Control device, lens device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device that enables an operation from a desired operation device in a state where a plurality of operation devices are connected to one another.SOLUTION: A control device (100) for controlling optical elements (102, 103, 104) includes a communication unit (105) for communicating with a plurality of operation devices (200, 300, 400, 500), and control units (110, 114) for controlling the optical elements based on a first operation command of a first operation device selected from the plurality of operation devices among a plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired via the communication unit. The plurality of operation devices is classified into a plurality of groups, and the control unit determines a first group from the plurality of operation groups based on first priority information regarding the priority of operations of the optical elements and determines the first operation device from the plurality of operation devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority of operations of the optical elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, when a television camera lens is electrically operated, if multiple operation devices are connected to the lens, the lens can be operated only from one operation device to prevent conflicts in operation. Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that avoids conflicts in commands between multiple devices. Patent Document 2 discloses a lens control device that is capable of selecting from multiple controllers and changes the priority of the controllers depending on the mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-180061 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-270253 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the control devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in order to prevent conflicts between operations from multiple operation devices connected to the control device, operations are accepted from only one operation device, and when the connection of an operation device is switched, operations cannot be performed from other operation devices until the connection is disconnected.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that, when a plurality of operating devices are connected, allows operation from a desired operating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device as one aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls an optical element, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of operation devices, and a control unit that controls the optical element based on a first operation command of a first operation device selected from the plurality of operation devices among a plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired via the communication unit, the plurality of operation devices being classified into a plurality of groups, the control unit determining a first group from the plurality of operation groups based on first priority information regarding the priority of operations of the optical elements, and determining the first operation device from the plurality of operation devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority of the operations of the optical elements.

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

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device that can be operated from a desired operation device when a plurality of operation devices are connected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is an explanatory diagram of priority order data and control switching data in the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of later operation priority for a plurality of operating devices in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a later connection priority for a plurality of operating devices in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of priority order data and control switching data in the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of priority order data and control switching data in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of combined use of a plurality of operating devices in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of later operation priority for a plurality of operating devices in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0011] (First embodiment) First, an imaging system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10. The imaging system 10 is configured to include a lens device (control device) 100, a camera body (operation device) 200, and operation devices 300, 400, and 500.

[0012] Lens device 100 has a focus lens 102, a zoom lens 103, and an aperture stop 104 as optical members (optical elements) that can be electrically operated. Lens device 100 also has a communication unit 105 that communicates with a plurality of operation devices (e.g., camera body 200, operation devices 300, 400, 500). The optical members (optical elements) of lens device 100 can be operated using operation devices 300, 400, 500. Lens device 100 controls the optical members based on an operation command (first operation command) of one operation device (first operation device) selected from the plurality of operation devices among a plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired via communication unit 105.

[0013] The lens device 100 is provided with connectors 120, 130, and 140 for connecting operation devices 300, 400, and 500, respectively. The operation devices 300, 400, and 500 have communication units 301, 401, and 501, respectively, and communicate with a communication unit 105 of the lens device 100 via the connectors 120, 130, and 140. However, in this embodiment, the communication unit 105 is not limited to a configuration in which communication is performed by a wired connection via each connector, and may communicate with at least one operation device connected to the lens device 100 via a wireless connection.

[0014] The camera body 200 to which the lens device 100 is connected has a communication unit 201 for communicating with the lens device 100, and an image sensor (not shown). The communication unit 201 of the camera body 200 can operate the focus lens 102, the zoom lens 103, and the aperture diaphragm 104 from the camera body 200 by communicating with the communication unit 105 of the lens device 100.

[0015] Next, we will explain the configuration of the electric operation unit of focus lens 102. Note that the electric operation units of zoom lens 103 and aperture diaphragm 104 each have the same configuration as that of focus lens 102, so explanations of the electric operation units other than that of focus lens 102 will be omitted.

[0016] When operating focus lens 102, operation devices 300, 400, and 500 are each a focus demand (FD) that is a dedicated operation device for operating focus lens 102, a personal computer (PC), or the like. The PC is an operation device that can control not only focus lens 102 but also all optical members such as zoom lens 103 and aperture stop 104.

[0017] In this embodiment, the focus lens 102 can be controlled by operating the following four operating devices.

[0018] (1) Camera body 200 (2) Connector 120 (3) Connector 130 (4) Connector 140 In this embodiment, the multiple operation devices are classified into multiple groups (operation groups) according to their types. There are, for example, the following three groups of operation devices.

[0019] (1) PC (2) Camera body (3)FD Here, at least two of the connectors 120, 130, and 140 may be connected simultaneously as operation devices of the same group. An operation group confirmation unit 106 confirms an operation group (multiple groups) of operation devices communicatively connected to the lens device 100, and the number of connection operation devices belonging to the same operation group. A focus control request confirmation unit 107 confirms, among the operation devices confirmed by the operation group confirmation unit 106, a group of operation devices requesting control of the focus lens 102. The focus control request can be confirmed by performing the following confirmation.

[0020] (1)FD The FD is an operating device dedicated to focus. Therefore, the lens device 100 executes a focus control request when the FD is communicatively connected to the lens device 100, that is, when the FD is connected to each connector of the lens device 100. The lens device 100 can determine whether or not a focus control request has been received by checking whether or not there is a communication connection.

[0021] (2) PC After the PC is connected to each connector of the lens apparatus 100 and communication with the lens apparatus 100 is established, the PC can execute a focus control request. After communication with the PC is established, the lens apparatus 100 can determine whether or not a focus control request has been received.

[0022] (3) Camera body After communication with the lens apparatus 100 is established, the camera body 200 can execute the focus control request. After communication with the camera body 200 is established, the lens apparatus 100 can determine whether or not a focus control request has been received.

[0023] A control acquisition unit 108 acquires and stores the focus control of each operation device that has issued a focus control request via a focus control request confirmation unit 107. A control change confirmation unit 109 confirms the last changed control among the controls acquired by the control acquisition unit 108.

[0024] Flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 111 is a non-volatile memory, and stores priority order data (first priority information) 112 and control switching data (second priority information) 113. Priority order data 112 is data related to the priority order of operation of focus lens 102 for each operation group of camera body 200, focus demand (FD), and personal computer (PC). Control switching data 113 is data related to the condition for switching the operation device that is the output source of an operation command to focus lens 102 among multiple operation devices belonging to the same operation group.

[0025] To determine the control source, focus control source determination unit 110 first checks the data from operation group confirmation unit 106, focus control request confirmation unit 107, control acquisition unit 108, and control change confirmation unit 109. Then, focus control source determination unit 110 uses priority order data 112 and control switching data 113 to determine the control source of focus lens 102.

[0026] The focus control unit 114 generates a control signal for controlling the focus lens 102 according to the control source determined by the focus control source determination unit 110. The focus driving unit 115 electrically drives the focus lens 102 according to the control signal generated by the focus control unit 114. The focus driving unit 115 includes, but is not limited to, a driving motor, a position detection encoder, a driver circuit, and the like.

[0027] Next, the priority order data 112 and the control switching data 113 stored in the flash ROM 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the priority order data 112 and the control switching data 113 in this embodiment.

[0028] The priority order data 112 is used for determining whether to switch when an operation device in a different operation group makes a focus control request. The example in Fig. 2 shows that the personal computer (PC) has the highest priority of priority "1", the camera body 200 has the priority of priority "2", and the focus demand (FD) has the lowest priority of priority "3".

[0029] The control switching data 113 is used for switching determination when focus control requests from multiple operation devices belonging to the same operation group overlap. The control switching data 113 is assigned two priority settings (switching methods): "Later operation priority" and "Later connection priority."

[0030] Last operation priority: Switches to the operation device that last issued the operation command Last connection priority: Switch to the operation device that last requested focus control The later operation priority setting is assigned to the operation device with the highest priority (only the PC in FIG. 2) in the priority order data 112. On the other hand, the later connection priority setting is assigned to operation devices with other priorities (the camera body and FD in FIG. 2). This allows multiple operation devices that belong to the operation group with the highest priority in the priority order data 112 to be operated equally without any priority order.

[0031] Next, a case will be described with reference to Fig. 3 where focus control requests are made from camera body 200, a PC connected to connector 120, a PC connected to connector 130, and a PC connected to connector 140. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of later operation priority for a plurality of operating devices, and is a table for focus control source determination unit 110 to determine a control value and a determined operation source in the above state.

[0032] The operation device for the focus lens 102 is determined using the confirmation results of the operation group confirmation unit 106, the focus control request confirmation unit 107, the control acquisition unit 108, and the control change confirmation unit 109, the priority order data 112, and the control switching data 113. With reference to the priority order data 112 in FIG. 2, the PC has a higher priority than the camera body 200, so the operation group is the PC. With reference to the control switching data 113 in FIG. 2, when multiple PCs in the same operation group are connected, the latter operation takes priority in switching. For this reason, the operation device for the focus lens 102 is determined to be the PC connected to the connector 130 whose last control change is "◯" among the multiple PCs, and the focus control "200" is set.

[0033] Operations on the camera body 200 cannot be performed until all of the PCs connected to the connectors 120, 130, and 140 stop making focus control requests, or until all of the PCs have disconnected communication with the lens device 100.

[0034] Next, a case where focus control requests are made from the FD connected to connector 120, the FD connected to connector 130, and the FD connected to connector 140 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that in Fig. 4, no focus control request is made from camera body 200. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of later connection priority for a plurality of operation devices, and is a table in which focus control source determination unit 110 determines a control value and a determined operation source in the above state.

[0035] In Fig. 4, only the FD has made a focus control request, so referring to the priority order data 112 in Fig. 2, the operation group is the FD. Also, referring to the control switching data 113 in Fig. 2, when multiple FDs belonging to the same operation group are connected, switching is prioritized for the last connected FD. Therefore, the operation device for the focus lens 102 is determined to be the FD connected to the connector 140 marked "◯" as the last FD to make a focus control request, and the focus control is set to "700".

[0036] Next, the process for determining the focus control in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the process in this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 5 is mainly executed by a control unit such as the operation group confirmation unit 106, the focus control request confirmation unit 107, the focus control source determination unit 110, or the focus control unit 114.

[0037] First, in step S1, the operation group confirmation unit 106 confirms the operation group of each of the multiple operation devices (e.g., the camera body 200, operation devices 300, 400, 500) connected to the lens device 100. Then, in step S2, the focus control request confirmation unit 107 determines whether or not there is a focus control request from each of the multiple connected operation devices. If a focus control request has not been received from any of the operation devices, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if a focus control request has been received from any of the operation devices, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0038] In step S3, the operation group confirmation unit 106 or the focus control request confirmation unit 107 determines whether or not there are focus control requests from multiple operation groups. If there are focus control requests from multiple operation groups, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if there is a focus control request from only one operation group, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0039] In step S4, the focus control source determination unit 110 selects the operation group (first operation group) with the highest priority (priority) from the priority order data 112. If there are no control requests for multiple groups, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S5. In step S5, the focus control source determination unit 110 determines whether or not multiple operation devices belonging to one operation group with a focus control request or the first operation group selected in step S3 are connected.

[0040] If multiple operation devices belonging to one operation group are connected, the process proceeds to step S6, whereas if only one operation device belonging to one operation group is connected, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0041] In step S6, the focus control source determination unit 110 uses the control switching data 113 to determine whether or not the switching method for the connected operation device is the later operation priority. If the switching method is the later operation priority, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if the switching method is not the later operation priority (if the later connection priority), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0042] In step S7, the focus control source determination unit 110 selects the last operated operation device (first operation device). In step S8, the focus control source determination unit 110 selects the operation device for which the last focus control request was made (first operation device). In step S9, the focus control source determination unit 110 selects the operation device for which a focus connection request is made. In step S10, the control of the operation device selected in step S7, step S8, or step S9 is set in the focus control unit 114, and the process returns to step S1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the focus control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to switching of other optical members that can be controlled by a plurality of operating devices, such as zoom control or aperture control.

[0044] In this embodiment, when multiple operation devices belonging to the same operation group execute a focus control request, only the operation device belonging to the group with the highest priority of the priority order data 112 is set to later operation priority in the control switching data 113. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Regardless of the priority of the priority order data 112, later operation priority may be set for operation devices belonging to any group. Also, in this embodiment, the connectors 120, 130, and 140 are each of the same specifications, but connectors with different specifications, such as USB connectors, may be used.

[0045] Second embodiment Next, an imaging system 10a according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10a. The imaging system 10a includes a lens device (control device) 100a, a camera body (operation device) 200, and operation devices 300, 400, and 500.

[0046] The lens device 100a has an input unit 116 for a user to input at least one of the priority order data (first priority information) 112 and the control switching data (second priority information) 113 in the flash ROM 111. The lens device 100a differs from the lens device 100 of the first embodiment in that the priority order data 112 and the control switching data 113 are pre-stored in that at least one of the priority order data 112 and the control switching data 113 is changeable by user settings. Other configurations of the imaging system 10a are similar to those of the imaging system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the priority order data 112 and the control switching data 113 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, six types of priority settings 1 to 6 can be set as the priority order data 112, and eight types of switching settings 1 to 8 can be set as the control switching data 113. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to set the switching of the operating device according to the user's usage method.

[0048] In this embodiment, the control unit determines the first operating device by using the priority order data 112 or the control switching data 113 input via the input unit 116. Also, in this embodiment, the input unit 116 may be configured to allow the input of the control switching data 113 only for the group (first group) having the highest priority order in the priority order data 112.

[0049] (Third embodiment) Next, an imaging system 10b according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10b. The imaging system 10b includes a lens device (control device) 100b, a camera body (operation device) 200, and operation devices 300, 400, and 500.

[0050] Lens device 100b is different from the second embodiment in that it is possible to use a plurality of operating devices to issue an operation command to zoom lens 103 as an optical element, and in that it issues an operation command to focus lens 102. Other configurations of imaging system 10b are similar to those of the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The lens device 100b has an operation group confirmation unit 156, a zoom control request confirmation unit 157, a control (zoom control) acquisition unit 158, a control change confirmation unit 159, a zoom control source determination unit 161, a zoom control unit 162, and a zoom driving unit 163. Each of these units functions as a control unit that controls the zoom lens 103.

[0052] The lens device 100b also has a zoom seesaw 164. The zoom seesaw 164 is an operation device that generates a speed command as an operation command for the zoom lens 103. This speed command is an analog signal that can be acquired without going through the communication unit 105. The zoom seesaw 164 is connected to an operation group confirmation unit 156, a zoom control request confirmation unit 157, and a control acquisition unit 158, and the speed command is confirmed.

[0053] In this embodiment, when operating the zoom lens 103, a zoom demand (ZD), which is a dedicated operating device for the zoom lens 103, or a personal computer (PC) can be connected to the operating devices 300, 400, and 500. As in the case of operating the focus lens 102, operation from the camera body 200 is also possible. Therefore, the zoom lens 103 can be controlled from the following five operating devices.

[0054] (1) Camera body 200 (2) Connector 120 (3) Connector 130 (4) Connector 140 (5) Zoom Seesaw 164 Here, the zoom lens 103 can be operated based on at least one of a position command and a speed command. The plurality of operation devices connectable to the lens apparatus 100b are divided into the following plurality of groups (plurality of operation groups).

[0055] (1)PC (position command) (2)PC (speed command) (3) Camera body (position command) (4) Camera body (speed command) (5)ZD (position command) (6)ZD (speed command) (7) Zoom seesaw (speed command) The zoom control request confirmation unit 157 can confirm the zoom control request as follows.

[0056] (1)ZD The ZD is an operation device dedicated to zooming. Therefore, the lens device 100b executes a zoom control request when the ZD is communicatively connected to the lens device 100, that is, when the ZD is connected to each connector of the lens device 100b. The lens device 100b can determine whether or not a zoom control request has been received by checking whether or not there is a communication connection.

[0057] (2) PC After the PC is connected to each connector of the lens device 100b and communication with the lens device 100b is established, the PC can execute a zoom control request. After communication with the PC is established, the lens device 100b can determine whether or not a zoom control request has been received.

[0058] (3) Camera body After communication with the lens device 100b is established, the camera body 200 can execute the zoom control request. After communication with the camera body 200 is established, the lens device 100b can determine whether or not a zoom control request has been received.

[0059] (4) Seesaw The seesaw (zoom seesaw 164) is built into the lens device 100b. Therefore, no connection by communication is required, and it is always determined that there is a zoom control request.

[0060] Next, the priority order data (first priority information) 112 and the control switching data (second priority information) 113 stored in the flash ROM 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the priority order data 112 and the control switching data 113 in this embodiment.

[0061] The control switching data 113 is assigned three priority settings (switching methods): "Later operation priority", "Later connection priority", and "Combined use".

[0062] Last operation priority: Switches to the operation device that last issued the operation command Last connection priority: Switch to the operation device that last made a zoom control request Combined: Can be operated simultaneously with other control devices, and the sum of all control devices is used as a command As with the combined use of the control switching data 113, the priority of the PC (speed command), camera body (speed command), ZD (speed command), and zoom seesaw (speed command) in the priority order data 112 is all set to 4. In addition, they can be operated simultaneously with other operation groups, and the added value of all operation groups is used as the command.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the combined use of a plurality of operation devices in this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a table in the case of zoom control requests being the camera body (speed command), ZD (speed command) connected to the connector 120, ZD (speed command) connected to the connector 130, ZD (speed command) connected to the connector 140, and seesaw (speed command). Fig. 10 also shows the control value and operation source determined by the zoom control source determination unit 161. The operation device for the zoom lens 103 is determined from the confirmation results of each of the confirmation units 156 to 159, the priority order data 112, and the control switching data 113.

[0064] 9, the priority levels are all the same, at level 4, so the determined groups are the camera body (speed command), ZD (speed command), and seesaw (speed command). Also, referring to the control switching data in FIG. 9, all the operation devices are used in combination, and the operations of all the operation devices are valid. Also, because they are used in combination, the zoom control is the sum of the controls of all the operation devices. 0+(+300)+0+(-100)+(+200)=+400 is set.

[0065] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of later operation priority of a plurality of operating devices in this embodiment. Fig. 11 shows a table in the case of zoom control requests of the camera body (speed command), the PC connected to the connector 120 (position command), the PC connected to the connector 130 (position command), the PC connected to the connector 140 (speed command), and the seesaw (speed command). Fig. 11 also shows the control value and the determined operation source determined by the zoom control source determination unit 161.

[0066] With reference to the priority order data 112 in Fig. 9, the operation groups with the highest priority are PC (position command) and PC (speed command). With reference to the control switching data 113 in Fig. 9, the switching method when connecting the operation groups of PC (position command) and PC (speed command) is post-operation priority. Therefore, the operation device that controls the zoom lens 103 is determined to be the PC (position command) connected to the connector 130, which has the last control change of "o" among PC (position command) and PC (speed command) in Fig. 11. At this time, the zoom control 200 is also set.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control switching data 113 is also applied to the switching conditions between multiple operation groups with the same priority. When the PC (speed command) connected to the connector 140 is operated later, the control is switched to the PC (speed command). In this way, switching is possible even between multiple operation groups with the same priority.

[0068] Next, the process for determining the zoom control in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the process in this embodiment. Each step in Fig. 12 is mainly executed by a control unit such as the operation group confirmation unit 156, the zoom control request confirmation unit 157, the zoom control source determination unit 161, or the zoom control unit 162.

[0069] First, in step S1, the operation group confirmation unit 156 confirms the operation group of each of the multiple operation devices connected to the lens device 100b. Then, in step S11, the zoom control request confirmation unit 157 determines whether or not there is a zoom control request from each of the multiple connected operation devices. If no zoom control request has been received from any of the operation devices, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if a zoom control request has been received from any of the operation devices, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0070] In step S3, the operation group confirmation unit 156 or the zoom control request confirmation unit 157 determines whether or not there are zoom control requests from multiple operation groups. If there are zoom control requests from multiple operation groups, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if there is a zoom control request from only one operation group, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0071] In step S12, the zoom control source determination unit 161 determines whether or not there are multiple operation groups (first operation groups) with the highest priority (priority) by referring to the priority order data 112. If there are multiple operation groups with the highest priority, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if there is only one operation group (first operation group) with the highest priority, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0072] In step S13, the zoom control source determination unit 161 selects multiple operation groups with the highest priority (all groups with the same priority). In step S4, the zoom control source determination unit 161 selects one operation group with the highest priority. When at least one operation group is selected in step S13 or step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the zoom control source determination unit 161 determines whether or not multiple operation devices belonging to at least one operation group (first operation group) for which there is a zoom control request are connected.

[0073] If a plurality of operation devices belonging to at least one operation group are connected, the process proceeds to step S6, whereas if only one operation device is connected, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0074] In step S6, the zoom control source determination unit 161 determines whether or not the switching method for the connected operation device is post-operation priority using the control switching data 113. If the switching method is post-operation priority, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if the switching method is not post-operation priority (post-connection priority or combined use), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0075] In step S14, the zoom control source determination unit 161 determines whether or not the switching method for the connected operation device is the later connection priority, using the control switching data 113. If the switching method is the later connection priority, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the switching method is not the later connection priority (if the combined use is used), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0076] In step S7, the zoom control source determination unit 161 selects the last operated operation device (first operation device). In step S15, the zoom control source determination unit 161 selects the operation device for which the last zoom control request was made (first operation device). In step S14, the zoom control source determination unit 161 selects dual use. In step S17, the zoom control source determination unit 161 selects the operation device for which a zoom connection request has been made. In step S18, the control of the operation device selected in step S7, step S15, step S16, or step S17 is set in the zoom control unit 162, and the process returns to step S1.

[0077] As described above, in each embodiment, the control unit determines a first group from among the multiple operation groups based on first priority information regarding the priority of operation of the optical elements, and determines a first operation device from among the multiple operation devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority of operation of the optical elements.

[0078] Preferably, the first group is the group having the highest priority for operation of the optical element among the multiple groups. Also preferably, the first operation device is the operation device having the highest priority for operation of the optical element among the multiple operation devices belonging to the first group. Also preferably, each of the multiple operation commands is a position command or a speed command for the optical element. Also preferably, the first operation device is the operation device from which the control unit last obtained a control request for the optical element via the communication unit 105 (last connection priority). Also preferably, the first operation device is the operation device from which the control unit last obtained an operation command for the optical element via the communication unit 105 (last operation priority).

[0079] (Other embodiments) 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.

[0080] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device, a lens device, a control method, and a program that enable operation from a desired operation device when a plurality of operation devices are connected.

[0081] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A control device for controlling an optical element, A communication unit that communicates with a plurality of operation devices; a control unit that controls the optical element based on a first operation command of a first operation device selected from the plurality of operation devices among a plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired via the communication unit, The plurality of operating devices are classified into a plurality of groups, The control unit is determining a first group from the plurality of operation groups based on first priority information regarding a priority order of operation of the optical element; The control device is characterized in that the first operation device is determined from a plurality of operation devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority order of the operation of the optical element. (Configuration 2) 2. The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the first group is a group among the plurality of groups that has the highest priority for operation of the optical elements. (Configuration 3) The control device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the first operation device is an operation device having the highest priority for operating the optical element among the multiple operation devices belonging to the first group. (Configuration 4) 4. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein each of the plurality of operation commands is a position command or a speed command for the optical element. (Configuration 5) The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first operation device is an operation device from which the control unit lastly receives a control request for the optical element via the communication unit. (Configuration 6) The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first operation device is an operation device from which the control unit lastly receives an operation command for the optical element via the communication unit. (Configuration 7) The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that when the control unit acquires a control request for the optical element from the plurality of operating devices belonging to the first group, the control unit does not change the first group until the control requests from all of the plurality of operating devices are stopped. (Configuration 8) further comprising an input unit for a user to input the second priority information, The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control unit determines the first operating device by using the second priority information input via the input unit. (Configuration 9) 9. The control device according to configuration 8, wherein the input unit is capable of inputting the second priority information only for the first group. (Configuration 10) 10. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the optical element is at least one of a focus lens, a zoom lens, and an aperture stop. (Configuration 11) 11. A lens device comprising an optical element and the control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Method 1) A control method for a control device that controls an optical element, comprising: A communication step of communicating with a plurality of operation devices; a control step of controlling the optical element based on a first operation command of a first operation device selected from the plurality of operation devices among the plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired in the communication step, The plurality of operating devices are classified into a plurality of groups, In the control step, determining a first group from the plurality of operation groups based on first priority information regarding a priority order of operation of the optical element; A control method for a control device, comprising determining the first operating device from a plurality of operating devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority order of the operations of the optical elements. (Configuration 12) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to method 1.

[0082] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100, 100a, 100b Lens device (control device) 102 Focus lens (optical element) 103 Zoom lens (optical element) 104 Aperture stop (optical element) 105 Communications Department 110 Focus control source determination unit (control unit) 114 Focus control section (control section) 112 Priority Data (First Priority Information) 113 Control switching data (second priority information) 200 Camera body (operating device) 300, 400, 500 operating device

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an optical element, A communication unit that communicates with a plurality of operation devices; a control unit that controls the optical element based on a first operation command of a first operation device selected from the plurality of operation devices among a plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired via the communication unit, The plurality of operating devices are classified into a plurality of groups, The control unit is determining a first group from the plurality of operation groups based on first priority information regarding a priority order of operation of the optical element; The control device comprises: a control unit that determines the first operation device from among a plurality of operation devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority order of the operation of the optical element.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first group is a group having the highest priority for the operation of the optical elements among the plurality of groups.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation device is an operation device that has the highest priority for operating the optical element among the plurality of operation devices that belong to the first group.

4. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of operation commands is a position command or a speed command for the optical element.

5. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation device is an operation device from which the control unit lastly receives a control request for the optical element via the communication unit.

6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation device is an operation device from which the control unit lastly receives an operation command for the optical element via the communication unit.

7. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit acquires a control request for the optical element from the plurality of operation devices belonging to the first group, the control unit does not change the first group until the control requests from all of the plurality of operation devices are stopped.

8. further comprising an input unit for a user to input the second priority information, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the first operating device by using the second priority information input via the input unit.

9. The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the input unit is capable of inputting the second priority information only for the first group.

10. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the optical element is at least one of a focus lens, a zoom lens, and an aperture stop.

11. A lens arrangement comprising an optical element and a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for controlling an optical element, comprising the steps of: A communication step of communicating with a plurality of operation devices; a control step of controlling the optical element based on a first operation command of a first operation device selected from the plurality of operation devices among the plurality of operation commands of the plurality of operation devices acquired in the communication step, The plurality of operating devices are classified into a plurality of groups, In the control step, determining a first group from the plurality of operation groups based on first priority information regarding a priority order of operation of the optical element; A control method comprising determining the first operating device from a plurality of operating devices belonging to the first group based on second priority information regarding the priority order of the operations of the optical elements.

13. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12.

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