Optical control unit, optical apparatus, and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To maintain good operability of a movable optical member even if the maximum speed of the movable optical member is changed due to a power state and so on.SOLUTION: An optical control unit has: speed control means 108, 109 that control the drive speed of a movable optical member 103 of an optical instrument 100 on the basis of operation information of an operating member 107 for driving the movable optical member; and setting means 106 that sets first control of controlling the drive speed with a first speed as the maximum speed and second control of controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as the maximum speed. In the first control and the second control, the speed control means controls the drive speed, with the provision of a first speed area where it makes the drive speeds the same as each other for the same operation information, and a second speed area that is a higher speed area than the first speed area where it makes the drive speeds different from each other for the same operation information. When the state of power that the optical instrument can use is in a first state, the setting means sets the first control, and when the state of power is in a second state lower than the first state, sets the second control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens control device capable of controlling the drive speed of a movable optical member such as a lens. [Background technology]

[0002] A lens device used in photography has movable optical members such as a zoom lens, a focus lens, and an aperture, and the drive speed of the movable optical members is controlled in response to the operation of an operating member by a user.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens control device that allows a user to set the maximum speed when an operating member is operated to a maximum extent, and controls the drive speed in the low-speed range when the operating member is operated to a small extent to remain the same regardless of the maximum speed setting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-072613 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even in a lens control device in which the user can set the maximum speed of the movable optical member, the maximum speed may be limited without notifying the user when the available power of the lens device is low. Furthermore, during video recording, which is the use state of the lens device, the maximum speed needs to be limited in order to drive the movable optical member silently so that the driving sound of the movable optical member is not recorded, regardless of the user's setting of the maximum speed. If the maximum speed is limited in this way regardless of the user's setting, the user may feel a change in the operability of the lens device.

[0006] The present invention provides an optical control device that is capable of maintaining operability of an optical device even if the maximum speed of a movable optical member changes depending on the power status or usage status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An optical control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a speed control means for controlling the drive speed of the movable optical member based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member of the optical device, and a setting means for setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as the maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as the maximum speed. The speed control means controls the drive speed by providing a first speed range in which the drive speeds are the same for the same operation information and a second speed range in which the drive speeds are different for the same operation information in a range faster than the first speed range. The setting means sets the first control when the power state available to the optical device is a first state or when silent drive of the movable optical member is required, and sets the second control when the power state is a second state lower than the first state or when silent drive is not required. Note that an optical device having the optical control device and at least one of the movable optical member and the image sensor also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0008] A control method for an optical device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of controlling the drive speed of a movable optical member based on operation information of an operation member for driving a movable optical member of the optical device, and a step of setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as the maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as the maximum speed. The control method controls the drive speed by providing a first speed range in which the drive speeds are the same for the same operation information and a second speed range in which the drive speeds are different for the same operation information in a range faster than the first speed range. The control method is characterized in that the first control is set when the power state available to the optical device is a first state or when silent drive of the movable optical member is required, and the second control is set when the power state is a second state lower than the first state or when silent drive is not required. Note that a program for causing a computer to execute a process according to the above control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, good operability of the optical device can be maintained even if the maximum speed of the movable optical member changes depending on the power state or the usage state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lens control device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a drive mode in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a zoom operation member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the relationship between the operation and drive speed of the zoom operation member in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another zoom operation member in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 7A to 7C are diagrams showing the relationship between the operation and the drive speed of another zoom operation member in the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another zoom operation member in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the relationship between the operation and the drive speed of another zoom operation member in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a drive mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the relationship between the operation and drive speed of a zoom operation member in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lens control device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0012] 1 shows the configuration of a lens-interchangeable camera system having a lens device 100 as an optical device including an optical control device of Example 1, and a camera device 200 to which the lens device 100 is detachably attached. In this example, a case will be described in which the maximum drive speed of a zoom lens 103 (hereinafter referred to as zoom drive speed) is changed depending on the state of power available to the lens device 100.

[0013] The lens device 100 has an optical system 101. The optical system 101 forms an image of a light beam incident from a subject on an image sensor 201 of a camera device 200. The optical system 101 includes a focus lens 102, a zoom lens 103, and an aperture 104, each of which is a movable optical member. The focus lens 102 moves in the optical axis direction to change the position of the image plane of the optical system 101, thereby performing focus adjustment. The zoom lens 103 moves in the optical axis direction to change the focal length (angle of view) of the optical system 101 in two zoom directions, the TELE direction and the WIDE direction. The aperture 104 adjusts the amount of light incident from the optical system 101 to the image sensor 201. The lens device 100 operates by receiving power supply from the camera device 200. In this embodiment, a case where the drive of the zoom lens 103 is controlled will be described.

[0014] In the camera device 200, an image sensor 201 photoelectrically converts (captures) an object image formed on its imaging surface to generate still image data or video data. A camera operation unit 202 has an operation member operated by a user, and transmits camera operation information corresponding to the operation of the operation member to a camera control unit 203. The camera operation information includes information on the operation amount of the operation member or a target value (drive command value) for the drive speed of the zoom lens 103.

[0015] In response to receiving the camera operation information, the camera control unit 203 causes the lens control unit 109 of the lens device 100 to start drive control of the zoom lens 103 and control the drive speed in response to a drive command value. The camera control unit 203 also sets the operation mode of the camera device 200 (normal mode, power saving mode, etc.) in response to a user operation. The operation mode of the camera device 200 is held as camera setting information.

[0016] 1, the camera operation unit 202 may be provided in the camera device 200, or may be an external device such as a remote controller connected to the camera device 200. The camera operation unit 202 may be divided into a part provided in the camera device 200 and a part configured as an external device.

[0017] The camera control unit 203 transmits camera operation information, camera setting information, camera power information, and the like to the camera communication unit 204 and the lens communication unit 105 of the lens device 100. The camera power information is information indicating the state of power that can be supplied from the camera device 200 to the lens device 100 (i.e., power that can be used by the lens device 100).

[0018] The lens communication unit 105 transmits the camera operation information received from the camera communication unit 204 to the lens speed calculation unit 108. The lens communication unit 105 also transmits the camera setting information and camera power information received from the camera communication unit 204 to the lens mode determination unit 106. Various information necessary for shooting is communicated via the camera communication unit 204 and the lens communication unit 105. On the other hand, the lens communication unit 105 transmits position information of the focus lens 102, the zoom lens 103, and the aperture 104, optical characteristic information of the optical system 101, and the like to the camera control unit 203 via the camera communication unit 204.

[0019] The lens mode determination unit 106 as a setting unit sets the mode of the lens device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the lens drive mode) based on the camera setting information and the camera power information. Specifically, when the camera power information does not indicate a decrease in the remaining battery level of the camera device 200 or when the camera setting information does not indicate the setting of the power saving mode, the lens drive mode is set to a first drive mode (a mode in which a first control is performed) as a normal mode in which the maximum speed is not limited. On the other hand, when the camera power information indicates a decrease in the remaining battery level or when the camera setting information indicates the setting of the power saving mode, the lens drive mode is set to a second drive mode (a mode in which a second control is performed) as a speed limit mode in which the maximum speed is limited. In addition, when an external power source (not shown) is connected to the lens device 100, the lens drive mode may be set to the first drive mode in which the maximum zoom drive speed is not limited, regardless of the camera power information or the camera setting information.

[0020] Details of this process will be described later. Note that, although a case where the lens drive mode is determined in the lens device 100 will be described here, the lens drive mode may be determined in the camera device 200, and the determined lens drive mode may be communicated to the lens device 100 to set the lens device 100 to that lens drive mode.

[0021] The lens operation unit 107 has an operation member operated by a user, and transmits lens operation information corresponding to the operation of the operation member to the lens speed calculation unit 108. The lens operation information includes information on the operation amount of the operation member or the drive command value of the zoom lens 103.

[0022] 1, the lens operation unit 107 may be provided in the lens device 100, or may be an external device such as a remote controller connected to the lens device 100. The lens operation unit 107 may be divided into a part provided in the lens device 100 and a part configured as an external device.

[0023] The lens speed calculation unit 108 determines a zoom drive speed from the camera operation information or lens operation information transmitted from the camera operation unit 202 (camera control unit 203) or the lens operation unit 107 and the lens drive mode determined by the lens mode determination unit 106. Then, the lens speed calculation unit 108 transmits the determined zoom drive speed to the lens control unit 109. More specifically, the lens speed calculation unit 108 changes the way in which the zoom drive speed is changed in response to the operation information for each lens drive mode (speed control characteristics) according to the type of the camera operation unit 202 or the lens operation unit 107 as an operation member and its operation form. The types of operation members include those operated by pressing, those operated by rotating, those operated by a lever, those operated by touch, etc. The operation forms include a form in which the zoom direction and the zoom drive speed are set by operating one operation member, a form in which the zoom direction and the zoom drive speed are set by combining the operations of multiple operation members, etc.

[0024] The lens speed calculation unit 108 determines the same zoom drive speed for the same operation information for the same type of operation member or operation form, regardless of the lens drive mode. Also, even if the type of operation member or operation form is the same, the lens speed calculation unit 108 determines a different zoom drive speed for the same operation information depending on the lens drive mode. Details of the zoom drive speed determined by the lens speed calculation unit 108 will be described later.

[0025] The lens driving unit 110 is configured with an actuator such as a DC motor, and drives the zoom lens 103 based on a driving signal from the lens control unit 109. The lens driving unit 110 also includes actuators that drive the focus lens 102 and the aperture 104.

[0026] The lens position detection unit 111 is configured with a position sensor such as an encoder, detects the position of the zoom lens 103 in the optical axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the zoom position), and transmits the lens position information to the lens control unit 109 or transmits it to the camera control unit 203. The lens position detection unit 111 also includes position sensors that detect the positions of the focus lens 102 and the aperture 104.

[0027] The lens control unit 109 outputs a drive signal to the lens drive unit 110 so that the zoom lens 103 is driven at the zoom drive speed determined by the lens speed calculation unit 108. That is, the lens control unit 109 controls the drive of the zoom lens 103 (hereinafter referred to as zoom drive control). At this time, the lens control unit 109 performs feedback control using the position of the zoom lens 103 (lens position information) detected by the lens position detection unit 111. The lens speed calculation unit 108 and the lens control unit 109 constitute a speed control means.

[0028] 2 shows a process in which the lens mode determination unit 106 determines the lens drive mode in Example 1. The lens mode determination unit 106, together with the lens speed calculation unit 108 and the lens control unit 109, is configured by a computer including one or more processors, and executes this process according to a program.

[0029] In step S201, the lens mode determination unit 106 determines whether or not an external power source capable of supplying power to the lens device 100 is connected to at least one of the lens device 100 and the camera device 200 (first state). If an external power source is connected, the process proceeds to step S204, and if an external power source is not connected (second state), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0030] In step S202, the lens mode determination unit 106 determines whether the camera device 200 to which the lens device 100 is attached is in a state in which the power supply capacity to the lens device 100 is high (first state). If the camera device 200 is in a state in which the power supply capacity is high, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the camera device 200 is in a state in which the power supply capacity is low (second state), the process proceeds to step S205. A state in which the power supply capacity is low includes a state in which the remaining battery capacity of the camera device 200 is lower than a predetermined level, and a state in which the remaining battery capacity is higher than the predetermined level but the power that can be supplied to the lens device 100 is low.

[0031] In step S203, the lens mode determination unit 106 determines whether or not the power saving mode is set (first state in which power saving operation is required) in the camera device 200. If the power saving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S205, and if not (second state), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0032] In step S204, the lens mode determination unit 106 sets the lens driving mode to the first driving mode. The first driving mode is the normal mode described above. After this, the lens mode determination unit 106 ends this process.

[0033] In step S205, the lens mode determination unit 106 sets the lens drive mode to the second drive mode. The second drive mode is a mode in which the maximum speed is set slower than that of the first drive mode. After this, the lens mode determination unit 106 ends this process.

[0034] 2 shows a case where the lens drive mode is set according to the three judgment conditions shown in steps S201 to S203, but the lens drive mode may be set based on only one or two of the three judgment conditions. Also, while FIG. 2 shows a case where two lens drive modes are set, three or more lens drive modes with different maximum speeds may be set.

[0035] 3 shows a speed setting volume and an operation button as examples of the operation members. These operation members may be included in the lens operation unit 107 or may be included in the camera operation unit 202.

[0036] The speed setting volume is an operating member for outputting a drive command value for setting the zoom drive speed from minimum (lowest) to maximum (highest) according to the rotational position of the knob (amount of rotational operation). A mechanism that generates a mark or a click feeling may be provided so that the knob is easily held at the midpoint as a reference position.

[0037] The operation buttons are operation members that can be pressed down for each of the zoom directions, TELE and WIDE. The operation form of these speed setting volumes and operation buttons is that the user sets a desired zoom drive speed (drive command value) with the speed setting volume, and then presses the operation button for the desired zoom direction (TELE or WIDE). When an operation button is pressed down, the zoom lens 103 can be driven at the zoom drive speed set by the speed setting volume in the zoom direction corresponding to the pressed operation button.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the relationship (speed control characteristics) between the drive command value and the zoom drive speed according to the speed setting volume rotation operation amount and the operation of the operation button shown in FIG. 3. The horizontal axis shows the drive command value set by the speed setting volume, and the vertical axis shows the zoom drive speed when the operation button is pressed in the first and second drive modes. Basically, the zoom drive speed increases as the drive command value increases. The maximum speed in the second drive mode (second speed) is set lower than the maximum speed in the first drive mode (first speed).

[0039] When the speed setting volume is operated to a low-speed range (first speed range) between the minimum and the midpoint, it is assumed that the user is requesting zoom drive control in the low-speed range, and zoom drive control is performed at the same zoom drive speed for the same drive command value in both the first and second drive modes. Note that the same drive speed here may be completely the same, or may differ within a range that the user feels is the same. This is the same in other examples described later. By performing zoom drive control in such a low-speed range, even if a change occurs in the maximum zoom drive speed (the lens drive mode is switched), it is possible to almost completely eliminate the zoom operability in the low-speed range, that is, the change in the zoom drive speed in response to the operation of the speed setting volume.

[0040] On the other hand, when the speed setting volume is operated to a high speed range (second speed range) between the midpoint and the maximum, zoom drive control is performed so that the zoom drive speed changes according to the drive command value up to the maximum speed in each of the first and second drive modes.

[0041] 5 shows a speed setting menu and operation buttons as other examples of operation members. These operation members may also be included in either the lens operation unit 107 or the camera operation unit 202.

[0042] The speed setting menu is displayed, for example, on a display that allows touch operation. In the example of FIG. 5, the zoom drive speed setting (drive setting) can be selected from two levels, high speed and low speed, and the zoom drive speed (drive command value) for each drive setting can be selected from 10 levels, from speed 1 to speed 10. The operation buttons are the same as those shown in FIG. 3. The operation form of these speed setting menu and operation buttons is that the user sets the desired drive setting (high speed or low speed) and the desired zoom drive speed in the speed setting menu, and then presses the operation button for the desired zoom direction (TELE or WIDE). When the operation button is pressed, the zoom lens 103 can be driven at the zoom drive speed at the drive setting set in the speed setting menu in the zoom direction corresponding to the pressed operation button.

[0043] Figures 6(a) and (b) show the relationship (speed control characteristics) between the drive command value and the zoom drive speed in response to the operation of the speed setting menu and operation button shown in Figure 5. Figure 6(a) shows the case where high speed (second speed range) is set in the drive setting of the speed setting menu, and Figure 6(b) shows the case where low speed (first speed range) is set. In addition, the horizontal axis of each figure is the drive command value set in the speed setting menu, and the vertical axis shows the zoom drive speed when the operation button is pressed in the first and second drive modes. Basically, the zoom drive speed increases as the drive command value increases.

[0044] When the drive setting is high speed, zoom drive control is performed so that the zoom drive speed changes according to the drive command value up to the maximum speed (first and second speeds) of each of the first and second drive modes for all speeds from speed 1 to speed 10.

[0045] On the other hand, when the drive setting is a low speed, zoom drive control is performed at the same zoom drive speed for the same drive command value in all of speeds 1 to 10 in both the first and second drive modes.

[0046] In this way, for a particular type of operating member or operation form (combination of speed setting menu and operating button), the speed control characteristics may be changed so that the drive speed is controlled only in one selected speed range, rather than being controlled continuously from the first speed range to the second speed range as shown in Figure 4.

[0047] 7 shows an operation knob as yet another example of an operation member. This operation member may also be included in either the lens operation unit 107 or the camera operation unit 202.

[0048] The operation knob is an operation member that can set a drive command value according to the amount of rotation and set a zoom direction according to the direction of rotation. The operation form of the operation knob is that the user rotates the operation knob in a rotation direction corresponding to the zoom direction desired by the user to a position (amount of operation) corresponding to the desired zoom drive speed. For example, the TELE direction is set by rotating the operation knob clockwise from the 0 position (stop), and a drive command value from 0 to maximum speed is set according to the amount of rotation from the 0 position. Also, the WIDE direction is set by rotating the operation knob counterclockwise from the 0 position, and a drive command value from 0 to maximum speed is set according to the amount of rotation from the 0 position. Note that the operation knob may be configured to automatically return to the 0 position when it is not being operated.

[0049] Fig. 8 shows the relationship (speed control characteristics) between the drive command value and the zoom drive speed according to the amount of rotation of the operation knob shown in Fig. 7. The horizontal axis shows the drive command value set by the operation knob, and the vertical axis shows the zoom drive speed in the first and second drive modes. Basically, the zoom drive speed increases as the drive command value increases.

[0050] When the drive command value is a value corresponding to the lowest speed (first speed range), zoom drive control is performed at the same zoom drive speed in both the first and second drive modes. When the drive command value is a value corresponding to a speed higher than the lowest speed (second speed range), zoom drive control is performed such that the zoom drive speed changes according to the drive command value up to the maximum speed in each of the first and second drive modes. As shown in Figures 8 and 4, the speed control characteristic may be changed so as to change the speed at which the first speed range and the second speed range are switched depending on the type of operating member and the operating form.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the lens device 100 switches the maximum speed depending on the state of available power. Even when the maximum speed is limited depending on the state of power (when the second drive mode is set), zoom drive control can be performed without degrading zoom operability (relationship between operation of the operation member and zoom drive speed) in a specific speed range (first speed range). As a result, even when the maximum zoom drive speed is limited for reasons unintended by the user, such as a decrease in the remaining battery power of the camera device 200, the zoom drive speed in the low speed range in response to the operation of the operation member does not change, so good zoom operability in slow zoom can be maintained.

[0052] In the zoom drive control shown in Fig. 4, the user may be allowed to set a range of drive command values ​​(first speed range from minimum to midpoint) for making the zoom drive speed common in the first and second drive modes. Also, the zoom drive speed in the first and second drive modes may be common over the entire range of drive command values. Furthermore, the user may be allowed to set whether the zoom drive speed in the first and second drive modes is common only over the set range of drive command values ​​or over the entire range of drive command values.

[0053] 3 and 5 show a case where the operation of the speed setting volume or the speed setting menu for setting the drive command value is separate from the operation of the operation button for instructing the start of drive. In this case, it is difficult to immediately change the drive speed when the drive speed is not the speed intended by the user after drive start.

[0054] In contrast, in the case where the start of driving is instructed by rotating the operation knob as shown in Fig. 7 and the driving speed is set by the amount of rotation operation, if the driving speed is not as intended by the user after driving has started, the driving speed can be adjusted by immediately changing the amount of rotation operation. For each of these operating members with different types and operation forms, the speed control characteristics for operation information, such as the range of drive command values ​​(first speed range) that results in the same driving speed for the same operation information in the first and second drive modes, may be changed. This makes it possible to maintain good zoom operability without complex settings, even if the maximum speed changes depending on the state of the power available to the lens device 100. EXAMPLES

[0055] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the maximum zoom drive speed is changed depending on whether or not silent drive of the zoom lens 103 is performed so that the zoom drive sound generated by driving the zoom lens 103 during recording of a captured video is not recorded. The configurations of the lens device 100 and the camera device 200 in this embodiment are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the camera device 200 (camera operation unit 202) is configured to be able to set a silent mode for silent drive of the zoom lens 103 in addition to a power saving mode. Also, the camera control unit 203 can communicate to the lens device 100 the setting of the camera device 200 (whether or not silent mode) and the shooting status of the camera device 200 (whether or not still image shooting mode, video shooting mode, or video recording in progress, etc.).

[0056] The flowchart in FIG. 9 shows a process in which the lens mode determination unit 106 determines the lens drive mode in the second embodiment.

[0057] In step S901, the lens mode determination unit 106 determines whether the camera device 200 is set to a still image shooting mode (set to a moving image shooting mode). If it is set to the still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S204, and if it is set to the moving image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S902.

[0058] In step S902, the lens mode determination unit 106 determines whether or not the camera device 200 is set to the silent mode. If the camera device 200 is set to the silent mode, the process proceeds to step S903. If the camera device 200 is not set to the silent mode, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0059] In step S903, the lens mode determination unit 106 determines whether or not the camera device 200 is recording a moving image (video recording). If it is recording, the process proceeds to step S205, and if it is not recording, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0060] Steps S204 and S205 are respectively the same as steps S204 and S205 in Fig. 2. In the second driving mode set in step S205, the maximum zoom driving speed is limited, so that the zoom lens 103 can be driven silently.

[0061] 9 shows a case where the lens drive mode is set according to the three judgment conditions shown in steps S901 to S903, but the lens drive mode may be set based on only one or two of the three judgment conditions. Also, while FIG. 9 shows a case where two lens drive modes are set, three or more lens drive modes having different maximum speeds may be set.

[0062] Also, it may be possible to determine whether or not an external microphone is being used (connected to the camera device 200) during shooting, and if an external microphone is being used, set the first driving mode regardless of the settings or shooting conditions of the camera device 200. Note that the external microphone records at a position relative to the camera device 200 where the zoom driving sound is not detected.

[0063] Fig. 10 shows the relationship between the drive command value and the zoom drive speed according to the amount of rotation of the operation knob shown in Fig. 7, as an example of the relationship between the operation of the operation member and the zoom drive speed in Example 2. The horizontal axis indicates the drive command value set by the operation knob, and the vertical axis indicates the zoom drive speed in the first and second drive modes. Basically, the zoom drive speed increases as the drive command value increases.

[0064] When the drive command value is a value corresponding to a speed from the lowest speed to just before the maximum speed (first speed range), zoom drive control is performed at the same zoom drive speed for the same drive command value in both the first and second drive modes.When the drive command value is a value corresponding to a speed from just before the maximum speed to the maximum speed (second speed range), zoom drive control is performed so that the zoom drive speed changes according to the drive command value up to the maximum speed in each of the first and second drive modes.

[0065] In this way, in the entire range of drive command values ​​other than the range in which the maximum speed is limited in the second drive mode, zoom drive control is performed at the same zoom drive speed for the same drive command value in the first and second drive modes. This makes it possible to limit the zoom drive speed so that the drive sound is not recorded only during recording, and to enable high-speed zooming during non-recording.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the maximum zoom drive speed is switched depending on whether or not the zoom lens 103 is to be driven silently. Even when the maximum speed is limited to drive silently (when the second drive mode is set), zoom drive control can be performed without deteriorating zoom operability.

[0067] In addition, the second drive mode may be selected when the silent mode or power saving mode is set and when the power supply capacity of the camera device 200 is high, by combining the judgment conditions of this embodiment with the judgment conditions described in the first embodiment. In this case, the relationship between the drive command value and the zoom drive speed may be made different between the case where the maximum speed is limited in the silent mode and the case where the maximum speed is limited in the power saving mode, as shown in Figs. 10 and 8.

[0068] In the first and second embodiments, an optical control device is configured by the lens mode determination unit 106, the lens speed calculation unit 108, and the lens control unit 109 provided in the lens device 100. However, a similar optical control device may be configured within a camera device as an optical instrument.

[0069] Although the first and second embodiments have been described with reference to an interchangeable lens camera system, the processes shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 can also be applied to an integrated lens camera. EXAMPLES

[0070] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 shows the configuration of a lens-interchangeable camera system in which a zoom adapter 300 serving as an optical control device of the third embodiment is attached to a lens device 100'. In the third embodiment, the zoom adapter 300 is attached to the lens device 100' in which the zoom lens 103 can be driven by manual operation, thereby enabling electric zoom driving. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0071] In the lens device 100′, the lens operation ring 112 is an operating member that can be rotated by a user to manually drive the zoom lens 103 when the zoom adapter 300 is not attached to the lens device 100′. The zoom adapter 300 attached to the lens device 100′ rotates the lens operation ring 112 to electrically drive the zoom lens 103.

[0072] In the zoom adapter 300, the adapter communication unit 301 communicates with the lens communication unit 105 and the camera communication unit 204 to receive lens position information, lens operation information, camera setting information, camera power information, etc. The adapter communication unit 301 transmits the received lens position information to the adapter control unit 305, the lens operation information to the adapter speed calculation unit 304, and the camera setting information and camera power information to the adapter mode determination unit 302.

[0073] The adapter mode determination unit 302 as a setting unit determines whether or not to limit the maximum zoom drive speed based on the camera setting information and the camera power information, and transmits the determination result to the adapter speed calculation unit 304. The adapter mode determination unit 302 has the same role as the lens mode determination unit 106 described in the first and second embodiments. That is, in the third embodiment, the adapter mode determination unit 302 executes the processes described in Fig. 2 and Fig. 9.

[0074] The adapter operation unit 303 is an operation member for receiving an operation by a user and setting a zoom drive speed or issuing an instruction to start zoom drive control. Adapter operation information according to the operation of the adapter operation unit 303 is transmitted to an adapter speed calculation unit 304. The adapter operation unit 303 may be provided in the zoom adapter 300 as shown in FIG. 11, or may be an external device such as a remote controller connected to the zoom adapter 300. The adapter operation unit 303 may be divided into a part provided in the zoom adapter 300 and a part configured as an external device. The lens device 100′ may have a lens operation unit as in the first and second embodiments.

[0075] The adapter speed calculation unit 304 determines a zoom drive speed according to the lens operation information transmitted from the camera operation unit 202 and the adapter operation unit 303 and the lens drive mode set by the adapter mode determination unit 302, and transmits the determined zoom drive speed to an adapter control unit 305. The adapter speed calculation unit 304 has the same role as the lens speed calculation unit 108 in the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the adapter speed calculation unit 304 sets the zoom drive speed described in Figs. 3 to 8 and 10.

[0076] The adapter driving unit 306 is configured with an actuator such as a DC motor, and drives the lens operation ring 112 based on a driving signal from the adapter control unit 305. In other words, it drives the zoom lens 103.

[0077] The adapter control unit 305 performs zoom drive control by outputting a drive signal to the adapter drive unit 306 so that the zoom lens 103 is driven at the zoom drive speed determined by the adapter speed calculation unit 304. At this time, the adapter control unit 305 performs feedback control using lens position information transmitted from the adapter communication unit 301. The adapter speed calculation unit 304 and the adapter control unit 305 constitute a speed control means.

[0078] Even when using the zoom adapter 300 as in this embodiment, and even when the maximum zoom drive speed is limited as described in the first and second embodiments, zoom drive control can be performed without degrading zoom operability.

[0079] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0080] (Configuration 1) a speed control unit that controls a drive speed of a movable optical member of an optical device based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member; a setting means for setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as a maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as a maximum speed, the speed control means controls the drive speed by providing a first speed range in which the drive speed is made the same for the same operation information and a second speed range that is faster than the first speed range and makes the drive speed different for the same operation information in the first and second controls; The optical control device, characterized in that the setting means sets the first control when the power state available to the optical device is a first state, and sets the second control when the power state is a second state lower than the first state. (Configuration 2) 2. The optical control device according to configuration 1, wherein the first state is a state in which power is supplied to the optical device from an external power source. (Configuration 3) 3. The optical control device according to claim 1, wherein the second state is a state in which a remaining charge of a battery provided in the optical device is lower than a predetermined level. (Configuration 4) 4. The optical control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second state is a state in which a power saving operation is required for the optical device. (Configuration 5) a speed control unit that controls a drive speed of a movable optical member of an optical device based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member; a setting means for setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as a maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as a maximum speed, the speed control means controls the drive speed by providing a first speed range in which the drive speeds are made the same for the same operation information and a second speed range in which the drive speeds are made different for the same operation information, the second speed range being faster than the first speed range, in the first and second controls; The optical control device, characterized in that the setting means sets the first control when quiet driving of the movable optical element is required, and sets the second control when quiet driving is not required. (Configuration 6) 6. The optical control device according to configuration 5, wherein the silent operation is required when a moving image is being recorded. (Configuration 7) 7. The optical control device according to configuration 5 or 6, wherein the silent operation is required when shooting using a microphone. (Configuration 8) The optical control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the setting means changes the speed control characteristics of the movable optical member in response to the operation information in accordance with at least one of the type and operation form of the operating member. (Configuration 9) 9. The optical control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the change in the speed control characteristic includes at least one of changing the speed at which the first speed range and the second speed range are switched, and changing whether the control of the drive speed is performed continuously from the first speed range to the second speed range or only in a selected one of the speed ranges. (Configuration 10) 10. The optical control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the speed control means changes the drive speed in response to a change in the operation information in the second control. (Configuration 11) An optical control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10; An optical device comprising at least one of the movable optical member and an image pickup element for picking up an image of a subject. (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.

[0081] 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]

[0082] 100,100′ Lens unit 103 Zoom Lens 106 Lens mode determination unit 107 Lens operation section 108 Lens speed calculation section 109 Lens control unit 200 Camera Equipment 202 Camera operation unit 300 zoom adapter 302 Adapter mode determination unit 303 Adapter operation unit 304 Adapter speed calculation unit 305 Adapter control section

Claims

1. a speed control unit that controls a drive speed of a movable optical member of an optical device based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member; a setting means for setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as a maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as a maximum speed, the speed control means controls the drive speed by providing a first speed range in which the drive speed is made the same for the same operation information and a second speed range in which the drive speed is made different for the same operation information, the second speed range being faster than the first speed range, in the first and second controls; The optical control device is characterized in that the setting means sets the first control when the power state available to the optical device is a first state, and sets the second control when the power state is a second state lower than the first state.

2. 2 . The optical control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first state is a state in which power is supplied to the optical device from an external power source.

3. 2. The optical control device according to claim 1, wherein the second state is a state in which a remaining charge of a battery provided in the optical device is lower than a predetermined level.

4. The optical control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second state is a state in which a power saving operation is required for the optical device.

5. a speed control unit that controls a drive speed of a movable optical member of an optical device based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member; a setting means for setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as a maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as a maximum speed, the speed control means controls the drive speed by providing a first speed range in which the drive speed is made the same for the same operation information and a second speed range in which the drive speed is made different for the same operation information, the second speed range being faster than the first speed range, in the first and second controls; The optical control device is characterized in that the setting means sets the first control when quiet driving of the movable optical element is required, and sets the second control when quiet driving is not required.

6. 6. The optical control device according to claim 5, wherein the silent operation is required when a moving image is being recorded.

7. 6. The optical control device according to claim 5, wherein the silent operation is required during shooting without using a microphone.

8. 2. The optical control device according to claim 1, wherein the setting means changes a speed control characteristic of the movable optical member in response to the operation information in accordance with at least one of the type and the operation form of the operation member.

9. 9. The optical control device according to claim 8, wherein the change in the speed control characteristic includes at least one of changing the speed at which the first speed range and the second speed range are switched, and changing whether the control of the drive speed is performed continuously from the first speed range to the second speed range or only in one selected speed range.

10. 2. The optical control device according to claim 1, wherein the speed control means changes the drive speed in response to a change in the operation information in the second control.

11. An optical control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; An optical device comprising at least one of the movable optical member and an image pickup element for picking up an image of a subject.

12. controlling a drive speed of a movable optical member of an optical device based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member; setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as a maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as a maximum speed, In the first and second controls, the drive speed is controlled by providing a first speed range in which the drive speed is made the same for the same operation information and a second speed range that is faster than the first speed range and in which the drive speed is made different for the same operation information; A method for controlling an optical device, comprising the steps of: setting the first control when the power state available to the optical device is a first state; and setting the second control when the power state is a second state lower than the first state.

13. controlling a drive speed of a movable optical member of an optical device based on operation information of an operation member for driving the movable optical member; setting a first control for controlling the drive speed with a first speed as a maximum speed and a second control for controlling the drive speed with a second speed slower than the first speed as a maximum speed, In the first and second controls, the drive speed is controlled by providing a first speed range in which the drive speed is made the same for the same operation information and a second speed range in which the drive speed is made different for the same operation information, the second speed range being faster than the first speed range; A method for controlling an optical device, comprising: setting the first control when quiet driving of the movable optical member is required; and setting the second control when quiet driving is not required.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute a process according to the control method according to claim 12 or 13.

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