JP2010217778A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus achieving focusing operation according to user's intuition, extending width of operational input, and facilitating the operational input. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus including an imaging lens, an imaging device and an image display means includes: an acceleration detection means that detects acceleration in two axial directions of the imaging apparatus; a tilt detection means that detects a tilt state of the imaging apparatus; an angular velocity detection means that detects angular velocity of the imaging apparatus; an operation determination means that determines that an operation is applied in the two axial directions when the acceleration exceeds the predetermined one, determines that an operation is applied in a rolling direction when tilt in a rotating direction is detected by the tilt detection means, and determines that an operation is applied in a pitch direction or a yaw direction when rotation is detected by the angular velocity detection means; and a focus control means that sets the focus position of the imaging lens in accordance with determination by the operation determination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, and in particular, an imaging lens that can move a focus position to change a focus state, an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject light image incident through the imaging lens, and the imaging element. The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having image display means for monitoring a subject image subjected to photoelectric conversion.

  Conventionally, with the downsizing of digital cameras, there is a shortage of space for operation buttons and the like, but there is a problem that the operability is deteriorated when the operation buttons are made smaller. In view of this, there has been proposed an imaging apparatus that detects the movement, posture, and vibration of the camera, and outputs a command signal equivalent to the operation button of the camera, thereby facilitating the operation of the camera.

  However, in such an imaging apparatus, there is a case in which an operation that is not intended by the user occurs and a user's operation instruction is misidentified. In order to prevent such a malfunction, a motion / posture input device is known that detects the motion and posture of a camera only when the detection valid switch is on, and gives instructions corresponding to each motion and posture. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, the operation input method when the detection valid switch is on is limited, and the operation input depends on whether or not it matches the registered movement / posture pattern. When the number of operation inputs increases, the movement / posture pattern becomes complex and often does not always match the user's intuitive operation, and there is a problem that it takes labor to learn the operation method. It was.

  Further, even when an operation based on a movement / posture pattern is performed, there is a problem that it is necessary to turn on the detection effective switch, and it is difficult to perform an intuitive and direct operation. On the other hand, if the detection valid switch is always turned on, there is a problem that malfunctions eventually increase.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, there are a wide variety of instructions based on movement / posture patterns, and operations that are completely unrelated, such as an operation for switching between a shooting mode and a playback mode, and an operation for shifting to an environment setting in each mode. Since it is performed by an instruction based on a movement / posture pattern, there is a problem that a large malfunction is likely to occur and it is difficult to perform a detailed operation.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can perform a focusing operation that matches an intuitive operation image of a user, can increase the width of the operation input, and can easily perform the operation input. And

To achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image pickup lens that can move a focus position to change a focus state, and an image pickup that photoelectrically converts a subject light image incident through the image pickup lens. An image pickup apparatus having an element and image display means for monitoring a subject image photoelectrically converted by the image pickup element,
Acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration in a biaxial direction on a plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis of the imaging device;
Tilt detecting means for detecting the tilt state of the imaging device;
Angular velocity detection means for detecting angular velocities on two orthogonal planes including the imaging optical axis of the imaging device;
When the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection means exceeds a predetermined acceleration, it is determined that an operation is given in the biaxial direction, and a predetermined rotation direction around the photographing optical axis is determined by the inclination detection means. When a tilt exceeding the angle is detected, it is determined that an operation in the roll direction is given, and when the angular velocity detecting means detects a rotational motion exceeding a predetermined angular velocity at which the photographing optical axis changes vertically or horizontally, the pitch direction Or an operation determining means for determining that an operation in the yaw direction is given;
Focus control means for setting the focus position of the photographic lens according to the determination of the operation determination means.

  Accordingly, various operation inputs can be performed, and the focus position can be easily set with a simplified operation.

A second invention is an imaging apparatus according to the first invention,
The operation determination means determines whether each direction is operated in either positive or negative direction when detecting an operation state from an unoperated state for each direction to be determined,
The focus control means moves the focus position according to the positive and negative directions determined by the operation determination means.

  Thereby, the focus position can be determined in consideration of the positive and negative directions, and fine focus setting can be performed by a simple operation.

A third invention is an imaging apparatus according to the second invention,
The image display unit displays the positive and negative directions of each direction determined by the operation determination unit.

  Thereby, the state of the operation input performed by the user can be confirmed, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

A fourth invention is an imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third inventions,
Image data is acquired from the image sensor, a plurality of edge portions that are feature points are detected in a predetermined region on the image sensor based on a change state of image contrast, and one of the detected edge portions is detected. Edge detection means for displaying a predetermined mark on the image display means together with the subject image at a corresponding position;
The edge detection means moves the position of the mark according to the focus position set based on the determination of the operation determination means,
The focus control unit fixes the focus position at the position of the mark when a photographing operation is executed.

  As a result, fine setting of the focus position becomes possible, and it is possible to perform shooting in focus on the imaging target.

A fifth invention is an imaging device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The focus control means changes the amount of change in the focus position according to the shooting mode.

  Accordingly, it is possible to set an appropriate focus position in consideration of a shooting mode such as a macro mode or a normal mode.

A sixth invention is an imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The focus control means changes the focus position at a constant speed from the shortest settable focus position distance to infinity, and fixes the focus position when the operation determination means recognizes that a predetermined operation has been given. It has a photographing mode.

  As a result, the setting of the focus position can be further simplified, and it is possible to respond to a request from a user who wants to perform shooting in the simplified shooting mode.

A seventh invention is an imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth inventions,
The operation determining means is characterized in that the predetermined acceleration, the predetermined angle and / or the predetermined angular velocity can be changed.

  As a result, it is possible to reduce the erroneous operation by reducing the sensitivity of the operation determination or to increase the sensitivity of the operation determination and perform the operation with a smaller operation.

An eighth invention is the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
The operation determining means corresponds to the operation of hitting the vibration operation, the operation of tilting the operation in the roll direction, and the operation of shaking the operation in the pitch direction or the yaw direction, and the operation of tapping, the tilting operation and / or the shaking operation. It is possible to select which one of the operation determinations is used.

  As a result, it is possible to set a favorite operation input on the user side, and it is possible to set a focus position with a favorite operation input set by the user.

A ninth invention is an imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,
The operation determining means has a plurality of the predetermined acceleration, the predetermined angle and / or the predetermined angular velocity,
The focus control means is characterized in that the amount of movement of the focus differs according to a plurality of the predetermined accelerations, the predetermined angles and / or the predetermined angular velocities.

  Thereby, the focus movement amount can be controlled by the operation amount, and a fine focus position can be set.

  According to the present invention, the focus position can be easily set with a simplified operation.

It is the figure which showed an example of the external view of the imaging device which concerns on the Example to which this invention is applied. FIG. 1A is a top view of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a front view of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1C is a rear view of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a digital camera that is an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the operation method in the case of giving the vibration of a X direction to an imaging device. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation method for applying vibration in the Y direction to the imaging apparatus 300. FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the operating method of the imaging device 300 by vibration provision. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting menu 270 for a focus change method. It is a functional block diagram of the imaging device 300 which concerns on a present Example. It is the figure which showed an example of the operation flow of the imaging device 300 which concerns on a present Example. It is a processing flowchart of the change method of the focus pulse value by vibration. It is the figure which showed an example of the processing flow which determines the focus pulse variation | change_quantity according to a vibration level using a some threshold value. It is the figure which showed an example of the monitor image in the state which is not focused. It is the figure which showed an example of the monitor image of the state in focus. It is explanatory drawing of the imaging | photography mode which memorize | stores an edge detection value and selects them.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The image pickup apparatus according to this embodiment can be applied to various cameras. In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described.

  FIG. 1A is a top view of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 1B is a front view of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. It is a back view of the imaging device concerning.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a release switch SW1, a mode dial switch SW2, and a sub liquid crystal display 10 are provided on the upper surface of the imaging apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, on the front surface of the imaging apparatus, there are a strobe unit 30, an optical finder 40 (front side), a distance measuring unit 50, a remote control light receiving unit 60, and a lens barrel unit 70. Is provided. The lens barrel unit 70 includes a photographing lens that can move the focus position. Further, a memory card / battery compartment lid 20 is provided on the side of the imaging device.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, an optical viewfinder 40 (rear side), an AF (Auto Focus) light emitting diode 80, a strobe light emitting diode 90, and a liquid crystal monitor (image display means) 100 are provided on the rear surface of the imaging apparatus. A wide-angle zoom switch SW3, a telephoto zoom switch SW4, a self-timer switch SW5, a menu switch SW6, an upward movement / strobe set switch SW7, a right movement switch SW8, a downward movement / macro switch SW9, and left A movement / image confirmation switch SW10, a display switch SW11, an OK switch SW12, and a power switch SW13 are provided. Although various displays may be applied to the image display unit 100, for example, a liquid crystal display may be applied.

  Since the configuration of the appearance of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the function of each component are known, the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a digital camera that is an example of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Constituent elements similar to those in FIG. First, the configuration and function of the digital camera will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The digital camera includes a lens barrel unit 70, a charge coupled device (CCD) 110, an F / E (front end) -IC 120, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 130, a digital still. Camera processor 140, RAM 160, sub CPU (Central Processing Unit) 180, acceleration sensor 190, audio recording unit 200, audio reproduction unit 210, video jack 220, built-in memory 230, memory A card throttle 240, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 250, an LCD monitor (image display means) 10, and a strobe light emitting unit 30 are provided.

  The lens barrel unit 70 is a means for capturing an optical image of a subject. The lens barrel unit 70 includes a zoom optical system 71, a focus optical system 72, a diaphragm unit 73, and a mechanical shutter unit 74. The zoom optical system 71 includes a zoom lens 71a and a zoom motor 71b, and the focus optical system 72 includes a focus lens 72a and a focus motor 72b. The diaphragm unit 73 includes a diaphragm 73a and a diaphragm motor 73b, and the mechanical shutter unit 74 includes a mechanical shutter 74a and a mechanical shutter motor 74b. The lens barrel unit 70 further includes a motor driver 75 that drives a zoom motor 71b, a focus motor 72b, an aperture motor 73b, and a mechanical shutter motor 74b.

  The motor driver 75 is driven from the CPU block 143 in the digital camera processor 140 based on an input from the remote control block light receiving unit 60 or an operation input of the operation key unit 181 including the operation switches SW1 to SW13 shown in FIG. Driven by command. In the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment, the CPU is also based on input from the vibration, tilt, and rotation of the image pickup apparatus by the user in addition to the input from the remote control block light receiving unit 60 and the operation input from the operation key unit 181. The block 143 outputs a drive command to the motor driver 75, which will be described later.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 170 stores a control program written in a code readable by the CPU block 143 and parameters for executing the control. When the power of the digital camera is turned on, the control program stored in the ROM 170 is loaded into the SDRAM 130. The CPU block 143 controls the operation of each part of the image pickup apparatus according to a control program loaded in the SDRAM 130, and temporarily stores data and the like necessary for the control in the RAM 160 and a local SRAM (Static SRAM) in the digital still camera processor 140 described later. Random Access Memory) 144. By using a rewritable flash ROM for the ROM 170, it becomes possible to change the control program and parameters for performing the control, and the function can be easily upgraded.

  The CCD 110 is a solid-state image sensor for photoelectrically converting a subject light image. The F / E-IC 120 includes a CDS 121, an AGC 122, an A / D converter 123, and a TG 124. The CDS 121 is means for performing correlated double sampling for image noise removal. The AGC 122 is means for adjusting the gain. The A / D converter 123 is means for converting an analog signal into a digital signal. The TG 124 is a means for generating a driving timing signal for the CCD 110 and the F / E-IC 120 controlled by the CPU block 143 by being supplied with a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal from the CCD 1 control block 141 in the digital still camera processor 140. is there.

The digital still camera processor 140 is means for performing various control operations of the digital camera. The digital still camera processor 140 includes a CCD1 control block 141, a CCD2 control block 142, a CPU block 143, a local SRAM 144, a USB block 145, a serial block 146, a JPEG CODEC block 147, a resize block 148, and a TV. A signal display block 149, a memory card controller block 150, and an I ₂ C (Inter Integrated Circuit) block 151 are provided.

  The CCD1 control block 141 performs corrections such as defective pixel correction, smear correction, and shading correction on the output data signal output from the CCD 110 via the F / E-IC 120, and evaluates auto focus, automatic exposure, auto white balance, and the like. It is an image signal correction means for calculating a value. The CCD1 control block 141 also has a function of supplying the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal to the TG 124 of the F / E-IC 120 as described above.

  The CCD2 control block 142 is data conversion means for converting the corrected image signal data into luminance data and color difference data by filtering processing. The CPU block 143 is a control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the imaging apparatus. The local SRAM 144 is storage means for temporarily storing data necessary for control. The USB block 145 is a communication unit that performs USB communication with an external device such as a personal computer. Therefore, the USB block 145 is configured to be connectable to the external USB connector 250. The serial block 146 is a communication unit that performs serial communication with an external device such as a personal computer. The JPEG CODEC block 147 is a data compression / decompression unit that performs JPEG compression and decompression. The resize block 148 is image size changing means for enlarging and / or reducing the size of image data by interpolation processing.

  The TV signal display block 149 is means for converting the image data into a video signal for display on the liquid crystal monitor 100 or an external display device such as a television. Therefore, the TV signal display block 149 may be connected to the liquid crystal monitor 100 or the video jack 220. A liquid crystal driver 101 for driving the liquid crystal monitor 100 may be provided between the liquid crystal monitor 100 and the TV signal display block 149. A video amplifier 221 that amplifies the video signal may be provided between the video jack 220 and the TV signal display block 149.

  The memory controller block 150 is a memory card control means for controlling the memory card 241 that records captured image data. The memory card controller block 150 may be connected to the memory card throttle 240 in which the memory card 241 is mounted. The memory card throttle 240 is a throttle for mounting a removable memory card 241.

The I ₂ C block 145 is an interface unit for performing serial communication with the connected acceleration sensor at high speed. The AD converter 152 is a signal conversion unit that converts an analog signal output from the connected gyro sensor 260 into a digital signal. Note that an LPF-amplifier 261 may be provided between the AD converter 152 and the gyro sensor 260 for amplifying the signal while allowing the signal in the low frequency region to pass therethrough.

The acceleration sensor 190 is acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration about two axes. For example, the acceleration sensor 190 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the lens barrel unit 70. The acceleration sensor 190 detects biaxial X and Y acceleration data (X, Y) and sends it to the I ₂ C block 151 of the digital still camera processor 140. The digital still camera processor 140 calculates tilt information such as a roll angle based on data provided from the acceleration sensor 190 via the I ₂ C block 151, for example, by the CPU block 143 and displays it on the liquid crystal monitor 100 or the like. . At this time, the CPU block 143 functions as an inclination calculating unit, and the acceleration sensor 190 and the CPU block 143 function as an inclination detecting unit. In addition, the roll angle θ with respect to the horizontal of the acceleration sensor 190 is expressed as in equation (1).

なお、（１）式において、Ｘ０、Ｙ０は２軸Ｘ、Ｙの加速度データ（Ｘ，Ｙ）であり、Ｇ
０は重力ゼロ時の出力を意味する。加速度センサ１９０は、常に重力加速度を感知してお
り、その差分で振動や傾きを検出する。水平の場合は、１軸のみに重力が加わるが、傾いているときには、重力が２軸に分散されるため、２軸のそれぞれに加わる重力の割合で、ロール方向の傾きθを検出する。よって、加速度センサ１９０は、重力加速度センサ１９０と呼んでもよく、重力加速度検出手段として機能してよい。

In equation (1), X0 and Y0 are acceleration data (X, Y) of two axes X and Y, and G
0 means output at zero gravity. The acceleration sensor 190 always senses gravitational acceleration, and detects vibration and tilt based on the difference. In the horizontal case, gravity is applied to only one axis, but when tilted, the gravity is distributed to the two axes, so the inclination θ in the roll direction is detected by the ratio of gravity applied to each of the two axes. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 190 may be called a gravitational acceleration sensor 190 and may function as a gravitational acceleration detecting unit.

  The gyro sensor 260 is an angular velocity detection unit that detects a velocity (angular velocity) in a rotation direction with respect to an axis. For example, a biaxial gyro sensor is applied, and the rotation speed in a pitch direction and a yaw direction is determined. May be detected. The gyro sensor 260 may be installed in the digital camera body. The detection output of the gyro sensor 260 is input to the AD converter 152 via the LPF-amplifier 261. The AD converter 152 takes in the output from the gyro sensor 260 at regular intervals and performs AD conversion.

  The SDRAM 130 temporarily stores image data when the digital still camera processor 140 described above performs various processes on the image data. The stored image data is, for example, RAW-RGB image data 131, YUV image data 132, JPEG image data 133, and the like. The RAW-RGB image data 131 is image data that has been captured from the CCD 110 via the F / E-IC 120 and has been subjected to the various corrections described above in the CCD 1 control block 141. The YUV image data 132 is image data in a state where luminance data / color difference data conversion has been performed. The JPEG image data 133 is image data that has been JPEG compressed by the JPEG CODEC block 147.

  The built-in memory 230 is a memory for storing captured image data even when the memory card 241 is not attached to the memory card throttle 240 described above.

  The liquid crystal monitor 100 is an image display means for monitoring the state of a subject before shooting, checking a shot image, displaying image data recorded in the memory card 241 or the built-in memory 230, and the like. .

  The video amplifier 221 is an amplifier for converting 75 [Ω] impedance of the video signal output from the TV display block 149. The video jack 220 is a jack for connecting to an external display device such as a TV. The USB connector 250 is a connection means for performing USB connection with an external device such as a personal computer.

  The sub CPU 180 is a CPU in which a ROM and a RAM are built in one chip, and outputs an output signal of the operation key unit (SW1 to SW13) 181 to the CPU block 143 as user operation information. The operation key unit 181 is a key circuit operated by a user.

  The strobe light emitting unit 30 and the strobe circuit 31 are means for compensating for the amount of light when light such as natural light is insufficient. When shooting in a dark place or when the subject is dark, the digital still camera processor 140 transmits a strobe light emission signal to the strobe circuit 31, and the strobe circuit 31 causes the strobe light emitting unit 30 to emit light to brighten the subject.

  The audio recording unit 200 is means for recording audio, and includes a microphone 203, a microphone amplifier 202, and an audio recording circuit 201. The microphone 203 is a means for a user to input an audio signal. The microphone amplifier 202 is means for amplifying the input audio signal. The audio recording circuit 201 is means for recording the amplified audio signal.

  The audio reproduction unit 210 is means for reproducing the recorded audio, and includes an audio reproduction circuit 211, an audio amplifier 202, and a speaker 203. The audio reproduction circuit 211 is means for converting a recorded audio signal into a signal that can be output from the speaker 203. The audio amplifier 212 is means for amplifying the converted audio signal and driving the speaker 203. The speaker 203 is means for outputting an audio signal.

  Next, an example of the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described using the digital camera having such a configuration as an example.

First, the operation at the time of vibration detection will be described. Vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 190. The acceleration sensor 190 detects the biaxial acceleration in the X and Y directions and obtains a detection result. When the acceleration sensor 190 detects vibration from the X and Y directions, the detected acceleration data in the X and Y directions is output from the I ₂ C block 151 to the CPU block 143. When the acceleration in the X and Y directions exceeds a predetermined value (threshold value) set in advance, the CPU block 143 determines that a vibration operation has been given in each direction. Therefore, the CPU block 143 determines whether or not a vibration operation is performed, and thus functions as an operation determination unit. Here, the X and Y directions may be considered as the X and Y directions determined when the photographing optical axis of the digital camera is the Z axis, that is, the X and Y directions on a plane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis. Further, the roll direction calculated by the above equation (1) is a direction that rotates on a plane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis, and is a rotation in the X and Y planes.

  Furthermore, the rotation in each direction can be detected from the detection results of the rotational speeds in the pitch direction and the yaw direction obtained from the gyro sensor 260. Here, the pitch direction is a direction in which the photographic optical axis changes in the vertical direction, and the yaw direction is a direction in which the photographic optical axis changes in the horizontal direction.

  Next, an example of an operation method in which the user performs an operation by applying vibration to the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation method when vibration in the X direction is applied to the imaging apparatus. In FIG. 3, an imaging device 300 and a user's finger 310 are shown. Since the imaging device 300 has the same configuration as that described with reference to FIG. 1C, the same reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the user's finger 310 taps the imaging device 300 in the horizontal direction to give vibration to the imaging device 300. Thereby, since an intermittent force is applied to the imaging apparatus 300 in the horizontal direction, a horizontal acceleration is generated, which can be detected by the acceleration sensor 190. In this case, the horizontal direction on the plane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis is the X direction. As described above, the operation method of the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment may be an operation of applying vibration to the imaging apparatus 300 by tapping lightly from the X direction. It should be noted that the determination of the application of the operation due to the vibration applied in the X direction is performed by the CPU block 143 recognizing that the acceleration sensor 190 has exceeded the acceleration threshold in the X direction. You may be broken.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation method for applying vibration in the Y direction to the imaging apparatus 300. Also in FIG. 4, the imaging apparatus 300 and the user's finger 310 are shown, but the configuration of the imaging apparatus 300 is the same as in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which the finger 310 is positioned above the imaging device 300 and lightly taps the imaging device 300 with the finger 310 from above to below the imaging device 300. Even in this case, the imaging device 300 is intermittently applied with force from above, and the acceleration in the vertical direction changes. In this case, a vertical method on a plane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis corresponds to the Y direction. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 190 in the Y direction detects the occurrence of acceleration, and can determine that a vibration operation has been given in the Y direction when the acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold. At this time, it is the same that the determination of the operation grant may be performed by the CPU block 143.

  3 and 4, for example, when the vibration is applied in the X direction as shown in FIG. 3, the focus is moved far away, and when the vibration is applied in the Y direction as shown in FIG. If an instruction by an operation is determined in advance such as moving to a nearby position, the user can move the focus position of the imaging apparatus 300 by applying vibration in the X direction or the Y direction of the imaging apparatus 300. . With such an operation, the user is easy, and there is little possibility of misidentifying the signals in the horizontal and vertical directions. When the imaging apparatus 300 is operated by the tapping operation of FIGS. 3 and 4, the user selects an operation mode called tapping operation, and the acceleration sensor 190 and the CPU block 143 operate from the acceleration in the X direction and the Y direction. If the determination is performed and the motor driver 75 drives the focus motor 72b according to the determination result, the focus adjustment can be performed by a tapping operation.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation method of the imaging apparatus 300 by applying vibration. Also in FIG. 5, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 300 is the same as that in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, and thus the same reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 shows an operation of shaking the imaging apparatus 300 in the pitch direction and an operation of shaking in the yaw direction. The operation of shaking the imaging device 300 in the pitch direction is an operation in which the photographing optical axis vibrates in the vertical direction (vertical method), that is, in the Y direction. The operation of shaking the imaging apparatus 300 in the yaw direction is an operation in which the photographing optical axis vibrates in the left-right direction (horizontal direction), that is, in the X direction.

  As for the operation in the pitch direction, when the motion in the pitch direction is cut on the vertical plane including the imaging optical axis, the gyro sensor 260 detects the generation of the rotational speed because it rotates on the vertical plane. can do. Further, since the detected rotation speed is detected by periodically changing the positive and negative directions, it can be clearly recognized that the operation is in the pitch direction.

  Further, regarding the movement in the pitch direction, the acceleration sensor 190 can detect the generation of the acceleration in the Y direction, and the direction of the acceleration can be detected as a vibrational operation that periodically changes the positive and negative directions. This movement may also be used for operation determination as necessary. That is, by integrating the detection results of the acceleration sensor 190 and the gyro sensor 260 and considering the positive and negative directions, it can be determined more clearly that the operation is to swing in the pitch direction.

  In addition, regarding the operation of shaking the imaging device 300 in the yaw direction, when the imaging device 300 is turned on the horizontal plane including the imaging optical axis, the imaging device 300 performs a rotational motion on the horizontal plane. Generation and periodic changes in the positive and negative direction of the rotational speed can be detected. Further, since the motion in the yaw direction is accompanied by an operation in which the photographing optical axis vibrates in the X direction, the acceleration sensor 190 that detects the acceleration in the X direction detects the occurrence of acceleration and the periodic change in the positive and negative directions. Is also possible. In consideration of these movements associated with the yaw operation, the CPU block 143 can recognize the yaw movement motion using the detection results of the gyro sensor 260 or, if necessary, both the gyro sensor 260 and the acceleration sensor 190. Thus, it is possible to accurately determine the state in which the operation in the yaw direction is given.

  As described above, the gyro sensor 260 may detect the angular velocity in the pitch direction on the vertical plane including the photographing optical axis, and may detect the angular velocity in the yaw direction on the horizontal plane including the photographing optical axis, and may be orthogonal to each other including the photographing optical axis. Detect the angular velocity on the plane.

  For example, when an operation of shaking the imaging device 300 in the pitch direction is performed, an operation of moving the focus position far is assigned, and when an operation of shaking the imaging device 300 in the yaw direction is performed, the focus position is moved closer. By assigning the operation, the user can operate the focus position by using the operation of shaking the imaging device 300 in the pitch direction and the operation of shaking the imaging device 300 in the yaw direction. The movement in the pitch direction and the movement in the yaw direction are different from each other in the direction in which the imaging apparatus 300 is vibrated by 90 degrees, so that the user can easily learn the operation and can easily perform the operation. On the imaging device 300 side that recognizes the operation, the direction of the acceleration sensor 190 and the gyro sensor 260 to be detected is completely different between the motion swung in the pitch direction and the motion swung in the yaw direction. Since detection is performed by the gyro sensor 260, the risk of malfunction can be reduced.

  Further, for the operation of tilting the imaging device 300 in the roll direction, the roll angle θ of the acceleration sensor 190 with respect to the horizontal plane can be obtained by using the equation (1). In this way, it is possible to determine that an operation in the roll direction has been given using the detection result of the acceleration sensor 190. In the case of an operation in the roll direction, for example, when it is determined that the operation is in the roll direction in the clockwise direction, the focus position is moved far away and the operation in the roll direction in the counterclockwise direction is determined. May assign an operation of moving the focus position closer. Thus, by assigning the movement of the focus position according to the positive / negative direction of the operation in the roll direction, the focus adjustment can be easily performed with a simple operation.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the user performs operations such as tapping, shaking, and tilting the imaging apparatus 300 with clearly different directions and orientations. By doing so, it is possible to perform focus adjustment with a simple operation and without malfunction.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the setting menu 270 for the focus change method. In FIG. 6, the focus change method setting menu 270 includes an on switch 271, an off switch 272, and selection mode indicator lights 273 to 276. The on switch 271 is a switch that turns on an operation by vibration. The off switch 272 is a switch that turns off an operation by vibration.

  The user can first select whether to perform focus adjustment by the vibration applying operation by selecting either the on switch 271 or the off switch 272. When the off switch 272 is selected, the button operation mode indicator lamp 276 is turned on, and the user enters a mode for adjusting the focus with the button.

  On the other hand, when the user selects the ON switch 271, any one of the tilting operation mode display lamp 273, the shaking operation mode display lamp 274, and the tapping operation mode display lamp 275 is lit, and which operation mode is selected. Is displayed. In FIG. 6, since the tilting operation mode indicator lamp 273 is lit, it is in the tilting operation mode state, and the tilting of the imaging device 300 in the roll direction is an operation state in which the focus position can be moved. . Such switching of the operation mode may be configured such that, for example, each time the ON switch 271 is sequentially pressed, the selected operation mode is moved, and the selected operation mode indicator lamps 273 to 275 are sequentially lit. Good.

  Further, when it is desired to configure the operation method so that a plurality of operation methods can be selected, the operation mode indicator lamps 273 to 275 are configured as the operation mode selection buttons 273 to 275 and the operation mode selection buttons 273 to 275 to be selected are selected. It is good also as a structure which can use a some operation mode together by pushing.

  For example, as an example of selecting the focus change method setting menu, if you select an operation by vibration and you do not want to change the angle of view significantly, if you do not select a shake operation and perform an operation by tilt, the angle of view changes There is no need to worry too much. When an intuitively easy-to-understand operation is desired, an operation based on a shaking operation in which the focus position is moved by an operation in the pitch direction that is tilted forward may be selected. As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, the operation options can be expanded, so that the operation method can be properly used according to each situation.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a functional block diagram in which components related to an operation by vibration of the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment are extracted will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. Components corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 6 use the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 7, the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging lens 72 a, an imaging element 110, a liquid crystal monitor 100, a gravitational acceleration detection unit 190, an angular velocity detection unit 260, an inclination detection unit 280, and an operation determination. Means 290 and focus control means 291 are included. The imaging apparatus 300 may include a focus change setting menu 270 and an edge detection unit 292 as necessary, and may include a motor driver 75 and a focus motor 72b as related components. Among these, the inclination detection unit 280, the operation determination unit 290, the focus control unit 291, and the edge detection unit 292 may be provided in the CPU block 143.

  The photographing lens 72b corresponds to the focus lens 72b in FIG. In the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, the focus lens 72b is extracted because the focus position is adjusted by an operation by vibration. The image sensor 110 corresponds to the CCD 110 in FIG. The imaging device 110 may be a camera such as a CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) in addition to the CCD 110. The liquid crystal monitor 100 corresponds to the liquid crystal monitor 100. The liquid crystal monitor 100 is not limited to liquid crystal, and various displays may be applied. In addition, the liquid crystal monitor 100 may display not only the monitor image but also the positive and negative directions of the operation caused by the vibration determined by the operation determination unit 290. Thus, the user can accurately recognize his / her operation state.

  The gravitational acceleration detection means 190 corresponds to the acceleration sensor 190 described so far, and the angular velocity detection means 260 corresponds to the gyro sensor 260. Further, the tilt detection unit 280 is a unit that calculates the tilt of the imaging apparatus 300 by performing arithmetic processing using the equation (1) based on the detection result of the gravitational acceleration detection unit 190. In the present embodiment, the tilt detecting means 280 uses a means for calculating the tilt from the acceleration data. However, if the means for detecting the tilt of the imaging device 300 is used, other sensors that can directly determine the tilt, etc. May be applied.

  The operation determination unit 290 vibrates the imaging apparatus 300 based on the biaxial acceleration detected by the gravitational acceleration detection unit 190, the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection unit 260, and the tilt angle detected by the tilt detection unit 280. It is means for determining whether or not an operation according to has been performed. Specifically, the calculation processing described in FIGS. 2 to 5 is performed, and operation determination is performed. Note that the operation by vibration includes not only an operation of generating vibration by hitting the imaging apparatus 300 in the X and Y directions, but also an operation of tilting in the roll direction and an operation of swinging in the pitch direction or yaw direction. The operation determination unit may be called a vibration detection unit.

  The focus control unit 291 is a unit that performs control to move the focus position in response to the operation determination when the operation determination unit 290 determines that there has been an operation due to vibration. Specifically, control calculation processing may be performed so as to perform the operations described in FIGS. 2 to 5, and the focus position of the photographing lens 72 a is controlled by sending a command to the motor driver 75. The focus control unit 291 may perform corresponding focus control for positive and negative movements by the operation determination unit 290.

  The motor driver 75 drives the focus motor 72b based on a command from the focus control unit 291 and executes the movement of the focus position.

  The edge detection unit 292 is a unit that detects an edge portion that is a feature point of the subject, and may be provided as necessary. The edge portion is often a boundary portion with the background, and is often a portion where the contrast changes greatly. Therefore, a predetermined region of the image data obtained by the image sensor 110 is detected based on the contrast change state. May be. The edge detection means 292 may detect the edge of the subject by using various other edge detection methods. A specific operation of the imaging apparatus 300 using the edge detection unit 292 will be described later.

  The tilt detection unit 280, the operation determination unit 290, the focus detection unit 291 and the edge detection unit 292 perform each function by calculation processing, and are included in the CPU block 143 which is calculation processing unit. These are not necessarily provided in the CPU block 143 and may be provided alone. However, from the viewpoint of saving space, in this embodiment, an example in which these means are mounted on the CPU block 143 will be described. Thereafter, the contents executed by the CPU block 143 are operated on the assumption of the relationship shown in FIG. 7 even if the individual processing means 280, 290, 291 and 292 are not described. It shall be.

  Next, an operation flow of the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not the vibration detection mode is on during manual focus. If the vibration detection mode is on, the process proceeds to step 110. If the vibration detection mode is off, the process proceeds to step 150.

  In step 150, the focus position is set by a button operation as usual.

  On the other hand, in step 110, it is determined what operation method the user has selected in advance. As described with reference to FIG. 6, the user's operation method may be selected using the focus change method setting menu 270. In addition, the selected operation method may be notified to the operation determination unit 290 in the CPU block 143, and the operation determination unit 290 may determine what the selected operation method is.

  If it is determined in step 110 that the tilt operation has been selected, the process proceeds to step 120. On the other hand, if it is determined that the shaking operation is selected, the process proceeds to step 130. Further, if it is determined that the tapping operation is selected, the process proceeds to step 150.

  In step 120, tilt information in the X and Y directions is detected. The inclination information may be calculated by using the equation (1) by the inclination detecting means 280 in the CPU block 143 based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 190 which is the acceleration detecting means. Thereby, the inclination information in the roll direction can be obtained. Further, the determination of whether or not the operation corresponds to the tilting operation is determined by the operation determination unit 290 in the CPU block 143 based on whether or not the tilt angle exceeds a predetermined angle that is a threshold. To do.

  In step 130, the angular velocity in the pitch direction and / or the yaw direction is detected by the gyro sensor 260 that is an angular velocity detection unit, and the operation determination unit 290 in the CPU block 143 determines whether the operation corresponds to the shaking operation. . The determination as to whether the operation corresponds to the shaking operation may be performed based on, for example, whether the angular velocity exceeds a predetermined angular velocity that is a threshold value.

  In step 140, vibrations in the X and Y directions are detected by acceleration by the acceleration sensor 190 serving as acceleration detection means, and the operation determination means 290 in the CPU block 143 determines whether or not the operation corresponds to a hit operation. The determination as to whether or not the operation corresponds to the tapping operation may be made based on whether or not the acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration that is a threshold value.

  In step 160, the focus movement operation is executed in accordance with the instructions in steps 120 to 150. In the focus movement, a focus movement corresponding to the recognized operation is performed in accordance with a preset correspondence. The focus movement control may be performed by the focus control means 291 in the CPU block 143.

  In step 170, the user determines whether or not the focus position can be determined. If it is determined that the user can determine the focus position, the process proceeds to step 180. On the other hand, if it is determined that the focus position cannot be determined yet, the process returns to step 110 to repeat the focus adjustment operation.

  In step 180, shooting is performed and the operation flow is terminated.

  According to the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, the user can select an operation by a normal button and an operation by vibration detection, and the operation by vibration detection can be performed from various operations according to the situation and the user's preference. It is possible to select according to this, and a flexible operation environment can be provided.

  Further, since the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment limits the operation by vibration to the movement of the focus position, various fine setting control can be performed for the setting of the focus position. Hereinafter, an example of the contents will be described.

  The imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment can change the setting of the focus change amount according to the shooting mode. For example, in the macro mode, the amount of change in focus can be set finely. When focusing manually, it is desirable to change the focus position more finely when shooting a close distance from the camera in the macro mode. Considering this point, when the user performs a certain vibration operation, the change amount of the focus position may be set more finely in the macro mode than in the normal mode. Further, the amount of change in focus position can be set according to the situation.

  The imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment may have a mode in which the focus position automatically changes from the end (shortest distance) to the end (infinity) and the focus position stops when a predetermined operation is performed. Depending on the user's preference and the situation in which the imaging apparatus 300 is used, there may be a case where it is not desired to perform a cumbersome operation when using manual focus. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, the focus position that can be set is changed from the shortest distance to infinity at a predetermined speed, and the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, applying vibration, pressing an arbitrary button, or the like). ), A mode in which the focus is fixed at that position may be provided. Thereby, the user can set an arbitrary focus position with a smaller operation amount.

  The imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment may be configured to be able to change and set a threshold value used for operation determination. There is a case where it is desired to change the recognition level of the vibration detection for determining that the operation has been performed depending on the preference or usage situation of the user who operates the imaging apparatus 300. For such a case, the vibration amount when hitting the imaging apparatus 300, the speed of the angular velocity when shaking the imaging apparatus 300, and the threshold value of the tilt angle when tilting may be configured to be changed. Thereby, operability can be improved and malfunction can be prevented.

  The imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment may determine whether or not there is a change in the focus pulse by providing a threshold for detection values such as vibration and tilt. By registering the movement amount of the focus pulse in advance, operations such as vibration and tilt can be used for setting the focus. Furthermore, by allowing the user to recognize the amount of change in the focus pulse, it can be used according to the situation, such as macro photography, and by providing a plurality of thresholds, the amount of change in the focus pulse according to the level of the detected value Can be set. This allows the user to change the focus sensuously.

  FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of a method for changing a focus pulse value by vibration. In step 200, a threshold strength level is determined. In step 210, vibration is applied to the imaging apparatus 300. In step 220, the calculated value of the focus pulse from the acceleration sensor 190 is acquired. In step 230, it is determined whether or not the calculated value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. In step 230, if the calculated value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step 240. On the other hand, if the calculated value is within a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step 250. In step 240, the focus pulse is changed by a certain amount, and the processing flow is ended. In step 250, the process flow is terminated without changing the focus pulse.

  Further, the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment can perform an operation according to the vibration level by providing a plurality of threshold values. For example, the designer may set a predetermined number of threshold values in advance, and set the focus pulse change amount at each stage. Thereby, the user can perform the movement of the focus according to the level by performing the operation of tapping and tilting at a desired level, and the focus position can be adjusted in a form suitable for the user's sense. .

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow for determining the focus pulse change amount according to the vibration level using a plurality of threshold values.

  In step 300, a plurality of threshold values are set, and the amount of change in the focus pulse corresponding to each threshold value is determined. For example, the focus pulse change amount FP amount 1, the FP amount 2, and the FP amount 3 correspond to the threshold value 1, threshold value 2, and threshold value 3 (threshold value 1 <threshold value 2 <threshold value 3) in order, and the FP amount 1 <FP amount 2 <FP amount 3 is determined.

  In step 310, vibration is applied to the imaging apparatus 300. In step 320, the calculated value from the acceleration sensor 190 is acquired.

  In step 330, it is determined whether or not the calculated value is greater than or equal to the threshold value 1. If the calculated value is greater than or equal to the threshold value 1 in step 330, the process proceeds to step 350, and if the calculated value is less than the threshold value 1, the process proceeds to step 340.

  In step 340, the process for changing the amount of change of the focus pulse is not particularly performed, and the process flow is ended as it is.

  In step 350, it is determined whether or not the calculated value from the acceleration sensor 190 is equal to or greater than the threshold value 2. If the calculated value is greater than or equal to the threshold value 2, the process proceeds to step 370, and if the calculated value is less than the threshold value 2, the process proceeds to step 360.

  In step 360, a process of changing the focus pulse by the FP amount 1 of the change amount 1 is performed, and the processing flow is ended.

  In step 370, it is determined whether or not the calculated value from the acceleration sensor 190 is equal to or greater than the threshold value 3. If the calculated value is greater than or equal to the threshold 3, the process proceeds to step 390. If the calculated value is less than the threshold 3, the process proceeds to step 380.

  In step 380, a process for changing the focus pulse by the FP amount 2 of the change amount 2 is performed, and the processing flow ends.

  In step 390, a process of changing the focus pulse by the FP amount 3 of the change amount 3 is performed, and the processing flow ends.

  As described above, according to the processing flow shown in FIG. 10, by setting a plurality of threshold values and setting the amount of change of the focus pulse corresponding to each of the threshold values, the magnitude level of vibration applied for the operation is set. Accordingly, the amount of change in the focus pulse can be set according to the movement of the focus position in accordance with the sense of the operation amount of the user.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, what kind of focus control is performed in order to confirm that the focus position has been set correctly will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor image by the liquid crystal monitor (image display means) 10, and is a diagram showing an example of a monitor image in a state where the focus is not achieved. In FIG. 11, a person 320, an installation object 330, and a tree 340 are shown as monitor images. In the imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, when a mark indicating a focus position when using manual focus is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 100, the position of the mark also changes when the focus position is changed. Good. In FIG. 11, since no mark is displayed on the monitor image, the focus is not achieved.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitor image in a focused state. In FIG. 12, in addition to the monitor image similar to that in FIG. The imaging apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment may have a function of performing edge detection at the current focus position and displaying the mark 271 at a position where the focus is most likely in focus. Further, the edge detection may be performed by the edge detection means 292 in the CPU block 143. FIG. 12 shows a state where the face of the person 320 is recognized as an edge and this point is in focus. As shown in FIG. 11, if no subject is in focus, the mark 271 is not displayed and output. Therefore, since the mark 271 is displayed and output for the subject to be focused, the desired subject is displayed. You can check that the focus is correct.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a shooting mode in which edge detection values are stored when the focus position changes from the end (shortest distance) to the end (infinity) and are selected after the end.

  In order to use this shooting mode, the focus position is changed from the end (shortest distance) to the end (infinite) of the focusable range, and edge detection information at each focus pulse position is stored in advance. . Then, at all focus pulse positions, marks can be displayed at locations with an edge amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the focus can be selected.

  In FIG. 13, a mark 271 is displayed on the face of the person 320, marks 272 and 273 are displayed at two upper corners of the installation object 330, and a mark 274 is displayed at the tip of the tree 340, and a total of four edges are detected. Note that the edge may be detected by detecting an edge portion serving as a feature point in a predetermined region of image data of an image sensor such as the CCD 110 based on a contrast change state. That is, since the edge portion includes a portion where the change in contrast becomes large, the edge can be detected based on the change state of the contrast.

  In FIG. 13, the mark 274 at the tip of the tree 340 is displayed as a dark mark 274, indicating that the current focus is on the periphery of the mark 274 at the tip of the tree 340. When the user moves the mark 274 whose color is darker to the edge of the subject to be focused and selects the edge, the imaging apparatus 300 reads the position information of the focus pulse where the edge of the selected location is strong, Change the focus position. Note that the selection of the edge may be performed in the same manner as the focus movement operation by normal vibration. When shooting is started, the focus position may be fixed and shooting may be performed. When this operation is performed, the edge detection value changes when the angle of view is changed. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 300 may be fixed with a tripod or the like.

  As described above, by using the main shooting mode, the user can easily focus on the target subject with a simple operation, and can easily perform shooting by appropriate focus adjustment.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  The present invention can be used for an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera.

70 Lens barrel unit 71a, 72a Lens 72 Focus optical system 72b Focus motor 75 Motor driver 100 Image display means 110 Image sensor 140 Camera processor 143 CPU block 190 Acceleration detection means 260 Angular velocity detection means 270 Focus change setting menu 280 Inclination detection means 290 Operation Determination means 291 Focus control means 292 Edge detection means 300 Imaging device

JP 2006-309064 A

Claims (9)

An imaging lens that can move the focus position to change the focus state, an imaging device that photoelectrically converts a subject light image incident through the imaging lens, and an image that monitors a subject image photoelectrically converted by the imaging device An imaging device having display means,
Acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration in a biaxial direction on a plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis of the imaging device;
Tilt detecting means for detecting the tilt state of the imaging device;
Angular velocity detection means for detecting angular velocities on two orthogonal planes including the imaging optical axis of the imaging device;
When the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection means exceeds a predetermined acceleration, it is determined that an operation is given in the biaxial direction, and a predetermined rotation direction around the photographing optical axis is determined by the inclination detection means. When a tilt exceeding the angle is detected, it is determined that an operation in the roll direction is given, and when the angular velocity detecting means detects a rotational motion exceeding a predetermined angular velocity at which the photographing optical axis changes vertically or horizontally, the pitch direction Or an operation determining means for determining that an operation in the yaw direction is given;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a focus control unit that sets the focus position of the photographing lens according to the determination of the operation determination unit. The operation determination means determines whether each direction is operated in either positive or negative direction when detecting an operation state from an unoperated state for each direction to be determined,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus control unit moves the focus position according to a positive / negative direction determined by the operation determination unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image display unit displays the positive / negative direction of each direction determined by the operation determination unit. Image data is acquired from the image sensor, a plurality of edge portions that are feature points are detected in a predetermined region on the image sensor based on a change state of image contrast, and one of the detected edge portions is detected. Edge detection means for displaying a predetermined mark on the image display means together with the subject image at a corresponding position;
The edge detection means moves the position of the mark according to the focus position set based on the determination of the operation determination means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus control unit fixes a focus position at a position of the mark when a photographing operation is performed.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus control unit changes a change amount of the focus position according to a shooting mode.   The focus control means changes the focus position at a constant speed from the shortest settable focus position distance to infinity, and fixes the focus position when the operation determination means recognizes that a predetermined operation has been given. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus has a shooting mode.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation determination unit can change the predetermined acceleration, the predetermined angle, and / or the predetermined angular velocity.   The operation determining means corresponds to an operation of hitting the vibration operation, an operation of tilting the operation in the roll direction, and an operation of shaking the operation of the pitch direction or the yaw direction, and the operation of hitting, the operation of tilting and / or the operation of shaking. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the operation determinations can be selected. The operation determining means has a plurality of the predetermined acceleration, the predetermined angle and / or the predetermined angular velocity,
The imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the focus control unit has a focus movement amount that varies depending on a plurality of the predetermined accelerations, the predetermined angles, and / or the predetermined angular velocities. apparatus.

Images