Control apparatus, lens apparatus, image pickup apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control apparatus, a lens apparatus, an image pickup apparatus, a control method, and a program that can suppress an influence of noise without reducing power efficiency.SOLUTION: A control apparatus is used for a camera system that comprises an image pickup apparatus and a lens apparatus including a driven portion and an output portion that is supplied with power from the image pickup apparatus and outputs power used for moving the driven portion. The control apparatus includes an actuator that moves the driven portion, a driving portion that drives the actuator by a PWM output method or a linear output method using the power from the output portion, and a control portion that controls output of the power from the output portion to the driving portion. The control portion causes the output portion to output first power in a case where the driving portion drives the actuator by the PWM output method, and causes the output portion to output second power different from the first power in a case where the driving portion drives the actuator by the linear output method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a lens device, an imaging device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices have been equipped with image sensors with higher pixel counts and higher sensitivity, which has resulted in increased effects of noise generated by PWM control for controlling actuators.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for controlling an actuator using an amplifier output format that does not generate noise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-149525 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the amplifier output format has poor power efficiency compared to PWM control, the configuration of Patent Document 1 results in a reduced number of shots.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device, a lens device, an imaging device, a control method, and a program that are capable of suppressing the influence of noise without reducing power efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device as one aspect of the present invention is a control device used in a camera system comprising an imaging device, a driven part, and a lens device including an output part which is supplied with power from the imaging device and outputs power used to move the driven part, and has an actuator which moves the driven part, a driving part which drives the actuator in a PWM output method or a linear output method using power from the output part, and a control part which controls the output of power to the driving part by the output part, wherein the control part causes the output part to output a first power when the driving part drives the actuator in the PWM output method, and causes the output part to output a second power different from the first power when the driving part drives the actuator in the linear output method. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device, a lens device, an imaging device, a control method, and a program that are capable of suppressing the influence of noise without reducing power efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply setting process. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the power setting process. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the power setting process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the power setting process. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the power setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram of a lens-interchangeable single-lens digital camera system that is an example of a camera system (optical device) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera system 100 is composed of a camera body (imaging device) 150 and an interchangeable lens (lens device) 101 that is removably attached to the camera body 150. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a camera system 100 in which the imaging device and the lens device are integrated. In the case of a camera system 100 in which the imaging device and the lens device are integrated, the camera CPU has the functions of the lens CPU.

[0012] In the camera system 100, the camera body 150 and the interchangeable lens 101 are connected to be able to communicate information via a communication terminal (communication contact section) 153 in the camera side contact section 152 and a communication terminal (communication contact section) 104 in the lens side contact section 103. Power is supplied from a power supply circuit section 155 of the camera body 150 to a power supply circuit section (output section) 106 of the interchangeable lens 101 via a power supply contact section 154 in the camera side contact section 152 and a power supply contact section 105 in the lens side contact section 103. The power supply circuit section 155 generates various power supplies used in the camera body 150 or power supplies supplied to the interchangeable lens 101 from a battery 156 mounted in the camera body 150, using an LDO (linear regulator) or a DCDC circuit.

[0013] The lens CPU 102, which serves as a lens controller provided in the interchangeable lens 101, stores characteristic information and optical information specific to the interchangeable lens 101 in an internal memory 140. The lens CPU 102 also stores, in the internal memory 140, setting values ​​to be output to the driver ICs provided in the focus lens driving circuit 112, the zoom lens driving circuit 126, the aperture driving circuit 115, and the IS driving circuit 116. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned setting values ​​may be stored in a memory provided separately from the lens CPU 102. The lens CPU 102 transmits the characteristic information and optical information to a camera CPU 151, which serves as a camera controller provided in the camera body 150, via communication terminals 104 and 153.

[0014] The characteristic information includes the name of the interchangeable lens 101 (ID information for identifying the model), the maximum communication speed, the maximum F-number, whether it is a zoom lens, the compatible AF system, and the image height at which AF is possible. The characteristic information also includes table data information indicating the relationship between the F-number and the T-number. The optical information includes information on the sensitivity of the focus lens 107 obtained from a matrix of the position of the focus lens 107, the position of the zoom lens (variable magnification lens) 108, and the state of the aperture 109, as well as information on the amount of focus correction (design value) and the value of focus correction manufacturing error.

[0015] In addition, a permission signal and the like that permits movement of the focus lens 107 by operating an MF drive UI (MF drive user interface) 122 provided in the interchangeable lens 101 is also transmitted from the camera CPU 151 to the lens CPU 102. In addition, the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 150 exchange information such as other operating states, setting states, request commands for various information (transmission requests), and drive commands via communication terminals 104 and 153.

[0016] The interchangeable lens 101 has a lens UI (lens user interface) 120 such as a switch for selecting whether to perform automatic focusing (AF) or manual focusing (MF) in a focusing operation. The state of the lens UI 120 is also exchanged via the communication terminals 104 and 153.

[0017] The interchangeable lens 101 has an optical system (image pickup optical system) including a focus lens 107, a zoom lens 108, an aperture 109, and a blur correction lens 110. The zoom lens 108 and the focus lens 107 are each movable in a direction along an optical axis OA (optical axis direction). The blur correction lens 110 is movable in a direction intersecting the optical axis OA. A light beam from a subject formed via the image pickup optical system is guided to an image pickup element 162 provided in a camera body 150. As a method of detecting the focus state, a phase difference signal and a video signal can be simultaneously output by the image pickup element 162 by providing a structure in which one pixel in the image pickup element 162 has multiple photoelectric conversion units.

[0018] The camera CPU 151 starts an AF operation when it confirms that the AF / MF selection switch included in the lens UI 120 is selected as AF. The camera CPU 151 processes the output from the image sensor 162 to detect the focus state of the imaging optical system, and calculates the amount of movement of the focus lens 107 to obtain a focused state on the subject, based on the optical information of the interchangeable lens 101 described above.

[0019] The camera CPU 151 transmits the calculated focus lens movement amount to the lens CPU 102 via the communication terminals 104 and 153. The lens CPU 102 controls the focus lens driving circuit 112 according to the focus lens position information from the position sensor 111 that detects the position of the focus lens 107 and the received movement amount of the focus lens 107. This allows the focus lens 107 to be moved to the in-focus position.

[0020] The user can operate the MF drive UI 122, which includes a cylindrical manual focus ring that rotates around the optical axis OA and is attached to the exterior of the interchangeable lens 101. The detection sensor 123 detects the amount of operation of the MF drive UI 122 by the user. The lens CPU 102 controls the focus lens drive circuit 112 in accordance with the amount of operation of the MF drive UI 122 to move the focus lens 107 to a predetermined position. When the camera CPU 151 confirms that the selection of the AF / MF selection switch is MF, it performs focus adjustment by moving the focus lens 107 to a predetermined position in accordance with the user's operation of the MF drive UI 122 without performing an AF operation.

[0021] A user can operate a zoom drive UI (zoom drive user interface) 124. The zoom drive UI is, for example, a cylindrical manual zoom ring that rotates around an optical axis OA that is attached to the exterior of the interchangeable lens 101. A detection sensor 125 detects the amount of operation of the zoom drive UI 124. The lens CPU 102 controls a zoom lens drive circuit 126 based on the amount of operation of the zoom drive UI 124 and a detection signal of a position detection sensor 127 that detects the position of the zoom lens 108, and moves the zoom lens 108 to a predetermined position. The zoom drive UI may be provided in the camera body 150.

[0022] Camera CPU 151 determines the photometry result by a photometry sensor (not shown) based on a half-press operation of a release switch included in camera UI (camera user interface) 161 provided on camera body 150. Camera CPU 151 also determines an F-number (aperture value) set by operation of an operation unit included in camera UI 161.

[0023] The camera CPU 151 transmits the F-number to be set for the aperture 109 to the lens CPU 102 via the communication terminals 104 and 153. The lens CPU 102 moves the aperture 109 (controls the aperture diameter of the aperture 109) by controlling the aperture drive circuit 115 in accordance with the received F-number and aperture position information based on a position sensor 114 that detects the position of the aperture 109.

[0024] In response to a half-press of the release switch, camera CPU 151 transmits a camera shake correction start command to lens CPU 102 via communication terminals 104, 153. Upon receiving the camera shake correction start command, lens CPU 102 first controls IS drive circuit (camera shake correction drive circuit) 116 to hold motion compensation lens 110 at the control center position. Next, lens CPU 102 controls lock drive circuit 117 to drive mechanical lock 118 to release the locked state. Thereafter, lens CPU 102 controls IS drive circuit 116 in accordance with the detection result of camera shake detection circuit 119 to move motion compensation lens 110 and compensate for camera shake.

[0025] In response to the full press of the release switch, the camera CPU 151 moves a main mirror (not shown) and a shutter 163 installed in front of the image sensor 162, guides a light beam from the image capturing optical system to the image sensor 162, and captures an image. The image sensor 162 is composed of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The camera CPU 151 generates image data based on the output from the image sensor 162 and records the image data on a recording medium. Here, the captured image is a still image if a still image capturing mode is selected, or a video if a video capturing mode is selected, depending on the settings of the camera GUI section composed of a display section 164 and a camera UI (camera user interface) 165. Alternatively, a recording start button for video capturing may be provided separately, and video recording may be started when the recording start button is pressed. The user can check the captured image through the electronic viewfinder 166.

[0026] 2 is a detailed diagram of the control device 200. The control device 200 has a lens CPU 102 and an IS driving circuit 116. The IS driving circuit 116 has a driver IC (driving control unit) 128 and an actuator 129. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where the blur correction lens 110 is moved as the driven part will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the aperture 109 or the focus lens 107 is moved, for example.

[0027] The actuator 129 has moving coils 131, 132 attached to the motion compensation lens 110, and magnets (permanent magnets) 133, 134 arranged facing the moving coils 131, 132, respectively. The motion compensation lens 110 is fixed to a fixed frame (not shown) together with the moving coils 131, 132. By passing a current through the moving coils 131, 132, a driving force is generated between the moving coils 131, 132 and the magnets 133, 134, and the motion compensation lens 110 can be moved.

[0028] The driver IC 128 has a PWM output circuit and a linear output circuit, and can switch the output method (PWM output method and linear output method) to the moving coils 131, 132 by communication from the lens CPU 102. Note that the output method may be switched by changing the settings of the terminals of the driver IC 128 from the lens CPU 102, instead of communication from the lens CPU 102.

[0029] The power supply circuit unit 106 supplies power to the driver IC 128. The power supply circuit unit 106 can output power (second power) in an output format in which a step-down DCDC circuit that receives power supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 via the power contact units 154 and 105 outputs power. The power supply circuit unit 106 can also output power (first power) in an output format in which the power supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 via the power contact units 154 and 105 is output as is. The AD converter (detection unit) 141 of the lens CPU 102 detects the voltage level supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 via a voltage dividing resistor. The step-down DCDC circuit can set the output ON / OFF and output voltage level by communication from the lens CPU 102 or terminal settings. The control unit 142 controls the output format of the power supply circuit unit 106. Note that a step-up DCDC circuit or a step-up / step-down DCDC circuit may be used instead of the step-down DCDC circuit.

[0030] The following describes the operation of the IS driver circuit 116. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a power supply setting process.

[0031] In step S101, the lens CPU 102 judges whether the output method of the driver IC 128 is set to the PWM output method. If it is judged that it is set to the PWM output method, the process of step S102 is executed, and if it is judged that it is not set to the linear output method, the process of step S103 is executed.

[0032] In step S102, the lens CPU 102 causes the power supply circuit section 106 to supply the power supplied from the power supply circuit section 155 to the driver IC 128 as is.

[0033] In step S103, the lens CPU 102 enables the DCDC output of the power supply circuit unit 106 and causes the power supply circuit unit 106 to supply power to the driver IC 128 via the DCDC output.

[0034] By executing the flow in Figure 3, when the linear output (output by amplifier) ​​format is set, the voltage can be efficiently dropped by DCDC to the maximum power required for output. Also, since there is power loss even when stepping down by DCDC, when the PWM output method is set, power can be used efficiently by PWM control by supplying power directly to the driver IC128. Therefore, efficient power supply is possible for each output method of the driver IC128.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the power setting process.

[0036] In step S201, the lens CPU 102 determines whether the voltage level supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 detected by the AD converter 141 is greater than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the voltage level is greater than the predetermined value, the process of step S203 is executed, and if it is determined that the voltage level is not greater than the predetermined value (the voltage level is smaller than the predetermined value), the process of step S202 is executed. Note that if the voltage level is equal to the predetermined value, it can be arbitrarily set which step to execute.

[0037] In step S202, the lens CPU 102 determines whether the current output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output. If the output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output, the process of step S204 is executed, and if not, the process of step S203 is executed.

[0038] In step S203, the lens CPU 102 maintains (does not change) the output format of the power supply circuit section 106.

[0039] In step S204, the lens CPU 102 changes the output of the power supply circuit unit 106 from the DCDC output to an output method in which the power supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 is supplied to the driver IC 128 as is.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the order of the processes of steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 4 may be reversed. In FIG. 5, in step S301, the lens CPU 102 determines whether the current output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output. If the output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output, the process of step S302 is executed, and if not, the process of step S304 is executed. In step S302, the lens CPU 102 determines whether the voltage level supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 detected by the AD converter 141 is smaller than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the voltage level is larger than the predetermined value, the process of step S303 is executed, and if it is determined that the voltage level is not larger than the predetermined value (the voltage level is larger than the predetermined value), the process of step S304 is executed. If the voltage level is equal to the predetermined value, it is possible to arbitrarily set which step to execute. In step S303, the lens CPU 102 changes the output of the power supply circuit unit 106 from the DCDC output to an output method in which the power supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 is directly supplied to the driver IC 128. In step S304, the lens CPU 102 maintains (does not change) the output format of the power supply circuit unit 106.

[0041] 4 or 5, when the voltage level supplied from the power supply circuit unit 155 is lower than a predetermined value and the power supply output format is DCDC, the input / output potential difference is reduced, and it is possible to avoid a decrease in efficiency and a loss of power. Furthermore, by reducing the input / output potential difference, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise due to DCDC control such as a change in the DCDC switching period or switching skip.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of power supply settings.

[0043] In step S401, the lens CPU 102 determines whether the interchangeable lens 101 is in a reduced power operating state. The reduced power operating state is set, for example, when the actuators of the interchangeable lens 101 are not operated for a certain period of time due to long-exposure photography or the like, or when the power consumption of the entire camera system 100 is large due to the attachment of accessories or the like. The reduced power operating state is also set when the image stabilization operation is set to OFF and only the center holding of the image stabilization lens 110 is performed, or when the diaphragm 109 is held at a predetermined aperture. The reduced power operating state is also set when the focus lens 107 is held at reduced power. If it is determined that the drive state of the actuator 129 is in the reduced power operating state, the process of step S402 is executed, and if it is determined that the drive state is not in the reduced power operating state, the process of step S404 is executed.

[0044] In step S402, the lens CPU 102 determines whether the current output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output. If the output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output, the process of step S403 is executed, and if not, the process of step S404 is executed.

[0045] In step S403, the lens CPU 102 lowers the setting value of the DCDC output. That is, the lens CPU 102 causes the power supply circuit unit 106 to output a third power having a different voltage from the second power (in this embodiment, a voltage lower than the second power).

[0046] In step S404, the lens CPU 102 maintains (does not change) the output format of the power supply circuit section 106.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the order of the processes of steps S401 and S402 in FIG. 6 may be reversed. In FIG. 7, in step S501, the lens CPU 102 judges whether the current output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output. If the output of the power supply circuit unit 106 is set to the DCDC output, the process of step S502 is executed, and if not, the process of step S504 is executed. In step S502, the lens CPU 102 judges whether the driving state of the actuator 129 is a reduced power operation state. If it is determined that the driving state of the actuator 129 is a reduced power operation state, the process of step S503 is executed, and if it is determined that not, the process of step S504 is executed. In step S503, the lens CPU 102 lowers the set value of the DCDC output. In step S504, the lens CPU 102 maintains (does not change) the output format of the power supply circuit unit 106.

[0048] By executing the flow of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, when the voltage level required for actuator operation changes, the power at the DCDC output can be efficiently reduced to the required level, thereby improving power efficiency. [Other Examples] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0049] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0050] (Configuration 1) A control device used in a camera system including an imaging device, a driven part, and a lens device including an output part that is supplied with power from the imaging device and outputs power used to move the driven part, An actuator that moves the driven part; a drive unit that drives the actuator by a PWM output method or a linear output method using power from the output unit; a control unit that controls an output of power from the output unit to the drive unit, the control unit causes the output unit to output a first power when the drive unit drives the actuator using the PWM output method, and causes the output unit to output a second power different from the first power when the drive unit drives the actuator using the linear output method. (Configuration 2) the first power is power supplied from the imaging device, 2. The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the second power is power having a voltage different from a voltage of the power supplied from the imaging device. (Configuration 3) The output unit includes a DC / DC circuit, 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the second power is power output by the DCDC circuit that receives power supplied from the imaging device. (Configuration 4) a detection unit that detects a voltage level supplied from the imaging device to the output unit, The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit causes the output unit to output the first power when the output unit outputs the second power and the voltage level is lower than a predetermined value. (Configuration 5) The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that, when the output unit outputs the second power and the state of the lens device is in a specific state, the control unit causes the output unit to output a third power having a voltage different from that of the second power. (Configuration 6) A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5; A driven part; A lens device comprising: a driven portion; and an output portion that receives power from the imaging device and outputs power used to move the driven portion. (Configuration 7) A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5; and an imaging element. (Method 1) A control method used in a camera system including an imaging device, a driven part, and a lens device including an output part that is supplied with power from the imaging device and outputs power used to move the driven part, comprising: A step of moving the driven part in a PWM output method or a linear output method using power from the output part; a step of causing the output unit to output a first power when the driven part is moved using the PWM output method, and a step of causing the output unit to output a second power different from the first power when the driven part is moved using the linear output method. (Configuration 8) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to method 1.

[0051] 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]

[0052] 100 Camera System 101 Interchangeable lenses (lens devices) 102 Lens CPU 106 Power supply circuit section (output section) 110 Motion compensation lens (driven part) 128 Driver IC (drive unit) 129 Actuator 142 Control section 150 Camera body (imaging device)

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a lens device including a power supply circuit unit that receives power from an imaging device and an actuator that moves a driven unit, a drive control unit that drives the actuator using power from the power supply circuit unit; a power control unit that controls the output of power from the power supply circuit unit to the drive control unit, the drive control unit is capable of switching between a PWM output method and a linear output method in driving the actuator, The power control unit When the drive control unit drives the actuator using the PWM output method, the drive control unit causes the power supply circuit unit to output a first power, a control device that causes the power supply circuit to output a second power different from the first power when the drive control unit drives the actuator using the linear output method;

2. a voltage of the first power is the same as a voltage of the power supplied from the imaging device; 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage of the second power is different from the voltage of the power supplied from the imaging device.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the power supply circuit unit outputs the second power via a DCDC circuit.

4. a detection unit that detects a voltage level supplied from the imaging device to the power supply circuit unit, 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit causes the power supply circuit unit to output the first power when the power supply circuit unit outputs the second power and the voltage level is lower than a predetermined value.

5. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit causes the power supply circuit unit to output a third power having a voltage different from that of the second power when the power supply circuit unit outputs the second power and the state of the lens device is in a specific state.

6. 3. A lens device comprising: the control device according to claim 1; the power supply circuit section; and the actuator.

7. The lens device described in Claim 6, characterized in that it is detachable from the imaging device.

8. The control device according to claim 1 or 2; and an imaging element.

9. A control method for controlling a lens device including a power supply circuit unit that receives power from an imaging device and an actuator that moves a driven unit, comprising: moving the driven part using power from the power supply circuit part; a step of causing the power supply circuit unit to output a first power when the driven unit is moved using a PWM output method, and causing the power supply circuit unit to output a second power different from the first power when the driven unit is moved using a linear output method, A control method characterized in that, when the driven part is moved by the PWM output method or the linear output method, the PWM output method and the linear method can be switched.

10. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 9.

Images