Image pickup device and focusing notification method
To inform the users of the time necessary for focus to be achieved by changing the focal mark shown on the display monitor, second by second, corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the auto focus operation until focus is achieved. The users are informed of the status of the auto focusing operations, and have a good idea of how much longer it will take for focusing to be completed. As a result, it increases the probability of users holding the camera still, so as to produce precisely focused photographs.
1. An image pickup device having an auto focus function, comprising:
a display configured to display pictures taken in from a lens; and
a control unit configured to control a display of a focal mark showing the focal condition on said display unit and a remaining time until an auto focus operation is achieved on said display,
wherein the control unit drives the lens in sequence to a plurality of sample positions, determines the focal position from the plurality of sample position, and estimates the remaining time based on a distance between the focal position and a current position.
2. A method for notifying about the focusing time in an auto focus operation, comprising the steps of:
displaying a focal mark showing the focal state and a remaining time until the auto focus operation is achieved, when displaying images taken in from a lens; and
controlling a display of a focal mark according to changes in the remaining time,
wherein the controlling step includes driving the lens in sequence to a plurality of sample positions, determining the focal position from the plurality of sample position, and estimating the remaining time based on a distance between the focal position and a current position.
3. An image pickup device, comprising:
a display means for displaying pictures taken in from a lens; and
a control means for controlling a display of a focal mark showing the focal condition and a remaining time until an auto focus operation is achieved on said display means,
wherein the control means is configured to drive the lens in sequence to a plurality of sample positions, to determine the focal position from the plurality of sample position, and to estimate the remaining time based on a distance between the focal position and a current position.