Optical controller, optical apparatus, and control method

Abstract

To output a position signal of a movable optical portion corresponding to a time signal generated outside to the outside.SOLUTION: An optical controller includes: timing generation means 16 that generates a timing signal indicating timing of control and position detection of a movable optical portion 11; position detection means 12 that detects a position of the movable optical portion according to the timing signal and outputs a first position signal associated with the timing signal; and output means 15, 18 that receives a time signal from outside of the optical controller and generates a second position signal associated with the time signal from the first position signal to output the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical control device that controls an optical device such as a lens device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical device having a movable optical portion such as a lens, which is controlled in accordance with a control target generated by an external device separate from the optical device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-118709 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the optical device of Patent Document 1 does not control or detect the position of the movable optical part based on a time signal generated by an external device. If a position signal indicating the position of the movable optical part corresponding to the time signal is not obtained, an error will occur, for example, when grasping the shape and size of a subject based on the position of the movable optical part from an image generated by imaging. In addition, when producing an image by combining a fictitious image and a real-life image, a discrepancy will occur between the size of a person or object in the fictitious image and the size of a person or object in the real-life image.

[0005] The present invention provides an optical control device and a control method capable of outputting to the outside a position signal of a movable optical part corresponding to a time signal generated externally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical control device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a timing generating means for generating a timing signal indicating the timing of control and position detection of a movable optical part, a position detecting means for detecting the position of the movable optical part according to the timing signal and outputting a first position signal associated with the timing signal, and an output means for receiving a time signal from outside the optical control device, generating a second position signal associated with the time signal from the first position signal, and outputting the second position signal to the outside. Note that an optical device having the optical control device and a movable optical part, and an optical device system including the optical device and an external device also constitute another aspect of the present invention.

[0007] A control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of generating a timing signal indicating timing for controlling and detecting the position of the movable optical part, detecting the position of the movable optical part according to the timing signal, and outputting a first position signal associated with the timing signal, and receiving a time signal from an external device, generating a second position signal associated with the time signal from the first position signal, and outputting the second position signal to the external device. Note that a program for causing a computer to execute processing according to the control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to output to the outside the position signal of the movable optical part corresponding to the time signal generated externally. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lens apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between a time signal Tref, a count signal Tcnt, and a time synchronization signal Tref0 in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between a time signal Tref, a count signal Tcnt, and a control target value Y in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a process in the lens apparatus of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the lens apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a time signal Tref, a count signal Tcnt, and a control target value Y in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing a process in the lens apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the lens apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

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

[0012] The lens device 1 is made up of a movable optical unit 11, a position detection unit 12, a drive unit 13, a signal processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a counter unit 16, a counter correction unit 17, a conversion unit 18, and a determination unit 291. An optical control device is made up of the signal processing unit 14, the communication unit 15, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, the conversion unit 18, and the determination unit 291. Furthermore, the counter unit 16 makes up a timing generation means, the position detection unit 12 makes up a position detection means, and the signal processing unit 14, the communication unit 15, the conversion unit 18, and the determination unit 291 make up an output means.

[0013] The external device 100 is a device separate (external) from the lens device 1. The external device 100 generates a time signal Tref and a first control target signal Ctl(Tref, Y) indicating a control target value Y (hereinafter referred to as a control target position Y) for position control associated with the time signal Tref. The external device 100 also generates a time synchronization signal Tref0. The time synchronization signal Tref0 will be described later.

[0014] The lens device 1 receives inputs of a time signal Tref, a time synchronization signal Tref0, and a first control target signal Ctl(Tref,Y) from the external device 100. The lens device 1 converts the input first control target signal Ctl(Tref,Y) into a second control target signal Ctl(Tcnt,Y) associated with a count signal Tcnt in the lens device 1, and controls the movable optical unit 11 based on the second control target signal Ctl(Tcnt,Y). The lens device 1 also converts a position signal Fol(Tcnt) associated with the count signal Tcnt inside the lens device 1 into a position signal Fol(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref from the external device 100 (i.e., generates a position signal Fol(Tref)) and outputs it to the external device 100. This position signal Fol(Tref) is information indicating the actual position of the lens device 1.

[0015] The movable optical unit 11 has movable members such as a focus lens, a zoom lens, an aperture, an anti-vibration lens, an extender lens, and a filter lens provided within the lens device 1. In the following description, the movable optical unit 11 is a zoom lens.

[0016] The position detection unit 12 is composed of an encoder, etc., receives a position detection trigger signal Act (Tcnt) from the signal processing unit 14, detects the position of the movable optical unit 11, and outputs a position signal Fol (Tcnt), which is a first position signal indicating the detected position, to the signal processing unit 14.

[0017] The driving section 13 drives the movable optical section 11 in response to a control signal Ctl_1 (Tcnt) from the signal processing section 14. Note that the movable optical section 11 can also be driven by a manual operation by a user.

[0018] The signal processing unit 14 operates in accordance with the timing indicated by the count signal Tcnt. The signal processing unit 14 outputs a control signal Ctl_1(Tcnt) to the driving unit 13 in response to the second control target signal Ctl(Tcnt,Y) from the conversion unit 18 and the position signal Fol(Tcnt) from the position detection unit 12. This feedback controls the movable optical unit 11 to the control target position Y. That is, the lens device 1 controls the position of the movable optical unit 11 in response to the first control target signal Ctl(Tref,Y) from the external device 100.

[0019] The communication unit 15 communicates with the external device 100 via an external communication network such as a LAN, and receives a time signal Tref, a time synchronization signal Tref0, and a first control target signal Ctl(Tref,Y) from the external device 100. The communication unit 15 also transmits a position signal Fol(Tref), which will be described later, to the external device 100.

[0020] The counter unit 16 generates and outputs a count signal (timing signal) Tcnt for controlling the sampling timing of the signal processing unit 14, i.e., the timing of control and position detection of the movable optical unit 11. The counter unit 16 also corrects the count signal Tcnt based on a counter correction signal ReTcnt from a counter correction unit 17.

[0021] The counter correction unit 17 as a correction means outputs a counter correction signal ReTcnt in response to the time synchronization signal Tref0 input from the external device 100 by communication and the count signal Tcnt from the counter unit 16.

[0022] The counter correction unit 17 receives the time synchronization signal Tref0 and the count signal Tcnt, and outputs a counter correction signal ReTcnt.

[0023] The conversion unit 18 receives an input of a first control target signal Ctl(Tref, Y) associated with the time signal Tref from the external device 100, a count signal Tcnt from the counter unit 16, and a time synchronization signal Tref0 from the external device 100 (communication unit 15). Then, the conversion unit 18 converts the first control target signal Ctl(Tref, Y) into a second control target signal Ctl(Tcnt, Y) associated with the count signal Tcnt, and outputs it to the signal processing unit 14. That is, the conversion unit 18 generates a second control target signal indicating a control target position at a first count value (first timing) corresponding to a first time in the count signal from the first control target signal indicating a control target position corresponding to a first time in the time signal Tref.

[0024] The converter 18 also acquires a position signal Fol(Tcnt) as a first position signal from the position detector 12 through the signal processor 14. Then, the converter 18 converts the position signal Fol(Tcnt) into a position signal Fol(Tref) as a second position signal associated with the time signal Tref and outputs the converted signal to the communication unit 15.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows how the count signal (count value) Tcnt deviates from the time signal (true time) Tref, which is generated by the external device 100 and serves as the time reference, due to external factors such as the accuracy and individual differences (variations) of the electronic components that make up the counter section 16 and temperature.

[0026] 2, a count signal in the lens device 1 corresponding to a time signal Tref_X indicating a certain time in the external device 100 within an interval in which a time synchronization signal Tref0 is input is Tcnt_X which is shifted from the time signal Tref_X by D. The conversion unit 18 converts the first control target signal Ctl(Tref_X,Y) into a second control target signal Ctl(Tcnt_X,Y) and outputs it.

[0027] The counter correction unit 17 periodically corrects the count signal Tcnt based on the time synchronization signal Tref0 that is periodically (periodically) generated by the external device 100, and eliminates the deviation of the count signal Tcnt from the time signal Tref. That is, when the time synchronization signal Tref0 is input, the counter correction unit 17 corrects the count signal Tcnt so that D=0 is satisfied, that is, so that the count signal Tcnt is synchronized with the time signal Tref. This technology is explained in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1588. The period of the time synchronization signal Tref0 and the period for correcting the count signal Tcnt may be determined in consideration of the accuracy of the time synchronization.

[0028] Next, an overview of the processing executed in the lens device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the relationship between the time signal Tref, the count signal Tcnt, and the position (control target position or actual position) Y of the movable optical part 11. In Fig. 3, the positions when the count signal is Tcnt_1, Tcnt_2, ..., Tcnt_4 are Y1, Y2, and Y4, respectively. Also, the position when the time signal is Tref_3 (first time) is Y2. It is assumed that Tref_3 of the time signal corresponds to Tcnt_2 (first timing) of the count signal. It is assumed that control is started when the count signal is Tcnt_1, and the position of the movable optical part 11 at that time is Y1.

[0029] For example, when the count signal Tcnt is Tcnt_2, the position Y2 of the movable optical part 11 is detected as a position signal Fol(Tcnt_2), which is converted by the conversion part 18 to Fol(Tref_3) and then output to the external device 100.

[0030] The flowchart in Fig. 4 shows the flow of processing executed within the lens device 1. The signal processing unit 14, communication unit 15, counter unit 16, counter correction unit 17, and conversion unit 18 are configured by one or more computers such as CPUs or MPUs, and execute this processing according to a program. In Fig. 4, ST means a step.

[0031] In ST 01 , the communication unit 15 receives the time synchronization signal Tref 0 and the time signal Tref from the external device 100 , and the conversion unit 18 obtains the count signal Tcnt from the counter unit 16 .

[0032] In ST02, the counter correction unit 17 corrects the count signal Tcnt based on the time synchronization signal Tref0.

[0033] In ST03, the conversion unit 18 obtains a position signal Fol(Tcnt) indicating the position of the movable optical unit 11 at the current count signal Tcnt.

[0034] In ST04, the conversion unit 18 converts the position signal Fol(Tcnt) acquired in ST03 into a position signal Fol(Tref).

[0035] In ST05, the conversion unit 18 transmits (outputs) the position signal Fol(Tref) to the external device 100 via the communication unit 15. Then, in ST06, this process ends.

[0036] Through the above processing, the lens device 1 can time-synchronize the count signal Tcnt of the lens device 1 with the time signal Tref of the external device 100 to control the driving of the movable optical part 11. Also, the lens device 1 can convert the position signal Fol(Tcnt) associated with the count signal Tcnt into a position signal Fol(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref time-synchronized with the count signal Tcnt and output it to the external device 100. EXAMPLES

[0037] Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the lens device 2 of the second embodiment. The lens device 2 of the present embodiment has the determination unit 291 removed from the lens device 1 of the first embodiment, and has a signal processing unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a conversion unit 28 instead of the signal processing unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the conversion unit 18 of the first embodiment. The signal processing unit 24, the communication unit 25, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, and the conversion unit 28 configure an optical control device. The signal processing unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 configure a control means. Note that the external device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is omitted in Fig. 5.

[0038] The communication unit 25 receives a position request signal Req(Tref) generated by an external device in association with the time signal Tref, and outputs the signal to the conversion unit 28. The position request signal Req(Tref) is a command requesting the position (position signal Fol(Tref)) of the movable optical unit 11 at the time signal Tref.

[0039] The conversion unit 28 converts the position request signal Req(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref into a position request signal Req(Tcnt) associated with the count signal Tcnt in the lens device 2 and outputs the signal to the signal processing unit 24.

[0040] The signal processing unit 24, to which the position request signal Req(Tcnt) has been input, outputs a position detection trigger signal Act(Tcnt) to the position detection unit 12, and acquires a position signal Fol(Tcnt) associated with the count signal Tcnt from the position detection unit 12. The conversion unit 28 also receives the count signal Tcnt and the time synchronization signal Tref0, converts the position signal Fol(Tcnt) associated with the count signal Tcnt into a position signal Fol(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref, and outputs this to an external device via the communication unit 25.

[0041] This enables the lens device 2 to output to the external device the position of the movable optical portion 11 at a time requested by the external device.

[0042] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the time signal Tref_3 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the count signal Tcnt_2, and the position of the movable optical portion 11 at this time is Y2.

[0043] 6 shows the flow of processing executed within the lens device 2. The signal processing unit 24, the communication unit 25, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, and the conversion unit 28 are configured by a computer, which executes this processing according to a program.

[0044] The processes in ST01 and ST02 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 4) denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0045] In ST07 following ST02, the conversion unit 28 acquires a position request signal Req(Tref_3) from the external device via the communication unit 25.

[0046] In ST08, the conversion unit 28 sets Tcnt=Tcnt_2 based on the relationship shown in FIG.

[0047] The subsequent processes in ST03 to ST06 are the same as those in the embodiment 1 (FIG. 4). The conversion unit 28 outputs the position signal Fol(Tref_3) (=Y2) at the time signal Tref_3 associated with the position request signal Req(Tref_3) from the external device to the external device via the communication unit 25.

[0048] Through the above process, the lens device 2 can output the position signal Fol(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref time-synchronized with the count signal Tcnt to an external device, similar to the first embodiment.

[0049] Furthermore, the lens device 2 can output to an external device a position signal Fol(Tref) at a time signal Tref associated with a position request signal Req(Tref) from the external device. EXAMPLES

[0050] Fig. 7 shows the configuration of the lens device 3 of the third embodiment. The lens device 3 of the present embodiment has a signal processing unit 34, a communication unit 35, and a conversion unit 38 instead of the signal processing unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the conversion unit 18 in the lens device 2 of the second embodiment, and further has a configuration in which a determination unit 391 is added. The signal processing unit 34, the communication unit 35, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, the conversion unit 38, and the determination unit 391 configure an optical control device. The signal processing unit 34, the conversion unit 38, and the determination unit 391 configure a control means. Note that the external device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is omitted in Fig. 7.

[0051] The determination unit 391 acquires the count signal Tcnt and the position signal Fol(Tcnt) and outputs a determination signal Jug(Tcnt). The determination signal Jug(Tcnt) is information indicating the reliability of the estimated position signal Fol(Tcnt), the details of which will be described later.

[0052] The conversion unit 38 converts the determination signal Jug(Tcnt) into a determination signal Jug(Tref) that corresponds to the time signal Tref, and outputs this together with the position signal Fol(Tref) to an external device via the communication unit 35.

[0053] 8 shows the relationship between the time signal Tref, the count signal Tcnt, and the position Y of the movable optical unit 11. In this embodiment, the position detection timing from the movable optical unit 11 (the sampling timing of the position signal by the signal processing unit 34) is discrete, and the count signals Tcnt_2 and Tcnt_4 do not match the time signal Tref_3 (first time). In this case, in the configuration of embodiment 1, it is difficult to control the movable optical unit 11 so that it is in a predetermined state (position) at a predetermined time.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, the signal processing unit 34 estimates the position signal Fol(Tref) at the time signal Tref associated with the position request signal Req(Tref) based on the position signal Fol(Tcnt) acquired by the count signal Tcnt. In Fig. 8, as described above, there is no count signal Tcnt_3 with a timing corresponding to the time signal Tref_3 (i.e., the same as the time signal Tref_3). Therefore, a virtual count signal VTcnt_3 indicating a first timing corresponding to the time signal Tref_3 is provided.

[0055] Then, using position signals Fol(Tcnt_2) (=Y2) and Fol(Tcnt_4) (=Y4) at the count signals Tcnt_2 and Tcnt_4 as the second timing, the position signal (=Y3) at the virtual count signal VTcnt_3 is obtained by estimation.

[0056] 9 shows the flow of processing executed within the lens device 3. The signal processing unit 34, the communication unit 35, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, the conversion unit 38, and the determination unit 391 are configured by a computer, which executes this processing according to a program.

[0057] The processes in ST01, ST02 and ST07 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 4) and the second embodiment (FIG. 6) denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0058] In ST09 after ST07, the signal processing unit 34 determines the count signals Tcnt_2 and Tcnt_4 to be used for position estimation from the position request signal Req(Tref_3) acquired in ST07. Note that the count signals Tcnt_2 and Tcnt_4 have timings closest to (just before and just after) the time signal Tref_3 before and after the time signal Tref_3.

[0059] In ST10, the conversion unit 38 sets Tcnt=VTcnt_3 based on the relationship shown in Fig. 8. As described above, the virtual count signal VTref_3 is a virtual count signal having the same timing as the time signal Tref_3.

[0060] In ST11, the signal processing unit 34 acquires the position signals (Tcnt_2) (=Y2) and Fol(Tcnt_4) (=Y4) at the count signals Tcnt_2 and Tcnt_4 determined in ST09.

[0061] In ST12, the signal processing unit 34 estimates an estimated position signal Fol(VTcnt_3) (=Y3) at the virtual count signal VTref_3 based on the count signals Tcnt_2 and Tcnt_4 and the position signals Fol(Tcnt_2) and Fol(Tcnt_4) associated therewith. Specifically, Y3 at VTref_3 is estimated by an estimation process such as linear interpolation using Tcnt2 and Tcnt4 and Y2 and Y4.

[0062] In the subsequent steps ST04 and ST05, the conversion unit 38 converts the estimated position signal Fol(VTcnt_3) into a position signal Fol(Tref_3) associated with the time signal Tref, and outputs this to an external device via the communication unit 35. Next, in ST13, the decision section 391 decides whether or not |Tcnt2-VTref_3| is greater than a predetermined value. If |Tcnt2-VTref_3| is greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to ST14, and if it is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to ST16.

[0063] In ST14, the judgment unit 391 judges whether or not |Tcnt4-VTref_3| is greater than a predetermined value, and proceeds to ST15 if |Tcnt4-VTref_3| is greater than the predetermined value, and proceeds to ST16 if it is equal to or less than the predetermined value. The predetermined value here is the same as the predetermined value in ST13.

[0064] In ST15, the judgment unit 391 sets the judgment signal Jug (Tcnt) to 1. Then, the conversion unit 38 converts the judgment signal Jug (Tcnt)=1 associated with the count signal Tcnt to a judgment signal Jug (Tref)=1 associated with the time signal Tref, and outputs this to an external device via the communication unit 35. After that, this process ends in ST06. Also in ST16, the judgment unit 391 sets the judgment signal Jug (Tcnt) to 0. Then, the conversion unit 38 converts the judgment signal Jug (Tcnt)=0 associated with the count signal Tcnt to a judgment signal Jug (Tref)=0 associated with the time signal Tref, and outputs this to the external device via the communication unit 35. After that, this process ends in ST06.

[0065] In ST13 and ST14, if |Tcnt2-VTref_3| or |Tcnt4-VTref_3| is greater than a predetermined value, the time difference between the virtual count signal VTref_3 and the count signal Tcnt_2 or Tcnt_4 is large, and the reliability of the estimated position signal is likely to be low. In this case, the judgment signal Jug(Tcnt) is set to 1, which means low reliability. On the other hand, if |Tcnt2-VTref_3| or |Tcnt4-VTref_3| is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the time difference between the virtual count signal VTref_3 and the count signal Tcnt_2 or Tcnt_4 is small, and the reliability of the estimated position signal is high. In this case, the judgment signal Jug(Tcnt) is set to 0, which means high reliability.

[0066] For example, when Jug(Tcnt)=0, the external device uses the estimated position signal Fol(Tref), and when Jug(Tcnt)=1, the external device does not use the estimated position signal Fol(Tref).

[0067] When the movable optical unit 11 is driven by an actuator included in the drive unit 13, the movable optical unit 11 is driven at a stable speed, so the reliability of the estimated position signal is high. On the other hand, when the movable optical unit 11 is driven by manual operation by the user, the speed of the movable optical unit 11 is likely to be uneven, so the reliability of the estimated position signal is low. For this reason, in the former case, the judgment signal Jug(Tcnt) may be set to 0, and in the latter case, it may be set to 1.

[0068] Through the above process, the lens device 3 can output the position signal Fol(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref time-synchronized with the count signal Tcnt to an external device, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0069] Furthermore, even if the discrete position acquisition timing (Tcnt) of the lens device 3 does not match the time signal Tref of the external device, the lens device 3 can estimate a position signal at a time signal associated with a position request signal Req (Tref) from the external device and output the position signal to the external device. If the reliability of the estimated position signal is high, the external device can use the position signal to accurately grasp the shape and size of the subject based on the position (zoom state, etc.) of the movable optical unit 11 from the image generated by imaging. On the other hand, if the reliability of the estimated position signal is low, the external device can avoid using the position signal to avoid errors in the shape and size of the subject grasped from the image generated by imaging.

[0070] In this embodiment, it is important to output the position of the movable optical unit 11 that has been driven to a predetermined position at a predetermined time set by an external device. For this reason, if the deviation between the time when the movable optical unit 11 stops at the predetermined position and the predetermined time is tolerable, the determination signal Jug(Tcnt)=0 may be set, and if it is not tolerable, the determination signal Jug(Tcnt)=1 may be set.

[0071] Furthermore, the optical characteristics of the movable optical unit 11, which affect the imaging state of the lens device 3, may be taken into consideration for the above-mentioned determination signal. For example, if the zoom sensitivity, which is the rate of change of the zoom magnification relative to the driving amount of the movable optical unit 11, is small, the effect of the difference in the position of the movable optical unit 11 on the captured image can be ignored. For this reason, the predetermined values ​​in the determinations in ST13 and ST14 can be set to large values. This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate determination result according to the optical characteristics of the movable optical unit 11.

[0072] Furthermore, since the zoom sensitivity generally differs depending on the position of the movable optical unit 11, the predetermined value used in the above determination may be changed depending on the position of the movable optical unit 11. Specifically, the predetermined value according to the position of the movable optical unit 11 may be set by referring to the designed zoom sensitivity for each position of the movable optical unit 11 or the zoom sensitivity actually measured when the lens device is assembled or during operation.

[0073] Furthermore, even when the movable optical unit 11 is an optical element other than a zoom lens, the predetermined value may be set in consideration of optical characteristics that affect the imaging state. For example, the predetermined value may be set in consideration of the rate of change of focus movement (focus sensitivity) or the rate of change of depth of field relative to the driving amount of the focus lens, or the rate of change of light amount or the rate of change of depth of field relative to the driving amount of the aperture. EXAMPLES

[0074] Fig. 10 shows the configuration of the lens device 4 of the fourth embodiment. The lens device 4 of the present embodiment has a signal processing unit 44, a communication unit 45, a conversion unit 48, and a position detection unit 42 instead of the signal processing unit 24, the communication unit 25, the conversion unit 28, and the position detection unit 12 of the lens device 2 of the second embodiment, and further has a configuration in which a determination unit 491 is added. The signal processing unit 44, the communication unit 45, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, the conversion unit 48, and the determination unit 492 constitute an optical control device. The signal processing unit 44, the conversion unit 48, and the determination unit 492 constitute a control means. Note that the external device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is omitted in Fig. 10.

[0075] The position detection unit 42 is composed of a relative value encoder including a Z phase for detecting the origin. This relative value encoder detects the origin when the movable optical unit 11 passes through the Z phase, and detects the absolute position of the movable optical unit 11 relative to the origin by driving the movable optical unit 11 thereafter. By using the relative value encoder in combination with a potentiometer, the absolute position may be detected by the potentiometer until the Z phase is passed. When the external device has such a position detection unit 42, there are cases where the external device seeks a position signal detected with high detection resolution using a relative value encoder, and cases where the external device seeks a position signal detected as soon as possible after the lens device 4 is turned on, even with low detection resolution using a potentiometer.

[0076] The determination unit 491 acquires the count signal Tcnt and the position signal Fol(Tcnt), and outputs a determination signal Jug(Tcnt). The determination signal Jug(Tcnt) is information indicating whether the detected position has a relatively high resolution or a low resolution.

[0077] The conversion unit 48 converts the judgment signal Jug(Tcnt) into a judgment result Jug(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref, and outputs this to an external device via the communication unit 45 together with the position signal Fol(Tref).

[0078] 11 shows the flow of processing executed within the lens device 4. The signal processing unit 44, the communication unit 45, the counter unit 16, the counter correction unit 17, the conversion unit 48, and the determination unit 491 are configured by a computer, which executes this processing according to a program.

[0079] The processes in ST01, ST02, ST07, ST08, and ST03 to ST05 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 4) and the second embodiment (FIG. 6) denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0080] In ST17 following ST05, the judgment unit 491 judges whether the position signal Fol(Tcnt) detected by the count signal Tcnt has relatively high resolution or not, and if it has high resolution, proceeds to ST16, and if it has relatively low resolution, proceeds to ST15.

[0081] In ST16, the decision unit 491 sets the decision signal Jug (Tcnt) to 1, and in ST16, sets it to 0. The subsequent processes are the same as those in ST15 and ST16 described in the third embodiment.

[0082] For example, when Jug(Tcnt)=0, the external device uses the position signal Fol(Tref), and when Jug(Tcnt)=1, the external device does not use the position signal Fol(Tref).

[0083] Through the above process, the lens device 4 can output the position signal Fol(Tref) associated with the time signal Tref time-synchronized with the count signal Tcnt to an external device, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0084] Furthermore, the lens device 4 can output a position signal to the external device at a time signal associated with a position request signal Req (Tref) from the external device. If the position signal has high resolution, the external device can use the position signal to accurately grasp the shape and size of the subject based on the position (zoom state, etc.) of the movable optical unit 11 from the image generated by imaging. On the other hand, if the position signal has low resolution, the external device can avoid using the position signal to avoid errors in the shape and size of the subject grasped from the image generated by imaging. As described above, when the external device obtains a position signal detected as soon as possible after the lens device 4 is powered on, the external device may use this. The position detection unit 42 of this embodiment is not limited to one that uses a relative value encoder and a potentiometer in combination, and may be one that has a relatively different resolution immediately after the lens device 4 is powered on and thereafter. EXAMPLES

[0085] 12 shows the configuration of a lens device 5 of Example 5. The lens device 5 includes the functions described in Examples 2 to 4 in addition to the configuration of the lens device 1 of Example 1. The lens device 5 also includes a time synchronization signal switching unit 30.

[0086] The time synchronization signal switching unit 30 receives a highly accurate time signal (hereinafter referred to as GPS time signal) included in a GPS signal or the like. Then, it switches between using the GPS time signal as the time synchronization signal Tref0 or using the time synchronization signal Tref0 input from the external device 100 as in the first to fourth embodiments. Specifically, it compares the reliability of the time synchronization signal Tref0 input from the external device and the GPS time signal, and selects which one to use as the time synchronization signal Tref0. The time synchronization signal switching unit 30 may redistribute the GPS time signal or the time synchronization signal Tref0 once input. This allows the time signal to be synchronized starting from the lens device, which not only allows the use of a more reliable time signal, but also contributes to increasing the flexibility of system construction. EXAMPLES

[0087] 13 shows an imaging system (optical device system) 6 including an information processing device 500 as an external device, a plurality of lens devices 501 to 503, and camera devices 511 to 513 connected to the lens devices. Note that the camera devices may be the external devices.

[0088] The information processing device 500 is configured by a personal computer or the like, and outputs a time signal Tref, a time synchronization signal Tref0, and a first control target signal Ctl(Tref,Y) to an information communication network such as a LAN. The information processing device 500 also acquires a position signal Fol(Tref) and a judgment signal Jug(Tref) output from the lens device 501 or the like via the information communication network.

[0089] The lens device 501 acquires the above-mentioned signals output from the information processing device 500 via an information and communication network. The lens device 502 acquires the above-mentioned signals acquired by a camera device 512 connected thereto via the information and communication network by communicating with the camera device 512. The lens device 503 acquires the above-mentioned signals output from the information processing device 500 via the information and communication network directly or via a camera device 513 connected thereto.

[0090] Camera devices 511 to 513 capture images according to the state (zoom state, etc.) of the lens device connected to each of them.

[0091] According to the imaging system 6 of this embodiment, it is possible to control each lens device so that the movable optical part 11 is driven to a corresponding position Y at a time Tref corresponding to the first control target signal Ctl(Tref, Y) generated by the information processing device 500. Furthermore, the information processing device 500 can accurately grasp the shape and size of the subject from the image generated by each camera device through imaging, based on the position signal Fol(Tref) and the determination signal Jug(Tref) output from the lens device or camera device.

[0092] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0093] (Configuration 1) An optical control device for controlling a movable optical unit, a timing generating means for generating a timing signal indicating a timing for controlling the movable optical unit and detecting a position of the movable optical unit; a position detection means for detecting a position of the movable optical unit in response to the timing signal and outputting a first position signal corresponding to the timing signal; an output means for receiving a time signal from outside the optical control device, generating a second position signal corresponding to the time signal from the first position signal, and outputting the second position signal to the outside. (Configuration 2) The optical control device according to configuration 1, further comprising a correction means for receiving a time synchronization signal from the outside for synchronizing the timing signal with the time signal, and using the time synchronization signal, periodically correcting the timing signal to be synchronized with the time signal. (Configuration 3) The output means includes: receiving a position request signal associated with a first time indicated by the time signal from the outside; The optical control device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the second position signal corresponding to the first time is generated from the first position signal at a first timing corresponding to the first time among the timing signals, and output to the outside. (Configuration 4) The optical control device described in configuration 3, characterized in that when the timing signal does not include the first timing corresponding to the first time, the output means acquires the first position signal at the first timing by estimation processing using the first position signal at a second timing in the timing signal that is different from the first timing. (Configuration 5) The optical control device according to configuration 4, wherein the output means outputs information indicating the reliability of the first position signal obtained by the estimation process to the outside together with the second position signal. (Configuration 6) 6. The optical control device according to configuration 5, wherein the output means determines the reliability based on a difference between the first timing and the second timing. (Configuration 7) 6. The optical control device according to configuration 5, wherein the output means determines the reliability based on optical characteristics of the movable optical portion. (Configuration 8) The output means includes: 8. An optical control device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that information indicating the reliability of the first position signal based on the detection resolution of the position detection means is output to the outside together with the second position signal. (Configuration 9) An optical control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8; An optical device comprising the movable optical unit. (Configuration 10) The optical device according to configuration 9, and an external device, different from the optical instrument, that generates the time signal. (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-described 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. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0094] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible for each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1~5 Lens device 11 Movable optical section 12,42 Position detection unit 14, 24, 34, 44 Signal processing section 15,25,35,45 Communications Department 16 Counter section 17 Counter correction section 18,28,38,48 conversion unit 291,391,491 Judgment section

Claims

1. An optical control device for controlling a movable optical unit, a timing generating means for generating a timing signal indicating a timing for controlling the movable optical unit and detecting a position of the movable optical unit; a position detection means for detecting a position of the movable optical portion in response to the timing signal and outputting a first position signal corresponding to the timing signal; an output means for receiving a time signal from outside the optical control device, generating a second position signal corresponding to the time signal from the first position signal, and outputting the second position signal to the outside.

2. 2. The optical control device according to claim 1, further comprising a correction means for receiving a time synchronization signal from the outside for synchronizing the timing signal with the time signal, and for periodically correcting the timing signal to be synchronized with the time signal using the time synchronization signal.

3. The output means includes: receiving, from the outside, a position request signal associated with a first time indicated by the time signal; 2. The optical control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first position signal at a first timing corresponding to the first time among the timing signals; a second position signal corresponding to the first time is generated from the first position signal at the first timing corresponding to the first time among the timing signals; and the second position signal corresponding to the first time is output to the outside.

4. The optical control device described in claim 3, characterized in that when the timing signal does not include the first timing corresponding to the first time, the output means acquires the first position signal at the first timing by an estimation process using the first position signal at a second timing in the timing signal that is different from the first timing.

5. The optical control device according to claim 4 , wherein the output unit outputs information indicating reliability of the first position signal acquired by the estimation process to the outside together with the second position signal.

6. 6. The optical control device according to claim 5, wherein the output means determines the reliability based on a difference between the first timing and the second timing.

7. The optical control device according to claim 5 , wherein the output means determines the reliability based on optical characteristics of the movable optical portion.

8. The output means includes:

2. The optical control device according to claim 1, wherein information indicating reliability of the first position signal based on the detection resolution of the position detection means is output to the outside together with the second position signal.

9. The optical control device according to claim 1 ; An optical device comprising the movable optical unit.

10. An optical instrument according to claim 9 ; and an external device, different from the optical instrument, that generates the time signal.

11. generating a timing signal indicating timing for controlling the movable optical unit and detecting its position; detecting a position of the movable optical portion in response to the timing signal and outputting a first position signal corresponding to the timing signal; receiving a time signal from an external device, generating a second position signal corresponding to the time signal from the first position signal, and outputting the second position signal to the external device.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute a process according to the control method according to claim 11.

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