REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE FOR A MOTION CAMERA

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a remote control device for a motion picture camera, which has a lens and at least one lens focus adjustment motor for adjusting a focus position of the lens, and to which at least one distance measuring device for determining a distance measuring signal is assigned. The remote control device comprises a portable operating unit with a base part, a first operating element that is movable relative to the base part into a continuously variable setting position, and a second operating element. The remote control device further comprises a control device that is designed to determine a manual focus setting value for the lens focus adjustment motor as a function of the continuously variable setting position of the first operating element and to output the manual focus setting value in a manual focus operating mode.

[0002] An electronic motion picture camera typically includes an integrated optical system (camera lens) or a lens mount for optionally attaching an interchangeable lens adapted to specific recording situations. To record the images captured by the optical system, an electronic image sensor is usually provided to generate image signals from incident light and an image signal processing device to convert the image signals into a digital image data stream.

[0003] A remote control device can be provided to control an electronic motion picture camera (in particular a video camera) or a conventional motion picture camera (in particular a film camera) for recording motion picture sequences and / or to set recording parameters or change them during a recording. A cameraman operating the motion picture camera thus only has to ensure the correct alignment of the camera to record a desired image section, while the corresponding setting of the recording parameters can be carried out by another person, in particular a camera assistant or a focus puller. For example, provision can be made for remotely adjusting the image recording frequency, shutter speed, iris diaphragm opening, focus position or sharpness and / or the focal length (zoom factor) of the camera lens.

[0004] The setting of the camera's recording parameters, in particular the iris diaphragm opening, the focus position, and the focal length, can be carried out via respective lens servo motors, which can be integrated into the camera lens or typically arranged as a separate, external unit outside the camera lens. Such a lens servo motor can be connected to a rotatable lens ring of the camera lens, so that the relevant parameter can be changed by rotating the lens ring using the lens servo motor. Remote-controlled adjustment of the recording parameters can thus be achieved by transmitting control signals to the respective lens servo motor via a remote control device in order to move the associated lens ring to a desired rotational position.

[0005] In order to be able to specify a control command for a lens servo motor to set a specific parameter value, a portable control unit of such a remote control device can have a control element that is movable (e.g. rotatable) relative to a base part, the setting position of which determines the respective control command. The control device can determine an associated target value directly or indirectly from the setting position of the control element and output it as a control command directly or indirectly to the lens servo motor. For example, the motion picture camera can have a lens focus servo motor for adjusting a focus position of the lens, whereby the user (camera assistant or focus puller) can specify a manual focus setting value as the target value for the focus position to be adjusted using the movable control element in a manual focus operating mode of the remote control device.Additional control elements can be provided on the control unit for additional control tasks, for example to be able to change the value of the iris diaphragm opening via remote control.

[0006] Such a remote control device is known, for example, from DE 196 29 484 A1, WO 2010 / 046237 A1, and DE 10 2017 128 393 A1. Furthermore, DE 42 19 331 A1, for example, shows a remote control device for setting various recording parameters before and, in particular, during a moving image recording by controlling the respective lens servo motors.

[0007] The motion picture camera can also be associated with a distance measuring device for determining a distance measuring signal. The distance measuring signal can correspond directly or indirectly to a measured distance of the motion picture camera (in particular the image plane) relative to a subject in the object space. Such distance measuring signals enable, for example, an autofocus operating mode in which the focus position is adjusted according to the measured distance and, in particular, can also follow a varying distance of the subject. Such distance measuring devices are known from DE 10 2004 015 947 A1 and DE 10 2004 037 296 A1.

[0008] While recording a motion picture sequence, it may also be desirable to switch between an autofocus mode (automatic focusing according to the distance measuring device) and a manual focus mode (manual focusing using the remote control). However, such a change in the source of the target value for the lens focus motor can cause the problem of the focus position set on the lens changing undesirably abruptly.

[0009] A remote control device that enables both manual and automatic focus adjustment of a motion picture camera is described in US 2019 / 132527 A1. With this remote control device, manual focus adjustment can be performed by turning a control dial, while automatic focusing on a respective object can also be performed by pressing an assigned button. The distances to the respective objects are to be determined using a secondary system, in particular a secondary camera system, and a computer system.

[0010] In addition, devices for automatically focusing a camera are described in US 2003 / 174414 A1 and WO 2020 / 061604 A1.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a remote control device for controlling a lens focus adjustment motor of a motion picture camera, which enables a smooth transition when changing the source for the target value of the focus position to be adjusted.

[0012] This object is achieved by a remote control device having the features of claim 1.

[0013] The control device of the remote control device is designed to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to a sequence of several different intermediate focus adjustment values, which, starting from a first target value of the focus position, approach a second target value of the focus position, depending on an actuation of the second control element of the control unit in a focus transition operating mode of the remote control device, wherein the first target value or the second target value of the focus position corresponds to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device.

[0014] The remote control device thus enables manual focusing by moving the first control element relative to the base of the control unit. The first control element can be moved to a continuously variable setting position to specify a manual focus setting value for the focus position or to continuously change the manual focus setting value. The manual focus setting value thus forms a target value that can be used depending on the operating mode of the remote control device, but is not mandatory.

[0015] In addition, the user can use the second control element of the control unit to cause the control device of the remote control device to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to a sequence of a plurality of intermediate focus adjustment values, in particular by direct or indirect control, whereby these intermediate focus adjustment values ​​approach a second target value of the focus position starting from a first target value. This can result in a continuous or substantially continuous transition between the first target value and the second target value of the focus position (focus transition operating mode of the remote control device).

[0016] This transition can be triggered by the second control element or its course can also be actively influenced, as explained below for some embodiments. The individual intermediate focus adjustment values ​​can be determined by the control device of the remote control device or by a downstream control unit (for example, based on an execution command from the control device of the remote control device).

[0017] The first target value can form a starting target value for the focus position, and the second target value can form a target target value for the focus position. The intermediate focus adjustment values ​​can, in particular, form current target values ​​for the focus position, which are to be set by the lens focus adjustment motor and which, during the focus transition operating mode, are composed of a decreasing portion of the first target value (as the starting target value) and an increasing portion of the second target value (as the target target value). The first target value and the second target value for the focus position can be fixed values ​​or can also be adjustable during the transition.

[0018] In the focus transition mode, one of the two target values ​​for the focus position (first target value or second target value) can correspond to the distance measurement signal of the associated distance measuring device. For this purpose, the target value in question can be formed, in particular, by the distance measurement signal or derived therefrom. This target value can also be adjustable or adjusted during the focus transition mode, in particular if it is the second target value or the target target value and the distance measurement signal is still changing during the focus transition mode. The focus transition mode of the remote control device can thus be used, in particular, for a transition between the manual focus mode and an autofocus mode (automatic focusing according to the distance measuring device), or for a transition between different autofocus modes (as explained below).

[0019] Such a focus transition operating mode of the remote control device enables a smooth transition when changing the operating mode or when changing from a first target value to a second target value of the focus position, in particular when changing the source for the respective target value.

[0020] In the context of the invention, a continuous or substantially continuous transition is also to be understood as the plurality of discrete values ​​resulting in the case of digital signal processing, which correspond to the sampling resolution (e.g. of an analog / digital converter) and appear at least as quasi-continuous.

[0021] According to the invention, the control device is also designed to determine and output the intermediate focus adjustment values ​​(in particular as current target values) in order to directly or indirectly control the lens focus adjustment motor. However, in some embodiments, the final determination of the intermediate focus adjustment values ​​can also be performed outside the control device, for example, if a calculation of intermediate focus adjustment values ​​is to be performed based on two different distance measurement signals and the control device merely outputs the execution command for this.

[0022] According to the invention, the sequence of the several different intermediate focus setting values ​​corresponds to a continuous or substantially continuous approach of the focus position from the first target value to the second target value.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention, the intermediate focus adjustment values ​​correspond to a respective interpolation between the first target value of the focus position and the second target value of the focus position. Such an interpolation can, for example, correspond to a weighting, for example with a linear weighting progression between the first target value and the second target value. Such an interpolation can also be dynamically adapted during the focus transition mode of the remote control device, in particular to a second target value or the target target value that changes during the focus transition mode.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained below.

[0025] In some embodiments, one of the first and second target values ​​of the focus position can correspond to the distance measurement signal of the associated distance measurement device, wherein the other of the first and second target values ​​of the focus position corresponds to the manual focus setting value according to the first control element or to a further distance measurement signal. The distance measurement signal and the further distance measurement signal can be different from one another and, in particular, correspond to the distances of different subjects in the object space. The distance measurement signal and the further distance measurement signal can be generated by the same distance measurement device (for example, in the case of image sensor-based distance measurement). Alternatively, the further distance measurement signal can be generated by a further distance measurement device.In the latter case, the distance measuring device and the further distance measuring device can be assigned to the same moving image camera.

[0026] Thus, depending on the embodiment, one of the two target values ​​of the focus position, which is intended to form the starting target value or the target target value of the transition, can correspond to the distance measurement signal. Furthermore, another of the two target values ​​of the focus position can correspond to the manual focus setting value (in particular for a transition between a manual focus operating mode and an autofocus operating mode). Depending on the embodiment, the other of the two target values ​​of the focus position can also correspond to another distance measurement signal (in particular from the same or another associated distance measurement device). For example, it may be desirable for the focus position to initially follow a first subject in object space (first autofocus operating mode) and then change and follow a second subject in object space (second autofocus operating mode).Thus, the focus transition mode can effect a transition between a first and a second autofocus mode, wherein no direct manual focusing by means of the remote control device takes place during the first and second autofocus modes and the focus transition modes occurring therebetween (although in some embodiments the transition can be controllable by means of the first control element, as will be explained below).

[0027] In some embodiments, the target value of the focus position can also change during the focus transition mode, particularly if it is the second target value or the target target value. However, in some embodiments, it can also be provided that a movement of the first control element is ignored during the focus transition mode, particularly if the manual focus setting value is the first target value or the starting target value.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second target value of the focus position may already be defined at the beginning of the focus transition mode and thus remain fixed for the entire duration of the focus transition mode. In other embodiments, the second target value of the focus position may only be provisionally defined at the beginning of the focus transition mode and may still be adjustable during the focus transition mode (for example, if the second target value is specified by a distance measuring device and the distance to the subject still changes during the focus transition mode).

[0029] In some embodiments, the different intermediate focus adjustment values ​​may correspond to differently weighted interpolations between the first target focus position value and the second target focus position value.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control device can be fully integrated into the operating unit.

[0031] In other embodiments, only part of the control device can be integrated into the operating unit, with another part of the control device being arranged on the moving image camera. In such embodiments, the control device can be of decentralized construction (e.g. with an operating unit control unit and a lens control unit assigned to the moving image camera), with the various parts of the control device being able to communicate with one another wirelessly or by cable. In the case of such a distributed arrangement of the control device, the part arranged on the operating unit can have an output device which is designed to transmit position signals from a position sensor assigned to the first and / or the second operating element to the part of the control device arranged on the moving image camera.

[0032] The aforementioned interpolation can be carried out, in particular, by the part of the control device of the remote control device arranged on the operating unit. If the interpolation is based on a distance measurement signal from a distance measurement device of the associated moving image camera, the distance measurement signal must, however, be transmitted to the operating unit. Alternatively, the part of the control device arranged on the operating unit can be designed to only output a command for using intermediate focus setting values ​​in the focus transition operating mode. Thus, the portable operating unit can also control the lens focus adjustment motor indirectly, wherein a command is output which specifies the operating mode and, if necessary, the values ​​required as a calculation basis are output, in particular the current manual focus setting value or the transition setting value explained below. The operating unit orIn such an embodiment, the part of the control device of the remote control device located there therefore only supplies the necessary commands and values, whereby an interpolation can be carried out by the part of the control device assigned to the moving image camera (e.g. lens control unit).

[0033] In some embodiments, the control device may, for example, comprise one or more microprocessors.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first control element can be rotatable relative to the base part of the control unit, for example, as a rotary knob. In some embodiments, the first control element can be infinitely rotatable relative to the base part of the control unit or can only be rotatable between two rotation stops.

[0035] In some embodiments, the base part of the control unit can have a position sensor configured to detect the continuously variable setting position of the first control element relative to the base part and generate a corresponding position signal. The control device can be configured to determine the manual focus setting value depending on this position signal, for example, according to a predetermined assignment rule.

[0036] In some embodiments, the base part of the control unit can have an electronic display device for displaying target values ​​and / or actual values ​​of the focus position of the lens. In particular, the control device can be configured to receive an actual value of a set focus position of the lens. Such actual values ​​of the focus position can be known due to a transmission from the associated motion picture camera and displayed to the user as an orientation. For example, position measurements (in particular so-called encoder values) of the lens focus adjustment motor can be used as actual values. The electronic display device can, in particular, be touch-sensitive in order to also serve as an interface for user inputs.

[0037] In some embodiments, the control unit can have an interface for communication with the motion picture camera, in particular a radio module for wirelessly transmitting target values ​​for the focus position, other values, or commands to the motion picture camera, and / or for wirelessly receiving data from the motion picture camera (e.g., actual values ​​for the focus position). Such an interface or such a radio module can be connected to the control device. As an alternative to wireless communication, a wired connection can be provided.

[0038] In a general first embodiment, the second operating element can be movable relative to the base part of the operating unit between a first control position and a second control position into continuously variable intermediate positions, wherein the control device is designed to determine a respective transition setting value depending on the respective intermediate position of the second operating element, wherein the intermediate focus setting values ​​depend on the respective transition setting value. Thus, a transition setting value can be derived from an intermediate position of the second operating element, which can correspond to a desired degree of transition between the first target value and the second target value of the focus position. This transition setting value can then be used as the basis for determining a respective intermediate focus setting value.For example, the respective transition setting value can be used directly or indirectly as a weighting for an interpolation. This allows the user to manually specify the desired degree and / or timing of the transition.

[0039] In some embodiments, the source of the target value for the focus position can be selected based on the first or second control position of the second control element, and by moving the second control element to one of the intermediate positions, a desired intermediate focus setting value can be selected as the target value to be actually set.

[0040] In some embodiments, the intermediate focus setting values ​​can correspond to an interpolation, weighted according to the respective transition setting value, between the first target value of the focus position and the second target value of the focus position. In particular, the interpolation for determining the respective intermediate focus setting value can correspond to a variable weighting between the distance measurement signal of the distance measuring device, on the one hand, and the manual focus setting value according to the first control element or another distance measurement signal, on the other hand, wherein the weighting depends on the respective transition setting value according to the intermediate position of the second control element.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second control element of the control unit can be movable linearly or rotatably relative to the base part, for example as a slider or rotary knob.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first control position of the second operating element can correspond to a first end stop, and the second control position of the second operating element can correspond to a second end stop. As a result, the first control position and the second control position can correspond to defined setting positions of the second operating element, which are perceptible to the user as mechanical stops that limit the possible movement of the second operating element. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the second operating element can be moved from an intermediate position beyond the first control position or the second control position (for example, if the second operating element is infinitely rotatable or is designed as a virtual operating element on an electronic display device).In such embodiments, the source of the target value for the focus position can be selected, in particular, by reaching or exceeding the first or second control position. In some embodiments, the first and second control positions can be displayed to the user on an electronic display device. If no end stops are provided, in some embodiments, the user can be signaled haptically (for example, by vibration) when the first or second control position is reached or exceeded.

[0043] In some embodiments, the base part of the operating unit may comprise a position sensor which is designed to detect a respective setting position of the second operating element relative to the base part and to generate a corresponding position signal, wherein the control device is designed to determine the respective transition setting value depending on the position signal.

[0044] The second control element of the control unit can, in particular, be a control element (e.g., a slider) that, in an aperture setting mode different from the focus transition mode, serves to specify a target value for the iris diaphragm opening of the lens of the associated motion picture camera. The control device can be configured to determine and output aperture setting values ​​for a lens aperture adjustment motor of the motion picture camera in the aperture setting mode depending on the continuously variable intermediate positions of the second control element. Thus, the same control element can perform different functions in different operating modes. Switching between the focus transition mode and the aperture setting mode can be accomplished, for example, using a mode switch.Such an operating mode switch can also be designed as a virtual switch of a touch-sensitive display device of the control unit.

[0045] According to a first variant of the general first embodiment, the control device can be designed to in the case that the second operating element of the operating unit is moved to the first control position, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device; in the case that the second operating element is moved to the second control position, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to the manual focus setting value; and in the case that the second operating element is moved to one of the continuously variable intermediate positions, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to the respective intermediate focus setting value.

[0046] Thus, the distance measurement signal and the manual focus setting value can serve as the first target value and the second target value, or vice versa. This allows the focus transition mode to effect a transition between a manual focus mode and an autofocus mode.

[0047] In such embodiments, the intermediate focus setting values ​​can, in particular, correspond to an interpolation between the distance measurement signal of the distance measuring device and the manual focus setting value according to the setting position of the first control element. In this case, the interpolation can, in particular, be weighted according to the respective transition setting value of the second control element.

[0048] In such embodiments, the control device can be configured to receive the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device; to determine the intermediate focus setting values ​​as a function of the manual focus setting value, the distance measurement signal, and the respective transition setting value; and to output the intermediate focus setting values.

[0049] According to a second variant of the general first embodiment, the control device can be designed to in the case that the second control element is moved to the first control position, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device; in the case that the second control element is moved to the second control position, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to a further distance measuring signal; and in the case that the second control element is moved to one of the continuously variable intermediate positions, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position according to the respective intermediate focus adjustment value.

[0050] Thus, the distance measurement signal of a first distance measurement device and the further distance measurement signal (in particular of the first distance measurement device or a second distance measurement device) can serve as the first target value and the second target value, or vice versa. The focus transition mode can thereby effect a transition between a first and a second autofocus mode if the focus position initially corresponds to and / or is intended to follow a first subject in the object space (first autofocus mode) and then, however, is intended to correspond to and / or follow a second subject in the object space (second autofocus mode).

[0051] In such embodiments, the intermediate focus adjustment values ​​can correspond to an interpolation between the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device and the further distance measurement signal. In this case, the interpolation can be weighted, in particular, according to the respective transition adjustment value of the second control element.

[0052] In such embodiments, the control device can be configured to receive the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device and the further distance measurement signal; to determine the intermediate focus setting values ​​as a function of the distance measurement signal, the further distance measurement signal, and the respective transition setting value; and to output the intermediate focus setting values.

[0053] In a general second embodiment, the focus transition operating mode of the remote control device can be triggered by actuating the second operating element of the operating unit, wherein the control device is designed to cause the lens focus adjustment motor to adjust the focus position in accordance with the sequence of several different intermediate focus adjustment values ​​according to a predetermined course of the transition between the first target value of the focus position and the second target value of the focus position in the focus transition operating mode.

[0054] In such an embodiment, the second control element can essentially serve to trigger the focus transition mode, with the focus position subsequently transitioning automatically from the starting target value to the target target value according to a predetermined curve. This predetermined curve can be controlled, in particular, by the control device without requiring any further user action. In this general second embodiment, too, one of the two target values ​​of the focus position can correspond to the distance measurement signal of the associated distance measurement device.The other of the two target values ​​of the focus position may correspond to the manual focus setting value according to the first control element of the control unit (in particular for a transition between a manual focus operating mode and an autofocus operating mode), or the other of the two target values ​​of the focus position may correspond to another distance measuring signal (in particular for a transition between a first autofocus operating mode and a second autofocus operating mode).

[0055] In some embodiments, the various intermediate focus setting values ​​may correspond to differently weighted interpolations between the first target value of the focus position and the second target value of the focus position, wherein the weighting of the interpolation varies according to the predetermined course of the transition, so that a continuous transition of the focus position setting can be triggered automatically by actuating the second control element.

[0056] In some embodiments, the predetermined course of the transition (or the predetermined course of the weighting of the interpolation) may vary according to a predetermined period of time or a predetermined speed.

[0057] In some embodiments, the predetermined course of the transition (or the predetermined course of the weighting of the interpolation) may correspond to a linear ramp.

[0058] In some embodiments, the predetermined course of the transition (or the predetermined course of the weighting of the interpolation) may be stored in the control device.

[0059] In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to store a plurality of different predetermined courses of the transition (or the weighting of the interpolation).

[0060] In some embodiments, the predetermined course of the transition may be stored as a table of values ​​or as a calculation rule.

[0061] In some embodiments, the remote control device can have an interface via which a desired transition profile (or weighting of the interpolation) can be programmed by a user. This can be done, in particular, via the aforementioned electronic display device of the control unit.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second control element can be movable relative to the base part between a predetermined number of discrete selection positions, in particular between two or three discrete selection positions. In some embodiments, the second control element can comprise a pushbutton, a button, a slide switch, or a virtual control element of an electronic display device.

[0063] The invention is explained below purely by way of example using embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0064] It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motion picture camera with lens servo motors, Fig. 2 a representation of a remote control device for generating control commands for the motion picture camera according to Fig. 1 , and Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of parts of the remote control device according to Fig. 2 .

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a motion picture camera 13 with a camera body 55 to which an interchangeable lens 49 is attached. By designing the motion picture camera 13 with an interchangeable lens 49, other types of lenses can also be connected to the camera body 55. The interchangeable lens 49 has three lens rings 16, 18, and 20, by means of which the respective recording parameters of the motion picture camera 13 (or of the lens 49) can be adjusted. For example, the first lens ring 16 can be provided to adjust the focus position of the interchangeable lens 49 by rotation, while the second lens ring 18 can be used to adjust the focal length, for example. The lens ring 20 can be provided, for example, to adjust the iris diaphragm opening. In order to be able to adjust the lens rings 16, 18, and 20, respective lens servo motors 15, 17, and 19 are provided.These actuators 15, 17, and 19 are arranged on a lens ring drive unit 51, which is mechanically connected to the camera body 55 via two support rods 75 and signal-wise connected via a signal line 76. The actuator associated with the lens ring 16 is referred to below as the lens focus actuator motor 15.

[0066] In order to be able to check an image of the object space generated by means of the interchangeable lens 49 onto an image sensor of the moving image camera 13 (not shown) and thus the correct alignment of the moving image camera 13, a viewfinder 53 is also arranged on the camera body 55.

[0067] Furthermore, a distance measuring device 91 is arranged on the camera body 55, which points in the direction of the object space and is designed to measure the distance to a subject within the object space. The distance measuring device 91 generates a corresponding distance measuring signal. The distance can be measured according to a known principle, for example by measuring the time of flight or measuring a phase shift, in particular by means of ultrasound or electromagnetic waves (e.g., light detection and ranging, LIDAR). The distance measuring device 91 does not have to be connected directly to the moving image camera 13, as shown, but can also be arranged at another location in the space, for example, on a tripod.The position and orientation of the respective distance measuring device 91 relative to the motion picture camera 13 must be known so that a distance between the subject and the motion picture camera 13 (in particular an image plane of the motion picture camera 13) can be measured (at least indirectly). The distance measuring device 91 can also be integrated into the motion picture camera 13 (for example, in the case of image sensor-based distance measurement). Additionally, it can be provided that a distance between the motion picture camera 13 and another subject within the object space is measured and a corresponding further distance measuring signal is generated (directly or indirectly). This can be done by means of the distance measuring device 91 or by means of another distance measuring device (not shown).

[0068] During the recording of a moving image sequence using such a moving image camera 13, it can be provided that the adjustment of the aforementioned recording parameters can be carried out remotely by adjusting the lens rings 16, 18 and 20, so that a cameraman can concentrate exclusively on the correct alignment of the moving image camera 13. The adjustment of the parameters of the moving image camera 13 can be carried out by another person, in particular a camera assistant or a focus puller, using a remote control device, via which the user can set control commands S for the respective lens servo motors 15, 17 and 19 and transmit them to the moving image camera 13. One possible embodiment of such a remote control device for the moving image camera 13 is shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0069] The Fig. 2 The remote control device shown comprises a portable operating unit 11. The operating unit 11 has a base part 29 and a first operating element 21 which is rotatable relative to the base part 29 about a rotation axis D and by means of which control commands for the motion picture camera 13 or for at least one of the lens servomotors 15, 17 and 19 can be set. For this purpose, the first operating element 21 is continuously variably movable relative to the base part 29. The control commands correspond in particular to a respective target value to which the recording parameter influenced by the respective lens ring 16, 18 or 20 is to be set. In a manual focus operating mode of the remote control device, the remote control device can, depending on the setting position of the first operating element 21, output a manual focus setting value as a control command S or target value for the lens focus servomotor 15 ( Fig. 1 ) and output.

[0070] A marking ring 43 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first control element 21, which ring bears a marking 45 in the form of a scale on its outer side 77. The adjustable control commands S or values ​​of the influenced parameter of the motion picture camera 13 (e.g., focus position) can be read from the marking 45. To display the set control command or the rotational position of the control element 21, a control value marking 35 is attached to the base part 29.

[0071] In order to be able to further check or adjust the settings made using the operating unit 11, the base part 29 of the remote control device has an electronic display device 31. This display device 31 provides information to a user via a display 73, which may, for example, relate to a further recording parameter of the motion picture camera 13 or a selection option for setting the remote control device itself. Furthermore, a slide control 67 is provided, which is continuously variable and guided in a guide 69 and can be used to select settings displayed, for example, by the display 73. In particular, the slide control 67 can be used to determine aperture setting values ​​for the lens servo motor 19 in an aperture setting mode in order to output corresponding commands for controlling the iris diaphragm opening according to the lens ring 20.

[0072] In addition, the base unit 29 has three buttons 39 for entering control commands or making settings on the remote control device itself or the motion picture camera 13. For example, it can be provided that one of the buttons 39 can be used to selectively turn the motion picture camera 13 on or off, or to start or pause a recording.

[0073] As the circuit diagram according to Fig. 3 shows, the operating unit 11 has a position sensor 33, by means of which the setting position of the first operating element 21 relative to the base part 29 can be determined and a corresponding position signal P can be generated. The position sensor 33 is connected to a control device 23. The control device 23 is designed to determine, based on an assignment rule, a setting value corresponding to the respective position signal P, which can, for example, correspond to the mentioned manual focus setting value. A corresponding position sensor can also be used for the slide control 67 according to Fig. 2 be provided.

[0074] The control device 23 is connected to an interface 25 in order to be able to send control commands to the motion picture camera 13 or to the respective lens servo motor 15, 17, or 19. The respective control command can correspond to a determined setting value or be derived only indirectly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 25 is designed with a radio module for wireless transmission of the control commands, although, in principle, a wired transmission can also be provided. On the motion picture camera 13 ( Fig. 1 ) a corresponding interface 26 is provided to receive the control commands and forward them to the lens servo motors 15, 17, or 19 (in particular via the signal line 76 and / or the lens ring drive unit 51). The interface 25 of the control unit 29 can also serve as an input, for example, to receive distance measurement signals from the distance measuring device 91 or actual values ​​of a set focus position. Accordingly, the interface 26 of the motion picture camera 13 can also serve as an output to transmit corresponding signals.

[0075] In the Fig. 3 In the embodiment of the remote control device shown, the control device 23 is integrated into the base part 19 of the operating unit 11. Alternatively, a modular design of the remote control device can also be provided, in which the control device 23 is partially formed separately from the operating unit 11 and is arranged in or on the motion picture camera 13. Thus, the final determination of target values ​​for the lens servo motors 15, 17 and 19 can be carried out by the motion picture camera 13. This is Fig. 1 illustrated by the part 23' of the control device located there (shown in dashed lines), which receives the required control commands and values ​​from the interface 25 of the operating unit 11 via the receiving device 26.

[0076] As explained, the remote control device can be used to determine a manual focus setting value as a manually specified target value for the lens focus adjustment motor 15 in a manual focus operating mode depending on the setting position of the first control element 21 and to output it to the lens focus adjustment motor 15 or the lens ring drive unit 51.The control device 23 of the remote control device (including the optional part 23') is further designed, depending on an actuation of a second operating element of the operating unit 11 in a focus transition operating mode, to cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15 to adjust the focus position according to a sequence of several different intermediate focus adjustment values, which, starting from a first desired value of the focus position, approach a second desired value of the focus position, wherein the first desired value or the second desired value of the focus position corresponds to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device 91. The second operating element can, for example, be the slide control 67 or one of the buttons 39 (. Fig. 2 ) must be formed.

[0077] The remote control device thus enables, on the one hand, manual focusing by moving the first operating element 21 relative to the base part 29 of the operating unit 11. In addition, the user can use the second operating element (e.g. slide control 67 or button 39) to cause the control device 23 to cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15, starting from an already set first target value, to adjust the focus position according to a sequence of a plurality of intermediate focus adjustment values, wherein this sequence approximates the set respective focus position to a second target value which is already at least substantially fixed at the start of the focus transition operating mode. This can bring about a continuous or substantially continuous transition between the first target value and the second target value of the focus position.The intermediate focus setting values ​​can, in particular, correspond to a variably weighted interpolation between the first target value of the focus position and the second target value of the focus position. The focus transition operating mode of the remote control device can thus, in particular, serve for a transition between the manual focus operating mode and an autofocus operating mode (automatic focusing according to the distance measuring device), or for a transition between different autofocus operating modes (as will be explained below). Such a focus transition operating mode of the remote control device enables a smooth transition when changing from a first target value to a second target value of the focus position, in particular when changing the source for the respective target value.

[0078] According to a first embodiment, the slider 67 ( Fig. 2 ) serve as the second operating element, wherein the control device 23 is designed to determine a respective transition setting value depending on the respective intermediate position of the slide control 67, wherein the control device 23 determines the intermediate focus setting values ​​depending on the respective transition setting value and transmits them as current target values ​​of the focus position (directly or indirectly) to the lens focus adjustment motor 15.

[0079] For this purpose, it can be provided that a distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device 91 ( Fig. 1 ) and a manual focus setting value selected by means of the first control element 21 serve as the first target value and the second target value, or vice versa. In this embodiment, the control device 23 in the event that the slide control 67 is moved to a first end stop of the guide 69, the lens focus adjustment motor 15 for adjusting the focus position according to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device 91 ( Fig. 1 ); in the event that the slide control 67 is moved to a second end stop of the guide 69, cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15 to adjust the focus position according to the manual focus adjustment value, wherein the manual focus adjustment value can in particular already have been set before or at the beginning of the focus transition operating mode by means of the first control element 21; and in the event that the slide control 67 is moved to an intermediate position, cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15 to adjust the focus position according to the respectively determined intermediate focus adjustment value.

[0080] According to a similar, second embodiment, the slider 67 can again serve as the second operating element, but a distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device 91 ( Fig. 1 ) and another distance measurement signal from the distance measuring device 91 or another distance measuring device serve as the first target value and the second target value, or vice versa. In such an embodiment, the control device 23 In the event that the slider 67 is moved to a first end stop of the guide 69, cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15 to adjust the focus position according to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device 91; In the event that the slider 67 is moved to a second end stop of the guide 69, cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15 to adjust the focus position according to another distance measuring signal; and In the event that the slider 67 is moved to an intermediate position, cause the lens focus adjustment motor 15 to adjust the focus position according to the respectively determined intermediate focus adjustment value.

[0081] According to a third embodiment, one of the keys 39 ( Fig. 2 ) serve as the second operating element, wherein actuation of the button 39 triggers the focus transition operating mode. In such an embodiment, the control device 23 can be designed to cause the lens focus actuating motor 15, in the focus transition operating mode, to adjust the focus position according to the sequence of several different intermediate focus setting values, in particular automatically, according to a predetermined course of the transition between the first target value of the focus position and the second target value of the focus position. This predetermined course can be controlled by the control device, for example, according to a stored value table or calculation rule. The predetermined course of the transition can vary, for example, according to a predetermined period of time or a predetermined speed.

[0082] Also in this embodiment, one of the two target values ​​of the focus position can correspond to the distance measuring signal of the distance measuring device 91, and the other of the two target values ​​of the focus position can correspond to the manual focus setting value according to the first operating element 21 of the operating unit or another distance measuring signal.

[0083] The focus transition mode of the remote control device thus enables a smooth transition from a first target value to a second target value of the focus position set on the lens 49. Bezugszeichenliste

[0084] 11Control unit 13Moving image camera 15First lens actuator 16First lens ring 17Second lens actuator 18Second lens ring 19Third lens actuator 20Third lens ring 21Control element 23Control device 23'Control device 25Interface 26Interface 29Base part 31Display device 33Position encoder 35Setpoint marker 39Button 43Identification ring 45Identification 49Interchangeable lens 51Lens ring drive unit 53Viewfinder 55Camera body 67Slider 69Guide 73Display 75Support rod 76Signal line 91Distance measuring device DRotation axis PPosition signal SControl command

Claims

1. A remote control device for a motion picture camera (13) which has a lens (49) and at least one lens focus setting motor (15) for setting a focus distance of the lens (49) and with which at least one distance measurement device (91) for determining a distance measurement signal is associated, said remote control device comprising a portable operating unit (11), wherein the operating unit (11) has: - a base part (29), - a first operating element (21) which is movable relative to the base part (29) into a continuously variable setting position, and - a second operating element (39, 67), wherein the remote control device has a control device (23) which is configured to determine a manual focus setting value for the lens focus setting motor (15) in dependence on the continuously variable setting position of the first operating element (21) and to output the manual focus setting value in a manual focus operating mode; and wherein the control device (23) is further configured, in dependence on an actuation of the second operating element (39, 67) of the operating unit (11), to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) in a focus transition operating mode to set the focus distance in accordance with a sequence of a plurality of different intermediate focus setting values which converge to a second desired value of the focus distance starting from a first desired value of the focus distance, wherein the first desired value or the second desired value of the focus distance corresponds to the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91), characterized in that the control device (23) is configured to determine and to output the intermediate focus setting values in order to control the lens focus setting motor (15), in that the sequence of the plurality of different intermediate focus setting values corresponds to a continuous or substantially continuous convergence of the focus distance from the first desired value to the second desired value, and in that the different intermediate focus setting values correspond to a respective interpolation, in particular differently weighted interpolations, between the first desired value of the focus distance and the second desired value of the focus distance.

2. A remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the one of the first and second desired values of the focus distance corresponds to the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91), and wherein the other of the first and second desired values of the focus distance corresponds to the manual focus setting value or to a further distance measurement signal.

3. A remote control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second desired value of the focus distance is defined at the start of the focus transition operating mode, or wherein the second desired value of the focus distance is preliminarily defined at the start of the focus transition operating mode and is adaptable during the focus transition operating mode.

4. A remote control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (23) is completely integrated into the operating unit (11), or wherein one part (23) of the control device is integrated into the operating unit (11) and another part (23') of the control device is arranged at the motion picture camera (13).

5. A remote control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first operating element (21) is rotatable relative to the base part (29) of the operating unit (11); and / or wherein the base part (29) of the operating unit (11) has a position encoder (33) which is configured to detect the continuously variable setting position of the first operating element (21) relative to the base part (29) and to generate a corresponding position signal (P), wherein the control device (23) is configured to determine the manual focus setting value in dependence on the position signal (P); and / or wherein the base part (29) of the operating unit (11) has an electronic display device (31) for displaying desired values and / or actual values of the focus distance of the lens (49); and / or wherein the operating unit (11) has an interface (25) for communicating with the motion picture camera (13).

6. A remote control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second operating element (67) is movable relative to the base part (29) of the operating unit (11) between a first control position and a second control position into continuously variable intermediate positions, wherein the control device (23) is configured to determine a respective transition setting value in dependence on the respective intermediate position of the second operating element (67), wherein the intermediate focus setting values depend on the respective transition setting value, wherein the first control position in particular corresponds to a first end abutment of the second operating element (67), and wherein the second control position in particular corresponds to a second end abutment of the second operating element (67); and / or wherein the base part (29) in particular has a position encoder which is configured to detect a setting position of the second operating element (67) relative to the base part (29) and to generate a corresponding position signal, wherein the control device (23) is configured to determine the respective transition setting value in dependence on the position signal; and / or wherein the control device (23) is in particular configured to determine and to output aperture setting values for a lens aperture setting motor (19) of the motion picture camera (13) in an aperture setting operating mode, which is different from the focus transition operating mode, in dependence on the continuously variable intermediate positions of the second operating element (67).

7. A remote control device according to claim 6, wherein the control device (23) is configured, - in the case that the second operating element (67) is moved into the first control position, to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) to set the focus distance in accordance with the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91); - in the case that the second operating element (67) is moved into the second control position, to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) to set the focus distance in accordance with the manual focus setting value; and - in the case that the second operating element (67) is moved into one of the continuously variable intermediate positions, to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) to set the focus distance in accordance with the respective intermediate focus setting value.

8. A remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate focus setting values correspond to an interpolation between the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91) and the manual focus setting value in accordance with the setting position of the first operating element (21); and / or wherein the control device (23) is configured to receive the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91); to determine the intermediate focus setting values in dependence on the manual focus setting value, the distance measurement signal and the respective transition setting value; and to output the intermediate focus setting values.

9. A remote control device according to any one of the claims 6 to 8, wherein the control device (23) is configured, - in the case that the second operating element (67) is moved into the first control position, to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) to set the focus distance in accordance with the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91); - in the case that the second operating element (67) is moved into the second control position, to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) to set the focus distance in accordance with a further distance measurement signal; and - in the case that the second operating element (67) is moved into one of the continuously variable intermediate positions, to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) to set the focus distance in accordance with the respective intermediate focus setting value.

10. A remote control device according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate focus setting values correspond to an interpolation between the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91) and the further distance measurement signal; and / or wherein the control device (23) is configured to receive the distance measurement signal of the distance measurement device (91) and receive the further distance measurement signal; to determine the intermediate focus setting values in dependence on the distance measurement signal, the further distance measurement signal and the respective transition setting value; and to output the intermediate focus setting values.

11. A remote control device according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the focus transition operating mode can be triggered by the actuation of the second operating element (39) of the operating unit (11), wherein the control device (23) is configured to cause the lens focus setting motor (15) in the focus transition operating mode to set the focus distance in accordance with the sequence of a plurality of different intermediate focus setting values in a predetermined course of the transition between the first desired value of the focus distance and the second desired value of the focus distance.

12. A remote control device according to claim 11, wherein the different intermediate focus setting values correspond to differently weighted interpolations between the first desired value of the focus distance and the second desired value of the focus distance, wherein the weighting of the interpolation varies in accordance with the predetermined course of the transition such that a continuous transition of the setting of the focus distance can be automatically triggered by the actuation of the second operating element (39); and / or wherein the predetermined course of the transition varies in accordance with a predetermined time duration or a predetermined speed; and / or wherein the predetermined course of the transition corresponds to a linear ramp.

13. A remote control device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the predetermined course of the transition is stored in the control device (23); and / or wherein the control device (23) is configured to store a plurality of different predetermined courses of the transition; and / or wherein the remote control device has an interface (31) via which a desired course of the transition between the first desired value of the focus distance and the second desired value of the focus distance can be programmed by a user; and / or wherein the second operating element is movable relative to the base part (29) between a predetermined number of discrete selection positions.