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US20150130986A1 - Focus detection device, focus adjustment device and camera - Google Patents

Focus detection device, focus adjustment device and camera Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150130986A1
US20150130986A1 US14/395,083 US201314395083A US2015130986A1 US 20150130986 A1 US20150130986 A1 US 20150130986A1 US 201314395083 A US201314395083 A US 201314395083A US 2015130986 A1 US2015130986 A1 US 2015130986A1
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Prior art keywords
light receiving
micro
focus adjustment
pattern
focus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US14/395,083
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English (en)
Inventor
Naoyuki Ohnishi
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Nikon Corp
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Nikon Corp
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Assigned to NIKON CORPORATION reassignment NIKON CORPORATION CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE TITLE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 034809 FRAME 0955. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Assignors: OHNISHI, NAOYUKI
Publication of US20150130986A1 publication Critical patent/US20150130986A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H04N5/23212—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/28—Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals
    • G02B7/34—Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using different areas in a pupil plane
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B13/00—Viewfinders; Focusing aids for cameras; Means for focusing for cameras; Autofocus systems for cameras
    • G03B13/32—Means for focusing
    • G03B13/34—Power focusing
    • G03B13/36—Autofocus systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B3/00—Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers
    • G03B3/10—Power-operated focusing
    • G06K9/00543—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V10/00—Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding
    • G06V10/10—Image acquisition
    • G06V10/12—Details of acquisition arrangements; Constructional details thereof
    • G06V10/14—Optical characteristics of the device performing the acquisition or on the illumination arrangements
    • G06V10/147—Details of sensors, e.g. sensor lenses
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/67—Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
    • H04N23/672—Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals based on the phase difference signals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B19/00—Cameras
    • G03B19/02—Still-picture cameras
    • G03B19/12—Reflex cameras with single objective and a movable reflector or a partly-transmitting mirror
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2218/00—Aspects of pattern recognition specially adapted for signal processing
    • G06F2218/12—Classification; Matching
    • G06F2218/14—Classification; Matching by matching peak patterns

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a focus detection device, a focus adjustment device and a camera.
  • Focus detection devices that detect focus through a method known as the phase difference detection method in the related art detect an extent of image subject image shift based upon the outputs from a plurality of light receiving elements arrayed in correspondence to each of micro-lenses disposed in a two-dimensional pattern.
  • Patent literature 1 describes a focus detection device that detects contrast along a plurality of directions and selects an optimal focus detection direction among the plurality of directions based upon the detected contrast.
  • Patent literature 1 Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. 2009-198771
  • a focus detection device comprises: a plurality of micro-lenses at which light fluxes having been transmitted through an image forming optical system enter, disposed in a two-dimensional array pattern; a plurality of light receiving elements disposed in correspondence to each of the plurality of micro-lenses; a focus detection unit that executes a detection of a defocus quantity of the image fowling optical system by detecting, based upon outputs from the plurality of light receiving elements, a phase difference manifested by a plurality of light fluxes having passed through different areas of the image forming optical system; and a recognition unit that recognizes, based upon the outputs from the plurality of light receiving elements, characteristics of a subject image formed onto the plurality of light receiving elements via the plurality of micro-lenses, wherein: the focus detection unit detects the defocus quantity through a method optimal for the characteristics of the subject image recognized by the recognition unit.
  • the characteristics of the subject image may manifest as a pattern in the subject image.
  • a focus adjustment device comprises: a plurality of micro-lenses disposed in a two-dimensional array pattern so as to allow light fluxes, having been transmitted through an image forming optical system, to enter thereat; a plurality of light receiving elements disposed in correspondence to each of the plurality of micro-lenses on a rear side of the micro-lens; a recognition unit that recognizes, based upon light reception outputs from the plurality of light receiving elements, a pattern in a subject image formed onto the plurality of light receiving elements via the plurality of micro-lenses; and a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the image forming optical system by detecting, based upon the light reception outputs, a phase difference manifested by a pair of light fluxes having passed through different areas of the image forming optical system, wherein: the focus adjustment unit executes focus adjustment optimal for the pattern in the subject image recognized by the recognition unit.
  • the recognition unit may be capable of recognizing at least a cyclical pattern, an edge pattern and a gradation pattern.
  • the focus adjustment unit switches at least one of; positions of a plurality of light receiving elements selected for purposes of generating a pair of signal strings for phase difference detection, a width represented by the pair of signal strings, a quantity of light receiving elements to be used when generating the pair of signal strings and whether or not to remove a low-frequency signal from the pair of signal strings.
  • the focus adjustment unit may make a decision, based upon the pattern in the subject image recognized by the recognition unit, as to whether or not the detected phase difference indicates a false focus match.
  • the focus adjustment unit may again detect the phase difference based upon the pair of light fluxes forming a smaller opening angle.
  • the focus adjustment unit may reverse a direction along which a focusing lens included in the image forming optical system is driven.
  • the focus adjustment unit may decide that the detected phase difference indicates the false focus match.
  • a focus adjustment device comprises: a plurality of micro-lenses disposed in a two-dimensional array pattern so as to allow light fluxes, having been transmitted through an image forming optical system that includes a focusing lens, to enter thereat; a plurality of light receiving elements disposed in correspondence to each of the plurality of micro-lenses at positions at which the light fluxes, having been transmitted through the micro-lens, enter; a recognition unit that recognizes, based upon light reception outputs from the plurality of light receiving elements, a cyclical pattern in a subject image formed via the plurality of micro-lenses on the plurality of light receiving elements; a phase difference detection unit that detects, based upon the light reception outputs, a phase difference manifested by a pair of light fluxes having passed through different areas of the image forming optical system; and the focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the image forming optical system by driving the focusing lens based upon the phase difference detected by the phase difference detection
  • the recognition unit may execute a Fourier transform on the light reception outputs and recognizes the cyclical pattern in a spatial frequency range.
  • the recognition unit may recognize the cyclical pattern by detecting edges from light reception outputs from the plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to at least one micro-lens among the plurality of micro-lenses.
  • the recognition unit may recognize the cyclical pattern by calculating sums of light reception outputs from the plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to at least two micro-lenses among the plurality of micro-lenses and comparing the two sums.
  • a camera equipped with the focus adjustment device according to any one of the 3rd through 13th aspects is provided.
  • the present invention enables accurate and efficient focus adjustment in correspondence to a subject pattern.
  • FIG. 1 A sectional view of a camera system, used in conjunction with interchangeable lenses, which may adopt the present invention
  • FIG. 2 Perspective of the focus detection unit 104
  • FIG. 3 A schematic illustration of the ranges over which light fluxes from the micro-lenses 13 enter, superimposed over the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12
  • FIG. 4 An illustration of the focus detection method adopted by the body control device 101
  • FIG. 5 A schematic illustration showing a condition in which focus match is achieved for the focus adjustment target subject
  • FIG. 6 A schematic illustration showing a condition in which focus match is not achieved for the focus adjustment target subject
  • FIG. 8 A flowchart of focus adjustment control executed by the body control device 101
  • FIG. 9 A flowchart of the light reception pattern recognition processing called up in step S 130 in FIG. 8
  • FIG. 10 An example of a cyclical pattern that may be recognized by the body control device 101
  • FIG. 11 A flowchart of focus adjustment control executed by the body control device 101
  • FIG. 12 A flowchart of the false focus match detection processing called up in step S 350 in FIG. 11
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a camera system, used in conjunction with interchangeable lenses, which adopts the present invention.
  • a camera 1 comprises a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens 200 that can be mounted at/dismounted from the camera body 100 .
  • a photographic optical system comprising a plurality of lenses 202 , 203 and 204 , and an aperture 205 having an opening portion are disposed.
  • a light flux departing a subject passes through the photographic optical system and the opening portion of the aperture 205 before entering the camera body 100 .
  • FIG. 1 shows the photographic optical system made up with three lenses, the photographic optical system may include any number of lenses.
  • the aperture 205 in FIG. 1 is disposed between the lens 203 and the lens 204 , the aperture 205 may instead be disposed further frontward or rearward relative to the photographic optical system or between other lenses, as known in the related art.
  • the lens 203 included in the photographic optical system is a focusing lens used to adjust the focusing position for the photographic optical system.
  • the focusing lens 203 is connected to a lens drive device 206 via a drive mechanism (not shown) configured with gears and the like.
  • the lens drive device 206 which includes an actuator (not shown) such as a stepping motor, drives the focusing lens 203 in direction D running along an optical axis L of the photographic optical system.
  • An aperture drive device 207 is connected to the aperture 205 .
  • the aperture drive device 207 which includes an actuator (not shown) such as a stepping motor, alters the opening radius R at the aperture 205 by driving a drive mechanism (not shown).
  • An image sensor 102 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, capable of capturing a subject image formed by the photographic optical system, is disposed at the camera body 100 .
  • the image sensor 102 is disposed so that its imaging plane matches a pre-determined focal plane of the photographic optical system.
  • a half mirror 103 is disposed between the photographic optical system and the imaging plane of the image sensor 102 within the camera body 100 .
  • the half mirror 103 which may be configured with, for instance, a pellicle mirror, allows part of the subject light having departed the photographic optical system to be transmitted toward the image sensor 102 and reflects the remaining subject light toward the top of the camera body 100 .
  • the reflected light enters a focus detection unit 104 disposed on the upper side in the camera body 100 . Structural features of the focus detection unit 104 will be described in detail later.
  • a body control device 101 comprising a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits is disposed at the camera body 100 .
  • the body control device 101 controls various units at the camera body 100 by executing a specific control program read out from a storage medium (not shown) where the program is stored in advance.
  • the interchangeable lens 200 includes a lens control device 201 likewise comprising a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits.
  • the lens control device 201 controls various units in the interchangeable lens 200 by executing a specific control program read out from a storage medium (not shown) where the control program is stored in advance.
  • the body control device 101 and the lens control device 201 may each be configured with an electronic circuit capable of executing operation equivalent to the control program.
  • the body control device 101 and the lens control device 201 are configured so as to be able to communicate with each other via an electric contact point (not shown) disposed in the vicinity of the lens mount.
  • an electric contact point (not shown) disposed in the vicinity of the lens mount.
  • the body control device 101 transmits, for instance, a drive command for the focusing lens 203 and a drive command for the aperture 205 to the lens control device 201 .
  • the data communication may be carried out through a method (e.g., wireless communication or optical communication) other than the electrical signal exchange via the electric contact point.
  • the body control device 101 In response to a specific focus adjustment operation (e.g., a halfway press operation of a shutter release switch (not shown)) the body control device 101 detects a defocus quantity representing the extent of defocus based upon an output from the focus detection unit 104 and transmits a drive command to the lens control device 201 so as to drive the focusing lens 203 by an extent corresponding to the defocus quantity. In response to this drive command, the lens control device 201 engages the lens drive device 206 to drive the focusing lens 203 . Consequently, a focus match is achieved for a specific subject.
  • a specific focus adjustment operation e.g., a halfway press operation of a shutter release switch (not shown)
  • the body control device 101 uses this monitor 110 when, for instance, reproducing still image data or movie image data obtained through a shooting operation, displaying a settings menu in which photographing parameters (aperture number, shutter speed and the like) can be selected for the camera 1 , displaying a live view image and the like.
  • An electronic viewfinder unit 108 which includes a display element such as a liquid crystal display element, is disposed at an upper portion of the camera body 1 .
  • the photographer is able to view a subject image or the like displayed at the display element of the electronic viewfinder unit 108 via an eyepiece lens 106 through a finder portion 107 .
  • the body control device 101 engages the image sensor 102 so as to capture a subject image over predetermined intervals (e.g., every 1/60 sec), generates a live view image based upon the image capturing signals and displays the live view image thus created at the monitor 110 or the electronic viewfinder unit 108 .
  • the body control device 101 executes photographing control. At this time, the body control device 101 engages the image sensor 102 to capture the subject image by controlling the shutter and the like (not shown). It then executes various types of image processing on image capturing signals output from the image sensor 102 and stores still image data generated through the image processing into a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory card.
  • a specific still image shooting operation e.g., a full press operation of the shutter release switch (not shown)
  • the body control device 101 executes photographing control. At this time, the body control device 101 engages the image sensor 102 to capture the subject image by controlling the shutter and the like (not shown). It then executes various types of image processing on image capturing signals output from the image sensor 102 and stores still image data generated through the image processing into a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory card.
  • FIG. 2 shows the focus detection unit 104 in a perspective.
  • the focus detection unit 104 comprises a micro-lens array 11 and a light receiving element array 12 disposed further rearward relative to the micro-lens array 11 .
  • Numerous micro-lenses 13 are disposed in a two-dimensional pattern at the micro-lens array 11 .
  • Subject light having been reflected at the half mirror 103 passes through a micro-lens 13 among the micro-lenses 13 and enters the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • Numerous light receiving element groups 14 where light fluxes having passed through individual micro-lenses 13 enter are arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern at the light-receiving surface (the surface facing toward the micro-lens array 11 ) of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • Each light receiving element group is made up with 25 light receiving elements disposed in a 5 (row) ⁇ 5 (column) array.
  • a light flux having passed through a given micro-lens 13 enters one of the light receiving element groups 14 , and the plurality of light receiving elements constituting the particular light receiving element group 14 receives the light flux.
  • the area of the surface of the micro-lens array 11 (the surface where the subject light enters) over which no micro-lens 13 is present is shielded with a light-blocking mask. For this reason, only a light flux that has passed through a micro-lens 13 is allowed to enter the light receiving element array 12 .
  • the light receiving element array 12 is disposed at a position set apart from the micro-lens array 11 by a distance equal to the focal length of the micro-lenses 13 . In order to assure clarity in the illustration, the distance “d” between the micro-lens array 11 and the light receiving element array 12 is exaggerated in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 2 only shows part of the micro-lens array 11 and part of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • the actual micro-lens array and light receiving element array include greater numbers of micro-lenses 13 and light receiving element groups 14 .
  • the quantity of light receiving elements included in each light receiving element group 14 may be more than or fewer than 25 and the light receiving elements may be arrayed in a pattern other than that shown in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the ranges of entry of light fluxes, having departed micro-lenses 13 , superimposed over the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • a light flux having departed a given micro-lens 13 enters within the range of a circle 15 enclosing a light receiving element group 14 .
  • the size of the circles 15 becomes smaller than that shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the size of the circles 15 becomes greater than that shown in FIG. 3 and individual circles 15 overlap one another. Namely, crosstalk between light fluxes having passed through the micro-lenses 13 occurs. If light fluxes having passed through a plurality of micro-lenses 13 enter a single light receiving element in this state, accurate focus detection is no longer possible.
  • the body control device 101 in the embodiment adjusts the aperture 205 so as to match the f-number at the photographic optical system with the f-number of the micro-lenses 13 .
  • the crosstalk phenomenon described above does not occur during focus detection since it is ensured that each subject light flux enters within the range of a circle 15 shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the body control device 101 detects the focal point through the method known as the phase difference detection method whereby an image shift quantity, i.e., the extent of image shift pertaining to the subject image, is detected based upon an output from the focus detection unit 104 .
  • an image shift quantity i.e., the extent of image shift pertaining to the subject image.
  • the following is a description of the focus detection method adopted by the body control device 101 .
  • FIG. 4( a ) shows a single row of light receiving element groups 14 engaged in focus detection among the numerous light receiving element groups 14 shown in FIG. 3 . While FIG. 4( a ) shows only 5 light receiving element groups 14 , it is desirable to select a greater number of light receiving element groups 14 for focus detection.
  • different reference numerals 14 a through 14 e are used to refer to the individual light receiving element groups 14 .
  • FIG. 4( b ) is a schematic illustration of the relationships between the light receiving element groups 14 a through 14 e and the focus detection pupils.
  • the micro-lenses 13 a through 13 e are disposed so that their apexes are substantially in alignment with a predetermined focal plane 17 of the photographic optical system.
  • the micro-lens 13 c projects the shapes of a pair of light receiving elements 16 lc and 16 rc disposed to the rear thereof onto an exit pupil 20 set apart from the micro-lens 13 c by a projecting distance d 2 , and the shapes of the light receiving elements thus projected form focus detection pupils 21 and 22 .
  • the projecting distance d 2 is determined in correspondence to the curvature and the refractive index of the micro-lens 13 c, the distance between the micro-lens 13 c and the light receiving element array 12 , and the like.
  • the pair of focus detection pupils 21 and 22 and the pair of light receiving elements 161 c and 16 rc achieve a relationship conjugate with each other via the micro-lens 13 c.
  • the light receiving element 16 lc outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the intensity of an image formed on the micro-lens 13 c with a focus detection light flux 24 having passed through the focus detection pupil 22 and traveled toward the micro-lens 13 c.
  • the light receiving element 16 rc outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the intensity of an image formed on the micro-lens 13 c with a focus detection light flux 23 having passed through the focus detection pupil 21 and traveled toward the micro-lens 13 c.
  • information pertaining to intensity distributions of a pair of images formed on the light receiving element array 12 with focus detection light fluxes each passing through the focus detection pupil 21 and 22 can be obtained by acquiring the light reception outputs of each pair of light receiving elements corresponding to the focus detection pupil 21 and the focus detection pupil 22 from the plurality of light receiving element groups 14 a through 14 e disposed along a straight line, as shown in FIG. 4( a ).
  • an image shift quantity representing the extent of image shift manifested by the pair of images is detected through a detection method commonly referred to as the split pupil phase difference detection method.
  • the image shift quantity is converted in correspondence to the distance between the gravitational centers of the pair of focus detection pupils 21 and 22 so as to calculate a defocus quantity representing the deviation of the current imaging plane relative to the predetermined focal plane.
  • the body control device 101 first designates the value obtained by adding together the light reception outputs of the three middle light receiving elements 16 la at the left end column in the light receiving element group 14 a as a(1). Likewise, it calculates the sums a(2) through a(5) in correspondence to the light receiving element groups 14 b through 14 e, each by adding together the light reception outputs of the three middle light receiving elements 16 lb, 16 lc, 16 ld or 16 le at the left end column in the corresponding light receiving element group.
  • the body control device 101 executes a correlation operation for the pair of signal strings by individually offsetting the signal strings in small steps and calculates a correlation quantity in correspondence to each offset quantity. Then, based upon the correlation quantity calculation results, it determines the offset quantity in correspondence to which a minimum correlation quantity is calculated (the offset quantity at which a maximum degree of correlation quantity manifests). The body control device 101 multiplies the offset quantity by a predetermined conversion coefficient in order to calculate a defocus quantity representing the extent of defocusing manifested by the subject image relative to the predetermined focal plane.
  • the row of light receiving element groups 14 to be engaged in focus detection may be selected through any method. For instance, the user may be asked to specify the position of the focusing target subject and light receiving element groups 14 present at the particular position may be selected. As an alternative, light receiving element groups 14 present at a predetermined position, such as the center of the photographic field, may be selected.
  • the body control device 101 For each session of focus detection and focus adjustment, the body control device 101 recognizes, through a pattern-matching technology of the known art, the pattern of an image formed via the micro-lenses 13 onto the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 . Based upon the recognized pattern, it alters the specific details of the focus detection and the focus adjustment. The following is a description of the pattern of an image formed on the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a subject 31 , a photographing optical system 30 , a subject image 33 , the predetermined focal plane 17 , the micro-lens array 11 and the light receiving element array 12 in a state in which the focus adjustment target subject is in focus. It is to be noted that the photographic optical system is represented by a single lens in the schematic illustration in FIG. 5 .
  • the image (subject image) 33 of the subject 31 is substantially in alignment with the predetermined focal plane 17 , and a light flux 35 , having departed a point 32 on the subject 31 and passed through the photographic optical system 30 , has converged so that its section is smaller than the permissible circle of confusion on the predetermined focal plane 17 , as illustrated in FIG. 5( a ).
  • FIG. 5( b ) shows an area near the focus detection unit 104 in an enlarged view.
  • a light flux having departed a point 34 on the subject image 33 enters with substantial uniformity on the rear side of the micro-lens 13 c, as illustrated in FIG. 5( c ).
  • the light flux, having departed the point 34 does not enter any of the other micro-lenses 13 , and no light flux from any other point on the subject image 33 enters on the rear side of the micro-lens 13 c.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the subject 31 , the photographic optical system 30 , the subject image 33 , the predetermined focal plane 17 , the micro-lens array 11 and the light receiving element array 12 in a state in which the focus adjustment target subject is not in focus.
  • the image 33 of the subject 31 formed via the photographic optical system 30
  • the light flux 35 reaches the predetermined focal plane 17 as light widening over a certain range, as illustrated in FIG. 6( a ).
  • the light flux 35 having departed the point 32
  • light fluxes, having departed a plurality of points on the subject image 33 enter a single micro-lens 13 c.
  • an image 36 is projected onto the rear side of the micro-lens 13 c in correspondence to the shape of the subject image 33 and the positional relationship between the subject image 33 and the micro-lenses 13 .
  • FIG. 7( a 1 ) shows a subject image 33 a with vertical stripes. If this subject image 33 a is formed at a position somewhat set apart from the predetermined focal plane 17 , the pattern shown in FIG. 7( a 2 ) is formed on the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 . In this situation, the light reception outputs obtained from light receiving elements set consecutively along the lateral direction in a single row in a given light receiving element group 14 will include a plurality of peaks each in correspondence to a vertical stripe.
  • the body control device 101 determines that the subject 31 is a cyclic subject taking on a cyclical pattern in a case such as this in which the light reception outputs of the light receiving elements set side-by-side in a single row along a specific direction within a given light receiving element group 14 include a plurality of peaks. In this situation, if the absolute value of the defocus quantity is less than a predetermined threshold value (i.e., if the current condition is judged to be a focus match state) in the subsequent focus detection operation, the particular defocus quantity is determined to be incorrect (i.e., the current condition is a false focus match state).
  • a predetermined threshold value i.e., if the current condition is judged to be a focus match state
  • the body control device 101 Upon determining that the defocus quantity is incorrect (i.e., the current condition is a false focus match state), the body control device 101 re-executes the focus detection operation by reducing the angle of detection range. Namely, instead of the light receiving elements at the two end columns on the left side and the right side shown in FIG. 4( a ), light receiving elements at inner positions are used to create a pair of signal strings and the image shift detection operation and the conversion operation are executed in conjunction with the pair of signal strings thus created.
  • FIG. 7( b 1 ) shows a subject image 33 b with a clear boundary (edge) dividing it along the left/right direction. If this subject image 33 b is formed at a position somewhat set apart from the predetermined focal plane 17 , the pattern shown in FIG. 7( b 2 ) is formed on the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • the body control device 101 determines that the subject 31 is an edge subject assuming an edge pattern. In the subsequent focus detection operation, it generates a pair of signal strings to be used in image shift detection operation from light receiving element groups 14 set side-by-side in a single row running perpendicular to the detected edge.
  • the light receiving element groups 14 the outputs from which are to be sampled in order to generate the pair of signal strings, are selected from a range narrower than normal and thus, the signal strings assume a length smaller than normal.
  • the rationale for this is that since there is obviously a well-defined edge, only an area around the edge needs to be the focus detection target.
  • FIG. 7( c 1 ) shows a subject image 33 c with a gradation pattern manifesting a gradual change in luminance or chromaticity along the up/down direction. If this subject image 33 c is formed at a position somewhat set apart from the predetermined focal plane 17 , the pattern shown in FIG. 7( c 2 ) is formed on the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • the body control device 101 determines that the subject 31 is a gradation subject with a gradation pattern. Subsequently, after generating a pair of signal strings, it directly executes an image shift detection operation without applying a high pass filter processing, which would normally be executed on the signal strings in order to remove an excess low-frequency component.
  • the difference between the high signal level and the low signal level in the pair of signal strings having been generated is less than a predetermined value, it determines that the subject 31 is a low contrast subject, requiring improved accuracy in the image shift detection operation and, accordingly, it generates a pair of signal strings by sampling data from a greater number of light receiving elements. For instance, it may generate a pair of signal strings by calculating the sum of the outputs from six light receiving elements instead of the sum of outputs from three light receiving elements as shown in FIG. 4( a ).
  • the body control device 101 in the embodiment customizes the details of the focus detection operation so as to execute focus detection operation best suited for the specific pattern of the image formed via the micro-lenses 13 onto the light receiving element array 12 .
  • the body control device 101 recognizes three different patterns (a cyclical pattern, an edge pattern and a gradation pattern) such as those shown in FIG. 7( a 1 ) through FIG. 7( c 1 ) through a pattern matching operation of the known art. There are no restrictions imposed with regard to the mariner with which the pattern matching operation is executed, as long as at least these three patterns can be recognized through the operation.
  • FIG. 8 presents a flowchart of focus adjustment control executed by the body control device 101 .
  • the processing shown in FIG. 8 is included in a control program read out from a memory (not shown) and executed by the body control device 101 .
  • step S 100 the body control device 101 makes a decision as to whether or not the user has performed a specific focus adjustment operation (e.g., halfway press operation at the shutter release switch). Until the user performs a focus adjustment operation, the body control device 101 repeatedly executes step S 100 and once a focus adjustment operation is executed, the operation proceeds to step S 110 .
  • step S 110 the body control device 101 executes charge control of the light receiving element array 12 and then, in step S 120 , it reads out the light reception outputs from the individual light receiving element groups 14 .
  • step S 130 the body control device 101 executes light perception pattern recognition processing (to be described later) based upon the light reception outputs having been read out and recognize a pattern that may be one of those shown in FIG. 7( a 1 ) through FIG. 7( c 1 ).
  • step S 140 the body control device 101 executes an image shift detection operation and a conversion operation by reflecting the light reception pattern recognition results in the details thereof in conjunction with part of the light reception outputs having been read out in step S 120 , and calculates a defocus quantity through these operations.
  • step S 150 it calculates a drive quantity representing the extent to which the focusing lens 203 needs to be driven to achieve a focus match based upon the defocus quantity.
  • step S 160 a decision is made as to whether or not the focusing lens 203 needs to be driven, i.e., whether or not a focus match state has already been achieved, and if the current condition is already a focus match state, the processing in FIG. 8 ends.
  • step S 170 the body control device 101 executes lens drive control before the operation returns to step 110 .
  • the body controls device 101 executing the lens drive control transmits a drive instruction to the lens control device 201 so that the focusing lens 203 is driven by an extent corresponding to the lens drive quantity having been calculated in step S 150 .
  • the lens control device 203 engages the lens drive device 206 in operation to drive the focusing lens 203 .
  • FIG. 9 presents a flowchart of the light reception pattern recognition processing called up in step S 130 in FIG. 8 .
  • this processing is included in the control program executed by the body control device 101 .
  • the body control device 101 extracts a characteristic quantity pertaining to the image projected via the micro-lenses 13 based upon the light reception outputs from the individual light receiving element groups 14 .
  • the characteristic quantity is determined in correspondence to a color, a shape, a height, a position, a width, an area and the like pertaining to the image, and no restrictions whatsoever are imposed with regard to the characteristic quantity as long as it enables recognition of at least three different types of patterns such as those shown in FIG. 7( a 1 ) through FIG. 7( c 1 ).
  • the body control device 101 recognizes a pattern based upon the extracted characteristic quantity
  • step S 220 the body control device 101 makes a decision as to whether or not the recognized pattern is a cyclical pattern.
  • the operation proceeds to step S 270 to select the focus detection/focus adjustment setting for a cyclical subject. Namely, a setting whereby a defocus quantity, the absolute value of which is less than a predetermined threshold value (i.e., indicating a focus match state) is determined to be incorrect (i.e., the current condition is a false focus match state) is selected.
  • a predetermined threshold value i.e., indicating a focus match state
  • the body control device 101 re-executes the focus detection calculation by narrowing the angle of detection range.
  • step S 230 the operation proceeds to step S 230 to make a decision as to whether or not the recognized pattern is an edge pattern. If an edge pattern has been recognized, the operation proceeds to step S 260 , in which the focus detection/focus adjustment setting for an edge subject is selected.
  • a pair of signal strings to be used for purposes of image shift detection operation is generated by sampling data output from light receiving element groups 14 set in a single row running perpendicular to the direction in which the detected edge runs.
  • the light receiving element groups 14 the outputs from which are to be sampled in order to generate the pair of signal strings, are selected from a narrower range than normal, so as to reduce the length of the signal strings relative to the regular signal string length.
  • step S 240 the operation proceeds to step S 240 to make a decision as to whether or not the recognized pattern is a gradation pattern. If a gradation pattern has been recognized, the operation proceeds to step S 250 , in which the focus detection/focus adjustment setting for a gradation subject is selected. Namely, once a pair of signal strings has been generated, an image shift detection operation is executed without applying a high pass filter to the signal strings.
  • the subject 31 is judged to be a low contrast subject requiring improved accuracy in the image shift detection operation, and accordingly, a pair of signal strings is generated by sampling data from a greater number of light receiving elements.
  • the camera system in the first embodiment described above achieves the following advantages.
  • the body control device 101 Based upon the light reception outputs from light receiving element groups 14 , each disposed on the rear side of one of a plurality of micro-lenses 13 disposed in a two-dimensional array and each made up with a plurality of light receiving elements, the body control device 101 recognizes the pattern of a subject image formed via the plurality of micro-lenses 13 onto the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 , and executes focus adjustment optimal for the recognized pattern by detecting the phase difference between a pair of light fluxes having passed through different areas of the photographic optical system based upon light reception outputs provided from the light receiving element array 12 . As a result, accurate and efficient focus adjustment optimal for the subject pattern is enabled.
  • the body control device 101 After recognizing a cyclical pattern, the body control device 101 determines that the current condition is a false focus match state, even if a focus match state is detected, and re-executes the focus detection operation by narrowing the angle of detection range. Through these measures, accurate and efficient focus adjustment is enabled even when the subject has, for instance, a striped pattern, which tends to readily cause a false focus match.
  • the body control device 101 selects fewer than usual light receiving element groups 14 from light receiving element groups 14 set consecutively in a single row running perpendicular to the detected edge, and generates a pair of signal strings to be used for purposes of image shift detection operation, by sampling outputs from the selected light receiving element groups 14 .
  • accurate and efficient focus adjustment is achieved for a subject with a clearly defined edge by excluding any influence of noise and the like present in areas other than the edge area.
  • the focus detection operation can be executed at higher speed.
  • the body control device 101 Upon recognizing a gradation pattern, the body control device 101 generates a pair of signal strings and then immediately executes an image shift detection operation without applying a high pass filter to the signal strings. In addition, if the difference between the high signal level and the low signal level in the pair of signal strings having been generated is less than a predetermined value, it decides that the subject 31 is a low contrast subject requiring improved accuracy in the image shift detection operation and accordingly, generates a pair of signal strings by sampling outputs from a greater number of light receiving elements. Through these measures, accurate and efficient focus adjustment is achieved for a subject such as a gradation subject for which focus detection cannot be easily executed.
  • the camera system in this embodiment adopts a structure identical to that of the camera system achieved in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the second embodiment only differs from the first embodiment in the focus detection processing executed by the body control device 101 .
  • the following explanation will focus on the feature of the current embodiment distinguishing it from the first embodiment, and a repeated explanation of other aspects of the embodiment similar to those of the first embodiment will not be provided.
  • FIG. 10( a ) shows a subject image 43 a with vertical stripes running along the up-down direction.
  • the vertical stripes in the subject image 43 a are set over cycles T 1 along the lateral direction, thereby achieving a cyclical pattern.
  • the cyclical pattern shown in FIG. 10( b ) is formed onto the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 .
  • the body control device 101 recognizes the cyclical pattern such as that shown in FIG. 10( a ) of the subject 31 .
  • the body control device 101 having recognized such a cyclical pattern, decides in the subsequent focus detection operation that any defocus quantity, the absolute value of which is less than a predetermined threshold value (i.e., indicating a focus match state), is incorrect (i.e., the current condition is a false focus match state).
  • a predetermined threshold value i.e., indicating a focus match state
  • the body control device 101 engages the lens drive device 203 in operation so as to drive the focusing lens 203 by a specific extent along the direction in which the cycles of the cyclical pattern having been recognized are lengthened and then re-executes the focus detection operation. For instance, if the current false focus match state results from focus adjustment having been executed by driving the focusing lens 203 along the direction toward infinity, it will drive the focusing lens 203 along the opposite direction (toward close-up).
  • the cyclical pattern with the cycles T 2 shown in FIG. 10( b ) is altered to a cyclical pattern shown in FIG. 10( c ) with cycles T 3 , longer than the cycles T 2 .
  • FIG. 11 presents a flowchart of the focus adjustment control executed by the body control device 101 .
  • the processing shown in FIG. 11 is included in a control program read out from a memory (not shown) and executed by the body control device 101 .
  • step S 300 the body control device 101 makes a decision as to whether or not the user has performed a specific focus adjustment operation (e.g., a halfway press operation at the shutter release switch). Until the user performs a focus adjustment operation, the body control device 101 repeatedly executes step S 300 and once a focus adjustment operation is executed, the operation proceeds to step S 310 .
  • step S 310 the body control device 101 executes charge control of the light receiving element array 12 and then, in step S 320 , it reads out the light reception outputs from the individual light receiving element groups 14 .
  • step S 330 the body control device 101 executes an image shift (phase difference) detection operation and a conversion operation in conjunction with part of the light reception outputs having been read out in step S 320 and calculates a defocus quantity through these operations.
  • step S 360 a decision is made as to whether or not the focusing lens 203 needs to be driven, i.e., whether or not the current condition is already a focus match state, and if it is decided that a focus match state has already been achieved, the operation proceeds to step S 350 .
  • step S 370 calculates a drive quantity representing the extent to which the focusing lens 203 needs to be driven to achieve a focus match, based upon the defocus quantity having been calculated.
  • the body control device 101 then executes lens drive control before the operation returns to step S 310 .
  • the body control device 101 executing the lens drive control transmits a drive instruction to the lens control device 201 so that the focusing lens 203 is driven by an extent corresponding to the lens drive quantity having been calculated in step S 370 .
  • the lens control device 203 engages the lens drive device 206 in operation to drive the focusing lens 203 .
  • step S 350 the body control device 101 executes the false focus match decision-making processing to be described later.
  • step S 360 a decision is made as to whether or not a false focus match has been detected. If it is decided that a false focus match has not been detected, the current condition is a true focus match state and, accordingly, the processing shown in FIG. 11 ends. If, on the other hand, it is decided that a false focus match has been detected, the operation proceeds to step S 390 , in which the body control device 101 determines the direction along which the focusing lens 203 needs to be driven in order to lengthen the cycles of the cyclical pattern formed on the light receiving element array 12 .
  • step S 390 the drive direction along which the cycles of the cyclical pattern are lengthened” is the direction opposite from the direction in which the focusing lens 203 has been driven.
  • the focusing lens 203 should first be driven along a specific direction and then the cycles in the cyclical pattern should be checked to determine if the cycles have been lengthened. At this time, if the cycles have been shortened, the focusing lens 203 should be driven along the direction opposite from the direction in which the focusing lens 203 was initially driven and thus, it is possible that the focusing lens 203 should be driven along the “drive direction along which the cycles of the cyclical pattern are lengthened”.
  • step S 395 the body control device 101 executes drive control for the focusing lens 203 so as to drive the focusing lens 203 by a specific extent along the particular direction having been determined in step S 390 .
  • it transmits a drive instruction to the lens control device 201 so as to drive the focusing lens 203 by a specific extent along the direction.
  • the operation returns to step S 310 to repeatedly execute the processing starting with the charge control for the light receiving element array 12 .
  • FIG. 12 presents a flowchart of the false focus match detection processing called up in step S 350 in FIG. 11 .
  • this processing is included in the control program executed by the body control device 101 .
  • the body control device 101 detects the light receiving element achieving the greatest light reception output (i.e., the peak position in the light reception outputs) among the various light receiving elements having been used in the phase difference detection in step S 330 in FIG. 11 .
  • the body control device 101 extracts a characteristic quantity pertaining to the image having been projected via the corresponding micro-lens 13 from the light reception outputs from the light receiving element group 14 (the light receiving element group 14 covered by the micro-lens 13 that covers the light receiving element) to which the light receiving element, having been detected in step S 400 belongs.
  • the characteristic quantity is determined in correspondence to a color, a shape, a height, a position, a width, an area and the like pertaining to the image, and no restrictions whatsoever are imposed with regard to the characteristic quantity as long as it enables recognition of at least a cyclical pattern such as that shown in FIG. 10( b ).
  • the body control device 101 recognizes the cyclical pattern based upon the extracted characteristic quantity.
  • step S 420 the body control device 101 makes a decision as to whether or not a cyclical pattern has been recognized. Upon deciding that a cyclical pattern has been recognized, the operation proceeds to step S 410 to decide that the current condition is a false focus match state. In other words, it is decided that the defocus quantity, having been calculated in step S 330 in FIG. 11 , is not correct.
  • the camera system in the second embodiment described above achieves the following advantages.
  • the body control device 101 Based upon the light reception outputs from light receiving element groups 14 , each disposed on the rear side of one of a plurality of micro-lenses 13 disposed in a two-dimensional array and each made up with a plurality of light receiving elements, the body control device 101 recognizes the pattern of a subject image fowled via the plurality of micro-lenses 13 onto the light-receiving surface of the light receiving element array 12 , and executes focus adjustment optimal for the recognized pattern by detecting the phase difference between a pair of light fluxes having passed through different areas of the photographic optical system based upon light reception outputs provided from the light receiving element array 12 . As a result, accurate and efficient focus adjustment optimal for the subject pattern is enabled.
  • the body control device 101 After recognizing a cyclical pattern, the body control device 101 determines that the current condition is a false focus match state, even if a focus match state is detected, and re-executes the focus detection operation by narrowing the angle of detection range. Through these measures, accurate and efficient focus adjustment is enabled even when the subject has, for instance, a striped pattern, which tends to readily cause a false focus match.
  • the body control device 101 selects fewer than usual light receiving element groups 14 from light receiving element groups 14 set in a single row running perpendicular to the detected edge, and generates a pair of signal strings to be used for purposes of image shift detection operation, by sampling outputs from the selected light receiving element groups 14 .
  • the body control device 101 Upon recognizing a gradation pattern, the body control device 101 generates a pair of signal strings and then immediately executes an image shift detection operation without applying a high pass filter to the signal strings. In addition, if the difference between the high signal level and the low signal level in the pair of signal strings having been generated is less than a predetermined value, it decides that the subject 31 is a low contrast subject requiring improved accuracy in the image shift detection operation and accordingly, generates a pair of signal strings by sampling outputs from a greater number of light receiving elements. Through these measures, accurate and efficient focus adjustment is achieved for a subject such as a gradation subject for which focus detection cannot be easily executed.
  • focus detection may be executed by using light receiving element groups 14 set side-by-side in a single row running along a different direction.
  • more or fewer than five light receiving element groups 14 may be selected and it is not strictly necessary to select consecutive light receiving element groups 14 .
  • light receiving element groups 14 disposed at every second position may be selected.
  • the direction in which the focusing lens 203 is driven may be reversed. For instance, if it is decided that the current condition is a false focus match state after or while the focusing lens 203 is driven toward the close-up position, focus detection may be re-executed by driving the focusing lens 203 toward the infinity position.
  • the patterns recognized by the body control device 101 in the embodiments described above i.e., a cyclical pattern, an edge pattern and a gradation pattern
  • the body control device 101 may recognize another pattern and execute focus detection operation and focus adjustment control optimal for the particular pattern.
  • the body control device 101 may recognize a cyclical pattern only or an edge pattern only.
  • the present invention may be adopted in conjunction with a micro-lens array 11 and a light receiving element array 12 different from those shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the micro-lenses 13 and the light receiving element groups 14 may be arrayed with array patterns different from those shown in FIG. 2 . They may, for instance, be disposed in a square array pattern.
  • the micro-lenses 13 may assume the shape other than the circular shape (e.g., a hexagonal shape).
  • the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving element groups 14 may be disposed in a pattern other than the square array pattern.
  • light receiving elements may be disposed so that the light receiving element groups 14 assume a shape better approximating the circular shape of the micro-lenses 13 , or light receiving elements may be disposed in in a single lateral row or in a single longitudinal column. Furthermore, the light-blocking mask present between the micro-lenses 13 may be omitted.
  • Light receiving elements other than the three light receiving elements at the left end and the three light receiving elements at the right end of each light receiving element group shown in FIG. 4( a ) may be selected and used when generating a pair of signal strings for purposes of focus detection.
  • the current condition may be determined to be a false focus match state if it is decided, through focus detection executed after recognizing a pattern other than a cyclical pattern, that a focus match has been achieved. It is because a uniform image is bound to be formed on the rear side of a single micro-lens 13 , as illustrated in FIG. 5( c ) in a true focus much state.
  • a cyclical pattern may be recognized through a method other than the pattern matching method described earlier.
  • a cyclical pattern may be recognized by detecting, via a single light receiving element group 14 covered by a given micro-lens 13 , edges that run along a specific direction (e.g., the lateral direction, the longitudinal direction or a diagonal direction) in the light reception outputs from the light receiving element group.
  • the term “edge” in this context refers to a point at which the light reception outputs of two adjacent light receiving elements indicate a significant change (exceeding a predetermined threshold value). In this situation, the intervals between the edges that are detected represent the pattern cycles.
  • a cyclical pattern may be recognized by calculating the sums of outputs, each in correspondence to one of a plurality of light receiving element groups 14 , which, in turn, are each covered by one of a plurality of micro-lenses 13 disposed along a specific direction, and comparing the plurality of sums thus calculated.
  • the photographic optical system is in a focus match state, the rear surface of a given micro-lens 13 is uniformly irradiated with light as shown in FIG. 5( c ). This means that if the subject image assumes a cyclical pattern, the difference between the sums of the outputs from two light receiving element groups 14 set next to each other is bound to be large, as shown in FIG. 10( c ).
  • an edge can be detected based upon the sums of the outputs from two adjacent light receiving element groups 14 .
  • a cyclical pattern is formed on the rear surface of each micro-lens 13 and in such a case, the difference between the sums of the outputs from two adjacent light receiving element groups 14 is bound to be relatively small.
  • the present invention may be adopted in a camera, widely known as a single lens reflex camera, that includes a quick return mirror.
  • the quick return mirror in the single lens reflex camera adopting the present invention should be configured by disposing a sub mirror at the rear surface of a quick return mirror so as to ensure that part of the subject light having entered the quick return mirror is transmitted through the quick return mirror and enters the sub mirror, and that the subject light reflected at the sub mirror enters the focus detection unit 104 .
  • the present invention may be adopted in conjunction with an image sensor 102 configured with a micro-lens array 11 and a light receiving element array 12 , as is the focus detection unit 104 , and in such a case, focus detection and still image capturing may both be executed via the light receiving element array 12 in the image sensor 102 .
  • the lens drive device 206 and the aperture drive device 207 may be disposed at the camera body 100 instead of at the interchangeable lens 200 .
  • the actuators (not shown) in the lens drive device 206 and aperture drive device 207 will adopt structures that allow the drive forces imparted thereby to be respectively transmitted to the focusing lens 203 and the aperture 205 in the interchangeable lens 200 via drive mechanisms (not shown).

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