Lens device, system equipped with lens device, inspection device equipped with lens device, and operation program

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens device, a system incorporating the lens device, an inspection device incorporating the lens device, and an operating program. The lens device utilizes a universal communication interface that can be connected to multiple camera devices and simultaneously outputs the lens operation status in real time. The lens device 1 includes: a lens mechanism, incorporated into a lens body 2, for forming an optical image; a drive control unit, incorporated into the lens body 2, for driving and controlling the lens mechanism; a control unit 9 including a microcomputer that outputs drive control signals to the drive control unit; a first connection unit 13 having a first communication interface 13b capable of input / output communication with the control unit 9 and connectable to a network 21; and a second connection unit 16 having a second communication interface 16a for outputting signals from the control unit 9.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device that can be connected to an external operating terminal via a network and can be used for industrial inspection, etc., a system incorporating the lens device, an inspection device incorporating the lens device, and an operating program. In particular, it relates to a lens device that can output a response signal of the lens movement of the lens body in real time, a system incorporating the lens device, an inspection device incorporating the lens device, and an operating program. Background Art

[0002] IP cameras (network cameras), CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras, and FA (Factory Automation) cameras are widely used as camera devices for surveillance and industrial applications. Camera devices for these applications often have compatible lens mounts, such as C-mounts and CS-mounts, and are typically configured to mount single-focus lenses or variable-focus lenses (zoom lenses or variable focal length lenses, etc.). These compatible camera and lens combinations drive and control the lens mechanism for focus, zoom, and aperture, thereby forming an optical image. This optical image is then photoelectrically converted by an image sensor into electrical signal image data. This image data is then processed and displayed on an operation screen.

[0003] In single-focus or variable-focus lenses, focus, zoom, and iris adjustments are made by driving the lens mechanisms responsible for focus, zoom, and iris. These adjustments are typically performed using motorized DC motors or stepping motors.

[0004] Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a camera apparatus that uses a DC motor or a stepping motor for drive control of a lens mechanism and remotely operates the lens mechanism using an operation terminal.

[0005] The CCTV lens disclosed in Patent Document 1 incorporates a control unit into the variable-focal-length lens, with power supplied to the control unit and motors via an external control device. Furthermore, the control unit's substrate is constructed using a flexible circuit, allowing direct wiring to the lens-driving motors from the flexible circuit. This reduces the number of wires and simplifies motor wiring.

[0006] Furthermore, a microcomputer is mounted on the flexible circuit and connected to an external control device via a serial communication line. Based on commands from the camera-side control device, the microcomputer controls the various motors of the CCTV lens to adjust zoom and focus. The CCTV lens disclosed in Patent Document 1 aims to simplify the wiring of the various motors driving the lens and simplify lens control.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5893746 Summary of the Invention

[0010] In Patent Document 1, since the connection between the lens and the operation terminal is a one-to-one configuration via a cable, setting the connection between the lens and the operation terminal to n-to-1 may complicate the configuration and control of the communication line.

[0011] Therefore, the inventors developed the lens device of the present invention with the purpose of utilizing a universal communication interface that can connect to multiple camera devices and outputting the lens operation status in real time.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a lens device, a system assembled with a lens device, an inspection device assembled with a lens device, and an operating program, wherein the lens device has, in addition to a general communication interface, a signal line that is different from the general communication interface and outputs a trigger signal with real-time characteristics. By using another signal to output information that requires real-time characteristics, the load on the host side as a terminal device can be reduced from the start of the drive of the lens mechanism to the period before the lens action is completed, and an image can be captured and image processing can be performed just after the lens action is completed. The lens device is most suitable for inspection through image processing, etc.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the lens device involved in the present invention is a lens device for capturing optical images through a camera body, which comprises: a lens mechanism, which is built into the lens body and is used to form the optical image; a drive control unit, which is built into the lens body and is used to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit, which outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connecting unit, which has a first communication interface that can communicate with the control unit and can be connected to a network; and a second connecting unit, which has a second communication interface that can output a signal from the control unit.

[0014] The lens mechanism in the lens device involved in the present invention is characterized in that the lens mechanism starts to move according to the movement action instruction input by the control unit received by the first communication interface of the first connecting part, and the control unit outputs an action completion signal notifying the lens mechanism that the action is completed through the second communication interface of the second connecting part.

[0015] The lens device according to the present invention is characterized in that the lens body is driven and controlled independently of the camera body based on a movement operation command from the control unit.

[0016] The lens device involved in the present invention is characterized in that an operation terminal with a computer is connected to the network connected to the lens device. After receiving the movement action instruction of the lens mechanism output by the control unit of the lens device from the operation terminal through the first communication interface on the network, the control unit of the lens device outputs the movement completion signal of the lens mechanism to the operation terminal through the second communication interface.

[0017] The first connecting portion of the lens device according to the present invention is characterized in that the first connecting portion further comprises a power supply interface for supplying power to the lens body.

[0018] The system incorporating a lens device involved in the present invention is characterized in that it also has: a lens mechanism, which is built into the lens body and is used to form the optical image; a drive control unit, which is built into the lens body and is used to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit, which outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connecting unit, which has a first communication interface that can communicate with the control unit and can be connected to the network; and a second connecting unit, which has a second communication interface that can output a signal from the control unit to the operation terminal.

[0019] The system assembled with a lens device involved in the present invention is characterized in that based on the movement action instruction from the operation terminal, the lens body is driven and controlled independently of the camera body, and an action completion signal is output to the operation terminal through the second communication interface of the second connection part of the lens device.

[0020] The inspection device assembled with a lens device involved in the present invention is characterized in that it also has: a lens mechanism, which is built into the lens body and is used to form the optical image; a drive control unit, which is built into the lens body and is used to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit, which outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connecting unit, which has a first communication interface that can communicate with the control unit and can be connected to the network; and a second connecting unit, which has a second communication interface that can output a signal from the control unit to the operation terminal.

[0021] The present invention relates to an operating program for controlling a lens device, characterized in that the lens device comprises: a lens mechanism incorporated into a lens body for forming an optical image; a drive control unit incorporated into the lens body for driving and controlling the lens mechanism; a control unit for outputting a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connection unit having a first communication interface capable of communicating with the control unit and being connectable to a network; and a second connection unit having a second communication interface capable of outputting a signal from the control unit to an operating terminal. The operating program has the functions of receiving a command input from the operating terminal to the first communication interface of the first connection unit and executing the command based on the command received by the operating terminal. The operating program also performs the following functions: upon receiving a command from the operating terminal to move the position of the lens of the lens mechanism, outputting a drive control signal to the drive control unit to move the position of the lens; confirming whether the movement of the lens of the lens mechanism has been completed; and, upon completion of the movement of the lens of the lens mechanism, outputting a trigger signal from the second communication interface to the operating terminal as a signal indicating that the movement of the lens mechanism has been completed.

[0022] The operating program for controlling the lens device involved in the present invention is characterized in that the operating program performs the following functions: a function of storing the lens position of the lens mechanism as address information; a function of reading the pre-stored address information of the lens mechanism and outputting an instruction to move to the moving position of the address information read by the lens device through the first communication interface of the network; and a function of receiving a movement completion signal of the lens mechanism from the second communication interface.

[0023] According to the present invention, in addition to the universal communication interface, there is also a signal line that is different from the universal communication interface, does not rely on the universal interface, and outputs a real-time trigger signal. By using another signal to output information that requires real-time information from the lens device, the drive of the lens mechanism is used as the starting point, and the camera is used to take pictures, so that high-speed inspection can be performed.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in addition to the universal communication interface, there is also a signal line that is different from the universal communication interface, is independent of the universal interface, and outputs a real-time trigger signal. By outputting information from the lens that requires real-time information using another signal, the load on the operating terminal, i.e., the host side, can be reduced during the period before the lens responds.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, since it has a lens mechanism, which is built into the lens body and is used to form an optical image; a drive control unit, which is built into the lens body and is used to drive and control the lens mechanism; a central processing unit (control unit) which is used to output a drive control signal to the drive control unit; and a network which is used to form a communication interface to the central processing unit (control unit), the connection method between the lens and the operation terminal can be expanded to an n-to-1 or n-to-n connection method by connecting the lens and the operation terminal with a network.

[0026] Furthermore, the lens assembly of the present invention utilizes a universal communication interface that can be connected to multiple camera devices and simultaneously outputs the lens operation status in real time. This eliminates the need for conventional operations such as waiting for confirmation of lens operation completion by the operator terminal or control side. This allows the operator terminal to perform other operations while waiting for confirmation of lens operation completion, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the lens device has a signal line that outputs a real-time trigger signal, which is different from a general communication interface. The lens device and the operation terminal are directly connected via the signal line, thereby simplifying the configuration between the devices.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the signal line of the second connection portion of the lens device is output only from the lens device, it can be used only when real-time performance is required.

[0029] Since the connection between multiple lens units and the operation terminal can be expanded to an n-to-1 format, it is possible to immediately respond to industrial cameras that require real-time response by synchronizing multiple lens units or selecting an arbitrary number of lens units from multiple lens units for drive control.

[0030] Since the present invention can independently operate the camera body from the operation terminal, multiple lens devices can be controlled and information of each lens device can be observed in real time.

[0031] Since the lens device is driven and controlled independently of the camera body based on the drive control signal from the control unit, it is possible to adopt a structure in which multiple lens devices are aggregated on a network and connected to a single operating terminal, or multiple operating terminals are connected to a network having multiple lens devices, thereby expanding the application range of the lens device.

[0032] Since the operating terminal for controlling the lens device stores the lens position of the lens mechanism in advance, the lens can be controlled at a predetermined position at high speed by reading the stored lens position information obtained through inspection using image processing.

[0033] In addition, since the operation terminal for controlling the lens device can receive the lens operation completion signal of the lens mechanism in real time, high-speed processing can be performed in the inspection device that processes images from the camera body and performs inspections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens device and an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 The external appearance of a variable focal length lens serving as a lens body in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (a) is a stereoscopic view of the lens body according to the embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a side view of the lens body according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (c) is a side view of the lens body according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in (a) rotated 90 degrees around the optical axis.

[0036] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing a USB connector being led out from the first connection portion of the lens body and a connector being led out from the second connection portion in an embodiment of the present invention, which is a stereoscopic diagram of the lens body as viewed from the rear; (b) is a diagram showing an Ethernet connector being led out from the first connection portion and a connector being led out from the second connection portion in an embodiment of the present invention, which is a stereoscopic diagram of the lens body as viewed from the rear.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of a network in which the lens device and the operation terminal involved in an embodiment of the present invention are connected in an n-to-1 connection manner. (a) shows a structure in which the second connection portion of the lens device and the operation terminal are directly connected, and (b) shows a structure in which the second connection portion of the lens device and the operation terminal are connected via an encoder.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of a network in which a lens body and an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected in an n-to-n connection manner, and shows a configuration in which a second connection portion of the lens device and the operation terminal are connected via an encoder.

[0039] Figure 6 (a) is a timing diagram when using the first communication interface to confirm the operation status (status) of the drive motor on the operating terminal (host) side of the lens device, and (b) is a timing diagram when using the second communication interface to confirm the operation status (status) of the drive motor on the operating terminal (host) side of the lens device involved in the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a display example of an operation screen of an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations of the lens mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the operation terminal and the lens device when the lens mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is used in an inspection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The lens assembly, a system incorporating the lens assembly, an inspection device incorporating the lens assembly, and a program for implementing the lens assembly according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the lens assembly according to the present invention outputs lens operation information, which requires real-time performance, via a separate signal rather than a general-purpose communication interface. This reduces the load on the host computer, serving as the operation terminal, from the start of lens drive to the completion of the lens operation. Furthermore, the camera device can capture images immediately after lens operation is complete, allowing for high-speed inspection through image processing.

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens device and an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the lens device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention is a lens device 1 for capturing an optical image by using a camera device 19, and includes: a zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, a focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and an aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 (the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 are referred to as lens mechanisms) built into a lens body 2 and used to form an optical image; a zoom drive control unit 6, a focus drive control unit 7, and an aperture drive control unit 8, which are built into the lens body 2 and serve as drive control units for driving and controlling the lens mechanisms; a control unit 9, which outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a power supply interface 13a, which supplies power to the lens body 2; a first connecting unit 13, which forms a first communication interface 13b capable of communicating with the control unit 9; and a second connecting unit, which has a second communication interface 16a capable of outputting a signal from the control unit 9.

[0045] The zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, which performs zoom adjustment, is composed of a zoom lead screw 3a and a zoom drive motor 3c for moving the lens to change the focal length. The focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, which moves the lens to perform focus adjustment, is composed of a focus lead screw 4a and a focus drive motor 4c. Furthermore, the iris adjustment unit mechanism 5, which performs aperture adjustment, is composed of an aperture unit 5a capable of changing the aperture F value and an aperture drive motor 5c.

[0046] The zoom drive control unit 6 drives and controls the zoom drive motor 3c based on a command from the control unit 9 to control the zoom drive motor 3c of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3. This allows the zoom adjustment of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 to be performed.

[0047] The focus drive control unit 7 drives and controls the focus drive motor 4c based on a command from the control unit 9 to control the focus drive motor 4c of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4. This allows the focus drive control unit 7 to perform focus adjustment.

[0048] The diaphragm drive control unit 8 drives and controls the diaphragm drive motor 5c based on a command from the diaphragm drive motor 5c of the diaphragm adjustment unit 5 by the control unit 9. This enables the diaphragm adjustment of the diaphragm adjustment unit 5.

[0049] The control unit 9 includes a built-in microcomputer (not shown) that outputs drive control signals to the various drive control units to perform zoom adjustment, focus adjustment, aperture adjustment, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 9 can communicate with an external operation terminal 26 via a network 21 and can also directly output a signal indicating that the drive motor of the lens mechanism has completed operation to the operation terminal 26.

[0050] Figure 1 The lens device 1 shown in the figure is equipped with a zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, a focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and an aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5, but it may also be equipped with an optical filter adjustment lens mechanism and an expander adjustment lens mechanism as needed.

[0051] Furthermore, the optical filter adjustment lens mechanism drives the optical filter via an optical filter drive motor. This mechanism aims to adjust image brightness and improve image contrast, transmit or reflect specific wavelengths, or split a single image into two independent images at a specific split ratio. Furthermore, the expander adjustment lens mechanism is installed between the main lens of the lens body 2 and the camera body 20. This mechanism drives the lens via an expander drive motor, thereby extending the focal length of the main lens to, for example, 1.4x or 2x.

[0052] As Figure 1 The zoom drive motor 3c, focus drive motor 4c, and iris drive motor 5c shown are stepper motors. Hereinafter, the zoom drive motor 3c will be referred to as the zoom stepper motor 3c, the focus drive motor 4c will be referred to as the focus stepper motor 4c, and the iris drive motor 5c will be referred to as the iris stepper motor 5c. Furthermore, these drive motors can be replaced with DC motors, and both stepper motors and DC motors can be used simultaneously depending on the intended use.

[0053] In addition, if Figure 1As shown, the lens body 2 is equipped with a lens information output unit 10, which stores characteristic information indicating lens functional specifications such as focal length and open aperture, as well as identification information for identifying the lens body 2. The lens information output unit 10 transmits the characteristic information and identification information to the operation terminal 26 via the control unit 9, the network 21, and the central processing unit 27. Here, the characteristic information refers to lens functional specifications such as the focal length and open aperture of each lens unit. The identification information refers to information for identifying the lens body 2, such as the lens model name and lens manufacturing number.

[0054] Figure 1 The lens information output unit 10 of the lens body 2 shown in the figure outputs the allocated information as identification information to the operation terminal 26 in order to individually identify multiple lens bodies 2. Thus, when multiple lens devices 1 exist, the operation terminal 26 can uniquely identify the lens device 1. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, although the lens information output unit 10 can be set to output characteristic information and confirmation information, the characteristic information and confirmation information can also be separated, the characteristic information can be stored in the lens information output unit 10, a lens body output unit for storing confirmation information for confirming the lens body 2 can be provided, and the confirmation information can be output from the lens body output unit.

[0055] Figure 1 The lens device 1 shown has a temperature sensor 11, which is equipped in the lens body 2 and is used to measure the peripheral temperature of the lens body 2; and a temperature detection unit 12, which outputs information on the peripheral temperature based on the measurement signal from the temperature sensor 11; the temperature information from the temperature detection unit 12 is output from the control unit 9 to the operation terminal 26 through the network 21.

[0056] The lens device 1 of the present invention includes a power supply interface 13a for supplying power to the lens body 2, a first communication interface 13b connected to the control unit 9 for communication, and a first connection portion 13 for connection to a network 21. Thus, the first connection portion 13 is connected to the network 21, and is connected to the control unit 9 of the lens body 2 and the central processing unit 27 of the operation terminal 26 via the network 21. The power supply interface 13a of the first connection portion 13 ensures that the lens body 2 is powered within the allowable voltage and current ranges of the network 21. Furthermore, communication with the operation terminal 26 and the central processing unit 27 is possible via the first communication interface 13b of the first connection portion 13.

[0057] In addition, although the power supply interface 13a for supplying power to the lens body 2 is described as being set in the first connection part 13, the power supply interface does not need to be set in the first connection part. For example, in addition to the first connection part 13 connected to the network, a dedicated power supply interface can also be set to supply power to the lens body 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the first communication interface 13 b of the first connection unit 13 is composed of a general-purpose communication interface such as I 2 C (Inter Integrated Circuit), USB, Ethernet, or RS485.

[0059] The lens device 1 of the present invention also includes a second connection unit 16 equipped with a second communication interface 16a capable of outputting signals from the control unit 9. The second connection unit 16 outputs signals indicating that the lens mechanism's lens begins moving when the drive motor is driven, and then moves to a predetermined position when the drive motor is stopped. Unlike the first connection unit 13, which is pre-connected to the network 21, the second connection unit 16 outputs signals directly to the operation terminal 26.

[0060] In addition, although the output signal of the second connection part 16 has been described as an implementation method as a signal indicating that the lens movement is completed, the output method of the second connection part 16 is not limited to this. It can also be used as a signal indicating the status of the lens movement, for example, as a signal indicating the status of the lens moving.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 16 of the lens body 2 are electrically connected to a control substrate 9a (shown in FIG. Figure 2 ), the control substrate 9a is built in Figure 1 Thus, since the control board 9a is connected to the power supply interface 13a for supplying power, power can be supplied to each drive motor (zoom drive motor 3c, focus drive motor 4c, iris drive motor 5c).

[0062] Figure 1 The lens arrangement 1 shown is optically and physically connected to a camera body 20 via a C-mount or CS-mount 18 .

[0063] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the camera device 19 is composed of a lens device 1 and a camera body 20. The lens device 1 uses a lens mechanism to form an optical image, and the camera body 20 uses a shooting element 20a to output the signal of the optical image formed by the lens mechanism through photoelectric conversion as an image signal to the image monitor 31.

[0064] In addition, the camera device 19 may also include an image display unit on the camera body 20 , which processes the photoelectrically converted image signal into a visible image through the imaging element 20 a and displays the processed visible image on the screen.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 1As shown, the lens device 1 is connected to an operation terminal 26 via a network 21. The operation terminal 26 includes a central processing unit 27 connected to the control unit 9 of the lens body 2 via the network 21, a distribution unit 28, a data unit 29, and a display unit 30 for displaying and inputting information. The central processing unit 27 of the operation terminal 26 includes a computer. Programs are stored in a storage device (not shown) of the central processing unit 27, and the CPU of the computer executes the programs to perform various functions of the operation terminal 26.

[0066] Figure 1 The central processing unit 27 of the operation terminal 26 is connected to the control unit 9 of the lens body 2 through the network 21, and exchanges information with the distribution unit 28 and data unit 29 of the operation terminal 26, the drive control unit of the lens body 2 and the lens information output unit 10.

[0067] Figure 1 The allocation unit 28 of the operation terminal 26 in the embodiment has a network 21 between the control unit 9 and the central processing unit 27. When the central processing unit 27 inquires the control unit 9, it identifies the lens body 2 based on the signal responded by the lens information output unit 10, and allocates the drive control unit to the lens mechanism of the lens body 2 based on the identification information. Figure 1 The data unit 29 of the operation terminal 26 outputs a drive control signal including the lens movement position to the drive control unit of the lens body 2 assigned by the assignment unit 28. The drive control signal from the data unit 29 is input to the control unit 9 and output from the control unit 9 to the corresponding drive control unit.

[0068] In this way, Figure 1 The distribution unit 28 and the data unit 29 of the operation terminal 26 shown exchange information between the zoom drive control unit 6, the focus drive control unit 7, the aperture drive control unit 8, the lens information output unit 10 and the temperature detection unit 12 of the lens device 1 through the path of the control unit 9, the network 21 and the central processing unit 27.

[0069] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a variable focal length lens serving as a lens body in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view showing a lens body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (b) is a side view showing a lens body according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 (c) means Figure 2 (a) is a side view of a lens body according to an embodiment of the present invention rotated 90 degrees around the optical axis.

[0070] Figure 2The variable focal length lens shown here is a variable focus lens that can change the focal length (angle of view). By changing the zoom ratio, the width of the shooting range can be adjusted. However, when changing the zoom ratio, the focus of the variable focal length lens will be lost, so the focus must be adjusted, that is, the image position must be changed.

[0071] Figure 2 The variable focal length lens shown is equipped with a C-mount or CS-mount 18 on the end face of the lens body 2 , forming a structure for connecting the lens body 2 to a camera body 20 . Figure 2 In the embodiment, although a C-mount or a CS-mount which is a screw connection method is used as an interface, the interface for connecting the lens device 1 and the camera body 20 is not limited to these.

[0072] like Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the lens body 2 is assembled with a focus lead screw 4 a and a focus stepping motor 4 c of a focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 for focusing, and a control substrate 9 a of a control unit 9 equipped with a microcomputer. Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , a zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 for moving the lens to change the focal length is assembled with a zoom lead screw 3a and a zoom stepping motor 3c. Figure 2 As shown in (c), the aperture unit 5a and the aperture stepping motor 5c for the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 capable of changing the aperture F value are assembled.

[0073] Next, a connector for leading the input and output terminals of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 16 provided in the lens device 1 from the lens body 2 to the outside will be described. Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of the lens device 1 as viewed from the rear, showing a USB connector 14 extending from the first connection portion 13 of the lens body 2 and a connector extending from the second connection portion 16 . Figure 3 The lens device 1 shown in (a) connects a cable having a USB connector 14 at the front end to the first connection portion 13 of the lens body 2, and uses the USB connector 14 to lead the input and output ends of the power supply interface 13a and the first communication interface 13b in the first connection portion 13 to the outside of the lens body 2.

[0074] In addition, a cable having an output signal connector 17 as a second connection part connector at the front end is connected to the second connection part 16, and the output end of the second communication interface 16a in the second connection part 16 is led out to the outside of the lens body 2 through the output signal connector 17.

[0075] in addition, Figure 3The lens unit 1 shown in (a) is a camera lens unit 1 mounted on a camera body 20 , and is optically and physically connected to the camera body 20 via a CS mount 18 .

[0076] in addition, Figure 3 (b) is a perspective view of the lens body 2 with the Ethernet connector 15 from the first connection portion 13 and the connector from the second connection portion 16 drawn out, as viewed from the rear.

[0077] Figure 3 The lens device 1 shown in (b) connects a cable with an Ethernet connector 15 at the front end to the first connection part 13 of the lens body 2, and uses the Ethernet connector 15 to lead the input and output ends of the power supply interface 13a and the first communication interface 13b in the first connection part 13 to the outside of the lens body 2.

[0078] In addition, a cable having an output signal connector 17 as a second connection part connector at the front end is connected to the second connection part 16, and the output end of the second communication interface 16a in the second connection part 16 is led out to the outside of the lens body 2 through the output signal connector 17.

[0079] also, Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) Although a wired connector is described as the output signal connector 17, a wireless communication method (infrared wireless, Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc.) may be used instead of the wired connector to form the output signal connector 17, connecting the second connection part 16 and the central processing unit 27 (shown in FIG. Figure 1 ) for communication.

[0080] In addition, Figure 3 In the description above, the first connection portion 13 provided on the lens unit 1 is connected to the lens body 2 via the USB connector 14 and the Ethernet connector 15. Alternatively, the first communication interface 13b of the first connection portion 13 can be connected to the lens body 2 via an I2C connector, for example, by using I2C. Furthermore, if a separate connector for the power supply interface is provided, the first communication interface 13b alone can be used to form the I2C connector. Furthermore, the output of the second communication interface 16a can be connected to the lens body 2 via an I2C connector, replacing the output signal connector 17 of the second communication interface 16a.

[0081] in addition, Figure 3 The lens unit 1 shown in (b) is a camera lens unit 1 mounted on a camera body 20 , and is optically and physically connected to the camera body 20 via a CS mount 18 .

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the structure of the network 21 connecting the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 will be described. Figure 4 (a) shows a method of connecting the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 in an n-to-1 manner, where the first connection portion 13 of the lens device 1 is connected via the network 21, and the second connection portion 16 is directly connected to the operation terminal 26. Figure 4 (b) shows a method of connecting the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 in an n-to-1 manner, showing a method of connecting the first connection portion 13 of the lens body 2 via the network 21 and connecting the second connection portion 16 to the operation terminal 26 via the encoder 25.

[0083] Figure 4 (a) shows a structure in which a plurality of lens devices 1 are connected to a single operation terminal 26 by a network 21, and shows a 3-to-1 connection method in which three lens devices 1 are connected to a single operation terminal 26. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the USB connectors 14 extending from the first connection portions 13 of the three lens bodies 2 are connected to the network hub 22 constituting the network 21, thereby constructing a 3-to-1 network 21. The network hub 22 is of a type capable of supplying power to the lens device 1 from the USB connector 14. Figure 4 As shown in (a), three lens devices 1 are directly connected to the operation terminal 26 via the output signal connector 17 of the second connection portion 16, not through a network.

[0084] according to Figure 4 As shown in (a), n lens devices 1 can be collectively driven and controlled by one operation terminal 26 via the network 21.

[0085] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the output signals of the second connection portions 16 of the three lens units 1 are connected to an encoder 25 via a connector 17, and the output of the encoder 25 is connected to an operation terminal 26. The signals from the second connection portions 16 pass through the encoder 25. Thus, for example, when 16 lens bodies 2 are connected to the network 21, the 16 signals from the second connection portions 16 of the lens bodies 2 are converted into 4 (4-bit) signals by the encoder 25, and the converted signals are output to the operation terminal 26. This reduces the number of cables connecting the lens bodies 2 and the operation terminal 26.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of a network 21 in which the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected in an n-to-n connection manner, and is a diagram showing a structure in which the second connection portion 16 of the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 are connected via an encoder 25.

[0087] like Figure 5As shown, the first connection parts 13 of three lens devices 1 are respectively connected in parallel to the network hubs 22 and 23 that constitute the network 21, two network hubs 22 and 23 are connected in parallel to the network hub 24 that constitutes the network 21, and n operation terminals 26 are connected to the network hub 24, thereby constructing an n-to-n network 21 between the n lens devices 1 and the n operation terminals 26.

[0088] in addition, Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the output signals from the second connection portions 16 of the six lens devices 1 are directly input to the plurality of operation terminals 26 via the encoders 25 .

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, a USB connector 14 or an Ethernet connector 15 (shown in FIG. Figure 3 ) as the input and output terminals of the first connection unit 13, the USB or Ethernet is connected to the network 21, thereby connecting the central processing unit 27 (not shown) of each operation terminal 26 through the network 21.

[0090] In addition, the output signal connector 17 is led out from the second connection portion 16 of the lens device 1, and the output signal connector 17 is directly connected to the central processing unit 27 (shown in FIG. Figure 1 ).

[0091] In this way, by setting the second connecting part 16 on the lens device 1 and directly connecting the second connecting part 16 to the operation terminal 26, the lens action completion signal of the lens device 1 is controlled not through the network 21 but directly input into the operation terminal 26, so that the action of the lens mechanism can be grasped in real time.

[0092] Therefore, the communication between the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 has a communication method (protocol) in which the lens device 1 responds to the signal from the operation terminal 26. Since it is carried out through the universal communication interface serving as the first connection part 13, multiple lens devices 1 can be connected to the network and controlled by the operation terminal 26.

[0093] according to Figure 5 The network 21 shown can be a control system that drives and controls n lens devices 1 by using one of n operation terminals 26, or a control system that drives and controls one lens device 1 by assigning n operation terminals 26 to n lens devices 1 respectively and using a corresponding operation terminal 26.

[0094] In this manner, based on the movement operation instruction from the first communication interface 13 b as a general communication interface of the operation terminal 26 , the lens body 2 can be controlled independently of the camera body 20 .

[0095] Furthermore, the second connection portion 16 is provided, which is independent of the general communication interface and outputs a real-time trigger signal. By outputting information from the lens, which requires real-time performance, using a separate signal, the operation terminal 26 does not need to inquire about the lens operation status of the lens device 1 as required by conventional communication methods (protocols). Therefore, other processing can be performed until the lens operation is completed. This reduces the load on the host side of the operation terminal 26.

[0096] Below, regarding the lens action signal, with reference to the timing diagram, the confirmation action of the drive motor action status (status) on the operating terminal (host) side in the lens device 1 using a universal communication interface, and the confirmation action of the drive motor action status (status) on the operating terminal (host) side in the lens device 1 of the present invention having a second connection part 16 that is different from the universal communication interface, does not rely on the universal interface, and outputs a trigger signal having a real-time signal are explained.

[0097] Figure 6 (a) is a timing chart for confirming the operating status of the drive motor on the operating terminal (host) side of the lens device 1 using the first communication interface 13b. Figure 6 (b) is a timing chart when the operation status of the drive motor of the lens device 1 according to the present invention is confirmed on the operating terminal (host) side using the second communication interface 16a.

[0098] In the following description, it is assumed that the operation terminal 26 is connected to the lens device 1 controlled by the operation terminal 26 via the network 21 and, for example, moves the zoom drive motor 3c from the current value (address information) No. 2000 to No. 3000.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), the operation terminal 26 inquires the lens device 1 about the current value (address information) of the zoom drive motor 3c (timing T1). The lens device 1 replies to the operation terminal 26 that the current value (address information) of the zoom drive motor 3c is 2000 (timing T2). Next, the operation terminal 26 issues a command to the lens device 1 to move the zoom drive motor 3c to position 3000 so that the position is changed to 3000 (timing T3). After receiving the command, the lens device 1 controls the zoom drive motor 3c to move from position 2000 to position 3000. In addition, the lens device 1 sets the bit (bit) of the status information of the zoom drive motor 3c from 0 (low-order bit), which indicates that the zoom drive motor 3c is stopped, to 1 (high-order bit), which indicates that the zoom drive motor 3c is in operation (timing T4).

[0100] The operation terminal 26 inquires the lens device 1 whether the zoom drive motor 3c of the lens device 1 has moved to number 3000 (timing T5). The lens device 1 outputs 1 (high-order bit) as the status information of the zoom drive motor 3c (timing T6). When the operation terminal 26 receives the status information of the zoom drive motor 3c as 1 (high-order bit), it inquires about the information of the lens device 1 until the status information of the zoom drive motor 3c becomes 0 (low-order bit) (timing T7). Because the zoom drive motor 3c is in operation, the lens device 1 outputs 1 (high-order bit) as the status information (timing T8). After the zoom drive motor 3c moves to number 3000 and stops, the lens device 1 sets the status information to 0 (low-order bit) (timing T9). In response to subsequent inquiries from the operation terminal 26 (timing T10), status information of 0 (low-order bit) is output from the lens device 1 (timing T11), and the operation terminal 26 stops after the zoom drive motor 3c moves to number 3000, and is able to confirm that the lens movement action is completed (timing T12).

[0101] Therefore, the operation of confirming the operation status of the drive motor on the operating terminal (host) 26 side of the lens device 1 using the first communication interface 13b as a universal communication interface requires, for example, a period from the start of the drive motor movement instruction until the drive motor movement operation is completed. Figure 6 The three timings of T5, T7, and T10 shown in (a) are confirmed, and the processing of the operation terminal 26 is occupied by the confirmation of the completion of the movement of the drive motor. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the operation terminal 26 is reduced.

[0102] The lens device 1 of the present invention has a second connection portion, which has a second communication interface 16a that is different from the universal communication interface, does not rely on the universal interface, and is used to output a real-time trigger signal. Figure 6 The processing after the timing T5 shown in (a) is different. Figure 6 The circle shown in (a) is transferred to Figure 6 (b) The circle mark shown. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 3(b), after the zoom drive motor 3c moves to position 3000 and stops, the lens apparatus 1 sets the status information to 0 (low-order bit) (timing T15) and outputs a trigger signal (movement completion signal) notifying the operation completion to the operation terminal 26 via the second connection portion 16 (timing T16). When the operation terminal 26 receives the trigger signal from the lens apparatus 1, an interrupt signal is transmitted to the CPU of the operation terminal 26, and the zoom drive motor 3c moves to position 3000 and stops, confirming the completion of the lens movement operation (timing T17).

[0103] In this way, when using Figure 1 When the status confirmation operation of the first communication interface 13b is performed, Figure 6 In the processing after sequence T5 shown in (a), repeated transmissions are required to confirm the lens status, preventing real-time status monitoring. Furthermore, if the transmissions are not performed at the appropriate timing, no response will be received from the lens, and the lens status will be unknown. Therefore, the present invention allows for real-time monitoring of the lens status by communicating with the control unit 9 without using the second communication interface 16a, i.e., the network 21.

[0104] That is, by having a second connection portion having a second communication interface 16a for outputting a real-time trigger signal that does not rely on a general interface, after the movement action instruction of the driving motor starts until the movement action of the driving motor is completed, for example, Figure 6 During the period from T3 to T12 shown in (a), only one movement command is issued at T3. Therefore, the processing of operation terminal 26 does not need to confirm the completion of the drive motor's movement, and is not occupied by confirming the completion of the drive motor's movement. Therefore, the processing efficiency of operation terminal 26 is not reduced. Furthermore, after the drive motor stops, operation terminal 26 can immediately proceed to subsequent processing.

[0105] As mentioned above, Figure 1 The lens device 1 shown in the figure is provided with a first connection portion 13 having a universal first communication interface 13b connected to the control portion 9, thereby being controllable from the operation terminal 26 via the network 21. Based on the drive control signal from the operation terminal 26, a plurality of lens bodies 2 can be driven and controlled independently of the camera body 20. Figure 1 As shown, based on the drive control signal from the control unit 9, for example, two lens mechanisms can be synchronously drive-controlled from among a plurality of lens mechanisms, or a lens mechanism can be selected and drive-controlled.

[0106] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the lens body 2 and the operation terminal 26 are directly connected through the second communication interface 16a of the second connection part 16, and the action completion signal notifying the lens mechanism from the control part 9 that the target position (address) has been reached can be directly output to the operation terminal 26 without going through the network 21.

[0107] Thus, the present invention can be used as an inspection device that uses the camera device 19 to capture images based on the operation completion signal of the lens device 1, and processes and inspects the captured images.

[0108] Next, refer to Figure 7 , a display example of an operation screen and operation buttons corresponding to the lens device 1 of the operation terminal 26 will be described. Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation screen of the operation terminal 26 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 1 The allocation unit 28 and the data unit 29 of the operation terminal 26 are displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation terminal 26, and the lens device 1 is controlled by the operation displayed on the operation screen. Figure 7 As shown, the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 is provided with an operation button 33 for operating the allocation unit 28, and a display window 35 for displaying selection information of the lens device 1 selected by the operation button 33 and individually authenticated by the allocation unit 28. Furthermore, the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 displays a connect button 36 for connecting the lens device 1 on the network 21 identified by the allocation unit 28 to the operation terminal 26 via the operating system (OS); a disconnect button 37 for disconnecting the lens device 1 connected by the connect button 36 from the operation terminal 26 via the OS; a display window 38 for displaying the operating status of the connect button 36 and the disconnect button 37; and a display window 35a for displaying selection information of the lens device 1.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26, a temperature measurement start button 73 is assembled for obtaining temperature information from the temperature detection unit 12 received by the central processing unit 27. The temperature measurement start button 73 is operated to obtain the peripheral temperature information of the lens body 2, and the obtained temperature is displayed as the peripheral temperature 74.

[0111] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the determination information for determining the lens device 1 includes, in addition to the selection information 34 of the lens device 1, lens models 39 such as zoom lenses, variable focal length lenses, and single-focus lenses, information on a line 40 to which multiple lens bodies 2 are connected, and position information 41 representing each lens body 2 in the line 40.

[0112] In this manner, the assignment unit 28 identifies the lens body 2 based on the identification information and characteristic information for identifying the lens body 2. The assignment unit 28 displays the selection information (identification information) 34 of the identified lens body 2 in the display window 35, displays the lens model (characteristic information) 39 in the lens model display window 43, and displays the information (identification information) of the line 40 and the position information (identification information) 41 in correspondence. Figure 7 In FIG. 4 , a line to which multiple lens bodies 2 are connected is identified based on information on the line 40, and whether the lens body 2 is the number of the line 40 is displayed based on the position information 41. However, the display is not limited to these examples.

[0113] In addition, the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 is equipped with a data unit 29 that outputs drive control signals to the zoom drive control unit 6, the focus drive control unit 7, and the iris drive control unit 8, which are drive control units of the lens body 2. Figure 1 The data section 29 shown is equipped with a zoom data section 44 that outputs a drive control signal for driving and controlling the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3; a focus data section 45 that outputs a drive control signal for driving and controlling the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4; and an aperture data section 46 that outputs a drive control signal for driving and controlling the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5. Furthermore, as needed, an optical filter data section that outputs a drive control signal to the optical filter adjustment lens mechanism; and an expander data section that outputs a drive control signal to the expander adjustment lens mechanism may be added to the operation screen.

[0114] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, initialization buttons 47 , 48 , and 49 are incorporated on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 , which initialize the lens mechanisms in the zoom data section 44 , the focus data section 45 , and the iris data section 46 .

[0115] Figure 7 In the illustrated operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26, the drive motors controlling the zoom data section 44, focus data section 45, and iris data section 46 are stepping motors. Based on the characteristic information of the lens body 2 identified by the allocation unit 28, the zoom data section 44 displays characteristic information for the wide-angle focal length address 50 on the wide-angle side and the telephoto focal length address 51 on the telephoto side of the lens body 2. This allows the zoom slider 52 to slide within the range of the wide-angle focal length address 50 and the telephoto focal length address 51, displaying variable focal length address information 53 and 54. Furthermore, the zoom data section 44 displays information 55 on the number of steps for fine-tuning the focus, starting from the focal length address information 53, by operating the step operation button 56. The number of steps is set so that operating the left step operation button 56 decreases, while operating the right step operation button 56 increases.

[0116] like Figure 7 As shown, it shows the situation where the focus address information 54 can be changed to the position of "5000" using the zoom slider 52. If the zoom slider 52 is slid to the focus address "5000", the number "5000" is displayed as the focus address information 53 and 54.

[0117] Figure 7In the illustrated example, the lens device 1 is based on a variable focal length lens. Therefore, when zooming with the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the lens focus may become defocused, necessitating recalibration of the lens focus position. The focus data unit 45 displays characteristic information (characteristic information) of near and far point focus addresses 58 and 59 corresponding to the focal length (characteristic information) adjusted by the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3. Within the range of these focus addresses 58 and 59, a focus slider 63 is moved to display focus address information 60 and 61 indicating the focus position. Furthermore, the focus data unit 45 displays information 62 indicating the number of steps for fine-tuning the focus.

[0118] Figure 7 In the example shown, to change the amount of light passing through the lens to adjust image brightness, the aperture can be adjusted. The aperture data section 46 for aperture adjustment displays characteristic information for aperture addresses 64 and 65, representing the maximum aperture value (fully open) and minimum aperture value (fully closed) during aperture adjustment. By sliding the aperture slider 66 within the range of these aperture addresses 64 and 65, aperture address information 67 and 68 indicating the aperture opening and closing position are displayed. Furthermore, the aperture data section 46 displays information 69 indicating the number of steps for fine-tuning the aperture opening and closing position. While the zoom focal length, focus position, and aperture opening and closing degree are displayed as address information, this is not limiting; focal length or F-number may also be displayed in place of the address information.

[0119] like Figure 7 The operation screen 32 of the illustrated operation terminal 26 includes execution buttons 70, 71, and 72, which output drive control signals based on data from the zoom data unit 44, the focus data unit 45, and the iris data unit 46, thereby operating the lens mechanisms. When the execution buttons 70, 71, and 72 are pressed, the zoom data unit 44, the focus data unit 45, and the iris data unit 46 correspond to the focal length address information 53 (e.g., "5000") serving as the zoom address, the focus address information 60 (e.g., "4000") serving as the focus address, and the iris address information 67 (e.g., "200") serving as the iris address. These data are then output to the zoom drive control unit 6, the focus drive control unit 7, and the iris drive control unit 8 of the lens apparatus 1, thereby controlling the drive of the zoom drive motor 3c of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus drive motor 4c of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the iris drive motor 5c of the iris adjustment unit 5.

[0120] Furthermore, the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 includes a preset section 75 for pre-registering focal length address information 53, 54, focus address information 60, 61, and iris address information 67, 68, which are address information of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the iris adjustment unit mechanism 5, as set by the zoom data section 44, the focus data section 45, and the iris data section 46. By pressing the setting button 1 (76) located at the top, the preset section 75 registers the value of the focal length address information 53 in the zoom setting address 1 (77) of Zoom 1. Simultaneously, the value of the focus address information 60 is registered in the focus setting address 1 (78) of Focus 1, and the value of the iris address information 67 is registered in the iris setting address 1 (79) of Iris 1.

[0121] Similarly, by setting the address information in the focal length address information 53 of the zoom data section 44, the focus address information 60 of the focus data section 45, and the iris address information 67 of the iris data section 46, and pressing the setting button 2 (80) located in the next stage from the top, the value of the focal length address information 53 is registered in the zoom setting address 2 (81) of Zoom 2. At the same time, the value of the focus address information 60 is registered in the focus setting address 2 (82) of Focus 2, and the value of the iris address information 67 is registered in the iris setting address 2 (83) of Iris 2.

[0122] Similarly, by setting the address information in the focal length address information 53 of the zoom data section 44, the focus address information 60 of the focus data section 45, and the iris address information 67 of the iris data section 46, and pressing the setting button 3 (84), the value of the focal length address information 53 is registered in the zoom setting address 3 (85) of Zoom 3. Simultaneously, the value of the focus address information 60 is registered in the focus setting address 3 (86) of Focus 3, and the value of the iris address information 67 is registered in the iris setting address 3 (87) of Iris 3.

[0123] Furthermore, by setting the address information in the focal length address information 53 of the zoom data section 44, the focus address information 60 of the focus data section 45, and the iris address information 67 of the iris data section 46, and pressing the setting button 4 (88), the value of the focal length address information 53 is registered in the zoom setting address 4 (89) of Zoom 4. Simultaneously, the value of the focus address information 60 is registered in the focus setting address 4 (90) of Focus 4, and the value of the iris address information 67 is registered in the iris setting address 4 (91) of Iris 4.

[0124] In this manner, the preset unit 75 registers the focal length address information 53 corresponding to zoom setting address 1 (77) for Zoom 1 to zoom setting address 4 (89) for Zoom 4, respectively, by pressing the setting button 1 to the setting button 4. For example, the numerical value of the focal length address information 53 set by the zoom data unit 44 is registered. In the example shown, there are four types of focal length address information that can be registered, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0125] The operation terminal 26 associates and registers the address information data of the zoom data section 44, the focus data section 45, and the iris data section 46 in the preset section 75, for example, with each inspection process in the relevant inspection apparatus and the movement position (address information) of the lens mechanism in the inspection process. Thus, the movement position of each lens mechanism in the inspection apparatus is assigned to the setting button number (setting number) from 1 to 4 registered in the preset section 75, and the address information set is read from the setting number, thereby making it possible to easily set the movement position of each lens mechanism for each inspection process.

[0126] Next, refer to Figure 8 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of the lens device 1 using the operation terminal 26. This description describes an embodiment in which the lens device 1 is mounted on a camera body 20 and is adapted to be used as an inspection device for processing and inspecting images from the camera body 20. Furthermore, multiple lens devices 1 are connected to a single operation terminal 26 via a network 21.

[0127] like Figure 8 As shown, first, the lens device 1 ( Figure 8 The selection of the lens body 2 is the operation Figure 7 By pressing the operation button 33 on the operation screen of the operation terminal 26 shown in FIG. 1 , a lens body (device) 1 is selected from the lens devices 1 connected to the network. The body number of the selected lens device 1 is displayed on the Figure 7 The display window 35 of the selection information 34 is shown. Figure 7 The connection button 36 shown in FIG. 3 is used to connect the lens device 1 that matches the selected selection information 34 to the operating terminal 26 via the OS in a software manner ( Figure 8 In step 2), the connected unit number is displayed in the display window 35a. Furthermore, the line number and connection order 41 of the line 40 of the selected lens unit 1 are displayed. Thus, only the selected lens unit 1 becomes the target of operation by the operation terminal 26. Other lens units 1 exist only on the network 21 and are not connected to the operation terminal 26 via software, and therefore are not the target of operation by the operation terminal 26.

[0128] When switching the lens device 1 on the network 21 in the line 40, the disconnect button 37 is operated to disconnect the lens device 1 corresponding to the selection information 34 through the OS and the operation terminal 26 by software, and a new lens device 1 is selected after the disconnection.

[0129] If the lens device 1 is connected to the operation terminal 26 in a software manner, Figure 1 The lens information output unit 10 of the lens device 1 shown in FIG. 1 outputs characteristic information indicating lens mechanism specifications and identification information for identifying the lens device 1 via the network 21. The distribution unit 28 of the operation terminal 26 receives the information from the user. Figure 1 The characteristic information and identification information output by the lens information output unit 10 identify the lens device 1, and the allocation unit 28 displays the lens model 39 of the lens device 1 in the lens model display window 43, and displays the information of the line 40 and the information of the sequence 41 in correspondence on the operation screen 32.

[0130] Figure 7 In the example shown, a lens unit 1 having selection information 34 indicating "0062C174" is selected from line 40 (network 21), and its lens model 39 is "LENS ABCDEFG." The selected lens unit 1 is displayed on the operation screen 32 as corresponding to "No. 2" in sequence 41 on line 40 (network 21). This allows the operator to understand the connection status of the lens unit 1. Furthermore, if ambient temperature information on the lens body 2 is required, the ambient temperature of the lens body 2 measured by the temperature sensor 11 and the temperature detection unit 12 of the lens body 2 is displayed by pressing the temperature measurement start button 73.

[0131] exist Figure 8 When the lens selection (step S1) and lens connection (step S2) processes are completed, the lens selection (step S1) and lens connection (step S2) are completed. Figure 7 The operation screen 32 and the initialization buttons 47, 48, and 49 shown in FIG. 4 are used to initialize the lens device 1. Figure 8 Next, the initialization process of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the diaphragm adjustment unit mechanism 5 of the lens device 1 will be described.

[0132] If the operator Figure 7 When the zoom initialization button 47 is operated on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 shown in FIG. 1 , a command for initializing the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is issued to the zoom drive control unit 6 assigned by the assignment unit 28 ( Figure 8 In step S10), the current value of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is read based on the instruction, and the read current value of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is displayed on the focal length address information 53, 54 ( Figure 8In addition, the information (characteristic information) indicating the operating ranges of the WIDE side and the TELE side of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is read, and the read operating ranges are displayed at the wide-angle focal length address 50 and the telephoto focal length address 51 indicating the operating range of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 ( Figure 8 Step S12).

[0133] When the series of initialization processes for the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is completed, the series of initialization processes for the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is started. Figure 7 When the focus initialization button 48 is operated on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 shown in FIG. 1 , a command for initializing the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is issued to the focus drive control unit 7 assigned by the assignment unit 28 ( Figure 8 In step S13), the current value of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is read based on the instruction, and the read current value of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is displayed on the focus address information 60, 61 ( Figure 8 In addition, the information (characteristic information) indicating the operating ranges of the Near side and the Inf side of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is read, and the read operating ranges are displayed at the focus addresses 58 and 59 indicating the operating ranges of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 ( Figure 8 Step S15).

[0134] When the series of initialization processes for the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is completed, the series of initialization processes for the diaphragm adjustment unit mechanism 5 is started. Figure 7 When the diaphragm initialization button 49 is operated on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 shown in FIG. 1 , a command for initializing the diaphragm adjustment unit mechanism 4 is issued to the diaphragm drive control unit 8 assigned by the assignment unit 28 ( Figure 8 The current value of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 is read based on the instruction, and the read current value of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 is displayed on the aperture address information 67, 68 (the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26) Figure 8 In addition, the information (characteristic information) indicating the operating range of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 on the Open side and the Close side is read, and the read operating range is displayed at the aperture address 64, 65 indicating the operating range of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 ( Figure 8 Step 18).

[0135] When a series of processes for initializing the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 are completed, initialization processes for the optical filter adjustment lens mechanism and initialization processes for the expander adjustment lens mechanism are performed as necessary.

[0136] Once the above series of initialization processes are completed, the lens mechanisms are driven and controlled, an optical image is captured and confirmed by the camera device 19, and the movement position of the lens mechanism is pre-registered. This is to associate and register the movement position (address information) of the lens mechanism in each inspection process with each inspection process in the inspection device.

[0137] First, adjust the lens mechanism for zoom adjustment ( Figure 8 The zoom adjustment lens mechanism is adjusted by operating the step operation button 56 of the zoom data unit 44, the zoom slider 52, or the execution button (Goto button) 70. Through these operations, the operation terminal 26 outputs a command to the zoom drive control unit 6 for driving and controlling the zoom drive motor 3c of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 of the lens apparatus 1. The zoom drive motor 3c is driven and controlled based on the command, thereby executing zoom adjustment of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3.

[0138] Furthermore, after zoom adjustment of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is completed, the zoom data unit 44 reads the current zoom value of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 and displays the read zoom value as focal length address information 53 and 54 on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 .

[0139] Next, adjust the lens mechanism for focus adjustment ( Figure 8 Adjustment of the focus adjustment lens mechanism is performed by operating any of the step operation buttons 56 of the focus data unit 45, the focus slider 63, and the execution button (Goto button) 71. Through these operations, the operation terminal 26 outputs a command to the focus drive control unit 7 for driving and controlling the focus drive motor 4c of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 of the lens apparatus 1. The focus drive motor 4c is driven and controlled based on the command, thereby executing focus adjustment of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4.

[0140] Furthermore, after the focus adjustment of the focus adjusting lens mechanism 4 is completed, the focus data unit 45 reads the current focus value of the focus adjusting lens mechanism 4 and displays the read focus value as focus address information 60 and 61 on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 .

[0141] Then, the aperture adjustment unit mechanism is adjusted ( Figure 8Adjustment of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism is performed by operating any of the step operation button 56 of the aperture data section 46, the aperture slider 66, or the execution button (Goto button) 72. Through these operations, the operation terminal 26 outputs a command to the aperture drive control section 8 for driving and controlling the aperture drive motor 5c of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 of the lens apparatus 1. Based on the command, the aperture drive motor 5c is driven and controlled, thereby executing aperture adjustment of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5.

[0142] After the aperture adjustment by the aperture adjustment unit 5 is completed, the aperture data unit 46 reads the current aperture value of the aperture adjustment unit 5 and displays the read aperture value as aperture address information 67 and 68 on the operation screen 32 of the operation terminal 26 .

[0143] Next, after adjusting the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the iris adjustment unit mechanism 5, the setting button 1 (76) of the preset section 75 is pressed. Consequently, the focal length address information 53 of the lens of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3 is displayed at the zoom setting address 1 (77) and registered as data for Zoom 1. Furthermore, the focus address information 60 of the lens of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4 is displayed at the focus setting address 1 (78) and registered as data for Focus 1. Furthermore, the iris address information 67 of the unit of the iris adjustment unit mechanism 5 is displayed at the iris setting address 1 (79) and registered as data for Iris 1.

[0144] Next, it is confirmed whether the setting operation using the setting button of the preset unit 75 is completed ( Figure 8 When the predetermined setting operation is completed, the lens mechanism adjustment is completed. On the other hand, if the login operation using the setting button is continued, the process moves to step S4.

[0145] Furthermore, by presetting the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the diaphragm adjustment unit mechanism 5, a maximum of setting address information can be registered to the setting button 4. The number of registered setting addresses is not limited to four.

[0146] Through the above operations, the setting address information (position information) of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism, the focus adjustment lens mechanism, and the aperture adjustment unit mechanism are registered.

[0147] Next, refer to Figure 9 , an inspection device using the lens device 1 is described. Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the operation terminal 26 and the lens device 1 when the lens mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is used in an inspection device. The following description describes the control of the lens device 1 by the operation terminal 26 for controlling the inspection device and the operation of the lens device.

[0148] The inspection device is composed of a camera device 19 having a lens device 1 for photographing an object to be inspected, a lighting device for illuminating the object to be inspected when the camera device 19 photographs the object, an image processing device for processing the image from the camera device 19 and performing inspection, and an operation terminal 26 for communicating and controlling the lens device 1, the lighting device, and the image processing device. In addition, the lens device 1 and the operation terminal 26 constitute, for example, Figure 4 (a) shows the connection method. Furthermore, the zoom setting address of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism, the focus setting address of the focus adjustment lens mechanism, and the aperture setting address of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism of the lens device 1 are pre-registered in the operation terminal 26. The following description is an example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0149] like Figure 9 As shown, first, the inspection device's operating terminal 26 obtains the pre-registered set address data (position information) for the zoom adjustment lens mechanism, focus adjustment lens mechanism, and aperture adjustment unit mechanism corresponding to the inspection object according to the inspection process sequence (step S20). The inspection object is set to the inspection device, for example, by a transport device or a robotic arm (step S21). The operating terminal 26 prepares the set address data (position information) for the zoom adjustment lens mechanism, focus adjustment lens mechanism, and aperture adjustment unit mechanism used in the initial inspection process (step S22).

[0150] The data (position information) of the set addresses of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism, focus adjustment lens mechanism, and aperture adjustment unit mechanism used in the inspection process is output to the lens device 1 via the network (step S23). The control unit 9 of the lens device 1 receives movement instructions and addresses of each lens mechanism from the first connection unit 13. The control unit 9 then transmits movement instructions and movement amounts of the drive motors to each drive control unit to control the lens movement to a predetermined position (step S30).

[0151] After outputting the set address information (position information) of each lens mechanism, the operation terminal 26 confirms whether the operation completion signal output from the second connection portion 16 of the lens apparatus 1 has been input (step S24). The input of the operation completion signal can be confirmed, for example, by using the interrupt function of the computer built into the operation terminal 26. This allows the operation terminal 26 to perform other processing until the operation completion signal is input.

[0152] After the drive motors driving the lens mechanisms have completed their operation, the control unit 9 of the lens apparatus 1 confirms that the lens has stopped operating (step S31). When the drive motors have stopped operating, the control unit 9 outputs a movement completion signal from the second connection unit 16 to the operation terminal 26 (step S32). After confirming the movement completion signal from the lens apparatus 1, the operation terminal 26 turns on the illumination device and instructs the image processing device to capture images from the camera device 19 (step S25).

[0153] Furthermore, the operation terminal 26 turns off the lighting device, performs image processing on the image processing device, and instructs the inspection of the inspection object (step S26). The operation terminal 26 confirms whether the inspection of the inspection object has been completed (step S27). If the inspection is completed (step S27 returns Yes), the operation terminal 26 instructs the transport device to set a new inspection object at the inspection position, and the process proceeds to step S21.

[0154] On the other hand, if the inspection is not completed (step S27 is No), the operation terminal 26 prepares the data (position information) of the setting address information of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism, focus adjustment lens mechanism and aperture adjustment unit mechanism used in the next inspection process (step S28), and then transfers to step S23 to continue the inspection.

[0155] In this way, the operation terminal 26 can pre-login the focal length address information 53 of the zoom adjustment lens mechanism 3, the focus address information 60 of the focus adjustment lens mechanism 4, and the aperture address information 67 of the aperture adjustment unit mechanism 5 set by the zoom data section 44, the focus data section 45, and the aperture data section 46, and associate and store the logged-in related address information in each inspection process of the inspection device, thereby enabling efficient inspection.

[0156] As another embodiment, when adjusting the lens movement position of the lens mechanism according to the distance to the inspected object during the inspection process, the lens position of the lens mechanism of the lens device is pre-registered as setting address information according to the distance to the inspected object.

[0157] During the inspection process, based on the distance information from the measured lens device to the inspected object, the set address information corresponding to the pre-stored lens mechanism movement position is read, and an instruction to move to the movement position of the read address information is output to the lens device through the first communication interface of the network.

[0158] In this manner, during image processing inspection, for example, when the position of an object to be inspected is unknown, optimal lens mechanism position information based on the distance between the lens assembly and the object can be pre-registered as setting address information. During the inspection process, the distance to the object to be inspected is measured, and the address information corresponding to the measured distance is read to set the position of the lens of the lens assembly. This allows for efficient inspection.

[0159] As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to the universal communication interface, there is also a signal line that is different from the universal communication interface, does not rely on the universal interface, and outputs a real-time trigger signal. By using another signal to output information that requires real-time information from the lens device, the drive of the lens mechanism is used as the starting point, and the camera is used to take pictures, so that high-speed inspection can be performed.

[0160] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in addition to the universal communication interface, there is also a signal line that is different from the universal communication interface, is independent of the universal interface, and outputs a real-time trigger signal. By outputting information from the lens that requires real-time information using another signal, the load on the operating terminal, i.e., the host side, can be reduced during the period before the lens responds.

[0161] In addition, according to the present invention, since it has a lens mechanism, which is built into the lens body and is used to form an optical image; a drive control unit, which is built into the lens body and is used to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit, which is used to output a drive control signal to the drive control unit; and a network, which is used to form a communication interface to the control unit, the connection method between the lens and the operation terminal can be expanded to an n-to-1 or n-to-n connection method by connecting the lens and the operation terminal through the network.

[0162] Since the connection method between multiple lens units and operation terminals can be expanded to an n-to-1 method, in the case of industrial cameras that require real-time response, it is possible to synchronize multiple lens units or select any number of lens units from multiple lens units for drive control to respond immediately.

[0163] Since the present invention can independently operate the camera body from the operation terminal, multiple lens devices can be controlled and information of each lens device can be observed in real time.

[0164] Since the lens device is driven and controlled independently of the camera body based on the drive control signal from the control unit, it is possible to adopt a structure in which multiple lens devices are gathered on a network and connected to a single operation terminal, or multiple operation terminals are connected to a network with multiple lens devices, thereby expanding the application range of the lens device.

[0165] Since the operating terminal for controlling the lens device stores the lens position of the lens mechanism in advance, the lens can be controlled at a predetermined position at high speed by reading the stored lens position information obtained through inspection using image processing.

[0166] In addition, since the operation terminal for controlling the lens device can receive the lens operation completion signal of the lens mechanism in real time, high-speed processing can be performed in the inspection device that processes images from the camera body and performs inspections.

[0167] The present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, it is self-evident that the above embodiments are entirely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0169] 1: Lens device

[0170] 2: Lens body

[0171] 3: Lens mechanism for zoom adjustment

[0172] 3a: Lead screw for zoom

[0173] 3c: Zoom drive motor (zoom stepping motor)

[0174] 4: Lens mechanism for focus adjustment

[0175] 4a: Lead screw for focusing

[0176] 4c: Focusing drive motor (focusing stepping motor)

[0177] 5: Aperture adjustment unit

[0178] 5a: Aperture unit

[0179] 5c: Aperture drive motor (aperture stepping motor)

[0180] 6: Zoom drive control unit

[0181] 7: Focusing drive control unit

[0182] 8: Aperture drive control unit

[0183] 9: Control unit (microcomputer)

[0184] 9a: Control board

[0185] 10: Lens information output unit

[0186] 11: Temperature sensor

[0187] 12: Temperature detection unit

[0188] 13: First connection part

[0189] 13a: Power supply interface

[0190] 13b: First communication interface

[0191] 14: USB connector

[0192] 15: Ethernet connector

[0193] 16: Second connection part

[0194] 16a: Second communication interface

[0195] 17: Output signal connector (second connection connector)

[0196] 18: CS interface

[0197] 19: Camera rig

[0198] 20: Camera body

[0199] 20a: Shooting element

[0200] 21: Network

[0201] 22, 23, 24: Network hub

[0202] 25: Encoder

[0203] 26: Operation terminal (host)

[0204] 27: Central Processing Unit

[0205] 28: Distribution Department

[0206] 29: Data Department

[0207] 30: Display unit

[0208] 31: Image Monitor

[0209] 32: Operation screen

[0210] 33: Operation button

[0211] 34: Select information (confirm information)

[0212] 35, 35a, 38: Display window

[0213] 36: Connect button

[0214] 37: Cut off button

[0215] 39: Lens model (characteristic information)

[0216] 40: Line

[0217] 41: Sequence

[0218] 43: Lens model display window

[0219] 44: Zoom data unit

[0220] 45: Focus on the data department

[0221] 46: Aperture data section

[0222] 47, 48, 49: Initialization button

[0223] 50: Wide-angle focal length address

[0224] 51: Telephoto focal length address

[0225] 52: Zoom slider

[0226] 53, 54: Focal length address information

[0227] 55: Step number information

[0228] 56: Step operation button

[0229] 58, 59: Focus address

[0230] 60, 61: Focus address information

[0231] 62: Step number information

[0232] 63: Focus Slider

[0233] 64, 65: Aperture address

[0234] 66: Aperture slider

[0235] 67, 68: Aperture address information

[0236] 69: Step number information

[0237] 70, 71, 72: Execute buttons

[0238] 73: Temperature measurement start button

[0239] 74: Ambient temperature

[0240] 75: Preset Department

[0241] 76: Setting button 1

[0242] 77: Zoom setting address 1

[0243] 78: Focus setting address 1

[0244] 79: Aperture setting address 1

[0245] 80: Setting button 2

[0246] 81: Zoom setting address 2

[0247] 82: Focus setting address 2

[0248] 83: Aperture setting address 2

[0249] 84: Setting button 3

[0250] 85: Zoom setting address 3

[0251] 86: Focus setting address 3

[0252] 87: Aperture setting address 3

[0253] 88: Setting button 4

[0254] 89: Zoom setting address 4

[0255] 90: Focus setting address 4

[0256] 91: Aperture setting address 4

Claims

1. A lens device for capturing an optical image through a camera body, characterized in that: The lens assembly has: a lens mechanism, which is built into the lens body and is used to form the optical image; a drive control unit, which is built into the lens body and is used to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit that outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connection unit having a first communication interface capable of communicating with the control unit and being connected to a network; as well as a second connection unit having a second communication interface capable of outputting a signal from the control unit; The lens mechanism starts to move according to the movement action instruction input by the control unit received by the first communication interface of the first connection part, and the control unit outputs an action completion signal notifying the lens mechanism of the completion of the action through the second communication interface of the second connection part; An operation terminal having a computer is connected to the network connected to the lens device, the lens device is configured with multiple lens devices, the operation terminal is configured with one or more operation terminals, and multiple lens devices are connected to one or more operation terminals.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein: Based on a movement operation instruction from the control unit, the lens body is driven and controlled independently of the camera body.

3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein: An operation terminal having a computer is connected to the network to which the lens device is connected. After receiving the movement action instruction of the lens mechanism output by the control unit of the lens device from the operation terminal through the first communication interface on the network, the control unit of the lens device outputs the movement completion signal of the lens mechanism to the operation terminal through the second communication interface.

4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting portion further has a power supply interface, which is used to supply power to the lens body.

5. A system assembled with a lens device, characterized in that: It has: A camera body for capturing optical images; a lens device having a lens main body coupled to the camera main body via an interface portion; and an operating terminal for controlling the lens device via a network; The system further comprises: a lens mechanism built into the lens body and configured to form the optical image; a drive control unit built into the lens body and configured to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit that outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connection unit having a first communication interface capable of communicating with the control unit and being connected to the network; and a second connection unit having a second communication interface capable of outputting a signal from the control unit to the operation terminal. The lens mechanism starts to move according to the movement action instruction input by the control unit received by the first communication interface of the first connection part, and the control unit outputs an action completion signal notifying the lens mechanism of the completion of the action through the second communication interface of the second connection part; An operation terminal having a computer is connected to the network connected to the lens device, the lens device is configured with multiple lens devices, the operation terminal is configured with one or more operation terminals, and multiple lens devices are connected to one or more operation terminals.

6. The system with a lens device as claimed in claim 5, wherein: Based on the movement action instruction from the operation terminal, the lens body is driven and controlled independently of the camera body, and an action completion signal is output to the operation terminal through the second communication interface of the second connection part of the lens device.

7. An inspection device assembled with a lens device, characterized in that: The inspection of the object to be inspected has the following features: A camera body for capturing optical images; a lens device having a lens main body coupled to the camera main body via an interface portion; and an operating terminal for controlling the lens device via a network; The inspection device further comprises: a lens mechanism built into the lens body and configured to form the optical image; a drive control unit built into the lens body and configured to drive and control the lens mechanism; a control unit that outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connection unit having a first communication interface capable of communicating with the control unit and being connected to the network; and a second connection unit having a second communication interface capable of outputting a signal from the control unit to the operation terminal. The lens mechanism starts to move according to the movement action instruction input by the control unit received by the first communication interface of the first connection part, and the control unit outputs an action completion signal notifying the lens mechanism of the completion of the action through the second communication interface of the second connection part; An operation terminal having a computer is connected to the network connected to the lens device, the lens device is configured with multiple lens devices, the operation terminal is configured with one or more operation terminals, and multiple lens devices are connected to one or more operation terminals.

8. A program for controlling an operation of a lens device, characterized in that: The lens device comprises: a lens mechanism built into a lens body for forming an optical image; a drive control unit built into the lens body for driving and controlling the lens mechanism; a control unit that outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit; a first connection unit having a first communication interface capable of communicating with the control unit and being connected to a network; and a second connection unit having a second communication interface capable of outputting signals from the control unit to an operation terminal; the operation program having a function of receiving instructions input from the operation terminal to the first communication interface of the first connection unit, and a function of executing instructions based on the instructions received by the operation terminal; The operating program performs the following functions: A function of outputting a drive control signal to the drive control unit to move the position of the lens when receiving an instruction from the operation terminal to move the position of the lens of the lens mechanism; confirming whether the lens of the lens mechanism has completed the function of the movement action; and After the lens of the lens mechanism completes the movement action, a trigger signal serving as a movement completion signal of the lens mechanism is output from the second communication interface to the operation terminal; The lens mechanism starts to move according to the movement action instruction input by the control unit received by the first communication interface of the first connection part, and the control unit outputs an action completion signal notifying the lens mechanism of the completion of the action through the second communication interface of the second connection part; An operation terminal having a computer is connected to the network connected to the lens device, the lens device is configured with multiple lens devices, the operation terminal is configured with one or more operation terminals, and multiple lens devices are connected to one or more operation terminals.

9. The operating program for controlling the lens device according to claim 8, wherein: The operating program performs the following functions: A function of storing the lens position of the lens mechanism as address information; a function of reading the pre-stored address information of the lens mechanism and outputting, through the first communication interface of the network, an instruction for the lens device to move to the moving position of the address information read; and A function of receiving a movement completion signal of the lens mechanism from the second communication interface.

Images