JPH089236A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the malfunction of AF (auto focus) to an object which is not intended by a photographer by not performing the AF operation during the change of the set position of a focus detection area where AF information should be taken in. CONSTITUTION:An LCD display circuit 23 which displays a video signal on a screen, an electronic view finder 24, a gate circuit 261 in an AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 which extracts the video signal corresponding to a prescribed area in the screen, the AF evaluation value processing circurt 26 which detects the focus state based on the extracted video signal, a line of sight detector block and a microcomputer 29 which vary the set position in the pict screen ure of the area, and the microcomputer 29 which inhibits the operation of the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 during the change of the set position of the area are provided. Thus, the AF operation is inhibited during the movement of the focus detection area, and the malfunction of AF to the object which is not intended by the photographer is prevented during the movement of the focus detection area.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus capable of designating a point or area for focus adjustment and exposure adjustment on a screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the field of consumer imaging devices such as video integrated cameras, various measures have been taken in order to obtain higher quality images more easily. Autofocus (AF) and automatic exposure adjustment (AE), which have been installed as standard equipment in recent years, are for eliminating the trouble of adjusting the focus and exposure each time a picture is taken, and a good image can be easily obtained. It can be said that this is a simple example of a function that fulfills the purpose of obtaining.

By the way, AF and AE are a mechanism for an imaging device such as a camera to "discriminately" determine a photographing situation and adjust a lens position and an aperture to a state suitable for the situation. It may occur that the shooting intention of is not reflected in the image.

For example, when a distant subject and a near subject coexist in the image pickup screen, the information of the entire image pickup screen is A.
When the F operation is executed, any one of the plurality of subjects will be in focus, but it is impossible for the imaging device to judge whether or not it is the main subject to be focused.

Similarly, when a main subject is photographed against a bright sky, if the AE operation is performed on the information of the entire screen, the aperture is adjusted according to the brightness of the sky, resulting in the main subject being blackened. become.

In order to avoid such a situation as much as possible,
It is common practice to focus and measure the distance to the object in the center of the image-pickup screen, and to perform AF and AE based on the results. This is when the photographer shoots
It is based on the fact that the main subject is often placed in the center of the screen. This method has a drawback in that when the main subject is placed in a place other than the center of the screen, the focus or exposure may not be adjusted appropriately with respect to the main subject.

On the other hand, the applicant of the present invention looks at the finder in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-154165 so that the optimum focus and exposure can be obtained regardless of where the main subject is in the image pickup screen. A photographer has proposed a photographing device that allows the photographer to select the main subject with his or her line of sight. According to this photographing device, the position of the main subject can be freely changed while limiting the distance measurement / photometry area.

In this case, the photographing device detects the line-of-sight position of the photographer and immediately moves the distance-measuring / photometric region corresponding to the detected position to obtain optimum focus and exposure in the region.

[0009]

As described in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the position of the capturing area of the AF / AE information can be changed on the screen, the position of the capturing area is changed. It is possible to move the capture area by inputting the position change information of No. 1 through the external input means. However, even while the capture area is moving to the set position, the capture area can be moved at any time regardless of the movement. The AF / AE operation is performed based on the image information in the capture area.

However, such a structure has the following drawbacks.

This will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, 5
Reference numeral 01 is a screen of a viewfinder of the image pickup device.
Reference numeral 03 is a subject. AF / AE from 504 to 508
This is an information acquisition area.

Now, the photographer is looking at the presentation body 502,
It is assumed that the capture area is in 504. Here, if the photographer shifts his / her eyes to the subject 503, the capture area moves in the order of 504 → 505 → 506 → 507 → 508.

At this time, at the positions of 505 to 507, the AF
When the AE operation is performed, there is no subject intended by the photographer, so the AF / AE operation is performed on the background, and as a result, the AF / AE appears to be malfunctioning. .

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and in particular, in the image pickup device whose position can be changed in the screen, the image information taking-in region such as the focus detecting region and the photometric region is taken in. A that occurs while moving the area
The purpose is to prevent malfunction of F and AE and to perform stable operation.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, display means for displaying a video signal on a screen (L in the embodiment is used).
A CD display circuit 23 and an electronic viewfinder 24) and an extracting means (in the embodiment, an AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 in the embodiment) for extracting a video signal corresponding to a predetermined area on the screen from the video signal. (Corresponding to the gate circuit 261), focus detecting means (corresponding to the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 in the embodiment) for detecting the focus state based on the video signal extracted by the extracting means, and the area While the area setting means (corresponding to the line-of-sight detecting device block 1 and the microcomputer 29 in the embodiment) for changing the setting position in the screen and the area setting means is changing the area setting position. , A control means (which corresponds to the microcomputer 29 in the embodiment) for prohibiting the operation of the focus detection means is used.

As a result, the AF operation is prohibited while the focus detection area is moving, and it is possible to prevent the AF from erroneously operating on an object that the photographer does not intend while the focus detection area is moving.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the area setting means detects the visual axis of the photographer in the screen (corresponding to the visual axis detection device block 1 in the embodiment). And is configured to set the area at the position of the viewpoint detected by the line-of-sight detecting means.

As a result, while the position of the gazing point is changed to change the position of the focus detection area on the screen, the AF is performed.
The operation is prohibited, and it is possible to prevent the AF from erroneously operating on an object that the photographer does not intend while moving the position of the focus detection area.

According to the invention of claim 3 of the present application, display means for displaying a video signal on the screen (in the embodiment, L
A CD display circuit 23 and an electronic viewfinder 24) and an extracting means (in the embodiment, an AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 in the embodiment) for extracting a video signal corresponding to a predetermined area on the screen from the video signal. (Corresponding to the gate circuit 261) and the exposure state based on the video signal extracted by the extraction means and adjusting the exposure based on the exposure state (aperture control means in the embodiment). 25)), area setting means for changing the setting position of the area in the screen (corresponding to the line-of-sight detection device block 1 and the microcomputer 29 in the embodiment), and the area setting means for setting the area. Control means for prohibiting the operation of the exposure control means while changing the set position (corresponding to the microcomputer 29 and the switch 30 in the embodiment).
And a configuration including.

As a result, the AE
The operation is prohibited, and it is possible to prevent the AE from malfunctioning with respect to a subject that the photographer does not intend while the photometric region is moving.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the area setting means includes a visual axis detecting means (corresponding to the visual axis detecting device block 1 in the embodiment) for detecting the visual point of the photographer in the screen. It is configured to set the area at the position of the viewpoint detected by the line-of-sight detecting means.

As a result, the AE operation is prohibited while the position of the gazing point is changed to change the position of the photometric area in the screen, and the object not intended by the photographer is moved while moving the position of the photometric area. It is possible to prevent the AE from malfunctioning.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, display means for displaying a video signal on the screen (corresponding to the LCD display circuit 23 and the electronic viewfinder 24 in the embodiment).
And an extracting means for extracting a video signal corresponding to a predetermined area in the screen from the video signal (AF in the embodiment.
(Corresponding to the gate circuit 261 in the evaluation value processing circuit 26 and the gate circuit 251 in the aperture control circuit 25), and the focus detection means for detecting the focus state based on the video signal extracted by the extraction means ( (Corresponding to the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 in the embodiment) and the exposure state is detected based on the video signal extracted by the extraction means.
Exposure control means (corresponding to the aperture control circuit 25 in the embodiment) that adjusts the exposure based on the exposure state, and area setting means (in the embodiment, a line-of-sight detection device block) that changes the set position of the area within the screen. 1, corresponding to the microcomputer 29) and control means for prohibiting the operations of the focus detection means and the exposure control means (in the embodiment, while the setting position of the area is being changed by the area setting means). (Corresponding to the microcomputer 29).

As a result, the AF and AE operations are prohibited during the movement of the focus detection area and the photometric area, and the AF and AE operations are performed on the object not intended by the photographer during the movement of the focus detection area and the photometric area. It is possible to prevent the AE from malfunctioning.

[0025]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic arrangement of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is used for a video integrated camera will be described.

In the first embodiment, while the set position of the focus detection area is being moved, the AF operation is prohibited, and an unintended subject image is brought into focus, thereby causing an erroneous AF operation. To prevent.

In the figure, EYE is an eyeball of the operator excluding the finder of the video-integrated camera, and 1 is a line-of-sight detecting device block. Reference numeral 2 denotes an infrared light emitting diode (IRED) that irradiates infrared rays to the eyeball in order to detect the line-of-sight position of the operator's finder screen, 3 denotes a driver for driving the infrared light emitting diode, and 4 denotes infrared light reflected by the eyeball EYE. A light receiving sensor that receives infrared rays from the light emitting diode 2, for example, a CCD is used.

Reference numeral 5 is an amplifier for amplifying the output signal of the light receiving sensor 4, and reference numeral 6 is a visual axis detection circuit for analyzing the visual axis position of the eyeball EYE of the operator based on the output signal of the amplifier 5.

This line-of-sight detection device block irradiates the operator's eye with infrared rays from the IRED 2, receives the reflected light with the CCD 3, and analyzes the eyeball image with the line-of-sight detection circuit 6 to determine the inside of the finder screen. The point of gaze in is detected.

Further, this line-of-sight detecting device is
It is unitized and placed in the finder of the video-integrated camera. Therefore, as a visual finder unit with a line-of-sight detection device, various controls can be performed by gazing at the image displayed on the finder screen.
It is highly versatile and can be widely applied in fields other than video cameras as a line-of-sight detection unit equipped with a display screen for displaying images used for control and selection and a line-of-sight detection device for detecting the point of gaze on the screen.

OB is a subject, 7 is a photographic lens optical system, and 8
Is a fixed first lens group, 9 is a variable power lens, 10 is a diaphragm,
Reference numeral 11 is a fixed third lens group, and 12 is a focus compensating lens which has a correction function for performing focus adjustment and also for correcting a focus plane movement at the time of zooming operation. With these, a photographing lens optical system is configured. There is.

Further, 13 is a variable power lens motor for moving the variable power lens 9, 14 is a variable power lens driver for driving the variable power lens motor 9, 15 is an IG meter for driving the diaphragm 10 to control the aperture amount, 16 Is an IG driver for driving the IG meter, 17 is a focus compensating lens motor for moving the focus compensating lens, and 18 is a focus compensating lens driver for driving the focus compensating lens motor.

Reference numeral 19 is an image pickup device such as a CCD, 20 is an amplifier for amplifying the image pickup signal output from the image pickup device 19 to a predetermined level, 21 is a luminance signal and a color signal generated from the output signal of the amplifier 20, and a block A camera signal processing block for converting a television signal standardized by performing signal processing such as ranking processing, addition of a synchronization signal, and gamma correction, 22 is an amplifier, 23 is a television signal output from the amplifier 22 is a liquid crystal monitor LCD display circuit for driving and displaying an electronic viewfinder composed of
24 is an electronic viewfinder with a liquid crystal monitor. The electronic viewfinder 24 may be, for example, a CRT.

The television signal output from the camera signal processing block 21 is supplied to a video tape recorder (not shown) and recorded on a magnetic tape or the like. The LCD display circuit 2 displays the image information reproduced by the VTR.
3 to supply electronic viewfinder 24
Can be played at.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a frame generation circuit 27, which will be described later, for the image pickup signal output from the image pickup device 19 via the amplifier 20.
Has a gate circuit for sampling an image pickup signal corresponding to a predetermined photometric area set in the screen based on the command of 1. and the IG driver 16 so that the luminance level of the video signal in the photometric area becomes constant. It is an aperture control circuit for controlling and driving the IG meter 15 and adjusting the aperture amount of the aperture 10 to appropriately maintain the imaging light amount.

In the aperture control circuit 25, there are provided a gate circuit for sampling an image pickup signal corresponding to the photometric area, an integrating circuit for obtaining an average value of the brightness level of the image pickup signal in the photometric area, and the like. include. For aperture control, if only the image pickup signal in the photometry area is used, partial or spot photometry will be performed, and the method of increasing the weighting of the signal in the photometry area and reducing the weight of areas other than the photometry area and averaging Center-weighted metering. Furthermore, if a plurality of photometric areas are set on the screen and a plurality of weights are applied to each, so-called multi-division photometry is performed.

Reference numeral 26 is an AF evaluation value processing circuit for generating a focus evaluation signal such as a high frequency component whose level changes in accordance with the focus state from the image pickup signal output from the image pickup device 19 via the amplifier 20. Is. In the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26, a bandpass filter for extracting the high frequency component in the image pickup signal, a predetermined area used for focus detection set in the screen based on a command of a frame generation circuit described later, that is, a focus. A gate circuit is provided which passes only the image pickup signal corresponding to the detection area (distance measurement area) and performs sampling.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a frame for generating a gate signal for controlling the opening / closing timing of the gate circuits provided in the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 and the aperture control circuit 25 for setting the focus detection area and the photometric area, respectively. By controlling the opening and closing timing of each of the gate circuits in the generation circuit,
It is possible to freely set the position and size of the capture area when capturing the image information of the imaging screen.

Further, the frame generation circuit 27 outputs an area display signal to the LCD display circuit 23 in order to display the focus detection area and the photometric area on the window, so that the video signal from the amplifier 22 is focused. Display signals of the detection area and the photometry area can be superimposed and displayed on the screen of the electronic viewfinder 24.

Reference numeral 29 controls the focus compensating lens based on the output signal of the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 and the driving of the variable magnification lens 9 to perform focusing and focus correction at the time of variable magnification, and at the same time, sight line detection information described later. It is a control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that controls the frame generation circuit 27 to change the positions of the focus detection area and the photometric area in the screen based on the above.

The microcomputer 29 controls the line-of-sight detection circuit 6 and receives information of the line-of-sight position of the operator from the line-of-sight detection circuit 6 to move the focus detection area and the photometric area,
Control using other line-of-sight detection is performed.

28 is a sensor for detecting the line of sight, CC
It is a driver that drives D.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the line-of-sight detection device block 1 of FIG. In the figure, blocks having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 will be described with the same numbers as in FIG.

The IRED driver 3 drives the IRED 2 in a predetermined cycle by the control signal from the visual axis detection circuit 6 to emit light. Two IREDs are provided. IRED
The infrared light emitted from 2 is reflected by the eyeball EYE, and the reflected infrared light reaches the dichroic mirror 102 which reflects only infrared light through the eyepiece lens 101 and transmits visible light.

The reflected infrared light reflected by the dichroic mirror 202 and having its optical path changed is imaged through the imaging lens 103 on the image pickup surface of the CCD image sensor 4 as a line-of-sight detection sensor. Reference numeral 28 is a circuit for driving a CCD which is an image sensor.

The eyeball reflected light incident on the CCD 4 is converted into an electric signal and supplied to the visual axis detection circuit 6 via the amplifier 5. The eyeball EYE is looking at the display screen of the electronic viewfinder 24, and the image pickup screen of the CCD 4 and the screen of the electronic viewfinder 24 correspond to each other.
If the gazing point in the image capturing screen of No. 4 is obtained, the gazing point in the display screen of the electronic viewfinder 24 can be detected.

With the construction of this line-of-sight detection block 1,
The line-of-sight detection circuit 6 detects the line-of-sight position coordinates on the display screen of the electronic viewfinder from the output signal of the amplifier 5 at a predetermined sampling cycle. Then, the detected line-of-sight position coordinate information is transmitted to the microcomputer 29.

There are various methods for calculating the visual axis position coordinates based on the output of the visual axis CCD 4.
For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 3-218 filed by the present applicant
The method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 574 and Japanese Patent Application No. 4-154165 can be used.

The video-integrated camera having the configuration shown in FIG.
As the AF method, a so-called television AF method (TV-
AF method), that is, a high-frequency component is taken out by a band pass filter in the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 in the image pickup signal, and the microcomputer 29 drives the focus motor drive direction and drive to maximize the high-frequency component level. A focus adjustment method is used in which the speed is calculated, the focus competition lens motor 17 is driven via the focus competition lens driver 18, and the focus competition lens 12 is moved in the optical axis direction.

In this AF method, since the high frequency component contained in the video signal is detected as described above, the video signal taken into the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 must include an edge portion (level change portion). . That is, at least one horizontal scanning line video signal must be used,
Practically, a capture area having a predetermined area is required. This area is a focus detection area (distance measurement area).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26, the aperture control circuit 25, the frame generation circuit 27 and their connection relationship. After the capture area, for example, the focus detection area is defined by the microcomputer 29, 3 shows a circuit configuration for performing a gate process for capturing a video signal. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG.

In FIG. 3, information about the size and position of the capture area is transmitted from the microcomputer 29 to the gate timing generation circuit 274 inside the frame generation circuit 27. Based on this information, the gate timing generation circuit 274 outputs a frame signal for displaying the capture area to a frame signal generation circuit 273, an AF gate pulse generation circuit 271 for generating a gate pulse corresponding to the focus detection area, and a photometric area. To the AE gate pulse generation circuit 272 which generates a gate pulse corresponding to the above.

On the other hand, the inside of the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 is basically composed of a gate circuit 261, a bandpass filter 262 and a detection circuit 263, and the gate circuit 261 is an AF gate pulse generation circuit in the frame generation circuit 27. The image pickup signal is supplied from the amplifier 20 to the BPF 262 only while being closed by the output signal of 271, detected by the detection circuit 263 and converted into a DC level, and a focus voltage according to the focus state is output.

The inside of the aperture control circuit 25 is basically composed of a gate circuit 251 for forming a photometric area and an iris controller 252. The gate circuit 251 outputs the output of the AE gate pulse generation circuit 272 in the frame generation circuit 27. The image pickup signal is supplied from the amplifier 20 to the iris controller 252 and detected and converted to a DC level only while the signal is closed by the signal, and the diaphragm control voltage is output.

FIG. 4B shows a commonly used AF.
It is drawing which shows an example of an evaluation value acquisition area. In the figure, 401 is an image pickup screen, and 404 is a focus detection area for capturing an AF evaluation value (may be a photometric area).

The photographer often has an opportunity to place a subject (main subject) to be photographed at the center of the screen for photographing. Also, as explained in the section "Prior Art", the evaluation value acquisition area is generally smaller than the entire shooting screen in order to prevent the main subject from being affected by another subject. Is. For this reason, the capture area is fixed at the center position of the screen as indicated by 404.

However, the photographer does not always fix the main subject in the center of the screen for photographing, and in order to photograph the main subject that is not in the center of the screen, the capturing area must be moved on the photographing screen. .

Therefore, in FIG. 1, based on the visual axis position coordinate information transmitted from the visual axis detection circuit 6 to the microcomputer 29, the microcomputer 29 should move the capture area to the position on the screen viewed by the photographer. , And transmits the capture area position coordinates to the frame generation circuit 27.

In the frame generation circuit 27, the opening / closing timing of the gate circuit in the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 is manipulated in order to move the capture area to the specified position, and the portion corresponding to the capture area is displayed in the electronic viewfinder 24.
In order to display on the LCD, a display signal indicating the capture area is displayed on the LCD.
It is sent to the display circuit 23.

The LCD display circuit 27 superimposes the image pickup signal from the amplifier 22 and the area display signal from the frame generation circuit 27 and sends a video signal to the electronic viewfinder 24. At this time, the state of the image projected on the electronic viewfinder 24 is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4A, 403 is the current position of the viewpoint of the photographer. A capture area such as 402 is set around this position, and the gate circuit 26 of the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 is passed from the microcomputer 29 through the frame generation circuit 27.
1. The gate circuit 251 in the aperture control circuit 25 is operated, and the captured area is displayed as shown by 402 in FIG. 4 (a).

Next, for example, if the photographer moves the viewpoint to the position of 405 on the screen, the viewpoint 405 is changed by the same method.
The capture area 403 is set with the center as the center, and the display of the capture area 402 is centered on the viewpoint 405.
Move to position 3.

By taking the method as described above, it becomes possible to focus on the subject viewed by the photographer. In this case, not only the focus but also the exposure adjustment is appropriately adjusted for the subject viewed by the photographer. It is preferable to do.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame generation circuit 27 also transmits a signal for setting the capture area to the aperture control circuit 25. By doing so, it is possible to move the photometric information capturing area to the position viewed by the photographer and perform the exposure adjustment based on the photometric information of that portion for both AE and AF.

The operation of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, 501 is the viewfinder screen of the image pickup apparatus, and 502 and 503 are subjects. Reference numerals 504 to 508 denote fetch areas of AF and AE information.

It is assumed that the photographer is looking at the presentation object 502 and the capture area is 504. Here, if the photographer shifts his eyes to the subject 503, the captured area is 504 → 505 → for each sampling cycle of the gazing point.
It moves in the order of 506 → 507 → 508.

At this time, when the AF operation is performed at 505 to 507, since there is no subject, AF and AE are performed on the background portion.
The area is set, and AF and AE malfunction.

Therefore, in the present invention, as indicated by reference numerals 505 to 507, the AF operation is stopped while the capture area is moving.

FIG. 6 shows a line-of-sight detection circuit 6 for analyzing the line-of-sight position.
A flowchart of a process in which the microcomputer 29 changes the capturing area, that is, the focus detection area, and at the same time prohibits the AF operation based on the output of FIG.

At step 601, the visual axis detection coordinates (X, Y) output from the visual axis detection circuit 6 are fetched.

At step 602, the center coordinates (X, Y) of the focus detection area and the width of the focus detection area are sent to the frame generation circuit 27. The frame generation circuit 27 generates a capture timing signal and the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 makes the focus state. The focus control signal representing the
The capture area is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 24 through the LCD display circuit.

At step 603, it is determined whether or not the current visual axis detection position (X, Y) is equal to the previous visual axis detection position (X1, Y1).

If true (Yes), the normal AF operation is performed in step 605. As described above, the high frequency component of the image pickup signal is taken out at 122 as described above, the microcomputer 29 drives the focus motor 17 via the driver 18 so that the high frequency component level becomes maximum, and the focus compensating lens 12 becomes the optical axis. The focus is adjusted by moving in parallel. Then, the process proceeds to step 606.

If the determination result of step 603 is false (No), the focus motor is stopped in step 604,
The process moves to step 606.

In step 606, the gazing point position (X, Y) detected by the current line-of-sight detection circuit 6 is used for comparison in step 603 in the next execution (X1, Y1).
To memorize.

As a result, when the line-of-sight detection position is moving, A
Since the F operation is not performed, it is possible to prevent the AF from erroneously operating on an object that the photographer does not intend while the focus detection area is moving, and it is possible to realize a stable AF operation.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An example will be described. The configuration of this embodiment is shown in the block diagram of FIG. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is that the iris controller 25 in the diaphragm control circuit 25 is different.
2, switch 3 for turning on / off the aperture control operation
0 is provided, and this switch 30 is turned on by the microcomputer 29.
By performing N / OFF control, the iris driver 252 is operated when the switch 30 is opened, and the iris driver 252 is operated when the switch 30 is closed.
Is made inactive. The other configuration is similar to that of FIG. 3, and thus the description is omitted.

In FIG. 8, the microcomputer 29 changes the capturing area, that is, the photometric area on the basis of the output of the visual axis detecting circuit 6 which analyzes the visual axis position, and at the same time, A is displayed while the capturing area is moving.
The flowchart which prohibits E operation is shown.

At step 801, the visual axis detection coordinates (X, Y) output from the visual axis detection circuit 6 are fetched.

In step 802, the center coordinates (X, Y) of the photometric area and the width of the photometric area are sent to the frame generation circuit 27. The frame generation circuit 27 generates a capture timing signal, and
The F evaluation value processing circuit 26 takes in the focus signal signal and the aperture control circuit 25 takes in the photometric signal, respectively, and causes the electronic viewfinder 24 to display the photometric region via the LCD display circuit 23.

At step 803, it is determined whether the current visual axis detection position (X, Y) is equal to the previous visual axis detection position (X1, Y1). If yes, step 8
05, the AE control permission command is output, the switch 30 is opened, and the aperture control circuit 25 is brought into an operating state. As a result, the diaphragm control circuit 25 drives the IG meter 15 via the IG driver 16 based on the level of the output signal of the amplifier 20, adjusts the diaphragm 10, and performs control so as to appropriately maintain the imaging light amount. Then, the process proceeds to step 806.

The determination result of step 803 is false (No).
Then, in step 804, the AE control prohibition command is output, the switch 30 is closed, and the aperture control circuit 25 is controlled to the non-operation state. As a result, the aperture control circuit 25 stops the aperture control and enters the AE lock state. Then step 806
Transition to.

In step 806, the current position (X, Y) of the photometric area is set in step 80 in the next processing.
It is stored in (X1, Y1) because it is used in the comparison and determination processing in 3. As a result, since the aperture control circuit 25 does not perform the AE operation while the photometric area is moving, it is possible to prevent the AE from malfunctioning with respect to a subject that the photographer does not intend while the photometric area is moving, and it is always stable. A reliable AE operation can be realized.

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, the AF operation is prohibited during the movement of the focus detection area to prevent an erroneous operation caused by capturing an unintended subject image, and the movement of the photometric area. This is a combination of the second embodiment in which the AE operation is prohibited and an erroneous operation caused by capturing an unintended subject image is prevented. The configuration itself is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG.
Since it is the same as the block diagram of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing.

In the figure, when the processing is started, in step 901, the visual axis detection coordinates (X, Y) output from the visual axis detection circuit 6 are fetched.

At step 902, the center coordinates (X, Y) of the capture area such as the focus detection area and the photometric area and the width of the capture area are sent to the frame generation circuit 27. The frame generation circuit 27 generates a capture timing signal, and the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26
The focus control signal is captured by the aperture control circuit 25, and the photometric signal is captured by the aperture control circuit 25, and the capture area is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 24 via the LCD display circuit 23.

At step 903, it is determined whether the current visual axis detection position (X, Y) is equal to the previous visual axis detection position (X1, Y1). Then, the determination result is true (Ye
If s), the process proceeds to steps 907 and 908, and AF
The evaluation value processing circuit 26 is operated to perform the AF operation, and the AE control permission command is output to open the switch 30.
The diaphragm control circuit 25 is put into operation.

Accordingly, the focus driver 18 is controlled based on the output of the AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 to drive the focus motor 17, and the focus lens 12 is moved to adjust the focus.

Further, the aperture control circuit 25 receives the I signal via the IG driver 16 based on the level of the output signal of the amplifier 20.
The G meter 15 is driven, the diaphragm 10 is adjusted, and control is performed so as to appropriately maintain the imaging light amount. Then, the process proceeds to step 906.

The determination result of step 903 is false (No).
Then, in step 904, the focus motor is stopped to prohibit AF control and the AF lock state is set, and in step 905, the AE control prohibition command is output and the switch 3 is output.
0 is closed and the diaphragm control circuit 25 is controlled to a non-operating state.
As a result, the aperture control circuit 25 stops the aperture control, and A
E-locked. Then, the process proceeds to step 906.

In step 906, the current fetch position (X, Y) is set to the step 903 in the next processing.
It is stored in (X1, Y1) because it is used in the comparison / determination process in. As a result, the focus motor is stopped and the AF operation is prohibited while the capture area is moving, and the AE operation is prohibited because the aperture control circuit 25 does not perform the AE operation.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the AF and AE from erroneously operating on an object that the photographer does not intend while the capture area is moving, and it is possible to always realize stable and reliable AE operation.

According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the focus detection area and the photometric area are formed by the common gate pulse. However, the gate pulse is supplied separately and the size and the position are independent. You may make it set it.

[0095]

As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the AF operation is performed while the set position of the focus detection area for capturing the AF information is changed. By not performing the above, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the AF malfunctions with respect to the subject not intended by the photographer during the movement of the focus detection area, and it is possible to always realize a stable AF operation.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the AE operation is not performed while the setting position of the photometric area for capturing the AE information is changed. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the AE malfunctions with respect to a subject not intended by the photographer during the movement of the photometric area, and it is possible to always realize a stable AE operation.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, while the setting positions of the focus detection area and the photometric area for capturing the AF information and the AE information are being changed,
By not performing the F and AE operations, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the AE malfunctions with respect to a subject that is not intended by the photographer during the movement of the focus detection area and the photometric area, and to ensure stable AF and AE. The operation can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a line-of-sight detection block 1 in FIG.

3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of an aperture control circuit 25, an AF evaluation value processing circuit 26, and a frame generation circuit 27 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining display of a capture area such as a focus detection area and a photometric area.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining movement of a capture area such as a focus detection area and a photometric area.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Line-of-sight detection block 6 Line-of-sight detection circuit 7 Lens unit 23 LCD display circuit 24 Electronic viewfinder 25 Aperture control circuit 26 AF evaluation value processing circuit 27 Frame generation circuit 29 Microcomputer 251 Gate circuit in aperture control circuit 25 261 AF evaluation value processing circuit 26 Gate circuit 271 AF gate pulse generation circuit 272 AE gate pulse generation circuit 273 Frame generation circuit 274 Area setting gate timing pulse generation means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication H04N 5/238 Z

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. Display means for displaying a video signal on a screen; extraction means for extracting a video signal corresponding to a predetermined area in the screen from the video signal; and extraction means for extracting the video signal. Focus detection means for detecting the focus state based on the image signal, area setting means for changing the setting position of the area in the screen, and the area setting means for changing the setting position of the area. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits the operation of the focus detection unit during the operation. 2. The area setting means according to claim 1, further comprising line-of-sight detection means for detecting a viewpoint of a photographer in the screen, and the area setting means is located at the position of the viewpoint detected by the line-of-sight detection means. An image pickup apparatus, which is configured to set an area. 3. Display means for displaying a video signal on a screen, extraction means for extracting a video signal corresponding to a predetermined area in the screen from the video signal, and extracted by the extraction means. An exposure control unit that detects the exposure state based on the image signal and adjusts the exposure based on the exposure state; an area setting unit that changes a setting position of the region in the screen; and an area setting unit. Therefore, the image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits the operation of the exposure control unit while the set position of the area is being changed. 4. The area setting means according to claim 3, further comprising line-of-sight detection means for detecting the viewpoint of the photographer within the screen, and the area setting means is located at the position of the viewpoint detected by the line-of-sight detection means. An image pickup apparatus, which is configured to set an area. 5. A display means for displaying a video signal on a screen, an extraction means for extracting a video signal corresponding to a predetermined area in the screen from the video signal, and an extraction means for extracting the video signal. Focus detection means for detecting the focus state based on the video signal, and exposure control for detecting the exposure state based on the video signal extracted by the extraction means and adjusting the exposure based on the exposure state Means, area setting means for varying the setting position of the area in the screen, and while changing the setting position of the area by the area setting means, the focus detection means and the exposure control means An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits an operation.