Imaging apparatus, lens device, and camera device

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that allows a user to recognize information on a preset function and is advantageous for operability.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises a lens device and a camera device which can be attached to or detached from the lens device. The lens device includes an optical system, driving means that drives the optical system, detection means that detects a position of the optical system, first storage means that stores the position of the optical system, first registration operation means that causes the first storage means to store the position of the optical system as a registered position, first recall operation means that drives the optical system to the registered position, and lens communication means that communicates with the camera device. The camera device includes camera communication means that communicates with the lens device, and an imaging element that captures an image formed by the lens device, information communicated between the lens communication means and the camera communication means includes operation information on at least one of the first registration operation means and the first recall operation means, and position information on the basis of detection by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a lens device, and a camera device.

Background Art

[0002] In a lens device, there is a focus preset function as a means for calling an arbitrarily set focus position. By registering the focus position (object distance) for a presumable object in advance with this function, it becomes possible to instantaneously and surely focus on a targeted subject at the timing when the assumed scene comes up.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens device including a plurality of storage means capable of registering an arbitrary focus position, and a return means that can be called corresponding to a registration button.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding the operation of the focus preset function, it is desirable to obtain visual feedback from the viewpoints of recognizing that a setting operation has been performed and the registered position. Although Patent Document 1 discloses a focus preset function that enables registration of multiple points, if the operation means related to the registration of multiple points is concentrated at one location, there is a risk that a registration position unintended by the user may be called when shooting.

[0006] The present invention realizes an imaging device with advantageous operability that enables a user to recognize information related to the preset function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The imaging device in this proposal is an imaging device having a lens device and a camera device detachable from the lens device, wherein the lens device comprises an optical system, a driving means for driving the optical system, a detection means for detecting the position of the optical system, a first storage means for storing the position of the optical system, a first registration operation means for causing the first storage means to store the position of the optical system as a first registered position, a first call operation means for driving the optical system to the first registered position by the driving means, and a lens communication means for communicating with the camera device, wherein the camera device comprises a camera communication means for communicating with the lens device and an image sensor for capturing an image formed by the lens device, and the information communicated between the lens communication means and the camera communication means includes operation information of at least one of the first registration operation means and the first call operation means, and position information based on detection by the detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This invention makes it possible to realize an imaging device that offers advantages in terms of operability, allowing the user to recognize information regarding preset functions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the camera body and interchangeable lens according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the camera preset registration display. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the camera preset recall display. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart related to the third focus memory unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the lens preset registration display. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the lens preset recall display. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the preset standby state. [Figure 8]It is a flowchart of a modification example related to the third focus memory unit. [Figure 9] It is a second embodiment of focus preset registration position information. [Figure 10] It is a modification example of focus preset registration position information. [Figure 11] It is a modification example of focus preset registration position information. [Figure 12] It is a modification example of the camera focus preset function operation unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. The drawings shown below are drawn at scales different from the actual ones in order to facilitate understanding of this embodiment.

Examples

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Imaging device in this embodiment [Configuration of imaging device] The imaging device 300 is composed of an interchangeable lens (lens device) 100 and a camera body (camera device) 200 that can be detachably attached to the interchangeable lens 100. First, the specific configurations of the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 will be described.

[0013] The interchangeable lens 100 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera body 200 via a mount (not shown). The interchangeable lens 100 receives power supply from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the aforementioned mount. Then, using the power received from the camera body 200, it controls various actuators and the lens microcomputer 111, which will be described later. Also, the camera body 200 communicates with the interchangeable lens 100 via a communication terminal portion (not shown) provided on the aforementioned mount, and controls the interchangeable lens 100 by communicating control commands.

[0014] [Configuration of Camera Body] The configuration of the camera body 200 will be described. The camera body 200 includes an imaging element 201 including a phase difference AF sensor etc., a signal processing circuit 202, a recording processing unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, and a camera microcomputer 206. The camera body 200 of the first embodiment includes a camera preset button (second registration operation means) 210, a camera recall button (second calling operation means) 211, a second focus storage unit (third storage means) 212, and a third focus storage unit (second storage means) 213.

[0015] The imaging element 201 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). The analog signal from the imaging element 201 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown).

[0016] The signal processing circuit 202 performs various image processes on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit to generate a video signal. Also, the signal processing circuit 202 generates focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image, that is, the in-focus state of the imaging optical system, and luminance information representing the exposure state, from the video signal.

[0017] The signal processing circuit 202 outputs the video signal to the display unit 204, which displays the video signal as a live view image used for checking composition, focus, etc. Specifically, the display unit 204 is the rear LCD or electronic viewfinder of the camera body 200. Furthermore, the signal processing circuit 202 outputs the video signal to the recording processing unit 203, which stores the video signal as still images or moving image data in external memory or the like.

[0018] The camera microcontroller 206, acting as the camera control unit, controls the camera body 200 in response to inputs from the imaging instruction switch and various setting switches on the operation unit 205. The camera microcontroller 206 also processes the operation of the camera preset button 210 and the camera recall button 211, which are operation units that activate the focus preset function, a feature of the present invention.

[0019] The camera microcontroller 206 transmits control commands to the lens microcontroller 111 via the camera communication unit (camera communication means) regarding the focusing operation of the focus lens 105 in accordance with AF information generated from the output of a phase difference detection pixel (not shown) provided in the image sensor. The second focus memory unit 212 and the third focus memory unit 213 are storage units for focus position information related to the focus preset function described later.

[0020] [Interchangeable lens configuration] The configuration of the interchangeable lens 100 will now be described. The interchangeable lens 100 includes an imaging optical system, a drive unit which is a driving means for the imaging optical system, a control unit which controls the drive unit, a detection means for detecting the position of an optical element, a focus lens operation ring 110, a lens microcontroller 111, and a focus position detection sensor 112. Furthermore, to realize the focus preset function of this embodiment, it is equipped with a lens preset button (first registration operation means) 130, a lens recall button (first recall operation means) 131, and a first focus memory unit (first memory means) 132.

[0021] The lens microcontroller 111 is a control unit that controls the operation of each part within the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcontroller 111 receives control commands transmitted from the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit (lens communication means) and receives requests to transmit lens data and requests to receive camera data. The lens microcontroller 111 also performs lens control corresponding to the control commands, transmits lens data corresponding to the transmission request to the camera body 200, and receives data from the camera when a reception request is received. In response to control commands related to light intensity adjustment and focusing, the lens microcontroller 111 performs light intensity adjustment and focus adjustment processing, which will be described later.

[0022] The imaging optical system includes a field lens 101, a zoom lens 102 for zooming, an aperture unit 103 for adjusting the amount of light, an image shake correction lens 104, and a focus lens 105 for adjusting the focus.

[0023] The zoom lens 102 is movable in the optical axis direction shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, and is driven in the optical axis direction by the user operating a zoom operation ring connected to a zoom mechanism (not shown). Zooming is performed by changing the focal length of the imaging optical system as the zoom lens 102 moves. The zoom lens position detection unit 106 detects the zoom lens position using a position detection sensor such as a variable resistor and outputs the position data to the lens microcontroller 111. The output position data is used by the lens microcontroller 111 to generate focal length information.

[0024] The aperture unit 103 is comprised of sensors such as aperture blades and photointerrupters. The state of the aperture blades is detected by these sensors and output to the lens microcontroller 111. The aperture control unit 107 outputs a drive signal based on a command from the lens microcontroller 111 to drive actuators such as stepping motors and voice coil motors. This allows the aperture unit 103 to adjust the amount of light.

[0025] The image shake correction lens 104 reduces image shake caused by camera shake, etc., by moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system. The image shake correction lens control unit 108, which is the control unit, outputs a drive signal to drive the vibration damping actuator in response to the shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown), such as a vibration gyroscope, based on a command from the lens microcontroller 111. This performs vibration damping processing that controls the shift operation of the image shake correction lens 104.

[0026] The focus lens 105 is movable in the optical axis direction shown by the dashed line in the figure. The position of the focus lens 105 is detected using a focus position detection sensor 112 such as a photointerrupter, and the detected position data is output to the lens microcontroller 111. Based on the command from the lens microcontroller 111, the focus lens control unit 109 outputs a drive signal to drive the focus drive unit 113, and adjusts the focus by moving the focus lens 105.

[0027] [Focus function (AF / MF)] The focus function, which drives the focus lens 105 to adjust the focus, includes AF (autofocus) for automatic focus adjustment, MF (manual focus adjustment) for manual focus adjustment, and focus preset, which is a feature of the present invention that moves the focus lens to a pre-set position.

[0028] To perform the focusing function, the lens communication unit transmits focus position information to the camera microcontroller 206 in response to a request to transmit lens data, and receives a focus drive command in response to a request to receive camera data.

[0029] Focus position information is information generated by the lens microcontroller 111 based on information from the focus position detection sensor 112. Focus position information consists of shooting distance information (optical characteristics information, focusing distance, object distance), address information (digital address information), which is a digital value that divides the movement range of the focus lens 105, and so on.

[0030] In autofocus (AF), the camera microcontroller 206 calculates the focus position of the focus lens 105 from the focus information and focus position information generated from the image plane phase-difference pixels in the image sensor 201, and transmits a focus drive command to the lens microcontroller 111 via the camera communication unit. In response to the focus drive command, the lens microcontroller 111 issues a command to the focus lens control unit 109 to drive the focus drive unit 113 and control the focus adjustment operation.

[0031] In manual focus mode, the lens microcontroller 111 controls the focus adjustment operation by issuing commands to the focus lens control unit 109 to drive the focus drive unit 113 according to the amount of movement of the focus lens operation ring 110.

[0032] 2. About the focus preset function The focus preset functions of the camera body 200 and interchangeable lens 100 in Example 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0033] [Regarding the focus preset function of the camera body 200] The camera body 200's focus preset function allows the focus position to be stored as a second registered position in the second focus memory unit 212 by operating the camera preset button 210. When the camera recall button 211 is operated, the stored focus position (second registered position) is recalled.

[0034] When the camera preset button 210 is operated, the camera microcontroller 206 obtains focus position information from the lens microcontroller 111 via the camera communication unit and stores the obtained focus position information in the second focus storage unit 212. At that time, as shown in Figure 2, the display unit 204 displays the camera preset display, which is the operation information of the camera preset button 210, and the camera preset position display, which is the stored position information.

[0035] When the camera recall button 211 is operated, the camera microcontroller 206 sends a focus drive command to the lens microcontroller 111 via the camera communication unit so that the focus lens 105 moves to the focus position stored in the second focus memory unit 212. At that time, a camera recall display is shown on the display unit 204 as shown in Figure 3. In response to the focus drive command, the lens microcontroller 111 issues a command to the focus lens control unit 109 to drive the focus drive unit 113 and control the focus adjustment operation.

[0036] [Focus preset function of interchangeable lens 100] When the lens preset button 130 is operated, the focus position is stored in the first focus memory unit 132 as the first registered position. When the lens recall button 131 is operated, the focus position (first registered position) is recalled.

[0037] When the lens preset button 130 is operated, the lens microcontroller 111 obtains the focus position from the focus position detection sensor 112 and stores that position information (first registered position) in the first focus memory unit 132.

[0038] When the lens recall button 131 is operated, the lens microcontroller 111 issues a command to the focus lens control unit 109 to move the focus lens 105 to the focus position stored in the first focus memory unit 132, and drives the focus drive unit 113.

[0039] 3. Display of the focus preset function of the interchangeable lens 100 on the camera body 200. The display on the camera body 200 when the focus preset function is executed with the interchangeable lens 100 of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 4 to 7.

[0040] The camera body 200 outputs a request to transmit lens data in order to display information related to the preset function on the display unit 204, and receives lens preset information in response. The lens preset information consists of lens preset operation information that notifies the operation of the lens preset button 130 and lens recall operation information that notifies the operation of the lens recall button 131.

[0041] When the camera communication device receives lens preset information, it is processed according to the flow from S100, as shown in Figure 4.

[0042] In S101, if the lens preset information is lens preset operation information, the camera microcontroller 206 acquires focus position information in S102. Then, in S103, the camera microcontroller 206 stores the focus position information in the third focus memory unit 213, and in S104, displays the lens preset information on the display unit 204 as shown in Figure 5.

[0043] Next, if the focus preset position display setting is ON in S105, the camera microcontroller 206 displays the focus position information stored in the third focus memory unit 213 on the lens preset position display of the display unit 204 in S106.

[0044] If the lens preset information detected in S101 is lens recall operation information, the camera microcontroller 206 displays a lens recall indicator on the display unit 204 in S107, as shown in Figure 6.

[0045] In Embodiment 1, the camera preset position and the lens preset position are displayed on the display unit 204 by adding triangular markers to a distance bar, which is used to indicate the focus position, with one end being the nearest end and the other the infinity end.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a state where both the camera preset position display and the lens preset position display are shown. By displaying the positions of the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 separately above and below the distance bar, the user can easily recognize which operation moves to which position.

[0047] The focus position information stored in the third focus memory unit 213 in Embodiment 1 is not used as a focus drive command, but is used to roughly determine the position using a distance bar. Therefore, the focus position information does not need to be detailed information of the shooting distance information or address information, and may be of the resolution required for displaying the distance bar, for example, zone information divided into 100 sections. The zone information is obtained by dividing the movement range of the focus lens 105 into multiple regions (zones) and obtaining information of the region that contains the position detected by the focus position detection sensor 112. This is because the focus position information used here is not used for focus drive commands. This simplifies the acquisition, processing, and display of focus position information.

[0048] According to the imaging device of Example 1, it is possible to easily recognize whether the focus preset operation was performed on the interchangeable lens 100 or the camera body 200. [Examples]

[0049] The differences between the imaging device of Example 2 and Example 1 will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. In Example 2, focus preset position information is added as a lens preset information item in the lens data transmission request made by the camera microcontroller 206 via the communication means, which is a difference from Example 1.

[0050] The focus preset position information is the focus position information stored in the first focus memory unit 132 and is used for focus drive commands. The focus preset position information is acquired by the camera microcontroller 206 from the lens microcontroller 111 in response to a request from the camera microcontroller 206 to transmit lens data to the lens microcontroller 111.

[0051] In step S202 of Figure 8, instead of the focus position information from step S102 of Embodiment 1, focus preset position information is acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 and stored in the third focus memory unit 213.

[0052] In Example 1, focus position information that changes according to AF or MF is used, but in Example 2, focus preset position information stored in the first focus memory unit 132 is used. In Example 1, if a lens preset operation is performed while the focus lens 105 is being driven, a small error may occur between the stored information in the first focus memory unit 132 and the third focus memory unit 213 due to the time lag between the user operation and S102. In Example 2, the occurrence of errors can be suppressed by acquiring focus preset position information. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, a detailed lens preset position display can be performed. The detailed preset position display allows for confirmation of a detailed reproduction of the focus position using numerical values, which simplifies user operation, such as during video recording.

[0053] (Other examples) In Example 1, the camera preset position display and the lens preset position display are shown separately using distance bars and triangular markers. However, as shown in Figure 10, A and B, preset position bars may be placed within the distance bars. In that case, the camera and lens can be recognized by changing the display colors of A and B, for example. Also, as shown in Figure 11, it is possible to display whether or not preset positions have been registered for the camera and lens, even without position information. In Figure 11, A' and B' allow the registration status to be confirmed, for example, by whether or not they blink.

[0054] Furthermore, it is not always necessary for the display related to focus presets to be constantly displayed during shooting; the user may also be able to check it via the menu screen. The display shown in Figure 9 of Example 2 may be displayed not only when operating the focus preset, but also by selecting it from the menu screen.

[0055] These embodiments aim to reduce the display area related to the focus preset function on the display unit. By reducing the display area, the user can concentrate more on shooting.

[0056] Furthermore, although the camera preset button 210, camera recall button 211, lens preset button 130, and lens recall button 131 are described as separate operating parts in this case, it is not necessary to provide each of them individually and exclusively.

[0057] For example, it's possible to modify a single control element by having it recall if pressed for a short time and preset if pressed for a longer time, or by using a toggle switch to switch between recall and preset functions.

[0058] Furthermore, the camera preset button 210 and the camera recall button 211 do not necessarily require physical operation; they can be displayed as touch icons on the display unit 204, as shown in Figure 12.

[0059] These embodiments are variations for optimizing the control section of an imaging device, and it is desirable to use them appropriately depending on the user's frequency of use of the focus preset function in the product.

[0060] The above embodiments illustrate the setting, registration, and recall of presets for focus (focus lens group), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The same can be applied to the setting, registration, and recall of presets for optical systems including focus, zoom (zoom lens group), and aperture, and the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed.

[0061] Although 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 its gist. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 100 interchangeable lenses (lens assembly) 200 Camera body (camera equipment) 300 Camera System (Imaging Device) 105 Focusing lens (optical system) 113 Focus drive unit (drive means) 130 Lens preset button (first registration operation means) 131 Lens recall button (first call operation means) 132 First focus memory unit (first memory means)

Claims

1. A lens device that is detachable from a camera device, an optical system having a movable lens; A driving means for moving the lens; A detection means for detecting the position of the lens; a first operation means for registering a position of the lens as a first registered position; a second operating means for controlling the driving means so that the position of the lens is set to the first registered position; a first communication means for communicating with the camera device; A lens device characterized in that the first communication means transmits to the camera device first information regarding operation of at least one of the first and second operating means by a user and second information regarding the position of the lens detected by the detection means.

2. The lens device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the first information includes information regarding shooting distance.

3. A lens device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first information includes digital address information corresponding to the position of the lens detected by the detection means.

4. A lens device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first information includes information regarding a region among multiple regions in the movement range of the lens that includes the position of the lens detected by the detection means.

5. A lens device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second information is information regarding the position of the lens detected by the detection means when the first operating means is operated by the user.

6. A lens device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the driving means moves the lens during focusing.

7. A lens device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first communication means transmits information regarding the first registered position to the camera device.

8. A camera device to which the lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 can be attached and detached, an image sensor for capturing an image formed by the optical system; and a second communication means for communicating with the first communication means.

9. A camera device as described in claim 8, characterized in that it is provided with a display unit that displays at least one of the first and second information.

10. A third operating means for registering the position of the lens as a second registered position; 10. The camera device according to claim 8, further comprising a fourth operating means for controlling the driving means so that the position of the lens becomes the second registered position.

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