Image pickup apparatus, control method, computer program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method, a computer program product, and a storage medium. The image pickup apparatus includes a lens unit, a camera body, and first and second controllers that control setting values through a lens unit side and a camera body side, respectively. The second controller controls the setting value and stores the setting value as a second setting value. In an integrated structure in which the operating member and the control source conversion unit are integrated in the lens unit, when the control source is switched to the camera body, the second controller controls the second setting value, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body is the control source. In a separated structure in which the operating member and the control source conversion unit are separated, when the control source is switched to the camera body, the second controller updates the second setting value with the first setting value controlled by the first controller, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body controls the updated setting value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One disclosed aspect of the embodiment relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, and a storage medium storing a control program thereof. Background Art

[0002] There is a known camera composed of a lens unit and a camera body to which the lens unit can be attached, which allows the aperture value to be set (controlled) by the lens side (lens unit side) and the camera side (camera body side). For example, as a configuration for switching whether the aperture value is controlled by the lens side or the camera side, there is an integrated lens unit having an aperture operation ring whose operable area includes a lens-side control area for setting the aperture value by the lens side, and a camera-side control area for setting the aperture value by the camera side, which is provided outside the lens-side control area. In the integrated lens, the control source for controlling the aperture value is switched between the camera side and the lens side according to the operation of the aperture operation ring.

[0003] In addition, as another configuration, there is a separate lens unit in which an aperture operation ring for setting the aperture value by the lens side is separated from a control source switching switch for switching the control source. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-076807 discloses a technology for clearly notifying a user whether the aperture value is controlled by the lens side or the camera side.

[0004] The camera side control area in the integrated lens unit is set outside the lens side control area (i.e., at a position exceeding the maximum aperture value or the minimum aperture value). Therefore, when the user operates the diaphragm operating ring to switch the control source to the camera side when using the conventional integrated lens unit, the aperture value is controlled to the minimum value or the maximum value at once. Although the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned publication makes it easy to judge the control source, the above situation requires resetting the aperture value when the user switches the control source to the camera side. Therefore, the user must spend time and effort to switch the control source. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an aspect of the embodiment, an image pickup apparatus includes: a lens unit including a lens system; a camera body to which the lens unit can be attached; an operating member provided in the lens unit; a first controller configured to control and change an image pickup setting value through the lens unit side according to an operation of the operating member; a second controller configured to control and change the image pickup setting value through the camera body side; a control source switching unit configured to switch a control source between the lens unit side and the camera body side; and a storage device configured to store the image pickup setting value changed and controlled by the second controller as a second image pickup setting value. In an integrated structure in which the operating member and the control source switching unit are integrated, when the control source switching unit switches the control source to the camera body side, the second controller changes and controls the second image pickup setting value stored in the storage device, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body side is the control source. In the separate structure in which the operating member and the control source switching unit are separated, when the control source switching unit switches the control source to the camera body side, the second controller further updates the second image pickup setting value using the first image pickup setting value which is the latest image pickup setting value changed and controlled by the first controller, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body controls the updated image pickup setting value.

[0006] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a diagram showing an external structure of a camera according to the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a camera and a lens unit.

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B 1 and 2 are external structure diagrams showing an integrated lens unit and a separate lens unit respectively.

[0010] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a live view image of a camera.

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a flowchart showing the processing of the first embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a flowchart showing the processing of the second embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a flowchart showing the processing of a partial alternative example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail by referring to the accompanying drawings. However, the structures described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the structures described in the embodiments. In this embodiment, a digital camera constituted by attaching a detachable lens unit to a camera body will be described as an example of an image pickup apparatus. Hereinafter, the camera body side is also referred to as a camera side.

[0015] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is an external configuration diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a digital camera body 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera). Figure 1A is a perspective view of the camera 100 as viewed from the front side, and Figure 1B It is a perspective view of the camera 100 as viewed from the back side.

[0016] On the top surface of the camera 100, a shutter button 101, a power switch 102, a mode changeover switch 103, a main electronic dial 104, a sub-electronic dial 105, a moving image button 106, and a top surface display unit 107 as a viewfinder external display unit are provided.

[0017] The shutter button 101 is an operating member for indicating the preparation for image capture and the image capture operation. The power switch 102 is an operating member for switching the power of the camera 100 between ON (on) and OFF (off). The mode conversion switch 103 is an operating member for switching various modes. The main electronic dial 104 is a rotating operating member for changing image capture setting values ​​such as shutter speed and aperture value. The sub-electronic dial 105 is a rotating operating member for moving a selection frame (cursor), feeding a content clip in a still image or a moving image, etc. The moving image button 106 is an operating member for giving an instruction to start or stop moving image capture (recording). The top surface display unit 107 is a small display unit that displays various settings such as shutter speed and aperture value.

[0018] Furthermore, on the back side of the camera 100, there are provided a back side display unit 108, a touch panel 109, a four-way key 110, a set (SET) button 111, an AE lock button 112, a zoom button 113, a reproduction button 114, and a menu button 115. Furthermore, on the back side of the camera 100, there are provided an eyepiece window 116, an eyepiece finder 117, an eye contact detector 118, and a touch bar 119.

[0019] The back display unit 108 displays images and various types of information. The touch panel 109 detects a touch operation on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the back display unit 108, and the back display unit 108 and the touch panel 109 are common. The four-directional key 110 is an operation member that can be pressed in the up, down, left, and right directions. The four-directional key 110 is configured to indicate an operation corresponding to the direction pressed.

[0020] The setting button 111 is an operating member pressed mainly to determine the selected item. The AE lock button 112 is an operating member pressed to fix the exposure state in the camera standby state. The zoom button 113 is an operating member for switching the zoom mode of the live view display (LV display) between ON (turn on) and OFF (turn off) in the camera mode. When the zoom mode is ON, the live view image (LV image) is enlarged or reduced by operating the main electronic dial 104. The zoom button 113 is also used to enlarge the image or increase the magnification in the reproduction mode. The reproduction button 114 is an operating member for switching the mode between the camera mode and the reproduction mode. When the user presses the reproduction button 114 in the camera mode, the mode is transferred to the reproduction mode, and the latest image in the clip recorded in the storage medium 227 described later is displayed on the back display unit 108.

[0021] The menu button 115 is an operation member pressed to display a menu screen on the rear display unit 108 on which various settings can be made. The user can intuitively make various settings by operating the four-way key 110 and the setting button 111 while viewing the menu screen displayed on the rear display unit 108. The eyepiece window 116 is a part of the eyepiece viewfinder (view type viewfinder) 117. The user can visually recognize the image displayed on the internal EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) 217 ​​through the eyepiece window 116.

[0022] The eye contact detector 118 is a sensor that detects whether the user is looking toward the eyepiece window 116. The touch bar 119 is a linear touch operation member (linear touch sensor) capable of sensing a touch operation. The touch bar 119 is arranged at a position where a touch operation can be performed by the thumb of the right hand in a state where the grip 120 is held with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand so that the shutter button 101 can be pressed by the index finger of the right hand.

[0023] That is, the touch bar 119 can be operated in a state (photographing posture) in which the four-way key 110 can be pressed while the user brings the eye close to the eyepiece window 116 and is looking at the eyepiece viewfinder 117. The touch bar 119 is configured to be able to accept a tap operation (an operation of touching and releasing within a predetermined period of time without moving the touch position), a left or right slide operation (an operation of touching and moving the touch position without releasing the finger), and the like. The touch bar 119 is an operation member separated from the touch panel 109 and does not have a display function. The touch bar 119 of the present embodiment functions as a multi-function bar.

[0024] The grip portion 120 of the camera 100 is further provided with a thumb rest portion 121, a terminal cover 122, a cover 123, a communication terminal 124, and the like. The grip portion 120 is a grip portion formed in a shape that is easy for the user to hold with the right hand when holding the camera 100. The main electronic dial 104 is arranged at a position that allows operation by the index finger of the right hand in a state where the camera 100 is held by holding the grip portion 12 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand. In addition, the sub-electronic dial 105 and the touch bar 119 are arranged at positions that allow operation by the thumb of the right hand in the same state.

[0025] A thumb rest portion 121 (thumb standby position) is provided at a position on the back side of the camera 100 where the thumb of the right hand holding the grip portion 120 can be easily placed in a state where no operation is performed on the operation member. The thumb rest portion 121 is formed of a rubber member or the like to improve the holding force (gripping feeling). The terminal cover 122 protects a connector (not shown) of a connection cable that connects the camera 100 to an external device. The cover 123 protects the storage medium 227 and the slot by closing the slot that accommodates the storage medium 227 described later. The communication terminal 124 is used to communicate with the lens unit 200 described later that can be attached to and detached from the camera 100.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the camera 100 and the lens unit 200 . Figure 1A and Figure 1B The components shown are Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings, and repeated descriptions will be omitted as much as possible. Figure 2 As shown, the lens unit 200 is mounted on the front side of the camera 100. The lens unit 200 (lens) is a kind of interchangeable lens unit that can be attached to and detached from the camera 100 (body). First, the structure of the lens unit 200 will be described.

[0027] The lens unit 200 includes an aperture 201, a lens system 202, an aperture drive circuit 203, an AF (auto focus) drive circuit 204, a lens system control circuit 205, and a communication terminal 206. The aperture diameter of the aperture 201 can be controlled. The lens system 202 is composed of a plurality of lens groups. The aperture drive circuit 203 adjusts the light amount by controlling the aperture diameter of the aperture 201. The AF drive circuit 204 causes the lens groups included in the lens system 202 to move in a certain direction. Figure 2 The lens system control circuit 205 controls the diaphragm driving circuit 203 and the AF driving circuit 204. The lens system control circuit 205 controls the diaphragm 201 by drivingly controlling the diaphragm driving circuit 203, and moves the lens group included in the lens system 202 to focus on the subject by drivingly controlling the AF driving circuit 204. The lens system control circuit 205 can communicate with the camera 100.

[0028] The lens system control circuit 205 is also capable of communicating with a diaphragm operating ring 208 and a focus adjustment ring 209 as rotational operating members. The diaphragm operating ring 208 is used to adjust the aperture value through the lens side by the rotational operation of the user, and the focus adjustment ring 209 is used to adjust the focus by the rotational operation of the user. The lens system control circuit 205 controls the diaphragm drive circuit 203 and the AF drive circuit 204 based on instructions from the lens setting operating members (208 and 209) or the system controller 50 described later. The control source changeover switch (control source changeover unit) 207 connected to the lens system control circuit 205 is used to change over the control source. When the control source changeover switch 1001 indicates the camera side, the control source becomes the camera side. When the control source changeover switch 1001 indicates the lens side, the control source becomes the lens side. Communication between the camera 100 and the lens unit 200 is performed by connecting the communication terminal 124 of the camera 100 with the communication terminal 206 of the lens unit 200.

[0029] Furthermore, the lens unit 200 transmits information including lens identification information for identifying lens information to the camera 100, and the camera 100 receives the information transmitted from the lens unit 200. The information includes lens type information indicating whether the diaphragm operating ring 208 (lens setting operating member) and the control source changeover switch 207 are integrated.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 21 to describe the structure of the camera 100. The camera 100 includes a shutter 210, an image sensor 211, an A / D converter 212, a memory controller 213, an image processor 214, a memory 215, a D / A converter 216, an EVF 217, a rear display unit 108, and a system controller 50. The shutter 210 is a focal plane shutter capable of freely controlling the exposure time of the image sensor 211 based on an instruction from the system controller 50. The image sensor 211 is a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor or the like that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal. The image sensor has photoelectric conversion elements for each pixel arranged in a matrix. The image sensor 211 may include an image plane phase difference sensor that outputs information related to the defocus amount to the system controller 50. The A / D converter 212 converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 211 into a digital signal.

[0031] The image processor 214 applies predetermined image processing to the data output from the A / D converter 212 or the data output from the memory controller 213. The predetermined image processing includes, for example, pixel interpolation processing, resizing processing such as image reduction, and color conversion processing. The image processing section 214 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data. The system control section 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the result of the predetermined calculation processing. In addition, the image processor 214 performs TTL (through the lens) AF processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-emission) processing, etc. In addition, the image processing section 214 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and performs AWB (automatic white balance) processing by the TTL method based on the obtained calculation result.

[0032] The image data output from the A / D converter 212 is written to the memory 215 via the image processor 214 and the memory controller 213. Alternatively, the image data output from the A / D converter 212 is directly written to the memory 215 via the memory controller 213 without passing through the image processor 214. The memory 215 stores still image data and moving image data obtained by the image sensor 211 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 212, and also stores image data to be displayed on the back display unit 108, the EVF 217, etc. The memory 215 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, moving images of a predetermined time period, and audio data. The memory 215 is also used as a video memory for displaying images.

[0033] The D / A converter 216 converts the image display data stored in the memory 215 into an analog signal, and supplies the analog signal to the back display unit 108, the EVF 217, etc. Therefore, the image display data written in the memory 215 is displayed on the back display unit 108, the EVF 217, etc. via the D / A converter 216. The back display unit 108 and the EVF 217 display an image according to the analog signal output from the D / A converter 216. The back display unit 108 and the EVF 217 are, for example, LCDs or organic EL displays. The digital signal converted by the A / D converter 212 and stored in the memory 215 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 216, and is sequentially transmitted to the back display unit 108, the EVF 217, etc. and displayed. This enables live view display.

[0034] The system controller 50 includes one or more processors or one or more circuits. That is, the system controller 50 may be composed of a processor, or may be composed of a circuit having the same function as that of a processor. Alternatively, the structure may be a combination of a processor and a circuit. The system controller 50 controls the entire camera 100. The system controller 50 executes a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 219 to realize the processing of the flowchart described later. In addition, the system controller 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 215, the D / A converter 216, the back display unit 108, the EVF 217, etc. The processor may be a CPU, a DSP, or an MPU.

[0035] The camera 100 also includes a system memory 218 , a non-volatile memory 219 , a system timer 220 , a communication unit 221 , a gesture detector 222 , and an eye contact detector 118 , which are connected in a manner controllable by the system controller 50 .

[0036] The system memory 218 is, for example, a RAM. The system memory 218 stores constants, variables, and the like for operation of the system controller 50, and also has an area for developing a program read from the nonvolatile memory 219. The nonvolatile memory 219 is an electrically erasable and programmable memory such as an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory 219 stores constants, programs, and the like for operation of the system controller 50 in a nonvolatile manner. The system controller 50 reads the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 219, develops the program on the system memory 218, and executes the developed program, thereby executing the processing in the flowchart described below.

[0037] The system timer 220 is used as a time measurement unit for various time measurements in the system memory 218 and time measurements in the built-in clock. The communication unit 221 transmits and receives information such as image signals and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or by wire. The communication unit 221 can also be connected to a wireless LAN (local area network), the Internet, or the like. The communication unit 221 can communicate with the external device through, for example, Bluetooth. TM ) The communication unit 221 can also communicate with external devices via Bluetooth low energy. The communication unit 221 can send images captured by the image sensor 211 (including real-time images) and images recorded in the storage medium 227 installed on the camera 100, and can also receive image data and other various types of information from external devices.

[0038] The posture detection section 222 detects the posture of the camera 100 relative to the gravity direction. The tilt angle of the camera 100 in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction can be detected based on the posture detected by the posture detector 222. In addition, based on the posture detected by the posture detector 222, it can be determined whether the image captured by the image sensor 211 is an image captured by the user holding the camera 100 horizontally or vertically. The system controller 50 can add posture information corresponding to the posture detected by the posture detector 222 to the image file of the image captured by the image sensor 211, and can rotate and store the image. The system controller 50 can also detect the movement (pan, tilt, lift or stillness, etc.) of the camera 100 based on the signal from the posture detector 222. The posture detector 222 is composed of, for example, one or more acceleration sensors, gyro sensors, etc.

[0039] The eye contact detector 118 detects the approach of an object to the eyepiece window 116 (see FIG. 1 ) of the eyepiece viewfinder 117 including the EVF 217. The eye contact detector 118 is an eye contact detection sensor that detects the contact (eye contact) and separation (eye separation) of the eye (object) relative to the eyepiece window 116 of the eyepiece viewfinder 117. The eye contact detector 118 may be, for example, an infrared contact sensor. When an object approaches, infrared light projected from the light emitter of the eye contact detector 118 is reflected by the object and received by the light receiver of the infrared contact sensor. In addition, the distance from the eyepiece window 116 to the object can be determined by the amount of infrared light received. In this way, the eye contact detector 118 has an eye contact detection function of detecting that an object (eye) has approached when the distance from the eyepiece window 116 to the object is shortened. That is, when an object (eye) approaching to within a predetermined distance relative to the eyepiece window 116 is detected in the eye non-contact state, the eye contact detector 118 detects eye contact.

[0040] On the other hand, in the case where the object is separated from the eyepiece window 166 by more than a predetermined distance, the eye contact detector 118 detects eye separation. The detection accuracy can be improved by, for example, setting a hysteresis between the threshold value of the amount of received infrared light for detecting eye contact and the threshold value of the amount of received infrared light for detecting eye separation. After detecting eye contact, the eye contact detector 118 determines that the eye is in the eye contact state until eye separation is detected. After detecting eye separation, the eye contact detector 118 determines that the eye is in the eye non-contact state until eye contact is detected.

[0041] The system controller 50 switches the display state and non-display state of the rear display unit 108 and the EVF 217 according to the state detected by the eye contact detector 118. Specifically, in a case where the switching of the display destination is set to automatic at least in the image pickup standby state, the system controller 50 sets the display destination to the rear display unit 108 in the eye non-contact state, turns the display function of the rear display unit 108 ON, and turns the display function of the EVF 217 OFF. Furthermore, the system controller 50 sets the display destination to the EVF 217 in the eye contact state, turns the display function of the EVF 217 ON, and turns the display function of the rear display unit 108 OFF. The eye contact detector 118 is not limited to the structure using an infrared contact sensor, and other sensors capable of detecting an eye contact state may be used.

[0042] The camera 100 also includes a top surface display unit 107 , a top surface display drive circuit 223 , a power supply controller 224 , a power supply 225 , a storage medium I / F 226 , and an operation unit 228 , which are connected in a manner controllable by the system controller 50 .

[0043] The system controller 50 controls the top surface display driving circuit 223 to display various settings of the camera 100 such as shutter speed and aperture value on the top surface display unit 107. The power supply controller 224 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching blocks to be powered, etc., and detects the attachment of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply controller 224 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction from the system controller 50 to supply the required voltage to each part in the camera 100 including the storage medium 227 for a required period of time.

[0044] The power source 225 is composed of a primary battery (such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery), a secondary battery (such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, a Li battery, etc.), or an AC adapter. The storage medium I / F 226 is an interface with the storage medium 227. The storage medium 227 is a memory card, a USB memory, or a hard disk for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, etc. The storage medium 227 is basically detachable from the camera 100, but can be configured to be always built in the camera 100.

[0045] The operation unit 228 is an input unit for accepting user operations, and is also used to give various instructions to the system controller 50. The operation unit 228 includes the shutter button 101, the power switch 102, the mode changeover switch 103, the touch panel 109, and other operation members 229, which are connected to the system controller 50. The other operation members 229 include Figure 1B The main electronic dial 104, the sub-electronic dial 105, the moving image button 106, the four-way key 110, the setting button 111, the AE lock button 112 and the zoom button 113 are shown. Other operating members 229 include Figure 1B A reproduce button 114, a menu button 115, and a touch bar 119 are shown.

[0046] The shutter button 101 operates the first shutter switch 230 and the second shutter switch 231. The first shutter switch 230 turns ON in the middle of the pressing operation of the shutter button 101 (that is, by so-called half-pressing (imaging preparation instruction)), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system controller 50 starts an imaging preparation operation such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1. The second shutter switch 231 turns ON by the completion of the pressing operation of the shutter button 101 (that is, by so-called full-pressing (imaging instruction)), and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The system controller 50 starts a series of actions of the imaging process from reading a signal from the image sensor 211 until writing the captured image as an image file in the storage medium 227 in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2. As described above, the power switch 72 is an operation member for switching the power of the camera 100 between ON and OFF.

[0047] The mode conversion switch 103 switches the operation mode of the system controller 50 to any one of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, and a reproduction mode. The still image shooting mode includes an automatic shooting mode, an automatic scene determination 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, there are various scene modes, a custom mode, and the like as image shooting settings for each image shooting scene. The user directly switches to any of these modes by operating the mode conversion switch 103. Alternatively, the user can change the screen to a list screen showing the image shooting mode by operating the mode conversion switch 60, and then can switch the mode to any one of the displayed modes by operating the operation unit 228. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode includes a plurality of modes.

[0048] The touch panel 109 is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the back display unit 108 (the operation surface of the touch panel 109). The touch panel 109 and the back display unit 108 are integrally constructed. For example, the light transmittance of the touch panel 109 is set so as not to interfere with the display of the back display unit 108. The touch panel 109 is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 108. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 109 and the display coordinates on the display surface of the back display unit 108 are associated with each other. This provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that can be operated as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the back display unit 108. In the case where the camera side is the control source, the aperture value can be changed and controlled by operating the touch panel 109 or the four-way key 110, etc.

[0049] The touch panel 109 may be any of various types of touch panels such as a resistive film type, a capacitive type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, and an optical sensor type. There are a method of detecting a touch by contact with the touch panel and a method of detecting a touch by contact of a finger or a pen to the touch panel, and any method may be used.

[0050] The system controller 50 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel 109 .

[0051] (1) A finger or a pen that has not been touching the touch panel 109 newly touches the touch panel 109. That is, the start of touch (hereinafter referred to as "touchdown").

[0052] (2) A finger or a pen keeps touching the touch panel 109 (hereinafter referred to as “touch continuation”).

[0053] (3) The finger or the pen is moving while touching the touch panel 109 (hereinafter referred to as “touch movement”).

[0054] (4) The finger or pen that has been touching the touch panel 109 is released from the touch panel 109. That is, the touch ends (hereinafter referred to as "touch stop").

[0055] (5) Nothing is touching the touch panel 109 (hereinafter referred to as “no touch”).

[0056] When a touch is detected, touch continuation is also detected. After the touch, unless the touch stop is detected, the touch continuation is usually continuously detected. When the touch movement is detected, the touch continuation is also detected. Even when the touch continuation is detected, the touch movement is not detected unless the touch position is moving. When the touch stop of all fingers or pens that have been touching is detected, the untouch is detected.

[0057] These operations and states, as well as the position coordinates of the touch position of the finger or pen on the touch panel 109 are notified to the system controller 50 via the internal bus. Then, the system controller 50 determines what kind of operation (touch operation) is performed on the touch panel 109 based on the notified information. For touch movement, the movement direction of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 109 is also determined. That is, the system controller 50 determines the movement of each of the vertical component and the horizontal component on the touch panel 109 based on the change in the position coordinates of the touch position.

[0058] The system controller 50 determines that a slide operation is performed when a touch movement of more than a predetermined distance is detected. The operation of quickly moving a finger on the touch panel 109 by a certain distance while keeping the finger in contact with the touch panel and then releasing the finger is called a flick. In other words, a flick is an operation of quickly moving a finger across the touch panel 109 as if flicking the touch panel 109. When a touch movement of more than a predetermined distance at a predetermined speed or more is detected and then a touch stop is detected, the system controller 50 determines that a flick is performed. That is, it is determined that a flick is performed after a slide operation.

[0059] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A lens unit having a control source changeover switch for switching the control source of the aperture value between the lens side and the camera side is shown. Figure 3A An example of an integrated lens unit 301 is shown.

[0060] The integrated lens unit 301 includes a lens system 202, an aperture operating ring 208 as a lens setting operating member capable of changing imaging parameters, and a focus adjustment ring 209. The aperture operating ring 208 is arranged so that its rotation axis coincides with the optical axis of the lens system 202, and is configured so that the setting of the aperture value of the lens unit can be changed by a rotation operation of the user.

[0061] Furthermore, in the integrated lens unit 301, a control source changeover switch (reference numeral 207 is not shown due to the integrated structure) is switched in conjunction with the rotation operation of the diaphragm operating ring 208. Specifically, the rotation range 313 of the diaphragm operating ring 208 includes a lens side control area 312 on which an F value is printed, and a camera side control area 311 (in the middle) arranged at one end of the rotation range 313 outside the lens side control area 312. Figure 3A In the case where the diaphragm operating ring 208 is rotated to the lens side control area 312 (the pointer 303 of the diaphragm operating ring 208 points to the lens side control area 312), the control source becomes the lens side. In the case where the diaphragm operating ring 208 is rotated to the camera side control area 311 (the pointer 303 points to the camera side control area 311), the control source becomes the camera side. The position of the pointer 303 is detected by a detection unit (not shown) configured using an encoder or the like.

[0062] The above is summarized as follows. The camera side control area 311 is arranged to be adjacent to the lens side control area 312 in the rotation direction of the iris operating ring 208. The control source is switched by the control source changeover switch 207 through the rotation operation of the iris operating ring 208. For example, in a case where the user continues the rotation operation of the iris operating ring 208 until the pointer 303 rushes from the lens side control area 312 into the camera side control area 311, the control source is switched to the camera side. In addition, when the user performs the rotation operation of the iris operating ring 208 in the opposite direction, the control source can be switched to the lens side. Then, when the pointer 303 points to the camera side control area 311, the lens system control circuit 205 performs aperture control in response to an instruction from the system controller 50. When the pointer 303 points to the lens side control area 312, the lens system control circuit 205 uses the aperture value pointed to by the pointer 303 corresponding to the rotation position of the iris operating ring 208 (in Figure 3A Therefore, when the pointer 303 is in the lens-side control area 312, the aperture value control is performed by the lens side, and when the pointer 303 is in the camera-side control area 311, the aperture value control is performed by the camera body side.

[0063] Typically, the structure in which the diaphragm operating ring 208 (operating member) and the control source changeover switch 207 are integrated is, for example, the following structure. The diaphragm operating ring 208 is composed of a rotating member whose rotation axis is provided in the lens unit 301 and coincides with the optical axis of the lens system 202. A part of the rotation range 313 is a lens side control area 312 as an area for changing and controlling the aperture value according to the rotation. Another part of the rotation range 313 is a camera side control area 311 arranged in an area extending from the lens side control area 312 in the rotation direction. The control source changeover switch 207 is arranged in the lens unit 301 to switch the control source to the camera side when the pointer 303 points to the lens side control area 312. Therefore, another part of the area extending from the lens side control area 312 in the rotation direction includes a switching point of the control source changeover switch (control source changeover unit) 207. For example, as Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 2 , the camera side control area 311 is formed in an area extending from the lens side control area 312 in the rotation direction of the diaphragm operating ring 208. In this case, the control areas 311 and 312 can be switched by the rotation operation of the diaphragm operating ring 208, and the control source can also be switched according to the switching. Thus, the diaphragm operating ring 208 and the control source changeover switch 207 are integrated.

[0064] In addition, the information of the aperture value is transmitted to the system controller 50 via the communication terminal 206, and is visible on the OSD (On Screen Display) superimposed on the live view image displayed on the top display unit 107 and the back display unit 108. In addition, the user can visually grasp the aperture value by seeing the numbers printed on the lens housing. The integrated lens unit 301 preferably includes a mechanism that interferes with the easy rotation operation of the diaphragm operating ring 208, in which the pointer 303 moves across the boundary between the camera side control area 311 and the lens side control area 312. For example, a lock lever (not shown) may be provided so that the rotation operation of the pointer 303 moving across the boundary between the camera side control area 311 and the lens side control area 312 can be performed only when the lock lever is unlocked.

[0065] On the other hand, only when a torque equal to or greater than a certain torque is applied, a rotation operation in which the pointer 303 moves across the boundary of the camera-side control area 311 and the lens-side control area 312 is enabled. The system controller 50 stores the imaging setting value (second imaging setting value) on the camera side in the system memory 218 (storage means). When the rotation operation of the diaphragm operation ring 208 is performed in the camera-side control area 311, the system controller 50 reads the previous aperture value (predetermined initial value for the first time) from the system memory 218, and transmits the information via the communication terminal 206. Thereafter, the user controls the aperture value by operating the touch panel 109 or the four-directional key 110, etc. while viewing the brightness of the live view image and the information of the OSD (On Screen Display) superimposed on the live view image. Thus, the aperture value control (aperture value change control when the control source is the camera side) is performed by the camera side.

[0066] on the other hand, Figure 3B 302. Hereinafter, the difference from the above-described integrated lens unit 301 will be described. Although the control source changeover switch 207 and the diaphragm operating ring 208 are integrated in the integrated lens unit 301, they are separately arranged in the separated lens unit 302. Figure 3B In the example of , the control source changeover switch 207 is provided at the rear of the lens housing. The symbols "M" and "A" of the control source changeover switch 207 represent manual and automatic, respectively. In the case where the control source changeover switch 207 is on the "M" side, the control source is the lens side, and the aperture value can be controlled and changed by the operation of the diaphragm operating ring 208. On the other hand, in the case where the control source changeover switch 207 is on the "A" side, the control source is the camera side (camera body side), and the aperture value can be controlled and changed by the user's touch operation of the touch panel 109, etc.

[0067] The rotation range pointed to by the pointer 303 of the diaphragm operating ring 208 in the separate lens unit 302 includes only the lens side control area 312 printed with the F value. In the above description, a lens unit including the control source changeover switch 207 is given as an example of the separate lens unit 302, but a physical switch may be unnecessary. Even in the case where the control source is switched by the camera side, the effect of the embodiment does not change.

[0068] Figure 4 4 is a diagram showing a live view image 400 according to the image pickup setting. The live view image 400 includes a captured image 401 captured by the image sensor 211, an aperture value information item 410, and various image pickup information items 411 to 418. The various image pickup information items are a WB item 411, an ND item 412, an ISO item 413, a shutter item 414, and a power item 415. In addition, there are other items: a medium information item 416, a frame rate item 417, and a time code item 418. The user sets the aperture value by rotationally operating the diaphragm operating ring 208 while checking the live view image 400 when the lens side is the control source. On the other hand, when the camera side is the control source, the aperture value is set by operating the touch panel 109 or the four-way key 110, etc.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The imaging setting control in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 is a flowchart showing the image capture setting process. The aperture setting will be described as an example of the image capture setting process. For example, the system controller 50 repeatedly performs the processing cycle. Figure 5A and Figure 5B However, the processing is not limited to this configuration, and asynchronous processing can be performed using a related event related to the camera setting processing as a trigger. In addition, it is not necessary to always perform Figure 5A and Figure 5B For example, in the case where the camera 100 changes to the image capture mode, or in the case where the camera 100 can communicate with the lens unit 200, the processing can be performed, or various other modifications can be made. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The subscript "i" in the table indicates that the camera 100 is activated after the camera 100 is activated. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The number of processes shown (program step number).

[0070] First, we will explain Figure 5A. In S501, the system controller 50 determines whether the lens unit 200 attached to the camera 100 is the integrated lens unit 301 or the separate lens unit 302, or whether there is no lens. As a determination method, a method using a lens identification code that enables determination of the lens type is optimal. In this example, the system controller 50 reads the identification code of the lens system 202 stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) in the lens unit 200, and stores the identification code in the camera 100. Note that, for example, the non-volatile memory (not shown) may be provided in the lens system control circuit 205.

[0071] Then, the system controller 50 stores the integrated / separate information (lens type information) indicating the integrated / separate type corresponding to the lens identification code in the nonvolatile memory 219. The lens type information is, for example, 1-bit information, and "1" indicates the integrated type and "0" indicates the separate type. When the system controller 50 communicates with the lens system control circuit 205 in the lens unit 200 and obtains the identification code, the system controller 50 can determine whether the lens unit is an integrated type or a separate type by referring to the integrated / separate information (lens type information). The system controller 50 can also refer to and grasp the contents stored in the nonvolatile memory 219.

[0072] This allows determination of whether the lens unit is the integrated lens unit 301 or the separate lens unit 302. As another aspect, information on whether the lens unit is an integrated type may be predefined by the lens communication protocol, and the defined information may be notified to the system controller 50. When it is determined in S501 that the mounted lens unit is the integrated lens unit 301, the system controller 50 advances the process to S503. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mounted lens unit is the separate lens unit 302, the system controller 50 advances the process to S502.

[0073] In S502, the system controller 50 determines the current control source. The system controller 50 determines the control source based on the information detected by the control source changeover switch 207. The system controller 50 advances the processing to S510 when it determines that the control source is "A" (camera side), and advances the processing to S520 when it determines that the control source is "M" (lens side).

[0074] In S510, the system controller 50 sets the control source information SW in the current program step to i is stored in the system memory 218. Here, "A" (camera side) is stored in the system memory 218. In S511, the system controller 50 determines whether the control source information SW stored in the system memory 218 in the previous program step i-1. In the control source information SW i-1 If the control source information SW 207 is "A" (camera side) (if the control source changeover switch 207 is still held by the camera side), the system controller 50 advances the process to S512. On the other hand, if the system controller 50 determines in S511 that the control source information SW i-1 If it is "M" (lens side) (when the control source changeover switch is switched from the camera side to the lens side), the process proceeds to S513. i-1 Can be set to SW i .

[0075] In S512, the system controller 50 updates the camera-side aperture value F as the second imaging setting value using the aperture setting information updated by the user's operation (operation of the touch panel 109, the four-way key 110, etc.). cam On the other hand, in S513, the system controller 50 sets the camera-side aperture value F cam Updated to the lens side aperture value F as the first imaging setting value len This step causes the system controller 50 to inherit the control value on the lens side.

[0076] Next, S514 is a process of setting the control source to the camera side. Specifically, in S514, the system controller 50 switches the control source to "A" (camera side). At the same time, the lens system control circuit 205 is notified via the communication terminal 206 that the control source has been set to "A" (camera side). The lens system control circuit 205 receives the notification and, based on the instruction from the system controller 50 (the camera side aperture value F cam ) to control the diaphragm drive circuit 203. Here, an example is described in which the control source of the lens system control circuit 205 is switched after receiving a notification indicating that the control source has been set to "A" (camera side). However, in the case where the control source changeover switch 207 is provided in the lens unit as in the case of the separate type lens unit 302, the control source can be switched without waiting for notification.

[0077] The process in S515 is performed after the process in S512 or S514. In S515, the system controller 50 notifies the lens system control circuit 205 via the communication terminal 206 that the aperture value is F. cam The lens system control circuit 205 sets the aperture control value F to F cam Here, in F cam When the aperture is outside the aperture control range, the lens system control circuit 205 may use the aperture control circuit 205 in the settable range. cam The closest value of , and notifies the closest value to the system controller 50. S504 is executed after S515.

[0078] On the other hand, in S520, the system controller 50 sets the control source information SW i is stored in the system memory 218. Here, "M" (lens side) is stored. Next, in S521, the system controller 50 determines whether the control source information SW in the previous program step stored in the system memory 218 is i-1 In the case where the system controller 50 determines that the control source in the previous program step is "A" (camera side) (in the case where the control source changeover switch 207 has been switched from the camera side to the lens side), the processing proceeds to S522. On the other hand, in the case where the system controller 50 determines that the control source is "M" (lens side) (in the case where the control source changeover switch 207 is still held by the lens side), the processing proceeds to S523. In this case as well, the control source information SW is displayed only at startup. i-1 Can be set to SW i .

[0079] S522 is a process of setting the control source to the lens side. Specifically, in S522, the system controller 50 switches the control source of the aperture setting to "M" (lens side). At the same time, the system controller 50 notifies the lens system control circuit 205 via the communication terminal 206 that the control source has been changed to "M" (lens side). The lens system control circuit 205 receives the notification and controls the aperture drive circuit 203 to have a value corresponding to the setting operation of the aperture operation ring 208. Here, for example, in the case where the control source changeover switch 207 is provided in the lens unit as in the case of the separate lens unit 302, the control source can be switched without waiting for notification. Next, the lens side aperture value F is updated in S523. len That is, the aperture control value F is changed to a value corresponding to the setting operation of the diaphragm operation ring 208 .

[0080] Then, in S524, the lens-side aperture value F is notified to the camera 100. len Specifically, the lens system control circuit 205 notifies the system controller 50 via the communication terminal 206 that the current aperture control value is F len After the processing of S524, the process proceeds to S504.

[0081] Next, we will explain Figure 5BIn S503, the same judgment processing as in S502 is performed. That is, in S503, the system controller 50 judges the current control source. Specifically, the system controller 50 judges the control source based on the state of the control source changeover switch 207. In the case where it is judged that the control source is "A" (camera side), the system controller 50 proceeds to S540 (the same processing as S510). On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the control source is "M" (lens side), the system controller 50 causes the processing to proceed to S560 (the same processing as S520).

[0082] In S541, a determination similar to that in S511 is performed. That is, the system controller 50 determines whether the control source information SW of the previous program step stored in the system memory 218 is i-1 . In the control source information SW i-1 If it is determined to be "A" (camera side), the process proceeds to S542 (same process as S512). i-1 If it is determined to be "M" (lens side), the process proceeds to S544. In other words, if the state in which the pointer 303 of the diaphragm operation ring 208 points to the camera side control area 311 continues, the process proceeds to S542. If the state in which the pointer 303 points to the lens side control area 312 changes to the state in which the pointer 303 points to the camera side control area 311, the process proceeds to S544.

[0083] In S543 performed after S542, the system controller 50 sets F cam The system controller 50 can appropriately call the stored value (F as the imaging setting value stored in the system memory 218). mem ). mem is initialized appropriately when the camera is started, and as an example, sets F cam Then, the process proceeds to S547.

[0084] On the other hand, in S544, the system controller 50 calls F mem Then, in S545, the system controller 50 uses F mem Update the value of F cam The processing in S546 performed next is the same as that in S514. That is, in S546, the system controller 50 switches the control source to "A" (camera side). At the same time, the lens system control circuit 205 is notified via the communication terminal 206 that the control source has been set to "A" (camera side). Then, the processing enters S547.

[0085] In S547, the same processing as that in S515 is performed. The processing in S547 is performed after the processing in S543 or S546. In S547, the system controller 50 notifies the lens system control circuit 205 via the communication terminal 206 that the aperture value is F. cam Then, the process proceeds to S504.

[0086] On the other hand, in S561 after S560, the same determination process as S521 is performed. In S561, the system controller 50 determines whether the control source information SW in the previous program step stored in the system memory 218 is i-1 . In the control source information SW i-1 If it is determined to be "A" (camera side) (if the control source changeover switch 207 has been switched from the lens side to the camera side), the system controller 50 advances the process to S562. i-1 When it is determined to be "M" (lens side) (when the control source changeover switch 207 is still held by the lens side), the system controller 50 advances the processing to S563 (the same processing as S523).

[0087] That is, the control source information SW in the previous program step i-1 If it is determined to be "A" (camera side), the process proceeds to S562 (same process as S522). The control source information SW in the previous process step i-1 If it is determined to be "M" (lens side), the process in S563 is executed (the same process as S523). Then, the process in S564 is further executed (the same process as S524), and the process proceeds to S504.

[0088] Then, in S504, the lens system control circuit 205 drives the diaphragm drive circuit 203 to control the diaphragm 201 to the aperture control value F. In the present embodiment, upon completion of the control, the lens system control circuit 205 notifies the system controller 50 of the aperture value after the aperture control is performed. Next, upon receiving the notification, in S505, the system controller 50 updates the captured image 401 and the aperture value information item 410 on the OSD (On Screen Display) superimposed on the live view image displayed on the top surface display unit 107 and the back surface display unit 108 based on the notified aperture value.

[0089] Then, in S506, the system controller 50 increments the program step number "i" by 1. Here, when the system memory 218 is used as a ring buffer in the process according to the present embodiment, the program step number may be renumbered corresponding to the buffer upper limit value. If the program step number is renumbered, after executing the step, the process enters S501 again.

[0090] According to the present embodiment, when the control source is switched from the lens side to the camera side by using the integrated lens unit 301, the aperture value is not set to the value at the end of the lens side control area 312 of the diaphragm operation ring 208. Therefore, the aperture value stored as F is used (specifically, the value stored in the system memory 218). mem The aperture control is performed based on the value of the camera (which is the previously set value on the camera side). Therefore, the time and effort required to set the aperture at the time of switching are reduced.

[0091] According to the present embodiment, the user switches the control source between the lens side and the camera side (camera body side) by switching the control source changeover switch 207. In the case where the control source is the lens side, the first controller changes and controls the aperture value in response to the rotation operation of the diaphragm operating ring 208. In the case where the control source is the camera body side, the second controller changes and controls the aperture value in response to the touch operation on the touch panel 109. The system memory 218 stores the aperture value (second imaging setting value) changed and controlled by the camera body side. In the case where the control source is switched to the camera body side by using the integrated lens unit 301 in which the diaphragm operating ring 208 and the control source changeover switch 207 are integrated, the processes in S544, S545, S546, etc. are executed. That is, the system controller 50 calls up the aperture value (F) stored in the system memory 218. mem : Second camera setting value), set F cam Set to F mem , and the aperture value is controlled by the camera side. Then, the system controller 50 notifies the lens unit 200 that the control source has been switched to "A" (camera side).

[0092] In this way, in the case of using the integrated lens unit 301, the aperture value is changed when the control source is switched to the camera side. Therefore, the aperture value stored in the system memory 218 (storage device) in the most recent past (latest) is read as the aperture value (second imaging setting value) on the camera side, and the read aperture value is changed and controlled. As a result, even if the control source is switched from the lens side to the camera side, it is not necessary to set the aperture value again from the beginning. The aperture value stored in the most recent past is the latest aperture value that has been changed and controlled by the camera body side in the case of performing aperture value change control by the camera side, and is stored in the system memory 218.

[0093] On the other hand, in the case where the control source is switched to the camera body side by using the separate lens unit 302 in which the diaphragm operating ring 208 and the control source changeover switch 207 are not integrated, the processes in S512, S513, S514, etc. are executed. That is, the system controller 50 uses the first imaging setting value (F) which is the latest imaging setting value at the time of the change control by the diaphragm operating ring 208. len ) to update the second imaging setting value (F cam ). Then, the system controller 50 (camera body side) notifies the lens unit 200 to control the updated image capturing setting values.

[0094] As described above, the separate lens unit 302 is provided with the control source changeover switch 207 at a position of the lens housing different from the diaphragm operating ring 208, and the control source is switched by the operation of the control source changeover switch 207. In addition, the aperture value is not changed by this switching operation. Therefore, in the case where the control source is switched from the lens side to the camera body side, the aperture value that has been subjected to the change control by the lens side can be used as it is as the object of the change control of the aperture value by the camera body side.

[0095] Next, a process for preventing a sharp change in the aperture value when switching the control source according to the second embodiment will be described. In the case where the camera-side control area 311 is arranged on the small aperture side of the integrated lens unit, when the control source is switched from the lens side to the camera side, the image becomes darker or the contrast of the image decreases. Therefore, the user who views the image may put a burden on the eyes, and the moving object tracking function may be reduced. In the first embodiment, an example is shown that can reduce the time and effort for resetting the aperture value after switching the control source. In the second embodiment, by referring to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example of preventing a sharp change in the aperture value when switching the control source is described below. The same processing as the above processing is denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. Specifically, the processing in the step S500 series is the same as that in the step S500 series. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The processing in the corresponding steps is equivalent, and repeated description thereof is avoided as much as possible.

[0096] The processing in S601 is a subroutine for image capture control of the separate lens unit. Figure 5AThe processing in S611 is executed when the diaphragm operating ring 208 of the integrated lens unit reaches the camera side control area 311 (when the diaphragm operating ring 208 is rotated from the state where the pointer 303 points to the lens side control area 312 to the state where the pointer 303 points to the camera side control area 311), and is executed before the processing in S544 described in the first embodiment.

[0097] In S611, the system controller 50 clears the flag FLAG indicating that the control source is switched from the lens side to the camera side in the first switching period during which the control source is switched from the lens side to the camera side. M and a flag FLAG indicating a second switching period during which the control source is switched from the camera side to the lens side. A The process in S611 indicates that the current time is outside the first conversion time period and the second conversion time period. Accordingly, the system controller 50 also initializes the start time T of the first conversion time period in S612 to be executed later. Mstart and the start time T of the second conversion period Astart .

[0098] In S620, the system controller 50 sets the flag FLAG used to determine the second conversion period A Set to ON. After the result of the judgment in S561 described in the first embodiment branches to "A" (camera side), the processing of S620 is executed. Flag FLAG A Keep ON and maintain the second conversion period until the FLAG is marked in S635 A until it turns OFF.

[0099] In S621, the system controller 50 obtains the time T from the system timer 220. i The start time T of the second conversion time period is stored Astart Keep the start time T Astart , until a condition is satisfied that the result of the judgment in S634 executed after a predetermined period of time has become “Y” or the diaphragm operation ring 208 is operated so that the pointer 303 points to the camera-side control area 311 again.

[0100] After the result of the determination in S561 described in the first embodiment branches to "M" (lens side), the processing in S630 is executed. Here, the system controller 50 executes a process for changing the rotation position (R) of the diaphragm operating ring 208. i) is stored in the system memory 218. As the information to be stored, the value of the encoder or the aperture value is a preferred example. In the case of storing the aperture value, information linking the lens identification code and the lens outer diameter information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 219, and the system controller 50 can refer to the information to convert into the rotational position.

[0101] In S631, the system controller 50 obtains the time information T i Next, in S632, the system controller 50 calculates the rotation speed as the rotation amount change. The system controller 50 uses the rotation amount R in the previous program step. i-1 and the time information Ti-1 and the current rotation amount R i and time information T i , the rotation speed V is calculated by the following formula i .

[0102] V i =|R i -R i-1 | / (T i -T i-1 )

[0103] However, the disclosed aspect is not limited thereto, and acceleration or a nearby moving average speed or the like may be calculated as the rotation amount change.

[0104] In S633, the system controller 50 determines the flag FLAG for the second conversion period. A Is it ON or OFF? The system controller 50 determines whether the flag FLAG A If the flag FLAG is ON, the process proceeds to S634. A If it is OFF, the process proceeds to S640.

[0105] In S634, the system controller 50 performs processing for determining whether it is during the second conversion period. Specifically, the system controller 50 determines the elapsed time (T i -T Astart ) exceeds the judgment threshold T of the second conversion time period CHG2 The judgment threshold T can be set appropriately CHG2 An appropriate value may be half of the average time required for the user to rotate the diaphragm operating ring 208 from end to end, or may be a fixed value (e.g., 0.3 seconds). In order to further improve operability, a setting screen may be provided to allow the user to set the judgment threshold T CHG2In the case where the condition in S634 is satisfied, the system controller 50 regards that the second switching period is ended, and executes the processing of switching the control source from the camera side to the lens side (S635, S636, S562, and S564).

[0106] In this way, the system controller 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the diaphragm operating ring 208 was rotated from the camera side control area 311 to the lens side control area 312 (i.e., since the diaphragm operating ring 208 was rotated from the state where the pointer 303 pointed to the camera side control area 311 to the state where the pointer 303 pointed to the lens side control area 312). When the system controller 50 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control source changeover switch 207 switches the control source from the camera body side (the system controller 50 as the second controller) to the lens side (the lens system control circuit 205 as the first controller).

[0107] In S635, the system controller 50 performs a process to set the flag FLAG A Thus, the camera 100 enters a state outside the second conversion period. Accordingly, in S636, the system controller 50 initializes T Astart The subsequent processing in S562 and S564 is the same as that in Figure 5B The processing is the same as described above.

[0108] Next, the system controller 50 determines the rotation speed V i Whether it exceeds the reference speed V as the first threshold M (This is the change in the amount of rotation of the diaphragm operating ring 208). If the condition is satisfied ("Yes (Y)"), the system controller 50 advances the process to S641. On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied ("No (N)"), the system controller 50 advances the process to S650. Reference speed V M It may be calculated from the ratio between the average time required for the user to rotate the diaphragm operating ring 208 from end to end and the rotation amount, or may be set by the user on a provided setting screen.

[0109] In S641, the system controller 50 uses the current time T i Update the start time T of the first conversion period Mstart In the processing in S642 executed later, the system controller 50 turns on the flag FLAG indicating that the first conversion period is in progress. M This state continues until the diaphragm operating ring 208 reaches the camera side control area 311 and then the FLAG is set in S611. M until it turns OFF.

[0110] As described above, the system controller 50 (first determination unit) determines whether the rotation amount change (rotation speed) exceeds the first threshold value (S640). In the case where it is determined that the rotation speed exceeds the first threshold value ("Yes"), the start time of the first switching period of the aperture operation ring 208 is set to the current time (S641). Then, the flag FLAG indicating the period of the first switching period of the aperture operation ring 208 is set to M Changes to ON (S642).

[0111] On the other hand, in S650, the system controller 50 generates a signal based on the flag FLAG. M The system controller 50 determines whether it is during the first conversion period by turning ON / OFF the control signal. If it is determined to be during the first conversion period (ON), the system controller 50 executes the processing in S651. If it is determined not to be during the first conversion period (OFF), the processing proceeds to S563.

[0112] In S651, the system controller 50 determines the rotation speed V i Is it "0". That is, the system controller 50 determines whether the diaphragm operating ring 208 is stopped. When it is determined that the diaphragm operating ring 208 is stopped ("Yes"), the system controller 50 advances the process to S652. When it is determined that the diaphragm operating ring 208 is not stopped ("No"), the process advances to S564.

[0113] In S652, the system controller 50 determines the elapsed time from the start time of the first conversion period to the current time. Specifically, the system controller 50 determines the elapsed time (T i -T Mstart ) exceeds the judgment threshold T of the first conversion time period CHG1 . When judging that the elapsed time (T i -T Mstart ) exceeds the judgment threshold T CHG1 If the system controller 50 determines that the switching time period has ended ("Yes"), the system controller 50 considers that the switching time period has ended, and executes processing to switch the control source from the camera side to the lens side (S653, S654, S563). Otherwise ("No"), the system controller 50 does not update the aperture value, and advances the processing to S564.

[0114] In S653, the system controller 50 sets the flag FLAG M OFF. Thus, the state of the camera 100 is set to be outside the first transition period. Accordingly, in S654, the system controller 50 initializes T Mstart After executing a series of processing from S503 described above, the processing proceeds to S504 and subsequent processing described in the first embodiment (see Fig. 6A The connector "B" on the upper left of the .

[0115] According to the present embodiment, the variation of the aperture value during the period of switching the control source from the lens side to the camera side or during the period of switching the control source from the camera side to the lens side can be reduced.

[0116] Next, refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B To illustrate a partial alternative example of the second embodiment. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the process of step S500 series, the process is basically equivalent to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The processing in the corresponding steps in , and the processing in the step S600 series is basically equivalent to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The processing in the corresponding steps in , so its repeated description will be omitted.

[0117] The alternative example is characterized in that the determination processing of S701 is added to the processing executed in the case where the determination result in S541 is M (lens side). When the diaphragm operation ring 208 is rotated from the lens side control area 312 to the camera side control area 311 (i.e., from the state where the pointer 303 points to the lens side control area 312 to the state where the pointer 303 points to the camera side control area 311), the system controller 50 performs the operation based on the flag FLAG. M In the case where it is determined that it is during the first conversion period (ON), the system controller 50 executes the processing in S513 and takes over the aperture value controlled by the lens side immediately before.

[0118] In the case where it is determined that it is not during the first conversion period (OFF), the system controller 50 executes the processing in S544 and S545 to call the stored F mem And take over the aperture value controlled by the camera side (F mem Substitute F cam ). According to this alternative example, even when the integrated lens unit 301 is used, the control source can be switched from the lens side to the camera side as in the case of using the separate lens unit 302. As a result, the difference in the operational feeling of the user that is different for each lens can be reduced.

[0119] According to an alternative example of the second embodiment, it is possible to determine whether it is during the first switching time period, determine whether the aperture operation ring 208 is being driven, and determine whether it is during the second switching time period, etc. As a result, the timing of switching the control source and updating the aperture value can be appropriately controlled. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made.

[0120] Next, a first modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the first modification, the system controller 50 (first determination unit) determines whether it is in a switching time period (during which a switching operation by the diaphragm operation ring 208 is being performed) and whether it is after the switching time period from the start time when the rotation amount change of the diaphragm operation ring 208 (rotation member) of the integrated lens unit 301 exceeds the first threshold value. That is, the system controller 50 determines whether it is in the switching time period of the diaphragm operation ring 208 and whether it is after the switching time period of the diaphragm operation ring 208 in four ways in total. In the case where the system controller 50 (first determination unit) determines that it is after the switching time period of the diaphragm operation ring 208, the lens side does not change and control the aperture value (that is, the first controller does not change and control the imaging setting value). On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that it is in the switching time period of the diaphragm operation ring 208, the body side may change and control the aperture value (imaging setting value) to the value at the start time (that is, the second controller may change and control the imaging setting value to the value at the start time).

[0121] According to this, in the case where the system controller 50 determines that it is in the switching time period of the diaphragm operation ring 208 (rotation member), the lens side does not change and control the aperture value, etc. This prevents the aperture value control from being performed in an unstable state such as in the switching time period, etc. On the other hand, in the case where the system controller 50 determines that it is after the switching time period of the diaphragm operation ring 208, there is a high possibility that the rotation operation of the diaphragm operation ring 208 is no longer performed. Therefore, the aperture value can be controlled and changed to the value at the start time by the camera body side in a stable state.

[0122] Next, a second modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the second modification, the system controller 50 (second determination unit) determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the diaphragm operating ring 208 (rotation member) of the integrated lens unit 301 has been rotated from the camera side control area 311 to the lens side control area 312 (i.e., from the state in which the pointer 303 points to the camera side control area 311 to the state in which the pointer 303 points to the lens side control area 312). Alternatively, the system controller 50 (first determination unit) may be configured not to control and change the aperture value (imaging setting value) by the body side (not to operate the second controller) in the case where it is determined that it is in the switching time period of the diaphragm operating ring 208.

[0123] Even in this case, if it is determined that the diaphragm operating ring 208 (rotation member) is in the transition period, the diaphragm operating ring 208 can be further rotationally operated. Therefore, the aperture value is not controlled and changed by the camera body side. This can prevent the aperture value from being controlled in an unstable state.

[0124] In the first and second embodiments, the aperture value is described as an example of the image pickup setting value, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the present disclosure is applicable to focus adjustment. In this case, the same effect can be obtained by replacing the aperture value as the image pickup setting value with the focus value, replacing the aperture operation ring 208 with the focus adjustment ring 209, and replacing the aperture drive circuit 203 with the AF drive circuit 204.

[0125] The present disclosure is also applicable to a custom ring set in a lens unit to which an arbitrary imaging setting value can be assigned. For example, the imaging setting value can be a shutter speed, an ISO sensitivity, the optical density of a variable ND filter, etc. When assigned, a camera side control area 311 and a lens side control area 312 are formed within the movable range of the custom ring. The custom ring preferably has a physical end or an electronic end. The present disclosure is applicable to the custom ring through the same replacement as the above-mentioned focus adjustment. In this way, the lens unit 200 includes an assignment operation unit to which a predetermined function can be assigned by the camera 100 (main body), and the camera 100 can select imaging setting values ​​such as an aperture value.

[0126] The program code supplied and assembled to the computer to execute the processing and functions of the present disclosure by the computer also constitutes the present disclosure. That is, the computer program for executing the functions and processing of the present disclosure also constitutes the present disclosure. In this case, the program can be in any form (such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS, etc.), as long as the program can be executed by the computer.

[0127] The recording medium for supplying the program may be a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, and a non-volatile semiconductor memory, but is not limited thereto. The program may be provided in various ways. A method in which a client computer downloads and uses the computer program of the present disclosure stored in a server on a network may be considered.

[0128] Other embodiments

[0129] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0130] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

[0131] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-147575, filed September 12, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A camera device, comprising: a lens unit including a lens system; a camera body to which the lens unit can be attached; an operating member disposed in the lens unit; a first controller configured to control and change an image pickup setting value through a lens unit side according to an operation of the operation member; a second controller configured to control and change the image pickup setting value through a camera body side; a control source switching unit configured to switch a control source between the lens unit side and the camera body side; as well as a storage device configured to store the imaging setting value changed and controlled by the second controller as a second imaging setting value, wherein, in the integrated structure in which the operation member and the control source switching unit are integrated, when the control source switching unit switches the control source to the camera body side, the second controller changes and controls the second imaging setting value stored in the storage device, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body side is the control source, and wherein, in a separate structure in which the operating member and the control source switching unit are separated, when the control source switching unit switches the control source to the camera body side, the second controller further updates the second image pickup setting value using the first image pickup setting value which is the latest image pickup setting value changed and controlled by the first controller, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body controls the updated image pickup setting value.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: In the integrated structure, the operating member is a rotating member whose rotation axis coincides with the optical axis of the lens system, and a part of the rotation range of the rotating member is a lens-side control area for changing and controlling the imaging setting value by the first controller according to the rotation of the rotating member, and another part of the rotation range is an area extending in a rotation direction from the lens-side control area and includes a camera-side control area for changing and controlling the imaging setting value by the second controller, and The control source switching unit switches the control source according to the rotation of the rotation member between the lens side control area and the camera side control area.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising a first determination unit configured to determine whether a change in the amount of rotation of the rotating member exceeds a first threshold value, in, When the first determination unit determines that the rotation amount change exceeds the first threshold, the start time of the switching period of the switching operation by the rotation member is set as the current time, and determines that it is in the switching period.

4. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising a first judgment unit configured to judge whether, from the start time when the rotation amount change of the rotating member exceeds the first threshold value, it is in a conversion time period in which the conversion operation by the rotating member is being performed, and whether it is after the conversion time period, in, When the first judgment unit judges that it is within the conversion time period, the first controller does not change and control the camera setting value, and when the first judgment unit judges that it is after the conversion time period, the second controller changes and controls the camera setting value to the camera setting value at the start time.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a second determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the rotation member is rotated from the camera side control area to the lens side control area, in, The control source switching unit switches the control source from the camera body side to the lens unit side when the second determination unit determines that the predetermined time has elapsed.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a second determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the rotation member is rotated from the camera side control area to the lens side control area, in, If the second determination unit determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the first controller does not change and control the imaging setting value.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The camera body obtains information including lens identification information for identifying lens information related to the lens system and lens type information for indicating whether the control source conversion unit is integrally constructed.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The imaging setting value is an aperture value.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The imaging setting value is a focus value.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The lens unit further includes an assignment operation unit to which a predetermined function can be assigned and operated from the camera body, and the image pickup setting value can be selected from the camera body.

11. A method for controlling a camera device, the camera device comprising: Lens unit; a camera body to which the lens unit can be attached; an operating member disposed in the lens unit; and a control source conversion unit for switching the control source, the control method comprising: a first control step, which is executed when the control source is the lens unit side and is for performing change control of an imaging setting value by the lens unit side according to an operation of the operation member; a second control step, which is executed when the control source is a camera body side and is for performing a change control of the imaging setting value by the camera body side; a control source switching step for switching a control source between the lens unit side and the camera body side using the control source switching unit; and a storing step for storing the image pickup setting value changed and controlled in the second controlling step as a second image pickup setting value, wherein, in the integrated structure in which the operating member and the control source switching unit are integrated, when the control source switching unit switches the control source to the camera body side, the second imaging setting value stored in the storing step is changed and controlled in the second controlling step, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body is the control source, and wherein, in a separate structure in which the operating member and the control source switching unit are separated, when the control source switching unit switches the control source to the camera body side, the second imaging setting value is updated in the second control step using the first imaging setting value which is the latest imaging setting value changed and controlled in the first control step, and the camera body notifies the lens unit that the camera body controls the updated imaging setting value. 12 . A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the imaging apparatus according to claim 11 . 13 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the imaging apparatus according to claim 11 .

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