Control device, lens device, camera device, and operating device

Abstract

To provide a control device which is advantageous in setting an autofocus range.SOLUTION: A control device is provided, comprising a storage unit (132) for storing setting information on a plurality of different autofocus ranges, and a control unit (120) configured to identify setting information on at least some of the plurality of autofocus ranges to display the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a lens device, a camera device, and an operation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Among lens devices with an automatic focusing function (also called an autofocus function or an AF function), there are known ones that allow the user to set the automatic focusing area (also called an AF frame). The position and size of the AF frame can be set by operating an operation unit (Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-294873 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-294649 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are cases where it is desirable to easily and quickly set the AF frame when photographing multiple subjects. However, it is difficult for a user to quickly set the position and size of the AF frame by operating a switch. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that is advantageous for setting the autofocus area, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a camera including: a storage unit that stores setting information relating to a plurality of different autofocus areas; and a control unit that specifies setting information for at least some of the plurality of autofocus areas for displaying the autofocus areas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a control device that is advantageous in setting an autofocus area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the coordinate system for setting the AF frame [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating an AF frame table [Figure 4] An example of the AF frame display [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information on an AF frame according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of an AF frame according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of AF frame information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of specific states of the lens device according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of an AF frame according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In principle (unless otherwise specified) throughout the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device according to embodiment 1. The imaging device includes a lens device 100 having an autofocus function and a camera device 200 (imaging device body) to which the lens device 100 is detachably attached. The lens device 100 and the camera device 200 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other via a mount unit 300.

[0010] Lens device 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes a focus lens group 101 having a first focus adjustment function, a zoom lens group 102 having a zoom function (a magnification change function and an image plane movement compensation function), and an aperture stop unit 103 having a light amount adjustment function. The imaging optical system also includes a prism unit 104 having a light branching function, and a relay lens group 105 having a second focus adjustment function. In this embodiment, focus lens group 101 is an optical member that moves for automatic focusing.

[0011] The focus lens group 101 is driven in the optical axis direction via a driver 106, and the position of the focus lens group 101 is detected by a detector 107. The zoom lens group 102 is driven in the optical axis direction via a driver 108, and the position of the zoom lens group 102 is detected by a detector 109. The aperture diaphragm unit 103 includes diaphragm blades and is driven via a driver 110 to adjust the amount of light. The aperture opening (F-number) of the diaphragm is detected by a detector 111. Each of the drivers 106, 108, and 110 includes, for example, a motor. The motor may be any of an ultrasonic motor, a voice coil motor, a DC motor, and a stepping motor. Each of the detectors 107, 109, and 111 may include a potentiometer or an encoder.

[0012] The prism unit 104 generates transmitted light from light that has passed through the focus lens group 101 and the zoom lens group 102, and branches the reflected light. The transmitted light is incident on the image sensor 201 in the camera mount 200 via the relay lens group 105. The reflected light is incident on the focus detection unit 112, which includes an image sensor that captures (takes an image) to obtain an image to determine the focus state.

[0013] The focus detection unit 112 is used to calculate the defocus amount and may be, for example, a so-called phase-difference focus detection unit including a pair of lenses and a pair of image sensors. The pair of lenses form a pair of images using light reflected from the prism unit 104. The pair of images are captured (photoelectrically converted) by the pair of image sensors, resulting in a pair of image signals. For example, charges accumulated in the pair of image sensors are read out as a pair of image signals (luminance signals), which are then supplied to a correlation calculation processor in the control unit 120. The correlation calculation processor obtains (calculates) the defocus amount from the phase difference (spacing) obtained from the movement of the pair of image signals and the correlation calculation. The operation unit 131 includes an operation member operated by the user to set an AF frame indicating the area of ​​the subject to be focused (autofocus area). The operation unit 131 may be configured to include a push switch, a cross switch, or the like. The control unit 120 obtains (calculates) the defocus amount for the set autofocus area via the focus detection unit 112.

[0014] Setting of an AF frame will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coordinate system for setting an AF frame. In FIG. 2, the area in which an AF frame can be set is shown in an XY coordinate system. The area is expressed with FFFFh as the maximum values ​​of the X and Y coordinates. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an AF frame display. The AF frame is displayed together with image (video) data captured by an imaging device on the display screen of a display device 400 (also referred to as a display unit), which receives display data from the camera device 200. The display device 400 may include a viewfinder (also referred to as a viewfinder) held in the camera device 200. Here, the area in which an AF frame can be set in FIG. 2 corresponds to the entire image display area of ​​the display device 400 in FIG. 4, although not limited thereto. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an AF frame table. The data in the AF frame table is stored in the storage unit 132. In FIG. 4, Table 1 shows the attributes of each AF frame. Table 1 lists the attributes of each AF frame, including the AF frame number, size, center coordinates, priority, and additional information. First, the AF frame number is information that identifies the AF frame and is expressed as a number. The size is information that indicates the size of the AF frame, and here it is one of "large," "medium," and "small." As shown in Table 2, "large," "medium," and "small" are defined as the length (width) of one side of a square. This unit of length is the same as the unit of length 0-FFFFh in Figure 2. Note that AF frames 401 to 403 in Figure 4 correspond to AF frame numbers 1-3 in Table 1 of Figure 3, respectively.

[0015] The center coordinates are the coordinates of the center of the AF frame (C in FIG. 2) as information indicating the position of the AF frame. The size of the AF frame can be set within the range of 0 to FFFFh for both the vertical and horizontal directions, but a predetermined size may be specified by a specific name, such as "large, medium, or small" (the size of a specific side of a square) shown in Table 2. The position of the AF frame can be changed based on an instruction for the movement direction (e.g., up, down, left, or right) from an external operation device. Preferably, the amount of AF frame movement per unit operation (one operation) of an operation member on the operation device is variable by setting. The position of the AF frame is controlled by the control unit 120 in the lens device based on the instruction.

[0016] Table 3 in FIG. 3 shows information about the size and position of the AF frame transmitted from the lens apparatus 100 to the camera apparatus 200. This information can be information about the coordinates of two vertices on the diagonal of the AF frame, which is acquired (calculated) based on the center coordinates in Table 1 and the size specified by Tables 1 and 2. Here, vertices 1 and 2 in Table 3 correspond to S1 and S2 in FIG. 2. Because the rectangular AF frame can be specified by the information about the coordinates of the two vertices, it is possible to display the AF frame (its position and size) on the camera apparatus.

[0017] The control unit 120 can also process the AF frame based on the priority (display priority) and the associated information in Tables 1 and 3. The priority information is specified by the control unit 12 based on the state of the imaging device including the lens device. Here, the priority information is specified as any of 0 to 7, with a higher number indicating a higher priority. The priority may be determined depending on various associated information for each AF frame. Here, 1 indicates enabled, and 0 indicates disabled. The various associated information for the AF frame may be, for example, whether the AF frame is being applied to autofocus, whether the AF frame is being set, whether the AF frame is being displayed, etc. The associated information for whether the AF frame is being applied to autofocus is set to 1 only for AF frames selected as being applied to autofocus by the operation unit 131, and set to 0 for other AF frames. The associated information for whether the AF frame is being set is set to 1 only for AF frames whose placement (position and size) is being set (defined) by the user by the operation unit 131 (in a mode where the user creates (defines) the AF frame), and set to 0 for other AF frames. Further, the supplementary information as to whether or not to display an AF frame is set to 1 only for the AF frame set by the user as a display target using the operation unit 131, and set to 0 for other AF frames. The above-described information on the AF frame table stored in the storage unit 132 can be transmitted from the communication unit 121 to an external device such as a camera device under the control of the control unit 120. That is, the control unit 120 causes the storage unit 132 to output setting information related to at least some of the multiple autofocus areas. The output setting information can be transmitted from the communication unit 121 to the external device, or can be displayed directly on a display device (display unit) without going through the communication unit 121 or the external device. Note that the operation unit 131 is not limited to being included in the lens apparatus 100, and can also be included in the external device.

[0018] The control unit 120 controls the drive of the focus lens group 101 based on the defocus amount obtained by the focus detection unit 112. The control unit 120 can also control the drive of the zoom lens group 102 and the aperture diaphragm unit 103 based on the defocus amount obtained by the focus detection unit 112. The settings of the multiple AF frames stored in the storage unit can be selectively assigned to multiple operation members (e.g., switches; also referred to as operation elements) serving as third operation members in the operation unit 131. The arrangement of the AF frames to be used for autofocus can be easily obtained by operating any of the multiple operation members. In this way, by presetting information about multiple AF frames in multiple switches, AF frames of various arrangements (positions and sizes) can be easily set. The third operation member is not limited to including multiple operation members as described above. The third operation member may be any member capable of switching between multiple AF frames. For example, the third operation member may include a single operation member (e.g., a switch) configured to switch between multiple AF frames by repeatedly performing the same operation. According to this configuration, for example, in the full-time autofocus operation mode, the AF frame can be quickly and easily set without moving the AF frame using a cross switch or the like on the operation unit 131, which is advantageous for focusing on a desired subject in a desired composition.

[0019] 1, the relay lens group 105 is driven in the optical axis direction by a drive unit 113. The drive unit 113 may include, for example, an operating member provided on a side surface of the housing of the lens device 100. A user can manually adjust the position of the relay lens group 105 by operating the operating member. The drive unit 113 may be configured to include an actuator such as a motor.

[0020] The communication unit 121 in the lens device 100 and the communication unit 204 in the camera device 200 communicate bidirectionally. In this communication, data related to the AF frames is transmitted bidirectionally. In this communication, data related to the number of AF frames that can be displayed on the display device 400 is transmitted from the camera device 200 to the lens device 100, and the control unit 120 transmits data related to the AF frames to the camera device 200 based on the transmitted data.

[0021] The image sensor 201 in the camera device 200 captures (images or photoelectrically converts) an image formed by the lens device 100. The electrical signal obtained by the image sensor 201 is converted into an image signal (video signal) by the signal processing circuit 202 and output to the display device 400. In this manner, the image (video) is displayed on the display device 400. As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 400 displays an AF frame based on data transmitted from the lens device 100 along with the image. If the display device 400 can display multiple AF frames, an AF frame used for autofocus is displayed in an emphasized manner, for example, as a thick frame, like AF frame 401. An AF frame not used for autofocus is displayed without emphasis, for example, as a thin dashed frame, like AF frames 402 and 403. Note that multiple AF frames may be displayed with names (such as AF frame numbers) for identification. As shown in Table 1 of FIG. 3, if there are three AF ​​frames with the supplementary information "display target" set to 1, three AF ​​frames are displayed as shown in FIG. 4. The two AF frames (AF frames with AF frame numbers 4 and 5) whose additional information "display target" is set to 0 are not displayed, as shown in Fig. 4. Here, the "display target" as additional information is information that indicates whether or not each autofocus area is to be displayed on the display device 400.

[0022] As described above, by assigning a plurality of AF frames to a plurality of switches (third operating members) on the operation unit 131, respectively, and then operating any one of the switches, the AF frame to be used for autofocus can be selected. For example, in FIG. 4, when AF frame 401 is being used for autofocus, operating the switch on the operation unit 131 to which AF frame 402 is assigned allows the AF frame to be instantly switched from 401 to 402. This allows for rapid focusing on a subject area desired by the user.

[0023] Furthermore, when setting an AF frame, the user can select an AF frame, set the size of the selected AF frame to large, medium, or small, and move the selected AF frame to a desired position by operating a specific switch (first operating member) on the operation unit 131. Furthermore, by operating a specific switch on the operation unit 131, information about the set AF frame is stored in the storage unit 132. The storage unit 132 can store information about multiple set AF frames. Thus, the user can select an AF frame to be used for autofocus from the multiple stored AF frames by operating a specific switch on the operation unit 131. Furthermore, the user can set whether or not to display AF frames not used for autofocus on the display device 400 by operating a specific switch (second operating member) on the operation unit 131. Although details will be described later, according to this embodiment, at least some of the multiple set (stored) AF frames can be displayed on the display device 400. Note that, because displaying multiple AF frames on the screen reduces the visibility of at least one of the image and the AF frames, the control unit 120 can also prevent N (N≧2) or more AF frames from being transmitted to the communication unit 121. Alternatively, the control unit 120 can cause the communication unit 121 to transmit data on all or N (N≧2) or more AF frames, while the control unit 203 in the camera device 200 can cause the display device 400 to display only one or some of the AF frames.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. The processing includes a process that allows multiple AF frames to be preset. The processing is executed by the control unit 120 of the lens apparatus 100. In FIG. 5, first, in step S101, it is determined whether a setting mode has been selected as the mode (operating state) of the lens apparatus 100. Here, the setting mode refers to an operating state in which the position and size of the AF frame can be set using a switch on the operation unit 131. The setting mode is selected, for example, by selecting a specific AF frame using a specific operating member on the operation unit 131. If the setting mode has not been selected, the process returns to step S101. If the setting mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, it is determined whether an operation to change the size of the AF frame has been performed. This determination can be made, for example, based on whether a specific switch (e.g., a seesaw switch) for the change has been operated. If the size change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S103, and if the size change operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S103, the size of the AF frame is changed based on the size change operation. This change is made, for example, by changing the width of at least one of the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction of the AF frame by operating an operating member in the operation unit 131.

[0025] In step S104, it is determined whether an operation to change the position of the AF frame has been performed. This determination can be made, for example, based on whether a specific switch (e.g., a cross switch) for the change has been operated. If the operation to change the position has been performed, the process proceeds to step S105. If the operation to change the position has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S105, the position of the AF frame is changed based on the operation to change the position. This change is made, for example, by changing the coordinate of at least one of the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the AF frame by operating an operation member (e.g., a cross switch) on the operation unit 131. In step S106, it is determined whether setting of the AF frame has been completed. This determination can be made, for example, based on whether a specific switch (e.g., a confirmation switch) for the change has been operated. If setting of the AF frame has been completed, the process proceeds to S107, where information about the AF frame is stored in the storage unit 132, and the setting mode is canceled. If setting of the AF frame has not been completed, the setting mode is maintained. In addition, even in the setting mode, an AF frame whose supplementary information is "applied" is applied to autofocus, and a different AF frame can be set during autofocus operation.

[0026] In addition to size and position information, the following information is added to each AF frame: First, information about whether or not autofocus is being applied to each AF frame is added. Furthermore, information about whether or not the size and position are being defined (whether creation mode is selected) is added to each AF frame. Furthermore, information about whether or not the AF frame is displayed is added to each AF frame. This information is added to each AF frame by operating the operation unit 131 in the setting mode.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 120 generates information regarding the display priority based on the information on the supplementary information for each AF frame as described above. For example, if the supplementary information is "setting," the priority is set to the highest priority (7). If the supplementary information is "applying," the priority is set to the next highest priority (priority: 6). If the supplementary information is "display target," the priority below that is lowered to AF frame number k, subject to the constraints of the number of AF frames that can be displayed. Note that the priority of AF frames whose supplementary information is "display target" may be set in advance by the user. By doing so, the AF frames can be displayed effectively on the display device 400. Details will be described below.

[0028] When displaying AF frames on the display device 400, the control unit 120 switches the information to be transmitted from the communication unit 121 based on the information associated with each AF frame. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another processing flow according to the first embodiment. The diagram illustrates a processing flow relating to setting an AF frame and transmitting AF frame-related information. This processing is executed by the control unit 120 in the lens device 100.

[0029] First, in step S201, based on information received from the camera device 200, it is determined whether the number of AF frames that can be displayed on the display device 400 (also referred to as the number of displayable frames) is 1 or more. If the number of displayable frames is not 1 or more (is 0), this process ends. If the number of displayable frames is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, it is determined whether the number of displayable frames is equal to or greater than the number of AF frames that can be set in the lens device 100 (also referred to as the number of settable frames). If the number of displayable frames is equal to or greater than the settable number, the process proceeds to step S203. If the number of displayable frames is not equal to or greater than the settable number, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S203, all AF frame-related information whose accompanying information is set to “applying,” “setting,” or “display target” is transmitted to the camera device 200 and displayed on the display device 400. In step S204, it is determined whether the number of displayable frames is 1. If the number of displayable frames is 1, the process proceeds to step S205. If the number of displayable frames is not 1, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S205, it is determined whether the setting mode has been selected. If the setting mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If the setting mode has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, information about the AF frame whose auxiliary information is set to "applied" is transmitted to the camera device 200 and displayed on the display device 400. Note that because only one AF frame can be displayed, even if an attempt is made to set an AF frame other than the currently displayed AF frame, the "set" AF frame cannot be displayed. Here, if the setting mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206 based on the determination in the next step S205. In step S206, information about the AF frame whose incidental information is "being set" is transmitted to the lens device 100 and displayed on the display device 400, making it easy to set the size and position of the AF frame whose incidental information is "being set." In short, the AF frame that is displayed is switched between "being applied" and "being set" depending on the determination in step S205.

[0030] In step S208, information about the AF frames equal to the number of AF frames that can be displayed is transmitted to the camera device 200 based on the priority of the AF frames. Note that the highest priority is given to AF frames whose incidental information is "setting," followed by AF frames whose incidental information is "applying." The next highest priority is given to AF frames whose incidental information is "to be displayed," in descending order. Of the information about AF frames whose incidental information is "to be displayed," AF frames for which information has been transmitted based on the number of AF frames that can be displayed are presented to the user as AF frames with preset high priorities.

[0031] Although the AF frames displayed on the display device 400 are selected by the control unit 120 of the lens device 100 based on information associated with each AF frame, this is not a limitation. The AF frames displayed on the display device 400 may also be selected by the control unit 203 of the camera device 200 based on all AF frame-related information transmitted to the camera device 200. The display mode of the AF frames on the display device 400, which differs depending on whether the associated information is "setting," "applied," or "display target" or the priority, can be changed as appropriate. For example, an "applied" AF frame may be displayed with a solid line, an "setting" AF frame may be displayed with a dotted line, and other AF frames may be displayed with a low brightness. The AF frames may also be displayed with numbers or letters indicating their attributes (types). Communication of AF frame-related information is not limited to being performed periodically or cyclically. For example, communication may be performed when communication is established in the imaging device or when each AF frame-related information changes.

[0032] In the above, the lens device includes a control device that controls the setting of the autofocus area. The control device has a memory unit that stores information about multiple different autofocus areas and a control unit that displays at least some of the multiple autofocus areas on a display unit. The lens device also includes an optical element that moves for autofocusing and the control device. The lens device may also include an image sensor that captures an image to obtain the focus state.

[0033] The control device that controls the setting of the autofocus area may be included in a camera device instead of the lens device. The camera device may include an image sensor that captures the image to be autofocused. The camera device may also include a display unit that displays the autofocus area.

[0034] Furthermore, the control device that controls the setting of the autofocus area may be included in an operation device that is communicatively connected to the lens device, instead of the lens device itself. The operation unit 131 may be the operation device. The operation device may be used to operate movable optical members in the lens device (e.g., a movable lens group for focusing, a movable lens group for zooming, an aperture diaphragm with a variable aperture, etc.). The operation device may be a so-called focus demand having a rotary knob (operation member) for focus operation, or a so-called zoom demand having a thumb ring (operation member) for zoom operation. The operation device may also include an operation member that is operated to specify at least one of the position and size of the autofocus area.

[0035] Here, the control device may have a storage unit that stores setting information for multiple different autofocus areas and a control unit that specifies setting information for at least some of the multiple autofocus areas for displaying the autofocus areas. The control device may have a first operating member for setting information for the multiple autofocus areas. The control device may also have a second operating member for selecting an autofocus area to be displayed from the multiple autofocus areas. The control device may also have a third operating member for selecting an autofocus area to be applied to autofocus from the multiple autofocus areas.

[0036] By performing the above-described processing, when setting an AF frame, it is possible to display multiple preset AF frames on the display device of the camera device, or to display the AF frame currently being set on the display device of the camera device. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to quickly set an autofocus area, thereby providing a control device that is advantageous for setting the autofocus area, for example.

[0037] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The contents described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 in the first embodiment are also applicable to this embodiment. The configuration example and processing flow of the imaging device in this embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, but differ from the first embodiment in that the manner in which the AF frame is displayed on the display device 400 can be directly set. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating AF frame information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates information regarding the display manner of each AF frame set by a specific operation on the operation unit 131. Examples of the display manner include AF frame patterns such as "solid line," "dotted line," "broken line," and "dotted line." Examples of AF frame thickness include "thick" and "thin." Examples of additional symbols for the AF frame include "numbers" and "alphabet." Examples of AF frame colors include "black," "red," "blue," and "yellow." It is preferable that the multiple AF frames (autofocus areas) displayed on the display unit and the multiple operation members serving as the third operation member described above have corresponding attributes so that their correspondence can be understood. Here, the attribute may be, for example, at least one of the pattern, thickness, additional symbols, and color related to the above-mentioned display modes. For example, the corresponding AF frame and operation member may have a corresponding pattern. Note that the pattern on the operation member may be expressed, for example, by projections and recesses.

[0038] In step S201 of FIG. 6, information regarding the display mode of each AF frame, as well as the number of displayable frames, is transmitted to the lens apparatus 100. The display mode may include the line pattern, thickness, and color used to identify each AF frame. Whether the lens apparatus 100 and the camera apparatus 200 support the display mode information is confirmed during initial communication between the lens apparatus 100 and the camera apparatus 200. If both devices do not support the information, the AF frame-related information in the first embodiment is adopted. If both devices support the information, the information regarding the display mode described above in this embodiment is adopted in addition to the AF frame-related information in the first embodiment. Note that the information regarding the display mode is added to AF frames whose additional information is set to "applied," "setting," or "display target."

[0039] When there are many AF frames displayed, it can be difficult to distinguish between them during setting. However, by varying the display mode of the AF frames, each AF frame can be easily viewed and distinguished. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of AF frame display according to the second embodiment. This figure shows a state in which three AF ​​frames can be displayed, with AF frames 411, 412, and 413 displayed with the additional information "applied," "setting," and "display target." Each AF frame is displayed in the display mode set as shown in FIG. 9, making it easy to distinguish. In this figure, the display mode of the AF frame with the additional information "applied" is a "solid line" pattern, a "bold" line width, and a "red" color. The display mode of the AF frame with the additional information "setting" is a "dashed line" pattern, a "thin" line width, and a "black" color. The display mode of the AF frame with the additional information "display target" is a "dotted line" pattern, a "thin" line width, and a "blue" color.

[0040] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of embodiment 1, the display mode of each AF frame can be set on the lens device that sets each AF frame, thereby providing a control device that is advantageous for setting the autofocus area, for example.

[0041] [Embodiment 3] Next, a third embodiment will be described. The contents described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 are also common to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that all AF frame-related information is transmitted to the camera device 200 without selection. The control unit 120 adds priority information for each AF frame and transmits all AF frame-related information to the camera device 200. As a result, the control unit 203 in the camera device 200 can select an AF frame to display on the display device 400 based on the priority information.

[0042] 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment. This processing is executed by the control unit 203 in the camera device 200. In this processing, the control unit 203 in the camera device 200 sets (determines) the priority of displaying an AF frame on the display device 400. In step S301 in FIG. 10, the priority of an AF frame that is applied to autofocus (the supplementary information of which is "applied") is set as the highest priority.

[0043] In step S302, it is determined whether a setting mode has been selected by operation of the operation unit 131. If the setting mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step S303. If the setting mode has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S303, the priority of the AF frame that is the target of the setting mode is set to the highest priority. Accordingly, the priority of the AF frame that is being used for autofocus is lowered by one level. Furthermore, for the other AF frames, the priority is set to decrease in ascending order of the AF frame number for the AF frames whose supplementary information is set to "display target." In step S304, the priority of the AF frame that is being used for autofocus is set to the highest priority, and for the other AF frames, the priority is set to decrease in ascending order of the AF frame number for the AF frames whose supplementary information is set to "display target." Note that the upper limit on the number of AF frames that can be displayed on the display device 400 can be determined based on constraints or settings on the camera device side.

[0044] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of embodiment 1, the AF frame to be displayed on the display device can be selected on the camera device side based on priority information, thereby providing a control device that is advantageous for setting the autofocus area, for example.

[0045] [Embodiment 4] Here, a description will be given of embodiment 4. The contents described in embodiment 1 with reference to Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5 are also common to this embodiment.

[0046] Broadcast imaging devices including television camera devices have a function (also called a return function) that displays an image (video) captured by another imaging device (also called a return image) on the display device 400 instead of an image (video) captured by the imaging device itself. The display image is switched by a switcher based on a switching signal (also called a return signal) sent by a user operating a predetermined operating member, for example. Here, superimposing multiple AF frames on the return image that the photographer wants to check may be undesirable in terms of visibility of the return image. In this embodiment, unnecessary AF frames are not displayed on the display device 400 during a specific operation (return operation) of an imaging device including such a lens apparatus 100.

[0047] 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the fourth embodiment. This processing is executed by the control unit 120 in the lens device 100. In the diagram, in step S401, it is determined whether or not there is a plurality of displayable frames. If there is a plurality of displayable frames, the processing proceeds to step S402. If there is not a plurality of displayable frames, the processing proceeds to step S404. In step S404, information about the AF frame to be transmitted is selected based on information about the priority of each AF frame.

[0048] In step S402, it is determined whether the imaging apparatus including the lens apparatus 100 is in a specific state. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating specific states of the imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the specific states include, in addition to the previously illustrated "return operation in progress," "zoom operation in progress," "manual focus operation in progress," and "autofocus function disabled." During a return operation, if multiple AF frames are displayed on the screen of the display device 400, it may interfere with image recognition. Furthermore, during a zoom operation (when the zoom lens group is being driven), if multiple AF frames are displayed on the screen of the display device 400, it may interfere with setting the angle of view. Furthermore, during a manual focus operation (when the focus lens group is being manually driven) or when the autofocus function is disabled, if multiple AF frames are displayed on the screen of the display device 400, unnecessary information may interfere with manual focus and other adjustments.

[0049] Therefore, in step S404, in such a specific state, information about the AF frame to be transmitted is selected so that AF frames other than AF frames whose incidental information is "applied" and "setting" are not displayed on the display device 400. Note that information about AF frames whose incidental information is "setting" is selected as information to be transmitted because the user intends to display the AF frame. Also, information about AF frames whose incidental information is "applied" does not have to be selected as information to be transmitted in such a specific state.

[0050] The information about the AF frame that should be transmitted in this manner is transmitted from the communication unit 121 to the camera device 200, and the AF frame corresponding to the information is displayed on the display device 400. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of AF frame display according to the fourth embodiment. Here, the number of displayable frames is assumed to be three. In FIG. 4, in addition to the AF frame 401 whose incidental information is “applied,” AF frames 402 and 403 whose incidental information is “display target” are also displayed. However, when the lens device 100 enters a specific state (for example, the zoom lens group 102 is being driven) due to a user operation, only the AF frame 401 is displayed, and the AF frames 402 and 403 are not displayed, as shown in FIG. 13. Note that when the autofocus function is disabled, the AF frame 401 may also be hidden, or only the AF frame 401 may be displayed. Even when the autofocus function is disabled, displaying only the AF frame 401 may be preferable because information about the focus target area can be displayed during manual focusing. In this case, multiple AF frames corresponding to multiple focus target areas may be displayed.

[0051] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of embodiment 1, it is possible to prevent unnecessary AF frames from being displayed on the display device in certain states of the lens device, thereby providing a control device that is advantageous for setting the autofocus area, for example.

[0052] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 120 control section 132 Storage section

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores setting information relating to a plurality of different autofocus areas; a control unit that causes at least a portion of the plurality of autofocus areas to be displayed on a display unit based on the setting information.

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a first operation member for setting at least one of a position and a size of the autofocus area.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a second operation member for selecting an autofocus area to be displayed on a display unit from the plurality of autofocus areas.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a third operation member for selecting an autofocus area to be applied to autofocus from the plurality of autofocus areas.

5. The third operating member includes a plurality of operating members, The control device according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of operation members respectively correspond to the plurality of autofocus areas.

6. 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes information regarding at least one of a position and a size of each autofocus area.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit causes at least a portion of the multiple autofocus areas to be displayed on the display unit based on information regarding the number of autofocus areas that can be displayed on the display unit.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit causes at least some of the plurality of autofocus areas to be displayed on a display unit based on information regarding the priority of the plurality of autofocus areas.

9. The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit sets the priority based on information regarding whether or not each of the plurality of autofocus areas is applied to autofocus.

10. The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit sets the priority based on information regarding whether each of the plurality of autofocus areas is being set.

11. The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit determines the priority based on information on whether an imaging device communicably connected to the control device is in a specific state.

12. The control device according to claim 11 , wherein the specific state is a state in which a return image is displayed on a display unit of the imaging device.

13. 12. The control device according to claim 11, wherein the specific state is a state in which a zoom lens group in a lens device communicably connected to the control device is being driven.

14. The control device according to claim 11 , wherein the specific state is a state in which a focus position is adjusted by manual focus in a lens device communicably connected to the control device.

15. The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit determines the priority based on information regarding whether an autofocus function is disabled in an imaging device communicably connected to the control device.

16. An optical member that moves during focusing; A lens device comprising the control device according to claim 1 .

17. The lens device as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is detachable from a camera device.

18. A lens device according to claim 16; and an image sensor for capturing an image formed by the lens device.

19. The camera device according to claim 18, characterized in that it includes the display unit.

Images