JP2018160830A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress image discontinuity between blocks caused by, for example, a difference in imaging conditions for each block. SOLUTION: An image pickup apparatus has a first image pickup in a block of an image pickup unit in which imaging conditions can be set for each block having a plurality of pixels and a block of a first region in which a first light from a first subject is incident. The conditions are set, the second imaging condition is set in the block of the second region where the second light from the second subject is incident, and the block of the third region where the first and second lights are incident. It was corrected by the image pickup condition setting unit that sets the third image pickup condition, the correction unit that corrects the signal from the pixel of the block in the third region based on the first and second image pickup conditions, and the correction unit. It includes a signal, a signal from the pixels of the block in the first region, a signal from the pixels of the block in the second region, and a generation unit for generating an image. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

An imaging device equipped with an image processing technique for generating an image based on a signal from an imaging element is known (see Patent Document 1).
Conventionally, image quality improvement has been required.

JP 2006-197192 A

  According to the first aspect, the imaging device includes an imaging unit in which imaging conditions can be set for each block having a plurality of pixels, and the block in the first area where the first light from the first subject is incident. A first imaging condition is set, a second imaging condition is set for the block in the second area where the second light from the second subject is incident, and the first and second lights are incident An imaging condition setting unit that sets a third imaging condition for the block in the third area, and a signal from the pixel in the block in the third area is corrected based on the first and second imaging conditions The correction unit, the signal corrected by the correction unit, the signal from the pixel of the block in the first area, and the signal from the pixel of the block in the second area. And a generating unit that generates

It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the camera by a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a laminated type image pick-up element. It is a figure explaining the pixel arrangement | sequence and unit area | region of an imaging chip. It is a figure explaining the circuit in a unit area. It is a figure which shows typically the image of the to-be-photographed object imaged on the image pick-up element of a camera. It is a figure which illustrates the setting screen of imaging conditions. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a predetermined range in the live view image, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the predetermined range. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating image data corresponding to FIG. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a region of interest in the live view image, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the pixel of interest and the reference pixel Pr. 10A is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of photoelectric conversion signals output from the pixels, FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating interpolation of G color component image data, and FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating G after interpolation. It is a figure which illustrates the image data of a color component. 11A is a diagram obtained by extracting R color component image data from FIG. 10A, FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating interpolation of the color difference component Cr, and FIG. 11C is an image of the color difference component Cr. It is a figure explaining the interpolation of data. 12A is a diagram obtained by extracting B color component image data from FIG. 10A, FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating interpolation of the color difference component Cb, and FIG. 12C is an image of the color difference component Cb. It is a figure explaining the interpolation of data. It is a figure which illustrates the position of the pixel for focus detection in an imaging surface. It is the figure which expanded the one part area | region of the focus detection pixel line. It is the figure which expanded the focus point. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a template image representing an object to be detected, and FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a live view image and a search range. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the process which sets an imaging condition for every area and images. FIG. 18A to FIG. 18C are diagrams illustrating a plurality of blocks according to the second embodiment including a part of the predetermined range of FIG. 7B. FIG. 19A to FIG. 19C are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the first imaging region and the second imaging region on the imaging surface of the imaging device. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system according to Modification 11. It is a figure explaining supply of the program to a mobile device. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the camera by a 3rd embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically the correspondence of each block in 3rd Embodiment, and several correction | amendment parts. It is sectional drawing of a multilayer type image pick-up element. It is the figure which represented typically about the process with 1st image data and 2nd image data concerning an image process. It is the figure which represented typically about the process of 1st image data and 2nd image data which concerns on a focus detection process. It is the figure which represented typically about the process of 1st image data and 2nd image data regarding a to-be-photographed object detection process. It is the figure which represented typically about the process of 1st image data and 2nd image data concerning the setting of imaging conditions, such as exposure calculation processing.

--- First embodiment ---
A digital camera will be described as an example of an electronic device equipped with the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The camera 1 (FIG. 1) is configured to be able to capture images under different conditions for each region of the imaging surface of the image sensor 32a. The image processing unit 33 performs appropriate processing in areas with different imaging conditions. Details of the camera 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Explanation of camera>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the camera 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the camera 1 includes an imaging optical system 31, an imaging unit 32, an image processing unit 33, a control unit 34, a display unit 35, an operation member 36, and a recording unit 37.

  The imaging optical system 31 guides the light beam from the object scene to the imaging unit 32. The imaging unit 32 includes an imaging element 32a and a driving unit 32b, and photoelectrically converts an object image formed by the imaging optical system 31. The imaging unit 32 can capture images under the same conditions over the entire imaging surface of the imaging device 32a, or can perform imaging under different conditions for each region of the imaging surface of the imaging device 32a. Details of the imaging unit 32 will be described later. The drive unit 32b generates a drive signal necessary for causing the image sensor 32a to perform accumulation control. An imaging instruction such as a charge accumulation time for the imaging unit 32 is transmitted from the control unit 34 to the driving unit 32b.

  The image processing unit 33 includes an input unit 33a, a correction unit 33b, and a generation unit 33c. Image data acquired by the imaging unit 32 is input to the input unit 33a. The correction unit 33b performs preprocessing for correcting the input image data. Details of the preprocessing will be described later. The generation unit 33c performs image processing on the input image data and the preprocessed image data to generate an image. Image processing includes, for example, color interpolation processing, pixel defect correction processing, contour enhancement processing, noise reduction processing, white balance adjustment processing, gamma correction processing, display luminance adjustment processing, saturation adjustment processing, and the like. . Further, the generation unit 33 c generates an image to be displayed by the display unit 35.

  The control part 34 is comprised by CPU, for example, and controls the whole operation | movement by the camera 1. FIG. For example, the control unit 34 performs a predetermined exposure calculation based on the photoelectric conversion signal acquired by the imaging unit 32, the charge accumulation time (exposure time) of the image sensor 32a necessary for proper exposure, and the aperture of the imaging optical system 31. The exposure conditions such as the value and ISO sensitivity are determined and instructed to the drive unit 32b. In addition, image processing conditions for adjusting saturation, contrast, sharpness, and the like are determined and instructed to the image processing unit 33 according to the imaging scene mode set in the camera 1 and the type of the detected subject element. The detection of the subject element will be described later.

  The control unit 34 includes an object detection unit 34a, a setting unit 34b, an imaging control unit 34c, and a lens movement control unit 34d. These are realized as software by the control unit 34 executing a program stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown). However, these may be configured by an ASIC or the like.

  The object detection unit 34a performs a known object recognition process, and from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 32, a person (person's face), an animal such as a dog or a cat (animal face), a plant, a bicycle, A subject element such as a vehicle, a vehicle such as a train, a building, a stationary object, a landscape such as a mountain or a cloud, or a predetermined specific object is detected. The setting unit 34b divides the image data acquired by the imaging unit 32 into a plurality of regions including the subject element detected as described above.

  The setting unit 34b further sets imaging conditions for a plurality of areas. The imaging conditions include the exposure conditions (charge accumulation time, gain, ISO sensitivity, frame rate, etc.) and the image processing conditions (for example, white balance adjustment parameters, gamma correction curves, display brightness adjustment parameters, saturation adjustment parameters, etc.) ). As the imaging conditions, the same imaging conditions can be set for all of the plurality of areas, or different imaging conditions can be set for the plurality of areas.

  The imaging control unit 34c controls the imaging unit 32 (imaging element 32a) and the image processing unit 33 by applying the imaging conditions set for each region by the setting unit 34b. Thereby, it is possible to cause the imaging unit 32 to perform imaging under different exposure conditions for each of the plurality of regions, and for the image processing unit 33, images with different image processing conditions for each of the plurality of regions. Processing can be performed. Any number of pixels may be included in the region, for example, 1000 pixels or 1 pixel. Further, the number of pixels may be different between regions.

  The lens movement control unit 34d controls an automatic focus adjustment (autofocus: AF) operation for focusing on a corresponding subject at a predetermined position (called a focus point) on the imaging screen. When the focus is adjusted, the sharpness of the subject image increases. That is, the image by the imaging optical system 31 is adjusted by moving the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 in the optical axis direction. The lens movement control unit 34d is a drive signal for moving the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 to the in-focus position based on the calculation result, for example, a signal for adjusting the subject image with the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31. Is sent to the lens driving mechanism 31m of the imaging optical system 31. In this way, the lens movement control unit 34d functions as a moving unit that moves the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 in the optical axis direction based on the calculation result. The process performed by the AF calculation unit 34d for the AF operation is also referred to as a focus detection process. Details of the focus detection process will be described later.

  The display unit 35 reproduces and displays the image generated by the image processing unit 33, the image processed image, the image read by the recording unit 37, and the like. The display unit 35 also displays an operation menu screen, a setting screen for setting imaging conditions, and the like.

  The operation member 36 includes various operation members such as a release button and a menu button. The operation member 36 sends an operation signal corresponding to each operation to the control unit 34. The operation member 36 includes a touch operation member provided on the display surface of the display unit 35.

  In response to an instruction from the control unit 34, the recording unit 37 records image data or the like on a recording medium including a memory card (not shown). The recording unit 37 reads image data recorded on the recording medium in response to an instruction from the control unit 34.

<Description of Laminated Image Sensor>
A laminated image sensor 100 will be described as an example of the image sensor 32a described above. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image sensor 100. The imaging element 100 includes an imaging chip 111, a signal processing chip 112, and a memory chip 113. The imaging chip 111 is stacked on the signal processing chip 112. The signal processing chip 112 is stacked on the memory chip 113. The imaging chip 111, the signal processing chip 112, the signal processing chip 112, and the memory chip 113 are electrically connected by a connection unit 109. The connecting portion 109 is, for example, a bump or an electrode. The imaging chip 111 captures a light image from a subject and generates image data. The imaging chip 111 outputs image data from the imaging chip 111 to the signal processing chip 112. The signal processing chip 112 performs signal processing on the image data output from the imaging chip 111. The memory chip 113 has a plurality of memories and stores image data. Note that the image sensor 100 may include an image pickup chip and a signal processing chip. When the imaging device 100 is configured by an imaging chip and a signal processing chip, a storage unit for storing image data may be provided in the signal processing chip or may be provided separately from the imaging device 100. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the incident light is incident mainly in the positive direction of the Z-axis indicated by a white arrow. Further, as shown in the coordinate axes, the left direction of the paper orthogonal to the Z axis is the X axis plus direction, and the front side of the paper orthogonal to the Z axis and the X axis is the Y axis plus direction. In the following several figures, the coordinate axes are displayed so that the orientation of each figure can be understood with reference to the coordinate axes in FIG.

  The imaging chip 111 is a CMOS image sensor, for example. Specifically, the imaging chip 111 is a backside illumination type CMOS image sensor. The imaging chip 111 includes a microlens layer 101, a color filter layer 102, a passivation layer 103, a semiconductor layer 106, and a wiring layer 108. The imaging chip 111 is arranged in the order of the microlens layer 101, the color filter layer 102, the passivation layer 103, the semiconductor layer 106, and the wiring layer 108 in the positive Z-axis direction.

  The microlens layer 101 has a plurality of microlenses L. The microlens L condenses incident light on the photoelectric conversion unit 104 described later. The color filter layer 102 includes a plurality of color filters F. The color filter layer 102 has a plurality of types of color filters F having different spectral characteristics. Specifically, the color filter layer 102 includes a first filter (R) having a spectral characteristic that mainly transmits red component light and a second filter (Gb, Gr) that has a spectral characteristic that mainly transmits green component light. ) And a third filter (B) having a spectral characteristic that mainly transmits blue component light. In the color filter layer 102, for example, a first filter, a second filter, and a third filter are arranged in a Bayer arrangement. The passivation layer 103 is made of a nitride film or an oxide film, and protects the semiconductor layer 106.

  The semiconductor layer 106 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 104 and a readout circuit 105. The semiconductor layer 106 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units 104 between a first surface 106a that is a light incident surface and a second surface 106b opposite to the first surface 106a. The semiconductor layer 106 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units 104 arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The photoelectric conversion unit 104 has a photoelectric conversion function of converting light into electric charge. In addition, the photoelectric conversion unit 104 accumulates charges based on the photoelectric conversion signal. The photoelectric conversion unit 104 is, for example, a photodiode. The semiconductor layer 106 includes a readout circuit 105 on the second surface 106b side of the photoelectric conversion unit 104. In the semiconductor layer 106, a plurality of readout circuits 105 are arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The readout circuit 105 includes a plurality of transistors, reads out image data generated by the electric charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 104, and outputs the image data to the wiring layer 108.

  The wiring layer 108 has a plurality of metal layers. The metal layer is, for example, an Al wiring or a Cu wiring. The wiring layer 108 outputs the image data read by the reading circuit 105. The image data is output from the wiring layer 108 to the signal processing chip 112 via the connection unit 109.

  Note that the connection unit 109 may be provided for each photoelectric conversion unit 104. Further, the connection unit 109 may be provided for each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 104. When the connection unit 109 is provided for each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 104, the pitch of the connection units 109 may be larger than the pitch of the photoelectric conversion units 104. In addition, the connection unit 109 may be provided in a peripheral region of the region where the photoelectric conversion unit 104 is disposed.

  The signal processing chip 112 has a plurality of signal processing circuits. The signal processing circuit performs signal processing on the image data output from the imaging chip 111. The signal processing circuit includes, for example, an amplifier circuit that amplifies the signal value of the image data, a correlated double sampling circuit that performs noise reduction processing of the image data, and analog / digital (A / D) conversion that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. Circuit etc. A signal processing circuit may be provided for each photoelectric conversion unit 104.

  In addition, the signal processing circuit may be provided for each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 104. The signal processing chip 112 has a plurality of through electrodes 110. The through electrode 110 is, for example, a silicon through electrode. The through electrode 110 connects circuits provided in the signal processing chip 112 to each other. The through electrode 110 may also be provided in the peripheral region of the imaging chip 111 and the memory chip 113. Note that some elements constituting the signal processing circuit may be provided in the imaging chip 111. For example, in the case of an analog / digital conversion circuit, a comparator that compares an input voltage with a reference voltage may be provided in the imaging chip 111, and a circuit such as a counter circuit or a latch circuit may be provided in the signal processing chip 112.

  The memory chip 113 has a plurality of storage units. The storage unit stores image data that has been subjected to signal processing by the signal processing chip 112. The storage unit is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM. A storage unit may be provided for each photoelectric conversion unit 104. In addition, the storage unit may be provided for each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units 104. The image data stored in the storage unit is output to the subsequent image processing unit.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the pixel array and the unit region 131 of the imaging chip 111. In particular, a state where the imaging chip 111 is observed from the back surface (imaging surface) side is shown. For example, 20 million or more pixels are arranged in a matrix in the pixel region. In the example of FIG. 3, four adjacent pixels of 2 pixels × 2 pixels form one unit region 131. The grid lines in the figure indicate the concept that adjacent pixels are grouped to form a unit region 131. The number of pixels forming the unit region 131 is not limited to this, and may be about 1000, for example, 32 pixels × 32 pixels, more or less, or one pixel.

  As shown in the partially enlarged view of the pixel region, the unit region 131 in FIG. 3 includes a so-called Bayer array composed of four pixels of the green pixels Gb and Gr, the blue pixel B, and the red pixel R. The green pixels Gb and Gr are pixels having a green filter as the color filter F, and receive light in the green wavelength band of incident light. Similarly, the blue pixel B is a pixel having a blue filter as the color filter F and receives light in the blue wavelength band, and the red pixel R is a pixel having a red filter as the color filter F and having a red wavelength band. Receives light.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of blocks are defined so as to include at least one unit region 131 per block. That is, the minimum unit of one block is one unit area 131. As described above, of the possible values for the number of pixels forming one unit region 131, the smallest number of pixels is one pixel. Therefore, when one block is defined in units of pixels, the minimum number of pixels among the number of pixels that can define one block is one pixel. Each block can control pixels included in each block with different control parameters. In each block, all the unit areas 131 in the block, that is, all the pixels in the block are controlled under the same imaging condition. That is, photoelectric conversion signals having different imaging conditions can be acquired between a pixel group included in a certain block and a pixel group included in another block. Examples of the control parameters include a frame rate, a gain, a thinning rate, the number of addition rows or addition columns to which photoelectric conversion signals are added, a charge accumulation time or accumulation count, a digitization bit number (word length), and the like. The imaging device 100 can freely perform not only thinning in the row direction (X-axis direction of the imaging chip 111) but also thinning in the column direction (Y-axis direction of the imaging chip 111). Furthermore, the control parameter may be a parameter in image processing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a circuit in the unit region 131. In the example of FIG. 4, one unit region 131 is formed by four adjacent pixels of 2 pixels × 2 pixels. As described above, the number of pixels included in the unit region 131 is not limited to this, and may be 1000 pixels or more, or may be a minimum of 1 pixel. The two-dimensional position of the unit region 131 is indicated by reference signs A to D.

  The reset transistor (RST) of the pixel included in the unit region 131 is configured to be turned on / off individually for each pixel. In FIG. 4, a reset wiring 300 for turning on / off the reset transistor of the pixel A is provided, and a reset wiring 310 for turning on / off the reset transistor of the pixel B is provided separately from the reset wiring 300. Similarly, a reset line 320 for turning on and off the reset transistor of the pixel C is provided separately from the reset lines 300 and 310. A dedicated reset wiring 330 for turning on and off the reset transistor is also provided for the other pixels D.

  The pixel transfer transistor (TX) included in the unit region 131 is also configured to be turned on and off individually for each pixel. In FIG. 4, a transfer wiring 302 for turning on / off the transfer transistor of the pixel A, a transfer wiring 312 for turning on / off the transfer transistor of the pixel B, and a transfer wiring 322 for turning on / off the transfer transistor of the pixel C are separately provided. Also for the other pixels D, a dedicated transfer wiring 332 for turning on / off the transfer transistor is provided.

  Further, the pixel selection transistor (SEL) included in the unit region 131 is also configured to be turned on and off individually for each pixel. In FIG. 4, a selection wiring 306 for turning on / off the selection transistor of the pixel A, a selection wiring 316 for turning on / off the selection transistor of the pixel B, and a selection wiring 326 for turning on / off the selection transistor of the pixel C are separately provided. Also for the other pixels D, a dedicated selection wiring 336 for turning on and off the selection transistor is provided.

  The power supply wiring 304 is commonly connected to the pixels A to D included in the unit region 131. Similarly, the output wiring 308 is commonly connected to the pixel D from the pixel A included in the unit region 131. Further, the power supply wiring 304 is commonly connected between a plurality of unit regions, but the output wiring 308 is provided for each unit region 131 individually. The load current source 309 supplies current to the output wiring 308. The load current source 309 may be provided on the imaging chip 111 side or may be provided on the signal processing chip 112 side.

  By individually turning on and off the reset transistor and the transfer transistor in the unit region 131, the charge accumulation including the charge accumulation start time, the accumulation end time, and the transfer timing is controlled from the pixel A to the pixel D included in the unit region 131. can do. In addition, by individually turning on and off the selection transistors in the unit region 131, the photoelectric conversion signals of the pixels A to D can be output via the common output wiring 308.

  Here, a so-called rolling shutter system is known in which charge accumulation is controlled in a regular order with respect to rows and columns for pixels A to D included in the unit region 131. When a column is designated after selecting a pixel for each row by the rolling shutter method, photoelectric conversion signals are output in the order of “ABCD” in the example of FIG.

  Thus, by configuring the circuit with the unit region 131 as a reference, the charge accumulation time can be controlled for each unit region 131. In other words, it is possible to output photoelectric conversion signals at different frame rates between the unit regions 131. Further, in the imaging chip 111, the unit area 131 included in another block is rested while the unit area 131 included in a part of the block is charged (imaged), so that a predetermined block of the imaging chip 111 can be used. Only the imaging can be performed, and the photoelectric conversion signal can be output. Furthermore, it is also possible to switch a block (accumulation control target block) where charge accumulation (imaging) is performed between frames, sequentially perform imaging with different blocks of the imaging chip 111, and output a photoelectric conversion signal.

  As described above, the output wiring 308 is provided corresponding to each of the unit regions 131. Since the image pickup device 100 includes the image pickup chip 111, the signal processing chip 112, and the memory chip 113, each chip is arranged in the surface direction by using the electrical connection between the chips using the connection portion 109 for the output wiring 308. The wiring can be routed without increasing the size.

<Block control of image sensor>
In the present embodiment, an imaging condition can be set for each of a plurality of blocks in the imaging device 32a. The imaging control unit 34c of the control unit 34 causes the plurality of areas to correspond to the block and performs imaging under imaging conditions set for each area.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an image of a subject formed on the image sensor 32 a of the camera 1. The camera 1 photoelectrically converts the subject image to obtain a live view image before an imaging instruction is given. The live view image refers to a monitor image that is repeatedly imaged at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 60 fps).

  The control unit 34 sets the same imaging condition over the entire area of the imaging chip 111 (that is, the entire imaging screen) before dividing the area by the setting unit 34b. The same imaging condition refers to setting a common imaging condition for the entire imaging screen. For example, even if there is a variation in apex value of less than about 0.3, it is regarded as the same. The imaging conditions set to be the same throughout the imaging chip 111 are determined based on the exposure conditions corresponding to the photometric value of the subject luminance or the exposure conditions manually set by the user.

  In FIG. 5, an image including a person 61a, an automobile 62a, a bag 63a, a mountain 64a, and clouds 65a and 66a is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging chip 111. The person 61a holds the bag 63a with both hands. The automobile 62a stops at the right rear of the person 61a.

<Division of area>
Based on the live view image, the control unit 34 divides the screen of the live view image into a plurality of regions as follows. First, a subject element is detected from the live view image by the object detection unit 34a. The subject element is detected using a known subject recognition technique. In the example of FIG. 5, the object detection unit 34a detects a person 61a, a car 62a, a bag 63a, a mountain 64a, a cloud 65a, and a cloud 66a as subject elements.

Next, the setting unit 34b divides the live view image screen into regions including the subject elements. In the present embodiment, the region including the person 61a is defined as the first region 61, the region including the automobile 62a is defined as the second region 62, the region including the bag 63a is defined as the third region 63, and the region including the mountain 64a is defined as the fourth region. The region 64, the region including the cloud 65a is referred to as a fifth region 65, and the region including the cloud 66a is described as a sixth region 66.
In the above description, the control unit 34 detects the subject element and divides the region using the live view image obtained by imaging with the imaging element 32a. However, if the camera is equipped with a photometric sensor capable of capturing a subject image, such as a single-lens reflex camera, for example, the control unit 34 detects subject elements using a live view image obtained by imaging with the photometric sensor. Further, the area may be divided.

<Setting imaging conditions for each block>
When the setting unit 34b divides the screen into a plurality of areas, the control unit 34 causes the display unit 35 to display a setting screen as illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 6, a live view image 60a is displayed, and an imaging condition setting screen 70 is displayed on the right side of the live view image 60a.

  In the setting screen 70, as an example of setting items of imaging conditions, a frame rate, a shutter speed (TV), and a gain (ISO) are listed in order from the top. The frame rate is the number of frames of a live view image acquired per second or a moving image recorded by the camera 1. Gain is ISO sensitivity. The setting items for the imaging conditions may be added as appropriate in addition to those illustrated in FIG. When all the setting items do not fit in the setting screen 70, other setting items may be displayed by scrolling the setting items up and down.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 34 sets the region selected by the user among the regions divided by the setting unit 34b as a target for setting (changing) the imaging condition. For example, in the camera 1 capable of touch operation, the user taps the display position of the main subject for which the imaging condition is to be set (changed) on the display surface of the display unit 35 on which the live view image 60a is displayed. For example, when the display position of the person 61a is tapped, the control unit 34 sets the first area 61 including the person 61a in the live view image 60a as an imaging condition setting (changing) target area and the first area 61. The outline is highlighted.

In FIG. 6, a first area 61 that displays an outline with emphasis (thick display, bright display, display with a different color, display with a broken line, blinking display, etc.) is an area for setting (changing) imaging conditions. Indicates. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a live view image 60 a in which the outline of the first region 61 is emphasized is displayed. In this case, the first area 61 is a target for setting (changing) the imaging condition. For example, in the camera 1 capable of touch operation, when the user taps the shutter speed (TV) display 71, the control unit 34 causes the shutter speed for the highlighted area (first area 61) to be displayed. Is displayed on the screen (reference numeral 68).
In the following description, the camera 1 is described on the premise of a touch operation. However, the imaging condition may be set (changed) by operating a button or the like constituting the operation member 36.

  When the upper icon 71a or the lower icon 71b of the shutter speed (TV) is tapped by the user, the setting unit 34b increases or decreases the shutter speed display 68 from the current setting value according to the tap operation. The imaging unit 32 (FIG. 1) is instructed to change the imaging condition of the unit area 131 (FIG. 3) of the imaging element 32a corresponding to the displayed area (first area 61) according to the tap operation. send. The decision icon 72 is an operation icon for confirming the set imaging condition. The setting unit 34b performs the setting (change) of the frame rate and gain (ISO) in the same manner as the setting (change) of the shutter speed (TV).

Although the setting unit 34b has been described as setting the imaging condition based on the user's operation, the setting unit 34b is not limited to this. The setting unit 34b may set the imaging condition based on the determination of the control unit 34 without being based on a user operation.
As for an area that is not highlighted (an area other than the first area 61), the set imaging conditions are maintained except for some blocks as described later.

  Instead of highlighting the outline of the area for which the imaging condition is set (changed), the control unit 34 displays the entire target area brightly, increases the contrast of the entire target area, or displays the entire target area. May be displayed blinking. Further, the target area may be surrounded by a frame. The display of the frame surrounding the target area may be a double frame or a single frame, and the display mode such as the line type, color, and brightness of the surrounding frame may be appropriately changed. In addition, the control unit 34 may display an indication of an area for which an imaging condition is set, such as an arrow, in the vicinity of the target area. The control unit 34 may darkly display a region other than the target region for which the imaging condition is set (changed), or may display a low contrast other than the target region.

<Setting of imaging conditions for blocks including area boundaries>
When the imaging condition for at least a part of the area is set to be different from the imaging conditions of the other areas as described above, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging conditions of the block including the boundary of the area as follows. Set.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a predetermined range 80 including a boundary between the first region 61 corresponding to the person and the fourth region 64 corresponding to the mountain in the live view image 60a. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the predetermined range 80 in FIG. In FIG. 7B, the predetermined range 80 includes a plurality of blocks 81 to 89.
The white background portion in FIG. 7B indicates a portion corresponding to a person. In addition, the hatched portion and the shaded portion in FIG. 7 (b) indicate portions corresponding to mountains. The block 82, the block 85, and the block 87 include a boundary B1 between the first area 61 and the fourth area 64. That is, in FIG. 7B, among the portions corresponding to the peaks, the portions corresponding to the peaks in the blocks 82, 85 and 87 where the boundary B1 exists are shaded.

  When the first area 61 corresponding to the person is set as the first imaging condition and the fourth area 64 corresponding to the mountain is set as the fourth imaging condition, a boundary B1 between the first area 61 and the fourth area 64 is set. There arises a problem whether the blocks 82, 85, and 87 to be set should be set to the first imaging condition or the fourth imaging condition.

  However, if the imaging conditions of the blocks 82, 85, and 87 including the boundary B1 are set to the first imaging condition, the first imaging condition is imaging of the shaded portion of the blocks 82, 85, and 87, that is, the blocks 82, 85, and 87 There is a possibility that it is not suitable for imaging of the fourth region portion. For example, in an extreme example, it may be assumed that the image data corresponding to the shaded area is whiteout or blackout. Conversely, when the imaging conditions of the blocks 82, 85, and 87 are set to the fourth imaging condition, the fourth imaging condition is imaging of the white background of the blocks 82, 85, and 87, that is, the first in each of the blocks 82, 85, and 87. There is a possibility that it is not suitable for imaging a region portion. In an extreme example, it is assumed that whiteout or blackout occurs in the image data corresponding to the white background. Overexposure means that the gradation of data in a high-luminance portion of an image is lost due to overexposure. Further, blackout means that the gradation of data in the low-luminance portion of the image is lost due to underexposure.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging conditions for the block in which the boundary portion of the region exists as follows. In the following description, among blocks in the same subject (same area), a block including a boundary with an adjacent area is referred to as a boundary block, and a block including no boundary is referred to as a main block. That is, in the example of FIG. 7B, the blocks 82, 85, and 87 are boundary blocks, and the remaining blocks 81, 83, 84, 86, 88, and 89 are main blocks. For convenience of explanation, an area to which the boundary blocks 82, 85, and 87 belong is referred to as a boundary area 67. That is, the boundary region 67 is a region where a boundary block including the boundary (boundary B1) between the two regions (the first region 61 and the fourth region 64) exists. 4 A part of the peripheral portion of the region 64 is included. In FIG. 7B and FIG. 8 to be described later, a region surrounded by a thick broken line is a boundary region 67.

  The setting unit 34b sets an imaging condition (for example, imaging condition C) between the imaging condition (for example, imaging condition A) of the main block in one area and the imaging condition (for example, imaging condition B) of the main block in the other area. It is set as an imaging condition for a block in which a boundary portion between two regions exists. That is, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging condition of the boundary block so that the gradation information is not lost from the signal from the pixel of the boundary block.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the setting unit 34 b sets the first imaging conditions set for the main blocks 81 and 84 in the first area 61 and the main blocks 83, 86, 88, and 89 in the fourth area 64. An imaging condition between the set fourth imaging condition is calculated as a seventh imaging condition. The setting unit 34b sets the calculated seventh imaging condition as the imaging condition for the boundary blocks 82, 85, and 87. That is, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging condition of the first area 61 excluding the boundary area 67 as the first imaging condition, sets the imaging condition of the fourth area 64 excluding the boundary area 67 as the fourth imaging condition, and sets the boundary The imaging condition of the area 67 is set to the seventh imaging condition.

  For example, when only the ISO sensitivity differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, and the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition is 800, the setting unit 34b The ISO sensitivity of the 7 imaging conditions is set to 400, for example, as a value between 100 and 800.

Further, for example, only the shutter speed is different between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the shutter speed of the first imaging condition is 1/1000 second, and the shutter speed of the fourth imaging condition is 1/100 second. In this case, the setting unit 34b sets the shutter speed of the seventh imaging condition as a value between 1/1000 seconds and 1/100 seconds, for example, 1/500 seconds.
As described above, when the ISO sensitivity and the shutter speed are set to values between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition as the seventh imaging condition, the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition It may be set to a value just in between.

  Further, when only the frame rate is different between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition (the charge accumulation time is the same), the frame rate of the first imaging condition is 30 fps, and the frame rate of the fourth imaging condition is 60 fps. The setting unit 34b sets the frame rate of the seventh imaging condition as a value between 30 fps and 60 fps, for example, 45 fps.

As described above, the setting unit 34b similarly sets the imaging conditions for the other boundary blocks. In addition, if the imaging conditions (for example, the 1st and 4th imaging conditions) of each of the plurality of areas (for example, the first area 61 and the fourth area 64) related to the boundary block are the same, the setting unit 34b (For example, the first imaging condition) is set as the imaging condition for the boundary block.
As described above, for example, when the difference between the imaging conditions of the two areas related to the boundary block is about 0.3 or less in apex value, the imaging conditions of the two areas are regarded as the same imaging condition. . Therefore, when the imaging conditions of each of the plurality of regions related to the boundary block are different within the range of variation of about 0.3 in such apex values, the imaging conditions of the boundary block are Any imaging condition within the range may be set.

  In setting the seventh imaging condition, in the above description, the setting unit 34b calculates an intermediate value or a substantially intermediate value between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition as the seventh imaging condition. However, the seventh imaging condition may be brought close to the first imaging condition or the fourth imaging condition within a range where no whiteout or blackout occurs. In this case, it is desirable to set the seventh imaging condition so that the first and second correction processes, which will be described later, and the subsequent image processing are performed satisfactorily. For example, any one of the following (a) to (d) In this way, the seventh imaging condition may be set.

(A) It is desirable to set the seventh imaging condition so as to be close to the imaging condition for the region with higher importance as the subject. For example, since the first area 61 corresponds to the person 61a as the main subject and the fourth area 64 corresponds to the mountain 64a as the background, the seventh imaging condition is within a range in which whiteout and blackout do not occur. It is desirable to approach the first imaging condition set in the main block for the first area 61 corresponding to the person 61a that is the main subject.
For example, when a face can be recognized by face recognition, it is desirable that the imaging condition of the boundary block be close to the imaging condition set in the main block for the region to which the recognized face belongs.

(B) For example, for each boundary block, the number of pixels corresponding to the first area 61 in the boundary block is compared with the number of pixels corresponding to the fourth area 64, and the imaging condition of the boundary block is set to whiteout or black You may approach the imaging condition of the area | region where there are many pixels in the range which does not collapse.

(C) For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the area of the fourth region 64 is larger than the area of the first region 61 on the image. In this case, the imaging condition of the boundary block for the first area 61 and the fourth area 64 is the fourth imaging set to the main block for the fourth area having a large area within a range in which no whiteout or blackout occurs. You may approach conditions.

(D) For example, in order to increase the number of gradations of the signal from the pixel, the sensitivity of the first imaging condition in the first region 61 and the sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition in the fourth region 64 are compared, and the boundary block The imaging conditions may be set on the high sensitivity side within a range where whiteout does not occur.

  In setting the seventh imaging condition, in the above description, the setting unit 34b calculates a value between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition as the seventh imaging condition. However, the seventh imaging condition may be the same as the first imaging condition or the fourth imaging condition as long as no whiteout or blackout occurs in the block including the boundary of the region. In this case, the seventh imaging condition may be set in any of the following (e) to (h).

(E) Since the first area 61 corresponds to the person 61a that is the main subject and the fourth area 64 corresponds to the mountain 64a that is the background, the seventh imaging condition may be that no whiteout or blackout occurs. For example, it may be the same as the first imaging condition set in the main block for the first area 61 corresponding to the person 61a as the main subject.

(F) For example, for each boundary block, the number of pixels corresponding to the first area 61 in the boundary block is compared with the number of pixels corresponding to the fourth area 64, and if whiteout or blackout does not occur The imaging conditions for the boundary block may be the same as the imaging conditions for the region with the larger number of pixels.

(G) For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the area of the fourth region 64 is larger than the area of the first region 61 on the image. In this case, if whiteout or blackout does not occur, the imaging condition of the boundary block for the first area 61 and the fourth area is set as the main imaging for the fourth area having a large area. It may be the same as the conditions.

(H) For example, if whiteout does not occur, the sensitivity of the first imaging condition of the first region 61 and the fourth imaging condition of the fourth region 64 are increased in order to increase the number of gradations of the signal from the pixel. By comparing the sensitivity, the imaging condition of the boundary block may be the same as the imaging condition on the higher sensitivity side of the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition.

  Note that if whiteout occurs, the signal value from that pixel cannot be referenced, but even if blackout occurs, refer to the signal value from that pixel. May be possible. Therefore, when setting the seventh imaging condition, even if the first imaging condition, the fourth imaging condition, or the imaging condition between the two is set, if the overexposure or blackout occurs in the boundary block, the boundary It is desirable to set the seventh imaging condition so that blackout is allowed in the block and whiteout does not occur.

  As described above, when an image capturing condition for each region is set and a release button (not shown) constituting the operation member 36 or a display (release icon) for instructing start of imaging is operated, the control unit 34 is operated. By controlling the imaging unit 32, imaging is performed under the imaging conditions set for each of the divided areas. The image processing unit 33 performs image processing on the image data acquired by the imaging unit 32. As described above, the image processing can be performed under different image processing conditions for each region.

  After the image processing by the image processing unit 33, the recording unit 37 that receives an instruction from the control unit 34 records the image data after the image processing on a recording medium including a memory card (not shown). Thereby, a series of imaging processes is completed.

<First correction process>
The correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 performs the first correction process as one of the preprocessing performed before the image processing, the focus detection processing, the subject detection (subject element detection) processing, and the processing for setting the imaging conditions. Do.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the setting unit 34b divides the area of the imaging screen and sets the imaging conditions for each area. The setting unit 34b sets the imaging conditions for the boundary block as described above. Therefore, even in the same subject, the imaging conditions may differ between the part imaged by the boundary block and the part imaged by the main block.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a correction signal described below is performed on the signals from the pixels belonging to the boundary block, thereby obtaining a signal similar to that obtained when imaging is performed under the same imaging condition as that in the main block. This correction process is called a first correction process. The first correction processing is performed to alleviate discontinuity that occurs in the image after image processing due to the presence of portions with different imaging conditions in the same region.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating image data corresponding to FIG. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that blocks 81 to 89 are each composed of 4 pixels of 2 pixels × 2 pixels. Of the pixels shown in FIG. 8, the white pixels 81a to 81d, 82a to 82c, 84a to 84d, 85a, and 87a receive subject light from the person 61a and are shaded pixels 82d and 83a. It is assumed that subject light from the mountain 64a is incident on .about.83d, 85b to 85d, 86a to 86d, 87b to 87d, 88a to 88d, and 89a to 89d. That is, the subject light from the person 61a is incident on each pixel of the block 81 and the block 84, and the subject light from the mountain 64a is not incident. Therefore, the block 81 and the block 84 are main blocks for the first area. Similarly, the subject light from the mountain 64a is incident on each pixel of the block 83, the block 86, the block 88, and the block 89, and the subject light from the person 61a is not incident. Therefore, the block 83, the block 86, the block 88, and the block 89 are main blocks for the fourth area.

  Subject light from the person 61a enters the pixel 82a, pixel 82b, and pixel 82c of the block 82, and subject light from the mountain 64a enters the pixel 82d. Subject light from the person 61a enters the pixel 85a of the block 85, and subject light from the mountain 64a enters the pixel 85b, the pixel 85c, and the pixel 85d. Subject light from the person 61a enters the pixel 87a of the block 87, and subject light from the mountain 64a enters the pixel 87b, the pixel 87c, and the pixel 87d. Therefore, the block 82, the block 85, and the block 87 are boundary blocks for the first and fourth regions.

  The correction unit 33b determines which subject area is incident on each pixel belonging to the boundary block. Specifically, the correction unit 33b calculates the position of the boundary on the imaging surface of the imaging element 32a from the detection result of the subject element by the object detection unit 34a. Then, the correction unit 33b extracts a boundary block based on the calculated boundary position, and calculates which subject element from which subject light is incident on each pixel belonging to the extracted boundary block.

  For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the correction unit 33b calculates the position of the boundary B1 between the first region 61 and the fourth region 64 from the detection result of the subject element by the object detection unit 34a. Then, the correcting unit 33b extracts the block 82, the block 85, and the block 87 as boundary blocks based on the calculated position of the boundary B1. Then, based on the calculated position of the boundary B1, the correcting unit 33b applies the pixel 82a, the pixel 82b and the pixel 82c of the boundary block 82, the pixel 85a of the boundary block 85, and the pixel 87a of the boundary block 87 from the person 61a. Calculate that subject light is incident. The correction unit 33b also determines the pixel 82d of the boundary block 82, the pixel 85b, the pixel 85c, and the pixel 85d of the boundary block 85, and the pixel 87b, the pixel 87c, and the pixel 87d of the boundary block 87 based on the calculated position of the boundary B1. Is calculated that the subject light from the mountain 64a is incident.

The pixels 82a, 82b, and 82c of the boundary block 82 image subject light from the person 61a according to a seventh imaging condition that is an imaging condition between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. On the other hand, in each pixel of the block 81 and the block 84 which are main blocks for the first region 61, the subject light from the person 61a is imaged according to the first imaging condition.
Therefore, the correction unit 33b performs the first correction process so that signals similar to those obtained when the subject light from the person 61a is imaged under the first imaging condition can be obtained for the signals from the pixels 82a, 82b, and 82c. I do.
Similarly, the pixel 82d of the boundary block 82 images the subject light from the mountain 64a according to the seventh imaging condition. On the other hand, in each pixel of the block 83, the block 86, the block 88, and the block 89, which are main blocks for the fourth region 64, the subject light from the mountain 64a is imaged according to the fourth imaging condition.
Therefore, the correction unit 33b performs a first correction process on the signal from the pixel 82d so that a signal similar to that obtained when the subject light from the mountain 64a is imaged under the fourth imaging condition.

  For example, only the ISO sensitivity differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition is 800, and the ISO sensitivity of the seventh imaging condition. Is 400, the first correction process is performed as follows. That is, the correction unit 33b multiplies signals from the pixels 82a, 82b, and 82c by 100/400 and multiplies signals from the pixel 82d by 800/400 as the first correction processing.

  For example, only the shutter speed is different between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the shutter speed of the first imaging condition is 1/1000 second, the shutter speed of the fourth imaging condition is 1/100 second, When the shutter speed of the seven imaging conditions is 1/500 second, the first correction process is performed as follows. That is, as the first correction process, the correction unit 33b multiplies the signals from the pixel 82a, the pixel 82b, and the pixel 82c by (1/1000) / (1/500) = 1/2 to obtain a signal from the pixel 82d. Is multiplied by (1/100) / (1/500) = 5.

For example, only the frame rate differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the frame rate of the first imaging condition is 30 fps, the frame rate of the fourth imaging condition is 60 fps, and the frame rate of the seventh imaging condition Is 45 fps, the first correction process is performed as follows. That is, as the first correction process, the correction unit 33b thins out part of the frame image signal with a frame rate of 45 fps from the pixel 82a, the pixel 82b, and the pixel 82c and converts it into a frame image signal with a frame rate of 30 fps. This frame rate conversion is performed by selecting a frame image signal close to the generation timing of the 30 fps frame image signal of the first imaging condition from the frame image signals from the pixels 82a to 82c. Also, the frame rate conversion described above is based on the frame image signal from the pixels 82a to 82c generated before and after the generation timing of the 30 fps frame image signal of the first imaging condition, and the 30 fps frame image of the first imaging condition. A frame image signal synchronized with the signal generation timing may be calculated by interpolation.
Further, as the first correction process, the correction unit 33b converts a frame image signal with a frame rate of 45 fps from the pixel 82d into a frame image signal with a frame rate of 60 fps. This frame rate conversion is performed by, for example, synthesizing frame image signals read from the pixel 82d one after the other, that is, by interpolating a new frame image signal based on the previous and next frame image signals, This is done by increasing the number of frame image signals.

In this way, the correction unit 33b performs the first correction process on the signals from the respective pixels of all the boundary blocks as necessary. That is, for the signal from a certain pixel belonging to the boundary block, the correction unit 33b determines that the imaging condition applied to the main block for the same subject element as the pixel is different from the imaging condition applied to the boundary block. A first correction process is performed. However, if the imaging condition applied to the main block for the same subject element as the pixel is the same as the imaging condition applied to the boundary block, it is not necessary to perform the first correction process. The first correction process is not performed.
As described above, even if there are some differences in imaging conditions, they are regarded as the same imaging conditions.
In addition, if discontinuity that occurs in the image can be alleviated by performing image processing that lowers the sharpness and contrast on the image data obtained by imaging with the boundary block and the main block adjacent to the boundary block The first correction process may not be performed.

<Second correction process>
The correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 further performs the following second correction processing as necessary before image processing, focus detection processing, subject detection (subject element detection) processing, and processing for setting imaging conditions, as necessary. Do. The correction unit 33b performs the second correction process after the first correction process performed as necessary as described above.
In the second correction process, the signal from the pixel of the boundary block corrected by the first correction process is imaged by applying the imaging condition set in the main block, not the imaging condition set in the boundary block. It is processed as a signal obtained. For example, when the second correction process is performed, signals from the pixels 82a, 82b, and 82c of the boundary block 82 corrected by the first correction process are applied with the first imaging condition instead of the seventh imaging condition. As a signal obtained by imaging, the correction unit 33b processes the signal. Similarly, the signal from the pixel 82d of the boundary block 82 corrected by the first correction process is processed by the correction unit 33b as a signal obtained by being imaged by applying the fourth imaging condition instead of the seventh imaging condition. The

1. In the case of performing image processing The correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 uses a predetermined image processing for image data acquired by applying different imaging conditions between the divided regions. A second correction process is performed on the positioned image data as a pre-process of the image process. The predetermined image processing is processing for calculating image data of a target position to be processed in an image with reference to image data of a plurality of reference positions around the target position. For example, pixel defect correction processing, color interpolation Processing, contour enhancement processing, noise reduction processing, and the like are applicable.

  The second correction process is performed to alleviate discontinuity that occurs in the image after the image processing due to the difference in imaging conditions between the divided areas. In general, when the target position is located at the boundary portion of the divided area, image data in which the same imaging condition as the image data of the target position is applied to the plurality of reference positions around the target position, and the image of the target position Data and image data to which different imaging conditions are applied may be mixed. In the present embodiment, rather than referring to the image data at the reference position to which the different imaging conditions are applied as it is to calculate the image data at the target position, the second is to suppress the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions. Based on the idea that it is preferable to calculate the image data of the target position with reference to the image data of the reference position subjected to the correction process, the second correction process is performed as follows.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of a region of interest 90 at the boundary between the first region 61 and the fourth region 64 in the live view image 60a of FIG. The image data from the pixels on the image sensor 32a corresponding to the first area 61 to which the first image capturing condition is applied is shown in white, and the image data on the image sensor 32a corresponding to the fourth area 64 to which the fourth image capturing condition is applied. The image data from the pixel is shaded. In FIG. 9A, the image data from the target pixel P is located on the first region 61 and in the vicinity of the boundary 91 between the first region 61 and the fourth region 64, that is, the boundary portion. Pixels around the pixel of interest P (eight pixels in this example) included in the region of interest 90 (eg, 3 × 3 pixels) centered on the pixel of interest P are set as reference pixels Pr. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the target pixel P and the reference pixels Pr1 to Pr8. The position of the target pixel P is the target position, and the positions of the reference pixels Pr1 to Pr8 surrounding the target pixel P are reference positions. The first imaging condition is applied to the reference pixels Pr1 to Pr6 and the target pixel P corresponding to the first area 61, and the fourth imaging condition is applied to the reference pixels Pr7 and Pr8 corresponding to the fourth area 64. Has been.
In the following description, the reference symbol Pr is given when the reference pixels Pr1 to Pr8 are collectively referred to.

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 normally performs image processing by referring to the image data of the reference pixel Pr without performing the second correction processing. However, when the imaging condition applied to the target pixel P (referred to as the first imaging condition) is different from the imaging condition applied to the reference pixels Pr around the target pixel P (referred to as the fourth imaging condition). The correction unit 33b performs the second correction process on the image data of the fourth imaging condition in the image data of the reference pixel Pr as in the following (Example 1) to (Example 3). Then, the generation unit 33c performs image processing for calculating image data of the target pixel P with reference to the image data of the reference pixel Pr after the second correction processing.

(Example 1)
For example, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 differs only in ISO sensitivity between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, and the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition is In the case of 800, the image data of the reference pixels Pr7 and Pr8 of the fourth imaging condition in the image data of the reference pixel Pr is multiplied by 100/800 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.
Note that when the amount of incident light on the target pixel P and the amount of incident light on the reference pixel Pr are the same, the difference in image data is reduced, but the amount of incident light on the target pixel P and the amount of incident light on the reference pixel Pr are originally different. If they are different, the difference in the image data may not be reduced. The same applies to the examples described later.

(Example 2)
For example, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 differs only in the shutter speed between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, and the shutter speed of the first imaging condition is 1/1000 second. When the shutter speed is 1/100 second, the second correction processing (1/1000) / (1/100) is performed on the image data of the reference pixels Pr7 and Pr8 of the fourth imaging condition among the image data of the reference pixel Pr. ) = 1/10. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.

(Example 3)
For example, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 differs only in the frame rate between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition (the charge accumulation time is the same), and the first imaging condition has a frame rate of 30 fps. When the frame rate of the four imaging conditions is 60 fps, the frame image acquired under the first imaging condition (30 fps) and the acquisition start timing for the image data of the fourth imaging condition (60 fps) among the image data of the reference pixel Pr. Employing image data of a close frame image is a second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.
It should be noted that, based on a plurality of preceding and following frame images acquired under the fourth imaging condition (60 fps), interpolation calculation is performed on the frame image acquired under the first imaging condition (30 fps) and the frame image whose acquisition start timing is close. This may be the second correction process.

On the other hand, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 captures the imaging condition (first imaging condition) applied to the target pixel P and the imaging condition (first imaging condition) applied to all the reference pixels Pr around the target pixel P. 4 imaging conditions) is the same, the second correction process is not performed on the image data of the reference pixel Pr. That is, the generation unit 33c performs image processing for calculating the image data of the target pixel P by referring to the image data of the reference pixel Pr as it is.
As described above, even if there are some differences in the imaging conditions, the imaging conditions are regarded as the same.

<Example of image processing>
An example of image processing that accompanies the second correction processing will be described.
(1) Pixel Defect Correction Process In the present embodiment, the pixel defect correction process is one of image processes performed during imaging. In general, the image pickup element 32a, which is a solid-state image pickup element, may produce pixel defects in the manufacturing process or after manufacturing, and output abnormal level image data. Therefore, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 corrects the image data output from the pixel in which the pixel defect has occurred, thereby making the image data in the pixel position in which the pixel defect has occurred inconspicuous.

  An example of pixel defect correction processing will be described. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 uses, for example, a pixel at the position of a pixel defect recorded in advance in a non-illustrated nonvolatile memory in one frame image as a target pixel P (processing target pixel), and sets the target pixel P as a target pixel P. Pixels around the pixel of interest P (eight pixels in this example) included in the central region of interest 90 (for example, 3 × 3 pixels) are set as reference pixels Pr.

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 calculates the maximum value and the minimum value of the image data in the reference pixel Pr. When the image data output from the target pixel P exceeds the maximum value or the minimum value, the generation unit 33c starts from the target pixel P. Max and Min filter processing is performed to replace the output image data with the maximum value or the minimum value. Such a process is performed for all pixel defects whose position information is recorded in a nonvolatile memory (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 includes the reference pixel Pr when the pixel to which the fourth imaging condition different from the first imaging condition applied to the target pixel P is included is included in the reference pixel Pr. The second correction process is performed on the image data to which the four imaging conditions are applied. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs the Max and Min filter processing described above.

(2) Color Interpolation Processing In the present embodiment, color interpolation processing is one of image processing performed at the time of imaging. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the imaging chip 111 of the imaging device 100, green pixels Gb and Gr, a blue pixel B, and a red pixel R are arranged in a Bayer array. Since the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 lacks image data having a color component different from the color component of the color filter F arranged at each pixel position, the insufficient color component with reference to the image data at the surrounding pixel positions. The color interpolation processing for generating the image data is performed.

An example of color interpolation processing will be described. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of image data output from the image sensor 32a. Corresponding to each pixel position, it has one of R, G, and B color components according to the rules of the Bayer array.
<G color interpolation>
First, general G color interpolation will be described. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 that performs the G color interpolation refers to the image data of the four G color components at the reference positions around the target position, with the positions of the R color component and the B color component in turn as the target position. The G color component image data at the target position is generated. For example, the G color component at the target position indicated by the thick frame in FIG. 10B (second row and second column counting from the upper left position. Similarly, the target position is counted from the upper left position). When generating the image data, the four G color component image data G1 to G4 located in the vicinity of the target position (second row and second column) are referred to. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 sets, for example, (aG1 + bG2 + cG3 + dG4) / 4 as image data of the G color component at the target position (second row, second column). Note that a to d are weighting coefficients provided according to the distance between the reference position and the target position and the image structure.

  Next, the G color interpolation of this embodiment will be described. 10A to 10C, the first imaging condition is applied to the left and upper regions with respect to the thick line, and the fourth imaging condition is applied to the right and lower regions with respect to the thick line. It shall be. In FIGS. 10A to 10C, the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition are different. Further, the G color component image data G1 to G4 in FIG. 10B are reference positions for image processing of the pixel at the target position (second row and second column). In FIG. 10B, the first imaging condition is applied to the target position (second row, second column). Among the reference positions, the first imaging condition is applied to the image data G1 to G3. Of the reference positions, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the image data G4. Therefore, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 performs the second correction process on the image data G4. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 calculates the image data of the G color component at the target position (second row and second column).

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 generates image data of the G color component at the position of the B color component and the position of the R color component in FIG. 10A, as shown in FIG. 10C. The image data of the G color component can be obtained at each pixel position.

<R color interpolation>
FIG. 11A is a diagram obtained by extracting R color component image data from FIG. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 uses the color difference component shown in FIG. 11B based on the G color component image data shown in FIG. 10C and the R color component image data shown in FIG. Cr image data is calculated.

  First, general interpolation of the color difference component Cr will be described. For example, when generating the image data of the color difference component Cr at the position of interest indicated by the thick frame (second row and second column) in FIG. Reference is made to the image data Cr1 to Cr4 of the four color difference components located in the vicinity of the (column). The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 sets, for example, (eCr1 + fCr2 + gCr3 + hCr4) / 4 as image data of the color difference component Cr at the target position (second row and second column). Note that e to h are weighting coefficients provided according to the distance between the reference position and the target position and the image structure.

  Similarly, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 generates image data of the color difference component Cr at the position of interest indicated by the thick frame (second row and third column) of FIG. Reference is made to the image data Cr2, Cr4 to Cr6 of the four color difference components located in the vicinity of the third row). The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 sets, for example, (qCr2 + rCr4 + sCr5 + tCr6) / 4 as image data of the color difference component Cr at the target position (second row, third column). Note that q to t are weighting coefficients provided according to the distance between the reference position and the target position and the image structure. Thus, image data of the color difference component Cr is generated for each pixel position.

Next, interpolation of the color difference component Cr according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, for example, the first imaging condition is applied to the left and upper regions with respect to the thick line, and the fourth imaging condition is applied to the right and lower regions with respect to the thick line. It shall be applied. In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition are different. In FIG. 11B, the position indicated by the thick frame (second row, second column) is the target position of the color difference component Cr. Further, the color difference component image data Cr1 to Cr4 in FIG. 11B is a reference position for image processing of the pixel at the target position (second row and second column). In FIG. 11B, the first imaging condition is applied to the target position (second row, second column). Among the reference positions, the first imaging condition is applied to the image data Cr1, Cr3, and Cr4. Of the reference positions, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the image data Cr2. Therefore, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 performs the second correction process on the image data Cr2. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 calculates the image data of the color difference component Cr at the position of interest (second row and second column).
In FIG. 11C, the position indicated by the thick frame (second row, third column) is the target position of the color difference component Cr. Also, the color difference component image data Cr2, Cr4, Cr5, and Cr6 in FIG. 11C are reference positions for image processing of the pixel at the target position (second row and third column). In FIG. 11C, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the target position (second row, third column). Among the reference positions, the first imaging condition is applied to the image data Cr4 and Cr5. Of the reference positions, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the image data Cr2 and Cr6. Therefore, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 performs the second correction process on the image data Cr4 and Cr5, respectively. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 calculates the image data of the color difference component Cr at the position of interest (second row and third column).

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 obtains the image data of the color difference component Cr at each pixel position, and then adds the image data of the G color component shown in FIG. 10 (c) corresponding to each pixel position. The image data of the R color component can be obtained at each pixel position.

<B color interpolation>
FIG. 12A is a diagram in which image data of the B color component is extracted from FIG. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 uses the color difference component shown in FIG. 12B based on the G color component image data shown in FIG. 10C and the B color component image data shown in FIG. Cb image data is calculated.

  First, general interpolation of the color difference component Cb will be described. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 generates the image data of the color difference component Cb at the target position indicated by the thick frame (third row and third column) in FIG. 12B, for example. Reference is made to the image data Cb1 to Cb4 of the four color difference components located in the vicinity of the (column). The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 uses, for example, (uCb1 + vCb2 + wCb3 + xCb4) / 4 as image data of the color difference component Cb at the target position (third row, third column). Note that u to x are weighting coefficients provided according to the distance between the reference position and the target position and the image structure.

  Similarly, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 generates the image data of the color difference component Cb at the target position indicated by the thick frame (third row and fourth column) in FIG. Reference is made to the image data Cb2 and Cb4 to Cb6 of the four color difference components located in the vicinity of the fourth row and the fourth row). The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 sets, for example, (yCb2 + zCb4 + αCb5 + βCb6) / 4 as image data of the color difference component Cb at the target position (third row, fourth column). Note that y, z, α, and β are weighting coefficients provided according to the distance between the reference position and the target position and the image structure. Thus, image data of the color difference component Cb is generated for each pixel position.

Next, the interpolation of the color difference component Cb according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C, for example, the first imaging condition is applied to the left and upper regions with respect to the thick line, and the fourth imaging condition is applied to the right and lower regions with respect to the thick line. It shall be applied. In FIGS. 12A to 12C, the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition are different. In FIG. 12B, the position indicated by the thick frame (third row, third column) is the target position of the color difference component Cb. Also, the color difference component image data Cb1 to Cb4 in FIG. 12B is a reference position for image processing of the pixel at the target position (third row, third column). In FIG. 12B, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the position of interest (third row, third column). Among the reference positions, the first imaging condition is applied to the image data Cb1 and Cb3. Of the reference positions, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the image data Cb2 and Cb4. Therefore, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 performs the second correction process on the data Cb1 and Cb3, respectively. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 calculates the image data of the color difference component Cb at the target position (third row, third column).
In FIG. 12C, the position indicated by the thick frame (third row, fourth column) is the target position of the color difference component Cb. In addition, the color difference component image data Cb2 and Cb4 to Cb6 in FIG. 12C are reference positions for image processing of the pixel at the target position (third row and fourth column). In FIG. 12C, the fourth imaging condition is applied to the target position (third row, fourth column). The fourth imaging condition is applied to the image data Cb2 and Cb4 to Cb6 at all reference positions. Therefore, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 refers to the image data Cb2 and Cb4 to Cb6 at the reference position that has not been subjected to the second correction process by the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33, and the target position (three rows). The image data of the color difference component Cb in the fourth column) is calculated.

The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 obtains the image data of the color difference component Cb at each pixel position, and then adds the image data of the G color component shown in FIG. 10C corresponding to each pixel position. The image data of the B color component can be obtained at each pixel position.
In the “G color interpolation”, for example, when generating G color component image data at the target position indicated by the thick frame (second row, second column) in FIG. The four G color component image data G1 to G4 are referred to, but the number of G color component image data to be referred to may be changed depending on the image structure. For example, when the image near the target position has similarity in the vertical direction (for example, vertical stripe pattern), only the image data above and below the target position (G1 and G2 in FIG. 10B) are used. Perform interpolation processing. Further, for example, when the image near the target position has similarity in the horizontal direction (for example, a horizontal stripe pattern), only the left and right image data (G3 and G4 in FIG. 10B) of the target position are used. To perform interpolation processing. In these cases, the image data G4 that is corrected by the correction unit 33b may or may not be used.

(3) Outline Enhancement Process An example of the outline enhancement process will be described. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs, for example, a known linear filter operation using a kernel of a predetermined size centered on the target pixel P (processing target pixel) in one frame image. When the kernel size of the sharpening filter which is an example of the linear filter is N × N pixels, the position of the target pixel P is the target position, and the positions of (N ² −1) reference pixels Pr surrounding the target pixel P are Reference position.
The kernel size may be N × M pixels.

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs filter processing for replacing the image data in the target pixel P with the linear filter calculation result on each horizontal line, for example, from the upper horizontal line to the lower horizontal line of the frame image. This is done while shifting the pixels from left to right.

  In the present embodiment, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 includes the reference pixel Pr when the pixel to which the fourth imaging condition different from the first imaging condition applied to the target pixel P is included is included in the reference pixel Pr. The second correction process is performed on the image data to which the four imaging conditions are applied. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs the linear filter processing described above.

(4) Noise reduction processing An example of noise reduction processing will be described. The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs, for example, a known linear filter operation using a kernel of a predetermined size centered on the target pixel P (processing target pixel) in one frame image. When the kernel size of the smoothing filter as an example of the linear filter is N × N pixels, the position of the target pixel P is the target position, and the positions of the (N ² −1) reference pixels Pr surrounding the target pixel P are Reference position.
The kernel size may be N × M pixels.

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs filter processing for replacing the image data in the target pixel P with the linear filter calculation result on each horizontal line, for example, from the upper horizontal line to the lower horizontal line of the frame image. This is done while shifting the pixels from left to right.

  In the present embodiment, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 includes the reference pixel Pr when the pixel to which the fourth imaging condition different from the first imaging condition applied to the target pixel P is included is included in the reference pixel Pr. The second correction process is performed on the image data to which the four imaging conditions are applied. Thereafter, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs the linear filter processing described above.

2. When performing focus detection processing The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection processing using signal data (image data) corresponding to a predetermined position (focus point) on the imaging screen. The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 sets focus detection of at least one region when different imaging conditions are set for the divided regions and the focus point of the AF operation is located at the boundary portion of the divided regions. The second correction process is performed on the signal data for use as a pre-process for the focus detection process.

  The second correction process is performed in order to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of the focus detection process due to a difference in imaging conditions between areas of the imaging screen divided by the setting unit 34b. For example, if the focus point focus detection signal data for detecting the image shift amount (phase difference) in the image is located at the boundary of the divided area, different imaging conditions are applied to the focus detection signal data. Signal data may be mixed. In the present embodiment, the second correction is performed so as to suppress the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions, rather than detecting the image shift amount (phase difference) using the signal data to which the different imaging conditions are applied as it is. Based on the idea that it is preferable to detect the amount of image shift (phase difference) using the processed signal data, the second correction process is performed as follows.

<Example of focus detection processing>
An example of the focus detection process with the second correction process will be described. In the AF operation of the present embodiment, for example, the subject corresponding to the focus point selected by the user from a plurality of focus points on the imaging screen is focused. The lens movement control unit 34 d (generation unit) of the control unit 34 detects image shift amounts (phase differences) of a plurality of subject images due to light beams that have passed through different pupil regions of the imaging optical system 31, so that the imaging optical system 31. The defocus amount of is calculated. The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 adjusts the focus of the imaging optical system 31 by moving the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 to a position where the defocus amount is zero (allowable value or less), that is, a focus position. To do.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the position of the focus detection pixel on the imaging surface of the imaging element 32a. In the present embodiment, focus detection pixels are discretely arranged along the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) of the imaging chip 111. In the example of FIG. 13, fifteen focus detection pixel lines 160 are provided at predetermined intervals. The focus detection pixels constituting the focus detection pixel line 160 output a photoelectric conversion signal for focus detection. In the imaging chip 111, normal imaging pixels are provided at pixel positions other than the focus detection pixel line 160. The imaging pixel outputs a live view image or a photoelectric conversion signal for recording.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a part of the focus detection pixel line 160 corresponding to the focus point 80A shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, a red pixel R, a green pixel G (Gb, Gr), and a blue pixel B, a focus detection pixel S1, and a focus detection pixel S2 are illustrated. The red pixel R, the green pixel G (Gb, Gr), and the blue pixel B are arranged according to the rules of the Bayer arrangement described above.

  The square area illustrated for the red pixel R, the green pixel G (Gb, Gr), and the blue pixel B indicates a light receiving area of the imaging pixel. Each imaging pixel receives a light beam passing through the exit pupil of the imaging optical system 31 (FIG. 1). That is, the red pixel R, the green pixel G (Gb, Gr), and the blue pixel B each have a square-shaped mask opening, and light passing through these mask openings reaches the light-receiving portion of the imaging pixel. .

  The shapes of the light receiving regions (mask opening portions) of the red pixel R, the green pixel G (Gb, Gr), and the blue pixel B are not limited to a quadrangle, and may be, for example, a circle.

  The semicircular region exemplified for the focus detection pixel S1 and the focus detection pixel S2 indicates a light receiving region of the focus detection pixel. That is, the focus detection pixel S1 has a semicircular mask opening on the left side of the pixel position in FIG. 14, and the light passing through the mask opening reaches the light receiving portion of the focus detection pixel S1. On the other hand, the focus detection pixel S2 has a semicircular mask opening on the right side of the pixel position in FIG. 14, and light passing through the mask opening reaches the light receiving portion of the focus detection pixel S2. As described above, the focus detection pixel S1 and the focus detection pixel S2 respectively receive a pair of light beams passing through different areas of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system 31 (FIG. 1).

  Note that the position of the focus detection pixel line 160 in the imaging chip 111 is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG. Further, the number of focus detection pixel lines 160 is not limited to the example of FIG. Further, the shape of the mask opening in the focus detection pixel S1 and the focus detection pixel S2 is not limited to a semicircular shape. For example, a rectangular light receiving region (mask opening) in the imaging pixel R, the imaging pixel G, and the imaging pixel B is used. Part) may be a rectangular shape divided in the horizontal direction.

  Further, the focus detection pixel line 160 in the imaging chip 111 may be a line in which focus detection pixels are arranged along the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) of the imaging chip 111. An imaging device in which imaging pixels and focus detection pixels are two-dimensionally arranged as shown in FIG. 14 is known, and detailed illustration and description of these pixels are omitted.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the configuration in which the focus detection pixels S <b> 1 and S <b> 2 each receive one of a pair of focus detection light beams, the so-called 1PD structure, has been described. Instead of this, the focus detection pixels may be configured to receive both of a pair of light beams for focus detection, that is, a so-called 2PD structure. With the 2PD structure, the photoelectric conversion signal obtained by the focus detection pixel can be used as a recording photoelectric conversion signal.

  The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 passes through different regions of the imaging optical system 31 (FIG. 1) based on the focus detection photoelectric conversion signals output from the focus detection pixel S1 and the focus detection pixel S2. An image shift amount (phase difference) between the pair of images by the pair of light beams is detected. Then, the defocus amount is calculated based on the image shift amount (phase difference). Such defocus amount calculation by the pupil division phase difference method is well known in the field of cameras, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The focus point 80A (FIG. 13) is selected by the user at a position corresponding to the attention area 90 at the boundary between the first area 61 and the fourth area 64 in the live view image 60a illustrated in FIG. It shall be. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the focus point 80A. A white pixel indicates that the first imaging condition is applied, and a shaded pixel indicates that the fourth imaging condition is applied. In FIG. 15, the position surrounded by the frame 170 corresponds to the focus detection pixel line 160 (FIG. 13).

  The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 normally performs the focus detection process using the signal data from the focus detection pixels indicated by the frame 170 without performing the second correction process. However, when signal data to which the first imaging condition is applied and signal data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied are mixed in the signal data surrounded by the frame 170, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 The second correction process is performed on the signal data of the fourth imaging condition among the signal data surrounded by 170 as in the following (Example 1) to (Example 3). The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection processing using the signal data after the second correction processing.

(Example 1)
For example, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 differs only in ISO sensitivity between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, and the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition. Is 800/100, the signal data of the fourth imaging condition is multiplied by 100/800 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.
Note that when the amount of incident light to the pixel to which the first imaging condition is applied is the same as the amount of incident light to the pixel to which the fourth imaging condition is applied, the difference in the signal data is reduced, but the first imaging condition is originally When the amount of incident light on the applied pixel and the amount of incident light on the pixel to which the fourth imaging condition is applied are different, the difference in signal data may not be reduced. The same applies to the examples described later.

(Example 2)
For example, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 differs only in the shutter speed between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, and the shutter speed of the first imaging condition is 1/1000 second. When the shutter speed is 1/100 second, the signal data of the fourth imaging condition is multiplied by 1/1000/1/100 = 1/10 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.

(Example 3)
For example, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 differs only in the frame rate (the charge accumulation time is the same) between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, and the frame rate of the first imaging condition is 30 fps. When the frame rate of the fourth imaging condition is 60 fps, the signal data of the frame image acquired at the first imaging condition (30 fps) and the frame image whose acquisition start timing is close are used for the signal data of the fourth imaging condition (60 fps). This is the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.
In addition, based on a plurality of preceding and following frame images acquired under the fourth imaging condition (60 fps), interpolation calculation is performed on the signal data of the frame image acquired under the first imaging condition (30 fps) and the acquisition start timing is similar. This may be the second correction process.

  On the other hand, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 does not perform the second correction process when the imaging conditions applied in the signal data surrounded by the frame 170 are the same. That is, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection processing using the signal data from the focus detection pixels indicated by the frame 170 as they are.

As described above, even if there are some differences in the imaging conditions, the imaging conditions are regarded as the same.
In the above example, the example in which the second correction process is performed on the signal data of the fourth imaging condition in the signal data according to the first imaging condition is described. However, the signal of the first imaging condition in the signal data is described. The second correction process may be performed on the data according to the fourth imaging condition.
Whether the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs the second correction process on the signal data of the first imaging condition or the second correction process on the signal data of the fourth imaging condition, for example, The determination may be made based on the ISO sensitivity. When the ISO sensitivity differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the signal data obtained under the imaging condition with the higher ISO sensitivity is obtained under the imaging condition with the lower ISO sensitivity unless the signal data is saturated. It is desirable to perform the second correction process on the signal data. That is, when the ISO sensitivity differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, it is desirable to perform the second correction process on the darker signal data so as to reduce the difference from the brighter signal data.

  Furthermore, by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the first imaging condition and the signal data of the fourth imaging condition in the signal data, the difference between both signal data after the second correction process is obtained. It may be made smaller.

  In the above description, the focus detection process using the pupil division phase difference method is exemplified. However, in the case of the contrast detection method in which the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 is moved to the in-focus position based on the contrast of the subject image. Can be done in the same way.

  When the contrast detection method is used, the control unit 34 moves the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 and outputs signal data output from the imaging pixels of the imaging element 32a corresponding to the focus point at each position of the focus lens. Based on this, a known focus evaluation value calculation is performed. Then, the position of the focus lens that maximizes the focus evaluation value is obtained as the focus position.

The control unit 34 normally performs the focus evaluation value calculation using the signal data output from the imaging pixel corresponding to the focus point without performing the second correction process. However, when the signal data corresponding to the focus point is mixed with the signal data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the signal data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied, the control unit 34 determines the signal corresponding to the focus point. The second correction process as described above is performed on the signal data of the fourth imaging condition in the data. Then, the control unit 34 performs a focus evaluation value calculation using the signal data after the second correction process.
In the above example, the focus adjustment process is performed after the second correction process. However, the second correction process may not be performed, and the focus adjustment may be performed using the image data obtained by the first correction process.

3. When Subject Detection Processing is Performed FIG. 16A illustrates a template image representing an object to be detected, and FIG. 16B illustrates a live view image 60 (a) and a search range 190. It is a figure to do. The object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 detects an object (for example, a bag 63a that is one of the subject elements in FIG. 5) from the live view image, and generates a template image 180 of the detected object. The object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 may set the range in which the object is detected as the entire range of the live view image 60a. However, in order to reduce the detection process, a part of the live view image 60a may be used as the search range 190. Good.

  In the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34, when different imaging conditions are applied to the divided areas, and the search range 190 includes the boundaries of the divided areas, the image data of at least one area in the search range 190 On the other hand, a second correction process is performed as a pre-process of the subject detection process.

  The second correction process is performed in order to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the subject element detection process due to a difference in imaging conditions between areas of the imaging screen divided by the setting unit 34b. In general, when the search range 190 used for detecting the subject element includes a boundary of divided areas, image data to which different imaging conditions are applied may be mixed in the image data of the search range 190. In the present embodiment, the image subjected to the second correction processing so as to suppress the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions, rather than performing detection of the subject element using the image data to which the different imaging conditions are applied as it is. Based on the idea that it is preferable to detect subject elements using data, the second correction processing is performed as follows.

  A case will be described in which the bag 63a that is the belonging of the person 61a is detected in the live view image 60a illustrated in FIG. The object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 sets the search range 190 in the vicinity of the region including the person 61a. In addition, you may set the area | region 61 containing the person 61a as a search range.

When the search range 190 is not divided by two regions having different imaging conditions, the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 uses the image data constituting the search range 190 as it is without performing the second correction process. Subject detection processing is performed. However, if the image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the image data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied are mixed in the image data in the search range 190, the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 As in the case of performing the focus detection process on the image data of the fourth imaging condition in the image data in the search range 190, the second correction process is performed as in (Example 1) to (Example 3) described above. Then, the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 performs subject detection processing using the image data after the second correction processing.
As described above, even if there are some differences in the imaging conditions, the imaging conditions are regarded as the same.
In the above example, the example in which the second correction process is performed based on the first imaging condition on the image data on the fourth imaging condition in the image data has been described. However, the image on the first imaging condition in the image data is described. The second correction process may be performed on the data according to the fourth imaging condition.

  The second correction processing for the image data in the search range 190 described above may be applied to a search range used for detecting a specific subject such as a human face or an area used for determination of an imaging scene.

  The second correction processing for the image data in the search range 190 described above is not limited to the search range used for the pattern matching method using the template image, but the search range when detecting the feature amount based on the color or edge of the image. Similarly, the above may be applied.

  Further, by performing a known template matching process using image data of a plurality of frames having different acquisition times, a region similar to the tracking target in the previously acquired frame image is searched from the frame image acquired later. You may apply to the tracking process of a mobile body. In this case, when the image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the image data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied are mixed in the search range set for the frame image acquired later, the control unit 34. The second correction processing is performed on the image data of the fourth imaging condition in the search range image data as in (Example 1) to (Example 3) described above. Then, the control unit 34 performs a tracking process using the image data after the second correction process.

The same applies to the case where a known motion vector is detected using image data of a plurality of frames having different acquisition times. In the detection region used for detecting the motion vector, when the image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the image data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied are mixed, the control unit 34 detects the motion vector. The second correction process is performed on the image data of the fourth imaging condition in the image data of the area as in (Example 1) to (Example 3) described above. Then, the control unit 34 detects a motion vector using the image data after the second correction process.
In the above example, the subject detection processing is performed after the second correction processing is performed. However, subject detection may be performed based on the image data obtained by the first correction processing without performing the second correction processing.

4). When setting the imaging conditions When the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 divides the area of the imaging screen and sets different imaging conditions between the divided areas, the exposure condition is determined by newly performing photometry, A second correction process is performed as a pre-process for setting an exposure condition for image data of at least one region.

  The second correction process is performed in order to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the process for determining the exposure condition due to the imaging condition being different between the areas of the imaging screen divided by the setting unit 34b. For example, when the photometric range set in the center of the imaging screen includes the boundary of the divided areas, image data to which different imaging conditions are applied may be mixed in the photometric range image data. In the present embodiment, the image data subjected to the second correction process so as to suppress the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions, rather than performing the exposure calculation process using the image data to which the different imaging conditions are applied as it is. Based on the idea that it is preferable to perform the exposure calculation process using, the second correction process is performed as follows.

When the photometry range is not divided by a plurality of regions having different imaging conditions, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 uses the image data constituting the photometry range as it is without performing the second correction process, and performs an exposure calculation process. I do. However, if the image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the image data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied are mixed in the image data in the photometric range, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 determines the photometric range. As in the case of performing the focus detection process and the subject detection process on the image data of the fourth imaging condition among the image data, the second correction process is performed as in (Example 1) to (Example 3) described above. Then, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 performs an exposure calculation process using the image data after the second correction process.
As described above, even if there are some differences in the imaging conditions, the imaging conditions are regarded as the same.
In the above example, the example in which the second correction process is performed based on the first imaging condition on the image data on the fourth imaging condition in the image data has been described. However, the image on the first imaging condition in the image data is described. The second correction process may be performed on the data according to the fourth imaging condition.

  Not only the photometric range when performing the exposure calculation process described above, but also the photometric (colorimetric) range used when determining the white balance adjustment value and the necessity of emission of the auxiliary photographing light by the light source that emits the auxiliary photographing light are determined. The same applies to the photometric range performed at the time, and further to the photometric range performed at the time of determining the light emission amount of the photographing auxiliary light by the light source.

Further, when the readout resolution of the photoelectric conversion signal is made different between areas obtained by dividing the imaging screen, the same applies to the area used for determination of the imaging scene performed when determining the readout resolution for each area. it can.
In the above example, the shooting conditions are set after performing the second correction process. However, the shooting conditions may be set based on the image data obtained by the first correction process without performing the second correction process. .

<Description of flowchart>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing for setting an imaging condition for each area and imaging. When the main switch of the camera 1 is turned on, the control unit 34 activates a program that executes the process shown in FIG. In step S10, the control unit 34 causes the display unit 35 to start live view display, and proceeds to step S20.

Specifically, the control unit 34 instructs the imaging unit 32 to start acquiring a live view image, and causes the display unit 35 to sequentially display the acquired live view image. As described above, at this time, the same imaging condition is set for the entire imaging chip 111, that is, the entire screen.
When the setting for performing the AF operation is performed during live view display, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection processing to focus on the subject element corresponding to the predetermined focus point. Control the AF operation. The lens movement control unit 34d performs the focus detection process after the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process, as necessary.
If the setting for performing the AF operation is not performed during live view display, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs the AF operation when the AF operation is instructed later.

  In step S20, the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 detects the subject element from the live view image and proceeds to step S30. The object detection unit 34a performs the subject detection process after the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process, as necessary. In step S30, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 divides the screen of the live view image into regions including subject elements, and proceeds to step S40.

In step S <b> 40, the control unit 34 displays an area on the display unit 35. The control unit 34 highlights an area to be set (changed) for the imaging condition among the divided areas. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 34 displays the imaging condition setting screen 70 on the display unit 35, and proceeds to step S <b> 50.
Note that, when the display position of another main subject on the display screen is tapped with the user's finger, the control unit 34 sets the region including the main subject as a region for setting (changing) the imaging condition. Change and highlight.

  In step S50, the control unit 34 determines whether an AF operation is necessary. The control unit 34, for example, when the focus adjustment state changes due to the movement of the subject, when the position of the focus point is changed by a user operation, or when execution of the AF operation is instructed by a user operation, An affirmative decision is made in step S50 and the process proceeds to step S70. If the focus adjustment state does not change, the position of the focus point is not changed by the user operation, and the execution of the AF operation is not instructed by the user operation, the control unit 34 makes a negative determination in step S50 and proceeds to step 60. .

  In step S70, the controller 34 performs an AF operation and returns to step S40. The lens movement control unit 34d performs a focus detection process that is an AF operation after the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process, as necessary. Do. The control unit 34 that has returned to step S40 repeats the same processing as described above based on the live view image acquired after the AF operation.

  In step S60, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 sets an imaging condition for the highlighted area in response to a user operation. The setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 sets the imaging condition of the boundary block as described above when an area set to an imaging condition different from the other area occurs. Note that the display transition of the display unit 35 and the setting of the imaging conditions according to the user operation in step S60 are as described above. The setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 performs the exposure calculation process after the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process, as necessary. When step S60 is executed, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, the control unit 34 determines the presence / absence of an imaging instruction. When a release button (not shown) constituting the operation member 36 or a display icon for instructing imaging is operated, the control unit 34 makes a positive determination in step S80 and proceeds to step S90. When the imaging instruction is not performed, the control unit 34 makes a negative determination in step S80 and returns to step S20.

  In step S90, the control unit 34 performs predetermined imaging processing. That is, the imaging control unit 34c controls the imaging element 32a so as to perform imaging under the imaging conditions set for each region, and the process proceeds to step S100.

In step S100, the imaging control unit 34c of the control unit 34 sends an instruction to the image processing unit 33, performs predetermined image processing on the image data obtained by the imaging, and proceeds to step S110. Image processing includes the pixel defect correction processing, color interpolation processing, contour enhancement processing, and noise reduction processing.
Note that the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 performs the first correction processing and the second correction processing, or the first correction processing or the first correction processing on the image data located at the boundary portion of the region as necessary. Image processing is performed after performing the second correction processing.

  In step S110, the control unit 34 sends an instruction to the recording unit 37, records the image data after image processing on a recording medium (not shown), and proceeds to step S120.

  In step S120, the control unit 34 determines whether an end operation has been performed. When the end operation is performed, the control unit 34 makes a positive determination in step S120 and ends the process illustrated in FIG. When the end operation is not performed, the control unit 34 makes a negative determination in step S120 and returns to step S20. When returning to step S20, the control unit 34 repeats the above-described processing.

  In the above description, the multilayer image sensor 100 is illustrated as the image sensor 32a. However, if the imaging condition can be set for each of a plurality of blocks in the image sensor (imaging chip 111), the image sensor 32a is not necessarily configured as a multilayer image sensor. do not have to.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The camera 1 sets the first imaging condition for the block in the first area 61 where the first light from the person 61a is incident and the imaging unit 32 in which the imaging condition can be set for each block having a plurality of pixels. Then, the fourth imaging condition is set for the block of the fourth region 64 where the second light from the mountain 64a is incident, and the seventh imaging condition is set for the block of the boundary region 67 where the first and second light is incident. The control unit 34 (setting unit 34b) that performs correction, the image processing unit 33 (correction unit 33b) that corrects signals from the pixels in the block of the boundary region 67 based on the first and fourth imaging conditions, and the correction unit 33b corrects the signal. And an image processing unit 33 (generation unit 33c) that generates an image based on the generated signal, the signal from the pixel in the block of the first area 61, and the signal from the pixel in the block of the fourth area 64.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately perform processing in areas where imaging conditions are different. That is, it is possible to appropriately generate an image based on the image data generated in each region. For example, discontinuity and discomfort appearing in the generated image can be suppressed due to differences in imaging conditions for each region.
In addition, since the imaging condition in the boundary block can be set appropriately, it is possible to prevent whiteout or blackout of the image data from the pixels in the boundary block, and to generate image data appropriately.

(2) The boundary region 67 includes boundary blocks 82, 85, and 87 on which the first light from the person 61a and the second light from the mountain 64a are incident. The correction unit 33b corrects signals from some of the plurality of pixels of the boundary blocks 82, 85, and 87 on which the first and second lights are incident based on a first imaging condition, and the first and second Are corrected based on the fourth imaging condition.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately perform processing in areas where imaging conditions are different. That is, it is possible to appropriately generate an image based on the image data generated in each region. For example, discontinuity and discomfort appearing in the generated image can be suppressed due to differences in imaging conditions for each region.

(3) The setting unit 34b sets the seventh imaging condition based on the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. Thereby, since the imaging condition in the boundary block can be set appropriately, whiteout and blackout of the image data from the pixels in the boundary block can be prevented, and the image data can be generated appropriately.

(4) The setting unit 34b sets the seventh imaging condition so that gradation information is not lost from signals from the pixels of the boundary blocks 82, 85, and 87 of the boundary region 67. Thereby, since the imaging condition in the boundary block can be set appropriately, whiteout and blackout of the image data from the pixels in the boundary block can be prevented, and the image data can be generated appropriately.

(5) The camera 1 includes an imaging unit 32 in which imaging conditions can be set for each block having a plurality of pixels, and a block of the first region 61 in which the first light from the person 61a is incident via the imaging optical system 31. The first imaging condition is set for the fourth area 64 where the second light from the mountain 64 a is incident via the imaging optical system 31, and the fourth imaging condition is set via the imaging optical system 31. A control unit 34 (setting unit 34b) for setting a seventh imaging condition in the block of the boundary region 67 on which the first and second light beams are incident, and signals from the pixels in the block of the boundary region 67 in the first and fourth imaging conditions. An image processing unit 33 (correction unit 33b) that performs correction based on the signal, a signal corrected by the correction unit 33b, a signal from a pixel in a block in the first area 61, and a signal from a pixel in a block in the fourth area Based on the imaging optical system 31 A control unit 34 which generates a signal for driving the (lens movement control section 34d), the.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately perform processing in areas where imaging conditions are different. In other words, the defocus amount can be appropriately detected based on the focus detection signal data generated in each region. For example, it is possible to suppress a decrease in focus detection accuracy due to a difference in imaging conditions for each region.

(6) The camera 1 sets the first imaging condition for the block in the first area 61 where the first light from the person 61a is incident and the imaging unit 32 in which the imaging condition can be set for each block having a plurality of pixels. Then, the fourth imaging condition is set for the block of the fourth region 64 where the second light from the mountain 64a is incident, and the seventh imaging condition is set for the block of the boundary region 67 where the first and second light is incident. The control unit 34 (setting unit 34b) that performs correction, the image processing unit 33 (correction unit 33b) that corrects signals from the pixels in the block of the boundary region 67 based on the first and fourth imaging conditions, and the correction unit 33b corrects the signal. The image data of the person 61a and the mountain 64a is based on the image data based on the generated signal, the image data based on the signal from the block pixel in the first area 61, and the image data based on the signal from the pixel in the block in the fourth area 64. A control unit 34 for detecting the body and (object detection unit 34a), a.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately perform processing in areas where imaging conditions are different. That is, the subject element can be appropriately detected based on the image data generated in each region. For example, it is possible to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy due to a difference in imaging conditions for each region.

(7) The camera 1 sets the first imaging condition for the block of the imaging unit 32 in which the imaging condition can be set for each block having a plurality of pixels and the first area 61 where the first light from the person 61a is incident. Then, the fourth imaging condition is set for the block of the fourth region 64 where the second light from the mountain 64a is incident, and the seventh imaging condition is set for the block of the boundary region 67 where the first and second light is incident. A control unit 34 (setting unit 34b), and an image processing unit 33 (correction unit 33b) that corrects signals from the pixels of the block in the boundary region 67 based on the first and fourth imaging conditions.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately perform processing in areas where imaging conditions are different. That is, it is possible to appropriately set the imaging conditions based on the image data generated in each region. For example, it can suppress that the setting precision of exposure conditions falls by the difference in the imaging conditions for every area | region.

(8) The setting unit 34b generates the seventh imaging condition based on the signal corrected by the correction unit 33b, the signal from the pixel in the block in the first area 61, and the signal from the pixel in the block in the fourth area. Set. That is, the setting unit 34b performs the first and second correction processes described above. New exposure metering is performed to determine the exposure conditions.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately perform processing in areas where imaging conditions are different. That is, it is possible to appropriately set the imaging conditions based on the image data generated in each region. For example, it can suppress that the setting precision of exposure conditions falls by the difference in the imaging conditions for every area | region.

  It may be configured to be able to switch between mode 1 in which the above-described second correction processing is performed as preprocessing and mode 2 in which the second correction processing is not performed as preprocessing. When mode 1 is selected, the control unit 34 performs processing such as image processing after performing the above-described preprocessing. On the other hand, when mode 2 is selected, the control unit 34 performs processing such as image processing without performing the above-described preprocessing. For example, when a part of the face detected as the subject element is shaded, the shadowed part of the face is set so that the brightness of the shadowed part of the face is the same as the brightness of the part other than the shadow of the face. If the color interpolation process is performed after the second correction process is performed on an image generated by imaging with different settings of the imaging condition of the area including the area and the imaging condition of the area including the portion other than the shadow of the face, the setting is performed. In some cases, unintentional color interpolation is performed on the shadow portion due to a difference in imaging conditions. It is possible to avoid unintended color interpolation by configuring the mode 1 and the mode 2 so that the color interpolation process can be performed using the image data as it is without performing the second correction process. Become.

--- Second Embodiment ---
With reference to FIG. 18, a digital camera will be described as an example of an electronic apparatus equipped with the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the imaging condition setting method for the main block adjacent to the area block is mainly different from that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating a plurality of blocks including a part of the predetermined range 80 in the first embodiment. Right next to the block 86 is a block 92 on which subject light from the mountain 64a is incident. Although not shown, there are a plurality of blocks on the right side of the block 92 where the subject light from the mountain 64a is incident. In FIG. 18A, the white background portion schematically shows a portion corresponding to the person 61a, and the shaded portion schematically shows a portion corresponding to the mountain 64a. That is, the white background portion corresponds to the first region 61, and the shaded portion corresponds to the fourth region 64. In FIG. 18, a region surrounded by a thick broken line is a boundary region 67.

  In the first embodiment described above, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging condition of the block 84, which is the main block of the first area 61, to the first imaging condition, and sets the imaging condition of the block 86, which is the main block of the fourth area 64. The imaging condition was set to the fourth imaging condition. Then, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging condition of the block 85, which is a boundary block between the first area 61 and the fourth area 64, to a seventh imaging condition that is between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. In other words, in the first embodiment, the imaging conditions in a certain region are the same except for the boundary block.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the setting unit 34b sets the imaging condition of the block 84 that is the main block of the first area 61 to the first imaging condition, and the block that is the main block of the fourth area 64. 92 imaging conditions are set to the fourth imaging condition. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, the setting unit 34 b sets the imaging condition of the boundary block 85 to the eighth imaging condition between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, and is adjacent to the boundary block 85. The imaging condition of the main block block 86 is set to a ninth imaging condition between the eighth imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. FIG. 18B schematically shows that the set imaging condition is closer to the first imaging condition as the hatching density of the diagonal lines attached to the boundary block 85 and the main block 86 is higher. That is, in the present embodiment, the imaging condition of the main block in a certain area is set stepwise so that the difference from the imaging condition in the other area is reduced in the vicinity of the boundary with the other area.

  For example, when only the ISO sensitivity differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, and the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition is 800, the setting unit 34b For example, the ISO sensitivity of the eight imaging conditions is set to 200 as a value between 100 and 800. Then, the setting unit 34b sets the ISO sensitivity of the ninth imaging condition as a value between 200 and 800, for example, 400.

  In this manner, the setting unit 34b similarly sets the imaging conditions for the other boundary blocks for the first region 61 and the fourth region 64 and the main block of the fourth region 64 adjacent to the boundary block.

That is, in the present embodiment, the setting unit 34b changes from one imaging condition to the other imaging condition within a range in which whiteout and blackout do not occur when two areas where different imaging conditions are set are in contact with each other. The imaging conditions of the boundary block and the main block adjacent to the boundary block are set so as to gradually approach.
In the above description, the main block 84 in the first area 61 and the main block 86 in the fourth area 64 exist as blocks adjacent to the boundary block 85. In the present embodiment, the imaging condition (first imaging condition) of the main block 84 in the first area 61 is the same as the imaging condition of other main blocks in the first area 61, and the main block 86 in the fourth area 64. The imaging condition (the ninth imaging condition) is different from the imaging conditions (the fourth imaging condition) of other main blocks (the block 92 and the like) of the fourth area 64. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is desirable that the blocks corresponding to the person 61a as the main subject are set to the same imaging condition except for the boundary block. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the fourth area 64 corresponding to the mountain 64a that is less important as a subject than the person 61a, the imaging condition of the block 86 adjacent to the boundary block 85 is set to the other main areas of the fourth area 64. Different from the imaging conditions (fourth imaging conditions) of the blocks (block 92, etc.).
In the following description, it is the main block (main block 86) of one area (fourth area 64) of two adjacent areas, but the other main block (main block) of that area (fourth area 64). 92) and the imaging condition (first or first) set in the main block 84 of the other area (first area 61) or the boundary block (boundary block 85) with the other area (first area 61). The main block (main block 86) for which the imaging condition (the ninth imaging condition) is set so as to approach the (8 imaging conditions) is referred to as a quasi-boundary block. In the present embodiment, an area including the boundary block 85 and the quasi-boundary block 86 is referred to as a boundary area 67A.

As described above, by providing the quasi-boundary block in the region (the fourth region 64) having the lower importance as the subject among the two adjacent regions (the first region 61 and the fourth region 64), the imaging condition It is desirable to set step by step. When two regions set to different imaging conditions are in contact with each other with the boundary block interposed therebetween, the setting unit 34b determines which region is provided with the quasi-boundary block based on, for example, the following conditions, that is, which region has the main block It is determined whether the imaging conditions are set step by step in the block.
In addition, the following conditions (a) to (c) are examples, and conditions other than this are not excluded.
(A) For example, when it is determined that one region includes a face based on the result of subject recognition, the setting unit 34b determines that one region is a subject region more important than the other region, A quasi-boundary block is provided in the other region.
(B) For example, when it is determined that the distance to the subject in one region is closer than the distance to the subject in the other region based on the focus detection result, the setting unit 34b determines that one region is the other region. It is determined that the subject area is more important, and a quasi-boundary block is provided in the other area.
(C) For example, when it is determined that one region exists closer to the center of the imaging surface than the other region based on the detection result of the subject element, the setting unit 34b determines that one region is more than the other region. Is determined to be an important subject area, and a quasi-boundary block is provided in the other area.

In the above description, the ninth imaging condition of the quasi-boundary block 86 is set closer to the first imaging condition than the fourth imaging condition for the main block of the fourth region 64, and the main block 92 adjacent to the right of the quasi-boundary block 86 is set. The imaging condition was set to the fourth imaging condition. However, as shown in FIG. 18C, the imaging condition of the main block 92 adjacent to the quasi-boundary block 86 may be set to the tenth imaging condition between the fourth imaging condition and the ninth imaging condition. That is, the main block 92 adjacent to the quasi-boundary block 86 may also constitute the boundary region 67A as a quasi-boundary block.
In FIG. 18C, it is schematically shown that the set imaging condition is closer to the first imaging condition as the hatching density of the diagonal lines attached to the boundary block 85, the quasi-boundary block 86, and the quasi-boundary block 92 is higher. It shows.

  That is, in the boundary region 67A, the first imaging is performed in the order of the quasi-boundary block 86 on the right side of the boundary block 85, the quasi-boundary block 92 on the right side of the quasi-boundary block 86, and the main block 93 on the right side of the quasi-boundary block 92. The imaging conditions of the blocks 86, 92, and 93 may be set in stages so as to gradually approach the fourth imaging condition from the condition side. That is, of the two regions adjacent to each other (the first region 61 and the fourth region 64), as the other region (the fourth region 64) approaches one region (the first region 61), the other region (the first region 61). The imaging conditions of the main block of the four areas 64) may gradually approach the imaging conditions of one area (first area 61). In this way, the imaging condition of the main block in the other area of the two areas adjacent to each other may be set in a gradation.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18B, the imaging condition of the main block in the fourth area 64 is changed by one step in the main block 86, and in the example shown in FIG. The main block 86 and the main block 92 are changed in two steps, but may be changed in three steps or more. Note that how many steps the imaging condition of the main block in the fourth area 64 is changed may be set as appropriate based on, for example, the area of the fourth area 64 or the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. Good. For example, the number of steps may be increased as the area of the fourth region 64 increases. Further, the number of steps may be increased as the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition increases.

  As described above, when the imaging conditions of the main block are set in stages, if the discontinuity of the image based on the difference in the imaging conditions is not a problem, the first correction process and the second correction process are performed. It does not have to be done.

According to the second embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained in addition to the operational effects of the first embodiment.
(1) The boundary region 67A further includes a quasi-boundary block 86 into which one of the first light from the person 61a and the second light from the mountain 64a is incident. The setting unit 34b sets the eighth imaging condition in the boundary block 85 where the first and second lights are incident, and the ninth imaging condition in the quasi-boundary block 86 where one of the first light and the second light is incident. Set. As a result, the imaging conditions in the blocks near the boundary of the region can be set more appropriately, so that the image data can be generated more appropriately.

--- Modification of the first and second embodiments ---
The following modifications are also within the scope of the present invention, and one or a plurality of modifications can be combined with the above-described embodiment.
(Modification 1)
FIG. 19A to FIG. 19C are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the first imaging region and the second imaging region on the imaging surface of the imaging element 32a. According to the example of FIG. 19 (a), the first imaging area is configured by even columns, and the second imaging area is configured by odd columns. That is, the imaging surface is divided into even columns and odd columns.

  According to the example of FIG. 19B, the first imaging region is configured by odd rows, and the second imaging region is configured by even rows. That is, the imaging surface is divided into odd rows and even rows.

  According to the example of FIG. 19 (c), the first imaging region is composed of even-numbered blocks in odd columns and odd-numbered blocks in even columns. In addition, the second imaging region is configured by blocks of even rows in even columns and blocks of odd rows in odd columns. That is, the imaging surface is divided into a checkered pattern.

  19A to 19C, the first image based on the photoelectric conversion signal read from the first imaging region by the photoelectric conversion signal read from the image sensor 32a that has captured one frame. A second image based on the photoelectric conversion signal read from the second imaging region is generated. According to the first modification, the first image and the second image are captured at the same angle of view and include a common subject image.

  In the first modification, the control unit 34 uses the first image for display and the second image for detection. Specifically, the control unit 34 causes the display unit 35 to display the first image as a live view image. The control unit 34 causes the object detection unit 34a to perform subject detection processing using the second image, causes the lens movement control unit 34 to perform focus detection processing using the second image, and causes the setting unit 34b to perform second detection. Exposure calculation processing is performed using an image.

  In the first modification, the imaging condition set in the first imaging area for capturing the first image is called the first imaging condition, and the imaging condition set in the second imaging area for capturing the second image is the second imaging condition. I will call it. The control unit 34 may make the first imaging condition different from the second imaging condition.

1. As an example, the control unit 34 sets the first imaging condition to a condition suitable for display by the display unit 35. For example, the first imaging condition set for the first imaging area is the same for the entire first imaging area of the imaging screen. On the other hand, the control unit 34 sets the second imaging condition set in the second imaging region to a condition suitable for the focus detection process, the subject detection process, and the exposure calculation process. The second imaging condition is the same for the entire second imaging area of the imaging screen.
When the conditions suitable for the focus detection process, the subject detection process, and the exposure calculation process are different, the control unit 34 may change the second imaging condition set in the second imaging area for each frame. For example, the second imaging condition of the first frame is a condition suitable for the focus detection process, the second imaging condition of the second frame is a condition suitable for the subject detection process, and the second imaging condition of the third frame is the exposure calculation process. Conditions suitable for In these cases, the second imaging condition in each frame is the same in the entire second imaging area of the imaging screen.

2. As another example, the control unit 34 may vary the first imaging condition set in the first imaging area depending on the area. The setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 sets different first imaging conditions for each region including the subject element divided by the setting unit 34b. On the other hand, the control unit 34 makes the second imaging condition set in the second imaging area the same for the entire second imaging area of the imaging screen. The control unit 34 sets the second imaging condition to a condition suitable for the focus detection process, the subject detection process, and the exposure calculation process. However, the conditions suitable for the focus detection process, the subject detection process, and the exposure calculation process are set. If they are different, the imaging conditions set in the second imaging area may be different for each frame.

3. As another example, the control unit 34 sets the first imaging condition set in the first imaging area to be the same in the entire first imaging area of the imaging screen, while setting the second imaging area. The two imaging conditions may be different on the imaging screen. For example, a different second imaging condition is set for each region including the subject element divided by the setting unit 34b. Even in this case, if the conditions suitable for the focus detection process, the subject detection process, and the exposure calculation process are different, the imaging conditions set in the second imaging area may be different for each frame.

4). Furthermore, as another example, the control unit 34 changes the first imaging condition set in the first imaging area on the imaging screen, and changes the second imaging condition set on the second imaging area on the imaging screen. Make it. For example, the setting unit 34b sets different first imaging conditions for each region including the subject element divided, and the setting unit 34b sets different second imaging conditions for each region including the subject element divided.

  In FIG. 19A to FIG. 19C, the area ratio between the first imaging region and the second imaging region may be different. For example, the control unit 34 sets the ratio of the first imaging region to be higher than that of the second imaging region based on the operation by the user or the determination of the control unit 34, or displays the ratio between the first imaging region and the second imaging region. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 (a) to 19 (c), they are set equal, or the ratio of the first imaging area is set lower than that of the second imaging area. By making the area ratios different between the first imaging region and the second imaging region, the first image can be made to have a higher definition than the second image, the resolution of the first image and the second image can be made equal, The image can be made higher in definition than the first image.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the second correction processing when performing image processing includes the imaging condition applied at the position of interest (referred to as the first imaging condition) and the imaging condition applied at the reference position around the position of interest. In the case where (the fourth imaging condition is different), the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 converts the image data of the fourth imaging condition (the image data of the fourth imaging condition among the image data of the reference position) to the first. Correction was performed based on one imaging condition. That is, the second correction process is performed on the image data of the fourth imaging condition at the reference position, thereby reducing the discontinuity of the image based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition.

  Instead, in Modification 2, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 receives the image data of the first imaging condition (the image data of the first imaging condition among the image data of the target position and the image data of the reference position). You may correct | amend based on 4th imaging conditions. Also in this case, the discontinuity of the image based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition can be reduced.

Alternatively, the correction unit 33b of the image processing unit 33 may correct both the image data of the first imaging condition and the image data of the fourth imaging condition. That is, the first imaging condition image data of the first imaging condition, the first imaging condition image data of the reference position image data, and the fourth imaging condition image data of the reference position image data respectively. By performing the second correction process, the discontinuity of the image based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition may be alleviated.
For example, in the above (Example 1), the image data of the reference pixel Pr, which is the first imaging condition (ISO sensitivity is 100), is multiplied by 400/100 as the second correction process, and the fourth imaging condition (ISO sensitivity is 800). ) Is multiplied by 400/800 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced. The pixel data of the target pixel is subjected to a second correction process that is multiplied by 100/400 after the color interpolation process. With this second correction process, the pixel data of the pixel of interest after the color interpolation process can be changed to the same value as when the image is captured under the first imaging condition. Furthermore, in the above (Example 1), the degree of the second correction process may be changed depending on the distance from the boundary between the first area and the fourth area. Compared to the case of (Example 1), the rate at which the image data increases or decreases by the second correction process can be reduced, and the noise generated by the second correction process can be reduced. Although the above (Example 1) has been described above, the above (Example 2) can be similarly applied.

  According to the modified example 2, as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to appropriately perform image processing on the image data generated in each of the regions having different imaging conditions.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment, when the second correction process is performed on the image data, the corrected image data is obtained by performing a calculation based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. did. Instead of calculation, corrected image data may be obtained by referring to a correction table. For example, by inputting the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition as arguments, the corrected image data is read out. Alternatively, the correction coefficient may be read out by inputting the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition as arguments.

(Modification 4)
In the second correction process of the embodiment described above, an upper limit and a lower limit of the corrected image data may be determined. By providing an upper limit value and a lower limit value, it is possible to limit so as not to make unnecessary corrections. The upper limit value and the lower limit value may be determined in advance, or may be determined based on an output signal from the photometric sensor when a photometric sensor is provided separately from the image sensor 32a.

(Modification 5)
In the embodiment described above, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 detects the subject element based on the live view image, and divides the screen of the live view image into regions including the subject element. In the fifth modification, when the control unit 34 includes a photometric sensor in addition to the imaging device 32a, the control unit 34 may divide the region based on an output signal from the photometric sensor.

  The control unit 34 divides the foreground and the background based on the output signal from the photometric sensor. Specifically, the foreground area corresponding to the area determined to be the foreground from the output signal from the photometric sensor and the area determined to be the background from the output signal from the photometric sensor for the live view image acquired by the image sensor 32b Is divided into background areas corresponding to.

  The control unit 34 further sets the first imaging region and the second imaging region with respect to the position corresponding to the foreground region on the imaging surface of the imaging device 32a as illustrated in FIGS. 19 (a) to 19 (c). Deploy. On the other hand, the control unit 34 arranges only the first imaging region on the imaging surface of the imaging device 32a with respect to the position corresponding to the background region of the imaging surface of the imaging device 32a. The control unit 34 uses the first image for display and the second image for detection.

  According to the modified example 5, by using the output signal from the photometric sensor, it is possible to perform region division of the live view image acquired by the image sensor 32b. In addition, a first image for display and a second image for detection can be obtained for the foreground area, and only a first image for display can be obtained for the background area.

(Modification 6)
In Modification 6, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 performs a contrast adjustment process as an example of the second correction process. That is, the generation unit 33c reduces the discontinuity of the image based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition by changing the gradation curve (gamma curve).

  For example, it is assumed that only the ISO sensitivity is different between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, and the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition is 800. The generation unit 33c compresses the value of the image data of the fourth imaging condition in the image data at the reference position to 1/8 by laying down the gradation curve.

  Alternatively, the generation unit 33c may extend the value of the image data of the first imaging condition among the image data of the target position and the image data of the reference position by increasing the gradation curve by 8 times.

  According to the modified example 6, as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to appropriately perform image processing on image data generated in regions having different imaging conditions. For example, discontinuity and discomfort appearing in an image after image processing can be suppressed due to a difference in imaging conditions at the boundary between regions.

(Modification 7)
In the modified example 7, the image processing unit 33 does not impair the contour of the subject element in the above-described image processing (for example, noise reduction processing). In general, smoothing filter processing is employed when noise reduction is performed. When the smoothing filter is used, the boundary of the subject element may be blurred while the noise reduction effect.

  Therefore, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 compensates for blurring of the boundary of the subject element by performing contrast adjustment processing in addition to or together with noise reduction processing, for example. In Modification 7, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 sets a curve that draws an S shape as a density conversion (gradation conversion) curve (so-called S-shaped conversion). The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 increases the number of gradations of bright data (and dark data) by extending the gradation portions of bright data and dark data by performing contrast adjustment using S-shaped conversion. At the same time, the number of gradations is reduced by compressing the intermediate gradation image data. As a result, the number of image data having a medium brightness is reduced, and data classified as either bright / dark is increased. As a result, blurring of the boundary of the subject element can be compensated.

  According to the modified example 7, blurring of the boundary of the subject element can be compensated by clearing the contrast of the image.

(Modification 8)
In the modification 8, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 changes the white balance adjustment gain so as to alleviate the discontinuity of the image based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition.

  For example, when the imaging condition applied at the time of imaging at the target position (referred to as the first imaging condition) and the imaging condition applied at the time of imaging at the reference position around the target position (referred to as the fourth imaging condition) are different. Then, the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 makes the white balance of the image data of the fourth imaging condition out of the image data at the reference position close to the white balance of the image data acquired under the first imaging condition. Change the balance adjustment gain.

  The generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 sets the white balance between the image data of the first imaging condition and the image data of the target position in the image data of the reference position, and the white of the image data acquired under the fourth imaging condition. The white balance adjustment gain may be changed so as to approach the balance.

  According to the modified example 8, by adjusting the white balance adjustment gain to the adjustment gain of one of the areas with different imaging conditions for the image data generated in the areas with different imaging conditions, the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition are set. The discontinuity of the image based on the difference from the imaging condition can be reduced.

(Modification 9)
A plurality of image processing units 33 may be provided, and image processing may be performed in parallel. For example, the image processing is performed on the image data captured in the region B of the imaging unit 32 while performing image processing on the image data captured in the region A of the imaging unit 32. The plurality of image processing units 33 may perform the same image processing or different image processing. That is, the same parameters are applied to the image data of the region A and the region B, and the same image processing is performed, or the different parameters are applied to the image data of the region A and the region B to perform different image processing. You can do it.

  In the case where a plurality of image processing units 33 are provided, image processing is performed by one image processing unit on image data to which the first imaging condition is applied, and other is performed on image data to which the fourth imaging condition is applied. The image processing unit may perform image processing. The number of image processing units is not limited to the above two, and for example, the same number as the number of imaging conditions that can be set may be provided. That is, each image processing unit takes charge of image processing for each region to which different imaging conditions are applied. According to the modification 9, it is possible to proceed in parallel with imaging under different imaging conditions for each area and image processing for image data of the image obtained for each area.

(Modification 10)
In the above description, the camera 1 has been described as an example. However, a high-function mobile phone 250 (FIG. 21) having a camera function like a smartphone or a mobile device such as a tablet terminal may be used.

(Modification 11)
In the above-described embodiment, the camera 1 in which the imaging unit 32 and the control unit 34 are configured as a single electronic device has been described as an example. Instead, for example, the imaging unit 1 and the control unit 34 may be provided separately, and the imaging system 1B that controls the imaging unit 32 from the control unit 34 via communication may be configured.
Hereinafter, an example in which the imaging device 1001 including the imaging unit 32 is controlled from the control device 1002 including the control unit 34 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging system 1B according to the eleventh modification. In FIG. 20, the imaging system 1 </ b> B includes an imaging device 1001 and a display device 1002. The imaging device 1001 includes a first communication unit 1003 in addition to the imaging optical system 31 and the imaging unit 32 described in the above embodiment. The display device 1002 includes a second communication unit 1004 in addition to the image processing unit 33, the control unit 34, the display unit 35, the operation member 36, and the recording unit 37 described in the above embodiment.

The first communication unit 1003 and the second communication unit 1004 can perform bidirectional image data communication using, for example, a well-known wireless communication technology or optical communication technology.
Note that the imaging device 1001 and the display device 1002 may be connected by a wired cable, and the first communication unit 1003 and the second communication unit 1004 may perform bidirectional image data communication.

  In the imaging system 1B, the control unit 34 controls the imaging unit 32 by performing data communication via the second communication unit 1004 and the first communication unit 1003. For example, by transmitting and receiving predetermined control data between the imaging device 1001 and the display device 1002, the display device 1002 divides the screen into a plurality of regions based on the images as described above, or the divided regions. A different imaging condition is set for each area, or a photoelectric conversion signal photoelectrically converted in each area is read out.

According to the modification 11, since the live view image acquired on the imaging device 1001 side and transmitted to the display device 1002 is displayed on the display unit 35 of the display device 1002, the user is at a position away from the imaging device 1001. Remote control can be performed from a certain display device 1002.
The display device 1002 can be configured by a high-function mobile phone 250 such as a smartphone, for example. In addition, the imaging device 1001 can be configured by an electronic device including the above-described stacked imaging element 100.
In addition, although the example which provides the object detection part 34a, the setting part 34b, the imaging control part 34c, and the lens movement control part 34d in the control part 34 of the display apparatus 1002 was demonstrated, the object detection part 34a, the setting part 34b, A part of the imaging control unit 34c and the lens movement control unit 34d may be provided in the imaging device 1001.

(Modification 12)
The program is supplied to the mobile device such as the camera 1, the high-function mobile phone 250, or the tablet terminal as described above by, for example, infrared communication or short-range wireless communication from the personal computer 205 storing the program as illustrated in FIG. 21. Can be sent to mobile devices.

  The program may be supplied to the personal computer 205 by setting a recording medium 204 such as a CD-ROM storing the program in the personal computer 205 or by a method via the communication line 201 such as a network. You may load. When passing through the communication line 201, the program is stored in the storage device 203 of the server 202 connected to the communication line.

  In addition, the program can be directly transmitted to the mobile device via a wireless LAN access point (not shown) connected to the communication line 201. Further, a recording medium 204B such as a memory card storing the program may be set in the mobile device. Thus, the program can be supplied as various forms of computer program products, such as provision via a recording medium or a communication line.

--- Third embodiment ---
With reference to FIGS. 22 to 28, a digital camera will be described as an example of an electronic apparatus equipped with the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. In the present embodiment, instead of providing the image processing unit 33 according to the first embodiment, an image in which the imaging unit 32A has the same function as the image processing unit 33 according to the first and second embodiments is mainly provided. It differs from the first and second embodiments in that it further includes a processing unit 32c.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera 1C according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 22, the camera 1 </ b> C includes an imaging optical system 31, an imaging unit 32 </ b> A, a control unit 34, a display unit 35, an operation member 36, and a recording unit 37. The imaging unit 32A further includes an image processing unit 32c having the same function as the image processing unit 33 of the first embodiment.

  The image processing unit 32 c includes an input unit 321, a correction unit 322, and a generation unit 323. Image data from the image sensor 32 a is input to the input unit 321. The correction unit 322 performs preprocessing for correcting the input image data. The preprocessing performed by the correction unit 322 is the same as the preprocessing performed by the correction unit 33b in the first embodiment. The generation unit 323 performs image processing on the input image data and the pre-processed image data to generate an image. The image processing performed by the generation unit 323 is the same as the image processing performed by the generation unit 33c in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing the correspondence between each block and a plurality of correction units 322 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 23, one square of the imaging chip 111 represented by a rectangle represents one block 111a. Similarly, one square of an image processing chip 114 described later represented by a rectangle represents one correction unit 322.

In the present embodiment, the correction unit 322 is provided for each block 111a. In other words, the correction unit 322 is provided for each block which is the minimum unit of the area where the imaging condition can be changed on the imaging surface. For example, in FIG. 23, the hatched block 111a and the hatched correction unit 322 have a correspondence relationship. In FIG. 23, the hatched correction unit 322 performs preprocessing on the image data from the pixels included in the hatched block 111a. Each correction unit 322 performs preprocessing on image data from pixels included in the corresponding block 111a.
As a result, the preprocessing of the image data can be processed in parallel by the plurality of correction units 322, so that the processing burden on the correction unit 322 can be reduced, and an appropriate image can be quickly generated from the image data generated in each of the areas with different imaging conditions. Can be generated.
In the following description, when a relationship between a certain block 111a and a pixel included in the block 111a is described, the block 111a may be referred to as a block 111a to which the pixel belongs. The block 111a may be referred to as a unit section, and a plurality of blocks 111a, that is, a plurality of unit sections may be referred to as a composite section.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the multilayer imaging element 100A. The multilayer imaging element 100A further includes an image processing chip 114 that performs the above-described preprocessing and image processing in addition to the backside illumination imaging chip 111, the signal processing chip 112, and the memory chip 113. That is, the above-described image processing unit 32c is provided in the image processing chip 114.
The imaging chip 111, the signal processing chip 112, the memory chip 113, and the image processing chip 114 are stacked, and are electrically connected to each other by a conductive bump 109 such as Cu.

  A plurality of bumps 109 are arranged on the mutually facing surfaces of the memory chip 113 and the image processing chip 114. The bumps 109 are aligned with each other, and the memory chip 113 and the image processing chip 114 are pressurized, so that the aligned bumps 109 are joined and electrically connected.

<First correction process>
Similar to the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, after the region of the imaging screen is divided by the setting unit 34b, the region selected by the user or the region determined by the control unit 34 is determined. The imaging conditions can be set (changed). When different imaging conditions are set in the divided areas, the control unit 34 causes the correction unit 322 of the image processing unit 32c to perform the first correction process as one of the preprocessing as necessary.

  The correction unit 322 of the image processing unit 32c determines from which subject area the light is incident on each pixel belonging to the boundary block. Specifically, the correction unit 322 calculates the position of the boundary on the imaging surface of the imaging element 32a from the detection result of the subject element by the object detection unit 34a. Then, the correction unit 322 extracts a boundary block based on the calculated boundary position, and calculates which subject element from which subject light is incident on each pixel belonging to the extracted boundary block.

  For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the correction unit 322 calculates the position of the boundary B1 between the first region 61 and the fourth region 64 from the detection result of the subject element by the object detection unit 34a. Then, the correcting unit 322 extracts the block 82, the block 85, and the block 87 as boundary blocks based on the calculated position of the boundary B1. Then, based on the calculated position of the boundary B1, the correction unit 322 detects the pixel 82a, the pixel 82b and the pixel 82c of the boundary block 82, the pixel 85a of the boundary block 85, and the pixel 87a of the boundary block 87 from the person 61a. Calculate that subject light is incident. Further, the correction unit 322 determines the pixel 82d of the boundary block 82, the pixel 85b, the pixel 85c, and the pixel 85d of the boundary block 85, and the pixel 87b, the pixel 87c, and the pixel 87d of the boundary block 87 based on the calculated position of the boundary B1. Is calculated that the subject light from the mountain 64a is incident.

The pixels 82a, 82b, and 82c of the boundary block 82 image subject light from the person 61a according to a seventh imaging condition that is an imaging condition between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition. On the other hand, in each pixel of the block 81 and the block 84 which are main blocks for the first region 61, the subject light from the person 61a is imaged according to the first imaging condition.
Accordingly, the correction unit 322 performs the first correction process so that the signal from the pixel 82a, the pixel 82b, and the pixel 82c can be obtained with the same signal as when the subject light from the person 61a is imaged under the first imaging condition. I do.
Similarly, the pixel 82d of the boundary block 82 images the subject light from the mountain 64a according to the seventh imaging condition. On the other hand, in each pixel of the block 83, the block 86, the block 88, and the block 89, which are main blocks for the fourth region 64, the subject light from the mountain 64a is imaged according to the fourth imaging condition.
Therefore, the correction unit 322 performs a first correction process on the signal from the pixel 82d so that a signal similar to that obtained when the subject light from the mountain 64a is imaged under the fourth imaging condition.

  For example, only the ISO sensitivity differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is 100, the ISO sensitivity of the fourth imaging condition is 800, and the ISO sensitivity of the seventh imaging condition. Is 400, the first correction process is performed as follows. That is, as the first correction process, the correction unit 322 multiplies the signals from the pixels 82a, 82b, and 82c by 100/400 and multiplies the signals from the pixel 82d by 800/400.

  For example, only the shutter speed is different between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the shutter speed of the first imaging condition is 1/1000 second, the shutter speed of the fourth imaging condition is 1/100 second, When the shutter speed of the seven imaging conditions is 1/500 second, the first correction process is performed as follows. That is, as the first correction process, the correction unit 322 multiplies the signals from the pixel 82a, the pixel 82b, and the pixel 82c by (1/1000) / (1/500) = 1/2 to obtain a signal from the pixel 82d. Is multiplied by (1/100) / (1/500) = 5.

For example, only the frame rate differs between the first imaging condition and the fourth imaging condition, the frame rate of the first imaging condition is 30 fps, the frame rate of the fourth imaging condition is 60 fps, and the frame rate of the seventh imaging condition Is 45 fps, the first correction process is performed as follows. That is, as the first correction process, the correction unit 322 thins out part of the frame image signal having a frame rate of 45 fps from the pixel 82a, pixel 82b, and pixel 82c and converts the frame image signal to a frame image signal having a frame rate of 30 fps. This frame rate conversion is performed by selecting a frame image signal close to the generation timing of the 30 fps frame image signal of the first imaging condition from the frame image signals from the pixels 82a to 82c. Also, the frame rate conversion described above is based on the frame image signal from the pixels 82a to 82c generated before and after the generation timing of the 30 fps frame image signal of the first imaging condition, and the 30 fps frame image of the first imaging condition. A frame image signal synchronized with the signal generation timing may be calculated by interpolation.
Further, as the first correction process, the correction unit 322 converts a frame image signal having a frame rate of 45 fps from the pixel 82d into a frame image signal having a frame rate of 60 fps. This frame rate conversion is performed by, for example, synthesizing frame image signals read from the pixel 82d one after the other, that is, by interpolating a new frame image signal based on the previous and next frame image signals, This is done by increasing the number of frame image signals.

In this way, the correction unit 322 performs the first correction process on the signals from the pixels of all the boundary blocks as necessary. That is, the correction unit 322 determines that, for a signal from a pixel belonging to a boundary block, the imaging condition applied to the main block for the same subject element as the pixel is different from the imaging condition applied to the boundary block. A first correction process is performed. However, if the imaging condition applied to the main block for the same subject element as the pixel is the same as the imaging condition applied to the boundary block, it is not necessary to perform the first correction process. The first correction process is not performed.
As described above, even if there are some differences in imaging conditions, they are regarded as the same imaging conditions.

<Second correction process>
The control unit 34 further performs the following second correction processing on the correction unit 322 as necessary before image processing, focus detection processing, subject detection (subject element detection) processing, and processing for setting imaging conditions. Make it.
In the second correction process, the signal from the pixel of the boundary block corrected by the first correction process is imaged by applying the imaging condition set in the main block, not the imaging condition set in the boundary block. It is processed as a signal obtained.

1. When performing image processing 1-1. When the imaging condition of the target pixel P and the imaging conditions of the plurality of reference pixels Pr around the target pixel P are the same In this case, in the image processing unit 32c, the correction unit 322 does not perform the second correction process, and the generation unit 323 performs image processing using image data of a plurality of reference pixels Pr that are not subjected to the second correction processing.

1-2. When the imaging condition of the target pixel P is different from the imaging condition of at least one reference pixel Pr of the plurality of reference pixels Pr around the target pixel P, the imaging condition applied in the target pixel P is set as the first imaging condition. Assume that the imaging condition applied to some of the plurality of reference pixels Pr is the first imaging condition, and the imaging conditions applied to the remaining reference pixels Pr are the second imaging conditions.
In this case, the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the reference pixel Pr to which the second image capturing condition is applied belongs to the following (example) for the image data of the reference pixel Pr to which the second image capturing condition is applied. The second correction process is performed as in 1) to (Example 3). Then, the generation unit 323 calculates the image data of the target pixel P with reference to the image data of the reference pixel Pr to which the first imaging condition is applied and the image data of the reference pixel Pr after the second correction process. Process.

(Example 1)
For example, the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the reference pixel Pr to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs only to the ISO sensitivity between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition, and the ISO of the first imaging condition is different. When the sensitivity is 100 and the ISO sensitivity of the second imaging condition is 800, the image data of the reference pixel Pr is multiplied by 100/800 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.

(Example 2)
The correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the reference pixel Pr to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs, for example, only the shutter speed is different between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition, and the shutter of the first imaging condition When the speed is 1/1000 second and the shutter speed of the second imaging condition is 1/100 second, 1/1000/1/100 = 1/10 is set as the second correction process for the image data of the reference pixel Pr. Multiply. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.

(Example 3)
For example, the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the reference pixel Pr to which the second imaging condition is applied differs in only the frame rate between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition (the charge accumulation time is the same). When the frame rate of the first imaging condition is 30 fps and the frame rate of the second imaging condition is 60 fps, the first imaging condition (the image data of the reference imaging Pr, that is, the image data of the second imaging condition (60 fps)) The second correction process is to adopt image data of a frame image acquired at a timing similar to that of the frame image acquired at 30 fps). Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.
It should be noted that, based on a plurality of previous and subsequent frame images acquired under the second imaging condition (60 fps), interpolation calculation is performed on the frame image acquired under the first imaging condition (30 fps) and the frame image whose acquisition start timing is close. This may be the second correction process.

  The same applies to the case where the imaging condition applied in the pixel of interest P is the second imaging condition, and the imaging condition applied in the reference pixels Pr around the pixel of interest P is the first imaging condition. That is, in this case, the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the reference pixel Pr to which the first imaging condition is applied belongs to the above-described (Example 1) to (Example 3) for the image data of the reference pixel Pr. The second correction process is performed as shown in FIG.

  As described above, even if there are some differences in the imaging conditions, the imaging conditions are regarded as the same.

  Based on the image data of the reference pixel Pr to which the same imaging condition as the imaging condition of the target pixel P is applied and the image data of the reference pixel Pr that has been subjected to the second correction processing by the correction unit 322, the generation unit 323 performs the first processing. Similarly to the generation unit 33c of the image processing unit 33 in the embodiment, image processing such as pixel defect correction processing, color interpolation processing, contour enhancement processing, and noise reduction processing is performed.

  FIG. 25 shows image data (hereinafter referred to as first image data) from each pixel included in a partial area (hereinafter referred to as first imaging area 141) of the imaging surface to which the first and third imaging conditions are applied. ) And image data from each pixel (hereinafter referred to as second image data) included in a partial area (hereinafter referred to as second imaging area 142) of the imaging surface to which the second and third imaging conditions are applied. FIG. The first imaging condition is an imaging condition set for the main block in the first imaging area 141, and the second imaging condition is an imaging condition set for the main block in the second imaging area 142. The third imaging condition is an imaging condition set for a boundary block including a boundary between the first imaging area 141 and the second imaging area 142.

Each pixel of the main block of the first imaging area 141 outputs a part of the first image data imaged under the first imaging condition, and each pixel belonging to the first imaging area 141 among the pixels of the boundary block is The remaining part of the first image data imaged under the third imaging condition is output. Each pixel of the main block of the second imaging region 142 outputs a part of the second image data imaged under the second imaging condition, and each pixel belonging to the second imaging region 142 among the pixels of the boundary block is The remaining portion of the second image data imaged under the third imaging condition is output. The first image data is output to the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111 a to which the pixel that generated the first image data belongs, among the correction units 322 provided in the processing chip 114. In the following description, the plurality of correction units 322 respectively corresponding to the plurality of blocks 111a to which the pixels that generate the respective first image data belong are referred to as first processing units 151.
The first processing unit 151 performs the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process on the first image data as necessary.

Similarly, the second image data is output to the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel that generated the second image data belongs among the correction units 322 provided in the processing chip 114. In the following description, the plurality of correction units 322 respectively corresponding to the plurality of blocks 111a to which the respective pixels that generate the respective second image data belong are referred to as second processing units 152.
The second processing unit 152 performs the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process on the second image data as necessary.
In performing the second correction process, it is assumed that signals from pixels output from the pixels of the boundary block are corrected by the first correction process. That is, in performing the second correction process, all the first image data is treated as being obtained by imaging with the first imaging condition applied, and all the second image data is applied with the second imaging condition. It is treated as being obtained by imaging.

In the above-described second correction processing, for example, when the target pixel P is included in the first imaging region 141, the second image data from the reference pixel Pr included in the second imaging region 142 is the second as shown in FIG. The second correction process described above is performed by the second processing unit 152. Note that the second processing unit 152 receives, from the first processing unit 151, for example, information 181 about the first imaging condition necessary to reduce the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging condition.
Similarly, for example, when the target pixel P is included in the second imaging region 142, the first image data from the reference pixel Pr included in the first imaging region 141 is the second correction process described above in the first processing unit 151. Is done. The first processing unit 151 receives information on the second imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging condition from the second processing unit 152.

When the target pixel P and the reference pixel Pr are included in the first imaging region 141, the first processing unit 151 does not perform the second correction process on the first image data from the reference pixel Pr. Similarly, when the target pixel P and the reference pixel Pr are included in the second imaging region 142, the second processing unit 152 does not perform the second correction process on the second image data from the reference pixel Pr.
Alternatively, both the image data of the first imaging condition and the image data of the second imaging condition may be corrected by the first processing unit 151 and the second processing unit 152, respectively. That is, the first imaging condition image data of the first imaging condition, the first imaging condition image data of the reference position image data, and the second imaging condition image data of the reference position image data respectively. By performing the two correction processing, the discontinuity of the image based on the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition may be alleviated.
For example, in the above (Example 1), the image data of the reference pixel Pr which is the first imaging condition (ISO sensitivity is 100) is multiplied by 400/100 as the second correction processing, and the second imaging condition (ISO sensitivity is 800). ) Is multiplied by 400/800 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced. The pixel data of the target pixel is subjected to a second correction process that is multiplied by 100/400 after the color interpolation process. With this second correction process, the pixel data of the pixel of interest after the color interpolation process can be changed to the same value as when the image is captured under the first imaging condition. Furthermore, in the above (Example 1), the degree of the second correction process may be changed depending on the distance from the boundary between the first area and the second area. Compared to the case of (Example 1), the rate at which the image data increases or decreases by the second correction process can be reduced, and the noise generated by the second correction process can be reduced. Although the above (Example 1) has been described above, the above (Example 2) can be similarly applied.

  The generation unit 323 performs image processing such as pixel defect correction processing, color interpolation processing, contour enhancement processing, and noise reduction processing based on the image data from the first processing unit 151 and the second processing unit 152, and performs image processing. The later image data is output.

  The first processing unit 151 may perform the second correction process on the first image data from all the pixels included in the first imaging region 141 when the target pixel P is located in the second imaging region 142. Of the pixels included in the first imaging region 141, only the first image data from pixels that may be used for interpolation of the pixel of interest P in the second imaging region 142 may be subjected to the second correction process. Similarly, the second processing unit 152 performs the second correction process on the second image data from all the pixels included in the second imaging region 142 when the target pixel P is located in the first imaging region 141. Of course, only the second image data from pixels that may be used for interpolation of the pixel of interest P in the first imaging region 141 among the pixels included in the second imaging region 142 may be subjected to the second correction process.

2. When performing focus detection processing As in the first embodiment, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection using signal data (image data) corresponding to a predetermined position (focus point) on the imaging screen. Process. Note that when different imaging conditions are set for the divided areas and the focus point of the AF operation is located at the boundary portion of the divided areas, that is, the focus point is divided into two in the first area and the second area. In this embodiment, the following 2-2. As will be described below, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 causes the correction unit 322 to perform the second correction process on the signal data for focus detection in at least one region.
In performing the second correction process, it is assumed that signals from pixels output from the pixels of the boundary block are corrected by the first correction process. That is, in performing the second correction process, all the first signal data from each pixel in the first imaging region 141 is treated as being obtained by imaging with the first imaging condition applied, and the second imaging is performed. The second signal data from each pixel in the region 142 is all handled as being obtained by imaging with the second imaging condition applied.

2-1. When the signal data from the pixels in the frame 170 in FIG. 15 does not include the signal data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the signal data to which the second imaging condition is applied. In this case, the correction unit 322 performs the second correction process. The lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection processing using the signal data from the focus detection pixels indicated by the frame 170 as they are.

2-2. When signal data to which the first imaging condition is applied and signal data to which the second imaging condition is applied are mixed in the signal data from the pixels in the frame 170 in FIG. 15, in this case, the lens movement of the control unit 34 The control unit 34d performs the following operations (Example 1) to (Example 3) on the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs among the pixels in the frame 170. 2 Correction processing is performed. Then, the lens movement control unit 34d of the control unit 34 performs focus detection processing using the pixel signal data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the signal data after the second correction processing.

(Example 1)
For example, the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs only differs in ISO sensitivity between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition, and the ISO sensitivity of the first imaging condition is different. When the ISO sensitivity of the second imaging condition is 800 at 100, the signal data of the second imaging condition is multiplied by 100/800 as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.

(Example 2)
The correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs, for example, only the shutter speed is different between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition, and the shutter speed of the first imaging condition is When the shutter speed of the second imaging condition is 1/100 second at 1/1000 second, 1/1000/1/100 = 1/10 is applied to the signal data of the second imaging condition as the second correction process. Thereby, the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.

(Example 3)
For example, the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs differs only in the frame rate (the charge accumulation time is the same) between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition. When the frame rate of the first imaging condition is 30 fps and the frame rate of the second imaging condition is 60 fps, acquisition of the frame image acquired under the first imaging condition (30 fps) and acquisition of the signal data of the second imaging condition (60 fps) is started. The second correction process is to adopt signal data of frame images that are close in timing. Thereby, the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging conditions is reduced.
In addition, based on a plurality of previous and subsequent frame images acquired under the second imaging condition (60 fps), interpolation calculation is performed on the signal data of the frame image acquired under the first imaging condition (30 fps) and the acquisition start timing is similar. This may be the second correction process.

As described above, even if there are some differences in the imaging conditions, the imaging conditions are regarded as the same.
In the above example, the second correction process is performed on the signal data of the second imaging condition in the signal data. However, the second correction process is performed on the signal data of the first imaging condition in the signal data. Two correction processes may be performed.

  Furthermore, by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the first imaging condition and the data of the second imaging condition in the signal data, the difference between both signal data after the second correction process is reduced. You may make it do.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating processing of the first signal data and the second signal data according to the focus detection processing.

  Each pixel of the main block of the first imaging region 141 outputs a part of the first signal data imaged under the first imaging condition, and each pixel belonging to the first imaging region 141 among the pixels of the boundary block is The remaining portion of the first signal data imaged under the third imaging condition is output. Each pixel of the main block of the second imaging region 142 outputs a part of the second signal data imaged under the second imaging condition, and each pixel belonging to the second imaging region 142 among the pixels of the boundary block is The remainder of the second signal data imaged under the third imaging condition is output. The first signal data from the first imaging area 141 is output to the first processing unit 151. Similarly, the second signal data from the second imaging region 142 is output to the second processing unit 152.

The first processing unit 151 performs the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process on the first image data as necessary. The second processing unit 152 performs the first correction process and the second correction process, or the first correction process or the second correction process on the second image data as necessary.
Note that, as described above, in performing the second correction process, all the first signal data is handled as being obtained by imaging under the first imaging condition, and all the second signal data is the second signal data. It is treated as being obtained by imaging with the imaging conditions applied.

In the second correction process described above, by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the second imaging condition in the signal data, the signal data after the second correction process and the signal data of the first imaging condition are obtained. When reducing the difference, the second processing unit 152 performs processing. The second processing unit 152 performs the second correction process described above on the second signal data from the pixels included in the second imaging region 142. Note that the second processing unit 152 receives, for example, information 181 about the first imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging condition from the first processing unit 151.
When the difference between the signal data after the second correction process and the signal data of the first imaging condition is reduced by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the second imaging condition of the signal data, The first processing unit 151 does not perform the second correction process on the first signal data.

In the case where the difference between the signal data after the second correction process and the signal data of the first imaging condition is reduced by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the first imaging condition of the signal data, The first processing unit 151 performs processing. The first processing unit 151 performs the second correction process described above on the first signal data from the pixels included in the first imaging region 141. Note that the first processing unit 151 receives information about the second imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the signal data due to the difference in the imaging condition from the second processing unit 152.
In the case where the difference between the signal data after the second correction process and the signal data of the first imaging condition is reduced by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the first imaging condition of the signal data, The second processing unit 152 does not perform the second correction process on the second signal data.

  Furthermore, by performing the second correction process on the signal data of the first imaging condition and the data of the second imaging condition in the signal data, the difference between both signal data after the second correction process is reduced. In this case, the first processing unit 151 and the second processing unit 152 perform processing. The first processing unit 151 performs the above-described second correction processing on the first signal data from the pixels included in the first imaging region 141, and the second processing unit 152 receives the signals from the pixels included in the second imaging region 142. The second correction process described above is performed on the second signal data.

  The lens movement control unit 34d performs focus detection processing based on the signal data from the first processing unit 151 and the second processing unit 152, and moves the focus lens of the imaging optical system 31 to the in-focus position based on the calculation result. A drive signal for moving is output.

3. When subject detection processing is performed When different imaging conditions are set for the divided areas and the search range 190 includes the boundaries of the divided areas, in the present embodiment, the following 3-2. As will be described, the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 causes the correction unit 322 to perform the second correction process on the image data of at least one region within the search range 190.
In performing the second correction process, it is assumed that signals from pixels output from the pixels of the boundary block are corrected by the first correction process. That is, in performing the second correction process, all the first image data is treated as being obtained by imaging with the first imaging condition applied, and all the second image data is applied with the second imaging condition. It is treated as being obtained by imaging.

3-1. When the image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and the image data to which the second imaging condition is applied are not mixed in the image data in the search range 190 in FIG. 16. In this case, the correction unit 322 does not perform the second correction process. The object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 performs subject detection processing using image data constituting the search range 190 as it is.

3-2. When image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and image data to which the second imaging condition is applied are mixed in the image data in the search range 190 in FIG. 16. In this case, the object detection unit 34 a of the control unit 34 As described above (example 1) to (example 3), the focus detection processing is performed on the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs among the images in the range 190. To perform the second correction process. Then, the object detection unit 34a of the control unit 34 performs subject detection processing using the image data of the pixels to which the first condition is applied and the image data after the second correction processing.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing processing of the first image data and the second image data related to the subject detection processing.

In the second correction process, the second correction process performed by the first processing unit 151 and / or the second processing unit 152 is the same as the second correction process for FIG. 26 described above as the case of performing the focus detection process.
The object detection unit 34a performs processing for detecting a subject element based on the image data from the first processing unit 151 and the second processing unit 152, and outputs a detection result.

4). Case of Setting Imaging Conditions A case will be described in which an area of the imaging screen is divided, and different exposure conditions are set between the divided areas, and the exposure conditions are determined by performing new photometry. In determining the exposure condition, it is assumed that the signal from the pixel output from each pixel of the boundary block is corrected by the first correction process.

4-1. When image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and image data to which the second imaging condition is applied are not mixed in the image data in the photometric range In this case, the correction unit 322 does not perform the second correction process, and the control unit 34 The setting unit 34b performs exposure calculation processing using image data constituting the photometric range as it is.

4-2. In the case where image data to which the first imaging condition is applied and image data to which the second imaging condition is applied are mixed in the image data in the photometric range. In this case, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 Among them, the second correction process as described above (Example 1) to (Example 3) as the case where the focus detection process is performed on the correction unit 322 corresponding to the block 111a to which the pixel to which the second imaging condition is applied belongs. To do. Then, the setting unit 34b of the control unit 34 performs an exposure calculation process using the image data after the second correction process.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating processing of the first image data and the second image data according to setting of imaging conditions such as exposure calculation processing.

In the second correction process, the second correction process performed by the first processing unit 151 and / or the second processing unit 152 is the same as the second correction process for FIG. 26 described above as the case of performing the focus detection process.
The setting unit 34b performs an imaging condition calculation process such as an exposure calculation process based on the image data from the first processing unit 151 and the second processing unit 152, and the imaging screen by the imaging unit 32 is displayed based on the calculation result. Then, it is divided into a plurality of regions including the detected subject element, and the imaging conditions are reset for the plurality of regions.

According to the third embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The image processing unit 32c generates the first processing unit 151 that generates the image data of the subject imaged in the first imaging area 141, and the image data of the subject that is imaged in the second imaging area 142. And a second processing unit 152. The first processing unit 151 generates image data of the subject imaged in the first imaging area 141 from the image data of the object imaged in the second imaging area 142. Accordingly, preprocessing (first correction processing and second correction processing) for image data can be performed in parallel by the plurality of correction units 322, so that the processing burden on the correction unit 322 can be reduced.

(2) The image processing unit 32c generates a signal based on the subject incident on the first imaging region 141, and a first processing unit 151 that generates a signal based on the subject incident on the second imaging region 142. And a processing unit 152. The first processing unit 151 generates a signal based on the subject imaged in the first imaging region 141 based on the signal based on the subject incident on the second imaging region 142. Thereby, since the preprocessing of image data can be processed in parallel by the plurality of correction units 322, the processing load on the correction unit 322 can be reduced, and the preprocessing by the plurality of correction units 322 is performed in a short time by parallel processing. The time until the start of the focus detection process in the lens movement control unit 34d can be shortened, which contributes to speeding up of the focus detection process.

--- Modification of the third embodiment ---
The following modifications are also within the scope of the present invention, and one or a plurality of modifications can be combined with the above-described embodiment.
(Modification 13)
In the above-described third embodiment, one of the correction units 322 corresponds to one of the blocks 111a (unit division). However, one of the correction units 322 may correspond to one of the composite blocks (composite sections) having a plurality of blocks 111a (unit sections). In this case, the correction unit 322 sequentially corrects image data from pixels belonging to the plurality of blocks 111a included in the composite block. Even if a plurality of correction units 322 are provided corresponding to each composite block having a plurality of blocks 111a, the second correction processing of image data can be performed in parallel by the plurality of correction units 322. The burden can be reduced, and an appropriate image can be generated in a short time from the image data generated in each of the regions with different imaging conditions.

(Modification 14)
In the third embodiment described above, the generation unit 323 is provided inside the imaging unit 32A. However, the generation unit 323 may be provided outside the imaging unit 32A. Even if the generation unit 323 is provided outside the imaging unit 32A, the same operational effects as the above-described operational effects can be obtained.

(Modification 15)
In the above-described third embodiment, the multilayer imaging element 100A includes image processing that performs the above-described preprocessing and image processing in addition to the backside illumination imaging chip 111, the signal processing chip 112, and the memory chip 113. A chip 114 is further provided. However, the image processing chip 114 may be provided in the signal processing chip 112 without providing the image processing chip 114 in the multilayer imaging device 100A.

(Modification 16)
In the third embodiment described above, the second processing unit 152 receives, from the first processing unit 151, information on the first imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging condition. did. In addition, the first processing unit 151 receives information about the second imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging condition from the second processing unit 152. However, the second processing unit 152 may receive information about the first imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging condition from the driving unit 32b or the control unit 34. Similarly, the first processing unit 151 may receive information about the second imaging condition necessary for reducing the difference between the image data due to the difference in the imaging condition from the driving unit 32b or the control unit 34.
In addition, you may combine each embodiment and modification which were mentioned above, respectively.

The imaging optical system 31 described above may include a zoom lens or tilt lens. The lens movement control unit 34d adjusts the angle of view by the imaging optical system 31 by moving the zoom lens in the optical axis direction. That is, the image by the imaging optical system 31 can be adjusted by moving the zoom lens, such as obtaining an image of a wide range of subjects or obtaining a large image of a far subject.
Further, the lens movement control unit 34d can adjust the distortion of the image by the imaging optical system 31 by moving the tilt lens in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.
Based on the idea that it is preferable to use the preprocessed image data as described above in order to adjust the state of the image by the imaging optical system 31 (for example, the state of the angle of view or the state of distortion of the image). The pre-processing described above may be performed.

  Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1C ... Camera 1B ... Imaging system 31 ... Imaging optical system 32 ... Imaging part 32a, 100 ... Imaging element 33 ... Image processing part 33a, 321 ... Input part 33b, 322 ... Correction part 33c, 323 ... Generation part 34 ... Control Unit 34a ... object detection unit 34b ... setting unit 34c ... imaging control unit 34d ... lens movement control unit 35 ... display unit 80 ... predetermined range 90 ... attention area 1001 ... imaging device 1002 ... display device P ... attention pixel

Claims (5)

An imaging unit capable of setting imaging conditions for each block having a plurality of pixels;
A first imaging condition is set for the block in the first area where the first light from the first object is incident, and the block in the second area where the second light from the second object is incident An imaging condition setting unit that sets a second imaging condition and sets a third imaging condition in the block of the third region where the first and second lights are incident;
A correction unit that corrects a signal from the pixel of the block of the third region based on the first and second imaging conditions;
A generating unit that generates an image based on the signal corrected by the correcting unit, the signal from the pixel of the block in the first area, and the signal from the pixel of the block in the second area When,
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1,
The third region has the block on which the first and second lights are incident,
The correction unit corrects a signal from a part of the plurality of pixels of the block on which the first and second lights are incident based on the first imaging condition, and the first and second lights are An imaging device that corrects signals from other portions of the plurality of pixels of the incident block based on the second imaging condition. The imaging device according to claim 2,
The third region further includes the block on which one of the first light and the second light is incident,
The imaging condition setting unit sets the third imaging condition for the block on which the first and second lights are incident, and the block on which one of the first light and the second light is incident An imaging apparatus for setting a fourth imaging condition. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging condition setting unit sets the third imaging condition based on the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
The imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging condition setting unit sets the third imaging condition so that gradation information is not lost from a signal from the pixel of the block in the third region.

Images