Lens device and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a lens device having an auto-focus mode and a manual focus mode, and capable of executing a focus adjustment of two optical systems individually with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A lens device includes: a first adjustment part for moving a first optical system; a second adjustment part for moving at least a second optical system; and an operation member to be operated for moving at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system. The lens device is capable of switching between the auto-focus mode for executing a focus adjustment of the first optical system and the second optical system according to subject information and a manual focus mode for executing a focus adjustment according to an operation to the operation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a lens in which the left and right optical systems are arranged at a predetermined distance (baseline length) apart, and two image circles are formed in parallel on one imaging element. In such a lens, the images formed by the left and right optical systems are recorded as moving or still images for the left and right eyes, respectively, and when viewed using a 3D display or VR goggles during playback, the image for the right eye is projected on the right eye of the viewer, and the image for the left eye is projected on the left eye. At this time, images with parallax are projected on the right and left eyes due to the baseline length of the left and right optical systems, so the viewer can get a three-dimensional effect. In order to capture an image with parallax, it is necessary to adjust the focus of the left and right optical systems separately.

[0003] Although different from the above configuration, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which binoculars with a photographing function can be switched between a coarse adjustment mode by rotating a focus dial and a fine adjustment mode by pressing a release button. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4602039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the left and right optical systems are adjusted simultaneously, so the focus difference between the left and right images is not eliminated, which gives the viewer an unpleasant impression.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device that has an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode and is capable of individually and highly accurately adjusting the focus of two optical systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A lens device according to one aspect of the present invention has a first adjustment unit for moving a first optical system, a second adjustment unit for moving at least a second optical system, and an operating member that is operated to move at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system, and is characterized in that the lens device is switchable between an autofocus mode in which focus adjustment of the first optical system and the second optical system is performed based on subject information, and a manual focus mode in which focus adjustment is performed based on operation of the operating member. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device that has an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode and is capable of individually and highly accurately adjusting the focus of two optical systems. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to first to third embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an imaging element is tilted. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the interchangeable lens of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a top view of the interchangeable lens of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of the interchangeable lens of Example 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to fourth to sixth embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] 20 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of an interchangeable lens of Example 7. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 24] 20 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 27]20 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a side view of the interchangeable lens of Example 9. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of a camera system according to a ninth 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. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0011] A lens device (interchangeable lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention has two optical systems (a first optical system and a second optical system) arranged in parallel (symmetrically) to one another, and is configured to form two image circles in parallel on one image sensor. The two optical systems are arranged horizontally at a predetermined distance (baseline length). When viewed from the image side, an image formed by the right optical system (the first optical system) is recorded as a moving image or still image for the right eye, and an image formed by the left optical system (the second optical system) is recorded as a moving image or still image for the left eye.

[0012] By viewing a video or still image (image) using a 3D display or so-called VR goggles, an image for the right eye is projected onto the right eye of the viewer, and an image for the left eye is projected onto the left eye. At this time, images with parallax are projected onto the right and left eyes due to the baseline lengths of the left and right optical systems, so the viewer can get a sense of three-dimensionality. In this way, the lens device of this embodiment is a lens device for stereoscopic photography that can form two images with parallax using the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0013] In the following description, the reference numerals for the first optical system (right-eye optical system) are followed by the suffix R, and the reference numerals for the second optical system (left-eye optical system) are followed by the suffix L. The reference numerals for descriptions common to both the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system are followed by the suffix neither R nor L. EXAMPLES

[0014] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens 200 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0015] The interchangeable lens 200 has a right-eye optical system 201R and a left-eye optical system 201L. The right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L are each capable of photographing at an angle of view of 180 degrees or more. The left and right optical systems each have a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 that is substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis, and a third optical axis OA3 that is parallel to the first optical axis, which are set in this order from the subject side. In addition, the left and right optical systems each have a first group lens 211 having a surface 211A that is convex toward the subject side and arranged along the first optical axis OA1, a second group lens 221 arranged along the second optical axis OA2, and third group lenses 231A and 231B arranged along the third optical axis OA3. Furthermore, each of the left and right eye optical systems has a first prism 220 that bends a light beam parallel to the first optical axis OA1 and guides it to a second optical axis OA2, and a second prism 230 that bends a light beam parallel to the second optical axis OA2 and guides it to a third optical axis OA3. In the following description, the optical axis direction is a direction extending toward the subject side and the imaging surface side, and is parallel to the first optical axis OA1. In this embodiment, the optical systems are arranged on the left and right, but they may be arranged above and below.

[0016] 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system 100 of this embodiment. The camera system 100 has an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body (imaging device) 110 to which the interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached. The camera body 110 has a single imaging element 111.

[0017] In this embodiment, the left and right optical systems are supported by the lens base 300 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111 relative to the lens base 300. A right eye drive unit (first adjustment unit) 500R and a left eye drive unit (second adjustment unit) 500L are attached to the left and right optical systems, respectively, for moving the optical systems relative to the lens base 300. The right eye drive unit 500R moves the right eye optical system 201R to adjust the focus of the right eye optical system 201. The left eye drive unit 500L moves the left eye optical system 201L to adjust the focus of the left eye optical system 201L. With this configuration, the left and right optical systems can be relatively moved in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111. The right eye drive unit 500R and the left eye drive unit 500L can perform so-called focus adjustment by extending the entire optical system, respectively, for the left and right optical systems. In this embodiment, a DC motor or a stepping motor is used as the driving source, but other driving sources may be used.

[0018] Interchangeable lens 200 is attached to camera body 110 via lens mount section 202 and camera mount section 122. Imaging element 111 is installed so that the imaging surface is parallel to lens mount section 202. However, it is difficult to make the imaging surface completely parallel to lens mount section 202 due to manufacturing errors, and imaging element 111 may actually be fixed with the imaging surface slightly tilted relative to lens mount section 202.

[0019] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the imaging element 111 is tilted. In the manufacturing process, the interchangeable lens 200 is adjusted so that the difference between the distance between the imaging position of the right eye optical system 201R and the imaging position of the left eye optical system 201L from the lens mount unit 202, that is, the flange back distance, is zero. However, due to the inclination of the imaging element 111, the left and right optical systems are not always at the best focusing positions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the left and right optical systems are configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, so that the focal positions of the left and right optical systems can be adjusted.

[0020] 5 is a top view of the interchangeable lens 200. The left and right optical systems are arranged to protrude relative to the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 has a manual focus operation ring (hereinafter, MF operation ring) 601 and an AF / MF changeover switch 700. The interchangeable lens 200 is configured to be switchable between autofocus mode (AF mode) and manual focus mode (MF mode) by the AF / MF changeover switch 700.

[0021] In the AF mode, the focus adjustment of the left and right optical systems is performed based on the subject information. In the MF mode, the focus adjustment of the left and right optical systems is performed based on the operation of the MF operation ring 601, which is an operation member. Specifically, when the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF" and the photographer rotates the MF operation ring 601, the left and right optical systems move in the optical axis direction. Note that, in this embodiment, the AF mode and the MF mode are switched by the AF / MF changeover switch 700, but may also be switched from the menu screen of the camera body 110.

[0022] 6 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100. The interchangeable lens 200 has a right eye optical system 201R, a left eye optical system 201L, a lens mount unit 202, a right eye drive unit 500R, a left eye drive unit 500L, an MF operation ring 601, an encoder 602, an AF / MF changeover switch 700, and a lens system control unit 209. The camera body 110 has an image sensor 111, an A / D conversion unit 112, an image processing unit 113, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a storage unit 116, an AF detection unit 117, a body system control unit 118, and a camera mount unit 122.

[0023] When the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount section 202 and the camera mount section 122, the body system control section 118 and the lens system control section 209 are electrically connected.

[0024] A right eye image formed via the right eye optical system 201R and a left eye image formed via the left eye optical system 201L are formed side by side as subject images on the imaging element 111. The imaging element 111 converts the formed subject image (optical signal) into an analog electrical signal. The A / D conversion unit 112 converts the analog electrical signal output from the imaging element 111 into a digital electrical signal (image signal, digital signal of the subject image). The A / D conversion unit 112 may be configured as being built into the imaging element 111. The image processing unit 113 performs various image processing on the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0025] The display unit 114 displays various types of information. The display unit 114 is realized, for example, by using an electronic viewfinder or a liquid crystal panel. The operation unit 115 functions as a user interface that enables the photographer to give instructions to the camera system 100. If the display unit 114 has a touch panel, the touch panel also becomes one of the operation units 115.

[0026] The storage unit 116 stores various data such as image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 113. The storage unit 116 also stores programs. The storage unit 116 is realized by using, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a HDD.

[0027] The AF detection unit 117 calculates the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R and the left eye drive unit 500L for the digital electric signal (image signal) output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0028] The body system control unit 118 generally controls the entire camera system 100. The body system control unit 118 is realized by using a CPU, for example.

[0029] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 in this embodiment when determining the movement of the focus lens. The flow of Fig. 7 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0030] In step S101, the lens system control unit 209 controls the right eye driving unit 500R and the left eye driving unit 500L to move the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L to their initial positions.

[0031] In step S102, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF." If it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF," the process of step S103 is executed, and if it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is not set to "AF," that is, that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF," the process of step S107 is executed.

[0032] In step S103, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the drive amounts of the right eye drive unit 500R and the left eye drive unit 500L calculated by the AF detection unit 117 using the AF detection results of the left and right images.

[0033] In step S104, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether or not a half-press of the shutter button by the photographer has been detected. If it is determined that a half-press of the shutter button has been detected, the process of step S105 is executed, and if it is determined that a half-press of the shutter button has not been detected, the process of step S104 is executed again.

[0034] In step S105, the lens system control unit 209 coordinately drives the right eye driving unit 500R and the left eye driving unit 500L with the driving amount acquired in step S103 or determined in step S110 described later, to move the left and right eye optical systems to predetermined positions.

[0035] In step S106, the lens system control unit 209 executes a still image shooting operation in response to the photographer fully pressing the shutter button.

[0036] In step S107, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R calculated by the AF detection unit 117 using the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0037] In step S108, the lens system control unit 209 drives the right eye drive unit 500R by the drive amount acquired in step S107 to move the right eye optical system 201R to a predetermined position, thereby eliminating the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0038] In step S109, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation (amount of operation) of the MF operation ring 601 by the photographer, which is detected by the encoder 602.

[0039] In step S110, the lens system control unit 209 uses the rotation amount of the MF operation ring 601 to determine the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R and the left eye drive unit 500L.

[0040] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can switch between AF mode and MF mode with a simple operation, and even if left and right optical systems are installed, focus adjustment of the left and right optical systems can be easily performed by operating the MF operation ring 601.

[0041] In this embodiment, the description has been given taking still image shooting as an example, but the same applies to video shooting. In this embodiment, the right eye optical system 201R is moved to match the position of the left eye optical system 201L using the detection result by the AF detection unit 117 in MF mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, one of the left and right eye optical systems may be moved so that the focus difference is eliminated. If there is a margin in the depth of field, there is no problem even if there is a slight focus difference between the left and right images, so such an alignment operation may be omitted. In this embodiment, the left and right eye optical systems are provided with an overall focus mechanism that can adjust the focus by moving all the lenses, but may also be provided with an inner focus mechanism that can adjust the focus by moving some of the lenses. EXAMPLES

[0042] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 1 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 1 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0043] 8 is a top view of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 has a selection button (selection unit) 800. Using the selection button 800 in this embodiment, the photographer can select whether to move the right eye optical system 201R or the left eye optical system 201L when the MF operation ring 601 is rotated. That is, in this embodiment, the photographer can use the selection button 800 to select the drive unit to be driven during MF. Note that, although the selection button 800 is a button in this embodiment, it may be another operation member.

[0044] 9 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, but a selection button 800 is added to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens system control unit 209 determines the optical system selected by the selection button 800, and moves the selected optical system in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the movement of the focus lens by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 of this embodiment. The flow of Fig. 10 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0046] The processing from step S201 to step S206 is similar to the processing from step S101 to step S106 in FIG. 7, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] In step S207, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the optical system selected by the photographer using the selection button 800 to be moved in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 is the right eye optical system 201R. If it is determined that it is the right eye optical system 201R, the process of step S208 is executed, and if it is determined that it is not the right eye optical system 201R, that is, that it is the left eye optical system 201L, the process of step S215 is executed.

[0048] The process of step S208 is similar to the process of step S109 in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In step S209, the lens system control unit 209 uses the rotation amount of the MF operation ring 601 to determine the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R.

[0050] In step S210, the lens system control unit 209 drives the right eye driving unit 500R using the driving amount determined in step S209, and moves the right eye optical system 201R to a predetermined position.

[0051] In step S211, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the optical system selected by the photographer using the selection button 800 to be moved in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 is the left eye optical system 201L. If it is determined that it is the left eye optical system 201L, the process of step S212 is executed, and if it is determined that it is not the left eye optical system 201L, the process of step S211 is executed again.

[0052] The process of step S212 is similar to the process of step S109 in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] In step S213, the lens system control unit 209 uses the rotation amount of the MF operation ring 601 to determine the drive amount of the left eye drive unit 500L.

[0054] In step S214, the lens system control unit 209 drives the left eye driving unit 500L using the driving amount determined in step S213, and moves the left eye optical system 201L to a predetermined position.

[0055] The processes in steps S215 to S221 are similar to those in steps S212 to S214 and steps S207 to S210, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0056] In this embodiment, in step S207, it is determined whether the optical system is the right eye optical system 201R, but it may be determined whether the optical system is the left eye optical system 201L. In this case, in step S211, it is determined whether the optical system is the right eye optical system 201R, and in step S218, it is determined whether the optical system is the left eye optical system 201L.

[0057] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can select the optical system to be moved by simply pressing a button. Also, since the photographer can adjust the left and right optical systems individually, the photographer can perform focus adjustment of the left and right optical systems with high accuracy, and it becomes possible to obtain a high-quality image.

[0058] In this embodiment, a tactile feedback device such as a haptics technology may be mounted inside the MF operation ring 601, so that the operational feel changes depending on the selected optical system (the selection result of the selection button 800). With such a configuration, the photographer can easily determine which optical system has been selected. EXAMPLES

[0059] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 1 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 1 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0060] 11 is a top view of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 has a first MF operation ring 603A for moving the right eye optical system 201R, and a second MF operation ring 603B for moving the left eye optical system 201L. When the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF," if the photographer rotates the first MF operation ring 603A, the right eye optical system 201R moves in the optical axis direction, and if the photographer rotates the second MF operation ring 603B, the left eye optical system 201L moves in the optical axis direction.

[0061] 12 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but a first MF operation ring 603A and a second MF operation ring 603B are added to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the first MF operation ring 601A by the photographer detected by the encoder 602, and uses the acquired amount of rotation of the first MF operation ring 601A to determine the amount of drive of the right eye drive unit 500R. In addition, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the second MF operation ring 601B by the photographer detected by the encoder 602, and uses the acquired amount of rotation of the second MF operation ring 601B to determine the amount of drive of the left eye drive unit 500L.

[0062] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the movement of the focus lens by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 of this embodiment. The flow of Fig. 13 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0063] The processes in steps S301 to S306 are similar to those in steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0064] In step S307, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the first MF operation ring 603A has been operated. If it is determined that the first MF operation ring 603A has been operated, the process of step S308 is executed. If it is determined that the first MF operation ring 603A has not been operated, that is, that the second MF operation ring 601B has been operated, the process of step S311 is executed.

[0065] In step S308, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the first MF operation ring 601A by the photographer, which is detected by the encoder 602.

[0066] In step S309, the lens system control unit 209 determines the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R using the rotation amount of the first MF operation ring 601A.

[0067] In step S310, the lens system control unit 209 drives the right eye driving unit 500R using the driving amount determined in step S309, and moves the right eye optical system 201R to a predetermined position.

[0068] In step S311, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the second MF operation ring 601B by the photographer, which is detected by the encoder 602.

[0069] In step S312, the lens system control unit 209 determines the drive amount of the left eye drive unit 500L using the rotation amount of the second MF operation ring 601B.

[0070] In step S313, the lens system control unit 209 drives the left eye driving unit 500L using the driving amount determined in step S312, and moves the left eye optical system 201L to a predetermined position.

[0071] According to the configuration of this embodiment, by providing MF operation rings corresponding to the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L, the photographer can easily adjust the focus of the right and left eye optical systems. In addition, since the first MF operation ring 603A and the second MF operation ring 603B are arranged to be aligned on the optical axis, the photographer's operability is not impaired.

[0072] In this embodiment, a tactile feedback device such as haptics technology may be mounted inside each MF operation ring, so that each MF operation ring has a different operating feel. This allows the photographer to easily determine which optical system to move. Also, to allow the photographer to easily determine which optical system to move, the load torque of the MF operation ring may be physically changed between the left and right. EXAMPLES

[0073] 14 is a schematic diagram of a camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 of this embodiment is the same as that of the camera system 100 of embodiment 1. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as that of embodiments 1 to 3. In this embodiment, configurations different from those of embodiments 1 to 3 will be described, and descriptions of common configurations will be omitted.

[0074] The interchangeable lens 200 has a right-eye optical system 201R and a left-eye optical system 201L. In this embodiment, the left-eye optical system 201L is fixed to a lens base 300, and the right-eye optical system 201R is supported by the lens base 300 so as to be movable relative to the lens base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111. The interchangeable lens 200 also has a drive unit (second adjustment unit) 400 for moving the lens base 300, and a right-eye drive unit 500R that can move the right-eye optical system 201R relatively to the lens base 300 and adjust the relative focal positions of the left and right optical systems.

[0075] The drive unit 400 moves the left and right optical systems by moving the lens base 300. That is, the drive unit 400 can adjust the focus of the left and right optical systems simultaneously. In this embodiment, the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L are configured as a lens group in which the imaging optical system is integrated, and are configured to perform focus adjustment by extending the entire optical system.

[0076] As described in the first embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount unit 202 and the camera mount unit 122. The image sensor 111 is installed so that the imaging surface is parallel to the lens mount unit 202. However, it is difficult to make the imaging surface completely parallel to the lens mount unit 202 due to manufacturing errors, and the image sensor 111 may actually be fixed in a state in which the imaging surface is slightly tilted with respect to the lens mount unit 202. In this embodiment, the right eye optical system 201R is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, making it possible to adjust the relative focal positions of the left and right eye optical systems.

[0077] In addition, if the flange backs of the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L are adjusted for each shooting, the time lost due to the adjustment work may cause a shooting opportunity to be missed or the operation to become complicated. In this embodiment, the right eye driving unit 500R moves the right eye optical system 201R, thereby eliminating the focus difference between the left and right images. In addition, the driving unit 400 moves the lens base 300, thereby moving the left and right optical systems simultaneously in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, and it is possible to adjust the focus simultaneously while holding the left and right optical systems integrally. With this configuration, it is possible to perform focus adjustment quickly and accurately in a simple manner.

[0078] The interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment has the same external configuration as the interchangeable lens 200 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0079] 15 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but a driving unit 400 is added to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens system control unit 209 determines the driving amount of the driving unit 400 using the detection result of the encoder 602.

[0080] A right eye image formed via the right eye optical system 201R and a left eye image formed via the left eye optical system 201L are formed side by side as subject images on the imaging element 111. The imaging element 111 converts the formed subject image (optical signal) into an analog electrical signal. The A / D conversion unit 112 converts the analog electrical signal output from the imaging element 111 into a digital electrical signal (image signal). The A / D conversion unit 112 may be configured as being built into the imaging element 111. The image processing unit 113 performs various image processing on the digital electrical signal (image signal) output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0081] The AF detection unit 117 calculates the drive amount of the drive unit 400 and the right eye drive unit 500R from the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112. In this embodiment, the AF detection unit 117 determines the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R from the difference between the left eye image and the right eye image, and determines the drive amount of the drive unit 400 from information on the left eye image, for example. This makes it possible to realize an AF configuration that moves the left and right eye optical systems integrally with a simple configuration while eliminating the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0082] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 in this embodiment when determining the movement of the focus lens. The flow of Fig. 16 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0083] In step S401, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R calculated by the AF detection unit 117 using the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0084] In step S402, the lens system control unit 209 drives the right eye drive unit 500R by the drive amount acquired in step S101 to move the right eye optical system 201R to a predetermined position, thereby eliminating the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0085] In step S403, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF." If it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF," the process of step S404 is executed, and if it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is not set to "AF," that is, that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF," the process of step S408 is executed.

[0086] In step S404, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the drive amount of the drive unit 400 calculated by the AF detection unit 117 using the AF detection result of the left eye image.

[0087] In step S405, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether or not a half-press of the shutter button by the photographer has been detected. If it is determined that a half-press of the shutter button has been detected, the process of step S406 is executed, and if it is determined that a half-press of the shutter button has not been detected, the process of step S405 is executed again.

[0088] In step S406, the lens system control unit 209 drives the driving unit 400 by the driving amount acquired in step S404 or determined in step S409 (described later) to move the lens base 300. This moves the left and right eye optical systems to predetermined positions.

[0089] In step S407, the lens system control unit 209 executes a still image shooting operation in response to the photographer fully pressing the shutter button.

[0090] In step S 408 , the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the MF operation ring 601 by the photographer, which is detected by the encoder 602 .

[0091] In step S 409 , the lens system control unit 209 uses the amount of rotation of the MF operation ring 601 to determine the amount of drive of the drive unit 400 .

[0092] In this embodiment, since the right eye optical system 201R is moved first to eliminate the focus difference between the left and right images, only the drive unit 400 is driven in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601.

[0093] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can switch between AF mode and MF mode with a simple operation. In addition, even if left and right optical systems are installed, the focus of the left and right optical systems can be easily adjusted by rotating the MF operation ring 601. Furthermore, the right eye drive unit 500R is automatically driven by the AF detection unit 117 to eliminate the focus difference between the left and right images in both AF mode and MF mode, so the photographer can operate the MF operation ring 601 without worrying about the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0094] In this embodiment, the AF detection unit 117 determines the drive amount of the drive unit 400 using the AF detection result of the left eye image, but as long as the focus difference between the left and right images is eliminated in advance, the AF detection unit 117 may use any part of the captured image for detection. EXAMPLES

[0095] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 4 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 4. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 4 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0096] The interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment has the same external configuration as the interchangeable lens 200 of embodiment 2 described with reference to Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the photographer can use the selection button 800 to select whether to move the right eye optical system 201R or the lens base 300 when the MF operation ring 601 is rotated.

[0097] 17 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, but a selection button 800 is added to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens system control unit 209 determines the member selected by the selection button 800 (the right eye optical system 201R or the lens base 300), and moves the selected member in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601.

[0098] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 in this embodiment when determining the movement of the focus lens. The flow of Fig. 18 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0099] In step S501, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF." If it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF," the process of step S502 is executed, and if it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is not set to "AF," that is, that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF," the process of step S508 is executed.

[0100] The processes in steps S502 to S507 are similar to those in steps S401, S402, and S404 to S407 in FIG. 16, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0101] In step S508, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the focus difference between the left and right images is greater than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the focus difference between the left and right images is greater than the predetermined value, the process of step S509 is executed, and if it is determined that the focus difference between the left and right images is smaller than the predetermined value, the process of step S517 is executed. Note that if the focus difference between the left and right images is equal to the predetermined value, it is possible to arbitrarily set which step to execute.

[0102] In step S509, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the member selected by the photographer using the selection button 800 to be moved in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 is the right eye optical system 201R. If it is determined that it is the right eye optical system 201R, the process of step S510 is executed, and if it is determined that it is not the right eye optical system 201R, i.e., that it is the lens base 300, the process of step S509 is executed again.

[0103] The processes in steps S510 to S512 are similar to those in steps S208 to S210 in FIG. 10, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0104] In step S513, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the member selected by the photographer using the selection button 800 to be moved in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 is the lens base 300. If it is determined that it is the lens base 300, the process of step S514 is executed, and if it is determined that it is not the lens base 300, that is, that it is the right eye optical system 201R, the process of step S513 is executed again.

[0105] The process of step S514 is similar to the process of step S510, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] In step S 515 , the lens system control unit 209 uses the amount of rotation of the MF operation ring 601 to determine the amount of drive of the lens base 300 .

[0107] In step S516, the lens system control unit 209 drives the lens base 300 using the drive amount determined in step S515, and moves the left and right optical systems to predetermined positions.

[0108] In step S517, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the member selected by the photographer using the selection button 800 to be moved in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 is the lens base 300. If it is determined that it is the lens base 300, the process of step S518 is executed, and if it is determined that it is not the lens base 300, that is, that it is the right eye optical system 201R, the process of step S517 is executed again.

[0109] The processes in steps S518 to S520 are similar to those in steps S514 to S516, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0110] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can select the member to be moved by a simple action of pressing a button. Also, if the left and right images are out of focus, the photographer can select the right eye optical system 201R to eliminate the focus difference between the left and right images. Furthermore, if there is no focus difference between the left and right images, the photographer can select the lens base 300 and easily adjust the left and right focus by rotating the MF operation ring 601.

[0111] Note that the drive amount of the drive unit caused by the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 (the drive amount of the drive unit corresponding to a unit operation of the MF operation ring 601) may be changed between when the right eye optical system 201R is selected and when the lens base 300 is selected. With this configuration, for example, when the right eye optical system 201R is selected, the drive amount per rotation of the MF operation ring 601 can be reduced (the resolution is increased) to increase the efficiency of the photographer's delicate adjustment work to adjust the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0112] In this embodiment, a tactile feedback device such as a haptics technology may be mounted inside the MF operation ring 601, so that the operational feel changes depending on the selected member. With this configuration, the photographer can easily tell which member is selected. EXAMPLES

[0113] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 4 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 4 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0114] The interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment has the same external configuration as the interchangeable lens 200 of the third embodiment described with reference to FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 has a first MF operation ring 603A for moving the right eye optical system 201R, and a second MF operation ring 603B for moving the lens base 300. When the photographer rotates the first MF operation ring 603A while the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF", the right eye optical system 201R moves in the optical axis direction. In addition, when the second MF operation ring 603B is rotated, the lens base 300 moves, and the left and right eye optical systems move in the optical axis direction.

[0115] 19 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, but a first MF operation ring 603A and a second MF operation ring 603B are added to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the first MF operation ring 601A by the photographer detected by the encoder 602, and determines the amount of drive of the right eye drive unit 500R using the acquired amount of rotation of the first MF operation ring 601A. The lens system control unit 209 also acquires the amount of rotation of the second MF operation ring 601B by the photographer detected by the encoder 602, and determines the amount of drive of the drive unit 400 using the acquired amount of rotation of the second MF operation ring 601B.

[0116] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 in this embodiment when determining the movement of the focus lens. The flow of Fig. 20 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0117] The processes in steps S601 to S607 are similar to those in steps S501 to S506 in FIG. 18, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0118] In step S608, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the first MF operation ring 603A has been operated. If it is determined that the first MF operation ring 603A has been operated, the process of step S609 is executed. If it is determined that the first MF operation ring 603A has not been operated, that is, that the second MF operation ring 601B has been operated, the process of step S612 is executed.

[0119] In step S609, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the first MF operation ring 601A by the photographer, which is detected by the encoder 602.

[0120] In step S610, the lens system control unit 209 determines the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R using the rotation amount of the first MF operation ring 601A.

[0121] In step S611, the lens system control unit 209 drives the right eye driving unit 500R using the driving amount determined in step S610, and moves the right eye optical system 201R to a predetermined position.

[0122] In step S612, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation of the second MF operation ring 601B by the photographer, which is detected by the encoder 602.

[0123] In step S613, the lens system control unit 209 determines the driving amount of the driving unit 400 using the rotation amount of the second MF operation ring 601B.

[0124] In step S614, the lens system control unit 209 drives the drive unit 400 using the drive amount determined in step S613 to move the lens base 300. This moves the left and right optical systems to predetermined positions.

[0125] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can easily adjust the focus of the left and right eye optical systems by providing MF operation rings corresponding to the right eye optical system 201R and the lens base 300. In addition, the first MF operation ring 603A and the second MF operation ring 603B are arranged side by side on the optical axis, so operability for the photographer is not impaired.

[0126] In this embodiment, a tactile feedback device such as haptics technology may be mounted inside each MF operation ring, allowing each MF operation ring to have a different operating feel. This allows the photographer to easily determine which member to move. Also, to allow the photographer to easily determine which member to move, the load torque of the MF operation ring may be physically different between the left and right. EXAMPLES

[0127] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 4 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 4 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0128] 21 is a schematic configuration diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the left eye optical system 201L is fixed to the lens base 300, and the right eye optical system 201R is supported so as to be movable relative to the lens base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 has a drive unit 400 for moving the lens base 300, and a right eye optical system focus adjustment unit (first adjustment unit) 510 for moving the right eye optical system 201R relatively to the lens base 300.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 22, the right eye optical system focus adjustment unit 510 is attached to the exterior cover member 203 so that it can be operated by the photographer. The right eye optical system focus adjustment unit 510 is rotatably held by the exterior cover member 203 and is fixed so as not to move in the focus adjustment direction. The photographer can adjust the flange focal distances of the left and right optical systems by operating the right eye optical system focus adjustment unit 510 in accordance with the inclination of the imaging element 111. By adjusting the relative deviation between the flange focal distances of the left and right optical systems in advance, it becomes possible to simultaneously perform focusing operations on the left and right optical systems by driving only the drive unit 400 during shooting.

[0130] 23 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, but the interchangeable lens 200 is not equipped with a right eye driving unit 500R.

[0131] Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the movement of the focus lens by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 of this embodiment. The flow of Fig. 24 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on. Note that the photographer needs to check the focus difference between the left and right images before starting shooting. If there is no focus difference, shooting can be continued as is, but if there is a focus difference, the photographer needs to eliminate the focus difference by adjusting the right eye optical system focus adjustment unit 510.

[0132] In step S701, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF." If it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF," the process of step S702 is executed, and if it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is not set to "AF," that is, that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF," the process of step S706 is executed.

[0133] The processes in steps S702 to S707 are similar to those in steps S404 to S409 in FIG. 16, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0134] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can switch between AF mode and MF mode with a simple operation. In addition, even if left and right optical systems are installed, the focus adjustment of the left and right optical systems can be easily performed by rotating the MF operation ring 601. In addition, since the photographer manually performs the focus adjustment of the right optical system 201R, the number of parts of the interchangeable lens 200 can be reduced.

[0135] In this embodiment, the AF detection unit 117 determines the drive amount of the drive unit 400 using the AF detection result of the left eye image, but as long as the focus difference between the left and right images is eliminated in advance, the AF detection unit 117 may use any part of the captured image for detection. EXAMPLES

[0136] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 1 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 1 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0137] The interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment has the same external configuration as the interchangeable lens 200 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0138] 25 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The left and right optical systems are supported by the lens base 300 so as to be movable relative to the lens base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111. A right eye drive unit 500R and a left eye drive unit 500L are attached to the left and right optical systems, respectively, for moving relative to the lens base 300. With this configuration, the left and right optical systems can move relatively in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111.

[0139] The left and right optical systems can be adjusted by extending the entire optical system using right eye drive unit 500R and left eye drive unit 500L, respectively. In addition, MF operation ring 601 and cam ring 604 are integrally formed, and cam ring 604 is mechanically connected to lens base 300. Although cam ring 604 is not shown, the surface of the cam ring is tapered, and lens base 300 can be moved in the optical axis direction by rotating cam ring 604.

[0140] 26 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as in embodiment 1, but because the lens base 300 is mechanically movable in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601, the interchangeable lens 200 is not equipped with an encoder 602 that detects the rotation of the MF operation ring 601. In this embodiment, when the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "AF," AF operates, but when it is set to "MF," AF does not operate.

[0141] Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 in this embodiment when determining the movement of the focus lens. The flow of Fig. 27 starts when the power of the camera system 100 is turned on.

[0142] The processes in steps S801 to S804 and S806 are similar to those in steps S101 to S104 and S106 in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0143] In step S805, the lens system control unit 209 drives the right eye driving unit 500R and the left eye driving unit 500L with the driving amount of the lens base 300 acquired in step S103 or according to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601, and moves the left and right eye optical systems to predetermined positions.

[0144] In this embodiment, when it is determined that the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF," AF is no longer in operation, and the lens base 300 is moved mechanically by the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 by the photographer.

[0145] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can switch between AF mode and MF mode with a simple operation, and even if left and right optical systems are installed, the focus difference between the left and right images can be easily adjusted by rotating the MF operation ring 601.

[0146] In this embodiment, AF does not operate when the AF / MF changeover switch 700 is set to "MF", but it may be configured so that when "AF" is set, the MF operation ring 601, cam ring 604, and lens base 300 are disconnected and MF operation is not possible. Also, it may be configured so that fine adjustments are mechanically performed in MF while AF is being performed, without including the AF / MF changeover switch 700.

[0147] In this embodiment, the left and right optical systems are moved to the right eye drive unit 500R and the left eye drive unit 500L, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. As in the fourth to sixth embodiments, a right eye drive unit 500R may be provided to eliminate the focus difference between the left and right images, and the lens base 300 may be mechanically moved by the MF operation ring 601 and the cam ring 604 instead of the drive unit 400. In this configuration, only the right eye drive unit 500R is subject to switching between AF and MF. EXAMPLES

[0148] The camera system 100 of this embodiment differs from the camera system 100 of embodiment 5 in the configuration of the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of the camera body 110 is the same as in embodiment 4. In this embodiment, differences from embodiment 5 will be described, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0149] 28 is a side view of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 has a changeover switch 900. The changeover switch 900 is disposed on the left side as viewed from the lens mount unit 202, and is a slide switch.

[0150] In this embodiment, the photographer can use the changeover switch 900 to select whether to move the right eye optical system 201R or the lens base 300. When the changeover switch 900 is set in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in Fig. 28, the lens base 300 moves to enter a mode in which the right and left eye optical systems can move in the optical axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the first mode).

[0151] When the changeover switch 900 is slid toward the lens mount portion 202 (the direction of the arrow in Figure 28), the right eye optical system 201R is moved relative to the lens base 300, and the mode (hereinafter referred to as the second mode) is entered in which the relative focal positions of the left and right eye optical systems are adjusted.

[0152] 29 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, but a changeover switch 900 is added to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens system control unit 209 determines the position of the changeover switch 900, selects the right eye optical system 201R or the lens base 300, and moves the selected member in response to the rotation of the MF operation ring 601.

[0153] The basic flow of the process performed by the body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 in this embodiment to determine the movement of the focus lens is the same as in embodiment 5, so a description thereof will be omitted. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 is the same as in the embodiment, but the selection button 800 is not provided, and instead a changeover switch 900 is provided.

[0154] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can select the member to be moved by a simple operation of sliding the changeover switch 900. Also, when the left and right images are out of focus, the photographer selects the right eye optical system 201R to eliminate the focus difference between the left and right images. Furthermore, when there is no focus difference between the left and right images, the photographer can select the lens base 300 and easily adjust the left and right focus by rotating the MF operation ring 601.

[0155] In the second mode, the captured image formed through the right eye optical system 201R is enlarged and displayed among the captured images displayed on the display unit 114 of the camera body 110. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the delicate adjustment work for adjusting the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0156] Furthermore, when the second mode is selected using the changeover switch 900, a display may be displayed on the display unit 114 of the camera body 110 so that the user can understand that the second mode is selected. Also, when the second mode is selected, the user may be set so that the user cannot perform any shooting operations. By setting the camera in this way, the user can be made aware that the second mode is selected.

[0157] Then, an operation of driving the right eye optical system 201R to a predetermined position (hereinafter, referred to as a reset operation) may be performed every time the second mode is selected. Once the focus difference between the left and right images is adjusted by selecting the second mode, the focus of the left and right images will not basically deviate from the adjusted position. However, after the focus difference between the left and right images is adjusted, there is a risk that a focus difference between the left and right images may occur due to an external impact or the like. If the photographer notices that a focus difference has occurred, the photographer selects the second mode using the changeover switch 900. At this time, a reset operation of returning the right eye optical system 201R to the initial position reduces the amount of deviation in the focus adjustment of the left and right images, making it possible to reduce the burden of the photographer in adjusting the focus.

[0158] The position of the right eye optical system 201R may be moved to the position where the relative focal positions of the left and right eye optical systems were previously adjusted.

[0159] Furthermore, a menu may be provided that allows the settings to be restored to the factory settings when a malfunction occurs in the camera body 110 that is not intended by the photographer.

[0160] In this embodiment, the first mode and the second mode are switched by the changeover switch 900, but the changeover may be configured to be performed from a menu screen of the camera body 110. With this configuration, the photographer can operate the changeover switch 900 or the menu screen in a manner that is easy for the photographer to operate.

[0161] Furthermore, the camera body 110 may be configured in the same way as in Example 2, so that when the first mode is selected using the changeover switch 900, the left and right optical systems are moved, and when the second mode is selected, the right optical system 201R is moved. That is, the photographer can easily select, using the changeover switch 900, whether to perform a focusing operation for the left and right optical systems or to adjust the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0162] Note that the drive amount of the drive unit caused by the rotation of the MF operation ring 601 (the drive amount of the drive unit corresponding to a unit operation of the MF operation ring 601) may be changed between the first mode and the second mode. With this configuration, for example, when the right eye optical system 201R is selected, the drive amount per rotation of the MF operation ring 601 can be reduced (the resolution is increased) to increase the efficiency of the photographer's delicate adjustment work to adjust the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0163] In this embodiment, a tactile feedback device such as a haptics technology may be mounted inside the MF operation ring 601, so that the operational feel changes depending on the selected member. With this configuration, the photographer can easily tell which member is selected.

[0164] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) a first adjustment unit for moving the first optical system; a second adjustment unit for moving at least the second optical system; a lens device having an operating member that is operated to move at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system, The lens device is characterized in that it is switchable between an autofocus mode in which focus adjustment of the first optical system and the second optical system is performed based on subject information, and a manual focus mode in which the focus adjustment is performed based on operation of the operating member. (Configuration 2) 3. The lens apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the second adjustment unit moves only the second optical system. (Configuration 3) 3. The lens device according to configuration 2, wherein in the manual focus mode, the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit are driven cooperatively based on an operation on the operating member. (Configuration 4) 2. The lens apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the second adjustment unit moves the first optical system and the second optical system. (Configuration 5) 5. The lens device according to configuration 4, wherein in the manual focus mode, the second adjustment unit is driven based on an operation on the operation member. (Configuration 6) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a selection unit for selecting one adjustment unit to be driven based on an operation on the operating member in the manual focus mode. (Configuration 7) 7. The lens device according to configuration 6, wherein the operational feel of the operation member changes depending on the selection result of the selection section. (Configuration 8) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the operating member comprises a first operating member operated to drive the first adjustment unit, and a second operating member operated to drive the second adjustment unit. (Configuration 9) 9. The lens device according to configuration 8, wherein the first operating member and the second operating member are arranged along an optical axis of the lens device. (Configuration 10) a selection unit for selecting one adjustment unit to be driven based on an operation of the operation member in the manual focus mode, the operating member includes a first operating member operated to drive the first adjustment unit and a second operating member operated to drive the second adjustment unit, The lens device described in configuration 4 or 5, characterized in that the drive amount of the first adjustment unit corresponding to the unit operation on the operating member when the first optical system is selected by the selection unit is smaller than the drive amount of the second adjustment unit corresponding to the unit operation when the selection unit selects the second adjustment unit. (Configuration 11) The lens device described in configuration 4 is characterized in that it has a first mode in which focusing operation is possible by driving the second adjustment unit, and a second mode in which the first drive source is driven by driving the first adjustment unit, and is capable of switching between the two modes. (Configuration 12) 12. The lens device according to configuration 11, further comprising a switching unit for switching between the first mode and the second mode. (Configuration 13) The lens device described in configuration 12, characterized in that the switching unit is located on the left side when viewed from the image sensor side, and is capable of switching between the first mode and the second mode by a sliding operation, and switching from the first mode to the second mode by sliding the unit toward the image sensor side. (Configuration 14) 11. The lens device according to configuration 10, further comprising a switching menu for switching between the first mode and the second mode. (Configuration 15) the lens device has a position detection unit for detecting a position of the first optical system, 12. The lens device according to configuration 11, wherein when switched to the second mode, the first adjustment unit drives the first optical system to a predetermined position. (Configuration 16) 12. The lens device according to configuration 11, wherein the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit exclusively drive the first optical system and the second optical system, respectively. (Configuration 17) 12. The lens apparatus according to configuration 11, further comprising a means for notifying a photographer that the lens apparatus is in the second mode. (Configuration 18) 12. The lens device according to claim 11, wherein in the second mode, the lens device is unable to take pictures. (Configuration 19) the lens device includes a display unit that displays a first image and a second image formed through the first optical system and the second optical system, The lens device described in configuration 11, characterized in that in the second mode, an image formed through either one of the optical systems driven to adjust the focus difference of the first optical system or the second optical system is enlarged and displayed on a display means. (Configuration 20) The lens device according to configuration 11, further comprising a photographing means for allowing a photographer to perform a photographing operation, and in the autofocus mode, in the first mode, the second adjustment unit is driven when the photographing means is operated, and in the second mode, the first adjustment unit is driven when the photographing means is operated. (Configuration 21) The lens device according to configuration 11, further comprising a photographing means for allowing a photographer to perform a photographing operation, and characterized in that in the manual focus mode, when the operating member is operated in the first mode, the second adjustment unit is driven, and when the operating member is operated in the second mode, the first adjustment unit is driven. (Configuration 22) One of the first operating member and the second operating member is rotatable, 11. The lens device according to any one of configurations 8 to 10, wherein the other of the first operating member and the second operating member is non-rotatable. (Configuration 23) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 22, characterized in that at least one of the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit is driven by a drive amount corresponding to an operation amount for the operating member. (Configuration 24) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 23, characterized in that the first adjustment unit is driven based on a focus difference between a first image formed via the first optical system and a second image formed via the second optical system. (Configuration 25) the operation member is mechanically connected to the first optical system and the second optical system, 4. The lens device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the first optical system and the second optical system move in response to an operation on the operating member. (Configuration 26) The lens device according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the first adjustment unit is configured to be operable. (Configuration 27) The lens device according to any one of the first to second optical systems, wherein the first optical system and the second optical system are configured as a single optical system. (Configuration 28) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 27, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are equipped with an inner focus mechanism that can adjust the focus by moving some of the lenses. (Configuration 29) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 27, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are equipped with an overall focus mechanism that can adjust the focus by moving all lenses. (Configuration 30) 30. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 29, further comprising a switching member for switching between the autofocus mode and the manual focus mode. (Configuration 31) A lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 30; and an imaging element. (Configuration 32) 32. The imaging device according to configuration 31, wherein the imaging element is a single imaging element. (Configuration 33) 33. The imaging apparatus according to claim 31, wherein autofocus is performed using a digital signal of a subject image formed by the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0165] 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.

[0166] In this embodiment, a rotatable ring member is used for MF operation, but a non-rotatable member such as a button member may be used. For example, one of the left and right optical systems may be operated with a button member, and the other of the left and right optical systems may be operated with a ring member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 200 Interchangeable lenses (lens equipment) 201R Right eye optical system (first optical system) 201L Left eye optical system (second optical system) 400 Adjustment section 500R Right eye drive unit (adjustment unit) 500L Left eye drive unit (adjustment unit) 601 MF operation ring (operation part)

Claims

1. A lens device that can be attached to and detached from an imaging device, A first optical system and a second optical system, The system includes a drive unit for moving at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system in the optical axis direction of the at least one optical system, The lens device is characterized in that it can switch between a first drive mode, which performs autofocus by moving both the first optical system and the second optical system in the respective optical axis directions via the drive unit, and a second drive mode, which adjusts the difference in the imaging positions of the same subject image of the first optical system and the second optical system by moving at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system in the optical axis direction of the at least one optical system via the drive unit.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating member for moving at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system in the direction of the optical axis via the drive unit.

3. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the lens device is switchable between an autofocus mode, which adjusts the focus of the first optical system and the second optical system based on subject information, and a manual focus mode, which adjusts the focus based on an operation on the operating member.

4. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive unit moves at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system in the optical axis direction based on an operation on the operating member.

5. The lens device according to claim 4, further comprising a selection unit for selecting an optical system to be moved based on an operation on the operating member.

6. The lens device according to claim 5, characterized in that the operating sensation of the operating member changes according to the selection result of the selection unit.

7. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating member comprises a first operating member for moving the first optical system in the direction of the optical axis and a second operating member for moving the second optical system in the direction of the optical axis.

8. The lens device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first operating member and the second operating member are arranged along the optical axis of the lens device.

9. The operating member comprises a first operating member operated to move the first optical system in the direction of the optical axis, and a second operating member operated to move the second optical system in the direction of the optical axis, The lens device according to claim 5, characterized in that the amount of drive of the drive unit corresponding to a unit operation on the operating member when the first optical system is selected by the selection unit is smaller than the amount of drive of the drive unit corresponding to a unit operation when the selection unit selects the second optical system.

10. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lens device has a switching unit for switching between the first drive mode and the second drive mode.

11. The lens device has a position detection unit for detecting the position of the first optical system, The lens device according to claim 10, characterized in that when switched to the second drive mode, the drive unit drives the first optical system to a predetermined position.

12. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive unit drives the first optical system and the second optical system mutually.

13. One of the first operating member and the second operating member is rotatable. The lens device according to claim 7, characterized in that the other of the first operating member and the second operating member is not rotatable.

14. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive unit is driven based on the difference in focus between a first image formed through the first optical system and a second image formed through the second optical system.

15. The operating member is mechanically connected to the first optical system and the second optical system. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system move in response to an operation on the operating member.

16. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are composed of the same optical system.

17. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are equipped with an inner focus mechanism that allows focus adjustment by moving some of the lenses.

18. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are provided with an overall focusing mechanism that allows focusing by moving all the lenses.

19. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching member for switching between autofocus mode and manual focus mode.

20. The lens device according to claim 1, An imaging device characterized by having an image sensor.

21. The imaging apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the image sensor is a single image sensor.

22. The imaging apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that autofocus is performed using the digital signals of the subject image formed by the first optical system and the second optical system.

23. The imaging device according to claim 20, characterized in that the imaging device has a switching menu for switching between the first drive mode and the second drive mode.

24. The imaging device further includes a display unit that displays a first image formed through the first optical system and a second image formed through the second optical system, The imaging apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, in the second driving mode, the image formed through either the first optical system or the second optical system, which is driven to adjust the focus difference between the two optical systems, is displayed magnified on the display unit.

Images