A control signal of the image sensor 30 for adjusting (inflection point) is generated and transmitted to the timing generation circuit 31. The control signal here is, for example, a control signal for appropriately setting the signal φVPS for the imaging sensor 30 in accordance with the calculated dynamic range control parameter in the timing chart shown in FIG.

  That is, since the inflection point is changed by controlling the height of the voltage VPH in the φVPS or the length of the time ΔT, the dynamic range control signal generating unit 521 can change the φVPS based on the dynamic range control parameter. A control signal for controlling is generated and transmitted to the timing generation circuit 31. The timing generation circuit 31 generates a timing signal for controlling the dynamic range of the image sensor 30 in accordance with the input control signal, and actually drives the image sensor 30 as a predetermined photoelectric conversion characteristic state. is there.

  Although the AE control has been mainly described above, the actual digital camera 1 also performs AF control, WB control, and the like. Similarly, in the case of AF control, control can be performed based on an AF evaluation value acquired from a captured image of the image sensor 30. For example, the luminance histogram detected from the O, P, U, and V blocks of the main subject region 331 shown in FIG. 14 is used, and the evaluation value detection unit 405 obtains a point at which the contrast with the adjacent luminance is maximized. The AF evaluation value can be calculated by the “hill climbing method” or the like. In this case, the AF evaluation value is detected from each of the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region of the image sensor 30, and the characteristics of the respective characteristic regions are utilized. It is desirable that the AF evaluation value obtained from the linear characteristic region is used for detailed distance measurement.

  The AF evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405 in this way is sent to the AF control parameter calculation unit 513 of the overall control unit 50. The AF control parameter calculation unit 513 calculates an AF control parameter corresponding to the AF evaluation value, and transmits this to the zoom / focus control signal generation unit 524. The zoom / focus control signal generation unit 524 generates a control signal corresponding to the input AF control parameter, and transmits this to the zoom / focus drive unit 62. Then, the zoom / focus drive unit 62 generates a drive signal corresponding to the control signal, and the lens group 21 of the lens barrel 20 is focus-driven by the drive signal.

  The WB control can also be performed based on the WB evaluation value acquired from the captured image of the image sensor 30. Also in this case, it is desirable to detect the WB evaluation value from each of the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region of the image sensor 30. That is, WB evaluation value detection is performed based on a captured image based on a neutral image, and each RGB level (R-Log, G-Log) is based on two types of images of a linear characteristic area and a logarithmic characteristic area as the neutral image. , B-Log, R-Lin, G-Lin, B-Lin). The evaluation value detection unit 405 detects such a WB evaluation value, sends the WB evaluation value to the white balance control unit 406, and white balance correction is performed by the white balance control unit 406 so as to obtain an appropriate color balance. is there.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the second embodiment, the AE control method is different from that in the first embodiment. The AE control in the first embodiment is performed by the exposure amount control shown in FIG. 18A and the dynamic range control shown in FIG. 18B. Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. (This (A) and (B) summarize the above-mentioned contents.) Exposure amount control is control of exposure time (integration time of the image sensor or shutter opening time) and aperture (aperture aperture area). On the other hand, the dynamic range control is configured by controlling the photoelectric conversion characteristics (inflection point position).
(A) Exposure amount control (exposure time control (integration time and shutter opening time control) or aperture control (aperture aperture area control))
(B) Dynamic range control (photoelectric conversion characteristic control (inflection point position control))

On the other hand, in the AE control in the second embodiment, as shown in [A] to [C] below, the exposure amount control is based on the exposure amount control based on the aperture control and the control of the integration time and the shutter opening time. In each case of exposure amount control (independently), dynamic range control is performed by controlling photoelectric conversion characteristics (inflection point position) as described above.
[A] Exposure amount control (aperture control (aperture aperture area control))
[B] Dynamic range control (photoelectric conversion characteristic control (inflection point position control))
[C] Exposure amount control (exposure time control (integration time control and shutter opening time control))

  Regarding such a difference in the AE control method, in the first embodiment and the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the imaging sensor 30a, the overall control unit 50a (the calculation unit 510a, the control signal generation unit 520a), and the timing The generation circuit 31a and the like are configured differently. Components having the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The digital camera in the second embodiment is a digital camera 1a.

  First, the imaging sensor 30a will be described in detail. FIG. 31 shows an example of a circuit configuration diagram of each pixel in the image sensor 30a of the digital camera 1a according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to each of the pixels G11 to Gmn shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. To do. As shown in the figure, each of the pixels G11 to Gmn of the image sensor 30a includes a photodiode PD1, transistors T10 to T13 as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors), and FD (Floating Diffusion). Here, N-channel MOSFETs are employed as the transistors T10 to T13. VDD, φRSB, φRST, φTX, and φV indicate signals (voltages) for the respective transistors, and GND indicates ground.

  The photodiode PD1 is a photosensitive portion (photoelectric conversion portion), and outputs an electrical signal (photocurrent IPD1) corresponding to the amount of incident light from the subject. The transistor T12 is paired with the constant current source 307 shown in FIG. 7 to constitute a source follower amplification circuit (source follower amplifier), and performs amplification (current amplification) on a voltage V1OUT described later. The transistor T13 is a signal readout transistor that operates as a switch that is turned on and off in accordance with a voltage (signal φV) applied to the gate. The source of the transistor T13 is connected to the output signal line 306 shown in FIG. 7. When the transistor T13 is turned on, the current amplified by the transistor T12 is led to the output signal line 306 as an output current.

  The transistor T10 operates as a switch that is turned on / off in accordance with a voltage applied to the gate of the transistor, and is generated in the photodiode PD1 in accordance with on / off switching depending on the level of the gate potential. This is a so-called transfer gate that switches between transfer and non-transfer of the photocurrent IPD1 (charge) to the FD. The photocurrent IPD1 generated in the photodiode PD1 flows into the parasitic capacitance of the photodiode PD1, the charge is accumulated, and a voltage corresponding to the accumulated charge amount is generated. At this time, if the transistor T10 is turned on, the charge (negative charge) accumulated in the parasitic capacitance moves toward the FD. The FD is a charge holding unit that temporarily holds a charge (signal charge), and plays a role of a so-called capacitor that changes the held charge into a voltage (performs charge-voltage conversion).

  The transistor T11 (reset gate transistor) switches between application and non-application of a reset bias to the FD according to on / off switching depending on the gate voltage of the transistor (for example, when the transistor T11 is in an on state) The transistor T10 is also in an on state, and a reset bias is applied between φRSB and GND across the transistors T11, FD, transistor T10, and the photodiode PD1, and the gate voltage is set to a Mid potential (middle) Potential), linear conversion and logarithmic conversion are respectively performed by FD of charge moving from the photodiode PD1 to the FD (current flowing through the FD) and charge-voltage conversion by the transistor T11.

  In this case, a current (reset current) corresponding to the Mid potential flows through the transistor T11, and the source of the transistor T11 becomes a potential corresponding to the reset current. When the potential due to the charge moving from the photodiode PD1 is smaller than the source potential of the transistor T11 corresponding to the Mid potential (the luminance of the subject to be imaged is low, that is, the subject is dark and is incident on the photodiode PD1). When the incident light quantity is small, charge-voltage conversion as linear conversion is performed in the FD, and when the source potential is exceeded (when the luminance of the subject to be imaged is high, that is, the subject is bright, the photodiode PD1 In the case where the amount of incident light incident on is large), charge-voltage conversion as logarithmic conversion is performed in the transistor T11.

  As a result, the connection node between the FD and the transistor T12, that is, the output V1OUT has a voltage as a linear output based on the integral value of the photocurrent IPD1 in the FD or a logarithmic output by current-voltage conversion according to the photocurrent IPD1 in the transistor T11. Appears as a voltage. That is, the output value in the linear characteristic region in the photoelectric conversion characteristic is an integral value of the photocurrent IPD1 in the FD, but in the logarithmic characteristic region, the potential due to the charge stored in the FD portion is the transistor T11 (reset gate). In the region exceeding the source current, a current equal to the photocurrent IPD1 flows in the transistor T11, and a value (voltage) obtained by current-voltage conversion of the photocurrent IPD1 in the transistor T11 appears in the FD section as the output value. The current-voltage conversion in the transistor T11 corresponds to the logarithmic conversion. Therefore, as will be described later, an integration effect in the FD portion and the parasitic capacitance portion appears in the output value in the linear characteristic region, and the linear characteristic region (inclination of the linear characteristic region) depends on the exposure time of the image sensor 30a. However, in the output value in the logarithmic characteristic region, the integration effect in the FD portion and the parasitic capacitance portion does not appear, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic in the logarithmic characteristic region is fixed regardless of the exposure time of the image sensor 30a. (It can also be expressed that the logarithmic characteristic region in this case does not include the concept of time). When the transistor T13 is turned on, the amplified current by the transistor T12 corresponding to these voltages is led to the output signal line 306 as an output current through the transistor T13. As described above, in the second embodiment, the image sensor 30a (each pixel) does not include the integration circuit including the capacitor C and the transistor T3 in the image sensor 30, and does not include the integration circuit. With a circuit configuration including a transfer gate, a reset gate, and the like for the FD, it is possible to obtain an output signal that has been linearly converted or logarithmically converted in accordance with subject luminance (or sensor incident luminance).

  The imaging sensor 30a has a simpler circuit configuration than the imaging sensor 30 (for example, a circuit configuration in which the integration circuit including the capacitor C and the transistor T3 is deleted as described above). Therefore, the aperture ratio of the image sensor 30a increases, and the sensitivity (sensor output) to light incident on the sensor surface is improved.

  FIG. 32 is an example of a timing chart relating to the imaging operation of the pixel shown in FIG. 31 of the imaging sensor 30a, and FIG. FIG. 32B shows a timing chart relating to the charge sweeping operation of the pixels in each row by the vertical scanning after the charge accumulation is completed during the horizontal blank period. Here, due to the polarity of the N-channel MOSFET, it is turned on at Hi (High) and turned off at Low (Low) as follows.

  First, in FIG. 32A, the signal φRST is set to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 801, and the signal φTX is set to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 802. As a result, the reset bias is applied to the FD. Then, within the period when both the signals φRST and φTX are Hi, the signal φRSB is once brought to Low at the position indicated by reference numeral 803 to set the potential of the FD portion to the state at the time of high-luminance light incidence (zero charge). In this state, charge accumulation is started so as to start, and the potential is returned to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 804 to perform a reset (refresh) operation on the FD of all the pixels. The reset operation for the FD maintains the charge stability of the FD portion.

  After that, at the position indicated by reference numeral 805, the signal φRST for the gates of the transistors T11 is changed from Hi to a medium potential (this potential is expressed as Mid) at a position indicated by reference numeral 805, and the period (reference numeral 805). In the section from the position to the position of reference numeral 806 described later), charge accumulation in the FD and voltage conversion by linear conversion or logarithmic conversion with respect to the accumulated charge are performed. At this time, the rate of linear conversion (or logarithmic conversion) changes according to the difference between the Hi potential and Mid potential of the signal φRST (this difference is ΔRST).

  Specifically, as ΔRST increases, the sensor output level (Vth) at the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor 30a increases, that is, the ratio of the linear characteristic area in the photoelectric conversion characteristic increases (in the logarithmic characteristic area). The smaller the ΔRST, the lower the inflection point level, and the smaller the linear characteristic area ratio (the larger the logarithmic characteristic area ratio). In this way, by controlling the magnitude of the difference ΔRST, the output level (inflection point position) of the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a is controlled as in the description of FIG. (This corresponds to the case shown in FIG. 35 described later).

  The control of ΔRST (Mid level) is performed by changing the position of the inflection point in a state where the slopes of the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region are both fixed, that is, the logarithm from the linear characteristic in the photoelectric conversion characteristic. It can also be said that this control is to change the switching point (offset) to the characteristic.

  By the way, as described above, when the signal φTX is Hi, the start point is the time when the signal φRST is changed from Hi to Mid, and the end point is the time when the signal φTX is changed from Hi to Low and the signal φRST is changed from Mid to Low. The period, that is, the period during which the signal φRST is Mid (this period is assumed to be ΔL). Here, this period ΔL is the exposure time (integration time) of each pixel of the image sensor 30a, that is, the charge accumulation time (accumulation time ΔL). ) The length of the accumulation time ΔL is controlled by a sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522a via a timing generation circuit 31a described later. The control of the magnitude of the ΔRST value, that is, the control of the level of the Mid potential when the signal φRST is changed from Hi to Mid is performed by the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521a via the timing generation circuit 31a described later.

  Then, the signal φTX is changed from Hi to Low at the position 806 and the signal φRST is changed from Mid to Low at the position 807, so that the signal ΦTX is changed to FD within the charge accumulation period (this charge accumulation period is ΔL). The accumulated charge is held (the charge accumulation operation is completed simultaneously for all pixels).

  Next, in FIG. 32B, after the charge accumulation for all the pixels in FIG. 32A is completed, the signal of the row (pixel row) selected by the vertical scanning by the vertical scanning circuit 301 shown in FIG. By setting φV to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 811, the transistor T13 is turned on, and the electric charge accumulated in the FD of each pixel in the selected row is transferred to the vertical signal line (output signal line 306-1 shown in FIG. 7). , 306-2,... 306-m). However, this indicates that the charge reading operation at the position indicated by reference numeral 811 starts upon completion of charge accumulation at the position indicated by reference numeral 806 (807) in FIG. Then, the read signal charge is transmitted through the vertical signal line and temporarily held in the sample hold circuit provided in each selection circuit 308 shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the signal φRST (for each pixel) of the selected row is changed from Low to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 812, and at the same time, the signal φRSB of the selected row is changed from Hi to Low at the position indicated by reference numeral 813. By doing so, the potential of the FD portion is set to the state at the time of high luminance incidence. Then, with the signal φRST kept at Hi, the signal φRSB is returned to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 814, and the FD is reset to a value corresponding to the threshold value of the reset gate (transistor T11). In this state, the signal φV is set to Hi at the position indicated by reference numeral 815, whereby the noise signal is read out to the vertical signal line and held in the noise sample hold circuit provided in the correction circuit 309 in the subsequent stage shown in FIG.

  Incidentally, signals φSHS and φSHN shown in FIG. 32B indicate sample hold control signals in the sample hold circuit (for signal) in the selection circuit 308 and the sample hold circuit for noise in the correction circuit 309, respectively. Based on these sample and hold control signals, as indicated by reference numerals 816 and 817, each sample and hold circuit causes a signal (image signal) and noise according to the timing when the signal φV indicated by reference numerals 811 and 815 becomes Hi. (Noise signal) is sampled and held. Then, by taking the difference between the image signal obtained by this sample and hold and the noise signal (subtracting the noise signal from the signal signal), the image signal from which the threshold variation of the reset gate is removed for each pixel of the row Is obtained. The signal φTX is always at the low level during the horizontal blank period.

  Returning to FIG. 30, in the overall control unit 50a of the digital camera 1a, in the AE control parameter calculation unit 5110a, as in the first embodiment, in order to perform exposure control (AE control) according to subject brightness, Control parameters for setting the optimal exposure amount and the photoelectric conversion characteristic (dynamic range) of the image sensor 30a are calculated. In this regard, in the second embodiment, control parameters related to the control in each case of [A], [B], and [C] described above are calculated. The AE control parameter calculation unit 5110a includes an exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 and an aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 as an exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511a, and a dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a.

  The exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 calculates a control parameter for optimizing the exposure time. The exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 stores the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405 and the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516. Based on the photoelectric conversion characteristic information of the imaging sensor 30a at the time of acquiring the stored AE evaluation value, an exposure time setting value corresponding to the subject brightness is calculated. The exposure time (imaging) is set so that the exposure time setting value is an exposure amount that changes to a photoelectric conversion characteristic that provides a predetermined sensor output with respect to a predetermined luminance for exposure amount setting (brightness for exposure amount setting). This is a set value for controlling the integration time of the sensor 30a or the opening time of the shutter 23).

  The aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 calculates a control parameter for optimizing the aperture, and similarly to the exposure time setting value, the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, and the photoelectric conversion Based on the photoelectric conversion characteristic information of the image sensor 30a at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value stored in the characteristic information storage unit 516, an aperture setting value corresponding to the subject brightness is calculated. This aperture setting value is a setting value for controlling the aperture (opening area of the aperture 22) so that the exposure amount changes to a photoelectric conversion characteristic that provides a predetermined sensor output with respect to the exposure amount setting luminance. It is.

  The dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a calculates a control parameter for optimizing the photoelectric conversion characteristic (dynamic range) of the image sensor 30a according to the subject luminance. The dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a sets the inflection point position of the photoelectric conversion characteristics so that the photoelectric conversion characteristics (dynamic range) at which the imaging sensor 30a reaches a saturation output level with respect to the subject luminance for dynamic range setting can be obtained. A photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value for control is calculated. Also in this calculation, the photoelectric conversion characteristic information of the imaging sensor 30a at the time of obtaining the AE evaluation value stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516 is referred to.

  The exposure amount control parameters (exposure time control parameter and aperture control parameter) calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511a and the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a of the overall control unit 50a and the dynamic range control parameter are a control signal generation unit. The control signal generator 520a generates control signals for operating the timing generation circuit 31a and the drive unit 60, which are input to 520a and generate a drive signal for performing an actual exposure amount control operation. In this control signal generation unit 520a, the operations in the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521a and the sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522a are different from those in the first embodiment as to the image sensor 30a.

  That is, the dynamic range control signal generation unit 521a is an inflection that is a switching point from the linear characteristic region to the logarithmic characteristic region in accordance with the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value of the imaging sensor 30a calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a. A drive signal for the timing generation circuit 31a (imaging sensor 30a) for adjusting the output level of the point is generated and transmitted to the timing generation circuit 31a. As described above, the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor 30a changes its inflection point by controlling the difference ΔRST between Hi and Mid of the signal φRST for the image sensor 30a, so the dynamic range control signal generator 521a By controlling the drive signal for the timing generation circuit 31a to control the magnitude of ΔRST (Mid level) of the signal φRST, the dynamic range of the image sensor 30a is controlled so as to suit the luminance of the subject. The timing generation circuit 31a generates a timing signal for controlling the dynamic range of the imaging sensor 30a in accordance with the input driving signal corresponding to the ΔRST, and drives the imaging sensor 30a.

  Further, the sensor exposure time control signal generation unit 522a generates a drive signal for the timing generation circuit 31a for ensuring a required exposure time according to the exposure time setting value calculated by the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112. This is transmitted to the timing generation circuit 31a. The drive signal here is a control signal for setting the accumulation time ΔL when the signal φRST for the image sensor 30a becomes the medium potential Mid as described above to an appropriate time according to the exposure time set value. Note that, similarly to the above, the timing generation circuit 31a generates a timing signal for controlling the exposure time of the imaging sensor 30a in accordance with the input driving signal corresponding to ΔL, and drives the imaging sensor 30a.

  The aperture setting value calculated by the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 is input to the aperture control signal generation unit 525, and the aperture control signal generation unit 525 sets the aperture area of the aperture 22 based on the aperture setting value. A drive signal for the drive unit 60 is generated and transmitted to the drive unit 60. Similarly, the shutter control signal generation unit 523 adjusts the shutter speed (shutter opening time) of the shutter 23 to the exposure time based on the exposure time setting value calculated by the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112. A control signal to be set is generated and transmitted to the drive unit 60.

  By the way, the AE control parameter calculation unit 5110a includes a calculation priority setting unit 5111a as in the first embodiment. The calculation priority setting unit 5113 calculates the exposure amount control parameter at the time of AE control, that is, the aperture control parameter in the case of [A] and the exposure time control parameter in the case of [C], and [B]. The calculation priority order of the control parameters in the three cases, that is, the calculation of the dynamic range control parameters in the case of Similarly, setting of the priority order in the calculation priority order setting unit 5111a is performed in response to an instruction input from the operation unit 100 by the mode setting switch 105 or the like by the user. The case where the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter has priority (mode) is referred to as the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, and the case where the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter has priority (mode) is referred to as the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. However, even if either the aperture control parameter or the exposure time control parameter is calculated first (because they are the same exposure amount control parameter calculation), the exposure amount control can be performed if priority is given to the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter. This is called parameter calculation priority mode. The fact that each control of [A], [B], and [C] in this AE control is performed by setting priority will be described in detail later.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35, in the AE control of this embodiment, the exposure amount control based on the above-mentioned [A] aperture control, [B] dynamic range control based on photoelectric conversion characteristic control, and [C] exposure. Exposure amount control based on time control will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a change when performing exposure amount control based on “aperture control” in [A]. However, the horizontal axis in the figure is not “sensor incident luminance” shown in the horizontal axis of the photoelectric conversion characteristic graph (for example, FIG. 18) in the first embodiment, but “subject luminance” (FIGS. 34 and 35). The same). This is because the brightness on the horizontal axis handled here is a brightness value (sensor) that includes a concept of so-called time as a value obtained as a result of exposure of the imaging sensor for a predetermined time (integration time, shutter opening time) by brightness light from the subject. This is not the input luminance) but the value of the subject luminance itself (absolute luminance value). Note that the vertical axis indicates the sensor output as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the aperture, that is, the aperture area of the aperture 22 is controlled, so that the entire photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor 30a changes (moves) in the direction indicated by the arrow H. Specifically, as in the case of FIG. 18A in the first embodiment, for example, the value of the sensor output with respect to a predetermined luminance Lt1 (exposure amount setting luminance) in the linear characteristic region of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 821 ( The photoelectric conversion characteristic 831 such that the sensor output at the point 822) becomes Vtarget (the sensor output at the point 823) (here, the sensor output at the luminance Lt1 increases from the point 822 to the point 823) is calculated. (At this time, the inflection point 824 is translated to the inflection point 825, and the value of the sensor output Vth does not change). In other words, the photoelectric conversion characteristics change so that the subject luminance for obtaining the sensor output that becomes Vtarget changes (decreases) from the luminance Lt2 to Lt1. Note that, as described above, the subject brightness is handled independently of the exposure time, that is, regardless of the concept of time (exposure time). The sensor output value obtained with respect to the luminance can be changed. This makes it possible to control the entire photoelectric conversion characteristic to change as shown in FIG.

  Here, the aperture area of the aperture 22 necessary for changing the photoelectric conversion characteristics so that the value of the sensor output with respect to the exposure setting luminance (luminance Lt1) becomes Vtarget is the same as in the first embodiment. calculate. Specifically, for example, an amplification factor Gain (= Vtarget / VtAve) is obtained in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 21, and from this amplification factor Gain, cases are classified as shown in FIG. The gain Gt and the gain Gs are calculated (Gain = Gt * Gs), and the exposure time T2 and the aperture area S2 of the aperture are calculated from the gain Gt and the gain Gs (obtained by the calculation). The aperture area S2 of the aperture to be obtained corresponds to the aperture area of the aperture used in the exposure amount control in FIG.

  The calculation for obtaining the aperture area of the aperture (the exposure time is also calculated in the process of calculating the aperture area of the aperture) is performed by the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 of the calculation unit 510a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, calculation in the course of deriving the aperture area of the stop (for example, calculation of the amplification factor Gt and the amplification factor Gs) is performed by the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112, and then the amplification factor Gs. The aperture area of the aperture from the above may be calculated by the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113.

  For example, the luminance information such as luminance Lt1 used in the above calculation is divided into photometry by the divided photometry unit 4051 to obtain the main subject luminance and the peripheral subject luminance as well as the histogram calculation unit 4052 and the maximum / The minimum luminance calculation unit 4054 may obtain a luminance histogram, maximum / minimum luminance information, and the like, and may calculate using these information (the same applies to [C] and [B] below).

  FIG. 34 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a change when performing exposure amount control based on “exposure time control” in [C]. In the first embodiment, the linear characteristic area and the logarithmic characteristic area (whole photoelectric conversion characteristics) are changed by controlling the exposure time (see FIG. 18A). Even if the exposure time (integration time) changes, the sensor output value that is logarithmically converted with respect to the subject brightness does not change even if the exposure time (integration time) changes. By changing the exposure time, the slope of the linear characteristic region changes while the logarithmic characteristic region is fixed (without changing the position and inclination of the logarithmic characteristic region).

  In FIG. 34, when the exposure time changes, for example, the slope K1 in the linear characteristic region of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 841 indicated by a solid line changes to the slope K2 in the linear characteristic region of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 851 indicated by a two-dot chain line. (There is also the opposite change.) While the slope of the linear characteristic region changes, the logarithmic characteristic region is in a fixed state. Therefore, the position of the inflection point, which is the switching point between the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region, appears as I The photoelectric conversion characteristic 841 changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 851 so as to move from the inflection point 842 to the inflection point 852, for example, in the arrow direction indicated by (in the direction along the slope of the logarithmic characteristic region). Note that when the slope of the linear characteristic region changes (the apparent inflection point position changes), the ratio between the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region in the photoelectric conversion characteristics also changes.

  Specifically, by controlling the exposure time, for example, the sensor output for the same subject luminance (for example, Lt100) is changed from the sensor output level indicated by reference numeral 843 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic 841 to the sensor output indicated by reference numeral 853 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic 851. It increases up to the level (Vtarget) (even if the subject brightness is the same, if the exposure time increases, the sensor output increases accordingly). In other words, the photoelectric conversion characteristic changes so that the subject luminance for obtaining the sensor output that becomes Vtarget changes (decreases) from Lt200 with respect to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 841 to Lt100 with respect to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 851.

  Incidentally, as described above, the exposure time is controlled by controlling the integration time (accumulation time ΔL) of the image sensor 30a and / or the opening time (shutter speed) of the shutter 23, but the brightness Lt100 (exposure amount setting). The integration time of the image sensor 30a or the opening time of the shutter 23 necessary for changing the photoelectric conversion characteristics so that the value of the sensor output with respect to (luminance) is Vtarget is the exposure amount control by the aperture control of [A] above. The calculation is performed in the same manner as in. That is, first, an amplification factor Gain (= Vtarget / VtAve) is obtained, an amplification factor Gt and an amplification factor Gs are calculated from the amplification factor Gain (Gain = Gt * Gs), and exposure is further performed from the amplification factor Gt and the amplification factor Gs. This is performed by a method of calculating the time T2 and the aperture area S2 of the aperture (the exposure time T2 obtained by the calculation corresponds to the exposure time used in the exposure amount control in FIG. 34 and is adjusted so as to obtain this exposure time. The setting value for this is the “exposure time setting value”).

  The calculation for obtaining the exposure time setting value (the aperture area of the aperture is also calculated in the process of calculating the exposure time) is performed by the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112. Also in this case, as in [A] above, calculation in the course of deriving the exposure time (calculation of the amplification factor Gt and the amplification factor Gs) is performed by the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113, and then the amplification factor Gt. The exposure time may be calculated by the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112.

  In this way, by controlling the exposure time and performing exposure amount control that changes the linear characteristic region with the logarithmic characteristic region fixed, the dynamic range is maintained, that is, the sensor output saturation in FIG. It is possible to control to change only the linear characteristic region without changing the value of the subject luminance Lm100 with respect to the level Vmax.

  In other words, the exposure amount control in the case of [C] becomes possible. For example, when it is desired to adjust the exposure amount as a whole, that is, when it is desired to make the image photographed in a dark place as a whole brighter, Exposure amount control capable of widening the dynamic range by changing the entire photoelectric conversion characteristic in [A] is performed (see FIG. 33). On the other hand, for example, although the dynamic range is sufficient, exposure of an image of a low-luminance portion is performed. When you want to adjust the amount (contrast and brightness), the exposure amount control options (degrees of freedom) will increase, such as [C] exposure amount control. High AE control can be performed. The digital camera 1a includes only one of a configuration for performing exposure amount control based on the aperture control of [A] and a configuration for performing exposure amount control based on the exposure time control of [C]. The exposure amount control may be performed by controlling only one of the aperture control and the exposure time control.

  FIG. 35 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a change when performing dynamic range control based on “photoelectric conversion characteristics control” in [B]. Here, the dynamic range is controlled by controlling the photoelectric conversion characteristics, that is, the output level of the inflection point (sensor output Vth). Specifically, as in the case of FIG. 18B in the first embodiment, for example, the sensor output for the luminance Lm20 that is the subject luminance for dynamic range setting is the sensor output (Vover) at the point 862 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic 861. ) To the sensor output (Vmax; saturation output level of the image sensor 30a) at the point 872 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic 871, from another viewpoint, the maximum luminance at which the sensor output Vmax can be obtained is The inflection point position changes from the inflection point 864 (Vth1) to the inflection point 874 (Vth2) so as to increase from the luminance Lm10 at the point 863 to the luminance Lm20 at the point 872 (so that the dynamic range is expanded). (The slope of the logarithmic characteristic area is constant in the direction of the arrow indicated by the symbol J (the sensor output axis direction) due to the change of the inflection point. Mom parallel to move).

  Thus, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value related to the control of the inflection point position for controlling the dynamic range is calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a. The calculation method of the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, by modeling the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region of the photoelectric conversion characteristic, the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic after changing (moving) to secure a required dynamic range (in FIG. 35, for example, the inflection point). Point 874; Vth2) is calculated, and the photoelectric conversion characteristics are changed so that the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristics before the change (for example, the inflection point 864; Vth1) becomes the position of the inflection point after the change. As a value, a “photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value” is calculated.

  Based on the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value, a control signal for actually changing the output level (Vth) of the inflection point, that is, the above-described ΔRST (the level of the Mid potential of the signal φRST) is controlled. A signal is generated by the dynamic range control signal generator 521a. Then, by controlling this ΔRST, the output level at the inflection point in the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a is controlled. In FIG. 35, when the output level of the inflection point 864 due to a certain ΔRST with respect to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 861 is the sensor output 865, for example, when the ΔRST is decreased, the output level decreases from the sensor output 865 to the sensor output 875. Accordingly, the position of the inflection point also moves to the inflection point 874 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 871 (inversely, when ΔRST is increased, the inflection point 874 changes to the inflection point 864). Thus, the control of the photoelectric conversion characteristics in the dynamic range control in the case of [B] is realized by the control of ΔRST.

  Similarly, in the second embodiment, the output level of the image sensor 30 is saturated by the saturation determination unit 4055 (see FIG. 14) in the control of the photoelectric conversion characteristic (inflection point position) based on the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value. If it is determined that the output level is saturated, the output level at the inflection point is decreased by ΔVth according to the number of saturated pixels ( 23 (a)), that is, the photoelectric conversion characteristics may be changed by the imaging sensor 30a so as to widen the dynamic range so as to enable shooting at a higher luminance side.

  As described above, AE control is performed by [A] aperture control (exposure amount control), [B] dynamic range control, and [C] exposure time control (exposure amount control). The calculation, exposure time control parameter calculation, and dynamic range control parameter calculation will be described in detail below with priorities.

When performing the AE control by the control of [A] to [C], the control parameter calculation order (priority order) in [A] to [C] is roughly divided into the following cases <1> and <2>. There is.
<1> Exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode: First, an exposure amount control parameter (aperture control parameter, exposure time control parameter) is calculated, and then a dynamic range control parameter is calculated.
<2> Dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode: First, after calculating a dynamic range control parameter, an exposure amount control parameter (aperture control parameter, exposure time control parameter) is calculated.

First, the case where priority is given to the calculation of the exposure control parameter <1> above will be described.
36 to 38 are graphs showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a change when AE control is performed in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode. FIG. 36 shows the aperture control parameter of [A]. FIG. 37 shows the change when the calculation of the exposure time control parameter [C] is performed, and FIG. 38 shows the change when the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter [B] is performed. ing.

In the exposure control parameter calculation priority mode, the control parameter calculation order is as follows.
(Sequence Pattern 1.1) After calculating the control parameters in the order of [A] and [C], the control parameter is calculated in the order of [B] (order pattern 1.2) and controlled in the order of [C] and [A]. A pattern for calculating the control parameter [B] after calculating the parameters. Here, (order pattern 1.1) will be described in detail as an example.

  First, in the control of [A] shown in FIG. 36, the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 uses the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, and the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount in the linear characteristic region. The aperture setting value (aperture control parameter) is calculated so as to obtain a photoelectric conversion characteristic in which the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30a at a predetermined target output level (Vtarget ') is obtained. This is the same as the case of FIG. 33 and the description is omitted). In FIG. 36, the exposure amount (aperture aperture area) is increased so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 901 at the time of AE evaluation value detection changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 902 so that the sensor output of the luminance Lt1 is Vtarget ′. The aperture setting value to be obtained is calculated. However, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 901 may be a photoelectric conversion characteristic that is fixed and stored in advance (set) in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, or a photoelectric conversion characteristic that is set at the time of the previous AE control. May be.

  Next, after the aperture control parameter in FIG. 36 is calculated, the exposure time control parameter in the control [C] shown in FIG. 37 is calculated. Also in this case, similarly to FIG. 36, the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 uses the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405 to the exposure luminance setting subject luminance (Lt1) in the linear characteristic region. An exposure time setting value (exposure time control parameter) is calculated such that a photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained in which the sensor output of the image sensor 30a becomes a new target output level (Vtarget) (target output level Vtarget ′ in FIG. 36). The photoelectric conversion characteristics after the change may be obtained by setting the value of the luminance Lt1 for this Vtarget ′ for the control of [C]. The method for calculating the exposure time setting value is the same as that in FIG. In the case of the control in FIG. 37, the linear characteristic region (inclination) changes with the logarithmic characteristic region (inclination and position) fixed, and apparently the photoelectric conversion characteristic 902 (photoelectric conversion shown in FIG. 36). A photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 obtained by moving the inflection point 903 (Vth1) corresponding to the characteristic 902 to the inflection point 904 (Vth1 ′) is obtained.

  Further, after the exposure time control parameter in FIG. 37 is calculated, the dynamic range control parameter is calculated in the control [B] shown in FIG. In this case, by using the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a outputs the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30a with respect to the subject luminance for setting the dynamic range (Lm20 which is the maximum subject luminance). However, a photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value (dynamic range control parameter) is obtained such that a photoelectric conversion characteristic that achieves the saturation output level Vmax of the image sensor 30a is obtained. The calculation method of the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is the same as in the case of FIG. 35, and the description thereof is omitted. In calculating the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 38, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 shown in FIG. 37 is changed from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 shown in FIG. A photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated such that the output level decreases from Vth1 ′ to Vth2.

Incidentally, in the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 38, when changing from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 906, the output level Vth2 of the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 906 after the change is calculated, and this Vth2 When the value is lower than a certain predetermined output level Vlimit, the correction of the output level of Vth2, specifically, the output level Vth2 is increased (increased) by the predetermined output level so that the output level Vth2 becomes equal to or higher than Vlimit. Calculation) is performed. This Vlimit is set in advance with reference to Vtarget in FIG. 37, as shown in the following equation.
Vlimit = Vtarget + ΔV
ΔV: Predetermined output level amount As this ΔV, for example, an exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control (FIG. 37), that is, an exposure amount at which the output level for the subject brightness Lt1 becomes the target output level Vtarget is secured An amount of output level sufficient to be able to be set is set.

  As described above, in the exposure control in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, there is a limit on the calculation of the parameter (Vth2, dynamic range control parameter) for controlling the photoelectric conversion characteristics.

  As in the first embodiment, the predetermined output level in the correction may be increased by calculating the difference amount (output level difference) between Vth2 and Vlimit and increasing the difference amount at a time. Alternatively, a configuration in which the output is increased step by step by a predetermined output level may be employed. Further, instead of calculating the output level once and then comparing it with the comparison level, the output level Vth2 obtained as a result of the calculation may be calculated so as not to fall below Vlimit. Further, instead of calculating the output level Vth2 itself at the inflection point and comparing it with the output level Vlimit, the photoelectric conversion characteristic having the comparison level as the inflection point is obtained in advance, and control parameters for obtaining the photoelectric conversion characteristic are obtained. The stored control parameter is compared with the control parameter obtained by the calculation, and the control parameter calculated when the output level Vth2 is in a relative relationship below Vlimit is stored. You may make it replace with the control parameter which exists.

  By the way, in the case of (order pattern 1.2), that is, when the control parameters are calculated in the order of [C], [A], and [B], they are the same as the order pattern 1.1 described above. This will be explained briefly. First, in FIG. 37, the exposure time control parameter is calculated so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 902 becomes the photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 (the apparent inflection point 903 moves to the inflection point 904). Next, in FIG. 36, aperture control parameters are calculated so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 (corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 901) changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 902. However, when calculating the aperture control parameter here, a setting value different from the value of the subject brightness for setting the exposure amount and the target output level in FIG. 37 may be used. 38, the dynamic range control parameter is calculated so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 902 in FIG. 36 (corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 905 in FIG. 38) changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 906.

  In the case of this order pattern 1.2, similarly to the order pattern 1.1, when calculating the control parameter in the case of [B] in FIG. 38, the value of the inflection point Vth2 of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 906 after the change is When it is lower than the output level Vlimit, an operation is performed to raise the output level Vth2 by a predetermined output level so that the output level Vth2 becomes equal to or higher than Vlimit shown in FIG. The raising calculation method is also the same as described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above description, the control order (priority order) is set and executed for the aperture control [A] and the exposure time control [C] in the exposure control, but [A] and [C] ] (Parameter calculation calculation) may be executed simultaneously (parallel processing).

  Next, a case where priority is given to the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter <2> described above. 39 to 41 are graphs showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a change when AE control is performed in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, and FIG. 39 is a dynamic range control parameter of [B]. FIG. 40 shows a change when the aperture control parameter [A] is calculated, and FIG. 41 shows a change when the exposure time control parameter [C] is calculated. ing.

In the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, the control parameter calculation order is as follows.
(Order pattern 2.1) After calculating the control parameters of [B], the control parameters of the pattern (order pattern 2.2) [B] for calculating the control parameters in the order of [A] and [C] were calculated. Later, a pattern in which the control parameters are calculated in the order of [C] and [A] Here, (order pattern 2.1) will be described in detail below as an example.

  First, in the control of [B] shown in FIG. 39, the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a uses the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, and the subject luminance for setting the dynamic range (the maximum subject luminance). A photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value (dynamic range control parameter) is calculated such that the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30a with respect to Lm20) has a photoelectric conversion characteristic at which the saturation output level Vmax1 temporarily set for the dynamic range control is obtained. The calculation method of the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is the same as in the case of FIG. 35, and the description thereof is omitted. The provisional saturation output level Vmax1 changes (moves) the entire photoelectric conversion characteristics as shown by the arrows in the figure by performing the subsequent exposure amount control (FIGS. 40 and 41), and after the dynamic range control here Since it is assumed that the output level (provisional saturation output level Vmax1) with respect to the luminance Lm20 is changed, it is set as a provisional value. However, the value of the temporary saturation output level Vmax1 may be the value of the saturation output level Vmax.

  In [B] of FIG. 39, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 911 at the time of AE evaluation value detection is changed from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 911 to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912 so that the sensor output of the luminance Lm20 is set to the temporary saturation output level Vmax1 (inflection point). Is set so that the output level increases from Vth1 to Vth2. However, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 911 may be a photoelectric conversion characteristic that is fixed and stored in advance (set) in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, or a photoelectric conversion characteristic that is set in the previous AE control. May be.

  Next, after calculation of the dynamic range control parameter in FIG. 39, the aperture control parameter is calculated in the control [A] shown in FIG. In this case, by using the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405, the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 calculates the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30a for the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount in the linear characteristic region. Then, an aperture setting value (aperture control parameter) is obtained so as to obtain a photoelectric conversion characteristic that achieves a predetermined target output level (Vtarget ′) (the method of calculating the aperture setting value is the same as in the case of FIG. 33). Yes, the explanation is omitted). In FIG. 40, the exposure amount (aperture aperture) is changed so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912 (corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912 shown in FIG. 39) changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 913 in order to set the sensor output of the luminance Lt1 to Vtarget ′. An aperture setting value that increases the area) is calculated.

  In the calculation of the aperture control parameter in FIG. 40, when changing from the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912 to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 913, the output level Vmax2 for the subject luminance Lm20 in the photoelectric conversion characteristic 913 after the change is calculated, and the value of this Vmax2 However, when the output level is higher than the saturation output level Vmax of the image sensor 30a, the output level Vmax2 is corrected, specifically, the output level Vmax2 is lowered by a predetermined output level so that the output level Vmax2 is equal to or lower than Vmax ( (Decrease) is performed.

  The calculation for lowering Vmax2 by a predetermined output level is such that the sensor output at the luminance Lt1 is Vtarget (the sensor output at the luminance Lm20 is Vmax2). This is done by reducing the calculation. However, the reduction of the gain Gain is a calculation that reduces the aperture gain Gs while fixing the exposure time gain Gt (changes the aperture gain Gs without changing the exposure time gain Gt). Become.

  Thus, in exposure control in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, calculation of exposure amount control parameters (amplification gain, aperture control parameter) that affect the dynamic range adjusted in the previous dynamic range control is performed. There are restrictions on

  Note that, as in the first embodiment, the reduction by a predetermined level such as the amplification factor in the correction described above is the difference between the amplification factor (VmGain) at which the sensor output of the luminance Lm20 is Vmax and the amplification factor Gain. It may be performed by calculating (amplification factor difference) and lowering the difference amount at a time, or may be configured to decrease step by step by a predetermined output level. Also, instead of calculating the output level Vmax2 for the subject brightness Lm20 once and comparing it with the saturated output level Vmax, the calculation is performed so that the output level Vmax2 obtained as a result of the calculation does not exceed the saturated output level Vmax. It doesn't matter. Further, as described in the above-described <1> exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, the output level Vmax2 itself is not calculated and compared with the saturated output level, but the control parameters may be compared. Good.

  Further, after the aperture control parameter in FIG. 40 is calculated, the exposure time control parameter in the control [C] shown in FIG. 41 is calculated. In this case as well, as in FIG. 40, the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 uses the AE evaluation value detected by the evaluation value detection unit 405 to the exposure luminance setting subject luminance (Lt1) in the linear characteristic region. An exposure time setting value (exposure time control parameter) is calculated such that a photoelectric conversion characteristic is obtained in which the sensor output of the image sensor 30a becomes a new target output level (Vtarget) (target output level Vtarget ′ in FIG. 36). The photoelectric conversion characteristics after the change may be obtained by setting the value of the luminance Lt1 for this Vtarget ′ for the control of [C]. The method for calculating the exposure time setting value is the same as that in FIG. In the case of the control in FIG. 41, the linear characteristic region (inclination in the linear characteristic region (inclination and position thereof) is fixed, that is, in the state in which the dynamic range of the photoelectric conversion characteristic in FIG. 40 is fixed. ) Is changed, and apparently the photoelectric conversion characteristic 916 obtained by moving the inflection point 914 (Vth2) of the photoelectric conversion characteristic 913 to the inflection point 915 (Vth2 ′) is obtained.

  In the case of (order pattern 2.2), that is, when the control parameters are calculated in the order of [B], [C], and [A], they are the same as (order pattern 2.1) described above. Referring to FIG. 39, the dynamic range control parameter is calculated so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 911 becomes the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912. Next, in FIG. 41, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912 (photoelectric conversion characteristic 913) is calculated. The exposure time control parameter is calculated so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 916 changes. In FIG. 40, the aperture control parameter is calculated so that the photoelectric conversion characteristic 916 in FIG. 41 (corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 912 in FIG. 40) changes to the photoelectric conversion characteristic 913. However, when calculating the aperture control parameter here, a setting value different from the value of the subject brightness for setting the exposure amount and the target output level in FIG. 41 may be used.

  In the case of this (order pattern 2.2), similarly to (order pattern 2.1), when calculating the control parameter in the case of [A] in FIG. 40, the photoelectric conversion characteristic 913 after the change with respect to the subject luminance Lm20 is calculated. When the value of the output level Vmax2 is larger than the saturation output level Vmax, a calculation is performed to lower the output level Vmax2 by a predetermined output level so that the output level Vmax2 is equal to or lower than Vmax. The calculation method for the reduction is the same as described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Even in this dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, as described above, the control order (priority order) is not set for the aperture control [A] and the exposure time control [C] in the exposure amount control. The control of [A] and [C] (parameter calculation calculation) may be executed simultaneously (parallel processing).

  Next, the flow of each control parameter calculation in the exposure control parameter calculation priority mode <1> and the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode <2> in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. I will explain. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of calculating each control parameter in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode shown in FIGS. First, based on an instruction input from the operation unit 100 such as the mode setting switch 105 by the user, the calculation priority setting unit 5111a sets the calculation priority of the control parameter, that is, calculates the exposure amount control parameter as the dynamic range control parameter. An exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode that gives priority over calculation is set. However, in the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter in this case, the exposure time control parameter and the aperture control parameter are calculated. Either of the exposure time control parameter calculation or the aperture control parameter calculation is performed first. Information about whether to execute is stored in advance in the calculation priority setting unit 5111a, for example, and is selected by an instruction input by the user or the like, and the calculation priority of each control parameter is set according to the selection. (For example, priority order to be executed in order of aperture control parameter calculation, exposure time control parameter calculation, dynamic range control parameter calculation, or exposure time control parameter calculation, aperture control parameter calculation, dynamic range control parameter calculation is set. (Step S71).

  Next, an exposure amount setting value (exposure amount control parameter), that is, an exposure time setting value, at which the sensor output of the image sensor 30a with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level (Vtarget). (Exposure time control parameter) and aperture setting value (aperture control parameter) are calculated. However, the calculation of the target output level (Vtarget) with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) is performed in so-called two stages according to the calculation priority of each set value. That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, when the aperture setting value and the exposure time setting value are calculated in this order, first, an aperture setting value that achieves the target output level Vtarget ′ with respect to the subject luminance Lt1 is calculated. Next, an exposure time setting value is calculated so as to achieve the target output level Vtarget for the same subject luminance Lt1 (FIG. 37) (step S72). In step S72, the aperture setting value and the exposure time setting value are calculated in this order. However, they may be calculated in the reverse order, or these setting values may be calculated simultaneously. Good.

  The calculated exposure time setting value and aperture setting value are stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the exposure time setting value and aperture setting value are set in the digital camera 1a (step S73). Next, a dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristic setting) such that the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30a with respect to the subject brightness for setting the dynamic range (Lm20 which is the subject maximum brightness) becomes a predetermined output level (saturation output level Vmax). Value) is calculated (step S74). Then, the output level determination unit 530 determines whether or not the output level Vth2 of the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic after the change is equal to or higher than Vlimit, and when it is determined that Vth2 is not equal to or higher than Vlimit (step S75). NO), the process returns to step S74, the calculation of raising Vth2 by a predetermined output level (correction of the output level Vth2) is performed, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value corresponding to the corrected Vth2 is calculated. When it is determined that Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit (YES in step S75), the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the digital camera 1a of the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is stored. Is set (step S76).

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of each control parameter calculation in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode illustrated in FIGS. First, based on an instruction input from the operation unit 100 such as the mode setting switch 105 by the user, the calculation priority setting unit 5111a sets the calculation priority of the control parameter, that is, calculates the dynamic range control parameter. A dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode that gives priority over calculation is set. However, in the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter in this mode, the calculation of the exposure time control parameter and the calculation of the aperture control parameter are performed as in the case of FIG. 42, but the calculation of the exposure time control parameter and the aperture control parameter are performed. Information about which one of the calculations is executed first is stored in advance in, for example, the calculation priority setting unit 5111a, and these are selected by an instruction input by the user or the like. Control parameter calculation priorities are set (for example, dynamic range control parameter calculation, aperture control parameter calculation, exposure time control parameter calculation in this order, or dynamic range control parameter calculation, exposure time control parameter calculation, aperture control parameter calculation) Priority to be executed in the order of Step S81).

  Next, a dynamic range control parameter (photoelectric conversion characteristics) such that the sensor output of the imaging sensor 30a with respect to the subject brightness for setting the dynamic range (Lm20 which is the subject maximum brightness) becomes a predetermined output level (temporary saturation output level Vmax1). The setting value is calculated (step S82). Then, the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is set for the digital camera 1a (step S83).

  Next, an exposure amount setting value (exposure amount control parameter), that is, an exposure time setting value, at which the sensor output of the image sensor 30a with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level (Vtarget). (Exposure time control parameter) and aperture setting value (aperture control parameter) are calculated. However, the calculation of the target output level (Vtarget) with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) is performed in so-called two stages according to the calculation priority of each set value. That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, when the aperture setting value and the exposure time setting value are calculated in this order, first, an aperture setting value that achieves the target output level Vtarget ′ with respect to the subject luminance Lt1 is calculated. Next, an exposure time setting value is calculated such that the target output level Vtarget is obtained for the same subject luminance Lt1 (FIG. 41) (step S84). In step S84, the aperture setting value and the exposure time setting value are calculated in this order. However, they may be calculated in the reverse order, or these setting values may be calculated simultaneously. Good.

  Then, the output level determination unit 530 determines whether or not the output level Vmax2 at the luminance Lm20 with respect to the photoelectric conversion characteristic after the change (here, after calculation of the aperture setting value shown in FIG. 40) is greater than the saturation output level Vmax. If it is determined that Vmax2 is greater than Vmax (YES in step S85), the process returns to step S84, and a calculation for reducing Vmax2 by a predetermined output level (for example, the gain Gain (aperture gain Gs) is reduced). Correction) is performed, and an aperture setting value corresponding to the corrected Gain is calculated. If it is determined that Vmax2 is not greater than Vmax (NO in step S85), the calculated exposure time setting value and aperture setting value are stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and the exposure time setting value and aperture value are stored. The setting value is set for the digital camera 1a (step S86).

  In the flow shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, each control parameter is calculated and each control parameter is set for each calculation. However, as shown in FIGS. A configuration in which each control parameter is set after calculating the control parameter may be employed. 44. First, in FIG. 44, the exposure priority control parameter calculation priority mode (control priority in the order of aperture control, exposure time control, and dynamic range control) is set in the calculation priority setting unit 5111a (step S91). Similar to step S72 shown in FIG. 42, the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value are calculated (step S92). Next, similarly to steps S74 and S75, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated (step S93). The output level determination unit 530 determines whether or not the output level Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit, and Vth2 is If it is determined that it is not equal to or higher than Vlimit (NO in step S94), the process returns to step S93 to perform an operation for raising Vth2 by a predetermined output level, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value corresponding to the corrected Vth2 Is calculated. If it is determined that Vth2 is equal to or higher than Vlimit (YES in step S94), the exposure time setting value and aperture setting value calculated in steps S92 and S93 (NO in step S94), and the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting are set. The value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and each setting value is set for the digital camera 1a (step S95).

  Next, in FIG. 45, a dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode (control priority in the order of dynamic range control, aperture control, and exposure time control) is set in the calculation priority setting unit 5111a (step S101). Similarly to step S82 shown in FIG. 43, the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated (step 102). Next, similarly to the above steps S84 and S85, the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value are calculated (step S103), and the output level determination unit 530 determines whether or not the output level Vmax2 is greater than the saturation output level Vmax. If it is determined that Vmax2 is greater than Vmax (YES in step S104), the process returns to step S103 to perform an operation for lowering Vmax2 by a predetermined output level, and the corrected Gain (aperture value) The aperture setting value is calculated according to the amplification factor Gs). If it is determined that Vmax2 is not greater than Vmax (NO in step S104), the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value calculated in steps S102 and S103 (YES in step S104), the exposure time setting value, and the aperture setting are determined. The value is stored in the photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 516, and each setting value is set for the digital camera 1a (step S105).

  In the second embodiment, exposure amount control parameter calculation (aperture control parameter calculation and exposure time) is performed in both the above-described <1> exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode and <2> dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. Photoelectric conversion characteristics to be used for imaging are determined by calculation in two steps (or three steps of aperture, exposure time, and dynamic range control parameter calculation): control parameter calculation) and dynamic range control parameter calculation. Processing up to the characteristic determination can be performed easily and promptly. In the second embodiment, priority control is executed first. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, if the following modification is adopted, control that does not have priority will be executed first. Can also be done. (Modification 1 ') Control is performed in the order of exposure amount control (aperture control, exposure time control) → dynamic range control, but inflection points are not restricted in the dynamic range control. In this way, the dynamic range control can be prioritized as a result. (Modification 2 ') Although control is performed in the order of dynamic range control → exposure amount control (aperture control, exposure time control), saturation output level is not restricted in exposure amount control. If it does in this way, priority can be given to exposure amount control as a result.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus (digital camera 1) in the first embodiment, the evaluation value detection unit 405 detects the AE evaluation value based on the luminance information of the subject, and using this AE evaluation value, Based on the photoelectric conversion characteristics, exposure amount control is performed by an exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 (exposure amount control unit) and dynamic range control is performed by a dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 (dynamic range control unit), thereby performing AE. Control is performed. The calculation priority setting unit 5111 has priority (information) indicating that priority is given to either the exposure amount control by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 or the dynamic range control by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512. Is set. As described above, the exposure amount control by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 and the dynamic range control by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 are performed in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30 included in the digital camera 1, and Since the AE control of the digital camera 1 by the exposure amount control and the dynamic range control according to the priority order becomes possible, the subject is imaged in an optimal exposure state and a predetermined dynamic range according to the subject brightness. Furthermore, it is possible to deal with a case where exposure control is to be performed with emphasis on either the exposure amount (control) or the dynamic range (control) according to each situation in shooting. The digital camera 1 capable of AE control with a higher degree of freedom can be provided.

  In addition, priority level information that prioritizes calculation of the exposure amount control parameter is set in the calculation priority order setting unit 5111. Based on this setting, the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 is given priority first. Next, since the dynamic range control parameter is calculated by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512, the emphasis is placed on the exposure amount (control), that is, priority is given to securing a desired exposure amount, It is possible to perform AE control such as securing a required (for example, minimum required) dynamic range.

  In addition, priority level information that prioritizes calculation of the dynamic range control parameter is set in the calculation priority level setting unit 5111. Based on this setting, the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 has priority. Next, since the exposure amount control parameter is calculated by the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511, the dynamic range (control) is emphasized, that is, priority is given to securing a desired dynamic range, Exposure control such as ensuring a required (for example, minimum required) exposure amount is possible.

  First, the exposure amount is controlled so that the output level of the imaging sensor 30 with respect to the subject brightness Lt1 for setting the exposure amount in the linear characteristic region becomes a predetermined target output level Vtarget. It is possible to preferentially secure a desired exposure amount in imaging in a linear characteristic region where a clear image signal is obtained, and the output level of the imaging sensor 30 with respect to the subject luminance Lm20 (for example, the maximum subject luminance) for dynamic range setting. It is possible to secure a required dynamic range (subject luminance range) such that the sensor output corresponding to the subject luminance (subject luminance range) falls within the output level range of the image sensor 30 so that the saturation output level Vmax is reached. it can.

  Further, since the dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512 calculates the dynamic range control parameter so that the inflection point output level Vth2 does not fall below (becomes) the comparison output level Vlimit, the exposure amount control is performed. The exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control is impaired by the subsequent dynamic range control (calculation of the dynamic range control parameter) (after calculating the exposure amount control parameter). It is possible to prevent that the exposure amount at which the output level of the image sensor 30 with respect to the setting subject luminance Lt1 becomes the target output level Vtarget cannot be secured, and it is possible to reliably perform the exposure control giving priority to the exposure amount control.

  First, the output level of the image sensor 30 with respect to the subject luminance Lm20 for setting the dynamic range is set to a predetermined temporary saturation output level Vmax1, that is, the sensor output corresponding to the subject luminance (subject luminance range) is the output level of the image sensor 30. A desired dynamic range can be preferentially secured so as to fall within the range, and the output level of the imaging sensor 30 with respect to the subject luminance Lt1 for setting the exposure amount in the linear characteristic region becomes a predetermined target output level Vtarget. In addition, the exposure amount is controlled, and it is possible to secure a required exposure amount in imaging in a linear characteristic region where a high-contrast image signal can be obtained even for a low-luminance subject.

  Further, the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511 calculates the exposure amount control parameter so that the comparison output level Vmax2 does not exceed the saturation output level Vmax (below), so that the dynamic range control is performed. By the exposure amount control (after calculating the dynamic range control parameter), the dynamic range preferentially secured by the previous dynamic range control is impaired (narrowed), that is, dynamic It is prevented that the output level of the image sensor 30 with respect to the subject brightness Lm20 for setting the range exceeds the saturation output level Vmax, and it becomes impossible to secure a wider dynamic range using the output level range of the image sensor 30 to the maximum. And dynamic The exposure control of the Nji control giving priority can be reliably performed.

  Moreover, according to the imaging device (digital camera 1a) in the second embodiment of the present invention, the imaging sensor 30a is configured to be able to execute photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region without depending on the exposure time, and exposure. An aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 (aperture control unit) included in the amount control parameter calculation unit 511a (exposure amount control unit) controls the exposure amount based on the aperture setting value relating to the adjustment of the aperture opening area with respect to the aperture 22, and the exposure. The exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 (exposure time control means) included in the amount control parameter calculation unit 511a controls the exposure amount based on the exposure time setting value relating to the adjustment of the exposure time for the image sensor 30a. An exposure amount control parameter indicating calculation of the aperture control parameter by the aperture control parameter calculation unit 5113 and / or calculation of the exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control parameter calculation unit 5112 by the calculation priority setting unit 5111a (priority setting unit). The priority order for giving priority to the calculation of the aperture is set, and the diaphragm control means and / or the exposure time control means, and the dynamic range control means, which are configured to be capable of independent AE control by the overall control unit 50a (exposure control means). In the AE control, the aperture control parameter and / or the exposure time control parameter and the dynamic range control parameter are sequentially calculated based on the priority set by the calculation priority setting unit 5111a.

  In this way, in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristic of the image sensor 30a (photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region is performed without depending on the exposure time), the aperture control parameter is calculated in order based on a predetermined priority order. Since the calculation of the exposure time control parameter and the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter are performed, it is possible to cope with the case where the AE control is performed with emphasis on the exposure amount control by the aperture control and / or the exposure time control. In addition, in the exposure amount control prioritized over the dynamic range control, it is possible to set priorities for the aperture control and / or the exposure time control, and the degree of freedom is higher and the efficiency according to the priorities is higher. An imaging device capable of performing good AE control can be provided.

  The dynamic range control parameter calculation unit 512a (dynamic range control means) calculates the dynamic range control parameter so that the inflection point output level (Vth2; see FIG. 38) is equal to or higher than the comparison output level (Vlimit). Therefore, even if each of the aperture control and / or the exposure time control and the dynamic range control is sequentially performed in accordance with a predetermined priority, the aperture control parameter and The exposure amount preferentially secured in the previous exposure amount control is impaired by dynamic range control (calculation of the dynamic range control parameter) after the exposure time control parameter is calculated, that is, for exposure amount setting. The output level of the image sensor 30a with respect to the subject brightness (Lt1) is the target output. Level can be prevented, such as made exposure (Vtarget) can not be secured, the exposure control can be performed reliably AE control which gives priority.

  Further, in association with the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor 30a (photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic area is performed without depending on the exposure time), the dynamic range control parameter is calculated and the aperture in order based on a predetermined priority. Since the calculation of the control parameter and / or the exposure time control parameter is performed, it is possible to cope with the case where the AE control is performed with emphasis on the dynamic range control, and is executed after the dynamic range control. In the exposure amount control, an imaging device capable of setting priority for aperture control and / or exposure time control, and having higher degree of freedom and efficient AE control according to the priority is provided. can do.

  In addition, the exposure amount control parameter calculation unit 511a (exposure amount control means) calculates the exposure amount control parameter so that the comparison output level (Vmax2; see FIG. 40) is equal to or lower than the saturation output level (Vmax). Even if each of the dynamic range control, aperture control and / or exposure time control is sequentially performed according to a predetermined priority order, the dynamic range control parameters are calculated (calculation of dynamic range control parameters). Later, the exposure control (aperture control parameter and / or exposure time control parameter calculation) impairs the dynamic range preferentially secured in the previous dynamic range control, that is, subject brightness for dynamic range setting. The output level of the image sensor 30a with respect to (Lm20) is saturated output. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the bell (Vmax) is exceeded and a wider dynamic range cannot be ensured using the output level range of the image sensor 30a to the maximum, and AE control with priority given to dynamic range control is reliably performed. be able to.

  Further, the imaging sensor 30a is provided with a floating diffusion (FD) and a reset bias applying transistor (transistor T11), and the gate voltage of the transistor is set to a medium potential (Mid; see FIG. 32A). Since a signal having a photoelectric conversion characteristic composed of a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region is output, it is possible to obtain a photoelectric conversion characteristic having a linear characteristic region and a logarithmic characteristic region by using the imaging sensor 30a having a simple configuration. Aperture control and / or exposure time control, and dynamic range control, which are independent controls for AE control (changes in photoelectric conversion characteristics that are different for each control are obtained) and control priority is set. It becomes possible to realize the AE control by.

In addition, this invention can take the following aspects.
(A) In the first embodiment, a P-channel MOSFET is employed in each pixel of the image sensor 30, but an N-channel MOSFET may be employed. In the second embodiment, an N-channel MOSFET is employed in each pixel of the image sensor 30a. However, a P-channel MOSFET may be employed.

  (B) About said 1st and 2nd embodiment, it operate | moves similarly to each of these cases (In 1st Embodiment, for example, the whole photoelectric conversion characteristic is according to aperture control and exposure time control as exposure amount control. In the second embodiment, the entire photoelectric conversion characteristic is changed by, for example, aperture control, but the exposure time control has an integral effect in the linear characteristic region, and the characteristic changes according to the exposure time. In the characteristic region, there is no integral effect, and the characteristic is fixed regardless of the exposure time (however, each embodiment is subject to dynamic range control based on inflection point position control). It may be.

  (C) In the first (second) embodiment, the subject brightness is detected by the imaging sensor 30 (imaging sensor 30a), but a photometric element (subject provided separately from the imaging sensor 30 (imaging sensor 30a)). The luminance of the subject (AE evaluation value) may be detected using an element that measures the brightness of the light by dividing it with a plurality of light receiving elements. However, from the viewpoint of simplifying the mechanism, it is desirable to detect subject luminance (AE evaluation value) based on an image signal obtained from an actual captured image captured by the imaging sensor 30 (imaging sensor 30a).

  (D) In the first (second) embodiment, the shutter 23 and the imaging sensor 30 (imaging sensor 30a) are provided and the exposure time is controlled. It is good also as a structure which controls the exposure time by providing either one of the structures of 30a).

  (E) In the first embodiment, the setting values for the image sensor 30, the shutter 23, and the diaphragm 22 obtained by converting the exposure time T2 and the aperture area S2 of the diaphragm by LUT data are set as the exposure time setting values, respectively. However, the amplification factors Gt and Gs (or the exposure time T2 and the aperture area S2 of the aperture) may be used as the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value, respectively. Similarly, the output level Vth2 (or ΔVth) at the inflection point may be set as the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the gains Gt and Gs may be set as the exposure time setting value and the aperture setting value, respectively, and the output level at the inflection point may be set as the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value.

  (F) In the first and second embodiments, RGB primary color data is used as image data for evaluation value calculation, but other image data, for example, complementary color image data, monochrome luminance data, or the like may be used. .

  (G) The division (area division) of the imaging region 330 may not be a division by the division photometry method, and may be any method such as a spot photometry method or a central partial photometry method. Further, the block configuration of the main subject region 331 and the peripheral subject region 332 of the imaging region 330 may not be the configuration shown in FIG. In addition, although the evaluation value is calculated for each block, the evaluation value is calculated in two areas (2 blocks; each area is defined as 1 block) of the main subject area 331 and the surrounding subject area 332. May be. In addition, the imaging area 330 is not divided into two areas such as the main subject area 331 and the peripheral subject area 332, but is divided into three or more areas, and evaluation values are calculated from luminance information in each area (block). The AE control based on this may be performed. Alternatively, the evaluation value may be similarly calculated for the one imaging area without dividing the imaging area, and the AE control may be performed. Further, the area setting of each area (block) as described above of the imaging area 330 may be performed. May be configured to be performed at any time according to a user operation instruction.

(H) In the second embodiment, the AE control is performed by performing aperture control, dynamic range control, and exposure time control (setting) using [A], [B], and [C]. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which AE control is performed by any one control (setting) in [A], [B], and [C] may be used. That is,
[A]: Control is performed so that the subject (main subject) brightness for exposure amount setting (for example, brightness Lt1 shown in FIG. 33) becomes a desired output level (Vtarget) in the linear characteristic region only by aperture control (setting). To do. In this case, however, the inflection point output level (Vth) is set to a level higher than the desired output level (Vtarget). Note that the AE control based only on the aperture control of [A] is intended to control the exposure amount as a whole, that is, in the linear characteristic region (low luminance image) while adjusting the brightness of the entire image by changing the dynamic range. This is effective when adjustment (for example, contrast adjustment) is desired.
[B]: Control is performed so that the subject (main subject) brightness for exposure amount setting is imaged in the linear characteristic region only by dynamic range control (setting) (for example, the luminance Lt10 in FIG. 35 is used for this exposure amount setting). If the subject brightness is set to the subject brightness, control is performed to move the inflection point position of the photoelectric conversion characteristics from Vth2 to Vth1 so that the subject brightness Lt10 falls within the linear characteristic region.
When the subject brightness for setting the exposure amount is in the logarithmic characteristic area, the logarithmic characteristic area is converted into a linear characteristic area using a predetermined LUT, as described with reference to FIG. A sensor output value with respect to the subject luminance for exposure amount setting in the characteristic region is calculated, and photoelectric conversion characteristic setting is performed so that the inflection point output level is higher than the calculated sensor output value. Note that the AE control based only on the dynamic range control of [B] is effective when the dynamic range is to be adjusted while the linear characteristic region (gain of the low luminance image) is fixed (maintained).
[C]: Control is performed so that the subject (main subject) brightness for exposure amount setting becomes a desired output level (Vtarget) in the linear characteristic region only by exposure time control (setting). In this case, however, control is performed so that the output level (Vth) of the inflection point does not fall below the desired output level (Vtarget). Note that the AE control based only on the exposure time control of [C] is effective when it is desired to adjust the linear characteristic region (low luminance image) while the dynamic range is fixed (maintained).

  (I) With regard to the modified form of (H) above, the exposure amount control in each priority mode may be performed by controlling only one of [A] and [C]. Specifically, in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, the control may be performed in order of [A] and [B] (the control of [C] is not performed), or in the order of control of [C] and [B]. (Control of [A] is not implemented). On the other hand, in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, similarly, the control may be performed in order of [B] and [A] (the control of [C] is not performed), or in the order of [B] and [C]. You may control ([A] control is not implemented).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the small digital camera with which the imaging device concerning 1st Embodiment is applied suitably, (a) is the top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a rear view. . It is an imaging process block diagram in the said digital camera. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the color filter structure of the image sensor used for the said digital camera. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function of the whole control part with which the said digital camera is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the whole operation | movement of the said digital camera. It is a table format for demonstrating the definition of the term regarding exposure control. It is a schematic block diagram of the two-dimensional MOS type solid-state imaging device which is an example of an imaging sensor. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of each pixel G11-Gmn shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing chart regarding the imaging operation of an imaging sensor. It is a figure which shows an example of the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor. It is a graph for demonstrating the change operation | movement of the said photoelectric conversion characteristic. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example in the case of detecting the AE evaluation value etc. of a to-be-photographed object from the still image which the imaging sensor actually imaged. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example in the case of detecting the AE evaluation value etc. of a to-be-photographed object from the moving image which the imaging sensor is imaging continuously. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function of an evaluation value detection part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the division | segmentation state of the imaging area (photometry range) at the time of the division | segmentation photometry by an imaging sensor. It is a graph which shows an example of the brightness | luminance histogram by the said division | segmentation photometry, (a) is a figure which shows a main subject whole luminance histogram, (b) is a figure which respectively shows a surrounding subject whole histogram. It is a graph which shows an example of the whole area histogram at the time of the output saturation of an imaging sensor. FIG. 6 is a graph showing how the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor change when performing AE control, where (a) shows the change when performing exposure amount control, and (b) performs dynamic range control. It is a figure which shows the change in a case. It is a graph for demonstrating the linear conversion process at the time of exposure amount control parameter calculation. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of exposure amount control parameter calculation. It is a graph for demonstrating the process at the time of exposure amount control parameter calculation. It is a graph explaining the calculation method of the position of the inflection point in the photoelectric conversion characteristic when calculating the dynamic range control parameter, and (a) shows the photoelectric conversion characteristic so that a predetermined sensor output is obtained with respect to the luminance Lmax. It is a figure at the time of changing, (b) is a figure at the time of modeling a photoelectric conversion characteristic. It is a graph for demonstrating the process at the time of dynamic range control parameter calculation. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control in exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode, (a) shows the change in the case of calculating an exposure amount control parameter. (B) is a figure which shows the change in the case of calculating a dynamic range control parameter. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control in dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode, (a) shows the change in the case of calculating a dynamic range control parameter. (B) is a figure which shows the change in the case of calculating an exposure amount control parameter. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of each control parameter calculation in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode illustrated in FIG. 24. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of each control parameter calculation in the case of dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flow shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flow shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function of the whole control part with which the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment is provided. FIG. 31 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of each pixel in the image sensor of the digital camera shown in FIG. 30. 31 is an example of a timing chart regarding the imaging operation of each pixel in the imaging sensor shown in FIG. 31, (a) is a timing chart regarding the charge accumulation (exposure) operation during the vertical blank period in all pixels, and (b) is 6 is a timing chart relating to a charge sweeping operation of pixels in each row by vertical scanning after completion of charge accumulation during a horizontal blank period. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing exposure amount control based on "aperture control" in [A]. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing exposure amount control based on "exposure time control" in [C]. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing dynamic range control based on "photoelectric conversion characteristic control" in [B]. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control based on the aperture control of [A] in exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control based on the exposure time control of [C] in exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control based on the dynamic range control of [B] in exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control based on the dynamic range control of [B] in dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control based on the aperture control of [A] in dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. It is a graph which shows a mode that the photoelectric conversion characteristic of an imaging sensor changes in the case of performing AE control based on the exposure time control of [C] in dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode. FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of each control parameter calculation in the exposure amount control parameter calculation priority mode illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of each control parameter calculation in the dynamic range control parameter calculation priority mode illustrated in FIGS. 43 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flow shown in FIG. 42. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flow shown in FIG. 43. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a Digital camera (imaging device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Operation part 20 Lens barrel 21 Lens group 22 Aperture 23 Shutter 30, 30a Image sensor 31, 31a Timing generation circuit 40 Signal processing part 405 Evaluation value detection part (exposure evaluation value detection means)
50, 50a Overall control unit (exposure control means)
510, 510a Calculation unit 5110, 5110a AE control parameter calculation unit 5111, 5111a Calculation priority setting unit (priority setting means)
5112 Exposure time control parameter calculation unit (exposure time control means)
5113 Aperture control parameter calculation unit (aperture control means)
511, 511a Exposure amount control parameter calculation unit (exposure amount control means)
512, 512a Dynamic range control parameter calculation unit (dynamic range control means)
516 Photoelectric conversion characteristic information storage unit 518 LUT storage unit 520 Control signal generation unit 530 Output level determination unit 60 Drive unit 320 Photoelectric conversion characteristic 330 Imaging region 331 Main subject region 332 Peripheral subject region FD Floating diffusion T11 transistor (Claim 12) Transistor)
PD1 photodiode

Claims (12)

An electrical signal corresponding to the amount of incident light is generated, and the photoelectric conversion characteristic is a linear characteristic region in which the electric signal is linearly converted with respect to the amount of incident light, and the electric signal is logarithmized with respect to the amount of incident light. An image sensor having a logarithmic characteristic region that is converted and output automatically,
Exposure evaluation value detection means for detecting an exposure evaluation value when imaging the subject based on luminance information obtained from the subject;
Exposure control means for determining subject brightness for exposure setting based on the exposure evaluation value detected by the exposure evaluation value detection means, and performing exposure control of the imaging apparatus, and controlling the exposure amount for the imaging sensor Exposure control means comprising control means and dynamic range control means for controlling photoelectric conversion characteristics of the image sensor;
An imaging apparatus comprising: priority order setting means for setting a priority order indicating that priority is given to either exposure amount control by the exposure amount control means or dynamic range control by the dynamic range control means. The priority order indicates that priority is given to either the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control means or the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control means,
The priority order setting means sets a priority order for giving priority to the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter,
The exposure control means calculates the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control means and the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control means in order based on the priority order set in the priority order setting means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The priority order indicates that priority is given to either the calculation of the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control means or the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control means,
The priority order setting means sets a priority order for giving priority to the calculation of the dynamic range control parameter,
The exposure control means sequentially calculates the dynamic range control parameter by the dynamic range control means and the exposure amount control parameter by the exposure amount control means based on the priority order set by the priority order setting means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The exposure amount control means calculates a photoelectric conversion characteristic in which the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount becomes a predetermined target output level (Vtarget) in the linear characteristic region, and the calculation Calculate the exposure setting value as the exposure control parameter corresponding to the photoelectric conversion characteristics,
After the calculation of the exposure amount set value by the exposure amount control unit, the dynamic range control unit performs photoelectric conversion in which the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range becomes a predetermined saturation output level (Vmax). The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging device calculates a photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value as a dynamic range control parameter corresponding to the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic while calculating the characteristic.   The dynamic range control means controls the dynamic range so that the inflection point output level (Vth2) at the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic obtained by the calculation does not fall below a predetermined comparison output level (Vlimit). The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a parameter is calculated. The dynamic range control means detects the photoelectric level at which the output level of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance for dynamic range setting (Lm20) becomes a predetermined temporary saturation output level (Vmax1) temporarily set for dynamic range setting in the priority order. While calculating the conversion characteristics, to calculate a photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value as a dynamic range control parameter corresponding to the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristics,
After the photoelectric conversion characteristic setting value is calculated by the dynamic range control means, the exposure amount control unit is configured such that the output level of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lt1) for setting the exposure amount is a predetermined target output level ( 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a photoelectric conversion characteristic to be Vtarget) is calculated, and an exposure amount setting value as an exposure amount control parameter corresponding to the calculated photoelectric conversion characteristic is calculated.   In the exposure amount control means, the output level for comparison (Vmax2) of the imaging sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range in the photoelectric conversion characteristic obtained by calculation does not exceed a predetermined saturation output level (Vmax). The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the exposure amount control parameter is calculated as described above. The imaging sensor is configured to be able to execute photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region without depending on the exposure time,
Further comprising an aperture device,
The exposure amount control means controls the exposure amount based on an aperture setting value relating to the adjustment of the aperture opening area for the aperture device and / or the exposure amount based on the exposure time setting value relating to the adjustment of the exposure time for the image sensor. Exposure time control means for controlling
The priority order setting means sets a priority order for giving priority to calculation of an exposure amount control parameter indicating calculation of an aperture control parameter by the aperture control means and / or calculation of an exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control means,
In the exposure control by the aperture control means and / or the exposure time control means and the dynamic range control means configured to be able to control the exposure independently, the exposure control means has the priority set by the priority setting means. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein calculation of the aperture control parameter and / or calculation of the exposure time control parameter and calculation of the dynamic range control parameter are sequentially performed based on the calculation.   The dynamic range control means controls the dynamic range so that the inflection point output level (Vth2) at the inflection point of the photoelectric conversion characteristic obtained by the calculation does not fall below a predetermined comparison output level (Vlimit). The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a parameter is calculated. The imaging sensor is configured to be able to execute photoelectric conversion in the logarithmic characteristic region without depending on the exposure time,
Further comprising an aperture device,
The exposure amount control means controls the exposure amount based on an aperture setting value relating to the adjustment of the aperture opening area for the aperture device and / or the exposure amount based on the exposure time setting value relating to the adjustment of the exposure time for the image sensor. Exposure time control means for controlling
The priority order setting means gives priority to calculation of the dynamic range control parameter over calculation of the exposure amount control parameter indicating calculation of the aperture control parameter by the aperture control means and / or calculation of the exposure time control parameter by the exposure time control means. Set the ranking,
In the exposure control by the aperture control means and / or the exposure time control means and the dynamic range control means configured to be able to control the exposure independently, the exposure control means has the priority set by the priority setting means. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein calculation of the dynamic range control parameter, calculation of the aperture control parameter, and / or calculation of an exposure time control parameter are sequentially performed based on the calculation.   In the exposure amount control means, the comparison output level (Vmax2) of the image sensor with respect to the subject luminance (Lm20) for setting the dynamic range in the photoelectric conversion characteristic obtained by the calculation does not exceed the saturation output level (Vmax) of the image sensor. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the exposure amount control parameter is calculated as described above.   The imaging sensor includes a floating diffusion that accumulates charges from a photodiode that generates a photocurrent with respect to incident light and converts the charges into a voltage, and a transistor for applying a reset bias to the floating diffusion, 12. A signal having a photoelectric conversion characteristic composed of the linear characteristic region and the logarithmic characteristic region is output by setting a gate voltage of the transistor to an intermediate potential between a high potential and a low potential. The imaging device according to any one of the above.

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