DISPLAY APPARATUS, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS

A display apparatus includes a memory controller, a focus-data acquisition unit, an image-data acquisition unit, and an image display unit. The memory controller causes a memory to store a target focus position, which is a focus position serving as a target and used when image capturing is performed by the image capturing apparatus. The focus-data acquisition unit acquires in-use focus data indicating an in-use focus position being used in image capturing performed by the image capturing apparatus. The image-data acquisition unit acquires image data generated by the image capturing apparatus capturing an image of a subject using the in-use focus position. The image display unit superimposes the target focus position and the in-use focus position on a displayed image based on the image data and causes a display unit to display the target focus position and the in-use focus position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus, a display control method, and an image capturing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitherto, a method is known in which when an image of a subject is to be captured using an image capturing apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, information regarding the position where focus is achieved is displayed on a display. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-93422 discloses an image capturing apparatus that detects the distance to a subject during capturing of an image of the subject, and displays an image showing a relationship between the position of the subject in an optical-axis direction of the image capturing apparatus and the position where focus is achieved.

A display apparatus, a display control method, and an image capturing apparatus according to the present invention improve on the above-described points to realize easy focus adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is directed to a display apparatus. The display apparatus is connectable to an image capturing apparatus, and includes a memory controller, an in-use-focus-data acquisition unit, an image-data acquisition unit, and an image display unit. The memory controller is configured to cause a memory to store a target focus position input by a user, the target focus position being a focus position serving as a target and used when image capturing is performed by the image capturing apparatus. The in-use-focus-data acquisition unit is configured to acquire in-use focus data indicating an in-use focus position being used in image capturing performed by the image capturing apparatus. The image-data acquisition unit is configured to acquire image data generated by the image capturing apparatus capturing an image of a subject using the in-use focus position. The image display unit is configured to superimpose the target focus position and the in-use focus position on a displayed image based on the image data, and cause a display unit to display the target focus position and the in-use focus position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Overview of Image Capturing System S

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing system S according to a first embodiment. The image capturing system S is, for example, a system used to shoot movies. The image capturing system S includes an image capturing apparatus1, a display apparatus2, and a remote controller3.

The image capturing apparatus1is a video camera that generates image data of a moving image or still images by capturing images of a subject. The image capturing apparatus1is connected to the remote controller3via a cable or wireless connection. The user is able to adjust a position where focus is achieved (hereinafter referred to as “focus position”) using a focus ring provided at the image capturing apparatus1or the remote controller3. The focus position is represented by the distance between a lens of the image capturing apparatus1and a subject for which focus is achieved.

The image capturing apparatus1generates an image signal including image data, and transmits the generated image signal to the display apparatus2via a transmission line4. The transmission line4supports, for example, serial digital interface (SDI), and is composed of a coaxial cable capable of transmitting digital videos and digital voice. The image capturing apparatus1transmits, to the display apparatus2, in-use focus data using an ancillary data area of an image signal supporting SDI. In-use focus data indicates an in-use focus position, which is a focus position being used for capturing images of a subject by the image capturing apparatus1. The focus position indicates a depth position being in focus.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare diagrams illustrating focus adjustment images displayed by the display apparatus2. As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the display apparatus2displays a focus adjustment image201together with a subject H. The focus adjustment image201is an image including a scale image, a target-position image202(a black triangle image), and an in-use position image203(a white triangle image). The scale image shows distances from 0 meters (m) to infinity (∞). The target-position image202shows a target focus position. The in-use position image203shows an in-use focus position.

A user is able to adjust the focus position of the image capturing apparatus1by operating the remote controller3while looking at the focus adjustment image201illustrated inFIG. 2A. When the focus position of the image capturing apparatus1is changed by the user operating the remote controller3, data indicating the resulting in-use focus position is transmitted from the image capturing apparatus1to the display apparatus2. The display apparatus2changes the position of the in-use position image203in accordance with the in-use focus position indicated by the received data. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 2B, the display apparatus2switches display of an in-use position image203aindicating the in-use focus position used before focus position adjustment is performed by the user to display of an in-use position image203bindicating the in-use focus position acquired after focus position adjustment is performed by the user.

As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the user is able to observe and recognize that adjustment of the in-use focus position to a target focus position is achieved, by confirming that the position of the in-use position image203bsubstantially matches the position of the target-position image202. In this manner, in the image capturing system S, the display apparatus2connected to the image capturing apparatus1displays a focus position set as a target, and the focus position being used by the image capturing apparatus1. Thus, the user is able to easily adjust the focus position used in the image capturing apparatus1to a desired position.

In the following, the configuration of the image capturing apparatus1and the configuration of the display apparatus2will be described in detail.

[Configuration of Image Capturing Apparatus1]

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image capturing apparatus1. The image capturing apparatus1includes a lens unit11, an image capturing unit12, a remote controller interface (IF) unit13, an image-signal output unit14, a display unit15, a memory16, and a controller17. The controller17includes an operation receiving unit171, a focus controller172, an image processing unit173, and an image-signal generation unit174.

The lens unit11includes one or more lenses, and a driving unit such as a motor (not shown) that moves the one or more lens along the optical-axis direction. In the lens unit11, the driving unit is able to move the focus position by moving the position of the lens under control performed by the controller17.

The image capturing unit12generates an imaging signal by photoelectrically converting an image of a subject, the image being formed on an imaging surface in accordance with light entering through the lens unit11. The image capturing unit12is, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The remote controller IF unit13is connected to the remote controller3via a cable or wirelessly, and receives operation data indicating the content of an operation input by a user using the remote controller3. The remote controller IF unit13receives, from the remote controller3, for example operation data used to specify a focus position to be used for image capturing, and notifies the operation receiving unit171of the received operation data.

The image-signal output unit14is an interface for outputting, to the display apparatus2, an image signal including image data based on an imaging signal generated by the image capturing unit12. The image-signal output unit14outputs an image signal supporting SDI and including, in an ancillary data area, in-use focus data indicating the focus position being used when the image capturing unit12generates an imaging signal. In addition, the image-signal output unit14outputs, to the display unit15, an image signal including image data.

The memory16is a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The memory16stores a program executed by the controller17. In addition, the memory16temporarily stores various types of data generated by the controller17.

The controller17is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor, and operates as the operation receiving unit171, the focus controller172, the image processing unit173, and the image-signal generation unit174by executing the program stored in the memory16.

The operation receiving unit171receives operations input by a user through the remote controller IF unit13. The operation receiving unit171receives, for example, operation data specifying a focus position, and notifies the focus controller172of the received operation data.

The focus controller172controls the driving unit of the lens unit11in accordance with operation data received by the operation receiving unit171and specifying a focus position, and as a result adjusts the focus position used by the image capturing apparatus1. The focus controller172notifies the image-signal generation unit174of in-use focus data indicating the focus position acquired after the adjustment.

The image processing unit173generates image data in accordance with an imaging signal generated by the image capturing unit12, and performs, on the generated image data, image processing such as color correction and gamma correction as well as compression processing. The image processing unit173outputs, to the image-signal generation unit174, the image data on which the image processing and compression processing have been performed.

The image-signal generation unit174generates an image signal including in-use focus data input from the focus controller172and image data input from the image processing unit173. Specifically, the image-signal generation unit174generates an image signal supporting SDI and including, in an ancillary data area, in-use focus data. The image-signal generation unit174outputs the generated image signal to the image-signal output unit14and the display unit15.

[Configuration of Display Apparatus2]

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the display apparatus2. The display apparatus2includes an image-signal input unit21, an operation unit22, a display unit23, a memory24, and a controller25. The controller25includes an operation receiving unit251, an image-data acquisition unit252, a focus-data acquisition unit253, a memory controller254, and an image display unit255.

The image-signal input unit21is an interface for receiving, as an input, an image signal output by the image-signal output unit14. The image-signal input unit21decodes the received image signal, and outputs the decoded image signal to the image-data acquisition unit252and the focus-data acquisition unit253.

The operation unit22is an input unit such as an operation panel, an operation button, or a touch panel, which is used by a user to perform operations for setting data in the display apparatus2. The operation unit22notifies the operation receiving unit251of operation data indicating the content of an operation performed by a user. A user is able to perform, through the operation unit22, operations such as starting of recording of, starting of playback of, and stopping of playback of target focus data. In addition, when a user starts recording of target focus data, the user may set, through the operation unit22, target focus data, which is data indicating a target focus position used in the image capturing apparatus1.

The display unit23displays an image based on image data output from the image display unit255. The display unit23is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The memory24is a storage medium such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory24stores a program executed by the controller25. In addition, the memory24temporarily stores various types of data output by the controller25. For example, the memory24stores target focus data input by a user through the operation unit22.

The controller25is, for example, a CPU, and operates as the operation receiving unit251, the memory controller254, the image-data acquisition unit252, the focus-data acquisition unit253, and the image display unit255by executing the program stored in the memory24.

The operation receiving unit251receives, through the operation unit22, operation data indicating the content of an operation performed by a user. For example, upon receiving operation data used to start setting of target focus data input by a user, the operation receiving unit251notifies the memory controller254that setting of target focus data is to be started. Thereafter, the operation receiving unit251sequentially receives pieces of target focus data, and outputs the received pieces of target focus data to the memory controller254. In addition, upon receiving an operation for starting or terminating a playback operation that causes the focus adjustment image201illustrated inFIG. 2Ato be displayed or an operation for target-focus-data switching, the operation receiving unit251notifies the image display unit255of the content of such an operation.

The operation receiving unit251may receive, together with the target focus data, data indicating a time period elapsed from a reference time or time stamp (for example, a time at which a playback operation is started for the focus adjustment image201). For example, the operation receiving unit251causes the display unit23to display a screen which allows a user to input data indicating an elapsed time period. After receiving data indicating an elapsed time period, the operation receiving unit251causes the display unit23to display a screen used to input target focus data, and receives target focus data, as an input, in association with the elapsed time period.

The image-data acquisition unit252acquires image data included in an image signal input from the image-signal input unit21. That is, the image-data acquisition unit252acquires image data generated by the image capturing apparatus1capturing an image of a subject using the focus position corresponding to in-use focus data acquired by the focus-data acquisition unit253. The image-data acquisition unit252outputs the acquired image data to the image display unit255.

The focus-data acquisition unit253acquires in-use focus data included in an image signal input from the image-signal input unit21. The focus-data acquisition unit253outputs the acquired in-use focus data to the image display unit255.

The memory controller254causes the memory24to store a target focus position input from the operation receiving unit251. The memory controller254causes the memory24to store a plurality of pieces of target focus data in association with the order in which the plurality of pieces of target focus data are used in image capturing performed by the image capturing apparatus1.

For example, the memory controller254resets the serial number of target focus data to one upon receiving, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that setting of the target focus data is to be started. Thereafter, every time the memory controller254receives target focus data from the operation receiving unit251, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store the target focus data in association with a certain serial number. The memory controller254adds one to the serial number every time the memory controller254causes the memory24to store target focus data.

As a result, a target-focus-position table as illustrated inFIG. 5Ais generated in the memory24. In the target-focus-position table, serial numbers are associated with pieces of target focus data. Note that in the case where the operation receiving unit251receives, as an input, data indicating a time period elapsed from a reference time, the memory controller254may cause the memory24to store, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, the time period elapsed from the reference time so that the elapsed time period is associated with a target focus position.

Upon receiving, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that playback of target focus data is to be started, the image display unit255generates the focus adjustment image201illustrated inFIG. 2Ain accordance with in-use focus data input from the focus-data acquisition unit253and the target focus data stored in the memory24. The image display unit255causes the display unit23to display the generated focus adjustment image201. The image display unit255generates image data of a to-be-displayed image corresponding to the screen illustrated inFIG. 2Aby superimposing the focus adjustment image201on the image based on image data input from the image-data acquisition unit252, the focus adjustment image201including the target-position image202and the in-use position image203.

The image display unit255updates the focus adjustment image201every time the image display unit255receives new in-use focus data from the focus-data acquisition unit253. As a result, since the in-use position image203is moved in the focus adjustment image201in response to a change made to the focus position by a user as illustrated inFIG. 2B, the user is able to grasp in real time the focus position being used.

The image display unit255may switch the target-position image202included in the focus adjustment image201to another target-position image202in response to a target change operation performed by a user and input through the operation unit22. For example, after displaying a target-position image202corresponding to a serial number of 1, when the operation receiving unit251receives a target change operation, the image display unit255deletes the target-position image202corresponding to a serial number of 1, and generates a focus adjustment image201including a target-position image202corresponding to a serial number of 2.

The image display unit255may also cause the display unit23to display a plurality of target focus positions in association with information indicating the order in which the target focus positions are used. For example, the image display unit255causes serial numbers to be displayed near a plurality of respective target-position images202, the serial numbers being stored in the memory24in association with target focus positions.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating a focus adjustment image201including a plurality of target-position images202. InFIG. 6, target-position images202are displayed that correspond to three focus positions (8 m, 3 m, and 6 m) having serial numbers of 1 to 3 among a plurality of target focus positions included in the target-focus-position table illustrated inFIG. 5A or 5B. In this manner, the image display unit255may cause the display unit23to display target focus positions the number of which has been set by a user in advance, among the plurality of target focus positions included in the target-focus-position table.

InFIG. 6, numbers (1), (2), and (3) indicating the order in which the target focus positions are used are displayed above the respective target-position images202. A user is able to grasp, during image capturing, that the focus position needs to be changed in the order indicated by the numbers. For example, while a user is capturing images using a set focus position of 8 m, which is the first target focus position, the user is thus able to grasp that next the focus position needs to be changed to 3 m. Consequently, it is possible to promptly change the focus position at a timing at which the scene being captured is switched to the next scene.

The image display unit255may display, near the target-position images202as illustrated inFIG. 7, arrows indicating the order in which the target focus position is switched from one to another. As a result, the user may grasp the direction in which the focus position is to be changed. In a case where the focus position is changed by the remote controller3, the image display unit255is able to further improve ease of operation by displaying an arrow oriented in the same direction as the operation direction of the focus position.

In addition, among images that the display unit23is caused to display and that are based on a plurality of pieces of target focus data, the image display unit255may stop displaying a target position image that becomes included in a predetermined range from the position indicated by the in-use focus data, the target position image being an image based on target focus data. For example, suppose a case where a certain target-position image202among a plurality of target-position images202that the display unit23is caused to display stays within a predetermined range from the position of the in-use position image203for at least a certain time period. In this case, it is considered that the in-use focus position matches the target focus position, and the image display unit255deletes the target-position image202. At the moment when deleting the target-position image202or after deleting the target-position image202, the image display unit255may cause the display unit23to display a target-position image202, which is the next-to-be-displayed target-position image. As a result, in the case where the image display unit255causes a plurality of target-position images202to be displayed, a user does not have to look at target-position images202unnecessary for the current operation, thereby further improving the ease of operation.

[Processing Procedure in Display Apparatus2]

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed in the display apparatus2. Before a user starts capturing images in a state where a focus adjustment image201is displayed at the display apparatus2, the operation receiving unit251receives target focus data as an input. Specifically, the operation receiving unit251monitors whether or not target focus data has been input (S11). In the case where target focus data has been input (Yes in S11), the operation receiving unit251acquires the input target focus data (S12). The operation receiving unit251causes the memory24to sequentially store pieces of input target focus data (S13).

The operation receiving unit251monitors whether or not an operation for starting a playback operation has been performed (S14), the playback operation being an operation for causing a focus adjustment image201to be displayed. While the operation for starting the playback operation is not performed (No in S14), the processing from S11to S13is repeated. In the case where it is determined in S14that the operation for starting the playback operation has been performed (Yes in S14), the operation receiving unit251notifies the image display unit255that the playback operation is to be started. Upon receiving the notification indicating that the playback operation is to be started, the image display unit255reads out certain target focus data stored in the memory24, and causes the display unit23to display a focus adjustment image201including a target-position image202corresponding to the read-out target focus data (S15).

Thereafter, the image display unit255monitors whether or not the focus-data acquisition unit253has acquired in-use focus data, which is superimposed on an image signal received by the image-signal input unit21(S16). In the case where the focus-data acquisition unit253has acquired the in-use focus data (Yes in S16), the image display unit255updates the focus adjustment image201being displayed on the display unit23to a focus adjustment image201including an in-use position image203corresponding to the acquired in-use focus data (S17). In the case where the focus-data acquisition unit253has not acquired the in-use focus data in S16(No in S16), the process proceeds to S18.

Subsequently, the image display unit255confirms whether or not the target focus data needs to be switched to the next target focus data (S18). For example, in the case where the image display unit255has received, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that an operation for switching the target focus data to the next target focus data is received (Yes in S18), the process proceeds to S19, and the image display unit255causes the display unit23to display an image based on the next target focus data (S19). In the case where, in S18, the image display unit255has not received, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that the operation for switching the target focus data to the next target focus data is received (No in S18), the process proceeds to S20.

Note that in the case where elapsed time periods with respect to a reference time are stored in the memory24in association with pieces of target focus data and where, in S18, a time period elapsed from the time when the display unit23starts displaying the target-position image202matches a certain elapsed time period stored in the memory24, the process may proceed to S19, and the image display unit255may cause the display unit23to display a target-position image202corresponding to the target focus position associated with the elapsed time period.

In the case where the image display unit255has received, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that an operation for terminating the playback operation is received (Yes in S20), the image display unit255terminates the playback operation. In the case where the image display unit255has not received, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that the operation for terminating the playback operation is received (No in S20), the process returns to S16. In S16, the image display unit255updates the focus adjustment image201every time the in-use focus data is updated.

[Advantageous Effects According to First Embodiment]

As described above, in the image capturing system S according to the first embodiment, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store a target focus position, which is input by a user and which is a focus position serving as a target and used when image capturing is performed by the image capturing apparatus1. When image capturing is performed using the image capturing apparatus1, the image display unit255reads out the target focus position from the memory24, and causes the display unit23to display a focus adjustment image201including an in-use position image203and a target-position image202. The in-use position image203indicates the in-use focus position acquired from the image capturing apparatus1and used in image capturing. The target-position image202indicates the target focus position. As a result, the user becomes able to easily match the focus position of the image capturing apparatus1to a target focus position set in accordance with the distance to a subject, the distance having been measured in advance at the time of a rehearsal.

Note that the example is described above in which a user inputs target focus data before starting a playback operation; however, the timing at which target focus data is input is determined arbitrarily. For example, while the image display unit255is displaying a focus adjustment image201, the operation receiving unit251may receive target focus data as an input. In this case, the memory controller254may add the input target focus data to the target-focus-position table stored in the memory24, and may also update the target focus data specified by a user.

Second Embodiment

The display apparatus2according to the first embodiment does not change the size of an image displayed on the display unit23even when a user matches an in-use focus position to a target focus position. In contrast to this, a display apparatus2according to a second embodiment differs from the display apparatus2according to the first embodiment in that when an in-use focus position becomes included in a predetermined range from a target focus position, the display apparatus2according to the second embodiment enlarges an image displayed on the display unit23. The display apparatus2according to the second embodiment is useful in a case where a user wants to fine-adjust a focus position in a state where an in-use focus position is located near a target focus position. Note that the above-described predetermined range is, for example, set by a user through the operation unit22.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare diagrams illustrating focus adjustment images displayed by the display apparatus2according to the second embodiment.FIG. 9Aillustrates a screen displayed when an in-use focus position is not included in a predetermined range (a target focus position±0.5 m inFIG. 9A) from the target focus position. The region encircled with broken lines inFIG. 9Ais a region set in advance and to be enlarged in the image (hereinafter referred to as “enlargement region”).

FIG. 9Billustrates a screen displayed when the in-use focus position is included in the predetermined range from the target focus position. In this manner, the image display unit255according to the second embodiment enlarges a displayed image in a case where the in-use focus position is included in the predetermined range with respect to the target focus position, and causes the display unit23to display the enlarged image. As illustrated inFIG. 9B, the image display unit255causes a reduced-size image of the entirety of the displayed image to be displayed together with the enlarged image.

In accordance with the content of an operation performed by a user at the operation unit22, the memory controller254may cause the memory24to store, in association with the target focus position, information used to specify the enlargement region. In addition, the memory controller254may also cause the memory24to store, in association with a time period elapsed from a reference time, information used to specify the enlargement region in the image.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating a target-focus-position table stored in the memory24. In the target-focus-position table illustrated inFIG. 10, the order of target focus positions, time periods elapsed from the reference time, target focus positions, and the coordinates of regions to be displayed in an enlarged manner are associated with each other. For each region, the coordinates of the region are the coordinates of the four corners of the region. For the second target focus position, the coordinates of the four corners of a region to be displayed in an enlarged manner are not set. In such a case, the image display unit255does not enlarge the image displayed on the display unit23even when an in-use focus position becomes included in a predetermined range from the second target focus position.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed in the display apparatus according to the second embodiment.FIG. 11illustrates processing from the processing of S14of the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 8. Since S21to S23and S27to S29ofFIG. 11correspond to S14to S16and S18to S20ofFIG. 8, respectively, description thereof will be omitted.

Upon acquiring in-use focus data in S23, the image display unit255determines whether or not the in-use focus position indicated by the in-use focus data is included in a predetermined range with respect to a target focus position (S24). In the case where the in-use focus position is included in the predetermined range with respect to the target focus position (Yes in S24), the image display unit255enlarges an image based on image data input from the image-data acquisition unit252, and causes the display unit23to display the resulting image (S25). Specifically, the image display unit255enlarges an image of an enlargement region stored in the memory24in association with the target focus position, and causes the resulting image to be displayed. In the case where the in-use focus position is not included in the predetermined range with respect to the target focus position (No in S24), the image display unit255does not enlarge the image based on the image data input from the image-data acquisition unit252, and displays the image on the display unit23in a normal size (S26).

Note that, in S25, the image display unit255may enlarge an image, which is included in the displayed image, of a region corresponding to an elapsed time period acquired when the in-use focus position becomes included in the predetermined range with respect to the target focus position, and causes the resulting image to be displayed. For example, for each of the target focus positions, the memory24prestores the coordinates of a plurality of enlargement regions corresponding to a plurality of elapsed time periods in association with the target focus position. While the in-use focus position is included in the predetermined range with respect to the target focus position, the image display unit255changes, in accordance with an elapsed time period, a region to be enlarged in the image. As a result, in a case where the position of a subject changes while the target focus position is not changed, the image display unit255is able to enlarge an image of and around the subject and cause the display unit23to display the resulting image. Thus, a user may more easily fine-adjust the in-use focus position while looking at the subject's image displayed in an enlarged manner.

[Advantageous Effects According to Second Embodiment]

As described above, in an image capturing system S according to the second embodiment, the image display unit255enlarges an image displayed on the display unit23in a case where an in-use focus position becomes included in a predetermined range from a target focus position. As a result, when an in-use focus position approaches a target focus position, a user is able to fine-adjust the in-use focus position while looking at a subject's image displayed in an enlarged manner, without performing an operation for performing enlarged display. Consequently, a user is able to increase the accuracy of focus position adjustment without performing a complicated operation.

Third Embodiment

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the display apparatus2displays a target focus position and an in-use focus position. In contrast to this, a third embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that an image capturing apparatus1displays a target focus position and an in-use focus position on the display unit15.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing apparatus1according to the third embodiment. The image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 12differs from the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 3in that the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 12includes a memory controller175. In addition, the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 12differs from the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 3in that the image-signal generation unit174causes the display unit15to display not only an image based on image data but also a focus adjustment image201, which is superimposed on the image based on the image data. The focus adjustment image201includes a target-position image202and an in-use position image203, the target-position image202indicating a target focus position, the in-use position image203indicating an in-use focus position.

The memory controller175has substantially the same function as the memory controller254according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, the memory controller175causes the memory16to store target focus data input by a user through the remote controller IF unit13. The memory16stores a target-focus-position table as illustrated inFIG. 5A, 5B, or10. Similarly to the image display unit255according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the image-signal generation unit174sequentially reads out target focus positions stored in the memory16, and causes the display unit15to display a target-position image202together with an in-use position image203based on in-use focus data input from the focus controller172.

[Advantageous Effects According to Third Embodiment]

As described above, the image capturing apparatus1according to the third embodiment is able to display, together with the focus position being used in image capturing, a target focus position input by a user. Consequently, without connecting the image capturing apparatus1to the display apparatus2, a user becomes able to easily match the focus position of the image capturing apparatus1to a target focus position set in accordance with the distance to a subject, the distance having been measured in advance at the time of a rehearsal.

Fourth Embodiment

In a display apparatus2according to a fourth embodiment, the image display unit255automatically records target focus data in synchronization with an operation performed to change the focus position by a user, and updates a target-position image202. The configuration of an image capturing system S according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration illustrated inFIG. 1. The operation receiving unit251receives, through the operation unit22, operation data indicating the content of an operation performed by a user. For example, upon receiving operation data used to start recording of target focus data input by a user, the operation receiving unit251notifies the memory controller254that recording of target focus data is to be started. In addition, upon receiving an operation for starting or terminating a playback operation that causes the focus adjustment image201illustrated inFIG. 2Ato be displayed or an operation for target-focus-data switching, the operation receiving unit251notifies the image display unit255of the content of such an operation.

The image-data acquisition unit252acquires image data included in an image signal input from the image-signal input unit21. That is, the image-data acquisition unit252acquires image data generated by the image capturing apparatus1capturing an image of a subject using a focus position corresponding to in-use focus data acquired by the focus-data acquisition unit253. The image-data acquisition unit252outputs the acquired image data to the image display unit255.

The focus-data acquisition unit253acquires in-use focus data included in an image signal input from the image-signal input unit21. The focus-data acquisition unit253outputs the acquired in-use focus data to the memory controller254and the image display unit255.

Upon receiving, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that recording of target focus data is to be started, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store, in association with scene recognition information, in-use focus data (first focus data) as target focus data, the in-use focus data having been input from the focus-data acquisition unit253. The memory controller254causes the memory24to store a plurality of pieces of target focus data in association with the order in which the plurality of pieces of target focus data are used in image capturing performed by the image capturing apparatus1.

For example, the memory controller254resets the serial number of target focus data to one upon receiving, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that recording of target focus data is to be started. Thereafter, every time the memory controller254receives in-use focus data from the focus-data acquisition unit253at predetermined time intervals, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store, in association with a certain serial number, the in-use focus data as target focus data. The memory controller254adds one to the serial number every time the memory controller254causes the memory24to store target focus data.

As a result, a target-focus-position table as illustrated inFIG. 5Ais generated in the memory24. In the target-focus-position table, serial numbers are associated with pieces of target focus data. As illustrated inFIG. 5B, the memory controller254may also cause the memory24to store, in association with a certain target focus position, a time period elapsed from a reference time (for example, a time at which recording of the target focus data is started).

In the case where the focus position being used in the image capturing apparatus1is the same for at least a time period corresponding to a predetermined value, the memory controller254may also cause the memory24to store, as target focus data, in-use focus data input from the focus-data acquisition unit253. Specifically, the memory controller254monitors the value of in-use focus data input from the focus-data acquisition unit253. In the case where the value of the in-use focus data is changed, the value acquired after the change is caused to be provisionally stored in the memory24. After the memory24is caused to provisionally store the value acquired after the change, in the case where the value acquired after the change is not changed for at least the time period corresponding to the predetermined value, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store, in association with a serial number, the value caused to be provisionally stored, the value being stored as target focus data. After causing the memory24to provisionally store the value acquired after the change, in the case where the value acquired after the change is changed within a time period corresponding to a value lower than the predetermined value, the memory controller254deletes, from the memory24, the value caused to be provisionally stored.

In addition, in the case where the focus position being used in the image capturing apparatus1is the same for at least the time period corresponding to the predetermined value, the memory controller254may also cause the memory24to store, in association with the focus position, the time period elapsed from a reference time to the setting time of the focus position. Specifically, in the case where the value of in-use focus data is changed, the memory controller254causes the memory24to provisionally store, in association with a time period elapsed from the reference time at which the value of the in-use focus data is changed, the value acquired after the change. After causing the memory24to provisionally store the value acquired after the change, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store, as target focus data, the value caused to be provisionally stored and the elapsed time period, in the case where the value acquired after the change is not changed for at least the time period corresponding to the predetermined value.

Upon receiving, from the operation receiving unit251, a notification indicating that playback of target focus data is to be started, the image display unit255generates the focus adjustment image201illustrated inFIG. 2Ain accordance with in-use focus data input from the focus-data acquisition unit253and the target focus data stored in the memory24. The image display unit255causes the display unit23to display the generated focus adjustment image201. The image display unit255generates image data of a to-be-displayed image corresponding to the screen illustrated inFIG. 2Aby superimposing the focus adjustment image201on the image based on image data input from the image-data acquisition unit252, the focus adjustment image201including the target-position image202and the in-use position image203.

The image display unit255updates the focus adjustment image201every time the image display unit255receives new in-use focus data from the focus-data acquisition unit253. As a result, since the in-use position image203is moved in the focus adjustment image201in response to a change made to the focus position by a user as illustrated inFIG. 2B, the user is able to grasp in real time the focus position being used.

The image display unit255may also cause the display unit23to display a plurality of target focus positions in association with information indicating the order in which the target focus positions are used. For example, the image display unit255causes serial numbers to be displayed near a plurality of respective target-position images202, the serial numbers being stored in the memory24in association with target focus positions.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating a focus adjustment image201including a plurality of target-position images202. InFIG. 6, target-position images202are displayed that correspond to three focus positions (8 m, 3 m, and 6 m) having serial numbers of 1 to 3 among a plurality of target focus positions included in the target-focus-position table illustrated inFIG. 5A or 58B. In this manner, the image display unit255may cause the display unit23to display target focus positions the number of which has been set by a user in advance, among the plurality of target focus positions included in the target-focus-position table.

InFIG. 6, numbers (1), (2), and (3) indicating the order in which the target focus positions are used are displayed above the respective target-position images202. The user is able to grasp, during image capturing, that the focus position needs to be changed in the order indicated by the numbers. For example, while a user is capturing images using a set focus position of 8 m, which is the first target focus position, the user is thus able to grasp that next the focus position needs to be changed to 3 m. Consequently, it is possible to promptly change the focus position at a timing at which the scene being captured is switched to the next scene.

In addition, after an in-use focus position indicated by in-use focus data becomes included in a predetermined range from a target focus position indicated by target focus data and displayed on the display unit23, in a case where the in-use focus position is changed and not included in the predetermined range, the image display unit255may also causes the display unit23to display a target-position image202corresponding to the next target focus data according to the order. As a result, a user does not have to perform an operation for switching to the next target focus data, and the target-position image202corresponding to the next target focus data is displayed without performing the operation, thereby improving the ease of operation.

In addition, among images that the display unit23is caused to display and that are based on a plurality of pieces of target focus data, the image display unit255may stop displaying a target position image that becomes included in a predetermined range from the position indicated by the in-use focus data, the target position image being an image based on target focus data. For example, suppose a case where a certain target-position image202among a plurality of target-position images202that the display unit23is caused to display stays within a predetermined range from the position of the in-use position image203for at least a certain time period. In this case, it is considered that the in-use focus position matches the target focus position, and the image display unit255deletes the target-position image202. At the moment when deleting the target-position image202or after deleting the target-position image202, the image display unit255may cause the display unit23to display a target-position image202, which is the next-to-be-displayed target-position image. As a result, in the case where the image display unit255causes a plurality of target-position images202to be displayed, a user does not have to look at target-position images202unnecessary for the current operation, thereby further improving the ease of operation.

[Procedure of Recording Process in Display Apparatus2]

FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a target-focus-data recording process performed in the display apparatus2. In an idle state, the operation receiving unit251monitors whether or not an operation for starting recording of target focus data is performed (S31). In the case where the operation receiving unit251detects that the operation for starting recording of target focus data has been performed (Yes in S31), the operation receiving unit251causes, using the image display unit255, the display unit23to display an operation screen used to receive scene recognition information, and acquires scene recognition information input by a user (S32). For example, the image display unit255causes the display unit23to display a screen used to select a piece of scene recognition information from among a plurality of pieces of scene recognition information stored in the memory24, and causes the display unit23to display an image based on target focus data corresponding to the selected piece of scene recognition information.

Subsequently, the operation receiving unit251notifies the memory controller254that recording is to be started and of the piece of scene recognition information input by a user. Upon receiving a notification indicating that recording is to be started, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store the scene recognition information acquired from the operation receiving unit251, and starts recording of in-use focus data input from the focus-data acquisition unit253.

Specifically, when recording of in-use focus data is started, the memory controller254confirms whether or not in-use focus data is input from the focus-data acquisition unit253(S33). In the case where the memory controller254confirms that in-use focus data is input (Yes in S33), thereafter the memory controller254acquires in-use focus data at predetermined time intervals. In the case where the memory controller254confirms that in-use focus data is not input over a predetermined time period (No in S33), the memory controller254terminates the recording process.

Upon acquiring in-use focus data, the memory controller254confirms whether or not the acquired in-use focus data is changed from the preceding in-use focus data, which is acquired immediately before the acquired in-use focus (S34). In the case where the in-use focus data acquired by the memory controller254is the first in-use focus data after start of the recording and the case where the acquired in-use focus data is changed from the preceding in-use focus data (Yes in S34), the memory controller254confirms whether or not the in-use focus data acquired after the change is the same for at least a time period corresponding to a predetermined value (S35).

In the case where the in-use focus data acquired after the change is the same for at least the time period corresponding to the predetermined value (Yes in S35), the memory controller254causes the memory24to store the in-use focus data in association with the scene recognition information (S36). The memory controller254monitors whether an operation for terminating the recording is performed (S37). Until the operation for terminating the recording is detected, the processing from S34to S36is repeated.

[Procedure of Playback Process in Display Apparatus2]

FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a target-focus-data playback process performed in the display apparatus2. In an idle state, the operation receiving unit251monitors whether or not an operation for starting playback of target focus data is performed (S41). In the case where the operation receiving unit251detects that the operation for starting playback of target focus data has been performed (Yes in S41), the operation receiving unit251causes, using the image display unit255, the display unit23to display an operation screen used to receive scene recognition information, and acquires scene recognition information input by a user (S42).

Upon acquiring the scene recognition information, the operation receiving unit251notifies the image display unit255that playback is to be started and of the scene recognition information. Upon receiving a notification indicating that playback is to be started, the image display unit255reads out, from the memory24, target focus data corresponding to the scene recognition information, and starts playback of the target focus data.

Specifically, upon starting playback of the target focus data, the image display unit255confirms whether or not in-use focus data is input from the focus-data acquisition unit253(S43). In the case where the image display unit255confirms that in-use focus data is input (Yes in S43), thereafter the image display unit255acquires in-use focus data at predetermined time intervals. In the case where the image display unit255confirms that in-use focus data is not input over a predetermined time period (No in S43), the image display unit255terminates the playback process.

The image display unit255acquires, in parallel with acquisition of the in-use focus data, target focus data stored in the memory24in association with the scene recognition information (S44). Upon acquiring the in-use focus data and the target focus data, the image display unit255causes the display unit23to display the focus adjustment image201including the target-position image202and the in-use position image203illustrated inFIG. 2A(S45).

Subsequently, in the case where the image display unit255receives, from the operation receiving unit251, a command to switch to the next target focus data according to the order (Yes in S46), the process returns to S44. In S44, the image display unit255acquires the next target focus data according to the order, and causes the display unit23to display a target-position image202corresponding to the acquired target focus data. In the case where, in S46, the image display unit255does not receive a command to switch to the next target focus data according to the order (No in S46), the process proceeds to S47. In S47, the image display unit255monitors whether an operation for terminating the playback is performed (S47). Until the operation for terminating the playback is detected, the processing from S45to S46is repeated.

[Procedure of Playback Process in Display Apparatus2(Modification)]

FIG. 15is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the procedure of a target-focus-data playback process performed in the display apparatus2. Since S51to S55are the same as S41to S45of the flowchart illustrated in FIG.14, description thereof will be omitted.

After displaying a focus adjustment image201in S55, the image display unit255confirms whether or not the state in which an in-use focus position is included in a predetermined range with respect to a target focus position continues for at least a predetermined time period (S56). For example, the image display unit255confirms whether or not the state in which the in-use focus position matches the target focus position for at least a predetermined time period.

In the case where the image display unit255determines that the in-use focus position is changed in a short period of time and the state in which the in-use focus position is included in the predetermined range with respect to the target focus position does not continue (No in S56), the process returns to S55. In S55, the image display unit255keeps updating, in accordance with in-use focus data, an in-use position image203without changing the target-position image202. In the case where the image display unit255determines that the state in which the in-use focus position is included in the predetermined range continues (Yes in S56), the image display unit255confirms whether or not the in-use focus data is changed thereafter (S57).

In the case where the in-use focus data is changed, it is considered that a user has performed an operation for changing the focus position. In the case where the image display unit255determines that the in-use focus data is changed (Yes in S57), the process returns to S54. The image display unit255acquires new target focus data (S54), and changes the target-position image202in the focus adjustment image201(S55).

As a result, the image display unit255is able to update the target-position image202in synchronization with an operation performed to change the focus position by a user. Consequently, even in the case where a timing at which the focus position is changed at the time of an image-capturing rehearsal does not match a timing at which the focus position is changed at the time of actual image capturing, switching from one target-position image202to another is able to be performed at an appropriate timing. Note that in the case where the image display unit255determines in S57that the in-use focus data is not changed (No in S57), the process proceeds to S58. In S58, the image display unit255monitors whether an operation for terminating the playback is performed. Until the operation for terminating the playback is detected, the processing from S55to S57is repeated.

[Advantageous Effects According to Fourth Embodiment]

As described above, in an image capturing system S according to the fourth embodiment, the focus-data acquisition unit253acquires, at the time of recording of target focus data, in-use focus data included in an image signal received from the image capturing apparatus1, and causes, using the memory controller254, the memory24to store the acquired in-use focus data. Thereafter, at the time of playback of target focus data, the image display unit255causes the display unit23to display an focus adjustment image201including a target-position image202and an in-use position image203, the target-position image202being based on target focus data stored in the memory24, the in-use position image203being based on in-use focus data acquired by the focus-data acquisition unit253. With such a configuration, a user is able to adjust the focus position at the time of actual image capturing while looking at a target-position image202indicating the focus position used at the time of an image-capturing rehearsal, whereby enabling the user to easily adjust the focus position to an appropriate focus position.

Fifth Embodiment

It is supposed in the first to fourth embodiments that an image capturing apparatus1used at a rehearsal is the same as an image capturing apparatus1used at actual image capturing. In contrast to this, a fifth embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that it is supposed that an image capturing apparatus1used at a rehearsal is not the same as an image capturing apparatus1used at actual image capturing.

In the case where a first image capturing apparatus1used at the time of a rehearsal is not the same as a second image capturing apparatus1used at actual image capturing, if target focus data based on the focus position used at the time of the rehearsal is used at the time of actual image capturing performed by the second image capturing apparatus1, there may be a case where focus is not achieved.

Thus, when target focus data is recorded, the focus-data acquisition unit253according to the fifth embodiment extracts an image-capturing apparatus ID included in an image signal received from a certain image capturing apparatus1, and the memory controller254causes the memory24to store the target focus data in association with the image-capturing apparatus ID. An image-capturing apparatus ID is information for recognizing an image capturing apparatus1. In the case where the image-capturing apparatus ID acquired by the focus-data acquisition unit253from a certain image capturing apparatus1when target focus data is played back does not match the image-capturing apparatus ID associated with the target focus data and read out from the memory24, the image display unit255causes the display unit23to display warning information.

In addition, in the case where the image-capturing apparatus ID acquired by the focus-data acquisition unit253when target focus data is played back does not match the image-capturing apparatus ID associated with the target focus data and read out from the memory24, the memory controller254may cause the memory24to store, in association with the image-capturing apparatus ID of the image capturing apparatus1, in-use focus data indicating the focus position being used in the image capturing apparatus1as target focus data. As a result, the display apparatus2is able to cause the memory24to newly store target focus data at the time when it becomes clear that no target focus data is available for users.

FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating a playback process performed in the display apparatus2according to the fifth embodiment. The processing in S61and S62is the same as the processing in S41and S42of the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 14. After S62, the memory controller254acquires the image-capturing apparatus ID of the image capturing apparatus1via the focus-data acquisition unit253(S63). Subsequently, the memory controller254determines whether or not the image-capturing apparatus ID acquired in S63matches an image-capturing apparatus ID stored in the memory24in association with the target focus data (S64). In the case where these image-capturing apparatus IDs match (Yes in S64), the display apparatus2executes processing from S65to S69. The processing from S65to S69is the same as the processing from S43to S47of the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 14.

In the case where the memory controller254determines in S64that the image-capturing apparatus ID acquired during playback of the target focus data does not match the image-capturing apparatus ID stored in the memory24(No in S64), the memory controller254causes the display unit23to display warning information (S70). Thereafter, the process proceeds to the target-focus-data recording process illustrated inFIG. 13(S31). In S31, the memory controller254may cause the memory24to store, in association with the image-capturing apparatus ID of the image capturing apparatus1being used for image capturing, in-use focus data acquired from the focus-data acquisition unit253as target focus data.

[Advantageous Effects According to Fifth Embodiment]

As described above, the display apparatus2according to the fifth embodiment stores the image-capturing apparatus ID of an image capturing apparatus1in the memory24in association with target focus data. In the case where the image-capturing apparatus ID of an image capturing apparatus1that has acquired in-use focus data when target focus data is played back matches an image-capturing apparatus ID stored in the memory24, the image display unit255causes the display unit23to display a focus adjustment image201. In the case where these image-capturing apparatus IDs do not match, the memory controller254causes the memory24to store, in association with the image-capturing apparatus ID, the in-use focus data acquired by the focus-data acquisition unit253, the in-use focus data being stored as target focus data. As a result, in the case where a first image capturing apparatus1used at the time of a rehearsal is not the same as a second image capturing apparatus1used at actual image capturing, image capturing performed by a user in a state in which focus is not achieved may be prevented using a focus adjustment image201.

Sixth Embodiment

In the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the display apparatus2displays a target focus position and an in-use focus position. In contrast to this, a sixth embodiment differs from the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments in that the image capturing apparatus1displays a target focus position and an in-use focus position on the display unit15.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image capturing apparatus1according to the sixth embodiment. The image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 12differs from the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 3in that the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 12includes a memory controller175. In addition, the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 12differs from the image capturing apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 3in that the image-signal generation unit174causes the display unit15to display not only an image based on image data but also a focus adjustment image201, which is superimposed on the image based on the image data. The focus adjustment image201includes a target-position image202and an in-use position image203, the target-position image202indicating a target focus position, the in-use position image203indicating an in-use focus position.

The memory controller175has substantially the same function as the memory controller254according to the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments. For example, the memory controller175causes the memory16to store, as target focus data, the focus position being used at the time of recording of target focus data. The memory16stores a target-focus-position table as illustrated inFIG. 5A or 5B. Similarly to the image display unit255according to the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the image-signal generation unit174sequentially reads out target focus positions stored in the memory16, and causes the display unit15to display a target-position image202together with an in-use position image203based on in-use focus data input from the focus controller172.

[Advantageous Effects According to Sixth Embodiment]

As described above, the image capturing apparatus1according to the sixth embodiment is able to display, together with the focus position being used in image capturing, a target focus position recorded at the time of recording of target focus data. Consequently, without connecting the image capturing apparatus1to the display apparatus2, a user presets, as a target focus position, the focus position used at the time of an image-capturing rehearsal, and becomes able to easily match the focus position of the image capturing apparatus1to the target focus position at the time of actual image capturing.

The present invention is described above using the embodiments; however, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-083834, filed Apr. 16, 2015, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-083835, filed Apr. 16, 2015 which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.