Imaging device and distance measuring device

Abstract

The camera device includes: an imaging element for capturing an image formed by an optical system; and a control unit that controls the exposure conditions of a light-receiving unit of a ranging device based on information related to the optical system. The ranging device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light, a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted by the light-emitting unit after it is reflected by an object, and a generation unit that generates information for calculating the distance to the object based on the light-receiving result of the light-receiving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It involves camera devices and ranging devices. Background Technology

[0002] A camera device is proposed that uses a rangefinder to measure the distance to the subject to improve focusing accuracy and shorten focusing time (e.g., Patent Document 1). Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-29135 Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the first disclosure, a camera device includes: an imaging element for capturing an image formed by an optical system; and a control unit that controls the exposure conditions of a light-receiving section of a ranging device based on information related to the optical system, the ranging device having a light-emitting section, the light-receiving section, and a generating section, the light-emitting section emitting light, the light-receiving section receiving light reflected from an object by the light emitted by the light-emitting section, and the generating section generating information for calculating the distance to the object based on the light-receiving result of the light-receiving section.

[0005] According to the second aspect of the disclosure, a ranging device includes: a light-emitting unit that emits light; a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted by the light-emitting unit after it has been reflected by an object; a generating unit that generates information for calculating the distance to the object based on the light-receiving result of the light-receiving unit; and a transmitting unit that transmits information from the information generated by the generating unit that corresponds to the camera range of the camera device to the camera device.

[0006] It should be noted that the configuration of the embodiments described below can be appropriately modified, and at least some components can be replaced with other components. Furthermore, the configuration of the components that are not particularly limited in their arrangement is not limited to the configuration disclosed in the embodiments, and can be configured in a position where their function can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera system including the camera of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the fuselage control unit. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the control unit of the ranging device. Figure 4 (A) is a graph showing the relationship between exposure time and distance measurement results when an 18% gray card is placed at a distance of 2m from the distance measuring device. Figure 4(B) is a graph showing the relationship between exposure time and distance measurement results when an 18% gray card is placed 5m away from the distance measuring device. Figure 4 (C) is a graph showing the relationship between the distance that the rangefinder can measure and the exposure time of the rangefinder. Figure 5 (A) is a diagram representing an example of the field of view of a digital camera at a certain point in time. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing an example of a distance image generated at a certain point in time based on a signal output from the light-receiving part of the ranging device. Figure 6 It is used for Figure 2 and Figure 3 The timing diagram illustrates the processing. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of focus adjustment processing performed by the fuselage control unit. Figure 8 This graph shows the relationship between exposure time and distance measurement results when an 18% gray card is set at a distance of 2m from the distance measuring device. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the fuselage control unit in the second embodiment. Figure 10 It is used for Figure 9 and Figure 3 The timing diagram illustrates the processing. Detailed Implementation

[0008] Implementation Method 1 The following is for reference Figures 1-7 The digital camera 1 (hereinafter referred to as camera 1) is described as an example of a camera device in the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a camera system 100 including the camera 1 of the first embodiment. The camera system 100 includes a rangefinder 50 and a camera 1. The camera 1 includes a camera body 2 and an interchangeable lens 3. In this embodiment, the camera 1 is a lens-changeable camera, but it may not be a lens-changeable camera; instead, the camera 1 may be configured as a lens-integrated camera.

[0010] (Distance measuring device 50) The ranging device 50 is, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) ranging device that illuminates a laser and measures the distance to an object, the shape of the object, etc., based on the information of the reflected light. The ranging device 50 includes a light-emitting unit 501, a light-receiving unit 502, a control unit 503, and a connector 504.

[0011] Connector 504 is a mechanism for mounting the rangefinder 50 to the camera body 2. When connector 504 is inserted into the accessory shoe 26 of the camera body 2 (described later), connector 504 is fixed to accessory shoe 26, thereby mounting the rangefinder 50 to the camera body 2. After the rangefinder 50 is mounted on the camera body 2, the electrical contacts on connector 504 and the electrical contacts on accessory shoe 26 make physical contact, thereby establishing an electrical connection. This enables communication between the rangefinder 50 (control unit 503) and the camera body 2 (body control unit 21).

[0012] The light-emitting unit 501 is, for example, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), which emits near-infrared laser light toward the target area. Here, the target area is the area corresponding to the imaging range of the ranging device 50, and is the area corresponding to the field of view of the ranging device 50.

[0013] The light-receiving unit 502 detects light from the target area. Specifically, the light-receiving unit 502 is an imaging element that detects light reflected from the light-emitting unit 501 by an object (object) within the target area. The light-receiving unit 502 includes a light-receiving pixel unit 502a and a light-receiving pixel control unit 502b. Furthermore, in the following description, light reflected by an object within the target area will be referred to as reflected light.

[0014] The light-receiving pixel unit 502a has multiple pixels, each of which has a photoelectric conversion unit. The multiple pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional configuration (in both row and column directions). The photoelectric conversion unit is composed of a photodiode (PD) or a SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode), which has a higher photosensitivity than a photodiode. In this embodiment, a photodiode will be used as the photoelectric conversion unit for explanation.

[0015] Each pixel of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a receives reflected light from the light-emitting unit 501 and accumulates a charge corresponding to the amount of reflected light. More specifically, each pixel's photoelectric conversion unit accumulates a charge corresponding to the amount of reflected light received during a predetermined exposure time. Furthermore, the light-receiving pixel unit 502a outputs a signal corresponding to the charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit from each pixel to the control unit 503 according to a control signal from the light-receiving pixel control unit 502b.

[0016] The light-receiving pixel control unit 502b, based on the instruction signal from the control unit 503, causes each pixel of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a to accumulate charge, and outputs a signal based on the accumulated charge from each pixel.

[0017] The control unit 503 uses the signals output from each pixel of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a to calculate the time Δt from when light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 501 until the reflected light of the emitted light is received by the light-receiving unit 502, and calculates the distance to the object in the target area based on the time Δt and the speed of light.

[0018] Specifically, the control unit 503 includes a generation unit 505, which calculates the distance to the object for each pixel of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a, and generates an image with the distance (and its corresponding value) as pixel values ​​and an image with information based on the intensity of reflected light as pixel values ​​(hereinafter, they are collectively referred to as distance images). The control unit 503 outputs the generated distance images to the camera body control unit 21 of the camera body 2, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the control unit 503 outputs the distance image from the generated distance images that corresponds to the imaging range of the camera 1 to the camera body control unit 21. It should be noted that, instead of distance images, the control unit 503 may generate data that can calculate the distance to the object (e.g., data including the time Δt of each pixel) and output it to the camera body control unit 21.

[0019] (Interchangeable lens 3) The interchangeable lens 3 includes a lens-side mount 301, a photographic optical system (imaging optical system) 31, a lens control unit 32, and a lens memory 33. The lens-side mount 301 includes a lens-side connector 302. The lens-side connector 302 has multiple terminals, including a clock signal terminal, a data signal terminal, and a power supply terminal. The interchangeable lens 3 can be detachably mounted on the camera body 2 via the lens-side mount 301 and the body-side mount 201 (described later).

[0020] The photographic optical system 31 includes multiple lenses and an aperture 31c, forming an image of the subject on the imaging surface 22a of the imaging element 22. The multiple lenses include a zoom lens (magnification lens) 31a for changing the focal length and a focusing lens (focus adjustment lens) 31b.

[0021] The lens control unit 32 comprises a processor such as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC, and a memory such as ROM and RAM. It controls various parts of the interchangeable lens 3 based on a control program. The lens control unit 32 controls the position of the zoom lens 31a, the position of the focusing lens 31b, and the drive of the aperture 31c based on signals output from the body control unit 21 of the camera body 2. When the lens control unit 32 receives signals from the body control unit 21 indicating the direction and amount of movement of the focusing lens 31b, it moves the focusing lens 31b back and forth along the optical axis OA1 to adjust the focal position of the photographic optical system 31. Additionally, the lens control unit 32 controls the position of the zoom lens 31a and the aperture 31c based on signals output from the body control unit 21 of the camera body 2. It should be noted that the lens control unit 32 can also control the position of the zoom lens 31a based on the operation of the zoom ring (not shown) on the interchangeable lens 3.

[0022] The lens memory 33 is constructed, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium. Information associated with the interchangeable lens 3 is stored (recorded) as lens information in the lens memory 33. This lens information includes data related to the optical characteristics of the photographic optical system 31 (exit pupil distance, F-number), data related to the minimum shooting distance of the photographic optical system 31, etc. It should be noted that the lens information varies depending on the type of interchangeable lens 3. Alternatively, the lens information can also be stored in the memory inside the lens control unit 32. Furthermore, the lens information can also be stored in the body memory 23 of the camera body 2, described later. In this case, the body memory 23 stores lens information for multiple interchangeable lenses 3.

[0023] Data retrieval from the lens memory 33 is controlled by the lens control unit 32. When the interchangeable lens 3 is mounted on the camera body 2, the lens control unit 32 sends lens information to the body control unit 21 via the terminals of the lens-side connector 302 and the body-side connector 202. Additionally, the lens control unit 32 sends to the body control unit 21 information such as the position information (focal length information) of the controlled zoom lens 31a, the position information of the controlled focusing lens 31b, and the aperture value (F-number) of the controlled photographic optical system 31.

[0024] The lens control unit 32 communicates bidirectionally between the camera body 2 and the interchangeable lens 3 via terminals on the lens-side connector 302 and the body-side connector 202. The lens control unit 32 can also send information about the focal length and aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 to the body control unit 21 when the zoom lens 31a moves and the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 changes. It can also periodically send information about the focal length and aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 to the body control unit 21.

[0025] (Camera body 2) The camera body 2 includes a side mount 201, an image sensor 22, a memory 23, a display 24, an operation unit 25, an accessory socket 26, and a control unit 21.

[0026] The fuselage-side bayonet portion 201 includes a fuselage-side connecting portion 202. The fuselage-side connecting portion 202 has multiple terminals, including terminals for clock signals, terminals for data signals, and terminals for power supply.

[0027] After the interchangeable lens 3 is mounted onto the camera body 2, the terminal on the body-side connection portion 202 and the terminal on the lens-side connection portion 302 are electrically connected. This enables power supply from the camera body 2 to the interchangeable lens 3, as well as communication between the camera body 2 and the interchangeable lens 3.

[0028] The imaging element 22 is a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The imaging element 22 captures an image of a subject formed by the photographic optical system 31. The imaging element 22 includes: a pixel section 221 arranged in a two-dimensional shape (in both row and column directions) with multiple pixels having photoelectric conversion units, and a control section 222 that controls the pixel section 221. The photoelectric conversion unit is composed of a photodiode.

[0029] The pixel unit 221 includes: a camera pixel that performs photoelectric conversion on the received light by the photoelectric conversion unit and outputs a signal for image generation, and a focus detection pixel that performs photoelectric conversion on the received light by the photoelectric conversion unit and outputs a signal for focus detection.

[0030] The control unit 222 outputs the focus detection pixel signal based on the instruction signal from the body control unit 21. Additionally, the control unit 222 outputs the imaging pixel signal based on the instruction signal from the body control unit 21.

[0031] The camera's internal memory 23 is constructed, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium. Image data and control programs are recorded in the internal memory 23. The writing of data to and reading of data from the internal memory 23 is controlled by the camera control unit 21. The display unit 24 displays images based on image data, images showing focus detection areas (AF areas) such as AF frames, photography-related information such as shutter speed and F-stop, and menu screens.

[0032] The operation unit 25 includes a release button, a power switch, a switch for switching between various modes, and various setting switches, and outputs operation signals corresponding to each operation to the body control unit 21.

[0033] Accessory socket 26 has electrical contacts that connect to the electrical contacts of connector 504 of ranging device 50. Ranging device 50 is detachably mounted to accessory socket 26.

[0034] The camera body control unit 21 consists of processors such as CPU, FPGA, and ASIC, and memories such as ROM and RAM, and controls various parts of the camera 1 based on a control program. Furthermore, based on signals from the focus detection pixels, the camera body control unit 21 determines the drive position of the focusing lens 31b of the interchangeable lens 3 and sends drive instructions for the focusing lens 31b to the lens control unit 32. Additionally, based on distance images output from the rangefinder 50, the camera body control unit 21 determines the drive position of the focusing lens 31b of the interchangeable lens 3 and sends drive instructions for the focusing lens 31b to the lens control unit 32.

[0035] In addition, the camera control unit 21 controls the exposure conditions (e.g., exposure time) of the imaging element 22. For example, the camera control unit 21 controls the exposure time of the imaging element 22 based on the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31.

[0036] In addition, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel 502a of the light-receiving unit 502 of the rangefinder 50 based on information related to the photographic optical system 31, and outputs the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 of the rangefinder 50.

[0037] In this embodiment, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the first exposure process of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31, for example, when the power to the camera body 2 is turned on and communication with the rangefinder 50 is possible, or when the release button (operation unit 25) is half-pressed, i.e., when an instruction to perform focus detection (hereinafter referred to as AF instruction) is received. The exposure time of the first exposure process of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a refers to the exposure time of the first exposure process executed after the AF instruction is received in the light-receiving pixel unit 502a. This process will be described in detail below.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the fuselage control unit 21. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50.

[0039] Figure 2 The process begins, for example, after the power to the camera body 2 is turned on and it is confirmed that the rangefinder 50 has been installed on the camera body 2. Figure 2 After the processing begins, the fuselage control unit 21 stands by until it receives the AF instruction (the release button is half-pressed) (step S11 / No).

[0040] When the camera body control unit 21 receives an AF instruction (step S11 / Yes), it obtains the current focal length of the photographic optical system 31 from the lens control unit 32 of the interchangeable lens 3 (step S13).

[0041] Here, the reason for the camera body control unit 21 acquiring the current focal length of the photographic optical system 31 will be explained. Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 (B) is a graph showing the relationship between the exposure time and the ranging result in the ranging device 50. Figure 4 (A) is a graph showing the relationship between exposure time and distance measurement results when an 18% gray chart is set at a position 50 mm away from the distance measuring device and 2 m away. Figure 4 (B) is a graph showing the relationship between exposure time and distance measurement results when an 18% gray card is placed at a distance of 50 m from the distance measuring device. Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 In (B), the horizontal axis represents the exposure time, and the vertical axis represents the distance measurement result.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), when the 18% gray card is placed at a position 2m away from the ranging device, a ranging result cannot be obtained when the exposure time is less than 400 [μsec] (the distance to the 18% gray card cannot be measured), but a ranging result can be obtained when the exposure time is 800 [μsec] or more. Furthermore, the longer the exposure time, the smaller the deviation of the ranging result and the higher the ranging accuracy.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown in (B), when the 18% gray card is placed at a distance of 5m from the ranging device, a ranging result cannot be obtained when the exposure time is less than 1600 μsec (the distance to the 18% gray card cannot be measured), but a ranging result can be obtained when the exposure time is 3200 μsec or more. Furthermore, the longer the exposure time, the smaller the deviation of the ranging result and the higher the ranging accuracy.

[0044] Like this, such as Figure 4 As shown in (C), the distance that the rangefinder 50 can measure is proportional to the exposure time of the rangefinder 50. In other words, if the exposure time is not increased, the distance to the subject cannot be measured when the distance to the subject increases.

[0045] When using the distance image generated by the rangefinder 50 in the camera 1, it is preferable to send the distance image to the camera 1 at a high frequency. That is, it is preferable to have a short generation cycle for the distance image in the rangefinder 50. If the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is shortened, the generation cycle of the distance image can be shortened. On the other hand, if the distance to the object in the target area is long, the accurate distance to the object cannot be obtained without increasing the exposure time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time in the first exposure process of the rangefinder 50 based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31, thereby simultaneously ensuring the accuracy of distance measurement and shortening the generation cycle of the distance image.

[0046] return Figure 2 After acquiring the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 (step S13), the camera control unit 21 determines whether the focal length is below a first threshold (step S15). The first threshold is the focal length corresponding to a distance that the rangefinder 50 cannot measure regardless of how much the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is increased. In other words, if the focal length is above the first threshold, the photographic distance estimated based on the focal length is a distance that the rangefinder 50 cannot measure. That is, in step S15, it is determined whether the distance from the rangefinder 50 to the subject is below a distance that the rangefinder 50 can measure.

[0047] Since the distance measuring device 50 cannot measure the distance when the focal length is greater than the first threshold (step S15 / No), no matter how much the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel 502a is increased, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0048] On the other hand, when the focal length is below the first threshold (step S15 / Yes), the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a of the rangefinder 50 based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 (step S17). For example, the camera control unit 21 estimates the distance to the subject based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 and the size of the subject detection frame corresponding to the photographic mode set in the camera body 2. The camera control unit 21, for example, estimates the distance to the subject based on the estimated distance to the subject and... Figure 4 The (C) chart determines the exposure time. For example, if the estimated distance to the subject is D1, then... Figure 4 In (C), the exposure time T1 corresponding to the measurable distance D1 is determined as the exposure time. It should be noted that the camera control unit 21 may, for example, determine the exposure time based on a chart or formula specifying the relationship between the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 and the exposure time. It should also be noted that if the camera body 2 does not have a subject detection setting, the distance with the highest probability can be selected as the distance to the subject based on analysis of past photographic data, or the value obtained by multiplying the focal length by a specified magnification can be selected as the distance to the subject.

[0049] Next, the body control unit 21 outputs the ranging process start instruction and the exposure time determined in step S17 to the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 (step S19).

[0050] On the other hand, the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 stands still before receiving the ranging processing start instruction and exposure time from the body control unit 21. Figure 3 (Step S101 / No). After receiving the ranging process start instruction and exposure time (step S101 / Yes), the control unit 503 performs the first exposure process (step S103). The first exposure process is an exposure process performed by setting the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a to the exposure time received from the body control unit 21.

[0051] Next, when the first exposure process ends, the control unit 503 generates a distance image based on information corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light (step S105) and transmits the generated distance image to the camera control unit 21 (step S107). At this time, the control unit 503 transmits the portion of the generated distance image corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 1 to the camera control unit 21. It should be noted that the control unit 503 may also transmit the entire generated distance image to the camera control unit 21.

[0052] Figure 5 (A) is a diagram representing an example of the field of view of camera 1 at a certain point in time. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing an example of a distance image generated at a certain point in time based on a signal output from the light-receiving unit 502 of the ranging device 50.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown in (B), the camera range of the ranging device 50 at a certain point in time is greater than that of the other device. Figure 5 The camera 1 has a large field of view at a certain point in time, as shown in (A). In this embodiment, the camera body control unit 21 uses distance information of the subject, for example, to control the camera body 2 and the interchangeable lens 3. Therefore, the camera body control unit 21 does not need to acquire a distance image corresponding to the entire surface of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a; it is sufficient to acquire a distance image of the portion corresponding to the field of view of the camera 1. In addition, if a distance image corresponding to the entire surface of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is directly transmitted, the data volume increases and the communication time becomes longer. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 503 acquires information related to the field of view of the camera 1 and transmits the distance image of the portion corresponding to the field of view of the camera 1 in the generated distance image to the camera body control unit 21. That is, in Figure 5 In example (B), control unit 503 will... Figure 5The distance image corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 1 shown in (A), indicated by the dashed line, is transmitted to the body control unit 21.

[0054] For example, the control unit 503 obtains the current focal length of the photographic optical system 31 from the body control unit 21 and calculates the field of view of the camera 1. Then, based on the pre-registered relationship between the field of view of the rangefinder 50 and the field of view of the camera 1, the control unit 503 determines the portion of the generated distance image corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 1. Afterward, the control unit 503 extracts the distance image of the portion corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 1 and transmits it to the body control unit 21.

[0055] Alternatively, the control unit 503 may determine the portion of the distance image corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 1 based on the defocus amount, wherein the defocus amount is calculated based on the signal output from the focus detection pixel of the imaging element 22 of the camera body 2. Specifically, the camera body control unit 21 calculates the defocus amount based on the signal output from the focus detection pixel of the imaging element 22 and generates an image (called a reference image) using the defocus amount (and its corresponding value) as the pixel value. The camera body control unit 21 sends the generated reference image to the control unit 503. On the other hand, the control unit 503 performs pattern matching on the received reference image and the generated distance image, and extracts the distance image of the portion corresponding to the reference image from the distance image based on the result. Then, the control unit 503 transmits the extracted distance image to the camera body control unit 21.

[0056] In this way, by transmitting distance images of the portion corresponding to the camera's field of view, the transmission time of the distance images can be shortened.

[0057] return Figure 3 After the processing in step S107 is completed, the control unit 503 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a in step S105 (step S109).

[0058] Next, the control unit 503 performs a second exposure process (step S111). The second exposure process is an exposure process that uses the exposure time determined based on the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a as the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a. That is, after the first exposure process is completed, the ranging device 50 performs an automatic exposure process.

[0059] After the second exposure process is completed, the control unit 503 generates a distance image based on the intensity of the reflected light (step S113) and transmits the distance image of the part corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 1 to the body control unit 21 (step S115).

[0060] On the other hand, Figure 2In the processing, after outputting the rangefinding processing start instruction and exposure time (step S19), the camera body control unit 21 of the camera body 2 determines whether the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 has changed (step S21). The focal length of the photographic optical system 31 can be changed, for example, by the user rotating the zoom ring of the interchangeable lens 3, or by the user operating the operation unit 25 of the camera body 2. It should be noted that the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 can be periodically sent from the lens control unit 32 to the camera body control unit 21, or it can be sent from the lens control unit 32 to the camera body control unit 21 when the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 has changed.

[0061] If the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 does not change (step S21 / No), proceed to step S25. On the other hand, if the focal length changes (step S21 / Yes), determine whether the change in the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 is greater than or equal to a second threshold (step S23). Generally, the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 changes when the distance between the object and the ranging device 50 changes. If the change in the distance between the object and the ranging device 50 is large, the current exposure time may be insufficient, leading to a decrease in ranging accuracy, or conversely, the exposure time may be too long, leading to a longer acquisition period for the distance image. Therefore, the change in the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 corresponding to the change in the distance between the object and the ranging device 50, which is considered to affect the exposure time, is set as the second threshold.

[0062] If the change in focal length of the photographic optical system 31 is greater than or equal to the second threshold (step S23 / Yes), the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time based on the current focal length of the photographic optical system 31, in the same manner as in step S17 (step S33). Afterwards, the camera control unit 21 outputs the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 of the rangefinder 50 (step S35).

[0063] If the focal length is greater than the first threshold (step S15 / No), or if the focal length has not changed (step S21 / No), or if the change in focal length is less than the second threshold (step S23 / No), or after the output exposure time (step S35), the camera control unit 21 determines whether a photography instruction has been accepted (step S25). For example, the camera control unit 21 determines that a photography instruction has been accepted when the release button is fully pressed.

[0064] If a photography instruction is received (step S25 / Yes), the fuselage control unit 21 performs photography processing (step S31).

[0065] After the photography process (step S31) is completed, or if no photography instruction has been received (step S25 / No), the camera control unit 21 determines whether the AF instruction has been released (step S27). For example, the camera control unit 21 determines that the AF instruction has been released if the half-press of the release button is canceled.

[0066] If the AF indication has been deactivated (step S27 / Yes), the fuselage control unit 21 outputs a ranging processing completion indication to the control unit 503 (step S29) and returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the AF indication has not been deactivated (step S27 / No), it returns to step S21.

[0067] On the other hand, Figure 3 In the processing, after the control unit 503 transmits the distance image based on the second exposure processing to the camera control unit 21 (step S115), it determines whether a new exposure time has been received from the camera control unit 21 (step S117). The exposure time received in step S117 is the exposure time determined when the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 has changed by a second threshold or more.

[0068] If a new exposure time is received from the camera control unit 21 (step S117 / Yes), return to step S103. That is, if a new exposure time is received from the camera control unit 21, the control unit 503 performs the first exposure process (step S103) which uses the exposure time received from the camera control unit 21 as the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a.

[0069] On the other hand, if no new exposure time is received from the body control unit 21 (step S117 / No), it is determined whether a ranging processing end instruction has been accepted (step S119). If no ranging processing end instruction has been accepted (step S119 / No), the process returns to step S109. That is, if no new exposure time is received from the body control unit 21 and no ranging processing end instruction has been accepted, the second exposure process is performed again, which uses an exposure time determined based on the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a.

[0070] On the other hand, upon receiving the indication that the ranging process has ended (step S119 / Yes), the control unit 503 will... Figure 3 The processing is now complete.

[0071] use Figure 6 The timing diagram, for Figure 2 and Figure 3 The processing method will be explained.

[0072] Figure 6In this scenario, assume that the camera control unit 21 receives an AF instruction at time t1. In this case, the camera control unit 21 obtains the focal length (ST1) of the photographic optical system 31 at time t1 from the lens control unit 32 of the interchangeable lens 3. Assume that the obtained focal length is below a first threshold. In this case, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a of the rangefinder 50 based on the obtained focal length of the photographic optical system 31, and outputs the rangefinder processing start instruction and the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 of the rangefinder 50 (ST2). It should be noted that the camera control unit 21 may also periodically obtain the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 and determine the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a of the rangefinder 50 based on the latest focal length among the obtained focal lengths.

[0073] The control unit 503 of the ranging device 50, for example, starts ranging processing when it receives a ranging processing start instruction at time t3. At this time, in the exposure processing of the first ranging process (ranging 1), the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is exposed according to the exposure time determined by the camera body control unit 21. Figure 6 In this context, the exposure process of exposing the light-receiving pixel unit 502a to the exposure time determined by the body control unit 21 is referred to as "exposure A".

[0074] In range measurement 1, when the exposure process (exposure A) ends, under the control of the control unit 503, a signal is output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a, and the control unit 503 transmits the distance image and the like generated based on the signal to the body control unit 21.

[0075] When the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a ends, the next ranging process (ranging 2) begins in the ranging device 50. At this time, in ranging 2, an exposure process is performed to expose the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the exposure time determined by the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a. Figure 6 In this context, the exposure process of exposing the light-receiving pixel unit 502a to the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the exposure time determined by the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is referred to as "exposure B".

[0076] In ranging 2, when exposure B ends, a signal is output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a under the control of the control unit 503. The control unit 503 then transmits a distance image or similar data created based on this signal to the body control unit 21. Ranging 3 begins at the point when the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a ends.

[0077] Here, for example, suppose the focal length changes by more than a second threshold at time t4. In this case, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 at time t4, and outputs the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 (ST3) of the rangefinder 50. The rangefinder processing (ST3) is first executed by the control unit 503 after the camera control unit 21 receives the exposure time. Figure 6 In the exposure processing of the distance measurement (5), the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is exposed according to the exposure time determined by the camera body control unit 21. Therefore, Figure 6 The exposure processing for ranging 5 is exposure A. Furthermore, in ranging 6, which is performed after ranging 5, exposure B is performed to expose the light-receiving pixel 502a based on the exposure time determined by the signal output from the light-receiving pixel 502a.

[0078] Subsequently, for example, when the fuselage control unit 21 outputs a ranging processing end instruction at time t5 (ST4), the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 ends the ranging processing and does not perform new ranging processing after time t5.

[0079] The distance image transmitted from the range measuring device 50 is used, for example, in the calculation of the focus position of the focusing lens 31b. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of focus adjustment processing performed by the fuselage control unit 21.

[0080] Figure 7 The processing begins, for example, after the power to the camera body 2 is turned on. The camera body control unit 21 determines whether a signal (focus detection signal) from the focus detection pixel of the imaging element 22 has been acquired (received) (step S201).

[0081] Upon receiving a focus detection signal (step S201 / Yes), the camera control unit 21 performs focus adjustment processing (step S205) to focus the subject image onto the imaging surface 22a of the imaging element 22 based on the focus detection signal. Specifically, the camera control unit 21 calculates the offset between the image plane of the image formed by the photographic optical system 31 and the imaging surface 22a of the imaging element 22 based on the focus detection signal. The camera control unit 21 converts this offset into defocus amount based on a predetermined conversion formula. Based on the calculated defocus amount, the camera control unit 21 calculates the focusing position (the amount of movement of the focusing lens 31b up to the focusing position) for focusing (imaging) the image formed by the photographic optical system 31 onto the imaging surface 22a of the imaging element 22. In detail, the camera control unit 21 determines whether the defocus amount is within the allowable value. If the defocus amount is within the allowable value, the camera control unit 21 determines that the image is in focus. On the other hand, if the defocusing exceeds the allowable value, the camera body control unit 21 determines that the focus is off and sends a signal to the lens control unit 32 of the interchangeable lens 3, instructing the amount of movement of the focusing lens 31b and the lens movement. The lens control unit 32 moves the focusing lens 31b according to the amount of movement, thereby automatically adjusting the focus. After the processing of step S205 is completed, the process returns to step S201.

[0082] If no focus detection signal is acquired (step S201 / No), the fuselage control unit 21 determines whether a distance image has been acquired (received) from the ranging device 50 (step S203).

[0083] When a distance image is acquired from the rangefinder 50 (step S203 / Yes), focus adjustment processing is performed based on the distance image to focus the subject image onto the imaging surface 22a of the imaging element 22 (step S207). Specifically, the camera control unit 21 acquires the distance to the subject from the distance image. Based on the acquired distance to the subject and the current focal length of the photographic optical system 31, the camera control unit 21 calculates the focus position (the amount of movement of the focusing lens 31b up to the focus position) for focusing (imaging) the image formed by the photographic optical system 31 onto the imaging surface 22a of the imaging element 22. The camera control unit 21 sends a signal to the lens control unit 32 of the interchangeable lens 3, instructing on the amount of movement of the focusing lens 31b and the lens movement. The lens control unit 32 moves the focusing lens 31b according to the amount of movement, thereby automatically performing focus adjustment.

[0084] If a distance image is not acquired from the rangefinder 50 (step S203 / No), or if the processing in step S207 is completed, the process returns to step S201. In this way, since the body control unit 21 performs focus adjustment processing based on the signal from the focus detection pixel and the distance image, the execution cycle of the focus adjustment processing can be shortened, and the focusing accuracy can be improved.

[0085] As described in the detailed explanation above, according to the first embodiment, the camera 1 includes: an imaging element 22 for capturing an image formed by the photographic optical system 31; and a camera control unit 21, which controls the exposure time of the light-receiving section 502 of the rangefinder 50 based on information related to the focal length of the photographic optical system 31. The rangefinder 50 includes a light-emitting section 501 that emits light, a light-receiving section 502 that receives light reflected from an object after the light emitted by the light-emitting section 501 is reflected by the object, and a control unit 503 that generates information for calculating the distance to the object based on the light-receiving result of the light-receiving section 502. By determining the exposure time based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31, ranging accuracy can be ensured, and since a shorter exposure time than a fixed exposure time can sometimes be set, the acquisition cycle of the distance image can be shortened.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rangefinder 50 is detachable from the camera 1, and the camera body control unit 21 of the camera 1 outputs the exposure time of the light-receiving unit 502 to the rangefinder 50. Therefore, the control unit 503 of the rangefinder 50 can control the exposure time of the light-receiving unit 502 based on the exposure time received from the camera body control unit 21.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 changes by a second threshold or more, the camera body control unit 21 controls the first exposure processing of the light-receiving unit 502 after the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 changes by a second threshold or more (e.g., based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31). Figure 6 The exposure time in the ranging (5). Thus, for example, it is possible to suppress the decrease in ranging accuracy due to insufficient exposure time, or conversely, to suppress the increase in the acquisition period of the distance image due to excessive exposure time.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the ranging device 50 includes: a light-emitting unit 501 that emits light; a light-receiving unit 502 that receives light emitted by the light-emitting unit 501 after it has been reflected by an object; and a control unit 503 that generates a distance image based on the light-receiving result of the light-receiving unit 502, and sends the portion of the generated distance image corresponding to the camera range of the camera 1 to the camera 1. Therefore, compared to sending a distance image corresponding to the entire surface of the light-receiving unit 502, the time required to send the distance image can be shortened.

[0089] It should be noted that in the first embodiment described above, the camera body control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the focal length. However, for example, the camera body control unit 21 may also determine the exposure time based on the shortest shooting distance of the photographic optical system 31. In this case, the camera body control unit 21 only needs to determine the exposure time based on the shortest shooting distance of the photographic optical system 31 obtained through communication with the interchangeable lens 3 when the camera body 2 is powered on.

[0090] Implementation Method 2 In the first embodiment described above, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the focal length of the photographic optical system 31, but is not limited thereto. In the second embodiment, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31.

[0091] Here, the method for determining the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 will be explained.

[0092] Figure 8 This shows the relationship between exposure time and distance measurement results when an 18% gray card is set at a distance of 50 m from the distance measuring device.

[0093] As in Figure 4 As explained in (A), the longer the exposure time, the smaller the deviation of the ranging result and the higher the ranging accuracy.

[0094] Figure 8 The diagram shows the range that appears to be in focus, RNG1, when the aperture value is V1, and the range that appears to be in focus, RNG2, when the aperture value is V2, which is larger than V1. The smaller the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31, the shallower the depth of field; the larger the aperture value, the deeper the depth of field. The deeper the depth of field, the larger the range appears to be in focus; therefore, range RNG2 is larger than range RNG1.

[0095] When the aperture value is V1, if the distance between the object and the rangefinder 50 is within the range RNG1, it appears that the focus is on the object. When the aperture value is V2 (>V1), which is larger than V1, if the distance between the object and the rangefinder 50 is within the range RNG2, it appears that the focus is on the object. Therefore, for example, when the aperture value is V2, even if there is a deviation in the ranging result, as long as the ranging result is within the range RNG2, it can be considered that even if the focusing lens 31b of the photographic optical system 31 is driven based on the ranging result of the rangefinder 50, the object (subject) will still be focused.

[0096] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the aperture value is, for example, V2, the camera control unit 21 determines the minimum exposure time within the range RNG2 of the ranging result as the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a. Figure 8 In the example, when the exposure time is 600 [μsec], the deviation of the ranging result is large, but since the ranging result is included in the range RNG2, 600 [μsec] is determined as the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a.

[0097] On the other hand, when the aperture value is V1, the camera control unit 21 determines the minimum exposure time of the exposure time within the range RNG1, which is the distance measurement result, as the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a. Figure 8 In the case of an exposure time of 3200 μsec, the ranging result may fall outside the range RNG1. When the exposure time is 4800 μsec, the ranging result is included within the range RNG1. Therefore, when the aperture value is V1, the camera control unit 21 determines 4800 μsec as the exposure time for the light-receiving pixel unit 502a.

[0098] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the fuselage control unit 21 in the second embodiment. Figure 9 In the middle, to and Figure 2 The same processing is indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and detailed descriptions are omitted. It should be noted that the processing performed by the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 is the same as... Figure 3 It is the same, therefore detailed explanation is omitted.

[0099] Figure 9 The processing begins, for example, after the power to the camera body 2 is turned on. When the camera body control unit 21 receives an AF instruction (step S11 / Yes), it obtains the current aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 from the lens control unit 32 of the interchangeable lens 3 (step S41).

[0100] Next, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 (step S43). The camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time, for example, using a table that sets the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a for each aperture value of the photographic optical system 31. This table is, for example, based on... Figure 8 The relationship between the ranging results and the depth of field is shown. The camera control unit 21 can also determine the exposure time based on a prescribed calculation formula, for example.

[0101] Next, the camera control unit 21 outputs a ranging processing start instruction and the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 (step S19). After outputting the ranging processing start instruction and exposure time, the camera control unit 21 determines whether the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 has changed (step S45).

[0102] If the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 changes (step S45 / Yes), the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time based on the current aperture value of the photographic optical system 31, in the same manner as in step S43 (step S47). Then, the camera control unit 21 outputs the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 of the rangefinder 50 (step S35).

[0103] On the other hand, if the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 has not changed (step S45 / No), the camera control unit 21 determines whether a photographing instruction has been accepted (step S25). Subsequent processing follows... Figure 2 It is the same, therefore detailed explanation is omitted.

[0104] use Figure 10 The timing diagram Figure 9 and Figure 3 The processing method will be explained.

[0105] Figure 10 In this case, assume that the camera control unit 21 receives an AF instruction at time t11. In this case, the camera control unit 21 obtains the aperture value (ST11) of the photographic optical system 31 at time t11 from the lens control unit 32 of the interchangeable lens 3.

[0106] The camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a of the rangefinder 50 based on the acquired aperture value, and outputs the rangefinder processing start indication and the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 (ST12) of the rangefinder 50. It should be noted that the camera control unit 21 can also periodically acquire the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 and use the latest aperture value from the acquired aperture values ​​to determine the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a.

[0107] The control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 starts ranging processing, for example, when it receives a ranging processing start instruction and exposure time at time t13. At this time, in the exposure processing of the first ranging processing (ranging 1), the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is exposed at the exposure time determined by the body control unit 21.

[0108] In range measurement 1, when the exposure process (exposure A) ends, under the control of the control unit 503, a signal is output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a, and the control unit 503 transmits the distance image and the like generated based on the signal to the body control unit 21.

[0109] When the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a ends, the next ranging process (ranging 2) begins in the ranging device 50. At this time, in ranging 2, an exposure process is performed to expose the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the exposure time determined by the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a.

[0110] In ranging 2, when exposure B ends, a signal is output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a under the control of the control unit 503. The control unit 503 then transmits a distance image generated based on this signal to the body control unit 21. At the point when the signal output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a ends, ranging 3 begins.

[0111] Here, for example, suppose the aperture value changes at time t14. In this case, the camera control unit 21 determines the exposure time based on the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 at time t14 and outputs the determined exposure time to the control unit 503 (ST13) of the rangefinder 50. For example, when the aperture value after the change at time t14 is larger than the aperture value obtained at time t11, the exposure time of rangefinder 5 is shorter than the exposure time of rangefinder 1. On the other hand, when the aperture value after the change at time t14 is smaller than the aperture value obtained at time t11, the exposure time of rangefinder 5 is longer than the exposure time of rangefinder 1. In this way, by determining the exposure time based on the aperture value, it is sometimes possible to set an exposure time shorter than the exposure time determined based on the output from the light-receiving pixel unit 502a or a fixed exposure time, thereby shortening the period for acquiring distance images.

[0112] Subsequently, for example, when the fuselage control unit 21 outputs a ranging process completion instruction at time t15 (ST14), the control unit 503 of the ranging device 50 ends the ranging process and does not perform new ranging processes after time t15.

[0113] As in the second embodiment, the camera control unit 21 can also determine the exposure time of the light-receiving part 502 of the rangefinder 50 based on the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31.

[0114] It should be noted that in the first and second embodiments described above, the ranging device 50 is detachable from the camera 1, but the camera 1 may also include the ranging device 50. In this case, when the power to the camera body 2 is turned on, for example, at the start... Figure 2 The processing.

[0115] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the camera body control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the focal length or aperture value of the photographic optical system 31, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 503 of the rangefinder 50 may also determine the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the focal length or aperture value of the photographic optical system 31.

[0116] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a is determined based on the focal length or aperture value of the photographic optical system 31. However, for example, the sensitivity of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a can also be determined based on the focal length or aperture value of the photographic optical system 31. That is, the camera control unit 21 only needs to determine the exposure conditions of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on the focal length or aperture value of the photographic optical system 31 to shorten the distance image acquisition cycle while ensuring ranging accuracy.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the interchangeable lens 3 is a zoom lens with a variable focal length, but it can also be a single-focus lens. Additionally, in the first and second embodiments, the position of the zoom lens 31a is changed to alter the focal length by rotating the zoom ring of the interchangeable lens 3, but the position of the zoom lens 31a can also be changed mechanically (e.g., via a cam cylinder) according to the rotation of the zoom ring, or it can be electrically controlled by the lens control unit 32. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the interchangeable lens 3 can be attached to and detached from the camera body 2, but this is not a limitation; the interchangeable lens 3 and the camera body 2 can also be integrated.

[0118] Alternatively, the first and second embodiments described above can be combined so that the camera body control unit 21 determines the exposure time of the light-receiving pixel unit 502a based on both the focal length of the photographic optical system 31 and the aperture value of the photographic optical system 31.

[0119] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the fuselage control unit 21 determines whether an AF instruction has been received ( Figure 2 , Figure 9 However, it is also possible to determine whether a video recording instruction has been accepted, in addition to whether the AF instruction has been accepted. That is, the first and second embodiments described above can also be applied to video recording.

[0120] The above implementation method is not limited to this, and various modifications can be implemented without departing from the main idea.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1 camera 2. Camera body 3. Interchangeable lenses 21. Fuselage Control Department 22 camera elements 31 Photographic Optical System 50 Distance measuring device 501 Light-emitting part 502 Light-receiving section 503 Control Department.

Claims

1. A camera device, comprising: An imaging element that captures an image formed by an optical system; and a control section that controls an exposure condition of a light receiving section of a distance measuring device based on information about the optical system, wherein The ranging device has a light-emitting part, a light-receiving part, and a generating part. The light-emitting part emits light, the light-receiving part receives the light emitted by the light-emitting part after it is reflected by an object, and the generating part generates information for calculating the distance to the object based on the light-receiving result of the light-receiving part.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The ranging device is detachable from the camera device. When the ranging device is mounted on the camera device, the control unit outputs the exposure conditions of the light-receiving unit to the ranging device.

3. The camera device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Information relating to the optical system includes at least one of the following: information on the minimum shooting distance of the optical system, information on the focal length of the optical system, and information on the aperture value of the optical system.

4. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The larger the aperture value of the optical system, the shorter the exposure time of the light-receiving part is caused by the control unit.

5. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When the control unit receives an instruction to focus the image of the subject onto the imaging element, it controls the initial exposure conditions of the light-receiving unit after receiving the instruction based on information related to the optical system.

6. The camera device according to claim 5, wherein, When the focal length of the optical system changes by a predetermined value or more, the control unit controls the first exposure conditions of the light-receiving part after the focal length of the optical system has changed by the predetermined value or more, based on the focal length of the optical system.

7. The camera device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, When the aperture value of the optical system changes, the control unit controls the first exposure time of the light-receiving part after the change in the aperture value of the optical system.

8. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The optical system is contained in an interchangeable lens mounted on the camera device.

9. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control unit controls the exposure conditions of the imaging element.

10. A ranging device, comprising: The light-emitting part; The light-receiving part receives the light emitted by the light-emitting part after it has been reflected by the object; The generation unit generates information for calculating the distance to the object based on the light-receiving results from the light-receiving unit; and The transmitting unit sends the portion of the information generated by the generating unit that corresponds to the camera range of the camera device to the camera device.

11. The ranging device according to claim 10, wherein, The camera range of the camera device is determined based on information about the focal length of the optical system that can be attached to or detached from the camera device.

12. The ranging device according to claim 10, wherein, The camera device includes a camera element for capturing images formed by an optical system. The imaging range of the imaging device is determined based on information about the focal length of the optical system obtained from the signal output from the imaging element.

13. The ranging device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, A control unit that controls the exposure conditions of the light-receiving part based on information related to the optical system.

14. The ranging device according to claim 13, wherein, Information relating to the optical system includes at least one of the following: information on the minimum shooting distance of the optical system, information on the focal length of the optical system, and information on the aperture value of the optical system.

15. The ranging device according to claim 14, wherein, The larger the aperture value of the optical system, the shorter the exposure time of the light-receiving part is caused by the control unit.

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