Camera device, camera device control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an imaging device, an imaging device control method, and a storage medium. The imaging device allows a photographer to easily identify whether blurring in an image during imaging is due to a variable spherical aberration mechanism. The imaging device, to which a lens barrel can be attached and detached, includes: a mounting unit configured to mount the lens barrel; a processor; and a memory storing a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the imaging device to: obtain an adjustment amount for spherical aberration from the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit; and control a display device to display information regarding the adjustment amount together with an image captured by the lens barrel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a method for controlling the imaging device, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a technology for displaying information about a lens barrel. Background Art

[0002] When capturing images using an imaging device such as a digital camera, the photographer generally focuses on a specific subject with high precision before capturing the image. Therefore, it would be convenient if the photographer could know how accurately the subject is in focus. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-168555 discloses an imaging device that includes a display control device and displays the relationship between the lens position of a focus lens and the subject focus position, so that the desired subject can be focused. According to the imaging device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-168555, it is possible to easily understand how to adjust the lens position of the focus lens to focus on the desired subject.

[0003] There are many types of lens barrels that can be attached to and detached from an imaging device, and one of these lens barrels is known to be equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism and capable of adjusting the blur (blur) of the captured image by operating a predetermined operating member. When using an imaging device to which a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism is attached for shooting, if the photographer accidentally touches the predetermined operating member, the blur may be set to a level that the photographer does not want. In this case, on the display of the imaging device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-168555, the photographer does not know whether the cause of the blur is due to the spherical aberration variable mechanism or due to reasons other than the spherical aberration variable mechanism (for example, loss of focus, lens barrel malfunction, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an imaging device, an imaging device control method, and a storage medium. The imaging device allows a photographer to easily recognize whether blurring generated in an image during imaging is due to a spherical aberration variable mechanism.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an image pickup device to which a lens barrel can be attached and detached, the image pickup device comprising: a mounting unit configured to mount the lens barrel; a processor; and a memory storing a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the image pickup device to perform the following operations: obtain an adjustment amount of spherical aberration from the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit; and control to display information about the adjustment amount on a display device together with an image obtained through the lens barrel.

[0006] The present invention also provides a control method for a camera device, which includes a mounting unit configured to mount a lens barrel, the control method comprising: a step of obtaining an adjustment amount of spherical aberration from the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit; and a step of controlling a display device to display information about the adjustment amount together with an image obtained through the lens barrel.

[0007] The present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the above control method.

[0008] According to the imaging device of the present invention, the photographer can easily recognize whether blurring occurring in an image during imaging is due to the spherical aberration varying mechanism.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image pickup device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image pickup device and a lens barrel.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lens barrel.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a process for displaying a spherical aberration adjustment amount on a display unit.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the spherical aberration adjustment amount display process in step S404.

[0015] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C : are diagrams showing examples of captured images with different spherical aberration adjustment amounts.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the spherical aberration adjustment amount recording process.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the spherical aberration adjustment amount display process in the reproduction mode.

[0018] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a display example of an LV image in a case where a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism is attached to the image pickup device.

[0019] Figure 10: is a diagram showing a display example of an image captured by using a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the invention.

[0021] An image pickup device according to the present invention will be described.

[0022] Figure 1A 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of the camera device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B 1 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 100. Specifically, the imaging device 100 is a so-called mirrorless SLR camera (i.e., a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera). However, the imaging device according to the present invention is not limited to a mirrorless SLR camera, and the present invention is applicable to all imaging devices to which a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism can be attached.

[0023] The imaging device 100 includes a display unit 128, a terminal cover 140, an external viewfinder display unit 143, a shutter button 161, a touch panel 170a, a main electronic dial 171, a power switch 172, a sub-electronic dial 173, a four-way key 174, and a set button 175. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 includes a moving image button 176, an AE (auto exposure) lock button 177, a zoom button 178, a playback button 179, a menu button 181, and a touch bar 182. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 includes a communication terminal 110, an eye portion (i.e., an eyepiece portion) 116, an eye detection unit (i.e., an eyepiece detection unit) 157, a grip portion 190, a thumb rest portion 191, and a cover 195.

[0024] The display unit 128 is provided on the back side of the imaging device 100 and is comprised of a display device, such as a color liquid crystal display, that displays images and various information. Various information, such as a menu screen for making various settings related to imaging and playback of the imaging device 100, a live view image, and a reproduced image, are displayed on the display unit 128. A touch panel 170a is superimposed on the display unit 128 and detects touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 128. The external viewfinder display unit 143 is a display device provided on the upper surface of the imaging device 100 and displays various setting values of the imaging device 100 set during imaging, such as the shutter speed and aperture.

[0025] The shutter button 161 is an operating member for giving a camera instruction. The mode switch 160 is an operating member for switching the shooting mode. The terminal cover 140 is a member that protects a connector (not shown) connected to a connection cable, etc., for connecting the camera device 100 to an external device. The main electronic dial 171 is an operating member for rotating to change setting values such as shutter speed and aperture. The power switch 172 is an operating member for switching between a power-on state and a power-off state of the camera device 100. The sub-electronic dial 173 is a rotating operating member for rotating to move a selection frame (cursor), transfer an image, etc. The four-way key 174 is an operating member configured so that each of the upper, lower, left, and right parts associated with a predetermined process can be pushed in. The setting button 175 is a button-type operating member mainly used to determine a selection item, etc.

[0026] The motion image button 176 is a button-type operating member for instructing the start and stop of motion image shooting (motion image recording). The AE lock button 177 is an operating member that can fix the exposure state by being pressed in the shooting standby state. The zoom button 178 is an operating button for switching between the ON state and the OFF state of the zoom mode that can be executed when the live view display (LV display) of the shooting mode is performed. By operating the main electronic dial 171 after turning on the zoom mode (i.e., switching to the ON state of the zoom mode), the live view image (LV image) can be enlarged or reduced. In addition, by operating the zoom button 178 in the reproduction mode, the reproduced image can be enlarged and the magnification of the reproduced image can be changed.

[0027] The playback button 179 is an operating member for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. When the playback button 179 is pressed during shooting mode, the shooting mode is switched to playback mode, and the latest image recorded on the recording medium 295 (described later) is displayed on the display unit 128. The menu button 181 is an operating member for displaying a menu screen for making various settings on the display unit 128. The photographer (user) can intuitively make various settings by using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 128, the four-way key 174, and the setting button 175.

[0028] The touch bar 182 (multi-function bar, i.e., M-Fn bar) is a linear touch operating member (i.e., a line touch sensor) capable of accepting touch operations. The touch bar 182 is located in a position where the right thumb can perform a touch operation while the right hand (pink finger, ring finger, and middle finger) holds the grip 190, allowing the right index finger to press the shutter button 161. Specifically, the touch bar 182 is located in a position where it can be operated while the imaging device 100 is held (in a shooting posture), allowing the photographer to observe the viewfinder by placing their eye against the eyepiece portion 116 and press the shutter button 161 at any time. The touch bar 182 is also an operating member capable of accepting tapping operations (i.e., touching and then releasing without moving for a predetermined period of time), sliding operations (i.e., moving the touch position while touching), and other operations. Furthermore, the touch bar 182 is a separate operating member from the touch panel 170a and does not have a display function.

[0029] The communication terminal 110 is a communication terminal between the system control unit 250 of the imaging device 100 and the lens system control circuit 204 of the lens barrel 200 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) for communication. The eyepiece portion 116 is a portion where the photographer moves his / her eyes closer to or further away from the observation eyepiece viewfinder. The photographer can visually recognize the image displayed on the internal EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) 229 (see Figure 2 ) on the image. The eyepiece detection unit 157 is a sensor that detects whether the photographer has brought his / her eye into contact with the eyepiece portion 116. The cover 195 is a protective cover provided for accommodating the recording medium 295 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and is configured to be openable and closable relative to the groove. The grip 190 is designed to be easily grasped by the photographer's right hand when holding the image capture device 100 for recording. The shutter button 161 and main electronic dial 171 are located in positions that can be operated by the index finger of the right hand while holding the image capture device 100 with the pinky, ring, and middle fingers of the right hand. Furthermore, the sub-electronic dial 173 and touch bar 182 are located in positions that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand while holding the grip 190 with the pinky, ring, and middle fingers of the right hand. The thumb rest 191 (thumb standby position) is located on the back side of the image capture device 100, where the thumb of the right hand holding the grip 190 can easily rest without operating any operating member. The thumb rest 191 is made of a rubber member or the like to enhance the holding force (gripping feel).

[0030] The block configuration of the image pickup apparatus 100 will be described. Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the imaging device 100 and the lens barrel 200. Figure 2Among the constituent elements of the imaging device 100 shown, the same reference numerals are used to designate the components of the imaging device 100. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The reference numerals in FIG. 2 denote structural elements, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. The lens barrel 200 is an imaging lens unit that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device 100. The lens barrel 200 includes an aperture 201, an aperture drive circuit 202, an AF drive circuit 203, a lens system control circuit 204, a spherical aberration variable lens drive circuit 205, a communication terminal 206, a spherical aberration variable ring 207, a spherical aberration variable ring rotation detection unit 207a, and a lens group 208.

[0031] Although the lens group 208 is generally composed of a plurality of lenses, for simplicity, Figure 2 Only one lens is shown. The communication terminal 206 enables communication between the lens system control circuit 204 and the system control unit 250 by contacting the communication terminal 110 of the imaging device 100 when the lens barrel 200 is attached to the imaging device 100. The aperture 201 adjusts the amount of light incident on the lens group 208. The aperture drive circuit 202 drives the aperture 201.

[0032] The lens system control circuit 204 controls the aperture 201 via the aperture drive circuit 202. Furthermore, the lens system control circuit 204 performs focusing by shifting the position of the lens group 208 via the AF drive circuit 203. The spherical aberration variable ring 207 is a rotational operating member (spherical aberration variable member) for driving the multiple lenses that make up the lens group 208 to change (adjust) the amount of spherical aberration. The spherical aberration variable ring rotation detection unit 207a detects the presence, direction, and amount (angle) of rotation of the spherical aberration variable ring 207. Based on the detection results obtained by the spherical aberration variable ring rotation detection unit 207a, the lens system control circuit 204 drives the lens group 208 via the spherical aberration variable lens drive circuit 205 to change the positional relationship between the multiple lenses that make up the lens group 208. As a result, the amount of spherical aberration is changed, and the degree of blur in the captured image can be altered. Details of how the degree of blur is altered will be described later.

[0033] Apart from Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn addition to the various structural elements shown, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a shutter 210, a D / A (digital-to-analog) converter 219, an imaging unit 222, an A / D (analog-to-digital) converter 223, an EVF 229, a memory 232, a system control unit 250, a system memory 252, and a nonvolatile memory 256. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a system timer 253, a communication unit 254, a posture detection unit 255, an external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 244, a power supply control unit 280, a power supply unit 230, a recording medium I / F (interface) 218, and an operation unit 270.

[0034] The shutter 210 is a focal plane shutter that controls the exposure time of the imaging unit 222, and the operation of the shutter 210 is controlled by the system control unit 250. The imaging unit 222 is an imaging device (image sensor) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, which converts the optical image formed by the lens barrel 200 into an image signal (electrical signal). In addition, the imaging unit 222 may have an image sensing plane phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 250. The A / D converter 223 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 222 into a digital signal.

[0035] The image processing unit 224 performs predetermined processing (e.g., pixel interpolation processing, resizing processing such as reduction, color conversion processing, etc.) on the data from the A / D converter 223 or the data from the memory control unit 215. Furthermore, the image processing unit 224 performs predetermined calculation processing using the image data obtained by imaging, and the system control unit 250 performs exposure control and distance measurement control using the calculation results. As a result, TTL (Through the Lens) AF (Auto Focus) processing, AE (Auto Exposure) processing, EF (Flash Pre-Flash) processing, etc. are performed. Furthermore, the image processing unit 224 performs predetermined calculation processing using the image data obtained by imaging, and performs TTL AWB (Auto White Balance) processing based on the obtained calculation results.

[0036] The output data of the A / D converter 223 is written to the memory 232 via the image processing unit 224 and the memory control unit 215. Alternatively, the output data from the A / D converter 223 is written to the memory 232 via the memory control unit 215 without passing through the image processing unit 224. The memory 232, which serves as a predetermined storage unit, stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 222 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 223, and image data displayed on the display unit 128 and the EVF 229. The memory 232 has a storage capacity sufficient to store data of a predetermined number of still images, data of moving images for a predetermined time, and audio data.

[0037] The memory 232 also functions as a video memory for storing data used for image display. The D / A converter 219 converts the image display data stored in the memory 232 into analog signals, which are then supplied to the display unit 128 and the EVF 229. In this manner, the image data for display written to the memory 232 is displayed on the display unit 128 and the EVF 229 via the D / A converter 219. The display unit 128 and the EVF 229 are display devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, respectively, and perform display corresponding to the analog signals from the D / A converter 219. Live view display (LV display) is achieved by converting the digital signals stored in the memory 232, obtained through A / D conversion by the A / D converter 223, into analog signals via the D / A converter 219, and then transmitting the analog signals to the display unit 128 or the EVF 229 for display.

[0038] The system control unit 250 is a control unit having at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire imaging apparatus 100, and also controls the operation of the lens barrel 200 according to the operation of the imaging apparatus 100. The system control unit 250 implements various processes described later by executing programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 256. In addition, the system control unit 250 performs display control by controlling the memory 232, the D / A converter 219, the display unit 128, the EVF 229, and the like.

[0039] The system memory 252 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The system control unit 250 develops constants and variables used for the operation of the system control unit 250, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 256, and the like onto the system memory 252. The nonvolatile memory 256 is a memory that can be electrically erased and recorded, and is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Constants, programs, and the like used for the operation of the system control unit 250 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 256. The "program" here refers to a program for executing various processes performed according to the flowcharts described later.

[0040] The system timer 253 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock. The communication unit 254 sends / receives video signals and audio signals to / from an external device connected wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 254 can be connected to a wireless LAN (local area network) or the Internet. In addition, the communication unit 254 can also communicate with an external device by using a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 254 can send images (including LV images) captured by the camera unit 222 and images recorded on the recording medium 295 to an external device, and conversely, the communication unit 254 can receive image data and other various information from an external device.

[0041] The posture detection unit 255 is composed of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and the like that detects the posture of the imaging device 100 relative to the direction of gravity. By using the accelerometer or gyroscope, it is also possible to detect the movement of the imaging device 100 (panning, pitching, rising, whether it is stationary, etc.). Based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit 255, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 222 was captured by holding the imaging device 100 horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 250 can add orientation information corresponding to the posture detected by the posture detection unit 255 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 222. Furthermore, the system control unit 250 can rotate the image according to the detected orientation and record it.

[0042] The eyepiece detection unit 157 is a sensor that detects the approach and separation (eye contact and eye withdrawal) of an eyepiece portion 116 of the eyepiece finder including the EVF 229. The system control unit 250 switches the display / non-display state (display state / non-display state) of the display unit 128 and the EVF 229 based on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 157. For example, in the image capture standby state and with the display destination switching setting set to automatic switching, during periods of non-eye contact, the display unit 128 is in the display state, while the EVF 229 is in the non-display state. On the other hand, during periods of eye contact, the EVF 229 is in the display state, while the display unit 128 is in the non-display state.

[0043] As the eyepiece detection unit 157, for example, an infrared proximity sensor can be used. In this case, when an object approaches the eyepiece portion 116, infrared light projected from the infrared proximity sensor's light source is reflected by the object and received by the infrared proximity sensor's light receiving unit. The proximity of the object to the eyepiece portion 116 (the eyepiece distance) can be determined based on the amount of infrared light received at this time. In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 157 can also detect the proximity distance of the object to the eyepiece portion 116.

[0044] When an object approaching the eyepiece portion 116 within a predetermined distance from the non-eye contact state (non-approach state) is detected, the system control unit 250 determines that the eye contact state (approach state) has been reached. On the other hand, when the detected approaching object is separated from the eye contact state (approach state) by a predetermined distance or more, the system control unit 250 determines that the eyes have moved away. The threshold for detecting eye contact and the threshold for detecting eye withdrawal can be the same value, or different values, for example, by providing hysteresis. Furthermore, after detecting eye contact, the system control unit 250 determines that the eye contact state is in effect until eye withdrawal is detected; conversely, after detecting eye withdrawal, the system control unit 250 determines that the eye contact state is in effect until eye contact is detected. An infrared proximity sensor is one example of a sensor that can be used as the eyepiece detection unit 157, and any sensor capable of detecting states that can be considered eye contact / eye withdrawal can be used.

[0045] Various setting values of the imaging device 100 (such as shutter speed and aperture) are displayed on the external viewfinder display unit 143 via the external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 244. The power supply control unit 280 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches between energized blocks, and the like, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, the remaining battery level, and the like. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 280 controls the DC-DC converter based on its own detection results and instructions from the system control unit 250, and supplies the necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 295 for the necessary period. The power supply unit 230 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a lithium battery, an AC adapter, and the like.

[0046] The recording medium I / F 218 is an interface that enables communication (data transmission and reception) between a recording medium 295 such as a memory card or a hard disk and the system control unit 250. The recording medium 295 is a recording medium such as a memory card on which captured images and the like are recorded, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0047] The operation unit 270 is an input unit that receives operations performed by the photographer (photographer operations) and is used to input various operational instructions to the system control unit 250. The operation unit 270 includes the shutter button 161, the mode switch 160, the power switch 172, the touch panel 170a, and other operating components 270b. The other operating components 270b include the main electronic dial 171, the sub-electronic dial 173, the four-way key 174, and the set button 175. Furthermore, the other operating components 270b include a moving image button 176, an AE lock button 177, a zoom button 178, a playback button 179, a menu button 181, and a touch bar 182.

[0048] The shutter button 161 includes a first shutter switch 262 and a second shutter switch 264. The first shutter switch 262 is turned on when the shutter button 161 is being operated (by a so-called half-press (i.e., a shooting preparation instruction)) to generate a first shutter switch signal SW1. Upon receiving the first shutter switch signal SW1, the system control unit 250 begins shooting preparation operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing. The second shutter switch 264 is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 161 is completed (by a so-called full-press (i.e., a shooting instruction)) to generate a second shutter switch signal SW2. Upon receiving the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 250 performs a series of imaging operations, from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 222 to writing the captured image as an image file to the recording medium 295.

[0049] The mode switching switch 160 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 250 to any one of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, a reproduction mode, and the like. As modes included in the still image shooting mode, there are an automatic shooting mode, an automatic scene recognition mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode). In addition, the still image shooting mode includes various scene modes, various custom modes, and the like as shooting settings for each shooting scene. The photographer can switch to any one of these modes by operating the mode switching switch 160. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which, after once switching to the shooting mode list screen by the mode switching switch 160, it is selectively switched to any one of the multiple modes displayed by using other operating members. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode may include multiple modes.

[0050] Touch panel 170a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of display unit 128 (the operating surface of touch panel 170a). Touch panel 170a is configured so that light transmittance does not interfere with the display of display unit 128, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of display unit 128. Therefore, touch panel 170a and display unit 128 form an integrated structure. By associating input coordinates on touch panel 170a with display coordinates on the display surface of display unit 128, a GUI (graphical user interface, i.e., a graphical photographer interface) is provided that allows the photographer to directly operate the screen displayed on display unit 128.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lens barrel 200. The spherical aberration variable ring 207 is rotatable about the optical axis at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction and is arranged to form a circle around the outer circumference of the lens barrel 200. By rotating the spherical aberration variable ring 207, the photographer can change the amount of spherical aberration adjustment through the spherical aberration variable mechanism.

[0052] Moreover, although not shown, the spherical aberration variable ring 207 is provided with markings such as printed lines or embossed markings. Furthermore, on the outer circumference of the lens barrel 200, a portion facing the marking in the optical axis direction is formed (e.g., printed) with a range within which the spherical aberration can be changed. That is, an index and a value indicating the value of the spherical aberration adjustment amount that can be set are formed (e.g., printed) on the portion facing the marking in the optical axis direction. The spherical aberration adjustment amount is a dimensionless value and can be arbitrarily set in a predetermined step size (e.g., a 0.5 step size) or within a range of, for example, -4.0 to +4.0. In the default state (a state in which spherical aberration is not adjusted), the spherical aberration adjustment amount is '0 (zero)', and the spherical aberration variable ring 207 is positioned so that the marking points to the index '0'. The spherical aberration adjustment amount can be changed by rotating the spherical aberration variable ring 207 to match the marking with the desired value set on the index.

[0053] The spherical aberration adjustment amount display process will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a process for displaying the spherical aberration adjustment amount set (changed) by the spherical aberration variable mechanism on the display unit 128. The system control unit 250 develops a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 256 on the system memory 252 and executes the program, which is realized. Figure 4 Each process (step) indicated by an S number in the flowchart.

[0054] When imaging (obtaining a subject image) begins in step S401, the system control unit 250 begins displaying a natural image on the display unit 128. A natural image refers to an LV image obtained under the imaging conditions set by the imaging device 100 and the lens barrel 200 at that time. Next, in step S402, the system control unit 250 obtains lens information about the lens barrel 200 mounted on the imaging device 100 from the lens system control circuit 204 and, based on this information, determines whether the lens barrel 200 is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism. If the system control unit 250 determines that the lens barrel 200 is not equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism ("No" in step S402), the system control unit 250 advances the process to step S408 without displaying information about the spherical aberration variable mechanism. On the other hand, if the system control unit 250 determines that the lens barrel 200 is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism ("Yes" in step S402), the system control unit 250 advances the process to step S403.

[0055] In step S403, the system control unit 250 obtains the spherical aberration adjustment amount set in the lens barrel 200 from the lens system control circuit 204. Next, in step S404, the system control unit 250 performs display control processing so that the spherical aberration adjustment amount is displayed on the display unit 128. The details of the processing in step S404 will be described later. In step S405, the system control unit 250 determines whether the spherical aberration variable ring 207 has been operated. The system control unit 250 makes this determination in step S405 based on a signal indicating the detection result of the spherical aberration variable ring rotation detection unit 207a, obtained from the lens system control circuit 204. When the system control unit 250 determines that the spherical aberration variable ring 207 has been operated ("Yes" in step S405), the system control unit 250 returns the processing to step S403. On the other hand, when the system control unit 250 determines that the spherical aberration variable ring 207 has not been operated ("No" in step S405), the system control unit 250 enters the processing into step S406.

[0056] In step S406, the system control unit 250 determines whether the lens barrel 200 has been removed from the imaging device 100. The lens barrel 200 to be removed must be equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism. If the system control unit 250 determines that the lens barrel 200 has not been removed ("No" in step S406), the system control unit 250 returns the process to step S403. On the other hand, if the system control unit 250 determines that the lens barrel 200 has been removed ("Yes" in step S406), the system control unit 250 advances the process to step S407. In step S407, the system control unit 250 hides the display of the spherical aberration adjustment amount displayed on the display unit 128.

[0057] In step S408, the system control unit 250 determines whether to end the display of the natural image. For example, in a case where the system control unit 250 detects that the camera 100 has changed from the shooting mode to the reproduction mode, the system control unit 250 ends the display of the natural image. In a case where the system control unit 250 determines that the natural image is to continue to be displayed ("No" in step S408), the system control unit 250 returns the processing to step S402. On the other hand, in a case where the system control unit 250 determines that the display of the natural image is to be ended ("Yes" in step S408), the system control unit 250 enters the processing into step S409. In step S409, the system control unit 250 ends the display of the natural image displayed on the display unit 128, thereby ending the display of the natural image. Figure 4 processing.

[0058] Next, the spherical aberration adjustment amount display processing of step S404 will be described in detail. Figure 5 The flowchart of the spherical aberration adjustment amount display process of step S404 is implemented by the system control unit 250 expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 256 to the system memory 252 and executing the program. Figure 5 Each process (step) indicated by an S number in the flowchart.

[0059] In step S501, the system control unit 250 determines whether the setting value of the spherical aberration adjustment amount is '0 (zero)'. That is, it determines whether the spherical aberration variable mechanism is not in operation. In the case where the system control unit 250 determines that the setting value of the spherical aberration adjustment amount is '0' ("Yes" in step S501), the system control unit 250 causes the processing to enter step S502. On the other hand, in the case where the system control unit 250 determines that the setting value of the spherical aberration adjustment amount is not '0' ("No" in step S501), the system control unit 250 causes the processing to enter step S503. In step S502, the system control unit 250 displays an icon indicating the spherical aberration adjustment amount set by the spherical aberration variable mechanism and '0' on the display unit 128, thereby ending the spherical aberration adjustment amount display processing of step S404. On the other hand, in step S503, the system control unit 250 displays the icon, symbol, and setting value indicating the spherical aberration adjustment amount set by the spherical aberration variable mechanism on the display unit 128, thereby ending the spherical aberration adjustment amount display processing of step S404. Figure 9 A display example in step S503 is described.

[0060] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C: are diagrams showing examples of captured images with different spherical aberration adjustment amounts. Figure 6A An example of an image captured when the spherical aberration variable ring 207 is in the default position without being operated and the spherical aberration adjustment amount of the lens barrel 200 is the default setting value (which is '0 (zero)') is shown. Figure 6B An example of an image captured when the spherical aberration adjustment amount is set to "+2" is shown. Figure 6C An example of an image captured with the spherical aberration adjustment amount set to "-2" is shown. Blurring 600a1, 600b1, and 600c1 respectively indicate blurring on the near side of the photographer, and blurring 600a2, 600b2, and 600c2 respectively indicate blurring on the far side of the photographer.

[0061] like Figure 6A As shown, when the spherical aberration adjustment amount is set to '0' (without changing the spherical aberration adjustment amount from the default setting value) and the image is captured, the blur 600a1 on the photographer's near side and the blur 600a2 on the photographer's far side become the same (similar) blur.

[0062] In addition, if Figure 6B As shown, when shooting after changing the spherical aberration adjustment amount to the positive side, blur 600b1 on the photographer's near side becomes smaller, and the subject is captured more clearly than blur 600a1. On the other hand, blur 600b2 on the photographer's far side becomes larger, and the subject is captured less clearly than blur 600b1.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 6C As shown, when shooting after changing the spherical aberration adjustment amount to the negative side, blur 600c1 on the photographer's near side becomes larger, and the subject is captured more unclearly than blur 600b1. On the other hand, blur 600c2 on the photographer's far side becomes smaller, and the subject is captured more clearly than blur 600b1.

[0064] Even if the photographer uses the spherical aberration variable ring 207 with the intention of not moving it from its default position or ensuring that the spherical aberration adjustment amount remains unchanged, the photographer may mistakenly rotate the spherical aberration variable ring 207. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the spherical aberration variable ring 207 may have been rotated without the photographer's knowledge due to contact with another object. Even in this case, by viewing (checking) the information regarding the spherical aberration adjustment amount set using the spherical aberration adjustment mechanism along with the blurred natural image displayed on the display unit 128 in step S404, the photographer can notice that the spherical aberration adjustment amount has been changed and set. As a result, the photographer can recognize that the blurring is changing due to the spherical aberration adjustment amount set using the spherical aberration adjustment mechanism, without having to remove their eyes from the subject to confirm a mark or the like provided on the lens barrel 200.

[0065] In addition, according to the above Figure 4 The display control of the flowchart is a process mainly performed when obtaining LV images. Figure 5 During the processing of the flowchart of , when the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated by the operation of the shutter button 161 and imaging (image recording) is performed, the spherical aberration adjustment amount recording processing is performed. Figure 7 The system control unit 250 expands the program stored in the non-volatile memory 256 to the system memory 252 and executes the program to achieve Figure 7 Each process (step) indicated by an S number in the flowchart.

[0066] In step S701, the system control unit 250 performs imaging. In step S702, the system control unit 250 determines whether the lens barrel 200 is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism (i.e., whether imaging is being performed with a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism). If the system control unit 250 determines that the lens barrel 200 is not equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism ("No" in step S702), the system control unit 250 ends the spherical aberration adjustment amount recording process. On the other hand, if the system control unit 250 determines that the lens barrel 200 is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism ("Yes" in step S702), the system control unit 250 advances the process to step S703. In step S703, the system control unit 250 stores the spherical aberration adjustment amount at the time of imaging (at the time of image recording) in the attribute information (e.g., EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) information) of the image to be recorded, and performs recording control processing to associate the image with the attribute information and record it on the recording medium 295. Then, the system control unit 250 ends the spherical aberration adjustment amount recording process.

[0067] In this manner, when a captured image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 128, the spherical aberration adjustment amount recorded in the attribute information of the image is displayed together with the reproduced image on the display unit 128. Furthermore, the system control unit 250 can also obtain information indicating the model name of the lens barrel 200 mounted on the image pickup apparatus 100 at the time of image pickup, the presence or absence of a spherical aberration variable mechanism, and the like from the lens system control circuit 204, and record this information in the attribute information.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the spherical aberration adjustment amount display process in the reproduction mode (hereinafter referred to as "spherical aberration adjustment amount reproduction mode display process"). The system control unit 250 expands the program stored in the non-volatile memory 256 to the system memory 252 and executes the program to achieve Figure 8 Each process (step) indicated by an S number in the flowchart.

[0069] In step S801, the system control unit 250 obtains EXIF information from the recording medium 295. In step S802, the system control unit 250 determines whether the image is captured by a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism based on the EXIF information obtained in step S801. If the system control unit 250 determines that the image is not captured by a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism ("No" in step S802), the system control unit 250 ends the spherical aberration adjustment amount reproduction mode display processing. On the other hand, if the system control unit 250 determines that the image is captured by a lens barrel equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism ("Yes" in step S802), the system control unit 250 advances the processing to step S803. In step S803, the system control unit 250 displays the set value of the spherical aberration adjustment amount obtained in step S801 on (the reproduction screen of) the display unit 128, thereby ending the spherical aberration adjustment amount reproduction mode display processing.

[0070] Next, a display example of the spherical aberration adjustment amount in the LV image on the display unit 128 and a display example of the spherical aberration adjustment amount in the captured image on the display unit 128 will be described. Figure 9 1 is a diagram showing a display example of an LV image when the lens barrel 200 equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism is attached to the imaging device 100. Various icons 902 to 906, 908, and 909 are displayed on the display surface 901 (display panel) of the display unit 128 together with a natural image (subject image) including a subject 907.

[0071] Icon 902 indicates the shooting mode, and here indicates that the manual exposure mode is set. Icon 903 indicates the setting value of the shutter speed. Icon 904 indicates the setting value of the aperture value. Icon 905 indicates the setting status of the exposure correction. Icon 906 indicates the setting value of the ISO sensitivity.

[0072] Icon 908 is an object that schematically represents the spherical aberration adjustment value when the lens barrel 200 is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism. Icon 909 represents the symbol and value of the spherical aberration adjustment value. When the lens barrel 200 equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism is mounted on the imaging device 100, icons 908 and 909 are displayed on the display unit 128. On the other hand, when the lens barrel 200 is not equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism, icons 908 and 909 are hidden (not displayed). Although "+1.5" is displayed as the spherical aberration adjustment value here, this is merely an example, and the spherical aberration adjustment value at that time is displayed. Alternatively, "0," "-4.0," or the like could be displayed. Furthermore, the display of the spherical aberration adjustment value is not limited to the aforementioned method of using an object, a value, and a symbol. For example, the display of the spherical aberration adjustment value could be expressed by changing the display style (e.g., the appearance style) of the object schematically representing the spherical aberration adjustment value, or could simply use the value and symbol.

[0073] Figure 10 1 is a diagram showing an example of display of an image (captured image) captured using the lens barrel 200 equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism. First information, second information, third information, fourth information, and fifth information are displayed on the display surface 1001 (display panel) of the display unit 128 together with the captured image 1002, which is an image being reproduced from the captured images recorded on the recording medium 295.

[0074] The first information is image number information 1003, and indicates the total number of images recorded on the recording medium 295 and the image number of the currently displayed captured image 1002. The second information is lens name information 1004, and indicates the name of the lens barrel used when capturing the captured image 1002. Here, the lens name information 1004 is defined by the variable range of the focal length and the aperture value, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The third information is lens barrel focal length information 1005, which indicates the focal length at the time of capturing the captured image 1002. The fourth information is spherical aberration information 1006 and 1009. The spherical aberration information 1006 indicates an object indicating that spherical aberration was adjusted at the time of capturing the captured image 1002, and the spherical aberration information 1009 indicates the value and sign of the spherical aberration adjustment amount. If the lens barrel used at the time of capturing the captured image 1002 is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism, the spherical aberration information 1006 and 1009 will be displayed on the display surface 1001. On the other hand, if the lens barrel used at the time of capturing the captured image 1002 is not equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism, the spherical aberration information 1006 and 1009 will be hidden (not displayed). Furthermore, spherical aberration information 1006 and spherical aberration information 1009 are identical to icons 908 and 909, respectively, displayed in the LV image on display unit 128 at the time of capturing captured image 1002. This allows the photographer to easily grasp the spherical aberration adjustment amount not only during capturing but also during playback. The fifth information is histograms 1007 and 1008 of captured image 1002.

[0076] As described above, in the present invention, when a lens barrel equipped with a variable spherical aberration mechanism is mounted on an imaging device, information regarding the spherical aberration adjustment amount set using the variable spherical aberration mechanism is displayed on the imaging device's display unit during imaging. Thus, through the LV image displayed on the display unit, the photographer can easily determine whether the blur in the image during imaging is due to the variable spherical aberration mechanism mounted on the lens barrel. Furthermore, in the present invention, information regarding the spherical aberration adjustment amount is stored in the image data of an image captured using the lens barrel equipped with the variable spherical aberration mechanism. Thus, when the captured image is reproduced and displayed, the photographer can easily determine the spherical aberration adjustment amount and whether the image was captured using the set spherical aberration adjustment amount.

[0077] It should be noted that the various controls described as being performed by the system control unit 250 in the above embodiment may be performed by a single hardware, or may be implemented by multiple hardware (eg, multiple processors and / or circuits) that share the processing load.

[0078] Other embodiments

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0080] While the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An imaging device to which a lens barrel can be attached and detached, the imaging device comprising: a mounting unit configured to mount the lens barrel; processor; as well as A memory storing a program, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the imaging device performs the following operations: determining whether the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism; obtaining an adjustment amount of spherical aberration from the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit and equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism; controlling a display device to display a live view image obtained through the lens barrel without displaying an adjustment amount of spherical aberration in a case where the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is not equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism; as well as In a case where the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism, the display device is controlled to display the value and sign of the obtained adjustment amount of spherical aberration together with a live view image obtained through the lens barrel, wherein the value of the adjustment amount is displayed on the display device even if the adjustment amount is 0.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, When executed by the processor, the program further causes the imaging apparatus to control the display device to display an icon schematically indicating adjustment of the spherical aberration and a value and a sign of the adjustment amount of the spherical aberration together with the live view image, when the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The program, when executed by the processor, further causes the imaging apparatus to receive lens information about the lens barrel from the lens barrel attached to the mount unit, and Wherein, when the lens information indicates that the lens barrel is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism, the adjustment amount is obtained.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, in, When the lens information indicates that the lens barrel mounted on the mount unit is equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism, even if the adjustment amount of the spherical aberration variable mechanism is 0, the value and sign of the adjustment amount are displayed on the display device.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3 or 4, in, When the lens information indicates that the lens barrel mounted on the mount unit is not equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism so that the adjustment amount is not obtained, the value and sign of the adjustment amount are not displayed on the display device.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, When the program is executed by the processor, the imaging device further performs the following operations: performing control so that the live view image is associated with the adjustment amount and then recorded on a recording medium; and Control is performed such that, when the live view image recorded on the recording medium is reproduced and displayed on the display device, information corresponding to the adjustment amount associated with the live view image is superimposed on the live view image and displayed.

7. The imaging device according to claim 2, in, When the lens barrel mounted on the mount unit is equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism, the blur of the live view image based on the adjustment amount of the spherical aberration variable mechanism is indicated by changing the display style of the icon.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, in, When executed by the processor, the program further controls the imaging device to display the sign and value of the adjustment amount set by the spherical aberration variable mechanism together with the icon.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an imaging unit configured to convert an optical image formed by the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit into an image signal, and The real-time view image is obtained by the camera unit.

10. A method for controlling an image pickup device, the image pickup device comprising a mounting unit configured to mount a lens barrel, The control method includes: a step of determining whether the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is equipped with a spherical aberration variable mechanism; a step of obtaining an adjustment amount of spherical aberration from the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit and equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism; a step of controlling a display device to display a live view image obtained through the lens barrel without displaying an adjustment amount of spherical aberration when the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is not equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism; and A step of controlling the display device to display the value and sign of the obtained adjustment amount of spherical aberration together with a live view image obtained through the lens barrel when the lens barrel mounted on the mounting unit is equipped with the spherical aberration variable mechanism, wherein the value of the adjustment amount is displayed on the display device even if the adjustment amount is 0. 11 . A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10 . 12 . A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10 .

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