Imaging apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can easily obtain photographed images with various tilt amounts, shift amounts, and revolving amounts without a user having to make difficult manual adjustments.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 200 performs imaging through an optical system 101 that can be driven by actuators 102-104 for at least one movement of tilting, shifting, and revolving. The imaging apparatus has camera control means 206 that controls the actuators to cause the imaging apparatus to perform a plurality of times of photographing while driving the at least one movement by a predetermined amount, and setting means 206 that allows a user to set the predetermined amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device that performs imaging through an optical system that can be tilted, shifted, and revolved.

Background Art

[0002] Lens devices are used that enable shooting with a changed focusing distance range or perspective by tilting the optical axis with respect to the normal of the imaging surface of the imaging element (tilt) or translating the optical axis parallel to the imaging surface (shift). There are also lens devices that can rotate (revolve) the optical system in a tilted or shifted state.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens device that allows a user to tilt or shift the optical system by manually rotating an operation knob.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the lens device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user needs to adjust the tilt amount and shift amount by operating the operation knob while looking through the finder or while viewing the live view image displayed on the monitor. For a user unaccustomed to this operation, it is difficult to appropriately adjust the tilt amount and shift amount, and it is also difficult to obtain a desired captured image because the effect on the captured image due to tilt and shift is difficult to imagine.

[0006] The present invention provides an imaging device that allows users to easily obtain images at various tilt, shift, and revolving amounts without having to perform difficult manual adjustments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device that takes images through an optical system capable of being driven by an actuator for at least one of the following movements: tilt, shift, and revolving. The imaging device is characterized by having a camera control means that controls the actuator to drive the at least one of the above movements by a predetermined amount and cause the imaging device to take multiple images, and a setting means that allows a predetermined amount of user settings.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a lens device having an optical system that can be driven by an actuator for at least one of the movements of tilt, shift, and revolving, and is detachably mounted on an imaging device that takes images through the optical system. The lens device is characterized by having a lens control means that controls the actuator to drive the at least one of the movements by predetermined amounts in response to receiving a drive command for the actuator from the imaging device via communication, which includes a predetermined amount set by the user.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a control method applied to an imaging device that takes images through an optical system capable of driving at least one of the movements of tilt, shift, and revolving by an actuator. This control method is characterized by comprising the steps of controlling the actuator to drive the at least one of the movements by a predetermined amount and causing the imaging device to take multiple images, and allowing a predetermined amount of user settings.

[0010] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a control method that is applied to a lens device detachably attached to an imaging device that performs imaging through an optical system capable of driving at least one of tilt, shift, and revolving movements by an actuator. The control method is characterized by comprising the steps of receiving a drive command for an actuator, including a predetermined amount set by the user, from the imaging device via communication, and controlling the actuator to drive the at least one of the movements by the predetermined amount in response to the drive command. A program that causes a computer in the imaging device or lens device to execute processing according to the above control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, users can easily obtain images with various tilt, shift, and revolving amounts without having to perform difficult manual adjustments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating the lens communication process performed in the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the display screen for setting tilt, shift, and revolving parameters in the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the step setting / overall drive amount setting process performed in the embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the bracket imaging process performed in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0014] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a camera system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The camera system consists of an interchangeable lens 100, which is a lens device, and a camera body 200, which is an imaging device to which the interchangeable lens 100 is detachably attached.

[0015] The interchangeable lens 100 includes a photographic optical system 101, tilt, shift and revolving operating units 106, 107, and 108, and tilt, shift and revolving actuators 102, 103, and 104.

[0016] The imaging optical system 101 includes a focus lens, aperture, etc., and is capable of tilting the optical axis relative to the normal of the image sensor (imaging plane), shifting the optical axis parallel to the imaging plane, and revolving the optical axis relative to the imaging plane. The tilt, shift, and revolving actuators 102, 103, and 104 drive the tilt, shift, and revolving of the imaging optical system 101, respectively. The operation of the tilt, shift, and revolving actuators 102, 103, and 104 is controlled by the lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the lens microcontroller) 105 when the tilt, shift, and revolving operation units 106, 107, and 108 are operated by the user.

[0017] 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 from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the aforementioned mount. The actuators 102-104 and the lens microcontroller 105 operate using this power. The lens microcontroller 105 communicates with the camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as camera microcontroller) 206 provided on the camera body 200 via a communication terminal (not shown) provided on the mount. The lens microcontroller 105 transmits various lens data to the camera microcontroller 206 and receives various camera data from the camera microcontroller 206. Furthermore, when the lens microcontroller 105 receives a control command from the camera microcontroller 206, it performs an operation corresponding to the control command.

[0018] The camera body 200 includes an imaging device 201, a signal processing circuit 202, a recording processing unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, and a camera microcomputer 206. The imaging device 201 photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the imaging optical system and outputs an analog imaging signal as an electrical signal. The analog imaging signal is converted into a digital imaging signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown).

[0019] The signal processing circuit 202 performs various image processes on the digital imaging signal from the A / D conversion circuit to generate a video signal (image data). Also, the signal processing circuit 202 generates focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image (i.e., the focus state of the imaging optical system 101) and luminance information representing the exposure state from the video signal. Further, the signal processing circuit 202 outputs the video signal to the display unit 204. The display unit 204 displays the video signal as a live view image used for composition and focus confirmation. The display unit 204 is a liquid crystal display panel or the like provided on the back of the camera body 200. Additionally, the signal processing circuit 202 outputs the video signal to the recording processing unit 203. The recording processing unit 203 records the video signal as still image or moving image data on a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0020] The camera microcomputer 206 performs a shooting operation according to the user's operation of the shooting instruction switch included in the operation unit 205, or controls the operation of the camera body 200 according to the user operation of other operation members. Also, the camera microcomputer 206 transmits control commands for the tilt, shift, and revolving actuators 102, 103, 104 to the lens microcomputer 105. The lens microcomputer 105 that receives the control commands operates the tilt, shift, and revolving actuators 102, 103, 104. Thereby, the tilt, shift, and revolving driving of the imaging optical system 101 from the camera body 200 can be controlled.

[0021] The flowchart of FIG. 2 shows the processing executed by the camera microcomputer 206 when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200 and the power of the camera body 200 is turned on. The camera microcomputer 206 executes the processing (control method) shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 according to a computer program. The camera microcomputer 206 corresponds to a camera control means and a setting means. Also, the lens microcomputer 105 corresponding to the lens control means also executes processing according to a computer program.

[0022] The camera microcomputer 206 that starts this processing in Step 101 communicates with the lens microcomputer 105 in Step 102. The camera microcomputer 206 acquires information regarding the presence or absence of actuators for tilt, shift, and revolving driving in the interchangeable lens 100 notified from the lens microcomputer 105 and driving by the actuators.

[0023] In Step 103, the camera microcomputer 206 determines whether the interchangeable lens 100 has an actuator for tilt driving based on the information acquired in Step 102. If it has, it proceeds to Step 104; if not, it proceeds to Step 106.

[0024] In Step 104, the camera microcomputer 206 stores information indicating that the tilt driving control (tilt operation) of the interchangeable lens 100 is possible.

[0025] Next, in Step 105, the camera microcomputer 206 stores the information regarding tilt driving included in the information acquired in Step 102. This information includes the entire tilt driving range that is the entire range in which tilt driving is possible, the minimum tilt driving amount, and information on the current tilt driving position. Then the camera microcomputer 206 proceeds to Step 106.

[0026] In Step 106, the camera microcontroller 206 determines from the information of the interchangeable lens 100 obtained in Step 102 whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 is equipped with an actuator for shift driving. If it is equipped with one, the process proceeds to Step 109; otherwise, the process proceeds to Step 107.

[0027] In Step 107, the camera microcontroller 206 stores information that it is capable of controlling the shift drive (shift operation) of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0028] Next, in Step 108, the camera microcontroller 206 stores the information related to shift driving included in the information acquired in Step 102. This information includes the full shift driving range, which is the entire range in which shift driving is possible, the minimum shift driving amount, and the current shift driving position. Then the camera microcontroller 206 proceeds to Step 109.

[0029] In Step 109, the camera microcontroller 206 determines from the information of the interchangeable lens 100 obtained in Step 102 whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 is equipped with an actuator for revolving drive. If it is equipped with an actuator, the process proceeds to Step 110; otherwise, the process proceeds to Step 112 and ends.

[0030] In Step 110, the camera microcontroller 206 stores information that it is possible to control the revolving drive (revolving operation) of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0031] Next, in Step 111, the camera microcontroller 206 stores the revolving drive information included in the information acquired in Step 102. This information includes the full revolving drive range, which is the entire range in which revolving drive is possible, the minimum revolving drive amount, and the current revolving drive position. Then the camera microcontroller 206 proceeds to Step 112 and terminates this process.

[0032] Based on the above processing, the camera microcontroller 206, having determined that at least one of the tilt, shift, and revolving operations is possible for the attached interchangeable lens 100, prompts the user to configure settings for bracket shooting. In bracket shooting, a predetermined number of shots are taken while changing the drive position of one of the tilt, shift, or revolving by a predetermined amount.

[0033] Figure 3(A) shows the setting screen for bracket shooting when the interchangeable lens 100 is capable of tilt, shift, and revolving operations. This setting screen is displayed on the display unit 204 via the signal processing circuit 202 by the camera microcontroller 206. Through the setting screen, it is possible to set the direction, amount of change (operation amount), and number of shots (number of shots) for each of the tilt, shift, and revolving operations. The user can select one of the direction, amount of change, or number of shots by operating an operating element such as a cross key or touch panel (not shown) provided on the operation unit 205, and change the setting value by operating the up / down buttons on the cross key, etc. It is also possible to switch modes for setting the amount of change. There are two modes: overall width setting mode and step width setting mode. The upper and lower limits of the amount of change are determined based on information obtained from the interchangeable lens 100.

[0034] The overall width setting mode is the first mode in which the user can set the total amount of tilt, shift, or revolving movement (overall width) from the start to the end of a series of bracketed shots. The overall width is the amount of movement that can be set within the full tilt drive range, full shift drive range, and full revolving drive range. This overall width setting mode is suitable for finding a setting close to the user's preference by taking multiple shots while roughly changing the tilt, shift, or revolving drive position.

[0035] The Step Width Setting Mode is a second mode in which the user can set the step width (a predetermined amount) of the tilt, shift, or revolving that changes with each shot. This Step Width Setting Mode is suitable for users who have almost found their desired setting and want to take multiple shots selected by the user while subtly changing the drive position near that setting, ultimately selecting the image that best suits their needs.

[0036] Figure 3(B) shows the settings screen for bracket shooting when the interchangeable lens 100 is only capable of shift and revolving operations. In this settings screen, the tilt operation display is grayed out, indicating that settings related to tilt operation cannot be made.

[0037] The flowchart in Figure 4 shows the setup process for bracket imaging. Since the setup process is the same for tilt, shift, and revolving operations, we will explain it here using tilt operation as an example.

[0038] When the bracket shooting setting is selected on the menu screen displayed on the display unit 204, the camera microcontroller 206 starts the process from Step 201.

[0039] In Step 202, the camera microcontroller 206 sets the direction (drive direction) for tilt operation. As mentioned above, the camera microcontroller 206 switches and sets the drive direction in response to user operation of control elements such as the directional keys or touch panel, and stores the information of the set drive direction.

[0040] Next, in Step 203, the camera microcontroller 206 determines whether the user has selected the overall width setting mode or the step width setting mode on the settings screen. If the overall width setting mode is selected, proceed to Step 204; if the step width setting mode is selected, proceed to Step 206.

[0041] In the overall width setting mode, in Step 204, the camera microcontroller 206 accepts the user's input for the overall width of the tilt drive.

[0042] Next, in Step 205, the camera microcontroller 206 sets the step width of the tilt drive to the minimum tilt drive amount included in the information of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0043] In Step 206, the camera microcontroller 206 calculates the number of shots based on the set overall width / minimum tilt drive amount.

[0044] Then, in Step 207, the camera microcontroller 206 displays the calculated number of shots on the settings screen.

[0045] Next, in Step 208, the camera microcontroller 206 sets the final number of shots to the number of shots selected by the user, using the displayed calculation result as a reference.

[0046] Next, in Step 209, the camera microcontroller 206 determines whether the number of shots has been changed by the user. If it has been changed, it proceeds to Step 210; otherwise, it proceeds to Step 216.

[0047] In Step 210, the camera microcontroller 206 changes the step width. Specifically, it sets the step width to a value obtained by dividing the total width set by the user by (the number of shots changed by the user - 1). The camera microcontroller 206 then stores the changed step width and proceeds to Step 216. do.

[0048] On the other hand, in step width setting mode, in Step 211, the camera microcontroller 206 stores the step width set by the user.

[0049] Next, in Step 212, the camera microcontroller 206 sets the overall width to a drive amount corresponding to the entire tilt drive range obtained from the information of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0050] Next, in Step 213, the camera microcontroller 206 calculates the number of shots by adding 1 to the value obtained by dividing the total width set in Step 212 by the step width.

[0051] Then, in Step 214, the camera microcontroller 206 displays the calculated number of shots on the settings screen.

[0052] Next, in Step 2158, the camera microcontroller 206 sets the final number of shots to the number of shots selected by the user, using the displayed calculation result as a reference. Then it proceeds to Step 216.

[0053] In Step 216, the camera microcontroller 206 determines whether "Settings Complete" as shown in Figure 3(A) has been selected. If "Settings Complete" is selected, it stores the currently displayed drive direction, step width, and number of shots as set values. If "Settings Complete" is not selected, it returns to Step 202 and continues the setting process.

[0054] By performing the same setting process for shift and revolving operations, bracket shooting can be performed while the interchangeable lens 100 simultaneously performs tilt, shift, and revolving drives. For tilt, shift, and revolving drives that you do not want to perform, simply set the change amount to "0". Alternatively, a settings screen that allows you to select which of the tilt, shift, and revolving drives you want to perform could be used.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we have described a case where the number of shots is calculated according to the setting of the amount of change and displayed to the user for reference. However, this process is not necessarily required, and the number of shots may be set only by the user.

[0056] The flowchart in Figure 5 shows the bracket shooting process performed by the camera microcontroller 206. Since the bracket shooting process is the same for tilt, shift, and revolving operations, we will explain it here using bracket shooting with tilt operation as an example.

[0057] In Step 301, the camera microcontroller 206 started the process and in Step 302 determined whether the user had operated the shooting instruction switch (i.e., the user had been instructed to start shooting). If the user was instructed to start shooting, the process proceeded to Step 303; otherwise, this determination was repeated.

[0058] In Step 303, the camera microcontroller 206 inputs a number corresponding to the number of shots set in the counter that counts the number of shots.

[0059] Next, in Step 304, the camera microcontroller 206 performs a single shooting operation to acquire and save the captured image.

[0060] Next, in Step 305, the camera microcontroller 206 decrements the counter value by one. The counter value is decremented by one each time a picture is taken.

[0061] Next, in Step 306, the camera microcontroller 206 determines whether the counter value is "0" or not. If it is not "0", it proceeds to Step 307; if it is "0", it proceeds to Step 309.

[0062] In Step 307, the camera microcontroller 206 sends a tilt drive command to the lens microcontroller 105 according to the stored bracket shooting settings. Upon receiving this command, the lens microcontroller 105 controls the tilt actuator 102 according to the set direction and step width. This results in tilt driving of the imaging optical system 101 by the step width.

[0063] Next, in Step 308, the camera microcontroller 206 communicates with the lens microcontroller 105 to determine whether the tilt drive is complete or not. If the tilt drive is complete, the process proceeds to Step 304 to take the next shot; otherwise, this determination is repeated.

[0064] In Step 309, the camera microcontroller 206 completes bracket shooting and terminates this process.

[0065] According to this embodiment, users can obtain images with various tilt, shift, and revolving amounts without having to perform complex manual adjustments as in conventional methods. In particular, the ability for users to select the step size makes it easier to perform bracket shooting to obtain the desired image. Furthermore, even users with little experience using shift and tilt, or camera beginners, can easily enjoy the effects and gain a new shooting experience.

[0066] The above embodiments include the following configuration. (Composition 1) An imaging device that takes images through an optical system capable of being driven by an actuator for at least one of the following movements: tilt, shift, and revolving, A camera control means that controls the actuator to drive the at least one movement by a predetermined amount and causes the imaging device to take multiple images, An imaging apparatus characterized by having setting means that allows the user to set a predetermined amount. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the setting means sets the number of multiple shots based on the predetermined amount and the total drive amount of at least one movement. (Composition 3) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the setting means allows the user to select between a first mode that allows the user to set the total drive amount of at least one movement and a second mode that allows the user to set a predetermined amount. (Composition 4) The setting means is, In the first mode, the user can set the number of multiple shots taken. The imaging device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the predetermined amount is set based on the total drive amount and the number of times. (Composition 5) A lens device having the optical system is detachably attached to the imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the camera control means obtains information from the lens device regarding the driving of at least one movement by the actuator via communication, and controls the actuator and the multiple shots based on the information. (Composition 6) A lens device having the optical system is detachably attached to the imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the setting means obtains information from the lens device by communication indicating that the lens device is equipped with the actuator, and enables the user to set a predetermined amount for the movement driven by the actuator. (Composition 7) A lens device that is detachably attached to an imaging device that takes images through an optical system having an optical system capable of being driven by an actuator for at least one of the movements of tilt, shift, and revolving, A lens device characterized by having lens control means that controls the actuator to drive at least one movement by a predetermined amount in response to receiving a drive command for the actuator from the imaging device via communication, which includes a predetermined amount set by the user. (Composition 8) The lens device according to configuration 7, characterized in that the lens control means notifies the imaging device by communication of information regarding the driving of the at least one movement by the actuator. (Composition 9) The lens device according to configuration 7 or 8, characterized in that the lens control means notifies the imaging device by communication of information indicating that the lens device has the actuator. (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 100 interchangeable lenses 101 Imaging Optics 102 Tilt Actuator 103 Shift Actuator 104 Revolving Actuator 200 Camera body 205 Operation section 206 Camera Microcontroller

Claims

An imaging device that moves an optical element of an optical system by controlling an actuator during at least one of tilt, shift, and revolving of one optical system, camera control means for controlling a plurality of shootings while the optical element is moving in order for the actuator to perform the at least one movement by a predetermined amount; and setting means for enabling a user to set the predetermined amount. The imaging device is characterized by having these.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the setting means sets the number of times of the plurality of shootings based on the predetermined amount and the total movement amount of the at least one movement.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the setting means enables a user to select between a first mode that enables the user to set the total movement amount of the at least one movement and a second mode that enables the user to set the predetermined amount.

4. The setting means in the first mode, enables the user to set the number of times of the plurality of shootings, and sets the predetermined amount based on the total movement amount and the number of times. The imaging device according to claim 3 is characterized by this.

5. a lens device having the optical system is detachably attached to the imaging device, and the camera control means acquires information regarding movement by the actuator of the at least one movement from the lens device through communication, and controls the actuator and the plurality of shootings based on the information. The imaging device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

6. a lens device having the optical system is detachably attached to the imaging device, and the setting means acquires information indicating that the lens device includes the actuator from the lens device through communication, and enables the user to set the predetermined amount for the movement moved by the actuator. The imaging device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

7. A lens device detachably attached to an imaging device having an optical system capable of moving by an actuator for at least one of tilt, shift, and revolving, and moving an optical element of the optical system by controlling the actuator during the at least one movement. A lens device, wherein at least one movement moves by the predetermined amount in accordance with a movement command of the actuator including a predetermined amount set by a user from the imaging device.

8. The lens device according to claim 7, wherein the lens control means notifies the imaging device by communication of information regarding movement of the at least one movement by the actuator.

9. The lens device according to claim 7, wherein the lens control means notifies the imaging device by communication of information indicating that the lens device has the actuator.

10. A control method in an imaging device that moves an optical element of an optical system by controlling an actuator during at least one movement among tilt, shift, and revolving of one optical system, the method comprising: a step of controlling a plurality of shootings while the optical element is moving to perform the at least one movement by the actuator by a predetermined amount; and a step of enabling a user to set the predetermined amount.

11. A control method in a lens device detachably attached to an imaging device having an optical system capable of moving by an actuator during at least one movement among tilt, shift, and revolving, and moving the optical element of the optical system by controlling the actuator during the at least one movement, the method comprising: a step of moving the at least one movement by the predetermined amount in accordance with a movement command of the actuator including a predetermined amount set by a user from the imaging device.

12. A program causing a computer of the imaging device to execute a process according to the control method described in claim 10.

13. A program causing a computer of the lens device to execute a process according to the control method described in claim 11.

Images