Lens tube and control device

Abstract

This invention discloses an optical lens barrel and a control device. The lens barrel includes: a detection unit that detects the position of an optical element in the optical axis direction; a driving unit that drives the optical element to change its position in the optical axis direction; and a memory that stores setting information regarding the position of the optical element in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel is capable of switching between a storage mode for storing setting information regarding a first position of the optical element in the memory and a reproduction mode in which the driving unit moves the position of the optical element to the first position. In the storage mode, the setting information regarding the position of the optical element can be repeatedly stored in the memory. In the reproduction mode, the setting information regarding the position of the optical element is prevented from being stored in the memory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a lens barrel and a control device. Background Technology

[0002] Interchangeable lenses with a focus preset function are conventionally known. This focus preset function recalls a preset focus position during imaging of moving scenes, etc., so as to quickly and reliably focus on objects in a hypothetical scene. Japanese Patent No. (“JP”) 4171980 discloses a configuration for setting and recalling a focus position using a setting button provided on the camera release side and a recall button provided on the front of the lens.

[0003] The configuration disclosed in JP 4171980 may unintentionally overwrite another focus position on the set focus position. If the focus preset function is executed under such circumstances, an unexpected focus position may be invoked and the scene to be captured may be missed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a lens barrel and a control device, each of which can suppress coverage of the set focus position.

[0005] An aperture barrel according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a detection unit configured to detect the position of an optical element in the optical axis direction; a driving unit configured to drive the optical element to change its position in the optical axis direction; and a memory configured to store setting information regarding the position of the optical element in the optical axis direction. The aperture barrel is switchable between a storage mode for storing setting information regarding a first position of the optical element in the memory and a reproduction mode in which the driving unit transfers the position of the optical element to the first position. In the storage mode, the setting information regarding the position of the optical element can be repeatedly stored in the memory. In the reproduction mode, the setting information regarding the position of the optical element is prevented from being stored in the memory.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a control device is configured to control an optical barrel. The optical barrel includes: a detection unit configured to detect the position of an optical element in the optical axis direction; a driving unit configured to drive the optical element to change its position in the optical axis direction; and a memory configured to store setting information regarding the position of the optical element in the optical axis direction. The optical barrel is switchable between a storage mode for storing setting information regarding a first position of the optical element in the memory and a reproduction mode in which the driving unit moves the position of the optical element to the first position. The control device includes at least one processor and a storage device coupled to the at least one processor, the storage device having instructions that, when executed by the processor, operate as an acquisition unit and a control unit, the acquisition unit being configured to acquire a mode for setting the optical barrel, and the control unit being configured to allow the setting information regarding the position of the optical element to be repeatedly stored in the memory in the storage mode, and to prevent the setting information regarding the position of the optical element from being stored in the memory in the reproduction mode.

[0007] Further features of this disclosure will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figures 2A to 2C This is a schematic diagram of a camera system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation buttons according to the second embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a camera system according to a third embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a camera system according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0013] A detailed description of embodiments according to the present disclosure will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding elements in the figures will be designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0014] In the following text, the term "unit" may refer to a software context, a hardware context, or a combination of both. In a software context, the term "unit" refers to a function, application, software module, feature, routine, instruction set, or program that can be executed by a programmable processor (such as a microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), or a specially designed programmable device or controller). Memory contains instructions or programs that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to perform operations corresponding to the unit or function. In a hardware context, the term "unit" refers to a hardware element, circuit, component, physical structure, system, module, or subsystem. It may include mechanical, optical, or electrical components, or any combination thereof. It may include active (e.g., transistors) or passive (e.g., capacitors) components. It may include a semiconductor device having a substrate and other material layers having various conductivity concentrations. It may include a CPU or programmable processor capable of executing a program stored in memory to perform a specified function. It may include logic elements (e.g., AND, OR) implemented by transistor circuits or any other switching circuits. In a combination of software and hardware contexts, the term "unit" or "circuit" refers to any combination of software and hardware contexts as described above. In addition, the terms “element,” “component,” “part,” or “device” can also refer to “circuit” with or without integration with encapsulation material.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The camera system includes an interchangeable lens (lens barrel) 100 and a camera body 200.

[0016] The interchangeable lens 100 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera body 200 via a base (not shown). The interchangeable lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the base, and uses the supplied power to control various actuators and the lens microcomputer 111, which will be described below.

[0017] The camera body 200 includes an image sensor 201 including a phase difference AF sensor, a signal processing circuit 202, a recording processing unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, and a camera microcomputer 206. The camera body 200 communicates with the interchangeable lens 100 via a communication terminal unit (not shown) provided on the base, and controls the interchangeable lens 100 by sending control commands.

[0018] Image sensor 201 performs photoelectric conversion on the image of an object formed by the imaging optical system in interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). An A / D conversion circuit (not shown) converts the analog signal from image sensor 201 into a digital signal.

[0019] The signal processing circuit 202 performs various image processing operations on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit to generate a video signal, and outputs the generated video signal to the recording processing unit 203 and the display unit 204. Based on the video signal, the signal processing circuit 202 generates focus information indicating the contrast state of the object image (i.e., the focus state of the imaging optical system) and luminance information indicating the exposure state.

[0020] The recording processing unit 203 stores the video signal as still or moving image data in an external memory or the like.

[0021] The display unit 204 includes a rear LCD display unit of the camera body 200, an electronic viewfinder, etc., and displays the video signal as a live view image for confirming composition, focus status, etc.

[0022] The camera microcomputer 206 controls the camera body 200 based on inputs from imaging command switches and various setting switches included in the operation unit 205. The camera microcomputer 206 sends control commands regarding the focusing operation of the focusing lens 105 to the lens microcomputer 111 based on focusing information generated from the output of phase difference detection pixels (not shown) on the image sensor 201.

[0023] The interchangeable lens 100 includes an imaging optical system comprising optical elements, various actuators serving as drive units for driving the optical elements to change their positions, various control units for controlling the actuators, a focusing lens operation ring 110, and a lens microcomputer 111. The interchangeable lens 100 also includes a setting button 130, a switch (operation unit) 131 for switching between various modes, and a memory (storage unit) 132.

[0024] The imaging optical system includes a field lens 101, a zoom lens 102 for magnification variation, an aperture (stop) unit 103 for adjusting the amount of light, an image stabilizing lens 104, and a focusing lens 105 for focusing.

[0025] The lens microcomputer 111 controls the operation of each unit within the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 receives control commands sent from the camera body 200 and executes lens controls corresponding to the control commands. The lens microcomputer 111 receives requests to send lens data and requests to receive camera data, and sends lens data corresponding to the sending requests to the camera body 200 and receives data from the camera body 200.

[0026] In response to control commands related to light adjustment and focusing, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs commands to the aperture control unit 107 and the focusing lens control unit 109 to drive the aperture unit 103 and the focusing lens 105. The lens microcomputer 111 also sends commands to the focusing lens control unit 109 based on the operation amount of the focusing lens operation ring 110 to drive the focusing lens 105 and control the focusing operation.

[0027] The lens microcomputer 111 may have the function of acquiring a mode for setting the interchangeable lens 100 and the function of preventing operations other than those performed in the mode described below from being executed. A control device separate from the interchangeable lens 100 may be provided, comprising (at least one processor and a storage device coupled to the at least one processor, the storage device having instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations as) an acquisition unit for acquiring a mode for setting the interchangeable lens 100 and a control unit for preventing operations other than those performed in the setting mode from being executed.

[0028] When the user operates a zoom operation ring connected to a zoom mechanism (not shown), the zoom lens 102 moves along the optical axis indicated by the dashed line in the figure. Moving the zoom lens 102 changes the focal length of the imaging optics system for magnification changes. The zoom lens position detection unit 106 detects the zoom lens position using a position detection sensor such as a variable resistor and outputs the position data to the lens microcomputer 111. The output position data is used by the lens microcomputer 111 to control the generation of focal length information.

[0029] The aperture unit 103 includes sensors such as aperture blades and an optical circuit breaker. The state of the aperture blades is detected by the sensors and output to the lens microcomputer 111. The aperture control unit 107 outputs drive signals according to commands from the lens microcomputer 111 to drive actuators such as stepper motors and voice coil motors. Thus, the aperture unit 103 adjusts the amount of light.

[0030] The image stabilizing lens 104 reduces image blur caused by camera shake, etc., by moving (shifting) in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging optics system. The image stabilizing lens control unit 108, based on shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown), such as a vibration gyroscope, outputs a drive signal to drive the image stabilizing actuator according to a command from the lens microcomputer 111. Thus, image stabilization processing is performed to control the shifting operation of the image stabilizing lens 104.

[0031] The focusing lens 105 can follow Figure 1The dashed line in the image indicates the movement of the optical axis. A focus position detection sensor 112, such as an optical circuit breaker, detects the position of the focusing lens 105 and outputs position information about the focusing lens 105 to the lens microcomputer 111. The focusing lens control unit 109, in response to commands from the lens microcomputer 111, outputs a drive signal to drive the focus drive unit 113 and move the focusing lens 105 for focusing.

[0032] The focusing operation of the focusing lens 105 includes automatic focusing (hereinafter referred to as AF) for automatic focusing and manual focusing (hereinafter referred to as MF) for manual focusing. In addition, there is a focusing preset that moves the focusing lens 105 to a preset focusing position (i.e., moves the focusing lens 105 to a first position).

[0033] In autofocus (AF), the camera microcomputer 206 calculates the focus position of the focusing lens 105 based on focus information generated from the output of the phase difference detection pixels on the image sensor 201, and sends a control command regarding focus to the lens microcomputer 111. In response to the control command, the lens microcomputer 111 sends a command to the focusing lens control unit 109 to drive the focus drive unit 113 and control the focusing operation.

[0034] In the MF, the lens microcomputer 111 sends commands to the focusing lens control unit 109 to drive the focusing drive unit 113 and control the focusing operation based on the operation amount of the focusing lens operation ring 110.

[0035] First Embodiment

[0036] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2C A description of the focus preset according to this embodiment will be given. Figures 2A to 2C This is a schematic diagram of a camera system according to this embodiment, and is... Figure 1 The top view of the camera system shown.

[0037] like Figure 2A As shown, setting button 130 and switch 131 are deployed on the outer periphery of interchangeable lens 100. Switch 131 is movable along the optical axis and is operated to position itself at the locations indicated by markers “A”, “B”, and “C”. In this embodiment, the function is switched according to the position of switch 131, and the function corresponding to the position of switch 131 is executed by operating setting button 130.

[0038] In this embodiment, when switch 131 is in the position indicated by mark "A", the interchangeable lens 100 is in a function execution mode for performing user-selected functions. In function execution mode, when the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes the operation of setting button 130, the lens microcomputer 111 sends operation information to the camera microcomputer 206. The camera microcomputer 206 executes pre-assigned custom function operations based on the operation information. Custom function operations include, for example, switching AF mode ON / OFF, switching electronic zoom ON / OFF, starting / stopping video recording, etc.

[0039] When switch 131 is in the position indicated by mark "B", the interchangeable lens 100 is in a storage mode, which is the function assigned to mark "B". In storage mode, when the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes the operation of setting button 130, a focus position setting operation is performed. More specifically, the user operates setting button 130 after moving the focus position to any position using AF or MF. Subsequently, when setting button 130 is operated in storage mode, lens microcomputer 111 obtains position information about the focusing lens 105 from focus position detection sensor 112 and stores the obtained position information in memory 132. In this embodiment, the position information about the focusing lens 105 obtained from focus position detection sensor 112 in storage mode is referred to as setting information about the position of focusing lens 105. In storage mode, setting information about the position of focusing lens 105 can be repeatedly stored in memory 132.

[0040] With switch 131 in the position indicated by mark "C", the replaceable lens 100 is in playback mode, which is the function assigned to mark "C". In playback mode, when the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes the operation of the setting button 130, it performs a focus position recall operation. In playback mode, when the setting button 130 is operated, the lens microcomputer 111 retrieves setting information about the focusing lens 105 from the memory 132. Thereafter, the lens microcomputer 111 issues a command to the focusing lens control unit 109 to drive the focusing lens 105 to the set position.

[0041] In this embodiment, the storage mode and the playback mode exist exclusively. That is, this embodiment prohibits operations other than those corresponding to the position of switch 131 from being performed. More specifically, the playback mode prohibits the focus position setting operation, i.e., storing the setting position of the focus lens 105 in the memory 132. This configuration can prevent the overwriting of the set focus position due to erroneous operation, since the user has completed the focus position setting operation and switched switch 131. Thus, the focus position set for the focus preset function can be reliably recalled.

[0042] In this embodiment, with switch 131 in the position indicated by mark "A", the interchangeable lens 100 is in a mode for performing general functions other than focus presets. Thus, even users who do not use focus presets can effectively use the setting button 130.

[0043] A three-value switch, such as switch 131, has the problem of being difficult to stop at the intermediate position. Therefore, this embodiment sets the function assigned to the intermediate position of switch 131 to a stored mode in which no operation is performed during imaging. By setting the functions assigned to the ends of the operating area of ​​switch 131 to function execution mode and reproduction mode during imaging, rapid switching during imaging can be easily performed.

[0044] like Figure 2B As shown, a setting button 130 can be provided on a switch 131. This configuration allows for operation of both the setting button 130 and the switch 131 without changing hand position, thus enabling faster switching between modes and execution of functions.

[0045] like Figure 2C As shown, a parameter switch 133 can be provided to indicate which parameter among focus, zoom, and f-number (aperture value) should be processed. When the parameter switch 131 is in the position indicated by the "FOCUS" label, the operation setting button 130 can perform focus position setting and focus position recall operations. When the parameter switch 131 is in the position indicated by the "Iris" label, the operation setting button 130 can perform f-number setting and f-number recall operations. When the parameter switch 131 is in the position indicated by the "ZOOM" label, the operation setting button 130 can perform zoom position setting and zoom position recall operations. Alternatively, the camera body 200 may have functions equivalent to the parameter switch 133 without providing the parameter switch 133 to the interchangeable lens 100.

[0046] Second Embodiment

[0047] Now for reference Figure 3A description of the focus preset according to this embodiment will be given. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation amount of the setting button 130. The basic operation of the focus preset according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the setting button 130 differs from that of the first embodiment. This embodiment will describe the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, and descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0048] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the setting button 130 can be operated between a first position with a shallow operating amount and a second position with a deep operating amount. When the setting button 130 is in the first position, a focus position recall operation or a custom function operation is performed. When the setting button 130 is in the second position, a focus position setting operation is performed.

[0049] Even in this embodiment, operations other than those based on the position of switch 131 are prohibited. For example, when switch 131 is in the "C" position (i.e., when the interchangeable lens 100 is set to playback mode), the focus position setting operation is not performed even if the setting button 130 is operated to the second position. When switch 131 is in the "B" position (i.e., when the interchangeable lens 100 is set to storage mode), the focus position recall operation is not performed even if the setting button 130 is operated to the first position. This configuration allows a user who forgets to operate switch 131 to notice that switch 131 has not been switched, because operating the setting button 130 to the first position does not perform the focus position recall operation. Furthermore, this configuration can suppress focus position overwriting caused by erroneous operation.

[0050] Third Embodiment

[0051] Now for reference Figure 4 A description of the focus preset according to this embodiment will be given. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the camera system in this embodiment, and it is... Figure 1 The image shows a top view of the camera system. The basic operation of the focus preset according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the setting button 130 differs from that of the first embodiment. This embodiment will describe the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, and descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0052] In this embodiment, the setting button 130 includes a first setting button 130a and a second setting button 130b. Operating the first setting button 130a can perform a focus position recall operation or a custom function operation. Operating the second setting button 130b can perform a focus position setting operation.

[0053] Even in this embodiment, operations other than those based on the position of switch 131 are prohibited. For example, when switch 131 is in the position indicated by marker "C," i.e., when the interchangeable lens 100 is set to playback mode, operating the first setting button 130a will not perform the focus position setting operation. When switch 131 is in the position indicated by marker "B," i.e., when the interchangeable lens 100 is set to storage mode, operating the second setting button 130b will not perform the focus position recall operation. This configuration allows the operation buttons to be deployed in easily accessible locations. For example, since the setting button 130b for setting the focus position is used for various settings, it can be placed in a position easily operated by the right hand, while the focus lens operation ring 110 is operated by the left hand. The setting button 130a for recalling the focus position and for performing custom function operations can be deployed in a position easily operated when the camera system is supported near the center of gravity.

[0054] Fourth embodiment

[0055] Now for reference Figure 5 A description of the focus preset according to this embodiment will be given. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a camera system according to this embodiment, and is... Figure 1 The image shows a top view of the camera system. The basic operation of the focus preset in this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the setting button 130 differs from that of the first embodiment. This embodiment will describe the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, and descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the setting button 130 includes a third setting button 130c and a fourth setting button 130d. The third setting button 130c is activated when performing any one of the first focus position invocation operation, the first focus position setting operation, and a custom function operation. The fourth setting button 130d is activated when performing one of the second focus position invocation operation and the second focus position setting operation.

[0057] In this embodiment, for example, when switch 131 is in the position indicating "B", that is, when the interchangeable lens 100 is set to storage mode, operating the third setting button 130c can perform a first focus position setting operation. Operating the fourth setting button 130d can perform a second focus position setting operation. When switch 131 is in the position indicating "C", that is, when the interchangeable lens 100 is set to playback mode, operating the third setting button 130c can perform a first focus position recall operation. Operating the fourth setting button 130d can perform a second focus position recall operation. This configuration can uniformly control the setting and recall operations of multiple focus positions, and can suppress focus position overwriting caused by erroneous operation even when multiple focus positions are set.

[0058] Each of the above embodiments can provide a lens barrel and a control device, each of which can suppress the coverage of the set focus position.

[0059] Other embodiments

[0060] Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above embodiments, and by a method performed by a computer of the system or device by, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include separate computers or networks of separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, optical discs (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0061] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims is to be given the broadest interpretation in order to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A microscope tube, comprising: A detection unit is configured to detect the position of an optical element in the optical axis direction; A driving unit configured to drive the optical element to change the position of the optical element in the direction of the optical axis; as well as A memory configured to store setting information regarding the position of the optical element in the direction of the optical axis, and The operation unit is configured to switch between a storage mode for storing setting information about a first position of the optical element in the memory, a reproduction mode for driving the drive unit to transfer the position of the optical element to the first position, and a function execution mode for performing a user-selected function. Specifically, when the operation unit is in the first position, the lens barrel is set to the function execution mode; when the operation unit is in the second position, the lens barrel is set to the storage mode; and when the operation unit is in the third position, the lens barrel is set to the playback mode. In the storage mode, the setting information regarding the position of the optical element can be repeatedly stored in the memory, and In the reproduction mode, the setting information regarding the position of the optical element is prohibited from being stored in the memory.

2. The lens barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second position is deployed between the first position and the third position.

3. The microscope tube according to claim 1 further includes an operation button shared by the storage mode and the playback mode. Its features are, According to the operation of the operation button, the first position is stored in the memory in the storage mode, and the drive unit is driven in the reproduction mode to transfer the position of the optical element to the first position.

4. The lens barrel according to claim 3, wherein, In the reproduction mode, when the operation button is activated, the memory does not store setting information regarding the position of the optical element in the optical axis direction.

5. The lens barrel according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The function is executed in the function execution mode according to the operation of the operation button.

6. The microscope tube according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a first operation button and a second operation button. Its features are, In the storage mode, the first position is stored in the memory according to the operation of the first operation button. In the reproduction mode, the driving unit is driven according to the operation of the second operation button to transfer the position of the optical element to the first position.

7. The lens barrel according to claim 6, wherein, In the reproduction mode, when the first operation button is activated, the memory does not store setting information regarding the position of the optical element in the optical axis direction.

8. A control device configured to control a lens barrel, the lens barrel comprising: A detection unit is configured to detect the position of an optical element in the optical axis direction; A driving unit configured to drive the optical element to change the position of the optical element in the direction of the optical axis; And a memory configured to store setting information about the position of the optical element in the direction of the optical axis; The operation unit is configured to switch between a storage mode for storing setting information about a first position of the optical element in the memory, a reproduction mode for driving the drive unit to transfer the position of the optical element to the first position, and a function execution mode for performing a user-selected function. When the operation unit is in the first position, the lens barrel is set to the function execution mode; when the operation unit is in the second position, the lens barrel is set to the storage mode. Furthermore, when the operating unit is in the third position, the lens barrel is set to the reproduction mode, and the control device includes: An acquisition unit configured to acquire a mode set for the lens barrel; as well as A control unit is configured to allow setting information about the position of the optical element to be repeatedly stored in the memory in the storage mode, and to prevent setting information about the position of the optical element from being stored in the memory in the playback mode.

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