Lens device and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a lens device that can drive shift lenses with low power consumption.SOLUTION: A lens device (001) has shift lenses (026, 028) that are movable in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis (004) of an imaging optical system, driving means (102, 103, 105, 106) that drive the shift lenses in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, and control means (1000) that controls the driving means. The driving means include first driving units (102, 105) that drive the shift lenses in a first direction in the plane orthogonal to the optical axis, and second driving units (103, 106) that drive the shift lenses in a second direction in the plane. The control means controls the driving means to drive the shift lenses in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction without simultaneously driving the first driving units and the second driving units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens apparatus and an imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens device that can obtain a tilt effect and a shift effect that shifts the composition by moving two optical element groups that constitute an imaging optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Patent Document 2 discloses a lens device that determines the tilt amount for each specific area set in the imaging range and focuses on a subject using a desired focal plane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-090952 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-091027 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the lens devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, two lenses (shift lenses) that can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis are moved in any direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, so multiple actuators (multiple driving units) are required. However, a large amount of power is required to simultaneously drive the multiple driving units. Also, depending on the power that can be supplied to the multiple driving units, it may be difficult to drive each driving unit.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device and an imaging device that are capable of driving a shift lens with low power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lens device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a shift lens movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of an imaging optical system, a driving means for driving the shift lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and a control means for controlling the driving means, wherein the driving means comprises a first driving unit for driving the shift lens in a first direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and a second driving unit for driving the shift lens in a second direction in the plane, and the control means controls the driving means to drive the shift lens in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction without simultaneously driving the first driving unit and the second driving unit.

[0007] Other objects and features of the present invention will be described in the following embodiments. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device and an imaging device capable of driving a shift lens with low power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a camera system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view of a main part of a lens device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is an image captured by an imaging device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, a camera system (imaging system) 000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the camera system 000. In Fig. 1, the direction along an optical axis 004 of the imaging optical system (optical axis direction) is defined as the X-axis direction, the pitch direction as the Y-axis direction, and the yaw direction as the Z-axis direction. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the camera system 000. The camera system 000 is configured to include a camera body (imaging device body) 002 and a lens device (interchangeable lens) 001 that is detachable from the camera body 002. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and can also be applied to an imaging device in which the camera body and the lens device are integrally configured.

[0012] The camera body 002 has an imaging unit 1106 including a photoelectric conversion element (imaging element) such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor. An image formed through the lens device 001 can be exposed to the imaging unit 1106 for any desired time by controlling a shutter (not shown) by the camera CPU 1100. The camera body 002 also has a display unit 1108 with a touch panel function capable of displaying the captured image and changing various settings of the camera system 000, and a finder 016 that can be looked into to check the captured image and input a line of sight.

[0013] The lens device 001 has an imaging optical system including a first lens 021, a second lens 022, a third lens 023, a fourth lens 024, a fifth lens 025, a sixth lens 026, a seventh lens 027, an eighth lens 028, a ninth lens 029, and a tenth lens 030. The focal length of the lens device 001 is changed by changing the positional relationship of each lens in the optical axis direction of the imaging optical system. Each lens is not limited to a single lens, and may be a lens group consisting of multiple lenses. The lens device 001 also has a lens CPU (control means) 1000. The lens CPU 1000 controls, for example, driving for moving the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004, driving for changing the aperture diameter of the aperture mechanism 011, and the like.

[0014] Each lens is held by a lens barrel having a cam follower, and the focal length of the lens device 001 is changed by changing the positional relationship of each lens in the optical axis direction. The cam follower is engaged with a straight groove parallel to the optical axis 004 of the guide barrel 007 and a groove inclined with respect to the optical axis 004 of the cam barrel 008. When the zoom operation ring 006 rotates, the cam barrel 008 having a groove inclined with respect to the optical axis 004 rotates. In other words, the focal length can be changed by rotating the zoom operation ring 006. In addition, the focal length of the imaging optical system can be detected by a zoom position detection means (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation of the zoom operation ring 006.

[0015] The second lens 022 is a focus group that can adjust the focus by driving it in the optical axis direction. The second lens 022, a guide bar (not shown) that guides the second lens 022 in the optical axis direction, a vibration actuator 031, and a position detection means (not shown) that detects the movement distance, configure the focus unit 010. The driving of the focus unit 010 is controlled by the lens CPU 1000.

[0016] The sixth lens (first shift lens) 026 and the eighth lens (second shift lens) 028 are shift lenses that can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004. The sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004 to generate a tilt effect that tilts the focal plane relative to the imaging surface (light receiving surface of the imaging element) or a shift effect that moves the imaging range. Specifically, when the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 both have positive refractive power or negative refractive power, the tilt effect can be generated by moving them in opposite directions. The shift effect can be generated by moving the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 in the same direction. When one of the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 has positive refractive power and the other has negative refractive power, the shift effect can be generated by moving them in opposite directions. Moreover, if the sixth lens and the eighth lens are moved in the same direction, a tilt effect can be produced.

[0017] The sixth lens 026, a holding means for holding the sixth lens 026 movably in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004, a driving means, and a shift position detection means for detecting the movement distance constitute a first shift unit 012. Similarly, the eighth lens 028, a holding means for holding the eighth lens 028 movably in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004, a driving means, and a shift position detection means for detecting the movement distance constitute a second shift unit 013. The driving of the first shift unit 012 and the driving of the second shift unit 013 are controlled by the lens CPU 1000.

[0018] The lens device 001 has a mount 005, and is connected and fixed to a mount (not shown) of the camera body 002. Furthermore, the lens device 001 and the camera body 002 have lens electrical contacts 1009 and camera electrical contacts 1010, respectively, for electrical connection. This electrical connection allows the settings made in the camera body 002 to be reflected in the lens device 001.

[0019] Next, a description will be given of control by the camera body 002. The camera CPU 1100 is configured with a microcomputer, and controls the operation of each part of the camera body 002. Furthermore, when the lens device 001 is attached to the camera body 002, the camera CPU 1100 can communicate with the lens CPU 1000 provided in the lens device 001 via the lens electrical contacts 1009 and the camera electrical contacts 1010.

[0020] The information (signal) that the camera CPU 1100 transmits to the lens CPU 1000 includes drive amount information and focus shift information of the second lens 022. This information also includes attitude information of the camera body 002 based on a signal from a camera attitude detection unit 1110 such as an acceleration sensor (acceleration detection means) (not shown). This information also includes subject distance information of a subject based on a signal from a TS instruction unit 1109 that indicates a desired subject on which a user wants to focus, focus shift information, and imaging range information that indicates a desired imaging range (field of view). The TS instruction unit 1109 will be described in detail later. The information (signal) that the lens CPU 1000 transmits to the camera CPU 1100 includes optical information such as the imaging magnification of the lens device 001, and lens function information such as zoom and vibration isolation installed in the attached lens device 001. This information also includes attitude information from a lens attitude detection unit 1008 such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor. It should be noted that the lens electrical contacts 1009 and the camera electrical contacts 1010 each include a contact for supplying power from the camera body 002 to the lens apparatus 001 .

[0021] The power switch 1101 is a switch that can be operated by the user, and can start the start-up of the camera CPU 1100 and the supply of power to the actuators, sensors, etc. in the camera system 000. The release switch 1102 is a switch that can be operated by the user, and has a first stroke switch SW1 and a second stroke switch SW2. A signal from the release switch 1102 is input to the camera CPU 1100. In response to input of an ON signal from the first stroke switch SW1, the camera CPU 1100 enters an image capture preparation state. In the image capture preparation state, the luminance of a subject is measured by the photometry unit 1103, and focus detection is performed by the focus detection unit 1104.

[0022] The camera CPU 1100 calculates the aperture value of the aperture mechanism 011 and the exposure (shutter time) of the image sensor of the image capturing unit 1106 based on the photometry result by the photometry unit 1103. The camera CPU 1100 also detects the focus state of the image capturing optical system by the focus detection unit 1104. The camera CPU 1100 also determines information on the drive amount (including the drive direction) of the second lens 022, which uses the focus unit 010 as a drive source to obtain a focused state on the subject, based on focus information (defocus amount and defocus direction) that is the detection result. The information on the drive amount of the second lens 022 is transmitted to the lens CPU 1000. The lens CPU 1000 controls the operation of each unit of the lens device 001.

[0023] The lens device 001 is configured to obtain a tilt effect of tilting the focal plane relative to the imaging plane and a shift effect of moving the imaging range by moving each of the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004. For this reason, the camera CPU 1100 calculates a tilt drive amount for focusing on a desired subject instructed by the TS instruction unit 1109. The camera CPU 1100 also calculates a shift drive amount for changing the current imaging range to the imaging range instructed by the TS instruction unit 1109. Information on these drive amounts is transmitted from the camera CPU 1100 to the lens CPU 1000, and the drive of the sixth lens 026 and the drive of the eighth lens 028 are controlled.

[0024] Note that the TS instruction unit 1109 may instruct a plurality of subjects. Even if the subjects are at different distances, it is possible to focus on them if they are on an object plane tilted by the tilt effect described above. The TS instruction unit 1109 may be provided in the lens device 001 instead of the camera body 002. It is also possible to assign the function of the TS instruction unit 1109 to an existing rotation operation unit, button, switch, etc. of the lens device 001 or camera body 002.

[0025] Furthermore, when the camera CPU 1100 is in a predetermined imaging mode, it starts to control the eccentric drive of the vibration-proof lens (not shown), that is, the camera shake vibration prevention operation. If the lens device 001 does not have a vibration-proof lens (vibration prevention function), the eccentric drive control of the vibration-proof lens is not necessary. When an ON signal is input from the second stroke switch SW2, the camera CPU 1100 transmits an aperture drive command to the lens CPU 1000, and sets the aperture mechanism 011 to the aperture value (F value) previously calculated. The camera CPU 1100 also transmits an exposure start command to the exposure unit 1105. Thereafter, the camera CPU 1100 causes the retraction operation of the mirror (not shown) (note that this operation does not exist in a mirrorless camera) and the opening operation of the shutter (not shown) to be performed, and causes the image sensor of the image capturing unit 1106 to perform photoelectric conversion of the subject image, that is, the exposure operation.

[0026] The imaging signal from the imaging unit 1106 is digitally converted by a signal processing unit in the camera CPU 1100, and various correction processes are further performed and output as an image signal. The image signal (data) is recorded and stored in a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk in the image recording unit 1107. In addition, the image captured by the imaging unit 1106 can be displayed on a display unit 1108 that is a display using liquid crystal or organic EL technology at the time of capturing the image. In addition, the image recorded in the image recording unit 1107 can be displayed. In recent years, displays have been equipped with touch operation technology, and a subject can be selected and focused on on the display for live view capturing. That is, a configuration in which the TS instruction unit 1109 is included in the display unit 1108 is common.

[0027] Next, the control of the lens device 001 will be described. The focus operation rotation detection unit 1002 includes a focus operation ring 019 and a sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the focus operation ring 019. The aperture operation rotation detection unit 1011 includes an aperture operation ring 020 and a sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the aperture operation ring 020. The zoom operation rotation detection unit 1003 includes a zoom operation ring 006 and a sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the zoom operation ring 006. The TS operation detection unit 1001 includes a manual operation unit (not shown) for obtaining a tilt / shift effect and a sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of operation of the manual operation unit. The subject storage unit 1012 stores the spatial position in the imaging range of the subject designated via the TS designation unit 1109 or the display unit 1108. This position is defined by the subject distance and coordinates (X, Y) with the imaging surface as the XY-axis plane, but details thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The IS driver 1004 includes a drive actuator for an anti-vibration lens (not shown) that performs anti-vibration operation and a drive circuit for the actuator. This structure is not necessary for a lens device that does not have an anti-vibration function. The AF driver 1006 includes a second lens 022 that performs focusing operation, and a focus unit (ultrasonic motor unit) 010 that moves the second lens 22 in the optical axis direction according to information about the drive amount. The information about the drive amount is determined based on a signal from the camera CPU 1100 described above. Alternatively, the focus operation rotation detector 1002 can be operated to manually specify the focus position, and the information about the drive amount can be determined from the signal.

[0029] The electromagnetic aperture driving unit 1005 controls its driving source by the lens CPU 1000 that receives an aperture drive command from the camera CPU 1100, and operates the aperture mechanism 011 to an opening state corresponding to the specified aperture value. The electromagnetic aperture driving unit 1005 also operates in the same manner when the user specifies a desired aperture value by operating the aperture operation ring 020.

[0030] The lens CPU 1000 controls the driving source of the TS driver 1007, which receives subject distance, position information, and imaging range information from the camera CPU 1100. That is, the lens CPU 1000 controls the TS driver 1007 to perform a tilt operation so as to obtain a desired subject plane (focus plane) and a shift operation so as to obtain a desired imaging range. In order to obtain a desired focus, the lens CPU 1000 controls the TS driver 1007 and the AF driver 1006 so that the TS driver 1007 and the AF driver 1006 operate optimally. Furthermore, the lens device 001 has optical characteristics that change the focus even if the subject distance does not change due to a shift operation. In this embodiment, the TS driver 1007 and the AF driver 1006 are appropriately controlled according to their optical characteristics.

[0031] The gyro sensor (not shown) is disposed and fixed inside the lens device 001, and is electrically connected to the lens CPU 1000. The gyro sensor detects the angular velocity of each of the vertical (pitch direction) shake and horizontal (yaw direction) shake, which are angular shake of the camera system 000, and outputs the detected values ​​as angular velocity signals to the lens CPU 1000. The lens CPU 1000 electrically or mechanically integrates the angular velocity signals in the pitch direction and yaw direction from the gyro sensor, and calculates the pitch direction shake amount and yaw direction shake amount (collectively referred to as angular shake amount), which are the amounts of displacement in each direction.

[0032] The lens CPU 1000 controls the IS driver 1004 based on the composite displacement amount of the angular shake amount and the translational shake amount described above to shift and drive the vibration-proof lens (not shown) to perform angular shake correction and translational shake correction. As described above, if the lens device 001 does not have a vibration-proof function, this structure and function are not necessary. In addition, the lens CPU 1000 controls the AF driver 1006 based on the focus shake amount to move the second lens 022 in the optical axis direction to perform focus shake correction.

[0033] In the lens device 001, the lens CPU 1000 controls the TS driver 1007 based on the shake and displacement of the lens device 001 calculated based on the output from the gyro sensor. For example, if camera shake occurs when the camera system 000 is held in the hand to capture an image, the subject plane shifts relative to the subject. However, in the camera system 000 of this embodiment, the subject position is stored in the subject memory unit 1012, so that it is possible to control the TS driver 1007 to correct the shake and keep the subject plane aligned with the subject. This will be described in detail later. To control the TS driver 1007, a signal from an acceleration sensor (acceleration detection means) mounted on the camera body 002 may be used. Alternatively, the lens device 001 may be equipped with an acceleration sensor.

[0034] Figures 3(a) and (b) are front views of the main parts of the lens device 001. Figure 3(a) shows a front view of the sixth lens 026 and a driving means for driving the sixth lens 026. Figure 3(b) shows a front view of the eighth lens 028 and a driving means for driving the eighth lens 028.

[0035] The sixth lens 026 is held by a sixth lens holding frame 101. The sixth lens 026 is supported by a support mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction (first direction) by driving a stepping motor 102 and in the Z-axis direction (second direction) by driving a stepping motor 103. The eighth lens 028 is held by an eighth lens holding frame 104. The eighth lens 028 is supported by a support mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction (first direction or fourth direction) by driving a stepping motor 105 and in the Z-axis direction (second direction or fifth direction) by driving a stepping motor 106.

[0036] In this way, the stepping motors 102, 103, 105, and 106 constitute a driving unit that drives the sixth lens 026 or the eighth lens 028 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 004. More specifically, the stepping motors 102 and 105 are a first driving unit (or a third driving unit) that drives the sixth lens 026 or the eighth lens 028 in a first direction (or a fourth direction) in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis 004. The stepping motors 103 and 106 are a second driving unit (or a fourth driving unit) that drives the sixth lens 026 or the eighth lens 028 in a second direction (or a fifth direction) in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis 004.

[0037] Therefore, the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 can be moved in any direction in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis (YZ plane). For example, when the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 are moved in the direction of the arrow A in Figs. 3(a) and (b) (third direction), it is necessary to drive the four stepping motors 102, 103, 105, and 106. However, depending on the power (power supply capacity) supplied from the camera body 002, it may not be possible to drive the four stepping motors 102, 103, 105, and 106 simultaneously. For example, the power that can be supplied to each stepping motor may be less than the sum of the power required to drive the stepping motor 102 (or the stepping motor 105) and the power required to drive the stepping motor 103 (or the stepping motor 106). In addition, it may take a long time to reach the desired position. Although it is conceivable to reduce the power by lowering the resistance of the coils of each stepping motor, this may result in the torque required to drive the lens not being satisfied, or in a decrease in the lens drive speed.In addition, it may be possible to address this issue by enlarging the engine section (magnetic circuit) of each stepping motor, but this may result in restrictions on the arrangement of parts, leading to an increase in the size of the lens device.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of stepping motors to be driven simultaneously is limited. That is, when driving the sixth lens 026 or the eighth lens 028 in a third direction different from the first and second directions, the lens CPU 1000 provides a period during which the stepping motors 102, 103 (or the stepping motors 105, 106) are not driven simultaneously. Preferably, the lens CPU 1000 controls each stepping motor to drive the sixth lens 026 or the eighth lens 028 without simultaneously driving the stepping motors 102, 103 (or the stepping motors 105, 106). More preferably, the lens CPU 1000 controls each stepping motor so that all of the stepping motors 102, 103, 105, 106 are not driven simultaneously (the number of stepping motors to be driven simultaneously is three or less).

[0039] This makes it possible to reduce the time required for the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 to reach the desired positions while reducing the power consumption of the stepping motors. For example, the stepping motor 102 and the stepping motor 103 are not driven simultaneously, and the number of stepping motors driven simultaneously is set to three or less. In this embodiment, when the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 are moved the same distance at the same speed in the same direction, the power required to move the sixth lens 026 is large. By not simultaneously driving the stepping motors 102 and 103 of the sixth lens 026, which require large power to drive the lenses, the power consumption can be reduced. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the stepping motors 105 and 106 of the eighth lens 028 may be controlled not to be driven simultaneously.

[0040] The torque required for the stepping motors 102 and 103 to move the sixth lens 026 varies depending on the attitude of the lens device 001. When the direction of gravity is the -Y-axis direction, the torque required for the stepping motor 102 to move the sixth lens 026 is greater than that required for the stepping motor 103. When the stepping motors 102 and 103 are motors with the same specifications, the power consumption required for moving the sixth lens 026 is greater when the stepping motor 102 is driven. Similarly, when the stepping motors 105 and 106 are motors with the same specifications, the power consumption required for moving the eighth lens 028 is greater when the stepping motor 105 is driven. Under such conditions, it is possible to reduce the time required for the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 to reach their desired positions while suppressing the power consumption by appropriately controlling each stepping motor.

[0041] For example, when the direction of gravity during imaging is the -Y-axis direction, the stepping motors 102 and 105, which move the lens against gravity, are not driven simultaneously, but the stepping motors 102 and 106 are driven simultaneously. Then, the stepping motors 103 and 105 are driven simultaneously. This control makes it possible to reduce the time it takes for the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 to reach their desired positions while suppressing power consumption. In this embodiment, the direction of gravity can be detected by an acceleration sensor mounted on the camera body 002. In this embodiment, it is also possible to change the control of the stepping motors depending on the direction of gravity.

[0042] In this embodiment, the direction of lens movement by stepping motor 102 and stepping motor 105 and the direction of lens movement by stepping motor 103 and stepping motor 106 are the same, but are not limited to this. For example, the direction of lens movement by stepping motor 105 may be the direction of arrow A in Figures 3(a) and (b), and the direction of lens movement by stepping motor 106 may be perpendicular to the direction of arrow A in Figures 3(a) and (b).

[0043] Second embodiment Next, a camera system (imaging device) 000 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4(a) and (b). Figs. 4(a) and (b) show images captured by the camera system 000. Fig. 4(a) shows an image (image 1) obtained by normal imaging, and Fig. 4(b) shows a composite image of multiple images (images 2, 3, 4, and 5) captured by moving the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 in any direction within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 004 after normal imaging. Image 1 shown in Fig. 4(a) is the same image as the image indicated by the solid line in the central region of the composite image shown in Fig. 4(b). As shown in Fig. 4(b), the angle of view is expanded by combining multiple images (images 2 to 5).

[0044] A method for capturing a composite image will be described. The camera body 002 has a mode (composite imaging mode) in which a plurality of images captured by moving the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 in any direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 004 are composited. The composite imaging mode includes a plurality of modes according to the amount of movement and the direction of movement of the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028. The user can select any mode from the plurality of modes. The user can set the details of the mode as desired, and the camera body 002 can record a plurality of modes. By setting the mode, for example, it becomes possible to easily capture images at a plurality of angles of view even without a zoom optical system.

[0045] In the composite imaging mode, after capturing image 1, images 2, 3, 4, and 5 are automatically captured in this order. In the composite imaging mode, it is preferable to capture images with the camera body 002 fixed on a tripod or the like. The camera body 002 has an image processing means for recording multiple images captured by the imaging element on a recording medium in the image recording unit 1107, and obtaining an image by combining the multiple images recorded on the recording medium. This makes it possible to generate a composite image.

[0046] Next, a method of driving the stepping motors in the composite imaging mode will be described. To capture image 2 after capturing image 1, it is necessary to move the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 in the upper left direction of the page. As described above, due to limitations of the power supplied from the camera body 002, it may not be possible to drive the four stepping motors simultaneously, or it may take a long time to reach the desired position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stepping motors 102 and 105 are not driven simultaneously, and the number of stepping motors driven simultaneously is set to three or less.

[0047] For example, the stepping motor 102 and the stepping motor 106 are driven simultaneously to move the sixth lens 026 in the upward direction on the paper and the eighth lens 028 in the leftward direction on the paper. Thereafter, the stepping motor 103 and the stepping motor 105 are driven simultaneously to move the sixth lens 026 in the leftward direction on the paper and the eighth lens 028 in the upward direction on the paper. As a result, the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 move to positions where the image 2 can be captured, and the image 2 can be captured. After the image 2 is captured, the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 are moved in the rightward direction on the paper, and the image 3 is captured. At this time, the stepping motors to be driven are the stepping motor 103 and the stepping motor 106, and since the load applied to the stepping motor when the image 2 is captured is smaller, it is possible to drive them simultaneously. Similarly, after the image 3 is captured, the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 are moved in the downward direction on the paper, and the image 4 is captured. After the image 4 is captured, the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 are moved leftward on the page, and the image 5 is captured.

[0048] In either case, it is possible to drive the two stepping motors simultaneously because the load is smaller than the load on the stepping motor when capturing image 2. As described above, by appropriately controlling each stepping motor, it is possible to reduce the power consumption and the time it takes for the sixth lens 026 and the eighth lens 028 to reach their desired positions.

[0049] In this embodiment, imaging is performed from image 1, which is the center of the composite image, but the position and order of the subject to be imaged do not matter. For example, imaging may be performed from the position of image 5, and then images 4, 3, 2, and 1 may be imaged in that order. Also, five images are used for composition, but the number of images is not limited to five. Also, in this embodiment, the stepping motors 102 and 103 are not driven simultaneously in the composite imaging mode. However, a manual operation unit provided in the lens device 001 may be used to control the stepping motors 102 and 103 to be driven simultaneously when manually operated.

[0050] As a lens that can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, there is known an anti-vibration lens that can be driven in any direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis using two drive units in order to correct image blur caused by camera shake, etc. However, since an anti-vibration lens needs to correct image blur caused by camera shake, etc., the method of each embodiment in which only one of the two drive units is driven cannot be applied to such an anti-vibration lens.

[0051] In each embodiment, the lens CPU 1000 may have a first mode (multiple simultaneous drive mode) and a second mode (low power consumption mode) that can be selected by the user. When the first mode is set, the lens CPU 1000 contributes to user convenience such as improved speed by simultaneously driving the stepping motors 102 and 103 (or the stepping motors 105 and 106). On the other hand, when the second mode is set, the lens CPU 1000 can reduce power consumption by not simultaneously driving the stepping motors 102 and 103 (or the stepping motors 105 and 106).

[0052] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens device and an imaging device capable of driving a shift lens with low power consumption.

[0053] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0054] (Configuration 1) a shift lens that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system; a driving means for driving the shift lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; A control means for controlling the driving means, The driving means is a first driving unit that drives the shift lens in a first direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; a second drive unit that drives the shift lens in a second direction in the plane, The lens device, wherein the control means controls the driving means to drive the shift lens in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction without simultaneously driving the first driving unit and the second driving unit. (Configuration 2) The lens device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the power that can be supplied to the first driving unit and the second driving unit is smaller than the sum of the power required to drive the first driving unit and the power required to drive the second driving unit. (Configuration 3) The lens device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the control means has a first mode in which the first driving unit and the second driving unit are driven simultaneously when driving the shift lens in the third direction, and a second mode in which the first driving unit and the second driving unit are not driven simultaneously. (Configuration 4) the shift lens includes a first shift lens and a second shift lens, the first driving unit and the second driving unit drive the first shift lens; The driving means is a third drive unit that drives the second shift lens in a fourth direction in the plane; a fourth drive unit that drives the second shift lens in a fifth direction in the plane, The lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means controls the drive means so as not to drive all of the first drive unit, the second drive unit, the third drive unit, and the fourth drive unit simultaneously. (Configuration 5) a shift lens including a first shift lens and a second shift lens that generate a tilt effect and a shift effect by moving in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of an imaging optical system; a driving means for driving the first shift lens or the second shift lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; A control means for controlling the driving means, The driving means is a first driving unit that drives the first shift lens or the second shift lens in a first direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; a second drive unit that drives the first shift lens or the second shift lens in a second direction in the plane, The lens device is characterized in that, when the control means controls the drive means to drive the first shift lens or the second shift lens in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, a period is provided during which the first drive unit and the second drive unit are not driven simultaneously. (Configuration 6) The lens device described in configuration 5, wherein the control means controls the drive means to drive the first shift lens or the second shift lens in the third direction without simultaneously driving the first drive unit and the second drive unit. (Configuration 7) The lens device described in configuration 6, wherein the power that can be supplied to the first driving unit and the second driving unit is smaller than the sum of the power required to drive the first driving unit and the power required to drive the second driving unit. (Configuration 8) The lens device described in configuration 6, wherein the control means has a first mode in which the first driving unit and the second driving unit are driven simultaneously when driving the first shift lens or the second shift lens in the third direction, and a second mode in which the first driving unit and the second driving unit are not driven simultaneously. (Configuration 9) A lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, An imaging device comprising: a camera body having an imaging element. (Configuration 10) The camera body includes: a mode in which a plurality of images obtained by shifting the shift lens are synthesized; a recording medium for recording a plurality of images obtained by the imaging element for each shift of the shift lens; and image processing means for generating a composite image of the plurality of images. (Configuration 11) 11. The imaging device according to configuration 10, wherein the camera body has a plurality of modes for generating the composite image according to a moving distance of the shift lens. (Configuration 12) 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the recording medium automatically records the second and subsequent images according to the plurality of modes after recording the first image of the plurality of images. (Configuration 13) 13. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 9 to 12, further comprising an acceleration detection means. (Configuration 14) 14. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 9 to 13, wherein the lens device is detachable from the camera body.

[0055] 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]

[0056] 001 Lens device 026 6th lens (shift lens, 1st shift lens) 028 8th lens (shift lens, 2nd shift lens) 102, 105 Stepping motor (driving means, first driving unit) 103, 106 Stepping motor (driving means, second driving unit) 1000 Lens CPU (control means)

Claims

1. A first lens, a first driving unit configured to move the first lens in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a second driving unit configured to move the first lens in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and control means for moving the first lens in a third direction different from the first and second directions by driving the first and second driving units at different timings. A lens device characterized by comprising:

2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the power supplied to the first and second driving units is smaller than the sum of the powers required for driving the first and second driving units.

3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of switching between a first mode in which the first and second driving units are driven simultaneously when moving the first lens in the third direction, and a second mode in which the first and second driving units are driven at different timings.

4. A second lens, a third driving unit configured to move the second lens in a fourth direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a fourth driving unit configured to move the second lens in a fifth direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the control means moves the first and second lenses by driving the first to fourth driving units at different timings. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. A second lens, a third driving unit configured to move the second lens in a fourth direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a fourth driving unit configured to move the second lens in a fifth direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the control means moves the second lens in the third direction by driving the third and fourth driving units at different timings. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a tilt effect and a shift effect is caused by the movement of the first lens.

7. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is detachable from an imaging device.

8. An imaging device, characterized by comprising the lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an imaging element.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, further comprising image processing means for synthesizing a plurality of images obtained by performing imaging while moving the lens.

10. The imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that the lens device is detachable.

Images